Walsall Then and Now

In 1959 John Betjemen described Walsall as ‘a borough which is obviously proud of itself…’ commenting that if the local council turned the High Street ‘into something worthy of the charming and modest buildings … it could be made into one of the most attractive streets in England.’

Yet, while the current High Street does not quite live up to the late Sir John Betjeman’s hopes, and although several once grand medieval landmark buildings in the town centre have been replaced, Walsall clearly still has great pride in its appearance. In ninety fascinating photographs, Walsall Then and Now illustrates the many changes to Walsall’s streets that have taken place over the last hundred years, and provides a fascinating look into the town’s past.