Whist canals were undoubtedly important in the early development of the Black Country, railways were arguably more so. As well as being industrially important the railways also transformed towns, carried migrants and brought artists and writers, who publicised the region’s characteristics to a national audience. This event introduces several themes: the Agenoria, the first locomotive built in the Black Country, named after the Roman goddess of activity; railway brick building and station construction, accidents and railways travel. The history day explores the technological and cultural history of the railways and their role in shaping Black Country industry and society.
This event is organised by the Black Country Society in collaboration with the Black Country Living Museum as part of the Society’s contribution to Railway 200. It will take place at the museum on Saturday November 8th 2025, from 10.00am to 4.30pm.
A fee of about £30 per person will be charged which includes the cost of refreshments, lunch and car parking at the Museum.
Speakers – titles to be confirmed:
• Chris Baker, Agenoria, Aristocrats and Iron Masters – Railway Beginnings in the western Black Country
• Quintin Watt, ‘Red for Danger in the Black Country’ – Early Railway Accidents and their Impact
• Elizabeth Thomson, Brickmaking and the Railways
• Keith Hodgkins, The Story of Low-Level Station, Wolverhampton
• David Eveleigh, ‘Views from the Coach Window’ – Railway Travel in the Victorian Black Country