Tipton was once part of the Royal Forest of Cannock. This may suprise some people as present day Tipton has very little in common with Cannock and nothing to show from its association. However, this is very much the history of the West Midlands with large tracts of land falling under various counties that were regionally strong before Birmingham and the Black Country expanded to their present day magnitude and status.
Tipton is known to have been in existence since Norman times. Early records show St. John’s church and a moated manor house where Tipton is now located. A battle was fought at Tipton Green when Edward Dudley, backing Cromwell’s army against the Royalists was defeated. The area around Tipton consisted of small hamlets and growth came with the opening of the canals and the discovery of coal and limestone. The Birmingham and Wolverhampton canal runs through Tipton. Tipton also has its own railway station.
Tipton grew rapidly in the 19th century as did most of the Black Country. Factories and workshops producing bricks, cement, tiles, machinery and metal products were the mainstay of the economy. In present day Tipton today the remnants of these industries can still be seen and the successful offshoots of industry with their new industrial units stand side by side with the old.
Notable Tipton men were Joseph Davies who won the V.C. for his part in the capture of Delville Wood in the 1914-18 war. Also Ben Boucher, a local miner who wrote well known topical lyrics in the 19th century. William Perry, the Tipton Slasher was born in 1819 and fought a great many boxing matches. In 1850 he fought a 22 round fight for the championship of England, defeating Tom Paddock of Woking Common.
Whilst Tipton may not be on any regional tourist map for significant landmarks or places to visit it is an integral part of the make up of the Black Country region and history. If you find yourself passing through it then be sure to pay a visit to the world famous pie factory at Sedgley Road West. We can actually vouch for this one having called in and taken a bite to eat as we photographed the local area.
The Sandwell Council Website can be found at http://www.smbc.sandwell.gov.uk/
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