Situated in the heart of the Black Country, the borough of Dudley is one of the largest in the country. Proud of its past and positive about its future, at nearly 40 square miles and with four main townships it offers surprising contrast.

Created in 1974 from the towns of Dudley, Stourbridge, Brierley Hill and Halesowen, the borough being rich in both coal and limestone became a major part of the industrial revolution.

The medieval town of Dudley is overlooked by an 11th century castle the grounds of which are home to Dudley Zoo, has one of the longest man made tunnels the Dudley Canal Tunnel which is over 3,000 yards in length and was completed in 1792. the town hosts the boroughs main civic buildings.

Brierley Hill and surrounding areas were well known for its steel and chain making and is where the anchor of the Titanic was manufactured, has more recently received major regeneration in recent years and, as well as a bustling town centre, is home to the Merry Hill Shopping Centre and Waterfront office and bar complex.

A glorious history of glassmaking is celebrated in the market town of Stourbridge, which was also home to the first steam engine to run on rails the Stourbridge Lion.

In the south of the borough is Halesowen, an area know for its nail making history, and its acres of landscaped gardens and parkland which surround the town, including the Grade I listed Leasowes Park.

The borough, which is home to more than 300,000 residents, also features smaller towns and villages such as Sedgley, Gornal, Kingswinford, Lye and Wordsley, all with their own unique identity.

Dudley borough also boasts fantastic areas of natural beauty. There are many parks and nature reserves, including a site of special scientific interest, a classic geological site, world famous for its large numbers of beautifully preserved fossils, some of which are found nowhere else on earth.