 The town lies on the ancient Watling Street , but is not recorded before the 17th century , although Ogley Hay , which in modern times is a district of the town , is recorded as a settlement in the Domesday Book . Brownhills quickly grew around the coal mining industry , especially after it became linked to the canal and railway networks in the mid @-@ 19th century , and by the end of the century had grown from a hamlet of only 300 inhabitants to a town with a population of over 13 @,@ 000 , of whom the vast majority were employed in the coal industry . Mining remained the town 's principal industry until the 1950s , but the subsequent closure of the area 's pits led to a severe economic decline which has continued until the present day . The local authority has instituted a regeneration programme which it is hoped will revive the town 's fortunes , providing better transport and leisure facilities . 
