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Cannock
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Cannock (/ˈkænək/) is a town in the Cannock Chase district in the county of Staffordshire, England. It had a population of 29,018.[1] Cannock is not far from the towns of Walsall, Burntwood, Stafford and Telford. The cities of Lichfield and Wolverhampton are also nearby.
Key Information
Cannock lies to the north of the West Midlands conurbation on the M6, A34 and A5 roads and to the south of Hednesford and the Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Cannock is served by a railway station on the Chase Line. The town comprises four district council electoral wards and the Cannock South ward includes the civil parish of Bridgtown, but the rest of Cannock is unparished.
History
[edit]Cannock was in the Domesday Book of 1086. It was called Chnoc c.1130, Cnot in 1156, Canot in 1157, and Canoc in 1198. Cannock is probably Old English cnocc meaning 'hillock', modified by Norman pronunciation by the insertion of a vowel to Canoc. The name may refer to Shoal Hill, north-west of the town.[2]
Cannock was a small rural community until mining increased heavily during the mid-to-late 19th century. The area then continued to grow rapidly with many industries coming to the area because of its proximity to the Black Country and its coal reserves. Cannock's population continued to increase steadily in the 20th century and its slight fall since the 1981 census has been more than compensated for by house-building in the adjoining village of Heath Hayes. The last colliery to close in the town was Mid Cannock in 1967,[3] and the last remaining colliery to close in the Cannock Chase area was Littleton (in Huntington) in 1993.[4]
The total population of the built-up area defined in 2011 was 86,121,[5] making it the second largest in Staffordshire if Swadlincote in Derbyshire is excluded from the Burton upon Trent Built-up Area (BUA). There is some green belt, particularly between the Cannock BUA and the much larger West Midlands BUA to the south. As well as the Lichfield, Stafford, East Staffordshire, and South Staffordshire Districts.
A house known as The Green, which dated from the 1730s and which was the home of Sir Robert Fisher, 4th Baronet, became the headquarters of Cannock Urban District Council in 1927. It was converted into offices in the 1980s, initially for Cannock Chase Technical College but, in 2016, it was refurbished for private use.[6]
Cannock Chase German war cemetery is located nearby containing 4,885 German military dead from the First and Second World Wars. It is managed by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.[7]
Geography
[edit]Cannock is on a south-west facing slope, falling from the highest point on Cannock Chase (244 m) at Castle Ring, to about 148 m in the town centre and 111 m near Wedges Mills. The soil is light with a gravel and clay subsoil, and there are extensive coal measures.
Climate
[edit]Cannock has a moderate, temperate climate. See Penkridge weather station for details of average temperature and rainfall figures taken between 1981 and 2010 at the Met Office weather station in Penkridge (around 5 miles (8 km) north-west of Cannock).
Location
[edit]Cannock is about 20 miles (30 km) by road north-north-west of Birmingham, 80 miles (130 km) south-south-east of Manchester and 130 miles (210 km) north-west of London. It is 9 to 10 miles (14 to 16 km) by road from many of the nearest towns and cities (Aldridge, Lichfield, Stafford, Walsall, Willenhall and Wolverhampton), but Hednesford (2 miles (3 km)), Burntwood and Penkridge (5 miles (8 km)), Bloxwich and Brownhills (6 miles (10 km)) and Rugeley (7 miles (11 km)) are nearer.
Demography
[edit]In the decade to 2011 the number of dwellings rose by 7.8% to 13,152. The ward with the biggest increase (16.1%) was Cannock South.[8][9] Of the town's 12,690 households in the 2011 census, 31.5% were one-person households including 13.9% where that person was 65 or over. 63.6% were one family with no others (9.0% all pensioners, 30.9% married or same-sex civil partnership couples, 12.3% cohabiting couples and 11.3% lone parents).[10] 27.7% of households had dependent children[10] including 5.5% with no adults in employment.[11] 59.3% of households owned their homes outright or with a mortgage or loan.[1]
Of the town's 23,717 residents in the 2011 census aged 16 and over, 33.5% were single (never married), 45.2% married, 0.15% in a registered same-sex civil partnership, 2.6% separated, 10.4% divorced and 8.2% widowed.[12] 33.4% had no formal qualifications and 42.9% had level 2+ qualifications, meaning 5+ GCSEs (grades A*-C) or 1+ 'A' levels/ AS levels (A-E) or equivalent minimum.[13]
72.7% of the 10,509 men aged 16 to 74 were economically active, including 45.1% working full-time, 5.6% working part-time and 12.6% self-employed. The male unemployment rate (Male unemployment)(of those economically active) was 9.9%.[14] 60.7% of the 10,724 women aged 16 to 74 were economically active, including 26.8% working full-time, 23.5% working part-time and 3.1% self-employed. The female unemployment rate (of those economically active) was 7.5%.[15]
Of people in employment aged 16 to 74, 13.5% worked in basic industries (ONS categories A, B, and D-F including 11.1% in construction), 14.2% in manufacturing, and 72.2% in service industries (ONS categories G-U including 19.5% in wholesale and retail trade and vehicle repair, 11.6% in health and social work, 7.4% in education, 6.2% in transport and storage, 5.8% in public administration, 5.6% in accommodation and catering, and 4.7% in administrative and support service activities).[16] While 27.7% of households did not have access to a car or van,[17] 76.1% of people in employment travelled to work by car or van.[18]
75.5% of residents described their health as good or very good.[1] The proportion who described themselves as White British was 95.6%, with all white ethnic groups making up 97.4% of the population. The ethnic make-up of the rest of the population was 1.0% mixed/multiple ethnic groups, 0.69% Indian/Pakistani/Bangladeshi, 0.34% Chinese, 0.17% other Asian, 0.35% Black and 0.065% other.[19] 3.1% of Cannock's residents were born outside the United Kingdom.[20]
Built-up area subdivisions
[edit]| Subdivision | Population | Area (km2)[5] | Settlements that cover the subdivision | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (2001 census)[21] | (2011 census)[5] | In Cannock Chase District | In South Staffordshire District | ||
| Cannock | 65,022 | 67,768 | 17.855 | Cannock, Hazelslade, Heath Hayes and Wimblebury, Hednesford, Rawnsley. | Huntington, Wedges Mills. |
| Great Wyrley | 18,775 | 18,353 | – | Cheslyn Hay, Great Wyrley. | |
| TOTAL | 83,797 | 86,121 | 21.93 | ||
Media
[edit]Newspapers
[edit]Cannock had a free weekly local newspaper, the Cannock & Rugeley Chronicle (an edition of the Cannock & Lichfield Chronicle).[22] It ceased as a physical publication in October 2018[23] although it is still available as a paid-for subscription via the Express & Star website (see below)
Another free weekly, the Chase Post (an edition of the Cannock Chase & Burntwood Post),[24] ceased publication in November 2011.[25]
The Express & Star is a paid-for local newspaper, published in Wolverhampton on weekdays.[26]
TV
[edit]Regional TV news is provided by BBC West Midlands and ITV Central. Television signals can be received from either the Sutton Coldfield or The Wrekin TV transmitters.[27][28]
Radio
[edit]Cannock is served by the national radio stations, and West Midlands "regional" licences Greatest Hits Radio Birmingham & The West Midlands, Smooth West Midlands, Heart West Midlands and Capital Midlands. The town is also covered by Hits Radio Black Country & Shropshire on 97.2 and BBC Radio WM on 95.6 FM.[citation needed]
Cannock is served by its own community radio station, called Cannock Chase Radio FM, based in Wynns Venture Centre.[citation needed]The FM frequencies are 94fm for the Cannock and Hednesford area. 89.6 for Rugeley and Trent Valley and 89.8 For Lichfield and beyond. People can also listen back on their digital streaming devices.
Transport
[edit]
Cannock is located close to the M6, M6 Toll and M54 motorways. The main A roads are the A5 (east-west) and A34 (north-south).
Rail
[edit]Cannock railway station closed in 1965 as part of the Beeching cuts but reopened in 1989. It is part of the Chase Line operated by West Midlands Trains. Over the years, usage of this station, and the line overall, have increased to unprecedented levels. Services initially were hourly services between Birmingham New Street and Stafford (cut back to Rugeley Trent Valley in 2008). By 2013, usage had become significant enough to warrant the electrification of the railway line, which was completed in 2019.[29]
The Chase Line, operated by West Midlands Trains, serves the three railway stations in the conurbation. These are at Hednesford, Cannock, and Landywood. There was also a service to Stafford on the line, but this was cut back to Rugeley due to congestion on the West Coast Main Line.
In May 2019, West Midlands Trains began operating electric trains from this station. The vast majority of services are to Rugeley Trent Valley in the north, southbound trains operate to Birmingham International and London Euston. The journey time to Birmingham is around 36 minutes. On Sundays, trains operate as far south as Coventry.
Bus
[edit]D&G Bus operate the majority of bus services around Cannock from a depot at Delta Way under the Chaserider brand.
Arriva Midlands were previously the main operator around Cannock but their operations based at their Cannock depot were sold to D&G Bus during 2020.[30]
Select Bus Services [31] also operate a small number of services while National Express West Midlands service X51 links Cannock with Birmingham via Walsall and Great Wyrley.
With county council funding, a small number of services operate Monday to Saturday evenings, Sundays and bank holidays. These include 60, 74 and X51. Additionally, the 25/26 circulars also run into the evening.
Cannock Bus Station also has links to Hednesford, Rugeley, Stafford, Lichfield, Wolverhampton, Walsall, Brownhills in addition to smaller towns and villages like Great Wyrley, Chadsmoor and Norton Canes.
Education
[edit]Cannock Chase High School is a non-denominational mixed comprehensive with just over 1000 pupils aged 11–18.
Cardinal Griffin Catholic College is a voluntary aided Roman Catholic secondary school with around 950 pupils aged 11–18.
Chase Grammar School (called Lyncroft House School 1980–1996 then Chase Academy until January 2013) was an independent co-educational boarding school with a day nursery that operated up until September 2025.[32]
South Staffordshire College closed its Cannock Campus in July 2017, but reopened it the following summer as the new Cannock Chase Skills and Innovation Hub with courses starting there from September 2018.
Notable people
[edit]



Public service
[edit]- Walter Colman (1600 in Cannock – 1645) a Franciscan friar.[33]
- Henry Sacheverell (1674–1724) High Church Anglican clergyman, Rector of Cannock and polemical preacher.[34]
- Frank Edward Tylecote (1879 in Cannock – 1965), physician, Professor of Medicine at Manchester University, and early researcher into link between smoking and lung cancer
- Vernon Rylands Parton (1897 in Cannock – 1974), prolific inventor of chess variants, including Alice Chess
- Jennie Lee (1904–1988), MP for Cannock 1945–1970, Minister in the Department of Education and Science and the driving force for the creation of the Open University[35]
- Raymond Furnell (1936–2006), curate of Cannock 1965–69 and the Dean of York 1994-2003
- Bill Skitt (1941 – 2016), a distinguished British police officer.
- Sir Patrick McLoughlin (born 1957) a Conservative politician, MP for the Derbyshire Dales, went to school in Cannock
- Richard Davies (born 1959), a doctor in the Falklands and New Zealand.
The Arts
[edit]- Arthur Hopcraft (1932–2004) author, reporter & TV scriptwriter, wrote perceptively of his upbringing in Cannock
- Elgar Howarth (1935–2025) an English conductor, composer and trumpeter
- Mel Galley (1948 in Cannock – 2008) former Whitesnake guitarist and songwriter
- Glenn Hughes (born 1952 in Cannock) former bassist/vocalist with Deep Purple
- Carole Ashby (born 1955 in Cannock) an English actress and former pin-up girl
- Robert Lloyd (born 1959 in Cannock) the lead singer with The Nightingales and formerly with The Prefects
- Jed Mercurio (born 1966) a British television writer, producer, director and novelist; brought up in Cannock
- Steve Edge (born 1972 in Cannock) an English actor, writer and former comedian
- Balaam and the Angel a Scottish rock band founded in Cannock in 1984
- Chris Overton (born 1988 in Cannock) an English actor and filmmaker
- Daniel Hewitt (born 1988) Journalist and Broadcaster
Sport
[edit]- Alec Talbot (1902 in Cannock – 1975) footballer, 260 caps mainly for Aston Villa F.C.
- Tom Galley (1915 in Cannock - 2000) footballer, over 200 caps mainly for Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.
- Harry Kinsell (1921 in Cannock – 2000) footballer, over 200 caps mostly for West Brom and West Ham
- Gordon Lee (born 1934 in Cannock), footballer and football manager
- Malcolm Beard (born 1942 in Cannock), footballer with 350 caps, mostly for Birmingham City F.C.
- Jim Rhodes (1946 in Cannock – 2015) professional golfer
- Paul Cooper (born 1953 in Cannock) football goalkeeper, over 500 caps mostly for Ipswich Town,
- Geoff Palmer (born 1954 in Cannock), footballer, over 460 caps, mostly for Wolves
- Bobby Hosker (born 1955 in Cannock) footballer, over 300 pro appearances
- Vernon Allatt (born 1959 in Cannock) footballer, over 250 pro appearances
- Steve James (born 1961 in Cannock) former professional snooker player
- Dave Norton (born 1965 in Cannock), footballer, over 430 pro appearances
- Mick Gosling (born 1972), winner of Britain's Strongest Man contest in 2005
- Richard Gosling (born 1974 ) winner of Britain's Strongest Man contest in 2003
- Kevin Pietersen (born 1980), South African-born English cricketer, played for Cannock Cricket Club in 2000
- Andy Bishop (born 1982 in Cannock), footballer, over 450 pro appearances
- Kris Taylor (born 1984 in Cannock), footballer, over 340 pro appearances
- Riley Parsons (born 2000 in Cannock), professional snooker player
Twin town
[edit]See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c "Cannock East (Ward): Key figures for 2011 Census: Key Statistics". Office for National Statistics. 30 January 2013. Archived from the original on 1 May 2015. Retrieved 13 February 2013.
"Cannock North (Ward): Key figures for 2011 Census: Key Statistics". Office for National Statistics. 30 January 2013. Archived from the original on 1 May 2015. Retrieved 13 February 2013.
"Cannock South (Ward): Key figures for 2011 Census: Key Statistics". Office for National Statistics. 30 January 2013. Archived from the original on 1 May 2015. Retrieved 13 February 2013.
"Cannock West (Ward): Key figures for 2011 Census: Key Statistics". Office for National Statistics. 30 January 2013. Archived from the original on 1 May 2015. Retrieved 13 February 2013. - ^ Nicolaisen, W. F. H.; Gelling, Margaret; Richards, Melville (1970). The names of towns and cities in Britain. London: B. T. Batsford. p. 66. ISBN 0-7134-0113-3.
- ^ "Coal Mining in Cannock Chase a Rough Time Line". Cannock Chase Mining Historical Society. Retrieved 21 November 2011.
- ^ "Cannock Chase Coalfield & its Coal". BBC News. Retrieved 21 November 2011.
- ^ a b c "2011 Census - Built-up areas". ONS. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
- ^ "The Green and garden, Cannock". Staffordshire Past Track. Retrieved 14 February 2021.
- ^ "Cemetery Details: Cannock Chase German Military Cemetery". CWGC. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
- ^
"Cannock East (Ward): Dwellings, 2001 (UV55)". Office for National Statistics. Retrieved 17 February 2013.
"Cannock North (Ward): Dwellings, 2001 (UV55)". Office for National Statistics. Retrieved 17 February 2013.
"Cannock South (Ward): Dwellings, 2001 (UV55)". Office for National Statistics. Retrieved 17 February 2013.
"Cannock West (Ward): Dwellings, 2001 (UV55)". Office for National Statistics. Retrieved 17 February 2013. - ^
"Cannock East (Ward): Dwellings, 2011 (QS418EW)". Office for National Statistics. Retrieved 17 February 2013.
"Cannock North (Ward): Dwellings, 2011 (QS418EW)". Office for National Statistics. Retrieved 17 February 2013.
"Cannock South (Ward): Dwellings, 2011 (QS418EW)". Office for National Statistics. Retrieved 17 February 2013.
"Cannock West (Ward): Dwellings, 2011 (QS418EW)". Office for National Statistics. Retrieved 17 February 2013. - ^ a b
"Cannock East (Ward): Household Composition, 2011 (KS105EW)". Office for National Statistics. 30 January 2013. Retrieved 14 February 2013.
"Cannock North (Ward): Household Composition, 2011 (KS105EW)". Office for National Statistics. 30 January 2013. Retrieved 14 February 2013.
"Cannock South (Ward): Household Composition, 2011 (KS105EW)". Office for National Statistics. 30 January 2013. Retrieved 14 February 2013.
"Cannock West (Ward): Household Composition, 2011 (KS105EW)". Office for National Statistics. 30 January 2013. Retrieved 14 February 2013. - ^
"Cannock East (Ward): Adults not in Employment and Dependent Children etc., 2011 (KS106EW)". Office for National Statistics. 30 January 2013. Retrieved 14 February 2013.
"Cannock North (Ward): Adults not in Employment and Dependent Children etc., 2011 (KS106EW)". Office for National Statistics. 30 January 2013. Retrieved 14 February 2013.
"Cannock South (Ward): Adults not in Employment and Dependent Children etc., 2011 (KS106EW)". Office for National Statistics. 30 January 2013. Retrieved 14 February 2013.
"Cannock West (Ward): Adults not in Employment and Dependent Children etc., 2011 (KS106EW)". Office for National Statistics. 30 January 2013. Retrieved 14 February 2013. - ^
"Cannock East (Ward): Marital and Civil Partnership status, 2011 (KS103EW)". Office for National Statistics. 30 January 2013. Retrieved 14 February 2013.
"Cannock North (Ward): Marital and Civil Partnership status, 2011 (KS103EW)". Office for National Statistics. 30 January 2013. Retrieved 14 February 2013.
"Cannock South (Ward): Marital and Civil Partnership status, 2011 (KS103EW)". Office for National Statistics. 30 January 2013. Retrieved 14 February 2013.
"Cannock West (Ward): Marital and Civil Partnership status, 2011 (KS103EW)". Office for National Statistics. 30 January 2013. Retrieved 14 February 2013. - ^
"Cannock East (Ward): Qualifications and Students, 2011 (KS501EW)". Office for National Statistics. 30 January 2013. Retrieved 14 February 2013.
"Cannock North (Ward): Qualifications and Students, 2011 (KS501EW)". Office for National Statistics. 30 January 2013. Retrieved 14 February 2013.
"Cannock South (Ward): Qualifications and Students, 2011 (KS501EW)". Office for National Statistics. 30 January 2013. Retrieved 14 February 2013.
"Cannock West (Ward): Qualifications and Students, 2011 (KS501EW)". Office for National Statistics. 30 January 2013. Retrieved 14 February 2013. - ^
"Cannock East (Ward): Economic Activity – Males, 2011 (KS602EW)". Office for National Statistics. 30 January 2013. Retrieved 15 February 2013.
"Cannock North (Ward): Economic Activity – Males, 2011 (KS602EW)". Office for National Statistics. 30 January 2013. Retrieved 15 February 2013.
"Cannock South (Ward): Economic Activity – Males, 2011 (KS602EW)". Office for National Statistics. 30 January 2013. Retrieved 15 February 2013.
"Cannock West (Ward): Economic Activity – Males, 2011 (KS602EW)". Office for National Statistics. 30 January 2013. Retrieved 15 February 2013. - ^
"Cannock East (Ward): Economic Activity – Females, 2011 (KS603EW)". Office for National Statistics. 30 January 2013. Retrieved 15 February 2013.
"Cannock North (Ward): Economic Activity – Females, 2011 (KS603EW)". Office for National Statistics. 30 January 2013. Retrieved 15 February 2013.
"Cannock South (Ward): Economic Activity – Females, 2011 (KS603EW)". Office for National Statistics. 30 January 2013. Retrieved 15 February 2013.
"Cannock West (Ward): Economic Activity – Females, 2011 (KS603EW)". Office for National Statistics. 30 January 2013. Retrieved 15 February 2013. - ^
"Cannock East (Ward): Industry, 2011 (KS605EW)". Office for National Statistics. 30 January 2013. Retrieved 15 February 2013.
"Cannock North (Ward): Industry, 2011 (KS605EW)". Office for National Statistics. 30 January 2013. Retrieved 15 February 2013.
"Cannock South (Ward): Industry, 2011 (KS605EW)". Office for National Statistics. 30 January 2013. Retrieved 15 February 2013.
"Cannock West (Ward): Industry, 2011 (KS605EW)". Office for National Statistics. 30 January 2013. Retrieved 15 February 2013. - ^
"Cannock East (Ward): Car or Van Availability, 2011 (KS404EW)". Office for National Statistics. 30 January 2013. Retrieved 22 February 2013.
"Cannock North (Ward): Car or Van Availability, 2011 (KS404EW)". Office for National Statistics. 30 January 2013. Retrieved 22 February 2013.
"Cannock South (Ward): Car or Van Availability, 2011 (KS404EW)". Office for National Statistics. 30 January 2013. Retrieved 22 February 2013.
"Cannock West (Ward): Car or Van Availability, 2011 (KS404EW)". Office for National Statistics. 30 January 2013. Retrieved 22 February 2013. - ^
"Cannock East (Ward): Method of Travel to Work, 2011 (QS701EW)". Office for National Statistics. 30 January 2013. Retrieved 22 February 2013.
"Cannock North (Ward): Method of Travel to Work, 2011 (QS701EW)". Office for National Statistics. 30 January 2013. Retrieved 22 February 2013.
"Cannock South (Ward): Method of Travel to Work, 2011 (QS701EW)". Office for National Statistics. 30 January 2013. Retrieved 22 February 2013.
"Cannock West (Ward): Method of Travel to Work, 2011 (QS701EW)". Office for National Statistics. 30 January 2013. Retrieved 22 February 2013. - ^
"Cannock East (Ward): Ethnic Group, 2011 (KS201EW)". Office for National Statistics. 30 January 2013. Retrieved 14 February 2013.
"Cannock North (Ward): Ethnic Group, 2011 (KS201EW)". Office for National Statistics. 30 January 2013. Retrieved 14 February 2013.
"Cannock South (Ward): Ethnic Group, 2011 (KS201EW)". Office for National Statistics. 30 January 2013. Retrieved 14 February 2013.
"Cannock West (Ward): Ethnic Group, 2011 (KS201EW)". Office for National Statistics. 30 January 2013. Retrieved 14 February 2013. - ^
"Cannock East (Ward): Country of Birth, 2011 (KS204EW)". Office for National Statistics. 30 January 2013. Retrieved 14 February 2013.
"Cannock North (Ward): Country of Birth, 2011 (KS204EW)". Office for National Statistics. 30 January 2013. Retrieved 14 February 2013.
"Cannock South (Ward): Country of Birth, 2011 (KS204EW)". Office for National Statistics. 30 January 2013. Retrieved 14 February 2013.
"Cannock West (Ward): Country of Birth, 2011 (KS204EW)". Office for National Statistics. 30 January 2013. Retrieved 14 February 2013. - ^ Census 2001 Key Statistics - Urban areas in England and Wales KS01 Usual resident population at "Census 2001 Key Statistics, Urban areas in England and Wales". Office for National Statistics. Retrieved 20 September 2011.
- ^ "Cannock & Lichfield Chronicle". The Newspaper Society. Archived from the original on 10 August 2004. Retrieved 30 August 2011.
- ^ "ABC". Retrieved 6 January 2022.
- ^ "Cannock Chase & Burntwood Post". The Newspaper Society. Archived from the original on 10 August 2004. Retrieved 30 August 2011.
- ^ "Stafford Post and Chase Post print final editions". BBC News. 17 November 2011. Retrieved 21 November 2011.
- ^ "West Midlands Express & Star". The Newspaper Society. Archived from the original on 21 November 2007. Retrieved 30 August 2011.
- ^ "Sutton Coldfield (Birmingham, England) Full Freeview transmitter". UK Free TV. 1 May 2004. Retrieved 25 September 2023.
- ^ "Full Freeview on the The[sic] Wrekin (Telford and Wrekin, England) transmitter". UK Free TV. 1 May 2004. Retrieved 25 September 2023.
- ^ "First passenger train travels on newly-electrified Chase Line". Express & Star. 10 May 2019. Retrieved 1 January 2021.
- ^ "D&G Bus revives Chaserider name in Arriva Cannock purchase". Route One. 29 November 2020. Retrieved 1 January 2021.
- ^ "Home | SELECT BUS SERVICES". selectbus.
- ^ "Chase Grammar School - GOV.UK". get-information-schools.service.gov.uk. Retrieved 19 October 2025.
- ^ Cooper, Thompson (1887). . Dictionary of National Biography. Vol. 11. p. 396.
- ^ Hunt, William (1897). . Dictionary of National Biography. Vol. 50. pp. 80–83.
- ^ "About the OU: History of the OU". The Open University. Archived from the original on 17 July 2010. Retrieved 19 November 2009.
- ^ Town Twinning - Cannock Chase Archived 28 March 2023 at the Wayback Machine retrieved 19 January 2019
- ^ German Wiki, Datteln
External links
[edit]- BBC Domesday Reloaded – Domesday Reloaded – Overview of Cannock Archived 17 March 2012 at the Wayback Machine
Cannock
View on GrokipediaHistory
Origins and early settlement
The origins of settlement in the Cannock area trace back to the prehistoric period, with archaeological evidence indicating human activity during the Iron Age. Castle Ring, located on Cannock Chase at an elevation of approximately 801 feet, is a scheduled ancient monument comprising a hill-fort earthwork believed to have been occupied between 500 BC and 43 AD. This site, one of at least seven hill forts in Staffordshire, suggests defensive or communal use by pre-Roman tribes, though no substantive excavations have confirmed earlier Paleolithic or Bronze Age presence in the immediate vicinity.[14][7] By the time of the Norman Conquest, Cannock had emerged as a recognized settlement, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as "Chenet," assessed at one hide of land held by the king as part of the escheated Earldom of Mercia. The name Cannock is thought to derive from the Celtic word "cnoc" or "gnoc," meaning "hill" or "high place," reflecting the area's elevated topography on the edge of Cannock Chase. The survey notes substantial arable land, two watermills (including the precursor to Cannock Mill), and the establishment of a royal forest by the late 11th century, which served as William the Conqueror's hunting ground and encompassed much of the parish. The ancient parish included the townships of Cannock (encompassing Hednesford, Leacroft, and Cannock Wood), Huntington, and Great Wyrley, indicating a dispersed rural settlement pattern focused on agriculture and forestry.[7][15][16] In the early medieval period, Cannock's development was shaped by ecclesiastical and manorial influences. A Cistercian abbey was founded at Radmore (now Red Moor) in 1141 but relocated to Stoneleigh by 1155 due to forest encroachments. The manor, initially royal, was granted to Bishop Hugh de Nonant of Coventry and Lichfield in 1189 by Richard I, with subsequent confirmations of rights including a free chase for hunting. A chapel existed by the 12th century, and a hospital was established around 1220, though it ceased operations by the late 13th century. The earliest surviving masonry of St. Luke's Church dates to the late 12th or early 13th century, underscoring the site's role as a religious center. In 1259, the bishop was granted a weekly market, fostering early trade along routes connected to nearby Roman Watling Street (now the A5). These elements highlight Cannock's evolution from a forested outpost to a modest administrative and agrarian hub under episcopal control.[7][16][15]Industrial era and mining boom
The industrial era in Cannock began to take shape in the mid-19th century, transforming the town from a modest agricultural settlement into a hub of coal extraction within the Cannock Chase Coalfield. Although coal mining had been documented in the area since the 13th century, it was the advent of steam-powered machinery and expanding rail networks that ignited the boom, making mining the dominant economic force by the 1850s.[17][18] The Cannock Chase Colliery Company, established in 1850, played a pivotal role in this expansion, leasing lands and sinking initial shafts that capitalized on the thick coal seams beneath the Chase.[7] Key collieries proliferated during this period, fueling rapid development and infrastructural investment. The Uxbridge Pit opened in 1852 near Hednesford, followed by the Cannock Wood Colliery shafts in 1865 and 1874, Wimblebury Pit in 1872, and Coppice Colliery in 1894, each exploiting the coalfield's household, manufacturing, and steam coals.[7] To support operations, the Colliery Company constructed dedicated railways around 1866 for coal transport and introduced electricity generation by 1886, illuminating local facilities including the parish church.[7] These innovations not only boosted efficiency but also integrated Cannock into broader industrial networks, with the coalfield emerging as Staffordshire's most productive by the late 19th century.[18] The mining boom profoundly impacted Cannock's demographics and economy, driving unprecedented population growth and urban expansion. Cannock's population surged from approximately 1,100 in 1851 to 40,917 by 1951, largely due to influxes of miners and their families, while nearby Hednesford grew from 304 residents in 1851 to around 800 by 1860.[7] By 1914, the coalfield produced seven million tons of coal annually, underscoring its national significance and sustaining the local economy for over 150 years until the industry's decline.[18][19] This era solidified mining as Cannock's identity, though it also introduced challenges like subsidence and housing pressures in expanding communities such as Pye Green.[7]Post-industrial decline and regeneration
Following the peak of the coal mining industry in the mid-20th century, Cannock experienced a protracted decline as collieries across the Cannock Chase coalfield closed amid national deindustrialization efforts. Post-nationalization in 1947, numerous pits shuttered in the 1950s and 1960s, including Brereton in 1960, Cannock & Wimblebury in 1962, and Mid Cannock in 1967, leading to significant job losses and reduced economic activity in the region. Larger closures exacerbated the downturn: Lea Hall Colliery shut in 1990, eliminating around 2,000 positions, while Littleton Colliery, the last operational mine in the area, closed on December 10, 1993, resulting in over 500 redundancies and marking the end of deep coal mining in Staffordshire. These closures contributed to high local unemployment, community disruption, and a shift away from heavy industry, with the town's economy struggling to diversify in the immediate aftermath. The post-mining era brought broader socioeconomic challenges to Cannock, including stagnation in the town centre, which had developed around mining-related commerce. By the early 21st century, retail vacancy rates reached 26.6% in January 2023—nearly double the national average of 12%—with 47 empty units comprising 20% of total commercial space and 8,149 square meters of vacant floorspace. Crime incidents within a one-mile radius of the centre totaled 2,995 from November 2021 to October 2022, including 625 cases of anti-social behavior, while a 2020 resident survey revealed that 42% of respondents appreciated "nothing" about the area, reflecting perceptions of neglect and dated infrastructure from the 1970s and 1980s developments like ring roads and shopping centers. Legacy issues from mining, such as land contamination and subsidence risks, further complicated redevelopment under local policies like Cannock Chase Local Plan Policy CP16. Regeneration initiatives gained momentum in the 2010s and 2020s, focusing on revitalizing the town centre to foster mixed-use development and attract new sectors like retail, leisure, and professional services. In October 2021, Cannock Chase District Council secured £20 million from the UK government's Levelling Up Fund, supplemented by £17.2 million in local funding, for a £37.2 million scheme approved in outline planning on November 15, 2023. Key elements include demolishing the disused multi-storey car park and Old Market Hall, which began in June 2025 and neared completion by November 2025, constructing a cultural and leisure hub, 1,300 square meters of managed workspace, 3,170 square meters of new offices, and improvements to the Northern Gateway with enhanced parking, EV charging, and landscaping. Phase 1 works on Beecroft Road Car Park, involving wider bays and bike facilities, began in 2024, with Phase 2 consultations ongoing. The project is projected to generate approximately 551 jobs and add £21.45 million annually to the local economy, aiming to reverse decline by creating a more vibrant, inclusive destination. Additional efforts, such as purchasing properties in February 2025 and securing £50,000 from Homes England in October 2025 for brownfield site preparation, underscore ongoing commitments to sustainable growth. As of November 2025, the demolition of the multi-storey car park neared completion, paving the way for further development.[20][21][22][23]Geography
Location and topography
Cannock is the principal town and administrative centre of the Cannock Chase District in southern Staffordshire, England, positioned on the northern edge of the Black Country urban area. It serves as a strategic link between rural Staffordshire and the West Midlands conurbation, lying approximately 16 miles (26 km) northwest of Birmingham and 10 miles (16 km) northeast of Wolverhampton. The town is bordered by South Staffordshire to the west, Lichfield District to the east, Stafford Borough to the north, and Walsall Metropolitan Borough to the south, forming part of a continuous urban corridor with nearby settlements such as Hednesford (3 km to the south) and Heath Hayes.[24][6] Geographically, Cannock occupies a position within the former extent of Cannock Chase, a historically significant area of heathland and woodland now partially designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) to the north. The district encompasses over 30% AONB and 60% Green Belt, with Cannock itself situated at the heart of medieval road networks connecting to towns like Lichfield, Penkridge, Stafford, Wolverhampton, and Walsall. Key transport routes, including the M6 motorway, A5 (Watling Street), A460, and the Chase Line railway, enhance its connectivity. The town's coordinates are approximately 52.70° N, 2.02° W, placing it within the Triassic Sandstone Midlands Plateau landscape character type, characterized by lowland heath, woodland, and open fields.[24][6] Topographically, Cannock lies on a relatively flat plateau at an elevation of 150–175 metres above Ordnance Datum (AOD), with the terrain gently sloping from higher ground in the north (up to ~178 m AOD) toward lower areas in the south near the Wyrley and Saredon Brooks (~113 m AOD). The historic core, encompassing areas from Market Street to Upper Brook Street, features flat to gently undulating ground, while steeper hills, such as those along Sandy Lane, rise to the north toward the Cannock Chase plateau. The underlying geology consists of coal measures overlain by glacial till, gleyed soils, and Triassic sandstones and marls, which have influenced settlement patterns and historical land use, including medieval open fields and post-medieval enclosures. Watercourses like the Rising Brook and Saredon Brook traverse the area, contributing to localized flood risks, particularly from surface water in urban zones. The broader district topography rises from low-lying southwestern urban fringes to the elevated heaths and woods of the AONB, then descends to the River Trent valley near Rugeley, creating a varied rural-urban interface with sensitive landscape edges.[6][24]Climate and environment
Cannock experiences a temperate oceanic climate (Köppen classification Cfb), characterized by mild summers, cool winters, and rainfall distributed fairly evenly throughout the year. Average high temperatures range from 43°F (6°C) in January to 68°F (20°C) in July, with lows typically between 35°F (2°C) and 53°F (12°C). The town sees approximately 824 mm of annual precipitation, with October being the wettest month at around 2.2 inches (56 mm) and April the driest at 1.4 inches (36 mm); wet days occur on about 9.6 days per month on average in November. Humidity remains comfortable year-round, with no muggy days, and cloud cover is mostly overcast, clearing slightly to 55% partly cloudy or clearer in July.[25] The environment surrounding Cannock is dominated by the adjacent Cannock Chase National Landscape, a 69 km² area of outstanding natural beauty established in 1958 and redesignated in 2023, featuring lowland heathland, ancient woodlands, and wood-pasture habitats. This landscape, the largest surviving lowland heath in the Midlands, covers 12.7% heathland and 14% deciduous woodland, with 54% overall woodland cover—higher than any other English National Landscape—and supports priority habitats across 34.4% of its area, including wetlands along the Rivers Trent and Sow. Biodiversity is significant, with 31% of the area protected for conservation, including a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) spanning 1,244 ha and five Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) totaling 1,392 ha; notable species include nightjars, adders, and the declining small pearl-bordered fritillary butterfly.[26][27] Conservation efforts in Cannock Chase emphasize habitat restoration, such as heathland projects at Cannock Chase Country Park and Gentleshaw Common, supported by 47,430 volunteer hours in 2022 and agri-environment schemes covering 1,344 ha in 2023. The Cannock Chase District Council declared a climate emergency in 2019, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2030 through initiatives like tree planting (targeting 10 ha of new woodland annually) and the Farming in Protected Landscapes program. However, environmental challenges persist, including poor water quality in 5 of 7 local water bodies (rated poor or bad in 2022), excessive nitrogen deposition from air pollution (18.7 kg N/ha/year, exceeding critical loads), and soil erosion from recreation and agriculture; additionally, urban expansion has increased built-up land by 365% within 10 km of the SAC since 1956, with 42,529 new dwellings planned nearby by 2040. Light pollution is the highest among England's National Landscapes, impacting nocturnal species.[28][26]Demographics
Population trends
The population of Cannock Chase district, which encompasses the town of Cannock, has exhibited steady growth over the past two centuries, driven initially by agricultural and early industrial activities before accelerating with the coal mining boom in the late 19th century. From 3,801 residents in 1801, the population rose gradually to 6,354 by 1861, reflecting modest rural expansion. A dramatic surge followed, with numbers quadrupling to 26,599 by 1881 due to mining-related immigration and urbanization.[29] This growth continued into the 20th century, supported by sustained mining employment and post-war housing development, reaching 58,759 in 1951 and 84,444 in 1981. By the 1991 census, the population stood at 88,818, with further increases to 92,126 in 2001 and 97,462 in 2011, indicating a deceleration but persistent upward trend amid economic diversification. The 2021 census recorded 100,519 residents, a 3.1% rise from 2011, below the national average growth rate of 6.3% for England and Wales.[5][30][29] Recent mid-year estimates show stabilization, with 100,595 residents in mid-2023, reflecting minor fluctuations influenced by net migration and an aging demographic profile. Projections suggest modest growth to around 100,600 by mid-2025, though recent annual changes have been near zero or slightly negative in some estimates, contrasting with broader regional increases. Key historical population figures for Cannock Chase district are summarized below:| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1801 | 3,801 |
| 1861 | 6,354 |
| 1881 | 26,599 |
| 1901 | 34,885 |
| 1951 | 58,759 |
| 1981 | 84,444 |
| 2011 | 97,462 |
| 2021 | 100,519 |
Ethnic and social composition
According to the 2021 Census, the ethnic composition of Cannock Chase district, of which Cannock is the principal town, is predominantly White, with 96.6% of residents identifying as such, a slight decline from 97.7% in 2011.[32] Within this group, 94.5% specified White: English, Welsh, Scottish, Northern Irish, or British.[32] Ethnic minorities constitute 3.4% of the population, including 1.2% Asian or Asian British (primarily Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi origins), 1.4% Mixed or Multiple ethnic groups, 0.5% Black or Black British, and 0.3% Other ethnic groups.[32] These figures reflect a modest increase in diversity compared to previous censuses, driven by migration and natural population changes. Religiously, Christianity remains the dominant affiliation, with 52.5% of residents (52,707 individuals) identifying as Christian in 2021, down from higher levels in prior decades.[33] No religion was reported by 41.1% (41,294 people), indicating a growing secular trend aligned with national patterns.[33] Minority religions include Sikhism (0.4%, 379 adherents), Islam (0.3%, 346), Hinduism (0.2%, 162), and Buddhism (0.2%, 222), with smaller numbers identifying as Jewish (29) or other religions (445).[33] Socioeconomically, Cannock Chase exhibits a working-class profile with pockets of deprivation. In the 2019 Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD), the district ranked 126th out of 317 local authorities in England (where 1 is most deprived), placing it in the middle quintile overall but with significant variation by ward—such as higher deprivation in central Cannock areas due to income, employment, and health factors.[34] Education levels show 22% of working-age adults (16+) holding no qualifications, exceeding the England average of 18%, while only 22.7% have Level 4 or higher qualifications, below the national 33.8%.[32] Employment is robust, with 62.3% of the 16+ population economically active (above England's 60.9%), concentrated in construction, retail, and education sectors; however, 21.7% of children under 16 live in low-income families, and 15.3% of those aged 60+ are income-deprived.[32] These indicators highlight a community transitioning from industrial roots toward service-based stability, with ongoing challenges in skills and inequality.[34]Economy
Historical industries
Cannock's historical industries were profoundly shaped by its location in the Cannock Chase coalfield, with coal mining emerging as the dominant economic force from the mid-19th century onward. Evidence of coal extraction dates back to at least 1298, but significant expansion occurred after the formation of the Cannock Chase Colliery Company in 1850, which opened the Uxbridge Pit in 1852 and spurred further developments across the region.[7] This boom transformed Cannock from a rural settlement into an industrial hub, driving population growth from 304 in 1851 to over 40,000 by 1951, as miners and their families relocated to the area.[7] The industry's infrastructure, including roads, canals, and railways, facilitated coal transport and further economic integration.[17] Complementing coal mining, ironworking had a longstanding presence in Cannock, with records of active ironworks by 1563 and production reaching 164 tons annually by 1584.[7] Operations continued through the 16th and 17th centuries, involving partnerships like the Foley family, and remnants of early sites, such as small medieval pits, persist in the landscape.[7][35] By the 19th century, iron founding supported local construction and tool production, though it waned in prominence compared to coal.[15] The manufacture of edge tools, bricks, and tiles also flourished, particularly from the late 18th century. Edge-tool production began around 1790 at Wedges Mill, established by William Gilpin, with communities in Wedges Mills, Churchbridge, and Bridgtown housing specialized workers until the mid-20th century.[7][15] Brick and tile making, utilizing local clay deposits, remained vital for building infrastructure until the early 20th century, while lighter engineering and manufacturing activities, including gasworks, emerged in the late 19th century to support the town's growth.[17][15] Additionally, glass making contributed to the area's industrial heritage, with archaeological evidence indicating its practice alongside coal and iron from medieval times.[35]Current sectors and employment
Cannock Chase district, which includes the town of Cannock, has an economy characterized by a shift from traditional manufacturing to service-oriented and logistics sectors, reflecting its strategic location near major transport corridors like the M6 motorway and A5 road. As of the year ending June 2025, the district supports approximately 45,600 employee jobs, with an employment rate of 84.7% among working-age residents (aged 16-64), higher than the West Midlands average of 74.5%. Unemployment stands at 3.6%, below the regional rate of 5.8%, while economic inactivity affects 13.1% of the working-age population, primarily due to long-term sickness or retirement. These figures indicate a relatively robust labor market, though challenges persist in areas like skills mismatches and deprivation in central Cannock.[36][37] The dominant employment sectors in Cannock Chase emphasize distribution and consumer-facing services, leveraging the area's accessibility for warehousing and retail operations. Wholesale and retail trade accounts for the largest share at 23% of employee jobs (around 10,400 positions), followed by construction at 13% (5,700 jobs), transportation and storage at 12% (5,600 jobs), which benefits from proximity to national supply chains. Manufacturing, a legacy of the industrial past, comprises 11% (4,800 jobs), while human health and social work, accommodation and food services, and education each represent about 8%, 8%, and 6% of jobs (3,700, 3,600, and 2,600 positions respectively). These distributions align with broader trends in the district, where logistics clusters, such as those at Rugeley and Cannock's Orbital Retail Park, drive employment growth.[36][38]| Sector | Percentage of Employee Jobs | Approximate Jobs (2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Wholesale and Retail Trade | 23.0% | 10,400 |
| Construction | 13.0% | 5,700 |
| Transportation and Storage | 12.0% | 5,600 |
| Manufacturing | 11.0% | 4,800 |
| Human Health and Social Work | 8.0% | 3,700 |
| Accommodation and Food Services | 8.0% | 3,600 |
| Education | 6.0% | 2,600 |
