Dudley's World Heritage Bid

Sir Roderick Murchison visited Dudley in 1839 and 1849 to address members of the British Association inside Dark Cavern - by gaslight. An estimated 15,000 people attended each event, with Murchison being acclaimed 'King of Siluria' at Wren's Nest.

These remarkable events have since become part of both local and scientific 'lore'.

The Black Country Museum is a museum of buildings which celebrates the industrial past of the region. Built on the site of 18th century collieries and at the entrance to the underground canal system, it utilises some of the original industrial features including 18th century mine shafts and the mid 19th century giant draw kilns and accompanying canal basins and canal.

Dudley Borough maintains a definitive collection of fossils from Wren's Nest and Castle Hill. This collection was established following the publication of 'The Silurian System' and boasts specimens figured by Murchison.

 

Did You Know ?

A network of caverns & tunnels extending for more than 3 miles beneath Castle Hill & Wrens Nest A huge lump of Black Country 'Thick Coal' weighing six tons was displayed at the 'Great Exhibition' of crystal palace of 1851

If you would like to discuss any element of Dudley's World Heritage Bid, please contact Mr. Graham Worton (Keeper of Geology, Dudley Museum; Tel. 01384 815574).