Sutton Coldfield Local History Research Group

In examining the 1841 Census for unusual occupations in Sutton Coldfield, I noticed some entries that indicated canal based employment. From this small amount of information, I set out to discover what happened to some of the families who lived alongside the ‘Cut’ on the southern boundary of the Royal Town.

Anyone having an interest in local or family history is hugely indebted to the early Victorian and Edwardian photographers for the wealth of pictorial information they have left us. Images bring the past to life and make researching our families, local surroundings, architecture, churches and parks so much more interesting. Frederick Whitlock.

This article uses extensive research done by Roy Woodward-Clarke and his wife, Diane, following their purchase at a stamp auction of a letter written by Agnes Bracken to her mother in 1827. Such was their interest in this letter that it encouraged them to search for further details of the Bracken Family. They have kindly allowed me use of their written notes for this article. Other material was found in Sutton Coldfield Reference Library (references given herein), particularly in the 'Agnes Bracken' folder, also in Keith Jordan's Photographic Collection, the author's own local history collection, www.Ancestry.co.uk. and www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk. Agnes Bracken and Caroline Bracken's photos can be found in Sutton Library.

Baldmore Lake, as it was known, was a sizeable area of water which lay mostly in Sutton Coldfield, with the remainder in Erdington. Why would such a large lake, which gave its name to the district of Boldmere, disappear? Why did some early maps show the lake in one place while present-day residents firmly point to an entirely different location? Did it really disappear without trace? What was the lake like, where exactly was it and why can it no longer be found?

On December 11th,1875, the trial began in Wolverhampton Crown Court of 2 persons, Frederick Musson (b. 1852) and Anna Maria Hillman (b. 1854). They had been charged with the murder of a young girl, Elizabeth Lowke (b. 1868).

Collet’s Brook Farm is located on the western side of the A453 Tamworth Road in Sutton Coldfield adjacent to its junction with Fox Hill Road and is Grade II (Statutory List) listed. It once belonged to the Birmingham to Watford Gap Turnpike Trust before being sold to John Sutherland Valentine on September 9, 1831. It probably dates from before 1815.

A Selection of Corporation Rentals (otherwise known as 'Chief Rents') from 1742 to 1924. These have been copied by Janet Jordan, Member of Sutton Coldfield Local History Research Group, from the originals deposited at Sutton Coldfield Library.  These can be useful in tracing the owners of some of the older properties in the area. (View the photos in sequence.)

A Victorian physician ahead of his times Pioneer in treating Tuberculosis Provided humane and positive care for those with Mental Illness Twice Warden of Sutton Coldfield

Although it is nearly 30 year since this research reached Sutton's Library shelves, the facts haven't changed and Four Oaks in 1824 is just as fascinating today as it was then - perhaps even more so, as our knowledge of that area has widened over the years.

How often have you come across this picture of Rev John Riland (b.1736, d.1822) wearing his "full bottomed wig"? Many times, I should imagine. Yet we should be grateful to have this one picture, as it appears to be the only one we have showing a Sutton Coldfield resident wearing a wig in the 1700s.