The following photos are of buildings which are of historical importance in my opinion and should therefore be saved from demolition. The fact that they have been allowed to fall into such dreadful states of neglect and disrepair is very sad. Let me know what YOU think and maybe with the support, I can let the relative Councils know how we feel. Photos will be added to this list regularly.
DUDLEY MBC
AMBLECOTE
This is the Lodge building which stands behind the old Corbett Hospital main gates which are accessed on High Street, Amblecote. The old Corbett Hospital which had been gifted to the town by John Corbett (See Black Country Past & Present page) was demolished in 2007 and this is the only remaining building of the original hospital. This building appears on Dudley MBC's Locally Listed Buildings Register but this does not guarantee that it will escape demolition. Please note that I will be adding a brief biography for John Corbett on the 'Eminent People' page of www.blackcountrygenealogyandfamilyhistory.co.uk when time allows.
Another view of this historic building.
The inlay depicts the 'Corbet' family coat of arms which John Corbett adopted. This is a raven surmounted by an elephant.
WOODSIDE
This building is of great historical importance and it is hard to comprehend that the library was closed when so many people used it. It dates back to 1896 and is one of the areas real treasures.
The ornate brickwork into which the date has been inscribed.
DUDLEY
Can anybody provide me with information about this building? Was it a Chapel perhaps? The building is located at the bottom of King Street, Dudley. It was built in 1866 and looks so sad and forlorn now. If only I had the money to do it up and use it as an office. Well, I can dream can't I? More photos below.
SANDWELL MBC
CRADLEY HEATH
With the establishment of a separate parish in 1844 it became obvious that a parish church must be built in Cradley Heath. The land was acquired for the Church and Churchyard, this land being situated on the corner of Four Ways. The architect was William Bourne who drew up very comprehensive and detailed plans and specifications. On Friday the 24th October 1845, a ceremony took place to lay the foundation stone. This was laid by the Right Honourable Lady Ward. It was estimated that the Church would be ready within 15 months - in 1847, the church was consecrated.
In 1878, the Church was closed to carry out extensive renovations and repairs. Later, in the period 1919 to 1928, an immense restoration project began. The work had to be done with architect's specifications and contractor's tenders. The interior of the Church had to be repaired and painted but the main restoration work involved the exterior of the Church.The Church had been constructed from soft red sandstone but over time, this was eroded by the weather and excessive air pollution caused by the industries of that day. Four alternative proposals were put forward by the architect, Mr Butler and it would appear that the first, to reface the Church with stone was the one carried out (it may be reinforced concrete as I am not an expert and this was another alternative provided by the architect). Its appearance today therefore differs greatly to when it was built.
Information extracted from the book by Rev J C Williams, B.A. who became the Vicar of Cradley Heath Parish Church in 1943. The book is entitled 'Cradley Heath Parish Church, ST. Luke The Evangelist. One Hundred Years, 1847-1947'. The following is extracted from his introduction:
"The Centenary of the Church has prompted me to write this short history to enable us all to know something of what has taken place during its first hundred years. I hope that this record may prove of some value to those who follow us." J. C. Williams. January 30th, 1947.
We must pay tribute to Rev J. C. Williams for providing this portrait of how the nation changed from dark industrial days to an era of social justice.
The Church has suffered from mindless vandalism over recent years - the graffitti is evident everywhere. However, to lose this Church which has so much history and is a major landmark in Cradley Heath, would be a dreadful loss. The Church is still used and has very fond memories for myself and my family as three generations were baptized and married there.
This is the Baptist Church, which is only a short distance from the parish church of St Lukes. It was Grade II listed on 29 September 1987 and is not considered to be at risk. However, a Grade II listing does not guarantee that the Church is safe.
LANGLEY
This Church, St Michaels and All Angels at Causeway Green Road, Langley Green was the parish church for Langley from 1890. Many of my ancestors were baptized and married there and indeed it was the setting for many family occasions for 117 years. The last service was held on 1 July 2007 and it is highly likely that the building will be demolished because a buyer cannot be found by The Birmingham Diocese. More photos below.
OLD HILL
This is the former Wesleyan Chapel built in 1904. It has been left to deteriorate for at least six years. This is not a listed building which is very disappointing.
The foundation stones below are inlaid into the front of the chapel.
TIPTON
The Crown and Cushion Inn, Gospel Oak Road, Tipton is yet another derelict Public House. The following family is recorded as living there in 1891:
Head of household, Samuel Corfield aged 38 and his wife, Hannah aged 35. Children, Emma, aged 10, Thomas, aged 9, Samuel, aged 8 and Joseph, aged 4. A Servant, Mary J Moor is present in the household. Samuel's occupation was Coal Miner.
It would appear that the Corfield family were quite wealthy - William Corfield, aged 52, living at Providence House was a Coal Master. Indeed three Corfield families appear living next door to each other. Each household had a servant.
Is this another piece of history that is going to disappear?
WALSALL MBC
WALSALL
I have to concede to not knowing at the present time what this building was in days gone by. Possibly a Church or School? Despite its somewhat drab appearance, the architecture is fascinating, hence its inclusion on "My Restoration Wish List".
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