The Black Country has become synonymous with steel production since the turn of the Industrial Revolution. In around 1760, when the Industrial Revolution began in Great Britain.

The period saw developments in hand production methods, chemical manufacturing, iron production and machinery as well as the use of steam power and the rise of factory systems.

During this time, the West Midlands became one of the most industrial parts of Britain. With coal mines, iron foundries, glass factories and steel mills continuously littering the skyline, air pollution and soot began to smother the region. As a result, the term “Black Country” was born.

An expression first coined in the 1840s, Black Country was infamously “black by day and red by night” due to the soot, smog and burning crimson forges igniting the sky.

Today, the Black Country has balanced out and is not so industrialised. However, Black Country’s history is still ingrained into those who still work with our manufacturing and steelwork sectors and carries a heritage we are proud to continue.