If it's raining
Don’t let the weather spoil your fun!
Exploring the Museum during wet weather is great for lots of reasons: there are less crowds, there are indoor demonstrations and there lots of cosy nooks and fireplaces to warm up next to.
1. Drift Mine (1870)
Descend ‘into the thick’ of our underground drift mine and hear what ‘Elija Wedge’ has to tell you about the world of an 1850s Black Country coalminer.
Learn how the mines were run, how timber props were used to support the roofs and face the harsh reality of a coal miner’s life in the mid-19th century, especially for ‘little Billy’ who started working down the mine at just 10 years old.
Tours run regularly throughout the day. Go to the Mine Entrance at Racecourse Colliery to find out when the next slot is.
2. St James School (1912)
This building has been moved from Salop Street, Eve Hill in Dudley, where it was built in 1842, when education wasn’t mandatory, and it cost 2 chilling a week. Take a seat and experience a class in 1912, when education was free and mandatory.
The school had to be divided by a partition, which was a very common feature at the time. In each room over 100 children would be taught at once in 3 or 4 classes. The cane was used to punish serious crimes such as vandalism or fighting in the schoolyard. Are you brave enough to attend one of our classes?
3. Joe H. Smith & Sons (Oldbury) Ltd (1953)
This recreation remembers this Black Country family business, founded by Joe H. Smith, and the edge tools industry.
The setting is 1953 and Joe H Smith has just died, but the company continues, managed by his two grandsons, George and Joe. The company was famous for its quality “Joe’s Tools”, especially sledgehammers.
Fun fact: Joe’s nickname was ‘Sledge.’
4. Cast Iron Houses (1940s-1960s)
Experience two decades in just a few footsteps in our Cast Iron Houses, built as an innovative response to post-World War One housing shortages.
Step into the Vernon family’s 1940 house to glimpse life in Dudley during WWII and then go next door to the Aston’s and their 1968 home full of modern comforts, vibrant décor and football memorabilia.
5. Elephant & Castle Pub (1960)
This pub was built in 1905 to completely replace an older version of the Elephant & Castle on the same site. Its Edwardian design uses architectural ceramics called faience. In 1910 it was sold to Wolverhampton & Dudley Breweries, the largest brewery in the Black Country.
Workers from Ireland, South Asia and the Caribbean all met and drank here. Visitors will be able to find Babycham, which is an example of drinks manufacturers marketing towards women, who often did not visit pubs, the first step in changing the image of pubs away from a male-orientated environment.
6. Gregory's General Store (1913)
This shop began life as a pair of houses built in 1883 in Lawrence Lane, Old Hill, about five miles from here. At first they were both occupied by tenants but soon the Gregory’s moved into one side and Mrs. Gregory began to run a shop, presumably in the front room of her house.
Virtually everything the community in and around Lawrence Lane required was stocked although in those days the needs of the working people had, of necessity, to be fairly basic.
7. Limelight Cinema (1926)
When it’s raining, staying in and watching a film sounds like a bostin’ plan. In our cinema, you can enjoy a movie or two!
Sit back and get ready for a 1920s silent movie screening featuring classics like Laurel and Hardy or Charlie Chaplin. All you need is tuppence-ha’penny for the benches or 5p for the luxurious seats at the back.
8. Providence Chapel (1837)
Originally from Darby Hand near Netherton, the chapel played a vital role in its 19th century mining and nail-making community. Opened in 1837, it served as a hub for worship, education, and welfare, even hosting a medical club for local workers. Step inside to appreciate its history, modest architecture, and its connection to the community.
