Walsall Local Information: 10 top things to know... more
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1. History
Walsall was first mentioned in a document from 1002 as ‘Walesho’. In 1219, Walsall started to hold a weekly market every Tuesday and this market still takes place today. During the Industrial Revolution, Walsall was transformed from a small village to an important manufacturing town with a population of over 86,000.
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2. Now
Walsall remains a large industrial town. It is located to the east of Wolverhampton and northwest of Birmingham and is part of both the West Midlands and the Black Country.
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3. Events
Walsall has a range of events throughout the year including Rosie’s Charity Walk and Festival, Wasall Beer Festival and Blackwood Picnic in the Park. One of the most popular local festivals is the Black Country Boating Festival which is held every September. This festival brings the community and people from further afield together to raise money for both local and national c...Read more
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4. Attractions
The New Art Gallery was opened in 2000 and displays a number of works from famous artists and sculptors including Jacob Epstein, Constable, Renoir, Van Gogh, Monet and Turner. The gallery also hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year.
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5. Things To Do
The Walsall Museum is dedicated to the history of the local area and has a permanent gallery called ‘The Changing Face of Walsall.’ The Museum offers a range of activities for all ages during the year. The Walsall Leather Museum celebrates Walsall’s most famous industry and displays leather related goods that have been made in Walsall including saddles, shoes, gloves and ...Read more
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6. Business
The town’s local limestone quarry helped the town become very prosperous during the Industrial Revolution. Walsall has been the home to many different industries such as coal mining and metal working, but in the 19th century when the coal mining industry stopped in the area, the town became famous for other trades. Over the years Walsall has manufactured a wide range of produ...Read more
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7. Transport
The first railway line in Walsall was built in 1847. The town’s proximity to Birmingham means that there are excellent transport links to the west and the rest of the UK. The M6 and the M5 are easily accessed from the town and offer easy routes down to London and up to Scotland.
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8. Entertainment
Britain’s first Wurlitzer theatre organ was installed at Walsall’s New Picture House in 1925 and Walsall still keeps its local community entertained with shows and events. The Grange Playhouse offers theatrical performances throughout the year and the nearby Birmingham NIA and NEC have famous stars performing all the time.
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9. Famous Landmarks
A famous local Walsall landmark is the Barr Beacon, which is the highest point until the Ural Mountains in Russia. Historically the hill is where beacons have been lit to warn of impending attacks or to celebrate occasions.
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10. Interesting Fact
Many famous people who have been born in Walsall, including supermodel Erin O’Connor, Slade frontman Noddy Holder, Olympic athlete Mark Lewis-Francis and Coronation Street’s Audrey Roberts, Sue Nicholls.
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Walsall Blog
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Market traders want return to old measurements
Stallholders at Walsall’s Bridge Market have announced that they would like kilograms and gram changed back to pounds and ounces at their market. The decision has come after Asda announced that they will start selling 1lb punnets of strawberries at...
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Back to golden era at cinema
Walsall Museum is taking cinema fans back to a golden era with its ‘Your Corner’ exhibition that explores the story behind the 1957 film The Prince and the Showgirl. Local man Ian Payne has put the display together with...
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New chapter at libraries
The Big Book Fortnight was a resounding success with over 300 bookworms heading to their local library to promote local library services. The annual event is now in its seventh year and authors John Boyne, Rosie Goodwin, Gaynor Arnold and Anne...
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Swimmers diving in for channel challenge
Some Walsall swimmers who are attempting to swim the English Channel tested their sea legs as they headed for a dip at Dover’s famous Swimmers’ Beach. Rob Cash, Paul Bates, Darran Dyke, Stuart Dugmore, Gary Edgington and Richard...
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