West Bromwich History, United Kingdom

West Bromwich, UK - History: Transition From A Small Village To A Well-Known Town

Located in West Midlands, West Bromwich is one of the many popular towns in United Kingdom. Like many other towns and cities in the country, it has been noticed that the town too has a history of its own.

West Bromwich started initially as a settlement of Anglo-Saxon people. In those ancient days, it used to be a small village and was first mentioned in the Domesday Book that got brought out in the year 1087. The name ‘Bromwich’ means ‘broom village’, and probably referred to the moorland that was covered by the bush named broom. The town is presently located on this moorland.

During the 12th century, West Bromwich grew around a Benedictine priory. It hugely depended on the agriculture and was only with the Industrial Revolution that the town went on to become an industrial town from an agricultural village. During this period, different industries that were found in the town included the manufacture of weighing devices, glassware and springs.

There was an All Saints parish church in West Bromwich. It was built in place of an old Norman church. The priory of Sandwell was also located nearby, which served the spiritual purposes of the people living in West Bromwich.

West Bromwich attained a great deal of prosperity once it became a stop between the coaching route that existed between Shrewsbury and London. With the discovery of the coal deposits in the town, it went on to become an industrial centre that produced guns, springs and nails.

The town of West Bromwich attained more industrial development during the 19th century, with the establishment of iron works in the town. During the period, coal seams, which were located in the town, got used up for setting up industries in the town. Thus, the economy of the town was mostly dependent on heavy engineering and coal mining.

Presently, the town is known for being home to a large number of manufacturing companies. It is also noticed that West Bromwich is also home to a great number of high technology companies. The town is also seen to have a great number of shopping facilities. It’s a tourist spot owing to the attractions that can be found in and around the town.

West Bromwich has developed a lot over the centuries from being a small village to a town of great importance.