The Black Country in the West Midlands was at the heart of the Industrial Revolution. The area became known for its intensive heavy industries and a unique identity developed around the densely populated towns of the Black Country. Over the years a host of strange and unusual tales have grown up around the Black Country, from remarkable historical happenings and stories of the supernatural to more recent documented cases. Curious beliefs and customs were once widespread in the area’s towns and villages, some of which still flourish today. The fascinating and quirky stories include the building of the world’s first successful steam engine by Thomas Newcomen, celebrated today by Black Country Day, and the manufacture of the anchor for the Titanic, the largest ship in the world at that time. A replica of Newcomen’s engine can be seen today at the Black Country Living Museum and a replica of Titanic’s anchor stands in Netherton town centre. Holbeach House near Dudley was the site of the last stand of the Gunpowder Plotters and Dudley Castle is known as one of the most haunted castles in the country, its many ghosts including the Grey Lady. Fully illustrated throughout, Illustrated Tales of the Black Country explores these stories and others of local historical importance.
