Sutton Coldfield Local History Research Group

This is the third article relating to the Headmasters of Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School. Charles Barker (1817-1842) was Headmaster of the school for a period of 25 years, during which time he was elected as a member of the Corporation and became Warden in 1836 and 1837.  In addition, he was appointed a County Magistrate for Warwickshire. He wielded a great deal of influence and moved in the highest of circles, both in Sutton and the surrounding shires. Unfortunately, his fondness for the better things in life, including hunting and shooting, caused him to neglect his responsibilities towards the school.  The number of pupils under his care gradually declined until, it was said, by 1840 this had been reduced to just a single scholar! His death in 1842 caused quite a stir, as he was found by his friend Baron Webster lying by the side of the lane leading from Penns to Sutton.  It was later discovered that he had probably suffered a heart attack and had subsequently fallen from his horse.

No-one could be better placed to write the history of Sutton Coldfield Manor than John Dann who lives in Manor House, a property which was built in 1932 in the grounds of The Manor, one of Sutton’s most ancient sites.  Here, John’s article has made full use of documents accompanying the deeds of his own property. Janet Jordan

The corn rent map and schedule gives details of the ownership, occupancy, field names and value of all the estates which could be charged a yearly corn rent in 1824.

This is a plan of the Town of Sutton Coldfield in the County of Warwick and of the several Farms and Lands adjoining thereto belonging to Andrew Hacket Esq. Surveyed in the Year 1765 by John Snape.

Using details from these maps and books you can find out who owned land in Sutton Coldfield at the time of the Corn Rent in 1824 and Enclosure in 1851.  (With thanks to Sutton Coldfield Library for allowing us to make these available on the Sutton Coldfield Local History Research Group website (www.sclhrg.org.uk)

Is this one of the oldest cottages in Reddicap Heath, Sutton Coldfield?  This brief history suggests it might be.

This collection of Newsletters and Ancillary Papers were sent out to the members of the Sutton Coldfield Local History Research Group between the years of 1989 and 2020.  The accompanying Index is very useful in locating specific activities that were offered to the group in order to increase and enhance their knowledge of Sutton Coldfield’s fascinating history.

The post of High Steward of Sutton Coldfield was created by the 1528 Charter, but he was authorized to appoint a deputy to carry out his duties relating to the administration of justice in the town.  At first, the High Steward appointed a deputy on an ad hoc basis, but by 1723 the post of Deputy Steward had become a permanent one and incoming High Stewards confirmed the appointment of the existing deputy on the recommendation of the Warden and Society.  The first known appointment of a Deputy Steward was in 1552 and the post was abolished and replaced by a Town Clerk in 1855.  This article lists the Deputy Stewards from 1723 to 1885.

What is the connection between the following:- (a) An 18th century hovel (b) Eco-warriors (c) The building of the first toll road in Britain for 200 years? All these questions and more are answered, as research into a property named ‘Boundary Cottage’ was undertaken. It is hoped readers will find the journey of interest.

Josiah Wright was the Headmaster of Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School between 1849 and 1863. He lived a very interesting life and a brief history of his career and family is included in this article.