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Cannock Chase - Rich in History
Cannock Chase - Rich in History
A Brief Overview of Local History
The towns of Cannock, Hednesford and Rugeley have ancient origins. In 1189 the parishes of Cannock and Rugeley were sold to the Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield. Both towns began to grow and by 1259 each held weekly markets. A fair was granted to Rugeley, to take place on the "eve, feast and morrow of St Augustine's Day". From this fair grew the Rugeley Horse Fair, once famous throughout the world.
In Tudor times, Sir William Paget, able minister in the court of Henry VIII, acquired Cannock Chase at the Church's expense, and was the first to recognise the value of the area's rich mineral resources. Coal mining and iron smelting grew in importance.
The pace of change was gradual, though Rugeley and Cannock remained important local centres. White's Directory of 1747 described Rugeley as a "clean, well built town of exceedingly pleasant and healthful situation".
The mining of coal had a long local history, but from the middle of the 19th century the massive exploitation of local seams got underway. Canal and railway links fostered the remarkable growth of an industry that would dominate for more than a century. At its peak in the 1920s, 23,000 men brought up over four million tons of coal a year, more event than the North Staffordshire and Black Country coalfields.
Other industries prospered alongside the collieries. Cannock was a centre of edge-tool manufacture, whilst Rugeley was known for its ironworks. New settlements sprang up on the heathland, including Hednesford and Norton Canes.
The population rose rapidly, creating problems of poor housing and sanitation.
In 1894, Urban District Councils were created for Rugeley and Cannock, and their actions reflected the wider responsibilities of these authorities. Social housing began to appear after the First World War, and the local authorities opened libraries, generated electricity and were responsible for elementary education.
Changes in the community have continued through more recent times as collieries closed and other industries were sought to replace them. 1993 saw the closure of Littleton, the last deep-mined colliery on Cannock Chase.
Cannock Chase district today still bears the legacy of its proud past. A centre of industry and yet an area of beautiful rural splendour.
In Tudor times, Sir William Paget, able minister in the court of Henry VIII, acquired Cannock Chase at the Church's expense, and was the first to recognise the value of the area's rich mineral resources. Coal mining and iron smelting grew in importance.
The pace of change was gradual, though Rugeley and Cannock remained important local centres. White's Directory of 1747 described Rugeley as a "clean, well built town of exceedingly pleasant and healthful situation".
The mining of coal had a long local history, but from the middle of the 19th century the massive exploitation of local seams got underway. Canal and railway links fostered the remarkable growth of an industry that would dominate for more than a century. At its peak in the 1920s, 23,000 men brought up over four million tons of coal a year, more event than the North Staffordshire and Black Country coalfields.
Other industries prospered alongside the collieries. Cannock was a centre of edge-tool manufacture, whilst Rugeley was known for its ironworks. New settlements sprang up on the heathland, including Hednesford and Norton Canes.
The population rose rapidly, creating problems of poor housing and sanitation.
In 1894, Urban District Councils were created for Rugeley and Cannock, and their actions reflected the wider responsibilities of these authorities. Social housing began to appear after the First World War, and the local authorities opened libraries, generated electricity and were responsible for elementary education.
Changes in the community have continued through more recent times as collieries closed and other industries were sought to replace them. 1993 saw the closure of Littleton, the last deep-mined colliery on Cannock Chase.
Cannock Chase district today still bears the legacy of its proud past. A centre of industry and yet an area of beautiful rural splendour.
Contact the Council
Email: customerservices@cannockchasedc.gov.uk
Telephone: 01543 462621
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