Cookley

COOKLEY, a hamlet, in the parish of Wolverley, union of Kidderminster, Lower division of the hundred of Oswaldslow, Kidderminster and W. divisions of the county of Worcester, 3 miles (N. by E.) from Kidderminster. The soil here is of light quality, and good for the cultivation of turnips and barley; the surface is undulated, and the scenery very pleasing. The river Stour and the Staffordshire and Worcestershire canal pass through the hamlet. The village lies about a mile higher up the stream than Wolverley; it is a busy manufacturing place. The Cookley ironworks, established two centuries ago, and now the property of Messrs. John Knight and Company, employ 550 hands in making iron and tin plates, and all kinds of best iron; and the Wood-Screw Company employ 150 hands. The cottages of the workmen and villagers are very neat. The Wesleyans have a place of worship; and an infant school is supported by the Sebright charity.