Sutton Coldfield Local History Research Group

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.

Rector of Sutton Coldfield for forty two years, William Kirkpatrick Riland Bedford made a name for himself as an antiquarian, an expert on heraldry and an enthusiast for archery and cricket. The eldest son of, William Riland Bedford who had married Grace Campbell of Dumfries, he was born at the rectory in Sutton Coldfield on 12 July 1826; though he died and was cremated in London, his ashes were placed in the family vault at Holy Trinity Church.

It is time that people knew more of this talented pioneer photographer who lived in one of the most familiar buildings in Sutton Coldfield’s High Street. This collection of papers may inspire others to seek out further facts about him.