More than 850 years of battle and intrigue explained at history talk about Dudley Castle

Historian Max Keen will be guest speaker at Sedgley Local History Society's next meeting on February 12.

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Despite its location in the centre of Dudley, a quirk of geopolitics meant the castle actually fell into the parish of Woodsetton, in the manor of Sedgley, and was part of Staffordshire rather than Worcestershire. 

Mr Keen, a retired teacher known for his quirky and colourful history talks, will look at the ups and downs of the fortress, from the time was built by William the Conqueror's loyal supporter, Ansculf de Picquigny, in 1071, right up until the 1930s when it was used as a showground by the Earl of Dudley.

Ansculf, a Nomran nobleman, was handed the barony of Dudley as a result for his support, and built a castle to protect his interests and to protect the Midlands from a potential Welsh invasion.

It became a key battleground in the 12th century during the civil war between Queen Matilda and King Stephen.

Dudley was held by Ralph de Paganel who sided with the Queen, and the castle was refortified in stone. When King Stephen and his army approached Dudley Castle in 1138, they decided not to besiege it but instead to destroy the 'town' of Dudley and the surrounding lands, stealing as much livestock as they could manage.

The event will be held at St Andrew's Church in Bilston Street, Sedgley,. starting 7.30 pm.

Admission will be £2.