FORGOTTEN chapels and a gruesome murder committed by a Stourbridge-born doctor are among the topics covered in a new book about Lye and Wollescote.

Don Cochrane's 'A Brief History of Lye and Wollescote part II' is the follow up to his 2005 publication about the area.

The 82-year-old retired Stourbridge College construction lecturer, who was born in Lye, has spent the last few years meticulously researching and writing the sequel which he has self-published.

Among the highlights featured in the book are stories of a forgotten Wesleyan Reform Methodist Chapel in Pedmore Road, Lye, which stands at the back of the old Salem Chapel (now Georgina Scott Bridal shop), and the rebuilding of the Hayes Lane Chapel which was blown down during a storm in the late 1800s.

The book also details a vengeful murder committed by the son of wealthy Stourbridge landowners Hungerford Oliver and Prudence Millward after his sweetheart's father refused to permit their union.

Respected surgeon and apothecary Thomas Millward-Oliver, descended from the Millwards of Wollescote Hall, was sentenced to death for shooting John Wood in his own home in Brown Hills, near Burslem, after Mr Wood forbade him from seeing his daughter Maria Wood.

After committing the crime - the Stourbridge-born doctor tried to poison himself but to no avail and after a trial at Stafford Assizes he was hung on the rooftop at Stafford Gaol in 1797.

Mr Cochrane, who lives in Pedmore, is author of a host of other local history books including Black Country Murders and Crimes of Worcestershire.

Of his latest offering, he said: "Whilst there are a number of books on Lye they don't necessarily deal with the history that much and sometimes historical facts are not altogether what they should be.

"This one has 130 pages in it so it's good value and it's going to be a good Christmas present."

Priced £13.99, it is available to buy direct from Mr Cochrane by calling 01562 882384.