Council House, Lichfield Street, Walsall (2008). The architecture of this building is a wonderful example of Edwardian Baroque style. The Council House opened in 1905 - the architect was James Gibson who also designed Walsall Central Library in 1906 and which is next door to the Council House. Both buildings are located in Lichfield Street, of which part is considered to be the grandest street in Walsall town Centre.
Old Science and Art Institute, Walsall (2008). The Science and Art Institute, in Bradford Place, was built in 1888 by the Earl of Bradford's family. At first the Victorian building was a preparatory school before being used as a teaching college for nursing and then by Walsall College as the Institute of Science and Art. It is now occupied by Globe Property, but some of its original features, such as the blackboards, radiators and pipework were retained in the refurbishment.This is now a Grade II listed building.
War Memorial, Bradford Place, Walsall (2008).
War Memorial, Bradford Place, Walsall (2008).
The Old Clinic, Walsall (2008).
Hole in the Wall Curtains, Walsall (2008). The wall visible in the photograph is an enormous 2800 square feet. The graffiti artist Chu, painted the mural in 2007 - it was commissioned by the 'Hole in the Wall' fabric outlet and took 42 full working days to complete. It was an attempt at the world's largest solo painted mural. The painting is a celebration of Walsall's past, present and future and can be viewed and accessed from Upper Rushall Street.
Almshouses, Wednesbury Road, Walsall (2008). These twelve neat red brick cottages were built in the Elizabethan style. They were erected and endowed by Henry Boys of Walsall in 1886 at a cost of £10000. Henry Boys was a Walsall brick manufacturer. He died 16 March 1894 aged 62 and his grave is in Queen Street Cemetery and Sister Dora Gardens.
BOAK, Bridgeman Street, Walsall (2008). Leather is the commodity for which Walsall became famous. In 1916, Boak Walsall Ltd, was making leather for many trades, including fancy leathers from calf, sheep and goat skins. Now derelict, it has been designated a Grade II listed building by English Heritage. This will be a lasting reminder of Walsall's leather trade which dates back to the late 18th century. Even today, some companies continue to provide goods for the saddlery and equine markets.
The Jerome K. Jerome Birthplace, Bradford Street, Walsall (2008). Jerome Klapka Jerome was born on 2 May 1859 and died on 14 June 1927. His grave is in the beautiful churchyard of Ewelme, Oxfordshire. He is most famous for his book, Three Men In A Boat which appeared in 1889. Jerome's birthplace is Belsize House, now owned by Edmunds and Co solicitors as shown in the photograph above. The building is Grade II listed and was recently restored and upgraded by Edmunds and Co. There is a Jerome K Jerome display in the reception area and the waiting room has a portrait of Jerome. In September 2008, a blue Heritage plaque was placed on the building. The exhibits from the former museum will be displayed in another building when the Jerome K. Jerome Society find a permanent home. Edmunds and Co are keen to continue the connection with Jerome and the aforementioned Jerome K. Jerome Society.
Paragon Saddlery Works 1902, Wednesbury Road, Walsall (2008). This former saddlery works appears to have been converted into flats.
An old Walsall road sign (2008).
Walsall Lithographic Company, Midland Road, Walsall (2008). Here are three photographs of Walsall Lithographic Company which appears to be in three parts. The company was founded in 1894 and its 120 strong workforce produced postage stamps for Royal Mail and whisky labels for Grants. In 1966, it became Walsall Security Printers. It was reported in the press (Nov 2008), that the building may be bulldozed to make way for a new housing development. Previous plans for demolition have failed. The factory mentioned in the newspaper article refers to Wednesbury Road which is where the two buildings below are situated. The building above appears to be in use and is on Midland Road.
The demolition of all the Walsall Lithographic Buildings, which is now in progress. Yet another part of our heritage that is disappearing before our eyes!
Former General Hospital Outpatients Department (2008). This hospital has now been converted into flats and still retains the old 'Outpatients' sign above the doorway.
Former General Hospital Outpatients Department (2008).
The Guildhall, High Street, Walsall (2008). The Guildhall was one of the earliest seats of local government as far back as the 15th century. It became the Town Hall in 1547 but the present hall was rebuilt in 1865-67. This only served as the Town Hall until 1905 when the current Council House in Lichfield Street was completed. The Guildhall continued to be part used as a magistrates court until 1976 when it fell into disrepair. (There is a plaque inside which indicates that it was used as a jail in 1866). It was restored in 1986 as shops and offices but is now partially used as a restaurant.
Unknown (2008). This building bears the initials WSB which indicates that it could have been a Wesleyan Strict Baptist Chapel. The gothic nature of the building is also indicative of the style favoured by the Strict Baptists.
St Paul's Church, (The Crossing), Walsall (2008). In 1892/93 the church of St Paul, which had been built in 1826 was replaced by the present building which is of a sandstone structure. In 1995, the church was converted to form 'The Crossing at St Paul's'. There are shops and a café and the centre takes its name from the shape of the Victorian church. The main place of worship is now at roof level in the nave.
St Matthews Church, Walsall (2008).
St Matthews Church, Walsall (2008). The site on which this church stands was previously that of All Saints from the 13th to 18th century. However, rebuilding work took place in 1820/21 although medieval work is still visible. Francis Goodwin, (b.1784 - d.1835 of London) was the Architect responsible for the above restoration.
St Matthews Church, Walsall (2008).
St Matthews Church, Walsall (2008).
St Matthews Church, Walsall (2008).
St Matthews Church, Walsall (2008).
St Matthews Church, Walsall (2008). The chancel (east end of the church), was built some time after 1462 and appears to be the oldest part with large perpendicular windows. The medieval work which dates back to the 15th century is obvious from the sandstone which can be seen in the photograph above.
St Matthews Church, Walsall (2008). The photograph above shows the memorial lychgate.
St Matthews Church, Walsall (2008).
St Matthews Church, Walsall (2008).
Saint Mary's The Mount, Roman Catholic Church, Walsall (2008).
Saint Mary's The Mount, Roman Catholic Church, Walsall (2008).
Saint Mary's The Mount, Roman Catholic Church, Walsall (2008). Saint Mary's The Mount is near to the site of the former General Hospital.
St Mary's The Mount Parish Hall, Walsall (2008).
St Mary's The Mount Parish Hall, Walsall (2008).
Particular Baptist Chapel, Midland Road, Walsall (2008). The Particular Baptists were established in Walsall in 1840 led by George Nicklin. This building was opened on Tuesday 24 March 1910. A group of Particular Baptists moved there after having previously acquired a vacant Primitive Methodist Chapel in Newport Street and Lower Hall Lane in 1845.
Walsall Maintenance Depot (2008). This depot is in Corporation Street and is the only remaining original railway building in Walsall. It is a dreadful shame that such a fine example of our heritage could soon be demolished.
Walsall Maintenance Depot (2008). Another photograph of the depot, portraying the character of the original building.
Council House, Lichfield Street, Walsall (2008). The architecture of this building is a wonderful example of Edwardian Baroque style. The Council House opened in 1905 - the architect was James Gibson who also designed Walsall Central Library in 1906 and which is next door to the Council House. Both buildings are located in Lichfield Street, of which part is considered to be the grandest street in Walsall town Centre.
Old Science and Art Institute, Walsall (2008). The Science and Art Institute, in Bradford Place, was built in 1888 by the Earl of Bradford's family. At first the Victorian building was a preparatory school before being used as a teaching college for nursing and then by Walsall College as the Institute of Science and Art. It is now occupied by Globe Property, but some of its original features, such as the blackboards, radiators and pipework were retained in the refurbishment.This is now a Grade II listed building.
War Memorial, Bradford Place, Walsall (2008).
War Memorial, Bradford Place, Walsall (2008).
The Old Clinic, Walsall (2008).
Hole in the Wall Curtains, Walsall (2008). The wall visible in the photograph is an enormous 2800 square feet. The graffiti artist Chu, painted the mural in 2007 - it was commissioned by the 'Hole in the Wall' fabric outlet and took 42 full working days to complete. It was an attempt at the world's largest solo painted mural. The painting is a celebration of Walsall's past, present and future and can be viewed and accessed from Upper Rushall Street.
Almshouses, Wednesbury Road, Walsall (2008). These twelve neat red brick cottages were built in the Elizabethan style. They were erected and endowed by Henry Boys of Walsall in 1886 at a cost of £10000. Henry Boys was a Walsall brick manufacturer. He died 16 March 1894 aged 62 and his grave is in Queen Street Cemetery and Sister Dora Gardens.
BOAK, Bridgeman Street, Walsall (2008). Leather is the commodity for which Walsall became famous. In 1916, Boak Walsall Ltd, was making leather for many trades, including fancy leathers from calf, sheep and goat skins. Now derelict, it has been designated a Grade II listed building by English Heritage. This will be a lasting reminder of Walsall's leather trade which dates back to the late 18th century. Even today, some companies continue to provide goods for the saddlery and equine markets.
The Jerome K. Jerome Birthplace, Bradford Street, Walsall (2008). Jerome Klapka Jerome was born on 2 May 1859 and died on 14 June 1927. His grave is in the beautiful churchyard of Ewelme, Oxfordshire. He is most famous for his book, Three Men In A Boat which appeared in 1889. Jerome's birthplace is Belsize House, now owned by Edmunds and Co solicitors as shown in the photograph above. The building is Grade II listed and was recently restored and upgraded by Edmunds and Co. There is a Jerome K Jerome display in the reception area and the waiting room has a portrait of Jerome. In September 2008, a blue Heritage plaque was placed on the building. The exhibits from the former museum will be displayed in another building when the Jerome K. Jerome Society find a permanent home. Edmunds and Co are keen to continue the connection with Jerome and the aforementioned Jerome K. Jerome Society.
Paragon Saddlery Works 1902, Wednesbury Road, Walsall (2008). This former saddlery works appears to have been converted into flats.
An old Walsall road sign (2008).
Walsall Lithographic Company, Midland Road, Walsall (2008). Here are three photographs of Walsall Lithographic Company which appears to be in three parts. The company was founded in 1894 and its 120 strong workforce produced postage stamps for Royal Mail and whisky labels for Grants. In 1966, it became Walsall Security Printers. It was reported in the press (Nov 2008), that the building may be bulldozed to make way for a new housing development. Previous plans for demolition have failed. The factory mentioned in the newspaper article refers to Wednesbury Road which is where the two buildings below are situated. The building above appears to be in use and is on Midland Road.
Walsall Lithographic Company, Wednesbury Road, Walsall (2008).
Walsall Lithographic Company, Wednesbury Road, Walsall (2008).
The demolition of all the Walsall Lithographic Buildings, which is now in progress. Yet another part of our heritage that is disappearing before our eyes!
Former General Hospital Outpatients Department (2008). This hospital has now been converted into flats and still retains the old 'Outpatients' sign above the doorway.
Former General Hospital Outpatients Department (2008).
The Guildhall, High Street, Walsall (2008). The Guildhall was one of the earliest seats of local government as far back as the 15th century. It became the Town Hall in 1547 but the present hall was rebuilt in 1865-67. This only served as the Town Hall until 1905 when the current Council House in Lichfield Street was completed. The Guildhall continued to be part used as a magistrates court until 1976 when it fell into disrepair. (There is a plaque inside which indicates that it was used as a jail in 1866). It was restored in 1986 as shops and offices but is now partially used as a restaurant.
Unknown (2008). This building bears the initials WSB which indicates that it could have been a Wesleyan Strict Baptist Chapel. The gothic nature of the building is also indicative of the style favoured by the Strict Baptists.
St Paul's Church, (The Crossing), Walsall (2008). In 1892/93 the church of St Paul, which had been built in 1826 was replaced by the present building which is of a sandstone structure. In 1995, the church was converted to form 'The Crossing at St Paul's'. There are shops and a café and the centre takes its name from the shape of the Victorian church. The main place of worship is now at roof level in the nave.
St Matthews Church, Walsall (2008). 
St Matthews Church, Walsall (2008). The site on which this church stands was previously that of All Saints from the 13th to 18th century. However, rebuilding work took place in 1820/21 although medieval work is still visible. Francis Goodwin, (b.1784 - d.1835 of London) was the Architect responsible for the above restoration.
St Matthews Church, Walsall (2008).
St Matthews Church, Walsall (2008).
St Matthews Church, Walsall (2008).
St Matthews Church, Walsall (2008).
St Matthews Church, Walsall (2008). The chancel (east end of the church), was built some time after 1462 and appears to be the oldest part with large perpendicular windows. The medieval work which dates back to the 15th century is obvious from the sandstone which can be seen in the photograph above.
St Matthews Church, Walsall (2008). The photograph above shows the memorial lychgate.
St Matthews Church, Walsall (2008).
St Matthews Church, Walsall (2008).
Saint Mary's The Mount, Roman Catholic Church, Walsall (2008).
Saint Mary's The Mount, Roman Catholic Church, Walsall (2008).
Saint Mary's The Mount, Roman Catholic Church, Walsall (2008). Saint Mary's The Mount is near to the site of the former General Hospital.
St Mary's The Mount Parish Hall, Walsall (2008).
St Mary's The Mount Parish Hall, Walsall (2008).
Particular Baptist Chapel, Midland Road, Walsall (2008). The Particular Baptists were established in Walsall in 1840 led by George Nicklin. This building was opened on Tuesday 24 March 1910. A group of Particular Baptists moved there after having previously acquired a vacant Primitive Methodist Chapel in Newport Street and Lower Hall Lane in 1845.
Walsall Maintenance Depot (2008). This depot is in Corporation Street and is the only remaining original railway building in Walsall. It is a dreadful shame that such a fine example of our heritage could soon be demolished.
Walsall Maintenance Depot (2008). Another photograph of the depot, portraying the character of the original building.
