Forging Ahead Together

Forging Ahead Together

From the post-WWII years to the late 1960s, the Black Country experienced prosperity and change, with full employment, rising wages, and new housing, schools, and hospitals replacing derelict land. Traditional industries like coal mining and metalworking modernised, while local companies led in producing in-demand consumer goods. To sustain this growth, Britain sought workers from the Commonwealth, attracting people from the Caribbean and Indian subcontinent, whose families enrich the region's culture today.

The years from the end of the Second World War to the late 60s were a period of prosperity and change in the Black Country; there was full employment, wages were increasing, new houses, schools and hospitals were rising up on previously derelict and despoiled land.

While the traditional industries of coal mining and 'metal-bashing' were modernising, Black Country companies were at the forefront of design and development, producing the consumer products which were in high demand at home and abroad.

This prosperity could only be sustained if the workforce grew. So Britain turned to the Commonwealth and high wages and opportunities attracted the men and women - often from the Caribbean and the Indian sub-continent - whose families make today's Black Country culturally so rich.

Today this 'golden-era' is often forgotten, lost in the hardship which the Black Country suffered in the closing decades of the 20th Century.

About the Speaker

Simon Briercliffe is a historian based in the West Midlands, who contributes freelance work in research, writing and engages communities with their history. Simon was also one of the leads on the project to rebuild Wolverhampton's Elephant and Castle pub at the Black Country Living Museum and is a former committee member of the Black Country Society.