Review and Recap: History of Himley Hall (Prior to 1740)

Introduction

• Focus: Physical features, people, and purpose of Himley Manor prior to 1740.
• Originally a manor house, not a hall.
• First recorded in the Domesday Book (11th century).
• Limited information exists from 11th to 18th century.

Physical Features

• Location: Central position in Dudley area, near coal mines and steelworks.
• Defensive Structures:
  • Surrounded by a moat.
  • Access via a drawbridge.
  • Featured a turret for defense.
• Surroundings:
  • Adjacent to a medieval church and village.
  • Part of a group of manor houses called Castlery.

People of Himley Manor

• Home to the Lords and Earls of Dudley, their knights, and families.
• Notable Figures:
  • Dud Dudley experimented with smelting iron ore with coal in the 1600s.
  • Francis Sutton married Humble Ward, which transferred the title "Lords of Dudley" to the Ward family.
  • King Charles I and his troops encamped at Himley Manor during the English Civil War.

Purpose of Himley Manor

• Served as one of several residences for the Dudley family.
• Became the main residence after Dudley Castle was damaged in 1646.
• Defensive capabilities were crucial due to political instability and war.

Recap Quiz

• Understand the significance and timeline of events related to Himley Manor:
  • Know the site as "Himley Hall".
  • Key figures and events: Dud Dudley, Francis Sutton, Humble Ward, and King Charles I.
  • Importance as a place of residence and defense.

Conclusion

• The period prior to 1740 is marked by limited changes and scarce information.
• Upcoming: Next time period (1740-1850) in the history series.