I have started to regularly take photographs of buildings/places in Dudley. Especially older buildings and buildings that might be lost and places that are changing. Here are a selection from my collection.
The Dudley Coat of Arms can be seen above the central window and can in-fact be seen on a number of buildings through-out Dudley. Next time you’re in Dudley, look upwards!
St.Thomas Church, Dudley.
Also known locally as “Top Church”, this is the view from the churchyard. Notice the old painted name in the background, of Preedy’s Tobacco Warehouse, long since gone from the town.
The Gypsies Tent, Dudley.
This famous local pub closed some years ago. How long this building will remain standing, is sadly anyone’s guess.
Priory Park, Dudley.
The Priory ruins are in the foreground, with Dudley College and Dudley Castle further back. The Park was opened in 1932 and has recently been awarded a £2.6 million grant. Improvement works will start shortly!
Coronation Gardens Dudley.
War Memorial and statue in the background. The inscription reads… “ Dedicated to the men and women of Dudley who have given their lives in the service of our Country that we might live in peace. At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them ”
Dudley Council House.
Built in 1935 and officially opened in 1936 by the Duke and Duchess of Kent.
Dudley Town Hall, Clock Tower.
Built in 1928, there is a WWI memorial behind the gates. The inscription above reads… “If you think, have a kindly thought. If you speak, speak generously of those who as heroes fought and died to keep you free” specially written by Thomas Hardy, apparently!
You’ll never get lost in Dudley!
Dudley Museum and Art Gallery, St.James Rd/Priory Street.
This building was originally The Dudley School of Art and Free Library, and was completed in 1884. Sadly the tower, which once sat on top of the corner of the building, is now missing. The museum is well worth a visit, and among lots of other things, houses a permanent Exhibition to former Manchester United and England footballer, Duncan Edwards. ( entrance is free! )
Municipal Buildings, Dudley. St. James / Ednam Road.
Priory Hall, Priory Park, Dudley. Built in 1824.
Priory Hall in the Winter.
Old Post box on The Green, over-looking Priory Park.
Dudley Castle hangs eerily in the background. Taken from the Coronation Gardens in Dudley.
Quaint, mid to late 19th Century cottage located in Priory Street, Dudley.
Old Police Station, Priory Street, Dudley.
Built in 1847, the original Police station had a very imposing look, somewhat of that of a fortified prison! The buildings are now used as council offices. The present site of the Police station is in Tower Street, to where it moved after the second world war.
The Crown Public House, Wolverhampton Street/Priory Street, Dudley ( currently closed ).
Built in 1895-96, a very fine example of Victorian architecture.
Holloway Chambers, Priory Street, Dudley.
Built in 1909, the inscription reads…"God helps those who help themselves ” and as my dad always says…. “ …and those that do help themselves… GOD HELP ‘EM!”
Himley Hall, nr Dudley.
Stile, over a fence that isn’t there anymore! Himley Hall.
Himley St. Michael and All Angels Church, Himley, nr Dudley.
Built in 1764.
Wrens Nest National Nature Reserve, Dudley.
In 1956 it became the UK's first ever geological National Nature Reserve. The Wrens Nest and Castle Hill twin Limestone Hills are the subject of an on-going bid to become a World Heratige Site.
Wrens Nest National Nature Reserve, Dudley.
The “Seven Sisters” is the last remaining surface opening limestone cavern in the world. Unfortunately it is temporarily filled-in at the moment.
St. Johns Church, Kates Hill, Dudley.
Designed by William Bourne and built in 1838-40 for ( a reduced cost of ) £3000.
St. Johns Church.
The resting place of William Perry, known more commonly as the “Tipton Slasher”, bare-knuckle Champion of England! A statue of whom can be found in Owen Street Tipton.
Kudos House, corner of Priory Road and Ednam Road, Dudley.
Built in 1864 and now ear-marked to be pulled down as it makes way for the expansion of Dudley College. If you view the building from the Ednam Road side, you’ll notice that the cast iron gate that was once used to access the rear gardens or side of the property, has been saved, and is currently attached to the side of the building! (seen here, on the left of the picture)
