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 library 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 11th-31st October 2025.

Voted Britain's favourite artist in a 2004 BBC Poll, JMW Turner visited the Black Country and Birmingham area a couple of times during his life (1775-1851). The talk covers the background of Turner's interest in the area, the watercolours he produced and specifically the tangled tale of what happened to his watercolour of Dudley.

Brendan Clifford was born and bred in the Black Country. He published a book about the area in 2022 " Black by day, red by night, The Black Country, 500 years in 50 voices". He is especially interested in art connected to the Black Country and has published an academic article about the visit of J M W Turner to the area.

Tuesday 14th October 2.00pm - Dudley Library

Spaces are limited, phone Dudley Library on 01384 815560 or email dudley.library@gll.org to book

The talk is about the Dudley Public Art website which was set up to showcase the vast amount of art in all its forms that can be seen in Dudley Borough. Brian says he is not an art expert nor historian, just an enthusiast hoping to share what is out there.

After working for 40 years in retail and wholesale, Brian started to build the Dudley Public Art website in retirement. Initially, it was to fill the online gap where little was recorded but, Brian explored further finding artworks not often seen and eventually covering the whole of the Black Country.

Thursday 16th October 2.00pm - Stourbridge Library

Spaces are limited, phone Stourbridge Library on 01384 812945 or email stourbridge.library@gll.org to book

Artist David Cox (1783-1859) was born in the Deritend area of Birmingham and lived his last years in Harborne, then a village in south Staffordshire. The talk introduces David Cox's life and locates his increased skill and accomplishment in his artistic practice, including several representations of Dudley. |

Brendan Clifford was born and bred in the Black Country and is very interested in the area. He published a book in 2022 " Black by day, red by night, The Black Country, 500 years in 50 voices". He is especially interested in art connected to the Black Country.

Tuesday 21st October 2.00pm - Wordsley Library

Spaces are limited, phone Dudley Library on 01384 812765 or email wordsley.library@gll.org to book

The talk is about the Dudley Public Art website which was set up to showcase the vast amount of art in all its forms that can be seen in Dudley Borough. Brian says he is not an art expert nor historian, just an enthusiast hoping to share what is out there.

After working for 40 years in retail and wholesale, Brian started to build the Dudley Public Art website in retirement. Initially, it was to fill the online gap where little was recorded but, Brian explored further finding artworks not often seen and eventually covering the whole of the Black Country.

Wednesday 22nd October 2.00pm - Dudley Library

Spaces are limited, phone Dudley Library on 01384 815560 or email dudley.library@gll.org to book

How did a working class lad born into 19th Century Dudley become, for his time, the highest paid director in Hollywood? This tells an extraordinary life story from a factory to war, through art to the theatre, to the making of some of the most influential horror movies of all time, and yet ultimately, to a heartbreakingly tragic end.

Craig Denston graduated in Creative Arts specialising in illustration. He worked as the Workshop Manager for Cannon Hill Puppet Theatre, then became freelance and now works as a Mask, Puppet and Prop maker and designer. Craig has an interest in history and gives talks on a variety of topics and has led the very popular Dudley Ghost Tours.
 
Thursday 23th October 7.00pm - Dudley Library
 
Spaces are limited, phone Dudley Library on 01384 815560 or email dudley.library@gll.org to book

Daily life in Victorian Britain was filled with hazards like dangerous workplaces, the risk of disease, crime, drowning and starvation. Clothing could injure, wallpaper might be toxic and make-up could be poisonous. Explore the dark and fascinating world of the Victorian era where you could be executed for minor theft or buried alive by mistake!

Damian is a freelance writer, tutor, historian and Egyptologist. After spending years working in the public and private sectors, he started his own business to encourage people to learn about mythoogy and classical history. He has wriiten two book series - "The Mischief Makers" about UK myths and legends for children, and "Historic Women" about influential women for adults.

Wednesday 15th October 7.00pm - Gornal Library
 
Spaces are limited, phone Gornal Library on 01384 812755 or email gornal.library@gll.org to book

This illustrated talk features the mining of coal, and the lives of those involved in this industry, in the 10 small collieries of Cradley, including Netherend, The Hayes, Homer Hill, Two Gates and Oldnall, from before the 1500s, through the period of coal mining expansion in the 19th and 20th centuries, until the closure of Beech Tree Colliery in 1958. 

Margaret is a local historian who has lived in Cradley for over 70 years and has written books on the community's past, the most recent being 'Cradley from Prehistoric times until 1700.'

Tuesday 14th October 11.00am - Cradley Library
Spaces are limited, phone Cradley Library on 01384 812885 or email cradley.library@gll.org to book

This talk is a good introduction to the subject of Stourbridge Glass and traces the roots of Stourbridge glassmakers back to the 8th Century BC, from The Alabastron of Sargon11 to their arrival in Stourbridge and shaped its history, its wealth and the health and working lives of its people.

Dr Kate Round is an outreach presenter and tour guide for Dudley Museum service. She has always lived in the Black Country and has a strong industrial family heritage. Her interests include the historical development of the glass industry in Stourbridge and how the geology and geography impacted on wealth and sociology, driven by the rivalries of the Glass dynasties.

Wednesday 22nd October 2.00pm - Stourbridge Library

Spaces are limited, phone Stourbridge Library on 01384 812945 or email stourbridge.library@gll.org to book

The Blackbrook Valley and Merry Hill were once covered with iron works, brick works, clay pits and collieries and a network of canals. Today their remarkable industrial history is mostly hidden. The talk covers places of interest, dramatic changes to the landscape and some of the industries and companies the locality is famous for.

Rob has spent many hours walking in the Black Country. He often wondered about the history of buildings or sites that he passed and started to research the locations. This led him to create a number of local history walk talks, where he acts as a guide for people who enjoy walking and are interested in Black Country history.

 
Thursday 23rd October 10.30am - Brierley Hill Library
 
Spaces are limited, phone Brierley Hill Library on 01384 812865 or email brierleyhill.library@gll.org to book

The talk on the chain shops of High Town was one of the last Jill Guest researched for the Cradley Then and Now Historical group. Sadly, the group did not reopen after Covid but the website cradleylinks.co.uk contains a wealth of knowledge on Cradley history.

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.

Saturday 25th October 11.00am - Cradley Library

Spaces are limited, phone Cradley Library on 01384 812865 or email cradley.library@gll.org to book

The Dunsley Murder of 1812 is a study in early nineteenth century crime detection, justice and punishment.

David J Cox is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and Reader in Criminal Justice History at the University of Wolverhampton, specialising in early police history and the 18th and 19th century criminal justice system. He has authored or co-authored over a dozen academic and popular crime history books and numerous academic journal articles.

Saturday 11th October 2.00pm - Stourbridge Library

Spaces are limited, phone Stourbridge Library on 01384 812945 or email stourbridge.library@gll.org to book

A True story from  1870 about the Black Country parish of Pensnett where the errant clergyman, Vicar of St Mark's, had a flirtation with a pupil teacher at the local school, that led to scandal in the village, a clergy discipline trial and a nationally reported libel trial. Waywrd clergy, scandal and libel - all the hallmarks of a good story!

Chris Baker was born and brought up in Pensnett and, after University, worked for British Rail and then the Universities of Nottingham and Birmingham teaching civil engineering. He has been a non-stipendiary Anglican clergyman since 1988. He is currently the webmaster and social media manager of the Black Country Society and lives at Oakham in Rutland.

Monday 13th October 2.00pm - Brierley Hill Library

Spaces are limited, phone Brierley Hill Library on 01384 812865 or email brierleyhill.library@gll.org to book

The virtual talk will focus on some of the many ghosts and hauntings associated with Dudley Borough. An intriguing mix of more traditional and modern stories, the author's own experiences covering many years of investigating alleged paranormal phenomena will feature throughout.

Andrew Homer is a Black Country author who writes about all things historical and paranormal. He holds an MA in West Midlands History and frequently presents lectures on diverse subjects. Andrew has worked as a Historic Character at the Black Country Living Museum and is also a former Secretary of the Black Country Society.

Tuesday 14th October 7.00pm - Halesowen Library

Spaces are limited, phone Halesowen Library on 01384 812983 or email halesowen.library@gll.org to book.

An interactive account of four Wolverhampton Warriors' Great War. This talk combines a visual presentation with some active engagement. It focuses on the stories of four servicemen and considers how and why their war-time experiences should be remembered. Let Mr Watt teach you a 'modern' history lesson!

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.

Thursday 16th October 2.00pm- Kingswinford Library

Spaces are limited, phone Kingswinford Library on 01384 812740 or email

kingswinford.library@gll.org to book.

Is Halesowen in the Black Country, with John Billingham

Whether Halesowen is in the Black Country or not is a very emotive subject for many people. Let us put aside the emotions, prejudices and misinformation and examine the hard historical and geographical facts and then decide what the truth is.

Born in 1940 in Old Hill and studied Geography and Geology at Birmingham University 1959 - 1962. Head of Geography and Geology at Sir Gilbert  Claughton Grammar School, Dudley and later vice-principal at Leasowes High School. I have been giving talks of a historical/geographical nature since the year 2000.

Thursday 16th October 2.00pm - Halesowen Library

Spaces are limited, phone Halesowen Library on 01384 812983 or email halesowen.library@gll.org to book.

Dudley was controlled by landowners, industrialists and Anglican clergymen in the 18th century. However, Britain was facing pressures for change. In Dudley, nonconformists led the demand for change and many of their leaders were shopkeepers like Samuel Cook and Thomas Hill. The town became a hot bed of protest and this talk looks at the events and personalities involved.

Judith was born in the Brierley Hill area. She gained a BSc (Econ) and a Diploma in Librarianship and worked as a public librarian. Later, she did an MA in West Midlands History and a PhD studying politics and religion in Dudley during the 19th Century. She volunteers with Dudley Archives and Local History Service and helps edit the newsletter.

Thursday 16th October 6.45pm  - Dudley Library

Spaces are limited, phone Dudley Library on 01384 815560 or email dudley.library@gll.org to book.

Stylish and dark, the BBC series 'Peaky Blinders' highlights the exploits of Thomas Shelby and his violent Birmingham criminal gang in the aftermath of the First World War. Well-dressed, captivating and powerful, these dramatized gangsters are nothing like the real peaky blinder gangs of the 1890s and early 20th Century. This is the story of the real Peaky Blinders.
Professor Carl Chinn is a great grandson of a real peaky blinder. In 1987, he interviewed the brother of gangster Alfie Solomon and others connected to the gangs. The author of the Sunday Times bestseller 'Peaky Blinders, The Real Story'' (2019) and the historical consultant for the BBC 2 documentaries 'The Real Peaky Blinders', he's been researching them for 40 years.

Friday 17th October 1.30pm - Dudley Library

On Saturday October 18th, explore the Borough's intriguing past at Dudley Archives and Local History Service. The day will include talks by Kevin Goodman 'Cholera in the Black Country 1832', Brendan Clifford 'The Black Country 500 years in 50 voices' and Paul Ford, Senior Archivist, 'Place names of Halesowen and Lenches Bridge'. Also, family and local history exhibitions and publications for sale. Starting from 10am.

This talk covers the strange case of Eliza Price and the two Petty Sessions in Kingswinford and Wordsley in 1845.

David J Cox is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and Reader in Criminal Justice History at the University of Wolverhampton. He has authored or co-authored over a dozen academic and popular crime history books and numerous academic journal articles. He is currently President of Wordsley History Society and was formerly Editor of The Blackcountryman.

Saturday 18th October 11.30am - Wordsley Library

Spaces are limited, phone Wordsley Library on 01384 812765 or email wordsley.library@gll.org to book

This talk looks at what Ned Williams discovered in Lye and is not so much a detailed history of Lye, more a well-illustrated account of what "a furriner" might discover as an intrepid explorer.Ned Williams came to the Black Country in 1962 without knowing anything about the area. Based in Dudley, he started exploring and, over half a century later, he still is! Over 50 books have been generated by all this exploration in which Ned has shared his enthusiasm and information about the many towns, villages and communities of the Black Country.
 
Monday 20th October, 1.30pm - Netherton Library

Spaces are limited, phone Netherton Library on 01384 812845 or email netherton.library@gll.org to book

This talk looks at what Ned Williams discovered in Lye and is not so much a detailed history of Lye, more a well-illustrated account of what "a furriner" might discover as an intrepid explorer. | Ned Williams came to the Black Country in 1962 without knowing anything about the area. Based in Dudley, he started exploring and, over half a century later, he still is! Over 50 books have been generated by all this exploration in which Ned has shared his enthusiasm and information about the many towns, villages and communities of the Black Country.
 
Tuesday 21st October, 2.30pm - Lye Library

Spaces are limited, phone Lye Library on 01384 812835 or email lye.library@gll.org

to book.

The talk tells of the growth of our glass industry from Medieval Forest Glass and the integration of expert Huguenot glassmakers, from the development of discrete industries making utility bottles, glasses and windows to the fine crystal tableware for which Stourbridge is renowned. The Stourbridge artisans have left a legacy that is celebrated worldwide.

Dr Kate Round is an outreach presenter and tour guide for Dudley Museum service. She has always lived in the Black Country and has a strong industrial family heritage. Her interests include the historical development of the glass industry in Stourbridge and how the geology and geography impacted on wealth and sociology, driven by the rivalries of the Glass dynasties.

Thursday 23rd October 2.00pm - Kingswinford Library

Spaces are limited, phone Kingswinford Library on 01384 812740 or email

kingswinford.library@gll.org to book.

The English Civil War brought much upheaval and damage to the area between Wolverhampton, Lichfield and Birmingham as people took sides and their forces engaged each other repeatedly. The voices of several of those involved shed light on a pivotal period of our history.

The world of the past has fascinated Mary from her earliest memories. She has worked in bookselling and university administration. Mary was a founder member of Smethwick Local History Society in 1984 and has taught local history research and palaeography for University of Birmingham. Sharing her discoveries via her talks has been a pleasure for Mary for over 30 years!

Wednesday 22nd October 10.30am - Long Lane Library

Spaces are limited, phone Long Lane Library on 01384 812880 or email longlanelibrary@gll.org to book.

John presents a unique insight into the humour of the Black Country. A pot pourri of song, stories, anecdotes and jokes which will make you laugh, cry and celebrate this wonderful 'bostin' region where "yove gorra loff or yode cry".

Quarry Banker John Homer is a poet, Black Country speaker and historian. For many years, John has been involved with West Bromwich Albion, the Albion Foundation and the Black Country Living Museum. He speaks on everything and anything to do with the Black Country and local football!
 
Friday 24th October, 10:30am - Halesowen Library

Spaces are limited, phone Halesowen Library on 01384 812983 or email halesowen.library@gll.org to book.

This project seeks to bridge historical and contemporary migration narratives, creating a space for cultural understanding and artistic expression. The exhibition will amplify the voices of displaced and migrant communities, exploring both personal and collective reflections on identity and belonging. It is timed to celebrate Black History Month in October.

Abraham Cole is a multidisciplinary artist and a resident of Dudley whose work explores themes of identity, migration, belonging and collective memory.

Exhibition will be open during Dudley Library opening times.

History is about the written word, but sometimes is equally about what is not written. Here we look at three cases where silence plays a huge part... Mustn't Talk: Fit for Military Service (Cheslyn Hay 1916), Won't Talk: the curious case of Maud Minnie Mills (Walsall 1912), Can't Talk: the Silent Skeleton of Murder Mine (Dudley 1961).

Friday 24th October 2.00pm - Sedgley Library

Spaces are limited, phone Sedgley Library on 01384 812790 or email sedgley.library@gll.org to book.

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.

Saturday 25th October 1.00pm - Gornal Library

Spaces are limited, phone Gornal Library on 01384 812755 or email gornal.library@gll.org to book.

This talk tells the amazing stories of both men and animals, their devotion to duty, bravery and selflessness. Both men and animals showed they were fearless, relentless, diligent and resolute. We will tell stories of VC  recipients spanning from WW1 to the  present day and about animals awarded the Dickin Medal over the same period.
David Bardell and Mick Byrne became friends in 2015. They share a passion for military history and have visited the Battlefields around Ypres and the Somme. They deliver their own Battlefield tours around the area. They like to share their experiences through talks to groups, exploring the background to and the stories behind events, bringing them to life. www.bbhistoryrevisited.uk

Tuesday October 14th 2.00pm- Stourbridge Library

Spaces are limited, phone Stourbridge Library on 01384 812945 or email stourbridge.library@gll.org to book.

This show contains a variety of stories, songs of the region, sing a longs and audience participation songs. The objective is to bring a smile to people's faces and to keep local history stories alive.

Tim Martin and Billy Spakemon are the Busketeers working under the umbrella of Black Country Radio, Xtra and Gig Caritas. They travel around the region and various town centres taking music and stories to a variety of audiences including libraries, schools and community groups.

Friday 17th October 11.00am - Brierley Hill Library

Spaces are limited, phone Brierley Hill Library on 01384 812865 or email brierleyhill.library@gll.org to book.

In 2014, the Halesowen Abbey Trust raised the money to purchase the 18th century walled garden in Leasowes Park and, along with other volunteers, have been restoring it since then. They dedicated it to the public. It provides a wonderful oasis for both humans and wildlife with a wildlife pond and wildflower meadow with limited access for wildlife.

Carole is passionate about people having access to the countryside and living alongside and appreciating our wildlife. With her husband Mick and friend Roy, she formed the HalesOwen Abbey Trust in 1986. The Trust has opened Public Rights of Way, the ruins of St Mary's Abbey, planted over 11,000 trees and replaced a canal bridge.

Wednesday 15th October 10.30am - Long Lane Library

Spaces are limited, phone Long Lane Library on 01384 812880 or email longlanelibrary@gll.org to book.

Wren's Nest National Nature Reserve is of exceptional importance. Join Paul on an imaginary walk around the site. A light hearted, interactive talk that highlights why Wren's Nest is recognised as one of the top Geological sites in the World, as well as a major contributor to the Industrial Revolution.

Paul is an experienced walk leader at Wren's Nest National Nature Reserve and sits on the committee of their Friends Group. Paul and the rest of the Friends are passionate about Wren's Nest and are working hard to obtain funding that will create a Visitor's facility on site befitting a globally recognised geological site.

Thursday 16th October 2.00pm - Sedgley Library

Spaces are limited, phone Sedgley Library on 01384 812790 or email sedgley.library@gll.org to book.

The talk is a photographic journey from Old Hill to Longbridge using original, largely unpublished images from the late 1930s to the mid-1960s.

David was born and raised in Hasbury and spent rather a lot of his youth in Halesowen Library, then moved to Dorset. David returned to Worcestershire in 1990 and worked for a large multinational company for many years before setting up his own business selling vintage transport media. The images in the presentation are a by-product of that business.

Wednesday 22nd October 7.00pm - Halesowen Library

Spaces are limited, phone Halesowen Library on 01384 812983 or email halesowen.library@gll.org to book.

The exhibition will consist of two sets of photographs - one illustrating the first days of steam railways in the Dudley area between 1830 and 1860 including the local locomotive 'Agenoria'. The second illustrates the final days of steam in the area from late 1950s to early 1960s and includes unique images of engines and trains from the Terry Hyde collection.

Exhibition will be open during Dudley Archives and Local History Service opening times. 11th October - 20th December.