Page:Walks in the Black Country and its green border-land.pdf/343

Rh have doubled in extent, and bid fair to increase in the same ratio. There are fifteen iron foundries, twenty brass foundries, ten iron-plate works, fifteen steel toy manufactories, and many other mechanical businesses in the town. Wolverhampton, if not the central, is the leading town of one of the most industrial counties in England. It stands on a commanding site, and on a good solid stratum of ancient history. Its name has a good old Saxon sound; and its main street and market place have not yet been reduced to the straight lines and cast-iron uniformity of modern architecture. It has the best equestrian statue of Prince Albert yet created, which was wrought after the express thought of the Queen, and inaugurated by her with great eclat in 1866. The following year the most remarkable Church Congress ever held in England assembled in the town, with bishops from all English-speaking lands. So, taking all the aspects of its individuality and progress into view. Wolverhampton is making its mark as a vigorous and public-spirited community.