Chinwag

It’s always good to talk about the history of Great Wyrley. We’d love to hear your stories and help you with people and places from the past that your are researching about. Let’s start chit-chatting about Great Wyrley.

139 thoughts on “Chinwag

  1. I have a somme commerative poppy pin. the soldier commemorated was a rifleman Sidney john bakewell from mossdale shaws lane, lower landywood, great wyrley, I would love to know if there might be any family who might possibly have a photo or family history to add to my research. He died in ww1 1916.

    1. Hello Angela,

      Sidney John Bakewell was born in 1892, in Bloxwich (baptised in Blakenall). He lived in Bloxwich until at least 1911 – then I think he went to Pelsall. He went into the Royal Artillery, but transferred to the Royal Irish Fusilers – likely signing up on commencement of hostilities. His death was 22 September, though I do not yet know the circumstances. His mother was listed as his sole heir – and in Pelsall according to his pension card. His parents John and Mary Ellen moved to Shaws Lane, seemingly after the local memorials were put up – as Sidney appears on that for Pelsall and not Wyrley. John died at Shaws Lane in 1926, leaving all to Mary.

  2. Hi, I was born in Great Wyrley and raised in Brooklands Avenue. I have many fond memories from school days and many years after, I wish I could find my old school friend Joanne Billingham

  3. I am researching my family history for the Pheasant family of Great Wyrley. In the 1901 Census their address is given as “Coal Pit Fields” Great Wyrley. The entry above this states “Hall’s Fold”, and the entry after states “near the Station”. On the 1911 Census the address is the same “Coal Pit Fields”.

    Does this mean that they actually lived on the coal pit fields in some kind of barracks? Whereabouts would they be… could you pinpoint the exact location for me please.

  4. Hello, I was looking for verification of Worley History. I was reading A genealogical and heraldic dictionary of the landed gentry of great britain john Burke vol 3. In it there is mention of William de Wirley receiving from William the Conqueror lands that were called Great and Little Wyrley. I then went on to check out the roll of Battle Abby and I was looking for the estate in Honnesworth or Hamsted that Adam de Wyrley traded his lands for. I was so surprised that there still was a Great Wyrley. Is there still a Little Wyrley? My Worley family came to the United States on the Welcome. Ann Stone widow of Henry Worley brought their sons, Francis and Henry to Pennsylvania.
    Blessings, Kathy Worley Peters

  5. This may be of interest to people living in Trevor Avenue off Love Lane, if they do not know already, I was born in Love Lane opposite that road and the builder Reg Hardy and my parents became good friends while he was building the houses in Love Lane and Trevor Avenue. He named the road after me, then a very young lad, and I was told although councillors at the time objected to it, and wanted it called Two Butts Close, they failed to change it.
    Apologies to the residents.

  6. Hi,

    I am looking to trace my grandfather. His name is Anthony gray (Tony) and would now be in his 70s. I have never met him and the only information I have is that he once owned a chip shop in great wyrley. Any help would be much appreciated.

    Thanks
    Jess

  7. I wonder if you have a photo of the one room school which used to be somewhere on the Walsall Road in Gt Wyrley, please. I went there, c. 1940, with my cousin [Gerald Sharp] and my brother [John Maiden] when we lived with my aunt and uncle [Percy & Ivy Sharp]. I have vivid memories of it. Aunty could hear me screaming to be let out when she had walked some distance back home! It was a gallery school and years later I discovered that these were abolished by Act of Parliament in 1880. I think my grandparents had attended the school and I wrote on the wood edged slates they must have used.
    You do not list any publications. I wondered how I can l see the cemetery records, for example.
    Thank you for your help.

  8. During recent ground works around our house we came across old foundations, but have been unable to find any information on what was here before we bought our home. It seems it may have been Gilpins, on the edge of the new estate and Brooklands. As you walk l along the footpath following the Brook, you can see many old brickworks and foundations, was the brook used in some part of manufacturing process? It is a shame the brook is fast becoming a tip for local people to dump their rubbish, piity is they do it so late, and you never see them do it.

  9. My uncles family, the Lunts, owned Wyrley Old Hall up until it was turned into the country club. They had a caravan park behind the house garden and ran a shop in the front left side room of the hall and the fish and chip shop “up the village”. I remember the hall with gas lights back in the late 50’s when I was 6 and convalescing from chicken pox or measles.

  10. In reply to your question about Ralph Smith, was you at school in Wyrley with him? How long ago are you going back? Speak soon

  11. Hi everyone, I am trying to find some old photos of Landywood Jmi school around the 1980’s and Great Wyrley high school around 1980’s/1990’s. Could anyone help please. Many thanks

    1. We have a number of photos on Landywood School we can help you, we meet on the fourth Thursday of the month for an open day at the Senior Citizens Centre in Broadmeadow Lane betwwen 10am and noon, look forward to see you.

  12. have just discovered your excellent website. I lived in WYrley I the 60s, first at Coopers caravan site, then Birds farm, then Pool view.
    Both my daughters were christened at St marks church.
    I was wondering if you could recall some sort of army barracks on the wallsal road opposite the Wheatsheaf pub? This was almost demolished when I lived there, but I always wondered what it was and why it was there.
    It might have been on the corner of Holly lane(time dims the memory)
    We passed through wyrley last year and could not believe the changes,on the A5 in particular.
    My wife used to work at Gilpins and I worked Radio Rentals in Cannock.
    Hope you can help with my query
    Regards Terry Westwood

    1. I believe what you are referring to was a large group of single storey buildings probably made of asbestos cement sheets constructed during or at the end of the Second World War. Entrance was from Holly Lane and it backed onto houses in Walsall Road.I believe that it was used to house young men who found themselves displaced by the soviet occupation of Eastern Europe. I remember that at one time these included a large group of Ukranians.
      Some of the buildings must have continued in use for some years afterwards as they were on my round as a student postman in the late 1950’s.

      1. Hi i was brought up in the village and vaguelly remember these building but thought at some point the drs were based there

    2. Funny thing we now have a contact from the caravan park in Bob Cooper who at this moment in time I am writing up his families time line, you are mistaken with the Army Camp on the Walsall Rd there was the Polish Camp in Holly Lane Though, please keep in touch as part of the Coopers story is in the summer edition of our magazine.

      1. just been looking at your site,and my hubby lived at 22 Holly close in the late fifties which was previously the old polish camp. They lived there untill the new council houses were ready . Coincidentley he went to school with Bob Cooper. same class and apparently a bit of rivalry for top of class in last year!Bob won!My hubby is Harry Willis.

  13. I am researching the family history of Titus Fellows and his family who lived at Gt Wyrley Hall around 1870 to 1890. I have all the usual data from the census returns but any information would be gratefully received such as whereabouts of headstones, if any and anything concerning the Hall and estate.There is a painting of Little Wyrley Hall in the Salt library, would this be the same ?

  14. does anyone have any pictures of the plant coalmine great wyrley.after it closed it was a scrapyard for quite a few years,i worked there from 1970 to 76 but never got any photos.it would be great to see it again.cheers

    1. Cheslyn Hay & District Local History Society have many photos in their archives of the coal mine. You will be contacted directly shortly from the society. You are always welcome to come to our coffee morning where photos will be on display. Regards Admin

    2. Hi

      if you want some photos of the plant go to the cannock libary and get out the book by Alan Dury called the “LEASER KNOW COALMINES”
      I have just taken it back there is a number of photos of the plant and the “NOOK” plus a lot of others around cheslyn hay,landywood with maps.
      Alan
      P.S The the books are on the top floor of libary right at the back by the double doors secound shlf from the bottom.

  15. Hello, I am looking for old pictures of my cottage known as April Cottage, Warley Lea Farm (formerly Warley Place Farm) Warley Road. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

    1. Hi Derek
      Are you in the right area? My wife’s family came from Warley that is in Smethwick, give me some more info.

  16. I have recently found my Grandmother/Father’s marriage certificate which has raised an number of interesting questions for the family. My Great Grandfather, John Prime, was the Station Master at the Station and we have a picture somewhere with him stood on the platform in his top hat. My Grandfather and mother would appear to have been living with my Great Grandfather in the Station House and when I get the time I will come over from Willenhall to see if I can find it. My Grandfather, Charles Henry Prime, was a signalman and my Grandmother Margaret ??? Hawkins wasn’t working at the time. The interesting things is we though she came from a family that had a smallholding in Pershore , Worcestershire but according to the Marriage Certificate her father was an Iron worker. I wonder if there is any more information out there. Regards John Humpherson

  17. I enjoyed reading about Great Wyrley. I have been doing genealogy research and am a descendent of Wm De Warley, (the family of De Warley supposedly from your area from the time of the Norman Conquest). The story about the Saxons naming the area for the bog myrtle is interesting as the research I have indicates that the De Warley’s named the area after themselves. I have run across many leaps of faith in genealogy, where coincidence was taken for fact. The bog myrtle glade, wir leah, sounds very plausible, but I was wondering if any of the De Warleys are buried in your area? If not, then I need to do some further research. Thank you, in advance, for any information you can provide.

    1. Hi there, there are no family graves within the area, by the late 19th Century the name had died out as there were no males to carry on the name, I should imagine that you have read the book (short) by Sambrook and Homeshaw from 1951, this gives a descent chronology on the Wyrley family.

    2. Hi Ellen,
      I am also a direct descendent of William De Warley.
      I have the information from William to present. I am searching for William’s ancestors. I found that he is from Normandie France, and came to Staffordshire England.
      Do you have any additional information on his ancestors in France, or why he went to England?
      I have no information about who his wife was.
      It seems Robert De Parva Warley was born in Staffordshire England.

  18. Hello

    My family name is Hitch, my Granddad’s name was Dennis and my Grandmother’s name was Elizabeth (previously Elizabeth Martin). I never had the chance to meet my grandmother and was very young when my granddad died. I wondered if anybody knows the family name and has any interesting stories to share?

    1. I remember a Dennis Hitch born probably around 1936. He had a brother, Douglas, and they may even have been twins. I believe they lived in Jacob’s Hall Lane, Landywood.
      I have a vague recollection that Dennis married one of the Martin twins. The Martins were, I believe, identical twins and were fair-haired and very pretty.

  19. Hello folks!! ran into you’re website while doing some family tree research. My Mom’s side of the family is all Worley..We are decended from William DeWirley “Or how ever it is spelled” from Normandy. We are all in America and lost touch with our family roots over time, I’m planning on coming over that way and just checking up on interesting family spots to check…Any old homes still standing and so on? Or interesting historical spots? Any old Worley’s ” or Wyrley” family still around ? Thanks for your time and any information is great!

    1. I also am descended from William DeWarley(Wyrley).
      Were you able to get any information about William’s ancestors in France?

  20. I was very interested in seeing your website.I myself was not born in wyrley,but my father was born and bred in rosemary road cheslyn hay.also my son lives in wyrley.I used the star and wheatsheaf pubs as a teenager also the dog as it was back then.my aunt Edna brown lived in landywood.can you tell me where was the spoon kop and where was it located.my father spoke of it. I played for Harrison’s football club in the 70s and80s.I remember as a boy catching the wyrley wizzer single decker charabanc from bloxwich to the book.my dad went to Salem chapel Sunday school. Happy days aye .
    Regards
    Mike.

    1. Hi Mike, The Kop was a row of terraced houses running along Gorsey Lane. They stood from and to where the two blocks of council flats now stand.
      Although I have never heard them referred to as the Spoon Kop I am pretty sure that it is to these houses you are referring.
      Officially they were Harrison’s Buildings.

      1. I lived at the cop with my mom and grand parents think it was no 25 I lived there till I was 9 then moved down the Avenue op gt wyrley AMC

    2. Hi Mike, The ‘Kop’ houses were of three blocks built over a 100 years ago named after ‘Spion Kop’ a battle during the Boar War, they were as told built by colliery owner ‘Colonel Harrison’

  21. Hi Emerson, I believe Trevor has already provided an answer.

    Ray Franks has delved into his Church research and has provided the following details
    ‘In 1950 a faculty was obtained to enable the Churchyard to be levelled and grassed over but in order to get this faculty, permission from people who had relatives buried there had to be obtained. Three people objected, one of whom I am fairly sure was the Edalji family. The gravestones concerned were left in situ, the rest were removed and placed all around the perimeter of the churchyard. In time, it has been overgrown by grass. The area was then levelled and grassed over.
    I think there may be some confusion regarding people being re-buried in Great Wyrley cemetery, as I have never heard of this.(Don’t forget the churchyard is consecrated ground and it takes a lot to start moving graves). Where I think there may be a mix-up is that there was not enough ground to re-locate all the headstones and I believe these were what were moved to Wyrley cemetery, not the actual people from the graves.
    Why is the Edalji grave in the far corner? I am not sure on this one but, usually graves are dug in a routine way and it was probably where they had got to. You don’t usually have a choice where you are actually buried unless you have a reserved plot.’

    1. After all that upheaval, how appropriate it seems that Shapurji remains in the grounds of the Church with which he was so intimately and memorably connected. Thank you both Ray and Ron for that detailed and fascinating response.

  22. When I visited St Mark’s church to have a look for Shapurji Edalji’s grave, I thought it curious that his is one of only a handful of graves in the churchyard. His grave lies alone (if I remember rightly) in the rear far corner – a very solitary position for a man who has played such a memorable role in our village’s history. Does anyone know why his grave remains where it is? It seems most of the other graves were removed around 60 years ago.

    1. Emerson, we have instigated a number of follow-ups. A member of our Management Committee, Ray Franks, has done detailed work on St Marks and I’ve asked him if he could provide an answer. Also, we will ask our members that attend an upcoming Coffee morning if they can provide any further details. It will also be included in our monthly newsletter so that non-attendees can also respond, if possible. We hope to get further info. to you in the near future, if possible.’

      Many thanks
      Ron Myatt

  23. Do you have any information on my family, my fathers name was Gilbert Snape and his father was John(Jack)Snape and my Dads brother was Jack,my Grandfather took photos of the wyrley horse slashings, and photos of the Wyrley mines, they were loaned to Great Wyrley school by my mother and were never returned, she later passed away, so I do not know who she gave them to my grandfather,s full name was John Aldridge Snape and he was a well known photographer in the 40s and 50s,Thank you.

    1. Hello Gillian while not being able to help with your general enquiry I have fond memories of your family as we lived in the cottage opposite yourselves, I have somewhere a photo your dad took of my parents Ernie & Cilla as there were about walk to Blowers Club for an evening out. Regards Alan Willetts.

      1. Hi Alan, Yes I remember your Mom & Dad, Ernie & Cilla and your Brother Dennis and Maureen, Dennis was a wee bit older than me and I remember going to the wedding of your brother,your Mom and Dad were the sweetest couple. I do not suppose you remember but before we lived opposite you, I was born in the little Black and White cottage around the corner which still stands,it backed onto Stella Horton(Lees) garden in New Street and was a few houses down from Emerys detached house that is still standing, I have an old photo my Dad took of me with Margaret Thornley and her sister Pam, Diane and Carol Orr, and baby Terry Horton in a pram if you remember my Dad was a part-time photographer and so was his Father my Grandfather, very interesting you still have the photo my Dad took, he was always taking photos of us all neighbours too I just recently moved back to Wyrley!! Best wishes Alan sorry I am so behind with replying!Gill

    2. there was a mr snape that lived at 18 gorsey lane in the late 1960s .i think his first name was gilbert.he used to ride an old lambretta scooter.he would be about 50-60 at the time

      1. Yes Colin, that was my Dad he did have a Lambretta, and he worked at Littleton Pit,and that was in the 1960s also you have a good memory it was 18, Gorsey Lane(they had the name Lynton on the wall also) I have just recently moved back to my hometown, I was living down in Southend-on-Sea for 2 yrs and before that working and residing in the USA and yes I missed all the friendly people in Great Wyrley & Landywood, did you and your family live just off Hilton Lane, you may have gone to Great Wyrley Secondary (High now)School with one of my 3 sons? Best wishes Gillian

  24. I have been given a copy of your book Reflections over the years, which I am finding very interesting. However I am surprised there is no mention of the evacuees who arrived in June 1940, as I was one who was very lucky to be billeted with Mr and Mrs Willetts , Walsall Road Landywood, lovely people who looked after us as one of their own. We have made many journeys from Margate since, renewing friendships Mr and Mrs Carpenter and family my husband Peters foster family. We visited the Landywood school in 2000 when Mr Stockley the headmaster made us most welcome. As my brother Raymond Fletcher now lives in Telford we were able to return to our old haunts when staying with him for holidays.
    Such happy memories, nice to keep in touch.

  25. Hi
    Like many people I am researching my family history and I have strong historical connections with the area, my Great Grandfather George Carpenter was born in Great Wyrley in 1847. I am also aware from family records that my Great Grandmother Lucy Breeze died in 1906 and was buried at Great Wyrley cemetery. It is possible that her husband Edward William Breeze was also buried there in 1933. Is it possible to find out the plots/location of individual graves as I would like to obtains photographs of any family graves ?.
    I have visited a number of websites and note that there is a growing list of cemeteries in the UK with grave details etc
    Many thanks
    David

    1. Information found out so far…
      I have found a Mrs Lucy Breeze in single grave aged 52 from Lower Landywood, Great Wyrley. Date of Burial 01/08/1906 in grave space number B81. I cannot trace the exclusive right of burial – if there was one. There is no headstone on the grave, however we do know from the plans where Mrs Breeze’s resting place is. The family would be able to arrange with us to meet Todd at the cemetery so he could point out this out to them. With regards Mr Edward William Breeze, with the information supplied I have not found any trace of him in the cemetery books, I have even started from 1932 up to 1935, but if any more information is available we have another look.
      Hope this is ok? You are more than welcome to contact us or to pop into the Parish Office if you so wish.

      Kind Regards
      Debra May
      Parish Administrator
      Great Wyrley Parish Council

    2. Many thanks for your kind assistance. I live about 90 miles away but will try to get down there sometime soon

      Best wishes David

  26. I am researching the family tree of friend and have discovered that her 4 x great grandfather was farming at Landywood Farm in 1951 and possibly some time before and after too. His name was Joseph Baker born in 1779 in Essington. Does anyone have any information about the Baker family from that area or indeed the Whitehouse family who lived in Cheslyn Hay? My friend’s surname is Whitehouse and the Baker and Whitehouse joined in marriage on Christmas day 1879 when Jane, granddaughter of Joseph, married Stephen Whitehouse.

    1. Hi my mother in law was a decendant of Joseph Baker.Her grandfather was josephs son Henry who had 13 children. there are a lot of baker decendants around the Cheslyn Hay and surrounding areas.Joseph died in 1864. there is a bridge over the Wyrley and Essington canal called Bakers bridge which linked the 2 sides of the farm. on the ancestry site there is a lot of information. Best wishes Vi

  27. Hi, I am emailing you from Thailand to see if you can help me with some research I am doing on my family, surname Mould.

    I’ll be in the UK in July and want to look around your area (which I know quite well as I lived in Wolverhampton for 37 years and would pass through Gt Wyrley on my way sailing at Chasewater every weekend 20 years ago!). Are local church records still available or have they been centralised at Stafford now? I’d like to see if I can find the general area where he may have worked or lived – Wedges Mills perhaps as he was a millwright? Or were there other industrial areas closer to home?

    In particular, I am looking for records of my 3 x greats-grandfather Samuel Mould (born 1788) who came to the Cannock area from Selattyn in Shropshire, right on the welsh border. We’re not sure just when but he settled in Great Wyrley, where he was a millwright, and he had 2 boys, George (born 1822) and William. George is my great-great grandfather. William cannot be traced and we think he may have died in infancy.

    After some time in Great Wyrley, the whole family upped sticks and ended up in Tipton, in the up and coming Black Country and where they stayed for many years.

    It’s the intervening years in the Cannock / Great Wyrley areas that are lost and I wonder if you have any ideas where I could start looking for any information about this time?

    Many thanks
    Regards
    Stan Mould

    1. Hi Stan
      Thank you for your enquiry.
      Both George & William were baptised at St. Luke’s Church, Cannock.
      George 23rd August 1822. name spelt MOLD (Samuel was an engineer)
      William 4th July 1823 name spelt MOULD (Samuel a Wheelwright/Millwright)
      Both son’s of Samuel and Fanny Mould of Great Wyrley.

  28. Dear Sir/Madam

    Where can I obtain a copy of you recently issued book “reflections Over The Years”

    J. Ralphs

    1. I am not aware of a cote of arms / flag for Harrisons, but we will look in to it further & see if one can be found.
      Regards

  29. Thank you for your web site about Great Wyrley.

    Wondered if you have any information about the family name of Stych who were farming around Great Wyrley in 1717,and possibly before that. The document I have is in “old english” and very hard to read. There is one word which may be of interest “Pienig”, and of course the spelling may be incorrectly. : The mother Elizabeth Styche was at that place and it seems that the son John was from Birmingham. . Any ideas would be appreciated. Many thanks
    Judith Forsyth (Sydney Australia)
    .

    1. There is no mention of a Styche in our area at the time you mention, but it does seem they were at one time in Shareshill which is more or less, just up the road from here, (Shareshill comes under Wolverhampton) so I have looked through St. Peter’s records, the main church in Wolverhampton & as you can see (below) there are some baptisms around the time which may be of interest to you.

      St. Peter’s Wolverhampton Baptisms
      24 Nov 1617 Richard s/o Humfrey Styche
      12 Sep 1618 Mary d/o Richard Styche
      5 Nov 1742 Mary d/o William Stych
      1 Jun 1798 Hannah d/o Thomas & Elizabeth Stych

      Going back to Shareshill, from 1564 to 1837, the last Styche mentioned was a burial for Humphrey Stych(no e) January 8th 1666, I need to look into this further if you think they could be your Styche family.

      I also looked at St. Lukes Church at Cannock & strange I found a John Styche aged 3years from Birmingham buried October 1st 1835. I know it isnt the time you are looking for, but I wondered why come all the way from Birmingham. There was Styche’s living at Hednesford too as there are some burials at St. Lukes Church
      Buried St. Lukes, Cannock.
      25 January 1825 Henry Paternas Styche of Cannock 3 weeks old
      20 February 1829 Anne Catherine Stythe of Hednesford 7 months old
      3 March 1829 Sarah Maria Stythe of Hednesford age 3 years old

      The only Styche I have come across in our area is a H. Stythe we have on a photograph taken in 1929, he was part of Great Wyrley Flower Show Committee.

      Hope this is of some help to you.

  30. There has been an enquiry if the Society (and the members) have any knowledge of the Whittingham family and / or the people who married into it.

    Could anyone please help? We will also raise the question at the April Coffee morning to see if anyone can assist with the enquiry.

    1. Hello
      I came across this request, only five years after you posed the question! You may already have all of the answers you need, but I thought it worth mentioning anyway. During my recent family history research, I have discovered the Whittinghams of Great Wyrley, especially my Great Grandmother Elizabeth Whittingham, born in 1862 and of course her ancestors and other members of her family.

  31. I have been looking through the reflections over the years book and loved looking at the old pictures and reading about the history. I now live in Adelaide South Australia, but was bought up in Great Wyrley and lived there happily for 20yrs. A great read.

    1. Hi Lisa

      Thank you for your feedback. It’s much appreciated. We have had a number of informal comments relayed to us about the book and how it has been enjoyed by the readers.

      There must be an Adelaide / Great Wyrley Association somehwere!Thanks to my friend in Great Wyrley, I was able to visit Adelaide a few years back (his daughter and her family live there) and other members of the History Society have recently visited with others being there at the present time. I’m looking at snow drifts sending this message!

  32. does anyone have any photos of my family or sunday school photos was doing sunday school anniversarys from1965 to around 1975 my friend was virginia smith we lived in broadmeadow lane,

    1. Hi Carol

      The Society is re-cataloguing it’s photo library. As soon as it is reasonably completed, we will check further to see if we have anything that might be relevant.

      At the same time, we will ask the members at an upcoming coffee morning if they know of any pictures held elsewhere that might be relevant. We will get back to you with anythin we can.

      By the way, if you are local and you have time, you can call in at the coffee morning and ask directly yourself. Theremight be members who actually attended the same classes as yourself.

      Thanks
      Ron Myatt

      1. Hi Carol

        Tony Newell has confirmed there are some pictures in the
        library. It is best if you could contact Tony directly (his details are in the ‘About Us’ section).

        Copies can be made for 50p each plus any postage & packing costs, if incurred. It would be ideal if you could arrange to call in and check for yourself which best suits your needs.

        Tony said are you related in any way to John and Toby Rowlands who used to live on the Walsall Road just below the Wheatsheaf and are still living in the village?

        We will ask about your friend in Broadmeadow Lane at the April coffee morning and get back to you if we receive any feedback from the members. Many thanks

        Ron

    2. Hi Carol I remember you both from School and the Sunday School Anniversary Howard Benton was our conductor and Alan Smith was the organist.. Johnny Ponder was our Sunday School Teacher,.. My Mother may have pictures if she is still in the village.
      Vicki Shepherdson

      1. hi carol i too attended the sunday school a little later maybe early to mid 70s your names is vaguely familliar did you also do the sunday school anniversary i did along with my sister and brother

  33. Hi I have just brought landywood farm and am trying to resort it back to its glory! Just wounding if any one got any old photos

    1. Hi Tom
      We have an early photograph of Landywood Farm in our archives, it is the one that appears in James Homeshaw & Ralph Sambrook’s book ‘Great Wyrley 1051 – 1951’ which is now out of circulation.

      We produced a new book last year, which gives a small reference to Landywood Farm on page 19 & 60. It states: The earliest phase of Landywood Farm dates to the 16th century. The farm house is a grade 11 listed building, achieving this status in 1987. Ofcourse, it does not mean that there was not a building prior to this date, which was swept away during rebuilding. The size and shape of the fields system around the farm may well place it in the medieval period, although an early post-medieval date could also be likely.

      Good Luck with your restoration.

  34. Information indicates I am a descendent of William de Warlay, born 1044 who originated in Normandy, France. He is alleged to be one of the original founders of Great Wyrley and Little Wyrley.

    I would appreciate any information either confirming or denying this theory.

    Robert O. Worley; Washinton State, USA

    1. I had a chance to research my alleged information and I will try to enter a copy here. I really hope someone replies to this message.

      The family of Werlay, Wirlay, Wyrley, Wirley, or Worley (for it has been spelled at different periods in all these ways), derives it’s descent from William de Werlay. William de Werlay, whose name is inscribed in the celebrate roll of Battle Abbey, came over from Normandy, France, with William The Conqueror, in 1066 AD.

      William de Warlay and his son, Robert, commonly called, Robert de Parva Wirley had extensive grants of land in Staffordshire to which they gave the names of Great and Little Wyrley.

      The following is an extract from the book “300th Anniversary Of Worleys in America 1682-1982”. This book was written by Carolyn Joy Worley, also known as Carolyn Whitesel Worley, of Friendly, MD 20022, and was copyrighted in USA 1981. This book is available from the LDS Family History Center as a microfiche, call number “Book Area 929.273, W893w”.

      Quote:
      The family of Warlay, Werlay, Wirley, Wyrley, Wirlay, or Worley, (for it has been spelt at different periods in all these ways) derives its descent from William de Werlay, who came over with William the Conqueror in 1066, known as the Norman Conquest. Normans being from France. Williams’s name is inscribed in the celebrated roll of Battle Abbey.

      William de Werlay and his son Robert, commonly called Robert de Parva Wirley, had extensive grants of land in Staffordshire, to which they gave the names of Great and Little Wyrley.

      The family of Wyrely of Handsworth was of ancient standing in the county of Stafford, being descended from Robert de Wyrley, temp. Henry II.

      Adam de Wyrley, son of Robert, appears to have exchanged: (temp. Henry I.) his paternal lands at Wyrley for the manor and estate of Honnesworth, or Hamsted, in the same county, where he built a manor house, which continued in existence until the latter end of last century.

      The fourteenth in lineal descent from Adam de Wyrley, as traced by Erdeswicke, in his Survey of Stafforshire (nee Harwood’s edition of 1844, page 414) was Humphrey Wyrley, anno 1593.

      James Worley of Dodington County Kent had sons: (1) Henry Worley, heir DCL; married a sister of Sir Anthony Mayney, Knight. Their children were Henry, William, John, and Bridget. Henry and William died S.P. Bridget married Phillips and also died S.P. John, (2) Stephen Worley of Tonge married Ann, daughter and heir of Henry Bateman of Linsted. Their children were (1) John Worley, heir; married Alice, daughter of Robert Couchman of the Isle of Sheppy, he died September 15, 1621 and was buried at Linsted. He died S.P. (ii) Henry Worley, second son, (iii)Elizabeth Worley married Thomas Finch. (iv) Bridget Worley, married William Thomas.

      John Worley, of the parish of Hackney County Mddx, made a will December 21, 1603, his wife was named Alice. Their children were (1) Mary, (2) Alice, (3) Henry Worley, heir, (4) John Worley, and (5) William Worley. No records of any of these children except Henry.

      (Mrs. A. Caffall, and MISS N. Caffall, Record Searchers; Hough Walls, Park Way, Ruislip, Mddx., London, England supplied the data and records given on this page. These Record Searchers state, in a letter dated November 1, 1932: ” From the result of these inquiries — there seems a good possibility that he (Henry Worley, deceased Bishopsgate London, 1674) may have descended from the Kent family. If you refer to the pedigree of family you will see that the name of Henry was a distinct family name. Among the evidences you will find an Admon of Henry Worley 1603 to his sister Bridget Phillips.

      1. Good morning Robert

        A member of the Society (Ray Franks) has done extensive research work on a number of items and he may have, or be able to find, some further details. We will do our best but cannot, at this stage, confirm if he will be successful.

        I will forward your details to Ray and I guess he will contact you directly if, or when, he can provide further details.

        Many thanks

        Ron Myatt

        1. (seven years later … but nothing by genealogical standards 🙂 ): The extract from “300th Anniversary Of Worleys in America 1682-1982” is verbatim from an early version of Burke’s Landed Gentry. From what I have read, this is not a trusted source, and the reference to the “celebrated roll of Battle Abbey” is even less trustworthy. Are there any trustworthy references to the family Worley or Warley or Wyrley in the history of this region, or are these names simply picked up when locals moved away from the area?

    2. Interested in hearing more Robert…I traced my mom’s family up threw the same chain….We too, live in Washington state. Wonder where our families splitt? My Grampa John Worley was from Texas and moved here during the 50’s.

  35. Please Can anyone tell me more about the Thomas Smith who is listed on the war memorial in Great Wyrley,He could be my missing relative.
    I would love to hear more about membership details, Good luck with the society.

    1. Hi Chris

      There are a small number of initiatives being undertaken in view of the upcoming commemoration of the outbreak of World War 1. This will include further reviewing of the war memorial details. It is an on-going activity and will take several months. As soon as, or if, we unearth further details, we will be delighted to share them with you.

      Also, if you could share further details with us , we have a member who has undertaken a number of research activities and he may well be able to provide further information. Could you tell us more, please?

  36. Hi there,
    I have just found you after I found out that my name Worley heritage evolved from the surname Wyrley. As I believe is correct the placename Wyrley has as its roots the OE elements wir (the bog-myrtle or myrica gale) and Leah (a glade or clearing), meaning a clearing where this plant grew. The name was recorded as Wereleia in the Doomesday survey, as Wirlega in 1170 and 1176 and as Great Wyrley in 1300. Two families bore the name de Wyrley then dropped the de later to change to Worley.
    Is that how you understand it and if so is there any other information that you could share with me.
    Regards
    Trevor Worley

    1. I have information that I have not personaly verified which I have attached. I would appreciate your comments.

      The following is an extract from the book “300th Anniversary Of Worleys in America 1682-1982”. This book was written by Carolyn Joy Worley, also known as Carolyn Whitesel Worley, of Friendly, MD 20022, and was copyrighted in USA 1981. This book is available from the LDS Family History Center as a microfiche, call number “Book Area 929.273, W893w”.

      Quote:
      The family of Warlay, Werlay, Wirley, Wyrley, Wirlay, or Worley, (for it has been spelt at different periods in all these ways) derives its descent from William de Werlay, who came over with William the Conqueror in 1066, known as the Norman Conquest. Normans being from France. Williams’s name is inscribed in the celebrated roll of Battle Abbey.

      William de Werlay and his son Robert, commonly called Robert de Parva Wirley, had extensive grants of land in Staffordshire, to which they gave the names of Great and Little Wyrley.

      The family of Wyrely of Handsworth was of ancient standing in the county of Stafford, being descended from Robert de Wyrley, temp. Henry II.

      Adam de Wyrley, son of Robert, appears to have exchanged: (temp. Henry I.) his paternal lands at Wyrley for the manor and estate of Honnesworth, or Hamsted, in the same county, where he built a manor house, which continued in existence until the latter end of last century.

      The fourteenth in lineal descent from Adam de Wyrley, as traced by Erdeswicke, in his Survey of Stafforshire (nee Harwood’s edition of 1844, page 414) was Humphrey Wyrley, anno 1593.

  37. Graham

    Thank you for your enquiry. We have a colleague who has a lot of information about mining disasters. Hopefully, he may be able to provide further information.

    The information we currently have is a Mr George Bellamore died on 14 October 1860 at Brownhills Colliery owned by Mr. W Harrison, Cause – bridle chains broke and he fell with cage.

    We will get back to you with any further details we can find a s a p.

    Best wishes

    R

  38. Does any one know anything about the blue pit wyrley in 1860 a distant relative a george bellamore was killed in this mine. The coroners verdict in the following January was accidentally killed in a coal pit 1861.Would be greatful for any input thanks Graham v Till.

    1. We are launching our new ‘Great Wyrley Review’ tonight (Thursday 4th August 2011) 7:30pm, at Harrison’s Club, Great Wyrley. Everyone welcome.

      The new book contains photographs & news from the 1930’s to the Millenium. Only £4. Produced by Gary Smith, Chairman.
      To order your Review, please contact Gary Smith on 01922 418546 or email: winsongary@aol.com

  39. would it be possible to email me any photos of the old landywood first school in holly lane in the 1970s or let me know where i could get a picture from. thanku very much

    1. Hi Jenny

      The records are currently being re-catalogued and we will try to respond when everything has been completed. We will also ask at an upcoming coffee morning if any members have photos in their private collections that they might agree to share with us.

      Many thanks

      Ron Myatt

      1. Hi Jenny

        A quick check suggests there are some pictures that might be applicable. Please have a look at the reply to Carol Rowlands and get back in touch as to your preferred next steps.

        Thanks
        Ron Myatt

  40. Hi,
    I didnt know you existed but was looking for information about Wyrley Hall when your society came up on the search engine. I am really disappointed that I will miss your event on 18th June as I will be in Wales, but I would like to find out more about your society, I love history, I have lived in Great Wyrley for more than 20 yrs, and really know very little about the village’s history.
    I would be interested in joining your society so please send me any info you have that is relenvant
    many thanks
    Sandra

    1. Hi Sandra

      We have been exceptionally busy getting our book ‘Reflections Over The Years’ published and a number of tasks have fallen ‘between the cracks’, shall we say. Our web-site updating is an example.

      Have you received further information about the Society in the meantime? If not, could you drop a message to Tony Newell, our Secretary, and I’m sure he will provide any further details that could be helpful.

      Thanks

      Ron Myatt

  41. I am the grand daughter of Thomas Wassell who farmed at ‘Hall Lane Farm’ Little Wyrley in the early 1900’s. I am keen to find out any information about him and have been trying to research aspects of local history that would have affected him. My father, now elderly, recalls seeing ‘Coppey Hall Farm’ as the livery on one of the farm’s wagons and yet I am unable to find any existence of this at all. Can you throw any light on this ?

    1. Good morning Dorothy

      Apologies for the lengthy time responding to your request. If you have found any further details in the interim, could you please let us know.

      We have received much information in the last few months that has been very helpful when researching for our recently published book ‘Reflections Over The Years’.

      We will check our archives and also ask our members at our monthly coffee morning if they can provide any further information and we will get back to you with any results.

      Many thanks

      Ron Myatt

    2. Hi Dorothy
      We cannot find any details of Coppey Hall Farm nearby. We will keep trying to find out. We had one suggestion. There was a Coppenhall Farm, near Stafford. Might it be the one your father was speaking about. Also, one of our team recalls delivering papers to Hall Lane Farm some years ago.

      You mention your family research. In case it’s of interest, please have a look at our March 2013 news-letter. I’m sure Ray Franks would enjoy assisting your efforts, if and where possible.

      Thanks

      Ron Myatt

  42. Hi
    I’m trying to compile a family tree and wondered if anyone can remember the Bullock family from Great Wyrley – late 1800’s ?

    I think the parents were Thomas and Hannah and children Emma, Lucy, Florence, Nancy, Mary (my grandmother), George, Jim, Harry and I think the other brother was Tom. Some of the family lived on the Walsall Road, not sure about the remainder.

    I do have a sepia group family photo and also one of my great grandfather.

    I would really appreciate if anyone could provide any information.

    Many thanks,

    Sue Humphreys

    1. Hello Sue
      Apologies about the tardy response. Could you let us know if you have found out further information in the interim?

      We have a number of ‘Bullock’ related contents that might possibly be relevant? Also, we have a number of possible contacts who may have further information.

      We will follow up what we can and will get back to you a s a p thereafter.

      Many thanks

      Ron Myatt

      1. Hello Ron – thank you for your reply. I have managed to aquire a family tree but would be very interested if anyone could provide any further information on the Bullock family or are part of the family. Had one lovely outcome, I found a cousin living in Wiltshire that I hadn’t seen for 45 years !
        Many thanks, Sue

        1. I grew up at 72 Walsall Road during the 60s and there was a family called Bullock who lived further up the road. One was called Bob – his cigarette burn in our dining table stayed there for almost 50 years!

    2. Sue Humphreys

      Just found this website! Better late than never, I hope I recognize all the ancestors you name, except Nancy. We may be second cousins. Where are you?

      Derek Bullock

  43. Your site was very interesting I have lived round here for 45yrs and I did not realise all the history of great wyrley I am looking forward to the book that is going tobe produced.

    1. We now have two great books out about Great Wyrley.
      ‘Reflections over the years’ book £8.00 published December 2012
      & the ‘Great Wyrley Review’ book £4.00 published August 2011.
      They are available from Gary Smith – Chairman 01922 418546 or email: winsongary@aol.com

    1. We now have two great books out about Great Wyrley.
      ‘Reflections over the years’ book £8.00 published December 2012
      & the ‘Great Wyrley Review’ book £4.00 published August 2011. They are available from Gary Smith – Chairman 01922 418546 or email: winsongary@aol.com

  44. This looks great, and I wish you all good luck with this fantastic project. Even though I left Wyrley in 1990 I always think of the old country.

    1. We now have two great books out about Great Wyrley.
      ‘Reflections over the years’ book £8.00 published December 2012
      & the ‘Great Wyrley Review’ book £4.00 published August 2011. They are available from Gary Smith – Chairman 01922 418546 or email: winsongary@aol.com

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