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Sutton Coldfield Local History Research Group Logo

Sutton Coldfield Local History Research Group

Regular meetings temporarily suspended due to the closure of Sutton Coldfield Library.
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Sutton Coldfield Local History Research Group

Sutton Coldfield has an interesting history, well documented by an extensive collection of primary sources, formerly to be found in Sutton Coldfield Library. Unfortunately, due to the permanent closure of the library by Birmingham City Council on 27th June 2025, this material is now being transferred to the Central Library, situated on Broad Street, Birmingham. Members of the Research Group will have access to the collection in due course, once it has been collated and given new accession references.

In the meantime, negotiations are ongoing, in an effort to find a suitable venue for members to continue to meet, perhaps once a fortnight, with the view to exchanging knowledge and ideas, for the pleasure of just learning more about Sutton’s history or to enable them to produce articles for the website.

In addition, once a month, it is hoped the Group will be able to arrange to meet in the Archive and Local Studies Departments at Birmingham Central Library, to access the primary source material.

New research articles will continually appear on the website and all members will receive regular emails from the Secretary or other members of the Committee, with details of issues affecting the Group.

For further information, see Join Us.

Members at 2026 AGM
Members at 2026 AGM
Members at 2026 AGM
Members at the 2026 AGM

2026 AGM

Members at the 2026 AGM at Holy Trinity Parish Church, Sutton Coldfield on Tuesday, 21st April 2026.

  • Author: Webmaster (SCLHRG)
  • Public
  • News
  • Date: 21st April 2026
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Recent Research

Transcription of Rental 1635-1642

Transcription of Rental 1635-1642
Transcription of Rental 1635-1642
In February 2026, a photocopy of the Sutton Coldfield Rental 1635-1642 was discovered amongst Albert Fentiman’s Research Collection which is lodged with Archives & Collections at the Library of Birmingham and is now the earliest Rental we currently have for Sutton Coldfield, preceding the 1734 Corporation Rental. This now introduces many names and places that might appear on other 17th century documents.
  • Author: Kerry Osbourne; Janet Jordan (SCLHRG)
  • Published: 6th April 2026
  • Research
  • Original Research
  • View this Transcription …

The Life of Lieutenant Colonel Richard Holbeche

The Life of Richard Holbeche
The Life of Richard Holbeche
Long before the advent of iPhones, this history of the life of Lieutenant Colonel Richard Holbeche was written and illustrated in 1998. Nowadays one could expect clearer photographs, but the details of Richard’s life have not changed. Few people are aware that the man who wrote the well-known “Holbeche Diary” in his forties, whilst on retirement in Sutton Coldfield, had also led and would, in future, lead a very surprising and worthwhile path of life.
  • Author: Janet Jordan (SCLHRG)
  • Published: 9th April 2026
  • Research
  • Original Research
  • View this Research …

Two Sixteenth-Century Maps of Minworth and their context

Two 16th Century Maps of Minworth and their context
Two 16th Century Maps of Minworth and their context
These maps have proved to be an exciting find for Sutton Coldfield historians! Here we have two of the earliest maps of the area around Minworth and Sutton Coldfield, together with a very comprehensive explanation as to what they both depict. In addition, there are a couple of other pertinent maps and all together they will keep the local enthusiast happy for hours!
  • Author: Mike Hodder (SCLHRG)
  • Published: 5th March 2026
  • Research
  • Original Research
  • View this Research …

The Phillips Family File

The Phillips Family File
The Phillips Family File
The Phillips Family were related to Richard Hurst Sadler and his brother Ralph. At one time Richard, a solicitor, was in business was Thomas Eddowes and Thomas’ son, Herbert, acted for the Phillips in a protracted case relating to wills and probates. This article follows the case and throws some light on legal practice a century and a quarter ago.
  • Author: Kerry Osbourne (SCLHRG)
  • Published: 10th February 2026
  • Research
  • Original Research
  • View this Research …
  • Visitors:
  • MOD_JSVISIT_COUNTRY_ZZ42%Unknown
  • MOD_JSVISIT_COUNTRY_GB36%United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
  • MOD_JSVISIT_COUNTRY_US18%United States of America

History Spot

Literacy Petition And St Mary's Hall [264]

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Literacy
The authorities in Elizabethan England in the 1560s were concerned about the number of displaced people and vagrants as the population...
  • Published: 28th June 2013
Read More …
Photo Galleries

Visit to Coffin Works on Tuesday, 10th March 2026

Visit to Coffin Works on Tuesday, 10th March 2026 Visit to Coffin Works on Tuesday, 10th March 2026 Visit to Coffin Works on Tuesday, 10th March 2026 Visit to Coffin Works on Tuesday, 10th March 2026

Visit to Birmingham City Council House on Thursday, 27th March 2025

Royal Photos - Visit to Birmingham City Council House on Thursday, 27th March 2025 Lord Mayor's Chair - Visit to Birmingham City Council House on Thursday, 27th March 2025 Outside Banqueting Suite - Visit to Birmingham City Council House on Thursday, 27th March 2025 Old Press Seating Gallery beside clock in Council Chamber - Visit to Birmingham City Council House on Thursday, 27th March 2025

Victorian Afternoon Tea - 30th March 2023

The Bay Window - Victorian Afternoon Tea - 30th March 2023 Exterior of Bay Window - Victorian Afternoon Tea - 30th March 2023 Date plaque on outside of building - Victorian Afternoon Tea - 30th March 2023 Sharing a joke - Victorian Afternoon Tea - 30th March 2023
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