Dudley
This is about Dudley, England, for other places by the same name, see Dudley (disambiguation)
Dudley is a town in the West Midlands of England. The town has a population of 186,513 (2001 census). Since 1974, the town has been the administrative headquarters of the Dudley Metropololitan Borough.
Dudley, part of the West Midlands conurbation, is located south of Wolverhampton and is a part of the Black Country. The area was traditionally part of Worcestershire.
Dudley has a history dating back to medieval times; a castle has stood in Dudley since the 8th century, the present castle dates from the 13th century, and provided the centre around which the town grew. (see Dudley Castle)
The town industrialised rapidly in the 18th and 19th centuries, and its population grew dramatically. Due to its heavy and highly polluting industries it became a central part of the Black Country. The main industries in Dudley included coal and limestone mining. Other industries included iron, steel, engineering, metallurgy, glass cutting, textiles and leatherworking. Most of these industries have declined in recent decades.
Of historical significance, the first Newcomen steam engine was installed at the Conygree coalworks near Dudley Castle in 1712.
The town is home to Dudley Zoo, and the Black Country Living Museum.
Famous people born in Dudley include:
- Sam Allardyce - footballer
- Ben Black - composer
- Billy Dainty - comedian
- Duncan Edwards - footballer
- Lenny Henry - comedian
- Sue Lawley - newsreader
- Ian Messiter - comedy writer
- Norman Pace - comedian
- James Whale - film director