Kirjahaku

Local history of Bloxwich

LOCAL Historian David Vodden has here compiled a superb selection of over 200 photographs. Walsall Revisited contains numerous pictures from private collections as well as many that have not been published recently, if at all. They show how Walsall has grown in the last 150 years or so, developing from a small market town with muddy streets, to a thriving, bustling Borough town with fine public buildings and impressive streetscapes. Illustrated here are local industries and trades, the often-photographed Bridge with the George Hotel, its trams and trolleybuses and, of course, the original white marble statue to Sister Dora (re-erected in bronze in 1957). Modern changes are not forgotten: Digbeth’s market area and the Overstrand Restaurant, together with developments at Town Wharf are also included. This book will give great pleasure to those who have seen Walsall evolve, as well as to residents and visitors who know only the new town.

David Vodden has been asking Black County folk for photographs from their family albums and collections, and interesting stories they have to tell about growing up, living and working in the region over the last century. The best of these images are included in this work.

In the sixteenth century Totnes became one of the twenty richest towns in the country, thanks to Dartmoor tin and the cloth trade. Over sixty houses from this period still remain in the main street.

This is a superb collection of over 200 photographs selected and informatively captioned by David Vodden. Walsall in Living Memory contains pictures from the author's own and other private sources, many of which have never been published before. Illustrated here are servicemen and civilians, the Anglo-American Friendship Week in February 1945, local industries, Scouting activities, events and familiar landmarks like the power station, the Savoy Cinema and the market. As well as pre-war and wartime images, modern changes are also documented including the rebuilding of Old Square and Digbeth, the development of the Civic Centre, the New Art Gallery, the bus station, Woolworths and the pedestrianisation of Park Street, High Street and Darwall Street. Even the most recent redevelopment of High Street and George Street features here. This is David Vodden's third book on Walsall and it is sure to bring back happy memories to those who know the town, as well as providing a valuable insght into its part for visitors and new residents alike.