HISTORY

Sunrise House, located at 253 Longford Road, Bridgtown, stands on land with strong industrial and transport heritage. Originally developed during the late Victorian and early Edwardian era, this stretch of Longford Road became part of a vital corridor connecting the expanding coalfields and ironworks of Cannock Chase to the rest of the Midlands. The site was historically home to traditional workers’ housing, serving those employed in local industries such as mining, metalworking, and railway logistics.

The present house has been completely rebuilt by Warm Beautiful Homes to modern standards, but it retains its roots in the proud working history of the area.

BRIDGTOWN

Bridgtown developed rapidly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a result of Cannock’s booming coal and manufacturing industries. Situated just south of the town centre, Bridgtown became a key residential area for workers, supported by the growth of rail and road infrastructure.The area has long been associated with enterprise and innovation, housing a number of small workshops and engineering firms over the years. Its name is believed to derive from the network of small bridges and culverts built to navigate the area’s watercourses during the industrial period.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Cannock Chase CoalfieldCannock’s prosperity in the 19th century was largely driven by the coal industry. The Chase Coalfield was one of the most productive in the country, and the wealth it generated led to new roads, schools, and housing developments—including much of Bridgtown.

Historically, Longford Road served as a transport artery for goods and workers travelling between the Cannock town centre and the nearby A5 and Watling Street. Warehouses, terraced homes, and small factories lined the road, giving the area a bustling, productive character.

With the decline of coal mining in the late 20th century, Bridgtown saw a shift from industry to mixed residential and commercial use. Sunrise House is part of this transformation—replacing an older, modest dwelling with a future-facing, eco-conscious home for modern living.

INTERESTING FACTS

Rail Heritage: The nearby Cannock station was once part of the historic South Staffordshire Railway network and has seen a renaissance in recent years as part of the Chase Line into Birmingham.

Cannock Chase AONB: Just four miles away, Cannock Chase—now a protected Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty—was once extensively mined and grazed. Today, it serves as a powerful symbol of regeneration and environmental recovery.

Watling Street Connection: The nearby A5 follows the line of the ancient Roman road Watling Street, which linked London with Wroxeter. Bridgtown’s proximity to this route reflects its longstanding importance as a place of passage and trade.

SUMMARY

In summary, Sunrise House at WS11 1NE is part of the living history of Bridgtown and Cannock—a place shaped by coal, commerce, and connectivity. From its roots as part of a hardworking industrial community to its rebirth as a sustainable modern home, the property embodies the area's enduring spirit of reinvention.