Living and Working in Sandwell
Sandwell is a large, multi-cultural Metropolitan Borough which lies at the heart of the West Midlands, and has a population of around 300,000. It is bounded by Birmingham, and is made up of the towns of Oldbury, Rowley Regis, Tipton, Wednesbury, Smethwick and West Bromwich. The towns developed as manufacturing and mining centres in the nineteenth century and the smoke and soot which resulted from such successful enterprise meant that the area, along with Wolverhampton, Dudley and Walsall, became known as the "Black Country".
Six Historic Towns
As the six towns of Sandwell grew rapidly through the 19th and early 20th centuries, the boundaries between them blurred. Even so, there is still a great deal of local character and pride to be found in each community.
Oldbury, Rowley Regis, Smethwick, Tipton, Wednesbury and West Bromwich have their own traditions, landmarks, buildings and unique attractions.
Oldbury
Dating from the 13th Century, Oldbury is the geographical centre of Sandwell. The Big House in Church Street is the oldest building, dating to 1705. Famous sons of Oldbury include Jack Judge, who wrote “It’s a Long Way to Tipperary”.
Rowley Regis
The Romans quarried in the Rowley Hills which today are popular with walkers with their fine views. Other attractions inlcude Haden Hill House and Park, a Victorian House built for the Haden family in 1878 and well worth a visit.
Smethwick
Mentioned in the Dooms Day Book as the village of “Smedeuuich” – “The Little Village on the Plain” – it was James Brindley’s canals that sparked the towns industrial expansion. Key attractions include Galton Bridge, Hadley Stadium and a Sikh Temple that was the largest outside India when it was built in 1960.
Tipton
Ironstone, coal and canals were the catalyst for Tipton`s growth. The town was also home to James Watt’s first ever steam engine, housed at the Birmingham Canal Company’s works in Ocker Hill. Tipton is still one of the finest examples of a true Black Country community.
Wednesbury
Wednesbury dates back as far as the Iron Age. Visit the Wednesbury Museum and Art Gallery to see the very fine Richards Collection of 19th Century English and Dutch Masters as well as superb collection of the renowned Ruskin Pottery.
West Bromwich
West Bromwich is Sandwell’s largest town and boasts a population of well over 100,000. Attractions include the Timber Framed Oak House, the historic Sandwell Arch (gateway to the Borough), Sandwell Priory and All Saints Church which still has Norman remains.
Stroll through the town centre to see many interesting things, including a momument to John Wesley, founder of Methodism.
Leisure Around Sandwell
Whether it’s a walk in the country, a step back in time or a run in the park, there’s an embarassment of riches in Sandwell. All year round there’s something to see and do whatever your idea of fun. In fact there is no reason for anyone to have a dull time in Sandwell, which has leisure facilities to cater for every age and taste.
More than 5 million people visit the Borough’s ten leisure and swimming centres, two golf courses and 2,670 acres of parks every year.
The pride of the Borough’s 3000 acres of parkland in Sandwell Valley, a 2,000 acre pocket of Staffordshire countryside at the heart of the Black Country, boasting a nature reserve, three golf courses, two farms and a museum.
- Visit our Leisure and Culture pages for further information.