Featherstone, Staffordshire
| Featherstone | |
  Featherstone |
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| Population | 3,948 (2001 Census) |
|---|---|
| OS grid reference | SJ937050 |
| District | South Staffordshire |
| Shire county | Staffordshire |
| Region | West Midlands |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Postcode district | WV10 |
| Police | Staffordshire |
| Fire | Staffordshire |
| Ambulance | West Midlands |
| EU Parliament | West Midlands |
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Coordinates: 52°38′36″N 2°05′37″W / 52.64347°N 2.09349°W
Featherstone is a small village in the district of South Staffordshire, England, near to the border with Wolverhampton.
History
Originally a farming community consisting of a few scattered farms. It is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, and was owned by the Clergy of Wolverhampton Church. It is possible that the population numbers were fairly static until the opening of a new mine, Hilton Main, in the 1920s, it closed in 1969.
The Duke of Cleveland was lord of the manor of this small township of 550 acres and just 34 souls in 1851. This was once the residence of John Huntbach, the noted antiquary. The principal inhabitants were Joshua Price and Edward Tunycliffe, farmers, John Perry the lock manufacturer and Thomas Hill a vermin killer.[1]
The village's population at the time of the 1851 census was 35. By 1921 this had risen to 39. By the time of the 2001 census it was 3,948[2]
Today
The village has one primary school, Featherstone Academy, and a pub, the Red, White and Blue.
Recently controversy was sparked over the proposed building of 1,500 houses on green belt land, although many people believed the extra facilities proposed would make the village a better place to live. After much public opposition this plan was rejected in early 2009.
Featherstone also has a Methodist church and some small shops. There are three off licences (Featherstone Supermarket, Featherstone Wine Lodge, and Costcutter) a hairdresser and a chemist. In 2008 there was some concern over the future of the post office, but it was not one of those closed.
On the outskirts of the village are HMP Featherstone and HMP Brinsford - which is also a Youth Offender Institution (YOI). HMP Oakwood is currently being constructed next to the existing prisons. Nearby is the site of the former Brinsford Lodge.
Schools
- Featherstone Academy, The Avenue. - Now Featherstone Academy (September 2014 onwards)
Churches
- Church of St Mary & St Luke.
The Church is in the village of Shareshill; Featherstone is part of the ecclesiastical Parish of Shareshill.
There is a Methodist Chapel sited at the junction of The Avenue and the A460.
Shops and Pubs
- The Red, White and Blue.
Built in the 1920s to replace a much older building nearby.
The old college, which has since been knocked down, is also rich in history . It has several old world war II shelters and tiles from the kitchens. It is near the prison "featherstone 2" that is currently being built.
Transport links
Through the village there is a bus service, with only one bus going through at all times (except Sunday). These are:
- Bus #70 - Cannock Via Cheslyn Hay
- Bus #70 - Wolverhampton
Every 30 Minutes weekdays and Saturdays
Sunday Buses:
- Bus #33 - Cannock Via Cheslyn Hay
- Bus #33 - Wolverhampton
Every 2½ Hours (Sunday Only)
Political
Featherstone has a Parish Council with two wards. Brinsford Ward, two councillors. Featherstone Ward, nine councillors. The next Parish elections will be in 2015.
Featherstone is represented in the House of Commons by Member of Parliament Gavin Williamson. Conservative member for South Staffordshire.
References
- ↑ William White, History, Gazeteer and Directory of Staffordshire, 1851, p.154
- ↑ "KS01 Usual resident population: Census 2001, Key Statistics for urban areas". Office for National Statistics. Retrieved 2009-03-24.
External links
Media related to Featherstone, Staffordshire at Wikimedia Commons
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