Genealogy Forum UK

What books would you recommend for photographs of old Staffordshire? I am particularly interested in West Bromwich, Oldbury, Daw End, Rushall, Aldridge, Walsall Wood, Walsall, Smethwick, Dudley and Harborne. I have a passing interest in Gornall, Rowley & Longton. I would welcome your recommendations.
"Harborne on Old Picture Postcard" by Andrew Maxam does what it says on the tin. I was able to gain real insights into old Harborne from this book & would recommend it.
"Aldridge Revisited" by Ian Farrow contains many early photogrphs of Aldridge well organised into centre, church, industry, transport etc. I am pleased to have access to the sights of old Aldridge through Ian Farrow's work.
"Memories of West Bromwich" had all too few pictures of old West Bromwich & was weighted towards group photos of unnamed people. There were insufficient pictures of WB before redevelopment to satisfy my hunger for finding out about the place where many of my family lived. This is a book I regret buying.

Are you in the Uk and do you live in the Mids?
If so I would suggest a library and see which ones you like before buying.
I have just stopped in to the Penn Library in Wolverhampton and they as the others in the area, have a huge selection of books.
There are actual books about Oldbury and West Brom that I saw at Sandwell archives for sale lots of photos in about the area ...cant remember the author now. Might be the one you didn't like
Sometimes places like amazon have a synopsis of the book and what it offers.

Unfortunately I do not have access to Midland libraries so I am limited to ordering books by post, but thank you for your reply, Northern Lass.

Hi, Has anyone read or seen Haystacks to Chimney stacks-on the Rowley Regis area? I can only order over the internet as well, and I can't get hold of a copy.

Hi Carol I have got that book By Royston Slim
what you after in it?

Hi NL,

Lucky you- I spotted it on Amazon ages ago and pre ordered, then maybe cancelled it as never seemed to come in but next time I checked (ok so maybe 12 months later!) it was out of stock. I'm not after anything in particular- I would just like a copy for my ever expanding BC collection.
Is it a good read?

I have to say it looks really good but.....I haven't read it
But he walks you through the areas and lots of photos.
I think I know of someone who might know him if you need to contact him re purchasing it.
Can't promise though...

Hi NL- Thanks that would be great -send me a PM

Ellie I do not live anywhere near Staffordshire & my local libraries would not hold books on historical Staffordshire.

bgreen50 wrote:Ellie I do not live anywhere near Staffordshire & my local libraries would not hold books on historical Staffordshire.

if you find a book you would like to read but dont want to go to the expense of buying it write down the arthor, title and isbn number on the book give it in at your local libary and they should able to get it if the have one in there vast collection might be a small charge carnt remember

Try Ebay for books, I have bought loads from there. Best Wishes linell.

linell wrote:Try Ebay for books, I have bought loads from there. Best Wishes linell.

that is a good idea Linell.... I have had a few thru there too!