Wednesfield

WEDNESFIELD, a township, in the parish and union of Wolverhampton, S. division of the hundred of Offlow and of the county of Stafford, 2 miles (N. E. by E.) from Wolverhampton; containing 3168 inhabitants. Edward the Elder, in 911, defeated the Danes here, when two of their kings, two earls, and nine other chiefs, were slain; and there were formerly two barrows on the supposed site of the battle, one of which has been levelled. The township comprises 3326a. 3r. 11p. Coal and ironstone are plentiful, and three or four mines are at present in operation: locks and keys, chain-cables, and other articles in iron, are manufactured. The Essington and Wyrley canal, and the Liverpool and Birmingham railway, run through the township, the Wolverhampton station of the latter being within its limits. A good hotel has lately been built by John Gough, Esq. A pleasure-fair is held on the Monday nearest to the 25th of June. The living of Wednesfield is a perpetual curacy, in the gift of Mr. Gough, with a net income of £136: the tithes have been commuted for £1011. 16. 6., payable to the Duke of Cleveland. The chapel, dedicated to St. Thomas, is a plain brick building, erected in 1750, and enlarged in 1843, to accommodate 885 persons, at the cost of the patron and parishioners, assisted by grants from the Diocesan and Incorporated Societies. There are places of worship for Wesleyans and Lady Huntingdon's Connexion.