Sutton Coldfield Local History Research Group

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.

Francis James Chavasse, Bishop of Liverpool (1900-1923), is a name that is becoming better known to the people of Sutton Coldfield partly as a result of the transcription of his compelling diary, two large volumes of which are now to be found in the Local Studies Department of Sutton Coldfield Library (Reference: SH78.1CHA). Frank lived at Wylde Green House, Sutton Coldfield and he and other members of his family made their mark on the town, many being doctors or clergymen.

This is the fifth in a series of articles on the Headmasters of Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School. Herbert Jerrard was Headmaster for nearly a quarter of a century (1902-26) and left the School in a much better position than when he was initially appointed. Although Boarders were no longer considered a viable option, pupil numbers were higher and increasing. He also saw the School through the traumatic effects of the First World War, during which time a total of 313 former pupils served in either the Royal Navy, Army or the Royal Flying Corps. Tragically, 64 ‘Old Boys’ were killed whilst on active service. An impressive list of medals were awarded during the conflict to these brave former pupils, amongst them being two Victoria Crosses.

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

Unlike modern town "Histories", this one printed in 1762 is a collection of three short essays by different people, each coming forward with facts about Sutton Coldfield that can still surprise to the new reader.  The whole book is available for you to read here.

Why does this building in Lichfield Road remind you of a church?  Because that is what it was.  In 1834, it was the first Roman Catholic place of worship to be built in Sutton Coldfield, then to be known as Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Chapel.  One hundred years later, Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church was built further up the road and the old chapel took on a new lease of life as the parish hall, known as 'The Guildhall'.  Yet another fifty years or so passed by and the building was in some need of repair.  A complete conversion into office space was made and, eventually, Jordan's Financial Management took ownership.  They made further sympathetic changes and today the building certainly earns its place in Sutton Coldfield's Conservation Area as a Grade II Listed Building. This is the story of how all of these events transpired.

On Wednesday 22nd June 1994, a balmy Summer's evening, a group of very keen local historians gathered together at Sutton Library, ready to go on a walk which could never be replicated. Changes to the town layout east of the Parade were due to take place.  As a result, Dennis Hurley, a member of the Sutton Coldfield Local History Research Group, was eager to show what he had discovered about the ancient pools and water courses running through the middle of the town before they disappeared under any new development.

This is the second article relating to the Headmasters of Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School, the first being on Josiah Wright (1849-1863). James Eccleston (1843-1849) was his predecessor and what a fascinating research subject he turned out to be! His story, right from its early beginning, when he was first appointed to the post in somewhat muddled circumstances, to his death at the extremely young age of 34 in Tasmania, Australia, takes one through the highs and many lows of his short and tragic career as Headmaster of Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School. You will be taken through a gamut of emotions during the journey, ranging from incredulity and disbelief, through to joy and sorrow and finally outrage, as a result of reading Sarah Holbeche’s take on the situation in an extract from her diary, when she intimated that poor James Eccleston was betrayed and lead astray by certain of his so called friends.  The persons referred to must have moved within the highest echelons of Sutton Society. Who were they, what were their names and what did they do to bring about his downfall? These questions will probably never now be answered, leaving only conjecture!

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.

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.