8 of the oldest West Midlands villages mentioned in the Domesday Book that are still thriving today
These eight charming villages have stood the test of time, tracing their roots back to the Domesday Book era.
For those, who may not have heard of the Domesday book, it was akin to what most households nowadays fill in as the census.
The Domesday book was known as a massive survey of England and some places in Wales, and was completed back in 1086.
As you can imagine, some places in the UK, have no doubt changed their names since then, but here are some interesting parts that still remain.
We’ll take you a whizz around some of the locations, that many Wolverhampton and West Midlands residents have and do call home.
Take a look below:
1. Tipton
Tipton was a settlement in Domesday Book, located in the county of Staffordshire. At the time, It had a recorded population of 5.5 households in 1086. Now the town has a population of 44,125 according to the 2021 census.
2. Alderminster
The settlement had about 39 households in 1086.
3. Aston
Aston was first mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1086 as Estone. Almost 1000 years ago, the settlement had 44 households in the Domesday Book and was part of the Warwickshire county. Now, its a huge part of the city, boasting sites like Aston Hall, Aston Villa Football Club and being the birthplace of Ozzy Osbourne.
4. Cannock
In the Domesday book, the town had 14 households in 1086, and is listed under 2 owners. Now Cannock has a population of 100,000 and is a thriving town in Staffordshire.
5. West Bromwich
Known as the Bromwic, and is recorded to have had a mere 3 households back in 1086. West Bromwich is a fantastic market town and has since grown considerably now having a population of 103,112 according to the 2021 Census.
6. Oldbury
Oldbury was a settlement in Domesday Book, in the hundred of Alnodestreu and the county of Shropshire. It had a recorded population of 13 households in 1086.
7. Dudley
In the Domesday book, Dudley was located in the hundred of Clent and the county of Worcestershire. It had 16 households in 1086. Now Dudley has a population of 323,495.
In the Domesday book, Wednesbury has a recorded population of 9.3 households in 1086.
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