One of Smethwick’s most important histories is its global industry during the Victorian era. This town once played a big role in international trade, the British empire and commonwealth and the movement of people around the world!
Join Dr Simon Briercliffe on this guided heritage walk and learn about the stories that tie Smethwick and its history to the global stage. What was it like? How has it forged the town we see today? And what evidence can we see around us?
Stops include sites such as the the Chance Brothers’ Glassworks, the Guru Nanak Gurdwara, the Red Cow pub and Marshall Street’s Malcom X plaque.
Want to have a fun day out, while also learning about the rich history of your local area? Come and join us as we take a whistle-stop tour through time!
During the walk, you’ll get to:
• Visit key historical sites in Smethwick
• Hear about your local heritage from historian Simon Briercliffe
• Share your own memories of your area
• Learn about the global impact of Smethwick and the role of immigration in forging the town we know today
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YOUR HOST
Dr Simon Briercliffe (MA) is a historian (Black Country Living Museum) and Doctorial Researcher at the University of Birmingham. Simon specialises in the history of the Black Country, and has worked in museums and heritage. Alongside his research, Simon is an avid public speaker and reader, and even runs a local history blog!
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ADDITIONAL INFO
Who can join?
Anyone aged 12+ can join the walk (children must be accompanied by an adult).
Please be aware, the walking route is 2.8km in length, and will take approximately 2 hours to complete.
When is this event happening?
There will be two sessions to choose from when booking. One on Tuesday 10th May at 2:30pm, the other on Saturday 4th June at 10am.
Please choose one session.
Where is this event happening?
We’ll meet you at Smethwick Cenotaph, next to Council House and Victoria Park, on High Street.
Once everyone has arrived, we’ll then head out on the walk.
Do I need to bring anything?
Please bring any food or refreshments you may need for the duration of the walk. This session will be outdoors, so please dress appropriately and wear suitable footwear. There may not be facilities during some parts of the walk, so please be prepared for a few hours outside.
• Any snacks or refreshments
• Suitable footwear
• Weather appropriate clothing (waterproofs/hats/suncream)
What happens if it rains?
This event will go ahead rain or shine. We strongly suggest you check the forecast ahead of time, and prepare for rain if necessary – don’t forget waterproofs and a brolly!
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ABOUT MADE IN SMETHWICK
Made in Smethwick is an exciting season of events and activities taking place in and around Smethwick, highlighting the rich global history of local area.
Focusing on stories relating to two former industrial sites – Chance Brothers Glassworks and Soho Foundry and Mint – the events are a chance for people to explore the town’s industrial heritage, discover the history of their neighbourhood, and share their own ideas about what it’s like to live, work, and grow up in the area.
VIEW THE FULL PROGRAMME
This isn’t the only event! Check out the full programme here.
THANKS TO…
This project has been funded by the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund.
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HAVE YOUR SAY: HOW SHOULD OUR OLD INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS BE USED?
Chance Heritage Trust is on a mission to raise the cultural profile of Smethwick’s industrial heritage, and bring former industrial buildings – like the iconic Chance Glassworks – back into use within the community.
Now, with help from the Community Renewal Fund, Chance Heritage Trust is starting to develop plans for the Chance Glassworks site.
This survey is part of a wider programme of community consultation, which will help to shape these plans.
How would you like to see these buildings used? And, apart from living and working spaces, what kind of opportunities and facilities should they contain for community use?
