Sutton Coldfield Local History Research Group

This book, giving the history of one of Sutton’s old cottages from 1787 to 1995, has been available in Sutton Coldfield Local Studies Library for nearly thirty years (under Ref: BCOLQ728.370942496JOR).  During that time, the cottage has been put to good use, but its future now looks uncertain.  When you have read the book, a History Update 2024 will explain why.

This print appears to have been drawn by a Sutton Coldfield resident in 1859, probably a young lady.  An attempt has been made here to identify the event it depicts.  However, it still remains a mystery. Can you shed any light on it?

St. Mary’s Hall was one of the properties owned by Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School from the 16th century.  This article explores where it was situated and also looks at the well-known painting of the Old School in the Aylesford Collection and ask whether the building in the painting was St. Mary’s Hall or some other property.

On the 26th May 1971, Princess Anne, accompanied by her Lady in Waiting, arrived at the Town Hall in Sutton Coldfield. After signing the Visitors Book in the Town Hall, she met with representatives of Sutton and also of Warwickshire County Council and then took tea with them.

One of a set of pamphlets researched by the late Ken Williams, this on the subject of Town Mill, Water Corn-Mill.

One of a set of pamphlets researched by the late Ken Williams, this on the subject of Longmoor Corn Mill.

This article contains lists of all the members of the Warden and Society of Sutton Coldfield from 1723 (the earliest date for which there is a Corporation Minute Book) to 1886 (when the Warden and Society were replaced by an elected Town Council), in chronological and alphabetical order.  A list of the Wardens of Sutton Coldfield from 1528 to 1886 follows, correcting some errors in Rev W.K. Riland Bedford’s list, and a list of the Town’s Capital Burgesses (magistrates).  The article ends with biographical details of some of the Corporation members from 1723 to 1886 and of some of the Wardens prior to 1723.

If you were to look for ‘the Cottage Estate’ in Sutton Coldfield today, there would be no current maps that would indicate its whereabouts, or give a clue as to its size or where it was situated, and yet, in the 16th century, it was to became a major feature of the development of an extensive area north of the town. The first cottage thought to be built on the estate was derelict by approximately 1800 but was replaced by a new building known as ‘the Cottage’, which became a local landmark in the 19th and 20th centuries.  This house can still be seen today, although considerably changed from its original design. ‘Mulroy Road’, in which ‘the Cottage’ is situated, was built around 1910. What follows here is the early history of this estate, using archival material in Sutton Coldfield Library, together with research articles written by the Sutton Coldfield Local History Research Group and now on its website (www.sclhrg.org.uk), particularly those of Roger Lea in his ‘History Spot’.  I also have to thank Ian Phillips for passing on to me all the notes and plans which he made in the 1990s, which now form an important part of this article, and whose former house deeds provided the evidence leading to the foundation of the ‘the Cottage Estate’.

In early December 2022, I came across an interesting announcement. Bond Wolfe said they would shortly be offering a property for auction and they would be accepting bids commencing at just £1.00. Upon looking into the matter further I noticed, even more intriguingly, that it was one of Sutton’s famous Vesey stone houses which was involved.  This was presently lying empty and in a derelict condition. I knew, at this point in time, that I had to look into the situation in more detail and the result of my research is contained in this article. I do hope you will find this as interesting to read, as I did in compiling the narrative.

In 2022 Chester Road Railway Station was adopted by Chester Road Station Friends, a group of local people who wanted to improve the station environment, make it more environmentally friendly and make it more interesting for passengers. One of their aims was to create a history board about the station. This is a result of the research that was carried out.