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SOLIHULL LOCAL HISTORY CIRCLEWelcome to www.solh.org.uk |
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| Welcome | Projects | Meetings | Outings | Links |
| Past Meetings | Publications | Photos | Archives | Committee |
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Index to Completed Projects
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Excerpts from Newsletters
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Reports of Visits
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INDEX to COMPLETED PROJECTS
Information on these projects can be obtained by contacting our Director or the Deputy Director, and quoting the reference numbers.
GENERAL
The Old Chapel by the Bridge, Olton EH/NB12
Reference Jubilee Oak and New Jubilee Oak 2000 – 2002 EH/G10
History of Jubilee stone on corner of Station Road.
Letters etc relating to LHC campaign to get Jubilee Oak replanted.
Papers and photos relating to New Jubilee Oak in Malvern Park.
Maiden’s Bower Estate EH/G17
Photocopy of plan and history from Birmingham Post 21 April 1936
Ridge and Furrow at Garretts Green Farm EH/G5
News Cuttings and photos of LHC efforts to save Ridge and
Furrow field in Monkspath Hall Road, 2001
Solihull Cricket and Tennis Club EH/G13
History and photos
Solihull Shops in 1935 EH/G15
A3 list with advertisments
Suggested Place Names for Touchwood Development 2000 EH/G11
LHC proposals (never taken up)
Sweet Chestnut Tree on corner of Severn Star Road & Lode Lane EH/G19
Notes from Tree Preservation Order No 625.
Touchwood Hall Plaque in Manor House, 2005 EH/G6
Copy of plaque, with related correspondence and photo
NOTABLE BUILDINGS To Top of Page
Alderbrook Lodge (42 Bloosomfield Road) EH/NB10
Research by Allan Evans, September 2006
The Barley Mow, Poplar Road NC/NB23
Research with census records, map & photo by Ros Rafnson, Sept 2007
Barnfield, 92 Dovehouse Lane NC/NB17
Research with photo by Adam and Helen Pearce, October 2006
78 Broad Oaks Road NC/NB20
Research with maps & photo by Nigel Cameron, April 2008
36 – 44 Castle Lane, Olton NC/NB19
Research with photo by Adam and Helen Pearce, October 2006
Cora Lynn (1 Manor Road) NC/NB13
Research by Allan Evans, March 2007
Fowgay Hall EH/NB6
Research, letters, news cuttings and photos relating to efforts to
save the Hall from demolition, 2005.
Great Hytall, Lovelace Avenue RESTRICTED NC/NB14
Research with map& photos by Nigel Cameron, April 2007
Grove Avenue NC/NB24
Solihull MBC Conservation Area booklet, with history and maps
Harborne House, High Street EH/NB1
Study by Trevor England, 1976. Newscuttings and photos of its restoration, 2001
High Street, Poplar Road and Warwick Road NC/NB22
Solihull MBC Conservation Area booklet, 1977
Hillfield Hall EH/NB5
Research, news cuttings and photos of LHC efforts to save the Hall from alteration, 2002.
121 – 131 Kineton Green Road, Olton NC/NB16
Research with photo by Adam and Helen Pearce, October 2006
45 – 69 Lyndon Road, Olton NC/NB23
Research with photo by Adam and Helen Pearce, October 2006
Malvern Hall, Soane Gatehouse and Brueton Avenue EH/G22
Solihull MBC Conservation Area booklet, plus maps and research
on the Soane Gatehouse and Brueton Avenue windmill. To Top of Page
Malvern Park Farm NC/NB21
Solihull MBC Conservation Area booklet, with history and maps
Malvern Park Gates EH/G4
Request from Solihull MBC for research, and the result, 2003
Manor Cottage EH/NB8
Research by four LHC Members, maps and newscuttings, 2005
Old Council House, Poplar Road EH/NB3
Research 1998 by Edna Handley (one page A4)
The Old Lock Up/Police Station. New Road EH/NB2
History, Structural Report, drawings, copy of Spot Listing
Application (refused), photos and Sale Particulars.
Pinfold Farm, Marsh Lane (previously in Hampton Lane) EH/NB11
Research by Edna Handley, May 2007
Ramsgate Cottages EH/G23
Cottages originally at rear of present MacDonalds in High Street
Sandal’s Cottage, 1021 Warwick Road EH/NB7
Research, and photos, by Edna Handley, 2006
Stretton Cottage, 181 St Bernard’s Road, Olton NC/NB12
Research & photos by Adam and Helen Pearce, October 2006
The Cottage, 932 Warwick Road RESTRICTED EH/NB9
Research & photos by Edna Handley. Structural drawings by
Trevor England, 2007
Ulleries Farm, 138 Lyndon Road, Olton NC/NB15
Research with maps and photos by Betty & Bob Smith, 2006
FAMILY PAPERS
Cochrane Papers EH/G9
Papers of the late G.D.Cochrane presented to LHC and deposited
in Warwick Record Office, June 2003
Couchman Deeds EH/NB4
Photocopy of Manor Estate deeds given to LHC and deposited
in Warwick Record Office [Ref Z1010], 2001
Mansell & Mansell EH/G21
The designers of Tudor Grange. Article by Allan Evans (undated)
The Steadman Aldis Family NC/F1
The Aldis Lamp family researched by Nigel Cameron, July 2003
Co-Op Shops in 1968. EH/G1
Five photographic copies. Originals deposited in Solihull Library, July 2000
Launch of ‘Memories of Solihull Village’ on 10 May 2000 EH/18 & 24
Mounted photos and Album, including pictures of contributors.
Solihull Festival 2003 EH/G3
Letter and photo of LHC Display at Solihull Library
Various Photos 2004 EH/G8
Old WI Hall, Fircote Lodge, 10 Stonor Park Rd, 222 Blossomfield Rd
LOCAL HISTORY CIRCLE
Constitutions – 1994 and 2006 EH/G12
Programmes – 1994/5 and 2001/2, 2002/3 NC/G1
Programmes – 2003 to date EH/ G14
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Probate Wills and Inventories: In the early 1990s a group of members lead by Joy Woodall examined the wills held by Lichfield Record Office for the period 1590-1624. This resulted in an analysis of the material, and a list of terms used in the documents. The latter was much appreciated by the Oxford English Dictionary, who told us that our transcriptions had recorded some earlier versions of words than they had previously known about.
13 members of the Local History Circle
attended, and were shown around by Liz Harris, the Church Facilities Manager.
She explained the mediaeval history of the church,
and
its foundation by the de Berminghams as the parish church of Birmingham in the
12th Century. A new much larger church was built in the mid-13th century, before
the Battle of Evesham (which ruined the family financially, as they were on the
side of the defeated Simon De Montfort.
Over the centuries the church suffered various indignities, including being encased in red brick on the outside. In the late 19th Century it was restored by J.A. Chatwin, who assisted Pugin in building the Houses of Parliament.
We were taken outside by Liz to look at the different stages of the building of the church including the external pulpit. It had been used to contest with the Methodists, who preached from the outside cross, just where the statue of Nelson now stands, though it was found that pealing the bells was more effective! Edna Handley remembered supporting Methodist preachers preaching from the same statue.
The Church spire houses a peal of 16 bells (instead of the usual 8 or less), one of only three in the world. One full peal took 8 hours to ring, with the same bell-ringers having no breaks for tea, coffee or whatever.
The inside of the church retains in places some of the old stones, a few showing traces of the white plasterwork which covered the inside. The restoration started in 1999 includes a new 4-tier font (pictured) and a prayer chapel.
Liz Harris showed us the Guild Chapel surrounded by effigies of the de Bermingham family, including a 15th Century alabaster memorial to Sir John de Bermingham and one of Sir Fulk de Bermingham from the 14th Century. St Martins suffered a direct hit in an air raid during the 2nd World War, and so the Birmingham Air Raid Memorial Association has donated a Book of Remembrance of those killed in air raids which is kept in the chapel, under a copy of the famous picture of the bombing of the BSA works.
The Choir has retained some of the past,
with the choir pews carved from old roof beams, complete with animals in the
decorated pew ends.
Most of the stained glass in the church is of good quality, but post war. The exception is the stunning South Window, by Burne-Jones, with all the figures modeled either on his wife (the angels) or his mistress (the main panels), as Liz Harris explained to us.
After a fascinating tour, with a wealth of information and insights into St Martins, we thanked Liz, and Allan Evans then took those that wished on a historical tour of the surrounding part of Birmingham.
(Click on the photos to see the full size image)
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Visit to John Hardman Trading Co. Birmingham
John Hardman was one of a group of laymen who were instrumental in supporting Bishop Thomas Walsh in the building of St Chad's Cathedral and the family continued its close association for several generations." Born into a large Catholic family in Birmingham, Hardman started out as a metal worker, before Pugin - a close friend and one of the pre-eminent architects of the age - suggested branching out into precious metal work and stained glass manufacture.
Based in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter and with Pugin as chief designer, Hardman & Co. became one of the most important of the Victorian art studios and was of key importance both nationally and internationally
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Avoncroft Open Air Museum (25th May 06) To Top of Page
Members on the visit made their own way to Avoncroft on the one day of sunshine for more than a week. After assembling we were directed to the windmill on the Southern boundary of the museum. It dates from the 19th Century, and came from Danzey Green. We were shown round by a volunteer, who first let us into the brick base to see how the top of the mill is supported, and then some of us went up the outside ladder to the first two floors of the mill, where he explained the operation of the mill. It only has two sails at present, and the Museum is hoping to get two more made to match. We then went to the Mission Church nearby. It’s an example of the large number of pre-fabricated wooden churches covered in corrugated iron made in the late 19th Century to cope with the needs for the growing population at the time. They were known as “Tin Churches”, and this one was in use for 90 years until the 1980s. Once again we had a very knowledgeable person talk to us about the church and its historical significance. There have been additions to the museum, for example the national collection of phone boxes including AA and RAC boxes, and even an old police box that could have doubled for Dr Who’s Tardis. After lunch we went our various ways, some on the road to Solihull, and some to explore the Museum further, on the whole, a most enjoyable day.
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Wellsbourne Mill
This was a rare opportunity to experience and learn about the working life of the miller. Visitors were given a chance to take part in some of his work amidst the sound of the wooden water wheel. We marvelled as it powered the grindstone to produce flour just as it did a century ago. Other attractions included living willow bowers, a tree trail and pond walks. There is also a restored timber-framed barn where we enjoyed our tea. Look out for special events held here, particularly during the summer, including The Sealed Knot Living History Weekend and the Warwickshire Rural Show. Photographs of this visit are on the Photos page.
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THE OLD GRAMMAR SCHOOL AND SARACEN’S HEAD, KING’S NORTON To Top of Page
This tour followed an excellent talk by Heather Flack, a team vicar at King’s Norton Church, to the Local History Circle on 19th September. These two buildings won the recent BBC Restoration competition, so we had an opportunity to have a guided tour of the buildings before the restoration starts. On the morning of 26th October 21 members of the Circle gathered by the church on King’s Norton Green. Our guide explained the background to the entry to the ‘Restoration’ competition, and the final victory. A year further on there has been a lot of work on surveying the buildings (for the restoration) and also further historical investigation that is radically changing the understanding of both sites. Our guide had to change her talk from the previous weekend after hearing new information on the history of both sites. For example it is known that the first floor of the Grammar School dates from the 15th century, but sits on a newer stone ground floor. It was thought that the 1st floor sat on wooden stilts, but the continuing investigation shows that was not the case. And how did a 13th century wooden lancet window, that looks like it came from a church, come to be embedded in the first floor room?The use of the building as a Grammar School is not yet certain. However Thomas Hall, who was the School Master from 1619-1622 (as well as being the curate and vicar) housed his library there. This library now forms the basis of the 17th Century collection in the Birmingham Central Library. The Saracen’s Head is a handsome and extensive timbered building, originally a grand house, but with many other uses over the centuries – it has huge old oak beams that can best be appreciated ‘in person’.Both buildings are very run down at present, but their future is now secure with restoration starting next summer (with a fund currently of £3.5 million).Recently a post hole was found on one side of this building which has been dated from the 13th C, so when the 19th C addition to the Saracen’s Head is demolished, to be replaced by parish buildings and visitors’ facilities it is likely that the details of the buildings’ history will have to be changed again. Many of the members on the tour also went into the church which dates from the 13th and 14th centuries and is beautiful and notable in its own right. For anyone interested in seeing the buildings for themselves, there are guided tours for the general public on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 11am, 12 noon and 1 pm These will re-start in April probably for a couple of months before restoration starts.
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15 members and friends enjoyed a most interesting tour of Alcester on 17 May.
The superb Roman Heritage centre (in the former Magistrates’ Court) was
specially opened for us, and displayed the results of recent excavations
including ‘as new’ Samian ware. Then expert guides conducted us around the town.
Outstanding buildings were the Town Hall (1618) with its hammerbeam roof (1641),
Churchill House (1688) and many timbered premises, some of which had been
refronted with brick.
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May 2006
Lady Elizabeth Hamilton enraptured us with her story of Walton Hall &
the Mordaunts. She first saw the Hall with its 70+ rooms, abandoned since
the war, in 1952 whilst on her honeymoon. After her husband inherited, it
became in turn a girls’school, a hotel (rented by Danny La Rue), a
time-share complex, and is now being converted back into a hotel. The family
papers go back to the 16th century. In 1745/50 the church and bath-house
(now used by The Landmark Trust) were built and the house was remodelled.
Sir John developed farming on the 4000-acre estate before his death in 1845,
and his son, Sir Charles, commissioned Sir G.G.Scott to enlarge the house in
1858/62. In 1866 Sir Charles married Harriet Moncrieff, who then had an
affair with the future Edward VII. After the divorce, Sir Charles married
again and created the lake for his new wife. Their second daughter married
Sir Robert Hamilton, Bt. who was the speaker’s father-in-law.
April 2006
Ian Jenkins explained how Avoncroft started in 1964 when the oldest house in Bromsgrove (dating from 1450) was demolished, but its timbers were saved by Christopher Cadbury. It was reconstructed on a 15 acre site, and the museum of historic buildings opened in 1967. A 1791 post mill in Danzey Green was dismantled and assembled here in 1971. Other agricultural buildings are the Grain Store (with its rounded pillars and dog kennels, both to deter rodents) and the Wychbold Stable of the late 18th century. Industrial buildings include the Chain Shops from Cradley Heath, and the Nail Shops from Sidemoor. The Tin Tabernacle, which served Bringsty Common Anglicans between 1891-1988, was prefabricated and available across the world by mail order. The national collection of telephone kiosks is also housed on the site. The well-illustrated talk was an excellent introduction to our visit to Avoncroft on 25 May.
Our 21st Season opened with an outstanding illustrated talk. On 17 September Brian Draper explained The River Avon from Source to Severn. The river is 100 miles long, starting from Naseby (600ft high) where an 1822 pillar marks its source opposite The Fitzgerald Arms. After flowing past Welford (whose production of lime justified a spur off the Grand Union Canal) and Stanford Hall, it is joined by the Swift at Rugby and the Sowe at Stoneleigh. The Cistercians started building the abbey in 1155 and the Leighs have been there since the 1560s. After Barford (birthplace of Joseph Arch, the first Ag.Lab. to become an MP) and Hampton Lucy Church (built by the Rector, John Lucy, with his mother’s legacy of £9k in 1822), the river reaches Stratford – the limit of the Upper Avon Navigation whose restoration in 1973 allowed boats to complete the canal/River Severn triangle. Weston Church has a window depicting the salt barges, and another showing Scott’s Antarctic Expedition. The Bridge Inn at Cleeve Prior has not been beside a bridge since 1674. At Bredon the Rectory has Charles II and Cromwell on its roof ridge, and the Hill has Parson’s folly. Mr Parsons bought the hill to enable him to sit 1000ft up: on being told that it was only 961ft, he built a tower 39ft high. The Avon joins the Severn at Tewkesbury with its old Abbey and 350 other Listed buildings.
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On 19 November Roy Palmer spoke on The Folklore of Warwickshire. He illustrated his talk by singing several folksongs unaccompanied. Some stories have facts behind them, but all develop their own momentum. Luddington and two manor housed chapels compete for where Shakespeare married, but none can produce evidence. He did go to Worcester to obtain the Special Licence. A doggerel about ‘his’ crabtree may date from the 17th century but was not written down until 1762, and the tree was grubbed up in 1824: Roy explained the references to the various villages. A new policeman in 1927 who heard screams in Digbeth was told by his serjeant that ‘they belong to a ghost: our duty is to catch thieves’. When Prince Rupert ravaged Birmingham in 1643, a Digbeth family were slaughtered and their 13 year old daughter screamed. Roy then sang The Armourer’s Widow dating from that time. When fleeing from the Battle of Worcester, Charles II was rebuked by an unknowing blacksmith: the place could have been Henley-in-Arden. He was dressed as a maidservant to Jane Lane, who is buried at Packington and whose family still receives an annuity.
Monday September 18th 2007
THE TREASURES OF BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY
Mr Brendan Flynn, the curator of the Fine Arts Department, will talk about
some of the well known and lesser known items we can see in this excellent
museum.
Monday October 16th 2007
THE HISTORY OF HAMPTON IN ARDEN
Mr Mike Bryant and Mr Robin Watkin will talk about their research in to the
history of Hampton-in-Arden, which has led to the publishing of a book about
our neighbouring village.
Lectures start at 7.45 p.m., but join us for a cup of coffee or tea from
7.15.
Subscriptions for the new season are now due and remain at £14. Our
membership secretary, Helen Pearce, would be grateful if you could send her
this in advance, using the tear-off slip below.
CAR PARKING: Please drive up
Union road as usual and Adam has kindly agreed to direct and instruct people
on where to go. We hope that there will still be spaces for disabled
directly behind the WI Hall.
At the time of printing, the new parking spaces in the underground car park
were just coming into use. Please drive up Union road as usual and Adam has
kindly agreed to direct and instruct people on where to go. We hope that
there will still be spaces for disabled directly behind the WI Hall.
To
Top of Page
On 24 April 2008 Ian Jenkins explained
how Avoncroft started in 1964 when the oldest house in Bromsgrove (dating
from 1450) was demolished, but its timbers were saved by Christopher
Cadbury. It was reconstructed on a 15 acre site, and the museum of historic
buildings opened in 1967. A 1791 post mill in Danzey Green was dismantled
and assembled here in 1971. Other agricultural buildings are the Grain Store
(with its rounded pillars and dog kennels, both to deter rodents) and the
Wychbold Stable of the late 18th century. Industrial buildings include the
Chain Shops from Cradley Heath, and the Nail Shops from Sidemoor. The Tin
Tabernacle, which served Bringsty Common Anglicans between 1891-1988, was
prefabricated and available across the world by mail order. The national
collection of telephone kiosks is also housed on the site. The
well-illustrated talk was an excellent introduction to our visit to
Avoncroft on 25 May.
Lady Elizabeth Hamilton enraptured us in May 2008 with her story of Walton Hall &
the Mordaunts. She first saw the Hall with its 70+ rooms, abandoned since
the war, in 1952 whilst on her honeymoon. After her husband inherited, it
became in turn a girls’school, a hotel (rented by Danny La Rue), a
time-share complex, and is now being converted back into a hotel. The family
papers go back to the 16th century. In 1745/50 the church and bath-house
(now used by The Landmark Trust) were built and the house was remodelled.
Sir John developed farming on the 4000-acre estate before his death in 1845,
and his son, Sir Charles, commissioned Sir G.G.Scott to enlarge the house in
1858/62. In 1866 Sir Charles married Harriet Moncrieff, who then had an
affair with the future Edward VII. After the divorce, Sir Charles married
again and created the lake for his new wife. Their second daughter married
Sir Robert Hamilton, Bt. who was the speaker’s father-in-law.
Our joint meeting with the Solihull Archaeological Group on 20 June 2008 was
entitled Woven in Kidderminster. Two excellent speakers described the
history of the carpet industry and its current situation
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THE VICTORIAN SOCIETY CONFERENCE
LOOKING FORWARD – LOOKING BACK
Saturday 19 January 2008 at The Council House, Birmingham
Chairman: Dr Colin Cunningham Attendance: c100 People
THE FOUNDING OF THE BIRMINGHAM GROUP Dame Rachel Waterhouse
Because Rachel had written the centenary history of the Birmingham & Midland Institute in 1954, she was invited with 392 others to attend the inaugural meeting of the Victorian Society in London in 1958. She suggested a Birmingham Group, but this was rejected. The demolition of the Euston Arch (1960) and the London Coal Exchange (1962) spurred interest in Victorian architecture. Liverpool & Manchester each established local groups in 1965. Following a local exhibition showing all that had been demolished for the inner ring road, Birmingham’s inaugural meeting was held on 19 January 1967. It was attended by 400 people, including Pevsner. Rachel was elected its first Chairman. An early EC member was Mr Collins of Worcester, who saved the fountain at Witley Court. Alan Crawford was a notable Secretary.
HERITAGE PROTECTION REFORM Nick Molyneaux, English Heritage
The 2007 White Paper was supported by EH as it strengthened protection. Protection legislation began in the 1880s and remains diverse today (eg the differences between buildings and archaeology). 35k applications each year are made for listed status, and decisions are made by the Minister personally. An inventory is difficult to obtain, and many listings are out of date. A new Bill is currently being drafted for Parliamentary debate in 2008/9 and implementation in 2010.
It will establish an (electronic) Register of Historic Assets containing in class A currently listed buildings/protected archaeological sites; Class B historic parks and gardens; and Class C marine designations. In future decisions on Listing will be made by EH. Historic Partnership Agreements between EH and Local Authorities will enable some decisions (eg replacement of door handles in Listed buildings) to be simplified. Interim Protection (ie prior to Listing) will be included in the Act: details are currently being formulated. Conservation areas will not be part of the new system, but will be devolved entirely to LA Planning. EH will give advice to LAs on Conservation Officer numbers, and help to train them.
HERITAGE WORKS Gary Cardin RICS, Partner, Drivers Jonas, Birmingham
Successful regeneration depends on many factors – traffic restrictions/expulsion, public spaces animated by people, local economic activity, and well maintained buildings. It was crucial to find long term viable use for the buildings and - amidst the numerous heritage designations and layers of legislation - to understand the eligibility for a range of grants. Successful projects have been the Jewellery Quarter (Birmingham), the Lace Market (Nottingham), Grainger Street (Newcastle-on-T) and Southwark Borough Market (London).
BIRMINGHAM’S APPROACH TO CONSERVATION Clive Dutton, Director Plng
Over the last 40 years there have been 330k Planning Applications in the city, which now has 2396 Listed Buildings, 490 Locally Listed, 25 Conservation Areas and 13 Ancient Monuments. In 2007 Listed Buildings increased by 300 and Conservation Areas by 2. In 2008 the Jewellery Quarter is to be proposed as a World Heritage Site, and planning will be finalised for the Wholesale Market to be relocated so that the Manor House underneath can be excavated before the site is redeveloped.
DID WE WIN THEM ? Andy Foster BA, Architectural Historian
Amongst Victorian Buildings lost have been Bingley Hall [Chamberlain 1850], St Asaph, Colmore Row [1865] and many more churches, the old Market Hall (ruined in WWII), the old Central Library [Martin & Chamberlain 1879] and 41-3 Church Street [Webb 1898].
Buildings saved have been the Grand Hotel [Chatwin 1875], the GPO [Tanner 1891], Springfield Library [Harrison 1894], St Andrew, Handsworth [Bidlake 1907] and a number of public houses catalogued in Birmingham Pubs 1880-1939 by Alan Crawford and others in 1986. The VS also suggested the Jewellery Quarter be made a Conservation Area, a new use for Oozells Street School, and supported restoration of the Chamberlain Fountain and the Town Hall
EARLY BIRMINGHAM To Top of Page
Despite recent new research, excavation and rethinking of old ideas, the place where Birmingham began has not yet been determined. Place name evidence suggests that the name Birmingham means ‘the home of Beorma’s people’ but exactly where this was is still unknown. The name is thought to be early (6th – 7th Century), and perhaps belongs to the first phase of Anglo-Saxon settlement in this area.
The first written mention of the name is in the Domesday Survey of 1086. This tells us that before the Normans came Wulfwin owned Birmingham. After the Conquest it belonged to William de Ansculf, but the local lord of the manor was Richard. The population was small, nine families, it was a place of no consequence valued at £1.
The change really came with the advent of the de Birmingham family. William de Ansculf owned Dudley Castle and many manors and land in the Birmingham area; the castle passed to the Paynel family. The steward of Dudley was one William. His son, Peter the Steward, acquired from the king, Henry II, a grant over land at Birmingham and Handsworth in 1153, and in 1166 the right to hold a market at his castle (or moated homestead) in Birmingham. He was now known as Peter de Birmingham and acquired more land in other places. Markets were the ‘in thing’ at this time for men with manors and land but a small population. If they were successful there was good money to be made. As we know, Birmingham did take off.
The original moated manor house (or castle) was probably in Edgbaston St. Later it became the home of the priest at the church and a new moated manor house was built close to Moat Lane. The first market place was probably below the present church between it and the new manor house. The first church was probably built on the present site.
Peter died in 1171 and was followed by his son William. Later the market place was moved further up the hill to the Bull Ring site, and in 1290 the present St. Martins was built. In the 12th/13th century the de Birmingham’s had a deer park in the area of Park St or Moor Street.
The market became very successful and at least 7 Williams were Lord of the Manor of Birmingham. A market town was on its way.
Joy Woodall
12/10/07, revised 4/11/07
Updated 05/10/2009