Burntwood Online
Burntwood History
Burntwood was known as 'Brendewode' in the late 13th century and Brundwood in the 16th century, while the current spelling became the norm by the 1600's. The exact meaning of the name Burntwood is unknown but the common perception is that it derives from the clearance of woodland for agricultural purposes.Agriculture was the common source of employment in Burntwood in the past, and some of the farms around the area today were in existence as far back as the 18th century. Nail making became prevalent in the town during the mid 1850's, but the only remaining evidence of this is a number of local house names.
Chasetown History
Chasetown was originally known as Cannock Chase but the current name was in use by 1867 as the expanding mining industry reached this part of Staffordshire. The town initially developed around Rugeley Road later renamed High Street and Colliery Road, now known as Church Street.The first properties were built in the mid 1850's and consisted of three pairs of cottages in Church Street and The Uxbridge Arms public house, all still standing today.
In 1902 a clock was erected at the the junction of High Street and Queen Street as a memorial to locals killed during the Boer War. This was knocked down by a lorry in 1967 and two years later was replaced with a new clock. Although that time piece only lasted ten years until that too was damaged and was never replaced.
Chase Terrace History
Chase Terrace was in existence by 1870 and was also a result of the then burgeoning local coal mining industry,although farming was also prevalent. Coney Lodge Farm in Rugeley Road was in existence in the 17th century, while Thomas Sankey was the first incumbent of Bridgecross farm, now Bridgecross Working Mens Club and evidently gave his name to Sankeys Corner.The Chase cinema at Sankeys Corner was built by Miles Jervis and opened in 1925, but was never in high demand and bingo had taken over by 1975. The Jervis Court housing complex now occupies the site.
Hammerwich History
The name Hammerwich derives from either 'the old settlement with a smithy' or 'a place by a hill' and it is believed the village was inhabited as early as the late Stone Age.By the 1300's Hammerwich was made up of three main parts - Netherton,Middleton and Overton. The latter two live on today in the form of street names.
The world renowned Morris dance 'the Vandals of Hammerwich' originates from the village,thanks to 13th century villains allegedly setting fire to heathland and a large part of Cannock Forest. An area which then became known as Burntwood.