West Bromwich
a parliamentary, municipal and county borough of Staffordshire, England; one of the most important towns in the great manufacturing and mining district known as the "Black Country," 5½ miles N. W. of Birmingham. m. The seat in the 12th century of a Benedictine priory, it yet is of modern growth, having risen within the last 100 years from a mere village on a barren heath, in consequence mainly of the rich coal and iron mines in the vicinity, of the industries to which these give rise, and of the transport facilities by rail and canal. The manufactures comprise all departments of Birmingham hardware. Puddling and sheet-iron rolling, sheet-glass making, coal mining, and brick and tile making are also carried on to a great extent. Pop. about 70,000.