#BlackCountryDay - Bostin' top 10 of what meks us proud
Yow cor beat the bostin' Black Country – we list the top 10 things which make people proud to be from the celebrated region.
1.
- A source of pride in the Black Country is its distinctive dialect which is still widely spoken in towns and villages. It has led to a number of words and sayings, such 'Ow bin ya?' for 'How are you?'; 'babby' for 'baby' and 'fittle' for 'food'.
2. Food - Like all regions, the Black Country has a selection of foods unique to the area which are enjoyed to the present day. Among the most popular dishes are Groaty pudding – which is made from soaked oats, beef, leeks, onion and beef stock. Other meals include grey paes.
3. Drink - Throughout its history, the Black Country has been the location for a host of world-famous breweries including Marston's, in Wolverhampton, and Holdens, in Woodsetton.
4. Landmark Buildings - The Red House Glass Cone in Wordsley, Dudley Castle and The Black Country Living Museum highlight the history of the area.
5. Famous Names - A host have come from the Black Country including comedian Lenny Henry and footballing legend Duncan Edwards, both from Dudley, and Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant and comedian Frank Skinner who were both born in West Bromwich.
6. Football - Black Country folks are passionate about their football with teams such as Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Bromwich Albion having huge support across the region along with Walsall FC.
7. Industry - During the Industrial Revolution, the area became one of the most industrialised parts of Britain with coal mines, iron foundries and steel mills, hence the Black Country name.
8. Mentions in Famous Literary Works - Charles Dickens mentions the area in The Old Curiousity Shop describing the area's factory chimneys as they 'poured out their plague of smoke, obscured the light and made foul the melancholy air.'
9. Myths and Legends - Over its history the area has built up a number of legends. One of the most famous legends relates to Gornal and says a military band once marched through the area causing much excitement among residents with one putting his pig on the wall to give the animal a view as well.
10. A Sense of Heritage - People in the Black Country are proud of their heritage and the long history of the area which has led to the introduction of Black Country Day and events which have taken place during the month.
What meks YOW proud ter be Black Country? Let us know in the comment box below
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