Sutton Coldfield Local History Research Group

Marian Frankling was at the very first Annual General Meeting of today's Sutton Coldfield Local History Research Group in 1984.  At that time, she had just completed her Story of Sutton Parade and, no doubt, it was already on the Library shelves, beautifully bound and being read by many local children and adults who were interested in their town's history.  All the wonderful resources of Sutton Coldfield Library were at her disposal and this enabled her to begin her tale with a map of 1583, continuing with a complete history of the events that took place during the Parade's existence.  Finally, using her own memory, she recalled the Parade's Centenary celebrations in 1979.

What drove the "Spotter" to send hundreds of libellous postcards to a family in Manor Hill, Sutton Coldfield ? Did he bear them a grudge? Was his mind disturbed? Read the newspaper reports of the Court case which convicted a schoolmaster in Clifton Road of the crime and sent him to prison for two years. But was he the guilty party?

Richard Holbeche wrote his 'diary' in 1892. It is a recollection of the places he knew and the people he met during his childhood whilst living in the company of family, relatives and friends, in and around the quiet rural town of Sutton Coldfield.

This is a Transcription of an Indenture dated 18th January 1677 whereby True Floyer of Hints sold a three and a half acre field known as the Lesser Broomy Close in Moor and Ashfurlong to William Kendrick of Sutton Coldfield for £40.  The Transcription is accompanied by 3 photographs of the Indenture together with an article listing ‘Some Comments’ which have been added specifically to explain the purpose of the deed, whilst giving further genealogical details of the parties involved and an interesting insight into some of its legal aspects.

This is a Transcription of an Indenture dated 9th June 1682 whereby Leicester, Elizabeth and Francis Grosvenor mortgaged several closes of land in Sutton Coldfield to Sir Edward Littleton as security for a loan of £300. The Transcription is accompanied by 5 photographs of the Indenture together with an article listing ‘Some Comments’ which have been added specifically to explain the meaning of the deed, whilst giving further genealogical details of the parties involved and an interesting insight into some of its legal aspects.

In this Translation, every page equates as far as possible to the same page in Twamley’s original manuscript (in Sutton Coldfield Local History Reference Library, Ref: SH97SUT). Therefore, the Index can be used for both copies.

This plan was used for the reallocation of pews in Holy Trinity Parish Church in 1762, but there were some unexpected ramifications which left a lasting memory in the congregation.  The ‘Box Pew Rumpus’ that took place is recalled even to this day.