Bilston, West Midlands

Flower Delivery to Bilston with Clare Florist

Bilston is a town in the county of West Midlands. Most people just know about this and nothing else, probably because it’s one of those far-flung places where only a few people live. Some locals who moved away even think of it as an inhospitable place to call home or a holiday destination. What they don’t know, however, is that Bilston has made a major contribution to the world. Interested to know more about it? Read on.

The spot where the Morrisons supermarket now stands was the former site of Albert Street Works. This is the factory that produced steel helmets during the World War. Before Albert Street Works, soldiers go into battle with their heads exposed to all sorts of risks. If not for this company in Bilston, the steel helmet would not be made to save thousands of lives.

What’s even more amazing is that the idea of the steel helmet was borne out of a heart-breaking tragedy. It is believed that the death of a soldier named Sydney Sankey, who was shot in the head, pushed the idea of the steel helmet. It was his family that produced the helmet, after all, and at Bilston, no less. It may seem crude to say, “Thanks to him”, but the world is no doubt very grateful for what his demise led to.

So, still think Bilston is too far out to check out?

Looking further back, Bilston is covered in fozza (local term for forest) during the Roman Times. It wasn’t until the Industrial Revolution that the place transformed from an agricultural to an industrial town. Traces of Bilston flowers, however, provide evidence of that thick forested area in the past.

In AD 985, Bilston was referred to as Bilsatena, then Bilsetnatun in 996, which means settlement (ton) of the folk (saetan) of the ridge (bill). It was later known as Billestune in the Domesday Book. Until the 19th century, the town is largely a rural area, showcasing all sorts of flora and fauna, including a wide range of flowers in Bilston.

Interested to check out the town? The best time to visit is during the Bilston Carnival that is held every last Saturday of June. The highlight for this event is the floats that local organizations, brownies, cubs and the likes, decorate with things suitable to the theme, including Bilston flowers. Apart from awards, some of the best floats get extra prize money that people lining up the street will throw to the float they like the most.

At the town centre is where Bilston Market is found. It has 88 indoor units that sell a wide range of products, including flowers in Bilston. This where anyone can also source fresh foods, fruit and vegetables, household items and fashion products, from clothes to jewellery. Outdoors, you can also find over 100 more stalls, providing shoppers more options.

If you want to take a break from shopping or the watching the carnival, there’s a modern café available and pubs where you can relax and chill. Don’t leave Bilston without checking out the Greyhound and Punchbowl Inn. Although only a few parts of the original structure remain, with the rest closely restored, it’s still one building that showcases Tudor workmanship.

Bilston may not be that popular, but it’s still worth visiting. Think of it as one of the off-the-beaten paths that can be included in an itinerary. Do you prefer to just send flowers to Bilston? Find a flower shop that services the area or look online for more convenience.

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