Venture into your local history and beyond at the Dudley History Festival
This history festival, based in the heart of the Black Country, will see renowned west midlands historians present their discoveries in your local Dudley libraries and archives. They'll be sharing the behind the scenes of what it's like to dive into the past and try to uncover hidden mysteries.
Running from the 28th September - 24th October 2026
Running from the 28th September - 24th October 2026
What's On
Round Oak Steelworks, with David Whyley
Through David’s photography and historical research, he has recorded significant changes to the Black Country landscape. In his talk, he draws on this professional expertise in keynote presentations that bring the Black Country’s landscape and industrial heritage to life through his substantial collection of archive and contemporary images
David Whyley is a respected advocate for the Black Country, with more than 40 years’ experience documenting and supporting the preservation of the region’s rich heritage. He served for many years as Director of the Black Country Society Photographic Archive before its transfer to the Black Country Living Museum.
Monday 28th September 11am - Brierley Hill Library
David Whyley is a respected advocate for the Black Country, with more than 40 years’ experience documenting and supporting the preservation of the region’s rich heritage. He served for many years as Director of the Black Country Society Photographic Archive before its transfer to the Black Country Living Museum.
Monday 28th September 11am - Brierley Hill Library
Spaces are limited, phone Brierley Hill Library on 01384 812865 or email brierleyhill.library@gll.org to book
History of the Black Country Bugle, with John Butterworth MBE
John will talk about how the paper started, the local characters and some of the amazing stories of the Bugle.
John Butterworth a journalist for 44 years, editor 28 of those years. He has worked on nationals, regional dailies, weeklies and ran his own paper. He’s been editor of five weeklies and written six books. John was awarded the MBE in 2008 for services to journalism and charity. In 2013 John was appointed editor of the Black Country Bugle.
Tuesday 29th September 2.00pm - Dudley Archives and Local History Centre
John Butterworth a journalist for 44 years, editor 28 of those years. He has worked on nationals, regional dailies, weeklies and ran his own paper. He’s been editor of five weeklies and written six books. John was awarded the MBE in 2008 for services to journalism and charity. In 2013 John was appointed editor of the Black Country Bugle.
Tuesday 29th September 2.00pm - Dudley Archives and Local History Centre
To book, contact Dudley Archives at dudley.archives@gll.org or call 01384812770
Walter Bassano of Old Hill (patriarch, civic leader and descendant of illustrious ancestors), with John Billingham
The story of Walter Bassano. It goes from Venice to Texas to Old Hill.
John Billingham went to school at Chartwell Grange which was Haden Hill School at the time. It was built by Walter Bassano in 1861 when he got married. Walter lived there for 20 years.
Tuesday 29th September 7.00pm - Halesowen Library
Spaces are limited, phone Halesowen Library on 01384 812980 or email halesowen.library@gll.org to book.
John Billingham went to school at Chartwell Grange which was Haden Hill School at the time. It was built by Walter Bassano in 1861 when he got married. Walter lived there for 20 years.
Tuesday 29th September 7.00pm - Halesowen Library
Spaces are limited, phone Halesowen Library on 01384 812980 or email halesowen.library@gll.org to book.
Richard III - The Monster, The Myth and The Man, with Mary Bodfish
For centuries the byword for murder and treachery - but was Richard III really the wicked tyrant depicted by Shakespeare? Since the remarkable discovery of his remains in 2012, we can see a clearer picture of the real man caught up in the struggles of the Yorkists and Lancastrians for the throne of England.
From earliest memories the world of the past has fascinated Mary. Over 50 years ago she began investigating her surname. In 1984, wanting to know about the past where she lived she became a founder member of Smethwick Local History Society, which she chaired for many years. Sharing her discoveries via talks about family, local, and national history.
Wednesday 30th September 11am - Long Lane Library
From earliest memories the world of the past has fascinated Mary. Over 50 years ago she began investigating her surname. In 1984, wanting to know about the past where she lived she became a founder member of Smethwick Local History Society, which she chaired for many years. Sharing her discoveries via talks about family, local, and national history.
Wednesday 30th September 11am - Long Lane Library
Spaces are limited, phone Long Lane Library on 01384 812880 or email longlanelibrary@gll.org to book.
The Coseley Tragedy with Anne Clark
What led Hannah Johnson Cox to drown her 2 daughters in Coseley Canal? What became of her & her family after that tragic day in 1901? How did the local community respond to these events? A story from my family which made the news headlines over 100 years ago, but still relevant to people today.
Thursday 1st October, 1.00pm - Coseley Library
Reserve your seat by emailing coseley.library@gll.org or Call 01384 812775
The Heirs of Squire Knight: Curious Chemists in Nineteenth-Century Dudley with Judith Davies
Squire Knight was an important pharmacist in eighteenth-century Dudley when chemists made their own lotions and potions. Squire Knight medicines became so well known that continuing the use of his name became a valuable asset. This talk identifies several Dudley chemists who were, in different ways, ‘heirs of Squire Knight’, particularly concentrating on Elliott Hollier and C F G Clark.
Judith Davies, born and raised in Brierley Hill, studied politics and Russian studies at Swansea before qualifying as a librarian at Aberystwyth. After a public library career in Northamptonshire, she returned to the Black Country, earning an MA and PhD in West Midlands History from Birmingham University. She now volunteers with Dudley Archives and helped establish the West Midlands History Exchange.
Saturday 3rd October 2pm - Dudley Library
Judith Davies, born and raised in Brierley Hill, studied politics and Russian studies at Swansea before qualifying as a librarian at Aberystwyth. After a public library career in Northamptonshire, she returned to the Black Country, earning an MA and PhD in West Midlands History from Birmingham University. She now volunteers with Dudley Archives and helped establish the West Midlands History Exchange.
Saturday 3rd October 2pm - Dudley Library
Spaces are limited, phone Dudley Library on 01384 815560 or email dudley.library@gll.org to book.
Halesowen Abbey Trust, with Carole and Mike Freer
Information about the work of Halesowen Abbey Trust.
Carole Freer co-founded the Halesowen Abbey Trust in 1986 with her husband Mick and friend Roy Burgess to conserve and improve the local environment. She is particularly proud of helping raise funds to purchase the 18th-century walled kitchen garden at The Leasowes in 2014. Passionate about local heritage, she continues supporting the Trust’s extensive community and conservation work.
Monday 5th October 11am - Halesowen Library
Carole Freer co-founded the Halesowen Abbey Trust in 1986 with her husband Mick and friend Roy Burgess to conserve and improve the local environment. She is particularly proud of helping raise funds to purchase the 18th-century walled kitchen garden at The Leasowes in 2014. Passionate about local heritage, she continues supporting the Trust’s extensive community and conservation work.
Monday 5th October 11am - Halesowen Library
Spaces are limited, phone Halesowen Library on 01384 812980 or email halesowen.library@gll.org to book.
Shadows, Secrets and Strange Tales - The Dark History of Himley Hall, with Damian Carter
From aristocratic gossip to unexplained footsteps in empty corridors, Shadows, Secrets & Strange Tales explores the folklore, mysteries and odd happenings that have shaped Himley’s reputation as one of the Black Country’s most eerie estates. It’s a journey through history’s darker corners, where fact blurs with legend, and every shadow hints at a story waiting to be told.
Damian is a qualified mythologist, historian and Egyptologist and specializing in ancient cultures. Having worked in the both the public and private sector, Damian started his own business in 2018 to encourage children to learn about mythology, folklore and legends. He also a published author of children's mythology books and writes about women in history
Wednesday 7th October 7.00pm - Gornal Library
Spaces are limited, phone Gornal Library on 01384 812755 or email gornal.library@gll.org to book
Damian is a qualified mythologist, historian and Egyptologist and specializing in ancient cultures. Having worked in the both the public and private sector, Damian started his own business in 2018 to encourage children to learn about mythology, folklore and legends. He also a published author of children's mythology books and writes about women in history
Wednesday 7th October 7.00pm - Gornal Library
Spaces are limited, phone Gornal Library on 01384 812755 or email gornal.library@gll.org to book
Bletchley Park, with Rob Broadbent
Most people know Bletchley Park for Alan Turing and the breaking of Enigma, but that is only part of the story. This talk reveals how two largely forgotten men, supported by Bletchley Park’s finest minds, broke a far more secret Nazi code. Presented by local historian Rob, it explores lesser-known Second World War achievements that significantly influenced the war’s outcome.
Rob has lived in Dudley since 1984, although he originally comes from Langley, which explains why he is Chair of the Langley & Oldbury Local History Society. Since retiring he has dedicated much time to his hobby of researching both local and wider history. He especially enjoys uncovering the stories of fascinating but often overlooked people, places and events then transforming his findings into engaging and informative talks.
Rob has lived in Dudley since 1984, although he originally comes from Langley, which explains why he is Chair of the Langley & Oldbury Local History Society. Since retiring he has dedicated much time to his hobby of researching both local and wider history. He especially enjoys uncovering the stories of fascinating but often overlooked people, places and events then transforming his findings into engaging and informative talks.
Thursday 8th October 2pm - Stourbridge Library
Spaces are limited, phone Stourbridge Library on 01384 812945 or email stourbridge.library@gll.org to book
The Great Train Robbery with Steve Geale
The Great Train Robbery occurred in August 1963. This presentation tells of the planning and engagement of the robbery. It names the miscreants, their apprehensions, confinements; together with some escapes and unusual happenings. What happened to the stolen £2.6 million?
From college Steve worked as an Engineer for BP, Lucas Automotive and GEC, also working on creating computerised manufacturing/assembly systems. In 2000, changing career to teaching adult male inmates, Information Technology and Advanced Maths at Stafford Prison. Away from work, his hobbies are Bridge, travel and historical research.
Thursday 8th October 7.00pm - Dudley Library
From college Steve worked as an Engineer for BP, Lucas Automotive and GEC, also working on creating computerised manufacturing/assembly systems. In 2000, changing career to teaching adult male inmates, Information Technology and Advanced Maths at Stafford Prison. Away from work, his hobbies are Bridge, travel and historical research.
Thursday 8th October 7.00pm - Dudley Library
To book, contact Dudley Library at dudley.library@gll.org or call 01384 815560
Rogues, Villains and Thieves with Vanessa Morgan
A collection of stories of bank robbers, train robbers and poachers etc. in the 19th century.
Vanessa worked for many years as a genealogist, researching historical records and contributing articles to genealogical magazines. She has authored several books for The History Press, including Worcestershire: A Family History Guidebook and works on historic murder and crime. Now writing for Amberley Publishing, she continues exploring local history through books on Worcestershire, Birmingham and regional crime stories.
Friday 9th October, 2pm - Netherton Library
Vanessa worked for many years as a genealogist, researching historical records and contributing articles to genealogical magazines. She has authored several books for The History Press, including Worcestershire: A Family History Guidebook and works on historic murder and crime. Now writing for Amberley Publishing, she continues exploring local history through books on Worcestershire, Birmingham and regional crime stories.
Friday 9th October, 2pm - Netherton Library
To book, contact Netherton Library at netherton.library@gll.org or call 01384 812845
The Last Chainmakers by David Whyley
The story of wrought iron hand-made chain making and of the last 4 professional chain makers of the Black Country and the preservation of Mushroom Green Chain Shop.
David Whyley is a respected advocate for the Black Country, with more than 40 years’ experience documenting and supporting the preservation of the region’s rich heritage. He served for many years as Director of the Black Country Society Photographic Archives before its transfer to the Black Country Living Museum.
Saturday 10th October 2026, 11am - Cradley Library
To book, contact Cradley Library at cradley.library@gll.org or call 01384 812885
David Whyley is a respected advocate for the Black Country, with more than 40 years’ experience documenting and supporting the preservation of the region’s rich heritage. He served for many years as Director of the Black Country Society Photographic Archives before its transfer to the Black Country Living Museum.
Saturday 10th October 2026, 11am - Cradley Library
To book, contact Cradley Library at cradley.library@gll.org or call 01384 812885
The Role of Everyday Objects in Family History, with Dominika Nala
In this talk based on her unique Master’s study, Dominika explores how modern families use – or don’t – inherited objects in their everyday family history practices. Drawing on examples from oral history interviews and a community survey conducted predominantly in Wollaston, she analyses what our relationships with objects reveal about us and our history.
Dominika is a family historian based in Wollaston and a committee member of the Stourbridge branch of Midland Ancestors. She holds a diploma in Polish genealogy and has recently submitted her Master’s dissertation in History of the Family at the University of Limerick. Her interests include oral history, genetic genealogy, and the history of everyday life.
Sunday 11th October 11am - Stourbridge Library
Dominika is a family historian based in Wollaston and a committee member of the Stourbridge branch of Midland Ancestors. She holds a diploma in Polish genealogy and has recently submitted her Master’s dissertation in History of the Family at the University of Limerick. Her interests include oral history, genetic genealogy, and the history of everyday life.
Sunday 11th October 11am - Stourbridge Library
To book, contact Stourbridge Library at stourbridge.library@gll.org or call 01384 812945
Lock Makers of Wolverhampton, with Mark R. Cooper
While Willenhall, Darlaston and Wednesbury are generally associated with the trades of lock-making, Wolverhampton became world famous in making precision safety locks that claimed to save many lives in the sporting fraternity. Mark has a book recently published that runs alongside this talk.
Mark R. Cooper is a British history teacher, researcher and speaker specialising in lock making, archery and local history. His work has appeared in numerous publications, including the Black Country Bugle. Born in Willenhall and raised in the Black Country, he combined engineering, postgraduate study and international experience. Now living in Wolverhampton, he continues researching, writing and presenting historical topics.
Wednesday October 14th 11am- Sedgley Library
Mark R. Cooper is a British history teacher, researcher and speaker specialising in lock making, archery and local history. His work has appeared in numerous publications, including the Black Country Bugle. Born in Willenhall and raised in the Black Country, he combined engineering, postgraduate study and international experience. Now living in Wolverhampton, he continues researching, writing and presenting historical topics.
Wednesday October 14th 11am- Sedgley Library
To book, contact Sedgley Library at sedgley.library@gll.org or call 01384 812790
The Dunsley Murder of 1812, with David J Cox
The Dunsley Murder of 1812 is a grisly tale of murder and retribution involving the Bow Street Runners (the world's first professional detectives) and their efforts to bring the murderer to swift and severe judicial punishment. It details the murder of Benjamin Robins a gentleman farmer of Dunsley near Kinver, the detection of the murderer and his subsequent fate.
Dr David Cox is a Reader in Criminal Justice History at the University of Wolverhampton, He has appeared on BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio WM, BBC Radio Merseyside, and Black Country Radio, also a principle cast member in the dramatized documentary film Parole. He is the author/co-author of over 12 academic and local history books.
Wednesday 14th October 2.00pm - Kingswinford Library
Dr David Cox is a Reader in Criminal Justice History at the University of Wolverhampton, He has appeared on BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio WM, BBC Radio Merseyside, and Black Country Radio, also a principle cast member in the dramatized documentary film Parole. He is the author/co-author of over 12 academic and local history books.
Wednesday 14th October 2.00pm - Kingswinford Library
Spaces are limited, contact Kingswinford Library at kingswinford.library@gll.org or call 01384 812740 to book
The West Midlands, Slavery, the Black Presence and Anti-Slavery c. 1700-1838, with Malcolm Dick OBE
This will explore the relationship between the West Midlands and the Slave trade in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the first black migrants to the area and the beginnings of a campaign to abolish slavery.
Dr Malcolm Dick is Chairman of the Black Country Society and Honorary Associate Professor in History at the University of Birmingham. He has written books on the history of Birmingham, the Lunar Society and Black Country including The Black Country: a History in 100 Objects. In 2019 he was awarded an OBE for services to History in the West Midlands.
Thursday 15th October, 2pm - Halesowen Library
To book, contact Halesowen Library at halesowen.library@gll.org or call 01384 812980
Dr Malcolm Dick is Chairman of the Black Country Society and Honorary Associate Professor in History at the University of Birmingham. He has written books on the history of Birmingham, the Lunar Society and Black Country including The Black Country: a History in 100 Objects. In 2019 he was awarded an OBE for services to History in the West Midlands.
Thursday 15th October, 2pm - Halesowen Library
To book, contact Halesowen Library at halesowen.library@gll.org or call 01384 812980
The Digger's Diary, with Colin Reid
In 1965, 12-year-old Alan Southall found a bullet-pierced pocket diary on a Stourbridge rubbish tip. 30 years later he offered it to Dudley Museum for an exhibition on the Great War, launching curator Colin Reid on a mission to discover the fate of its owner, Australian infantryman Claude Nuttall MM. In this presentation Colin will relate that remarkable 22 year quest. What he discovered was a forgotten war hero with a heart-rending tale to tell. Colin's talk coincides with the UK launch of his book 'The Digger's Diary'.
Colin Reid was appointed Dudley Museum’s first Keeper of Geology in 1987 and was manager from 1995-99. He went on to become Culture Manager at Hartlepool and Oxford and led major museum projects in the Emirates and Saudi Arabia. His accolades include Interpret Britain and Museum of the Year nominations. He has published widely on cultural issues, and now runs a Hartlepool-based heritage consultancy.
Thursday 15th October 2026 6.30pm - Stourbridge Library
To book, contact Stourbridge Library at stourbridge.library@gll.org or call 01384 812945
Colin Reid was appointed Dudley Museum’s first Keeper of Geology in 1987 and was manager from 1995-99. He went on to become Culture Manager at Hartlepool and Oxford and led major museum projects in the Emirates and Saudi Arabia. His accolades include Interpret Britain and Museum of the Year nominations. He has published widely on cultural issues, and now runs a Hartlepool-based heritage consultancy.
Thursday 15th October 2026 6.30pm - Stourbridge Library
To book, contact Stourbridge Library at stourbridge.library@gll.org or call 01384 812945
The Diggum Uppers: Body snatching and Grave robbing in the West Midlands, with Kevin Goodman
The grave robbers trade was to keep the ever-demanding medical schools supplied with the bodies of the recently deceased. But they weren’t confined to Edinburgh and London. They ranged across the West Midlands from the heavy industrial areas of Birmingham, the Black Country, and the Potteries, to the rural shires of Herefordshire, Warwickshire, and Worcestershire. Discover the identities of the most infamous resurrectionists of the West Midlands; the medical men who supported them ; the methods used to stop them, and the terrible truth of what happened when body snatching and grave robbing were outlawed
Kevin Goodman, author and medical and social historian specialising in health and disease in the Black Country. He has appeared in documentaries for Channel 4, Channel 5, the Smithsonian Channel, the History Channel and History Hit, alongside Professor Susannah Lipscomb and Dan Snow. He also travels the country delivering presentations on medicine, surgery and disease from prehistory to the Victorians.
Thursday 15th October, 7pm - Gornal Library
To book, contact Gornal Library at gornal.library@gll.org or call 01384 812755
Kevin Goodman, author and medical and social historian specialising in health and disease in the Black Country. He has appeared in documentaries for Channel 4, Channel 5, the Smithsonian Channel, the History Channel and History Hit, alongside Professor Susannah Lipscomb and Dan Snow. He also travels the country delivering presentations on medicine, surgery and disease from prehistory to the Victorians.
Thursday 15th October, 7pm - Gornal Library
To book, contact Gornal Library at gornal.library@gll.org or call 01384 812755
Archives Day
Have a look at the day of talks at Dudley Archives
Spaces are limited, phone Dudley Archives on 01384 812770 or email dudley.archives@gll.org to book
Spaces are limited, phone Dudley Archives on 01384 812770 or email dudley.archives@gll.org to book
On Saturday October 17th, explore the Borough's intriguing past at Dudley Archives and Local History Service. The day will include talks by Kevin Goodman and Graham Worton alongside, family and local history exhibitions and publications for sale. Starting from 10am.
Aaron Geismar: Prince of Swindlers, Fraud of Frauds: Rise and Falls of an Electric Quack Doctor , with Kevin Goodman
He was known by many names: Alberto Geismardo, Professor LeBlanc, Edward Moross, Professor Richard. A quack doctor, medical electrician, conman, swindler, fraudster, bigamist and worse, he conducted his dubious trade across the world at the turn of the nineteenth century . But his career of deception began to unravel when he made the mistake of coming to the Black Country…
Start time: 12.15pm
Start time: 12.15pm
Geology: in the Black Country
A fascinated talk about the geology in the Black Country.
Start time: 10.30am
Start time: 10.30am
More Precious than Pearls, with Colin Reid
As a museum curator Colin Reid has always been fascinated by objects, and why we value them. 'Just like people, objects have lives in which they can be cherished or discarded' he says. 'What is priceless to one person can be worthless to someone else.' Colin will illustrate his point by looking at two objects he curated at Dudley Museum: a celebrated 'Dudley Bug' trilobite fossil, and a bullet-pierced WW1 diary found on a local rubbish tip. The diary is the subject of the book he is launching this week at the festival: 'The Digger's Diary.'
Colin Reid was appointed Dudley Museum’s first Keeper of Geology in 1987 and was manager from 1995-99. He went on to become Culture Manager at Hartlepool and Oxford and led major museum projects in the Emirates and Saudi Arabia. His accolades include Interpret Britain and Museum of the Year nominations. He has published widely on cultural issues, and now runs a Hartlepool-based heritage consultancy.
Saturday 17th October 2.15pm - Dudley Library
To book, contact Dudley Library at dudley.library@gll.org or call 01384 815560
Colin Reid was appointed Dudley Museum’s first Keeper of Geology in 1987 and was manager from 1995-99. He went on to become Culture Manager at Hartlepool and Oxford and led major museum projects in the Emirates and Saudi Arabia. His accolades include Interpret Britain and Museum of the Year nominations. He has published widely on cultural issues, and now runs a Hartlepool-based heritage consultancy.
Saturday 17th October 2.15pm - Dudley Library
To book, contact Dudley Library at dudley.library@gll.org or call 01384 815560
Monarch's Way with John Price
After the defeat of the Royalists at the Battle of Worcester in 1651, Charles Stuart, the man who would become Charles II, was on the run. For the next 43 days, he evaded capture before finally escaping to France. This talk looks at his travels over that period and the walking route based on his journey, known as The Monarch’s Way.
John Price is a native of the Black Country who has extensively researched the story of the escape of King Charles II. He has walked the 625-mile Monarch's Way, produced a highly-regarded website on the topic (www.thefugitiveking.com) and is the author of Journeys Along the Monarch's Way.
Monday 19th October 2pm - Stourbridge Library
John Price is a native of the Black Country who has extensively researched the story of the escape of King Charles II. He has walked the 625-mile Monarch's Way, produced a highly-regarded website on the topic (www.thefugitiveking.com) and is the author of Journeys Along the Monarch's Way.
Monday 19th October 2pm - Stourbridge Library
To book, contact Stourbridge Library at stourbridge.library@gll.org or call 01384 812945
Tales from the Coroner’s casebook - Life and Death in Georgian South Staffordshire and the Black Country, with Quintin Watt
This presentation examines the cases of unexplained deaths, presided over by Henry Smith Esq., Coroner of the County of Stafford, between 1801 and 1842. These included accidents, manslaughter, murders, suicides and 'visitations of God'. Join Coroner Smith's Jury and re-consider some of the cases he dealt with during the first part of his career.
Quintin is a retired History teacher with a passion for local history and the Great War. He has two Masters' degrees "West Midlands Regional History" and "Britain and the First World War". He edited "The Bromsgrove Guild - An illustrated History" and "Wolverhampton's Great War, 1914 - 1921". He delivers local history presentations and is Secretary of the Black Country Society.
Tuesday 20th October 2.00pm - Brierley Hill Library
Quintin is a retired History teacher with a passion for local history and the Great War. He has two Masters' degrees "West Midlands Regional History" and "Britain and the First World War". He edited "The Bromsgrove Guild - An illustrated History" and "Wolverhampton's Great War, 1914 - 1921". He delivers local history presentations and is Secretary of the Black Country Society.
Tuesday 20th October 2.00pm - Brierley Hill Library
To book, contact Brierley Hill Library at brierleyhill.library@gll.org or call 01384 812874
One Hotel and Two Theatres, with Craig Denston
Centred at the bottom of Dudley Castle Hill, this includes the racecourse that was swept away to build the railway station, the building of the Station Hotel, the Dudley Opera House and finishing at the opening of the Dudley Hippodrome.
Craig became fascinated by Black Country history after running the Dudley Ghost Tour for 22 years, from 1993 to 2015. In his own words, “The many friends I have in Dudley, the great relationship I have with Dudley archives, it is really all down to the legacy of the Dudley Ghost Tour.”
Tuesday 20th October 7.00pm - Dudley Library
Spaces are limited, phone Dudley Library on 01384 815560 or email dudley.library@gll.org to book
Craig became fascinated by Black Country history after running the Dudley Ghost Tour for 22 years, from 1993 to 2015. In his own words, “The many friends I have in Dudley, the great relationship I have with Dudley archives, it is really all down to the legacy of the Dudley Ghost Tour.”
Tuesday 20th October 7.00pm - Dudley Library
Spaces are limited, phone Dudley Library on 01384 815560 or email dudley.library@gll.org to book
The Black Country in the 1930's, with Ned Williams
When Long Lane Library opened, there was plenty going on locally and nationally. This illustrated talk looks at the events of 1936, putting the opening of this library in its historical context.
Ned arrived in the Black Country in 1962.Since then he has explored the area and its history. He has produced over 50 books and countless magazines on a variety of local matters. Ned worked in Adult Education and has lived in Dudley and Wolverhampton. He enjoys giving talks on local history.
Wednesday 21st October, 11am - Long Lane Library
Ned arrived in the Black Country in 1962.Since then he has explored the area and its history. He has produced over 50 books and countless magazines on a variety of local matters. Ned worked in Adult Education and has lived in Dudley and Wolverhampton. He enjoys giving talks on local history.
Wednesday 21st October, 11am - Long Lane Library
To book, contact Long Lane Library at longlanelibrary@gll.org or call 01384 812880
The Anvil Yard with Jill Guest
The talk on the Anvil Yard started with some family history research when I realised that some of my ancestors had lived there and is available on our website: cradleylinks.co.uk
Having spent most of her life at Halesowen and Cradley libraries, and with a lifelong passion for local and family history, Jill Guest helped to found the Cradley Then and Now Historical group at Cradley Library in 1997. She became the treasurer and helped with the running of the group and with the website - cradleylinks.co.uk.
Thursday 22nd October 11.00am - Cradley Library
Spaces are limited, phone Cradley Library on 01384 812885 or email cradley.library@gll.org to book
Having spent most of her life at Halesowen and Cradley libraries, and with a lifelong passion for local and family history, Jill Guest helped to found the Cradley Then and Now Historical group at Cradley Library in 1997. She became the treasurer and helped with the running of the group and with the website - cradleylinks.co.uk.
Thursday 22nd October 11.00am - Cradley Library
Spaces are limited, phone Cradley Library on 01384 812885 or email cradley.library@gll.org to book
Murder Most Foul with Vanessa Morgan
A collection of true stories from the 19th century.
Vanessa worked for many years as a genealogist, researching historical records and contributing articles to genealogical magazines. She has authored several books for The History Press, including Worcestershire: A Family History Guidebook and works on historic murder and crime. Now writing for Amberley Publishing, she continues exploring local history through books on Worcestershire, Birmingham and regional crime stories.
Thursday 22nd October 2.00pm - Lye Library
Vanessa worked for many years as a genealogist, researching historical records and contributing articles to genealogical magazines. She has authored several books for The History Press, including Worcestershire: A Family History Guidebook and works on historic murder and crime. Now writing for Amberley Publishing, she continues exploring local history through books on Worcestershire, Birmingham and regional crime stories.
Thursday 22nd October 2.00pm - Lye Library
To book, contact Lye Library at lye.library@gll.org or call 01384 812835
Myths of the Titanic with Colin Cooksey
Common knowledge is not always the full story ...
Colin was raised in Dudley, with family roots in Netherton, Tividale and Norfolk. Inspired by history teacher Percy Chance at Dudley Grammar School, he planned a university career until his father’s death at 14. He joined Lloyds Bank, progressing through management roles across the Midlands and South East. Now retired, he enjoys history, bellringing and delivering historical talks.
Friday 23rd October, 2.00pm - Netherton Library
To book, contact Netherton Library at netherton.library@gll.org or call 01384 812845
Colin was raised in Dudley, with family roots in Netherton, Tividale and Norfolk. Inspired by history teacher Percy Chance at Dudley Grammar School, he planned a university career until his father’s death at 14. He joined Lloyds Bank, progressing through management roles across the Midlands and South East. Now retired, he enjoys history, bellringing and delivering historical talks.
Friday 23rd October, 2.00pm - Netherton Library
To book, contact Netherton Library at netherton.library@gll.org or call 01384 812845
Bostin' Brierley Hill, with Gary James
A trip down memory lane, to the times of opencast mining, glowing steel furnaces, brick dust, ruddy faced glassblowers, blaring factory bullhorns...and pork pies.
Growing up on Brierley Hill’s Chapel Street Estate between 1965 and 1978, Gary developed a lifelong love of poetry and music during his days at Mill Street School. His work is inspired by memories of the Black Country’s industrial past; open-cast mines, glowing furnaces, glass blowers and bustling streets, capturing a harder yet cherished way of life.
Saturday 24th October 2026, 11am - Brierley Hill Library
To book, contact Brierley Hill Library at brierleyhill.library@gll.org or call 01384812874
Growing up on Brierley Hill’s Chapel Street Estate between 1965 and 1978, Gary developed a lifelong love of poetry and music during his days at Mill Street School. His work is inspired by memories of the Black Country’s industrial past; open-cast mines, glowing furnaces, glass blowers and bustling streets, capturing a harder yet cherished way of life.
Saturday 24th October 2026, 11am - Brierley Hill Library
To book, contact Brierley Hill Library at brierleyhill.library@gll.org or call 01384812874
Looking at Shops with Ned Williams
Looking at the development of shop fronts and shop interiors provides an insight into the ever-changing world of retailing. Come and see if your favourite shop front is included in this survey.
Saturday 24th October, 11.30am - Wordsley Library
Saturday 24th October, 11.30am - Wordsley Library
Spaces are limited, to book, contact Wordsley Library at wordsley.library@gll.org or call 01384812765
