Historic Buildings – Brierley Hill Blog

1873 – St Mary’s RC Church opens amidst pledges of support to the queen and to fight for equality

November 26, 2013 | By Brierley Hill Blogger | Post comment

Designed by Walby Pugin the St Mary’s Church was opened on Wednesday 15th October 1873. The Birmingham Daily Post of 17th October contained the following article describing the events of the day. Even in those days there were worries about the condition of the building – foundations had cracked and the bell tower was (and is) yet to be be completed. During many toasts at a celebration in the public hall Brierley Hill dignitaries pledged the loyal support to Her Majesty “…if the socialistic, horrible, and infidel days which seemed imminent were to arrive”!

Travels with Pevsner: “As if a place like Brierley Hill needed any flats”

November 14, 2013 | By Brierley Hill Blogger | Post comment

Nikolaus Pevsner wrote and published a 46 volume series of books on the buildings of England. The last volume to be published (1974) covered Staffordshire and included buildings in Brierley Hill, Quarry Bank, Brockmoor and Pensnett. It also included some odd comments about Brierley Hill flats and the Black Country.