Local history

Not particularly exciting photos - but it’s a struggle to find new material in a restricted world! I was interested to read about the history of these gates to the arboretum in Walsall though. The clock tower was originally the main entrance to the arboretum and was built in 1873. It was a toll house for the collection of the entry fee into the park, I don’t think charges lasted long - it was taken over by the council in the 1880s. In 1880 the head gardener moved in with his wife and eight children and lived there until 1914. Looks as though it was probably quite cramped!