West Bromwich
West Bromwich is a town in southern Staffordshire which forms a part of the Black Country. It lies approximately 7 miles north-west of Birmingham, Warwickshire and a similar distance south of Wolverhampton. West Bromwich has a population of around 103,000. The town was heavily shaped by the coal industry in the area, which saw the town grow rapidly in the 19th century. However, some relics of pre-industrial West Bromwich remain, such as the 17th century Oak House, a prominent landmark in the town.
It is the largest town within the area of Sandwell Council, which is responsible for local government in the area.
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Geography
West Bromwich lies in the far south of Staffordshire, within the Offlow hundred and close to the border with Worcestershire, across which lies Oldbury.
The eastern end of West Bromwich is home to Sandwell Valley Country Park which contains two local nature reserves, Priory Woods and Forge Mill lake, and one RSPB nature reserve, also known as Sandwell Valley.
Transport
The northern terminus of the M5 motorway on the M6 (which pass the town to the east and north respectively), one of the most crucial junctions on the UK road network, is located the north-eastern suburbs of West Bromwich.
Sport
The town is home to the association football team West Bromwich Albion F.C., who play at The Hawthorns.
Notable people
- Phil Lynott (1949-1986) - English-born Irish singer-songwriter and bassist known as the frontman of Thin Lizzy.
- Robert Plant (1948-present) - singer-songwriter and frontman of Led Zeppelin.
