I have started a One Place Study for West Smethwick area. Covering the area of West Smethwick estate, part of Spon Lane including area of the Chance Glassworks, St Paul’s Road and West Smethwick Park.
West Smethwick area grew up developed in 19th century as a distinct community near to Chance
Glassworks. Prior to this Spon Lane was mentioned in 1694 and houses were found on Birmingham –
Dudley Road, about later 18th century this now called Oldbury Road. West Smethwick Estate of
houses appeared by 1840s with George Street and these houses later were demolished and by 1970s
new houses appeared these were known locally as the Concrete Jungle; the houses were made of
concrete. These have now also been changed to new houses made of brick.
Prior to this the area was farmland, one of these was Blakeley Hall Farm part of this land was used for the Glassworks. By 1815, this Glass works was bought by Chance Brothers in 1822. Railway Station at Spon Lane appeared in 1852. A parish church of St Paul’s, West Smethwick built in 1858, West Smethwick Station was built by 1867, this was changed to Galton Bridge Station in 1995. Area near to St Paul’s Church grew up by later 1880s. West Smethwick Park was opened in 1895 this was on 43 acres given, laid out and endowed by James Timmins Chance.
West Smethwick 