The History of Wombourne...

Wombourne derives its name from two Old English words meaning ‘the winding stream’. Until the late 1950’s it was a small rural community; half a century later it has spread into a very large one, and yet retains its ‘villageness’.

This is due in part to its attractive setting; it has an obvious centre, an attractive wide green heart – once called Dovecote Close, now a sports field – ringed by lime trees.

The buildings around it are of several ages and uses but blend comfortably with each other, the old and the new seem to agree... The whole scene is dominated by the graceful grey spire of the ancient church of St. Benedict Biscop, part of a lively Christian fellowship within the village.

The blending of the old and new people is the other part of the village atmosphere, they’ve come together to make the place what it is. There were growing pains when changes came, and they hurt, but in Wombourne’s case they’ve led it to having the best of both worlds – amenities and services of every kind with pleasant countryside and quiet footpaths within a few yards of its doorsteps.

It has a bit of everything and a lot of much more! There are all kinds of shops, a variety of clubs and associations; a high school and evening institute; four junior schools and one special school; a leisure centre with swimming pool; two medical centres, dentists, opticians. Several large housing developments for the elderly have been built, and at the other end of the scale, there are pre-school groups operating. There is a Volunteer Bureau that also tries to answer every question.

There is a first rate Civic Centre with two excellent halls, where almost every kind of function takes place through out the year. This is a major plus that came about because of one of the big changes – the original building was used by the Seisdon Rural district offices, but after the boundary changes in 1974 and the birth of South Staffs District with a move to Codsall, the Parish Council was wise and bought it for the village. Now after much TLC it is one of Wombourne’s valuable assets – it houses the parish clerk and registrar as well!

On the western boundary are two light industrial sites, and various office premises within the village itself. But Wombourne had three legacies from the past working days now adding to its attraction – three lovely stretches of green across the Parish (and good in any season), places ‘to stand and stare’.

One, alongside James Brindley’s lovely old ‘Staffs and Worcs’ canal and two, a tree lined path once the GWR Kingswinford Branch railway. And three – ‘the winding stream’.

No longer does it turn the mill wheels of the past; it is now an integral part of the Wom Brook Walk and like the others, there for all to enjoy. Surely a ‘goodly heritage’!