This is a description of life in the western extremities of Darlaston in the years following the First World War. It is based upon the memories of members of the Flavell and Whitehouse families who lived in a courtyard in Park Street near to where the New Junction pub stands today.

 At the time most Black Country men and women had a very basic lifestyle, living in cramped conditions, due to the shortage of housing caused by the rapid expansion of the local population in the 19^th century. Life in this part of Darlaston was identical to life in many areas of the other local industrial towns, especially those on the South Staffordshire coalfield.

      
This story is based on the memories of the late Bill Flavell, the late Harry Flavell, and the late Bill Whitehouse, who were all born in the old yard.