It’s no surprise that the Black Country have contributed so much to the region.
Afterall, the name of the Black Country, derives from the heavy smoke produced from the factories and coal mines during the industrial era.
Many of these gifts to the world have been overlooked, so we thought we’d give them the attention they deserve.
However, not every item on this list such as nail-making was produced in the Black Country.
We decided to give it the recognition it deserves because it was truly produced here - and we’ll claim it as our own.
A lot of these inventions emerged at a time in which the county had made a name for itself as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution.
1. The Steam Engine
Famously, in 1712, Thomas Newcomen completed works for the world's very first atmospheric steam engine in Tipton. The Thomas Newcomen steam engine at the Black Country Living Museum.
2. Titanic's Anchor
The anchor for the ill-fated White Star liner RMS Titanic was made in the region. It was built by in 1911 by manufacturers Noah Hingley & Sons in Netherton, (Pic credit: Hulton Archive / Getty Images) | Hulton Archive / Getty Images
3. The origins of the National Minimum Wage
It is believed that the origins of the national minimum wage can be traced back to the 1910 Cradley Heath women chainmakers' strike.
4. Chain-making
While not invented by a single-person, chain-making was strongly developed in the region. Lucy Woodhall is pictured at work at Joseph Woodhouse, chainmakers, Cradley Heath, in January 1961, offering a glimpse into the demanding world of heavy industry. She said at the time: “Yes, the sparks sometimes hurt my hands or mouth.” | Picture: Express & Star