‘Iron, Coal and Roses’

A talk by Keith Robinson about a Black Country family

The Talk

Keith will tell the story of the rise and fall of a Black Country family (The Rose family) of ironmasters during the 19^th century. The talk will look at the lives of those who were employed in the family’s ironworks and collieries and include a number of case studies.

The Speaker

Keith is currently the Vice Chair of the Black Country Society and has written a number of books on the area. He is responsible for the Society’s book store and sales. Keith grew up in Princes End and Wednesbury before his family moved out of the area. Having spent 4 years volunteering in village development work in India, teaching and then working for the National Trust in the Midlands he is now retired. Keith also volunteers at the Black Country Museum and is a regular speaker at many of the region’s local history societies. Keith has written a number of local history books, including the following: