Thank you for visiting this website to which I am adding a wealth of information and resources specific to the Black Country.
The three aims of this website are:
1) to provide a lasting memory of our ancestors, their lives and the areas in which they lived
2) to provide a source of free information for anyone researching their own family history and
3) to offer a professional, affordable research service to anyone whose roots lie predominantly within the Black Country and who, for various reasons may not be able to conduct their own research. I am also able to assist with 'brick walls' or any other problems encountered. Please see the 'Research' page of this website.
Most of the content on this website is from my own collection, however, I will gladly add any contributions you may wish to make - an old photo or snippet of information - everything will be gratefully accepted. In particular, any photos you have of buildings which are long gone or are soon to go would be really helpful. The speed at which our heritage is being taken away from us in the name of progress is terribly sad and I want to create a tardis of lasting memories before it is too late!
Do take a look at the 'old' photos - you may spot one of your ancestors, someone you know or even a younger you! Take a peek at the 'Miscellany/Memorabilia' section and you will enter a treasure trove of nostalgia.
I hope this evokes as many happy memories for you as it has for me. Enjoy this step back in time!
Happy searching and thank you again for visiting my site.
N.B. With sincere thanks to Colin Brownhill for providing the location and additional information about this Procession. The photograph was taken in Cradley Heath High Street, looking towards Upper High Street. The Procession features, amongst others, the Boys Brigade, Boy Scouts and the gentlemen in the double-breasted jackets are firemen. They are wearing Merryweather helmets which were a type of helmet introduced in the Victorian era - the helmets were made of brass or nickel and had an impressive ornate badge. The shop at the end of the street was Stanley's Wine Merchants - this is supported by the Gilbey's sign. The photo was taken by E Beech of the Imperial Studio, Cradley Heath. A conservative estimate of the year is 1913 to 1915. Another photograph of this Procession appears in 'Black Country Postcards'.
P.S. I will revise the date on each page as it is updated because they are all being added to regularly.
News and Update 8 February 2010.
New content added to 'Black Country Memories' page. 8 February 2010.
New content added to 'Black Country Postcards' page. 8 February 2010.
New content added to 'Eminent People' page. 8 February 2010.
New content added to 'Significant Events' page. 8 February 2010.
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This website was only established in December 2008 but has already received over 4000 visits and achieved a Page Rank of 2. The site is also ranked number one in Google when a search of the web and UK is conducted using both black country genealogy and blackcountrygenealogy as one word in the search field.(Based on searches conducted 5 February 2010).)
Additionally, www.blackcountrychurchyards.co.uk which was established in February 2009, has achieved a Page Rank of 1. This is wonderful news since it is harder for websites to achieve these ranks than a forum. (This site is also achieving a number one ranking in Google). A huge 'Thank You' to everyone who has visited these sites and made them the success they are today. Special thanks also to all who have taken the time to contact me with their kind comments - it truly is appreciated.
Over 400 old postcards, memorabilia and a treasure trove of images and true stories which evoke memories of the past. (Website established December 2008).
Nearly 1400 present day images of the Black Country. (Please note that these are all real photographs, not postcards). These images encompass the remaining 'old' and the ever increasing 'new'. I hope it will be a source of interest for those who are unable to visit the region and a lasting memory for future generations of our rapidly changing landscape. (Website established April 2009).
If you want to showcase your photographs on the Internet or have a story or memories of the Black Country that you would like to share with the world, we can help to make this possible. Also, we believe in supporting local Charities and organizations involved with the heritage and preservation of the Black Country and will provide free webspace for the promotion of your cause. (Website established October 2009).
Due to the overwhelming response to Black Country Churchyards we had to create two more websites as detailed below. This site has 400 photographs of churches and headstones. (Website established February 2009).
This website has nearly 700 photographs of cemeteries and headstones. There are also photographs of War Memorials. Please note that we are carrying out extensive research in respect of those who gave their lives serving their country in World War One. (Website established August 2009).
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The six websites currently have over 4000 images relating to the Black Country, possibly the largest collection of Black Country images online. However, please note that all sites are works in progress and are added to regularly. The sites have been online for less than a year, but we have already received over 13000 visits across all sites in this very short period of time. We are working on a seventh site too which will be published when it is nearer completion. The photos we are adding to this new site will raise the amount of our Black Country images online to over 5000, once published. Watch this space!!
A big 'Thank You' for visiting our websites which we hope you find informative and enjoyable.
This website is dedicated to the memory of all those I have loved and lost.
Copyright Information:
The design, layout and content of this site is copyright of www.blackcountrygenealogyandfamilyhistory.co.uk (unless otherwise stated) and may not be copied in full or part. Please note that the images are copyright protected by either Black Country Genealogy & Family History or the owners whose names appear where relevant. Under no circumstances may these images be displayed on another publicly available website. Legal action may be taken if any content from this site appears on another website or in any other form of media without our express permission.
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