Tipton in 1817

Description from A Topographical History of Staffordshire by William Pitt (1817)

TIPTON.

Tipton is situated on the main line of the Birmingham Canal, about two miles to the north of Dudley Castle.

It is celebrated for the richness of its iron mines, and the number of its iron-works. At four of these it is estimated that 95 tons of pig-iron are made weekly.

There are also three slitting-mills, and one rolling-mill, belonging to Tipton iron-works. The manufacture of hinges is also carried on to a considerable extent, and gives employment to fifty workmen. It is supposed that nearly one-half of the inhabitants of this parish are nailors, and the nail trade, in all its varieties, gives employment to young and old, women and children, who begin to work at six years of age.

There are also manufactories of shovels, tongs, augers, and edge tools, wood screws, awls, and fenders.

Besides these, various manufactures of iron, a very extensive manufactory of a different kind has been established here by James Keir and Co. on the banks of the canal; namely, the manufacture of alkali, soap, white lead, red lead, and metal sashes for windows.

In the year 1811, the population of Tipton was 8407, namely, 4351 males, and 4056 females.

Tipton Church is a large edifice, with a gallery; the steeple contains six bells. The Church is a curacy, in the gift of the Prebends of Lichfield.