Crime and Calamity in Old Rugeley and Cannock

Our latest book 'Crime and Calamity in Old Rugeley and Cannock' is now available at lulu.com

This book details hundreds of events that happened in and around Rugeley and Cannock in the Victorian era. Almost none of these stories have appeared in print since they were first reported upon. 

Separate chapters cover accidents on the railways, roads and canals as well as mishaps in the workplace and at home. Discover remarkable happenings which took place at some of the best known places in the vicinity and get a glimpse into the lives of real people of the age, from the highest positions in society to the very lowest.

Read fascinating stories about fires, floods, crashes and explosions, accounts of cruelty, neglect and squalor, and details of crimes ranging from petty theft to murder. Learn of suicide pacts and accidental shootings and follow the trail of dangerous stalkers and brazen fraudsters.

You'll meet fighting vicars, heroic firemen, a naked bridegroom, rabid dogs and thieving children as well as uncovering the exploits of one of the most remarkable women Rugeley has ever produced!

 The book contents are as follows:

Rugeley & Cannock Book In Production

Crime and Calamity in Old Rugeley and Cannock' is finally in production and will be available for purchase within the next 7-10 days.

Coven book now available in village

 
'Coven In Times Past' is now available at The Allotment in the village.

As well as housing the Post office, The Allotment has a small café, a wonderful range of fresh produce and a great selection of gifts and cards!

Rugeley and Cannock Book Imminent

A new book filled with stories from 19th century Rugeley and Cannock will be published in the next few weeks. The book details all manner of accidents in the area, in the mines and on the roads and railways. A detailed look at floods, fires and freak weather show how our ancestors coped with calamity and dealt with death and destruction. More chapters tell of brutal assaults, terrible suicides and grisly murders. Not since the original events happened over 100 years ago have people been able to read these fascinating accounts of events that took place on right on our doorstep.

Want to know what stood here in the past and what happened there? ...



 Or how about here?...



Watch this space for details! The new book also includes stories from Hednesford, Norton Canes, Handsacre, Colton, Longdon, the Ridwares, Chasetown, Burntwood and many other places around Rugeley and Cannock.

Paper Round 1873 Style

Any paper-boy or girl complaining about their round today should take a glimpse at the size of this round for the Staffordshire Advertiser in 1873. It began where the papers were dropped off at Spread Eagle (ie Gailey) Station and encompassed Coven, Brewood, Wheaton Aston and everything in between. The total distance 'as the crow flies' is over 13 miles, with the deviations required it would probably be nearer to 20 all told.

Wolverhampton West Magazine Features Brewood Book

Our local history title 'It Happened in Brewood' is featured in this months' Wolverhampton West Magazine.