Edward Elwell (1783–1869),[1] son of an ironfounder in Walsall, leased a forge in 1817 in Wood Green, Wednesbury, powered by water from the River Tame.
[2][3] Edward Elwell became known as a maker of quality edge tools, such as axes, hoes, shovels and spades.
[1][2][3] The company exported to many countries, including America, where it sold large quantities of edge tools during the American Civil War.
The company was interested in the welfare of its workforce, converting former workshops into housing, and developing sports facilities.
St Paul's Church, Wood Green, completed in 1874, was built by the Elwell family.