12 compelling photos showing work to tidy up iconic Black Country landmark

It’s a structure that has been part of life in Sedgley for 180 years and carries a lot of history.

The Sedgley Beacon is the centrepiece of Beacon Hill, one of the highest points in the West Midlands and a Grade II listed tower, erected in 1846 by Lord Wrottesley for astronomy and provides a view as far as Gloucestershire on a good clear day.

In recent years, the area around the Beacon has suffered from decline and has drawn the attention of the Friends of Sedgley Beacon, who applied alongside Dudley Council for UK Shared Prosperity Funding from the Government to enable improvement works.

The application was successful, with £120,000 award for work including vegetation clearance, replacement of the main vehicular entrance gate off Beacon Lane, repairs to stonework and metal work to the tower and replacement fencing.

Phase one has been completed, with Sedgley Councillor Ian Sandall among those to visit the area with the group.

He said: “Sedgley is a historic town, and it’s so important that we preserve and protect our local history for future generations.

“Sedgley Beacon has always been a key part of that history and remains one of the most recognisable landmarks in our community.

“It was fantastic to see the Beacon being brought back to how so many people remember it throughout the years.”

So, what does the Beacon look like after the work? We visited the Beacon to see what work had been done and any big changes that had been made.