Essential Hotels > England > West Midlands > Dudley

Dudley is the second largest town in the country after Reading and is the largest town in the country without a university. Its position in the West Midlands is inextricably linked with its prominence in the industrialisation of the region and the country as a whole; it was the Industrial Revolution itself that pushed the town on in its growth and development during the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, the town proves a popular place to visit, most notably due to the likes of the Dudley Zoological Gardens and the Dudley Castle which are found in the vicinity.

The town is situated to the west of Birmingham and to the south of Wolverhampton, placing it fairly near to the neighbouring counties of Shropshire and Worcestershire. A number of smaller towns initially came together to form the wider Dudley region and what they had in common was their various minerals that were found underground. The materials were later used in manufacturing that led to the expansive industrialisation that swept the area.

Historically, Dudley goes back as far as medieval times and there are several ancient buildings found in the area. A castle was initially built in the 11th century although the present structure dates to the 13th century, while St James’ Priory was made in the 12th century. The town remained largely rural until the transforming effects of the Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries. Coal and limestone were particular goods mined here, but these developments did lead to the town being declared the unhealthiest place to live in the country in 1852. Prior to this, in 1712, the Newcomen steam engine was installed. Sub-standard housing was taken down at the beginning of the 20th century, while the Second World War saw bombs fall on this part of the country. Also of note, an earthquake rumbled the area in 2002.

As well as Dudley Zoo and Dudley Castle there are several other attractions and features that have contributed to the growth and development of the town over the years, as well as some that speak of Dudley’s past. There is a canal which works its way around the West Midlands including a tunnel while more recently the Merry Hill centre with its shops was added. The Black Country Museum, the Dudley Museum and Art Gallery, and the Wren’s Nest National Nature Reserve are also set in the town.