VISITORS to a Dudley park can now download an app to find out more about its history.

The app gives people a unique insight into Priory Park, which has a known history dating back around 1,000 years.

Features of the app, which can be dowloaded by clicking here, include a GPS park map showing visitors their location and information about recent park restoration - including before and after photographs.

There is also a GPS Art Trail to the various art works located around the park, including a statue of local Wimbledon hero Dorothy Round.

Councillor Karen Shakespeare, cabinet member for environment, said: “The app is a brilliant use of modern technology, giving visitors the chance to explore the history of the park first hand via their phones.

“It is designed to be used as a companion when visiting the site, but it can equally be used and enjoyed from the comfort of your own home.

"I would urge people to download it and find out more.”

The history of Priory Park dates right back to the founding of the Priory of St James in the 12th century.

At the southern end of today’s park, near to The Broadway, are the Priory Ruins and what remains of that priory.

Now a popular spot for wedding photographs, it was once home to an order of monks for nearly 400 years until the English Reformation of Henry VIII in the 16th century.

The priory then fell into a long decline and in the following 250 years various buildings appeared on the site including industrial workshops and cottages.

Priory Hall was built in 1825 by the Earl of Dudley, which is now used by Dudley Council as the town’s register office.

The modern day Priory Park opened nearly 90 years ago and underwent significant £1.8 million restoration work in 2013 thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund.