medieval wednesbury was very small, and its inhabitants would appear to have been farmers and farm workers. in 1315, coal pits were first recorded, which led to an increase in the number of jobs. nail making was also in progress during these times. william paget was born in wednesbury in 1505, the son of a nail maker. he became secretary of state, a knight of the garter and an ambassador. he was one of executors of the will of henry viii.