The Winston Churchill, Cadbury No 7 steam locomotive outside the Black Country Living Museum in Dudley

On a walk around Dudley in January 2024, I went down Tipton Road past the Black Country Living Museum, during a weekend when they were closed for maintenance, so the car park was empty. I saw a green steam locomotive called Winston Churchill, this was the Cadbury Bros No 7 steam locomotive. It arrived in 2012, on the spot where the Titanic anchor replica used to be.

First a repost on the Titanic anchor replica seen in 2011

The replica of The Titanic Anchor. It was made in 2010 by Sheffield Forgemasters International Ltd for a Channel 4 documentary. It was on loan at the time to the museum from Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council.  The original anchor was made by N. Hingley & Sons Ltd in 1911 at their factory in Netheron, Dudley. The original anchor weighed 15.5 tons. In 2011 the Titanic anchor replica was seen outside of the Black Country Living Museum near the former Rolfe Street Baths building. But it was eventually moved to a more permenant location in Netherton where it remains today. It was replaced in 2012 by the Winston Churchill, Cadbury No 7 steam locomotive.

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Winston Churchill, Cadbury No 7 in 2024

The relocation of the Winston Churchill was made possible through the help and support of the local house builder Lovell Partnerships Ltd and The Friends of the Black Country Museum.

0-6-0ST Manning Wardle locomotive built at Boyne Engine Works, Leeds in 1923. It was ordered by the Cadbury Brothers, Bournville in February 1923, and was completed and sent to Cadbury Blackpole Factory by June 1923. It became their No 7 steam locomotive at the Waterside Site. It was moved to Bournville for a short time before it returned to Blackpole. And was named after Winston Churchill. By 1946 it had been replaced by diesel and was sold to Robert Stephenson and Hawthorn in Darlington. It arrived in Dudley at G Pitt & Co Ltd on the Pensnett Trading Estate later in 1946. It was eventually placed outside of the Black Country Living Museum in 2012 after the Titanic anchor replica was removed.

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Photography by Elliott Brown

Motor Museum at the Black Country Living Museum

Returning to the visit of the distant past from August 2011. This time we take a look at the Motor Museum at the Black Country Living Museum. A collection of vintage cars and motorbikes and other vehicles. It is Bradburn & Wedge Ltd, a car showroom displaying a collection of vintage vehicles, all manufactured around the Black Country. Such as Bean, Westfield, Sunbeam, Guy and AJS.

The Vehicle Display at the Black Country Living Museum

In the building that houses the Vehicle Display at the Black Country Living Museum, it holds their collection of Black Country manufactured cars and motorcycles. Also commercial vehicles. From Bean to Westfield. From Sunbeam to Diamond. From Guy to AJS.  It has the appearance of a 1950s garage. Based on the car showrooms of local company, Bradburn and Wedge. The company was founded in 1918, when William Howard Bradburn joined with Harry Wedge.

The photos in the gallery below, taken during a visit to the Black Country Living Museum in August 2011. While they are still closed on the third lockdown, enjoy this digital post.

Sunbeam motorcycle and Guy Fire Engine

On the left is a couple of motorcycles, including a Sunbeam. The one in the middle is a  1918 French Army Model. On the right is a Guy Fire Engine dating from 1924.

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Brevitt's

Seen here is an old commercial van. This was General Carriers, J. Brevitt of Willenhall, Staffordshire (now West Midlands).

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Collection of vintage motorcycles made in the Black Country

Here we see a collection of old motorcycles. Mostly Sunbeam's. Some are A.J.S motorcycles. Most are T.T. Model's.

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The motorcycle closest to the camera was numbered 13 in the collection.

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Number 2 in the collection in the middle.

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Another view of number 13, towards a car that looks like it dates to the 1990s, and the Brevitt's van.

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Collection of vintage motorcars made in the Black Country

1903 Sunbeam

Entering the museum, the first cars I see near the door. The yellow motor is a 1903 Sunbeam 10/12 HP. car.

In the middle is a 1912 Star Victoria. To the far left is the General Carriers - J. Brevitt van.

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Close up look at the yellow Sunbeam made in 1903.

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1912 Star Victoria

A close up look at the dark red Star Victoria motor made in 1912.

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1923 Bean 14 Tourer

Next up is a Bean 14 Tourer. It was made by A. Harper, Sons & Bean in 1923.

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1934 Sunbeam Dawn

The dark green car is a Sunbeam Dawn. Built in July 1934. It was sold to a Dr. Hilliard in September 1934 (who lived in Taunton). He owned it for 26 years. Since then it has resided in the West Midlands.

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1930 A.J.S. Tourer

Next we have a 1930 A.J.S. Tourer (A.J.S. Coachbuilt 2-Seater). It was made by A.J. Stevens & Company Limited. The chassis was built by John Thompson Motor pressings at Bilston.

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1931 Star Coupe

The following motor is a 1931 Star Coupe. Built by the Star Motor Company of Wolverhampton. The company was taken over by Guy Motors of Wolverhampton in 1928.

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Old motors in a state of repair

Various old motors in a state of repair as they were back in the summer of 2011. Probably all date to the 1930s (or earlier).

There was no signs in the window at the time, and even with Google Lens, now in 2021, is a bit hard to tell what model this motor is. Plus the engine was missing at the time.

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Possibly a 1931 Alvis in the photo below.

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This motor might be a Buton. Cannot find any more details.

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Photos taken by Elliott Brown. Can be found on Twitter: ellrbrown

Outside the main entrance of the Black Country Living Museum

We continue our digital tour of the Black Country Living Museum through my photos taken on a visit from August 2011 (almost 9 years ago). With a look at the buildings outside of the main entrance. The Rolfe Street Baths from Smethwick. Also a building from Wednesbury. A replica Titanic anchor was outside the museum back then. Also a Chassis Press.

In this second digital tour of the Black Country Living Museum, we look at the buildings that were rebuilt at the main entrance of the museum, and now used as exhibition rooms. There was also a Chassis Press outside of the museum that you can see from Tipton Road in Dudley. During my visit of August 2011, there was also a replica Titanic anchor, based on one originally made by Hingley at Netherton in the Black Country (this is no longer there). It was made in 2010 for a Channel 4 documentary and was on loan to Dudley Council at the time.

Rolfe Street Baths, Smethwick

A look at the Rolfe Street Baths. Originally built on Rolfe Street in Smethwick in 1888. The building was a striking example of the Arts and Crafts movement of the period. The building closed down and was dismantled brick by brick in 1989. Later to be rebuilt at the Black Country Living Museum in 1999. The original architects was Harris, Martin & Harris of Birmingham. The baths was originally built by the Smethwick Local Board of Health to provide washing and recreational facilities. These days the building at the museum houses the Museum's reception and exhibition galleries.

In 2011 you could see the replica Titanic anchor outside of the Rolfe Street Baths (more on that further down the post).

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What looks like a ghost sign painted on the side of the building reads:

ROLFE STREET

BATHS

FIRST BUILT IN SMETHWICK 1888

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First look at the façade of the Rolfe Street Baths. It is a striking example of late 19th century architecture. It has ornamental brickwork and terracotta panels.

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The terracotta panels has false gables on the façade depicting fish, herons and wildlife rarely seen in the industrial surroundings that the building was once in.

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The building has decorative cast iron arches and columns which support the roof in the pool hall (best seen from the inside).

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Remarkably the building had surviving being dismantled from Smethwick and re-erected here in Dudley. It's hard to tell that the building wasn't originally at this location.

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The former entrances to the Female and Male baths. The building used to have 2 swimming pools with 28 slip baths, 2 showers and a munipical laundry.

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These green doors are probablt no longer in use, but were retained for decorative use only. You can see some bricks that don't exactly match the originals. Perhaps some were broken or missing, and they had to use new bricks in the restoration at the museum.

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Façade from a factory in Wednesbury

This was a façade from a building originally built as a factory in Wednesbury. It was moved to the museum by the West Midlands County Council Task Force. It was opened at the museum by H.R.H. The Duke of Gloucester on the 24th October 1985. Finance for the building was provided by Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council and the then West Midlands County Council (abolished in 1986). This is now the Pre-Paid Ticket Entrance. There is also a door for disabled or elderly people in wheelchairs to use. And they can get access to their coach nearby.

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In the middle of this building was an anchor.

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Inside was this plaque that was unveiled back in 1985 by the Duke of Gloucester.

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The Titanic Anchor

Something you won't see on your visit to the museum now is this replica of The Titanic Anchor. It was made in 2010 by Sheffield Forgemasters International Ltd for a Channel 4 documentary. It was on loan at the time to the museum from Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council.

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The original anchor was made by N. Hingley & Sons Ltd in 1911 at their factory in Netheron, Dudley. The original anchor weighed 15.5 tons.

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In 2011 the Titanic anchor replica was seen outside of the Black Country Living Museum near the former Rolfe Street Baths building. But it was eventually moved to a more permenant location in Netherton where it remains today.

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One of the museum volunteers seen in period costume close to the main entrance of the museum, not far from the Titanic Anchor replica. The anchor is now lying face down in Netherton.

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Wilkins & Mitchell Chassis Press

Probably the first thing you would see when arriving at the museum on Tipton Road would be this Chassis Press. The  Wilkins & Mitchell Chassis Press was built in 1913 for Rubery Owen Ltd based in Darlaston at the time. It was erected and maintained by The Hulbert Group of Dudley. Wilkins and Mitchell Limited was established in 1904 in Darlaston. They produced machine tools and presses. Their machines could be found in factories all around the world. The Chassis Press here was in use until 1970. It's possible that it could have been installed at the museum site from 1978, or in the 1980s.

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A close up look at the Chassis Press. Four gear wheels at the back and two large gear wheels at the front.

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There was so many gear wheels here that used to turn when it use. You can also see a smaller gear wheel in front of the larger ones.

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It's now just a monument that you would see as you arrive or leave the Black Country Living Museum. A reminder of how successful it was when in use from 1913 to 1970 in Darlaston.

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Side view of the Chassis Press with the gear wheels.

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On this side you can see four gear wheels at the bottom.

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Clearly this wheel used to drive the gear wheels.

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One last look at the Chassis Press before getting back in our coach and returning to Birmingham,

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Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown. Thanks for all the followers.

A wonder round the Village at the Black Country Living Museum

In the first of my Black Country Living Museum posts, from my August 2011 visit, we take a look around the recreated Canal Village. A collection of buildings taken from all over the Black Country and rebuilt at the open air museum in Dudley, West Midlands. If Dudley can do this, why not Birmingham (rebuild old buildings on a museum site)?

Black Country Living Museum

The museum was founded in 1975 on a site off Tipton Road in Dudley.  The first buildings moved here in 1976. A 26 acre site has since developed. With the unique conditions of living and working conditions of the mid 19th century to the early 20th century. The museum needs your help now more than ever, while they are closed during lockdown (with no income). Visit their website (link above) buy a ticket  (and use it when they reopen) or donate to help them.

For now, have a look back to the past with my August 2011 visit to the Black Country Living Museum.

Take the tram ride to the village: Trams at the Black Country Living Museum, then get off and explore the village with me.

Welcome to Old Birmingham Road. On the left is Hobbs & Sons Restaurant, where you can queue for some traditional fish & chips. There are further shops to the right.

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Also known as Hobbs Fish & Chips Shop. It was originally at 41-42 Hall Street, Dudley, being moved and rebuilt here brick by brick where it forms the centrepiece of a 1930's High Street.

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Next up is H. Morrall. MensWear Specialist. Harry Morrall’s shop used to be on Hall Street, Dudley, where he traded from 1928 to 1935. He stocked traditional men's clothes such as shirts, collars, hats, ties, socks and more. The shop reflects the fashion of the time.

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Next up was Humphrey Bros. and A. Harthill Motorcycles. Humphrey Brothers was a builders’ merchants dating back to 1921 when brothers Joseph and William first traded at no 12 Birmingham Street, Oldbury. By the 1930s the business grew to include no. 14 and by the 1940s out of no 16. as well. Passageway in the middle to the Show Room.

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Now a close up look at A. Harthill Motorcycles. In the late 1930s this shop was formerly part of the Humphrey brothers’ business (now recreated next door). At the Museum it has been fitted out as Hartills motor cycle shop, which was located in Mount Pleasant, Bilston. The shop was opened in 1937 by Abraham Hartill, who moved from a smaller unit in the same block. He mostly sold second hand motorcycles.

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Now in The Village Centre. We find Gregory’s General Store on the left. It stands next to the Canal Street Bridge. The shop was built as a pair of houses, and Mrs Gregory started selling goods from one of the front rooms. Were major alterations in 1923. Almost everything that the local community needed was stocked in and around Lawrence Lane at the shop. The shop was originally built as a pair of houses in 1883 at Lawrence Lane, Oldhill by Charles Gregory, an ironworker. The house in the middle was The Chainmaker's House and H. Emile Doo Chemist & Druggist was at the far end to the right.

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We are now inside of The Chainmaker’s House. It used to be next to Gregory’s Stores in Lawrence Lane, Old Hill. It was the first house to be rebuilt at the museum. It was built in 1886 as a washhouse, known locally as a coalhouse. The interior has been displayed to reflect the home of a late Victorian chainmaker of 1914. In the kitchen to the back of the house was a cast iron cooker / stove.

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Next up was H. Emile Doo Chemist & Druggist. The shop was a replica of Mr Harold Emile Doo’s shop in Halesowen Road, Netherton. The shop front was original, acquired when the premises was modernised in 1979. The fittings are of the 1920's, were donated by the Doo family (no they are not related to Scooby Doo!). There was a photographers studio inside.

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A look inside of the chemist shop. There was a fascinating range of early twentieth century cosmetics, displayed in the original mahogany cabinets. There was a demonstrator who told you all about the equipment and strange ingredients used by the chemists' to treat all sorts of complaints.

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At the end of the street was this pub the Bottle & Glass Inn. The inn was originally located at Brierley Hill Road, Brockmore, close to the canal with the Stourbridge Flight of 16 locks. In the 1820s the pub was known as the Bush public house, but by the 1840s it was known as the Bottle and Glass. Phillip Hamish MacDonald Wood was the Licenced Victualler.

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Down here was the Station Road Cottages and the Ironmonger's Shop. The cottages were displayed as they may have been around 1910, when two branches of the Newton family lived in them. The two cottages are replicas of a pair that stood on Station Road, Oldhill, probably built in 1848. And are typical workers houses of the late 18th and early 19th century in the Black Country. Nash’s ironmongery opened in 1860 in Oldbury, supplying both domestic ironmongery and works trade. The shop had been recreated as it would have been in the 1930s on Pipers Row. It is now on the right hand corner of Canal Street.

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A closer look at the Station Road Cottages. The left hand cottage was expanded in the 1860s. And the right hand cottage at the turn of the 19th century. Edward Newton lived in the cottage to the left with his wife and family. He was described as a ‘coal heaver’. His brother Thomas was a nail maker and lived in the cottage to the right. His wife ran a sweetshop from the front room, which is now part of the Cobbler's Shop. The Canalside Cafe was to the left of here.

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Next up was the Back to Back Houses on Brook Street. The three Brook Street houses were originally built in  Sedgley. The cottages are in the period of 1924. At no. 11 was WW1 veteran, who was a an employee of the adjacent brass foundry. No. 12 was occupied by a couple whose children had grown up and moved into their own homes elsewhere. The final house was occupied by a man described as an art metal worker. Was much better off financially. Brook Street had gas installed in the houses with gas cookers in the kitchens, and gas lights.

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St James's School was on Old Birmingham Road. The school was originally built on Salop Street in Dudley in 1842 near St James Church. The architect was William Bourne of Dudley. It could accommodate 300 children. It was moved to the museum in 1991, with funds provided by the Charles Hayward Trust. Today it is displayed as is it was in 1912. Despite the conditions of the building, it continued to be used as a school until 1980. The head teacher was Mrs. T. Griffiths. Built in 1842, an extension was built in 1845. Hot water and heating installed by the 1890's. The school was renovated in the 1930's. American forces stationed in Dudley from 1940 - 45 were based in this building during WW2. The school was converted into a community centre in 1980, but by 1989 it was structurally unsafe. All this changed when it moved to the museum in 1991.

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Finally we have The Workers' Institute. It originally came from Cradley Heath. It was a landmark of the achievments of British labour history. The interior is set as it was in 1935. Upstairs was a memorial to Mary Macarthur, one of Britain’s greatest union leaders. She stood as the first Labour Party candidate for Stourbridge in 1918. Inside was a 300 seat auditorium which hosts costumed performances, living history theatre, education and entertainment activities.

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A look in one of the rooms in The Workers' Institute. A woman staff member talks to a lady on the other desk. Also has the old style telephone. Their was a Royal typewriter on this desk.

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I hope you have enjoyed this tour of the village at the Black Country Living Museum.

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown. Thanks for all the followers.

A collection of Barry Whitehead's photography from the annual 1940's event at the Black Country Living Museum July 2019

Above photograph by Barry Whitehead

Barry shares his love of photography, taking us back in time with a collection of great photography, taken at the annual 1940's weekend at the Black Country Living Museum   

The Black Country Living Museum is an open-air museum of rebuilt historic buildings in Dudley.

Till we meet again.........

We'll Meet Again" is a 1939 British song made famous by singer Vera Lynn. The song is one of the most famous of the Second World War era, and resonated with soldiers going off to fight as well as their families and sweethearts.

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A senior officers uniform - There are many uniforms worn by the armed forces, clearly identifying ranks.

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Women typically wore head scarves & turbans during the 1940's

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Dress colors were cheerful & vibrant from pastel pink, yellow, blue and purple to mint green & gold. During the war fashion as clothes were in short supply and rationed, people were encouraged to 'Make do and mend'. Older clothes were transformed into modern style. Ladies hats came in many shapes, styles and colors.

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The bowler hat & pipe were common place during the 1940's

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In 1940, two million British men aged between 19 - 27 years, who were not working in 'reserved occupations', were ordered to fight. This was known as being "called up". They were trained and sent off to war.

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All photography courtesy Barry Whitehead