Stourbridge

Stourbridge is a town in the Metropolitan Borough of Dudley in the West Midlands, located about 10 miles west of Birmingham. The area divides into several commercial districts and residential neighborhoods that spread along the River Stour and surrounding hills.

During the Industrial Revolution, the area developed into a major center for glass production due to local deposits of high-quality clay. The glass industry shaped the economic and social life of the community for more than two centuries.

The town takes its name from the River Stour, which once powered mills and workshops along its banks. Visitors today see workshops and galleries where craftspeople demonstrate their skills and share traditional techniques with apprentices.

Two railway stations, Stourbridge Junction and Stourbridge Town, provide connections to Birmingham, Worcester, and surrounding towns in the region. Most facilities and shops are located in the center, which is easy to reach on foot.

The Red House Cone, a glass furnace tower standing about 100 feet (30 meters) tall, shows the industrial past through demonstrations and exhibits. Visitors can see how glassmakers worked in such buildings over a century ago, using furnaces that required this height for proper ventilation.

Location: Dudley

Shares border with: Kingswinford

GPS coordinates: 52.45800,-2.14800

Latest update: December 13, 2025 15:47