Pensnett Chase

[4] The original Chase was bordered on the south by the River Stour, dividing the common land from the manor of Cradley.

Sometime in the 1230s, a descendant of Ralph, Roger de Somery, fenced off part of the Chase to create "New Park" in order to breed deer for hunting.

This area of England is in the Black Country region and was rich in industrial materials including coal, iron ore, clay and fire-clay.

Iron-making and forging was introduced into the area in Tudor times and exploitation of the underground minerals was a great source of wealth for the Sutton and Ward families, who were the successors of the de Somerys.

Although by the 17th century the ancient woodlands had largely been cleared [3] new plantations of trees ensured a supply of wood to produce charcoal for the local iron industry.

Netherton Hill with Saltwells Wood in the background. Once part of Pensnett Chase, this area was the scene of extensive coal mining and charcoal manufacture before being restored as woodland and gorse-covered hillside.