Secrets of Stourbridge glass site to be revealed
Layers of history will literally be unearthed when two archaeological digs are held at a world-famous glassmaking site.
A car park and land to the rear of the Ruskin Glass Centre, Stourbridge, will be a hive of activity later this month as experts seek to cast fresh light on the site's long history.
And one of the digs will expose the footings of a glass cone which stood for many years and was once a vital part of the area's thriving industry.
The site, in Wollaston Road, was once home to glass greats Webb Corbett and Royal Doulton – both world-renowned names.
They are taking place as the third phase of a redevelopment scheme which will see a new commercial workshops and a new car park built on the site.
The first dig will begin on February 17 at the site's car park where there is evidence of remaining buildings which experts want to more about.
They are believed to be the remains of Coalbourne House which the manager of the works once lived in.
The dig is being overseen by archaeological group Nexus Heritage.
The second dig will run from March 10 to 23 on land to the rear of the site where one of the glass cones once stood.
The aim is to expose the footings of the building to learn more about it and recover any artefacts which may still be below the ground.
Volunteers are being asked to come forward and help out with the second dig.
Anyone interested in taking part is asked to call glass heritage officer Ian Dury on 01384 399419. The redevelopment work will begin soon after the digs have concluded and once both sites have been backfilled.
An open weekend will be held before this for people to see both sites for themselves – although a final date has still to be set. Principal of the Glasshouse College Ollie Cheney said: "Getting a chance to explore the heritage and culture is a fantastic opportunity."
