Previously a pub of the same name, this pub takes its name from its location alongside the Dudley Canal.
Illustrations and text about the Round Oak Iron & Steel Works.
The text reads: Iron production was once important local industry. The Round Oak Iron Works, established in 1857 on the site of the New Level Ironworks, was the largest of all such works and at its peak employed several thousand people.
Originally established by William, 11th Baron Ward (later Early of Dudley), the works became the Earl of Dudley’s Round Oak Iron and Steel Works in 1897. After its closure in 1962, the Merry Hill Centre and The Waterfront (the location of this J D Wetherspoon pub) were developed on the two hundred acre site.
Top: The Earl of Dudley.
A painting of the Round Oak Steel Works, from the canal off Level Street.
This was the most squalid part of the old steel works. It is now the site of the Waterfront development.
Illustrations and text about glass-making.
The text reads: Brierley Hill’s glass-making tradition dates back to the 17th century and the arrival of exiled Huguenot craftsmen. The skills of these French refugees, who had fled religious persecution in their native country, were to make this area famous for its crystal glass.
Recorded in parish registers as Gentlemen Glass Makers, they and their sons married into leading local families. However, as the industry grew it became known as ‘Stourbridge glass’ as the nearby town of that name had facilities for banking and accommodation for dealers.
Top: Glass-making, c1750
Left: Glass-blowing
Above: Rock crystal table glass service.
A print of a round oak chain, c1922.
Prints of Round Oak Iron & Steel Works.
Top: Road Oak Ironworks, 1870
Above: Demolition of Round Oak, 1920s.
External photograph of the building – main entrance.
If you have information on the history of this pub, then we’d like you to share it with us. Please e-mail all information to: pubhistories@jdwetherspoon.co.uk