district, administrative and historic county of Staffordshire, west-central England. The southern portion of the Staffordshire coalfield, including the Lea Hall Colliery, is in the district. Coal mining and metalworking traditionally dominated the economy, but coal mining ceased by the end of the 20th century, and a variety of alternative industries developed. Cannock was originally a royal preserve and hunting forest, and Brindley Heath includes large areas of forestry and open space. Area 30 square miles (79 square km). Pop. (2001 est.) 92,127.