The name Stourbridge derives from the meaning 'bridge over the river Stour'. A much earlier name and a place where people used to cross the river was called Swinford which literally meant 'pig ford'. The district of Old Swinford still exists within Stourbridge. The bridge obviously replaced the ford and the town was renamed accordingly. Stourbridge was recorded as 'Sturbrug' in the thirteenth century.
Stourbridge is noted for its fine glass and crystal ware and factories in the town still produce quality glass and crystal. Many of the original glassmakers were refugees from Lorraine. The reason they settled in Stourbridge was due to the abundance of coal and clay which was used in the glass making process. With the advent of lead glass Stourbridge became world famous. Today the Broadfield Glass Museum is dedicated to the history of glassmaking in this region and famous names such as Stuart Crystal and Royal Brierley still produce quality products here. Visitors are able to take a tour of the factories and stroll at leisure around the Glass Quarter.
Stourbridge was once a railway town and enjoys the best of urban life and countryside. The Dudley and Stourbridge canals provide excellent recreational facilities and the canal route features a renovated bonded warehouse, offices of the Stourbridge Canal Company and the Stourbridge Ironworks.
Stourbridge is now incorporated into the Metropolitan Borough of Dudley and is one of the Black Country's leading attractions.
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