Sutton Coldfield Local History Research Group

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.

In 1985, I was working in an office in Coleshill Street overlooking the wall which surrounded the Vesey Memorial Gardens and Holy Trinity Churchyard. It always intrigued me as to what went on behind the green door set into that wall which seemed to lead directly into the raised ground behind it. On many occasions I watched gardeners leaving their tools there and assumed it was simply a small room used for storage.

This book, giving the history of one of Sutton’s old cottages from 1787 to 1995, has been available in Sutton Coldfield Local Studies Library for nearly thirty years (under Ref: BCOLQ728.370942496JOR).  During that time, the cottage has been put to good use, but its future now looks uncertain.  When you have read the book, a History Update 2024 will explain why.

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.

"The motivation for this document arose from encountering the name the Emmanuel College Arms whilst reading local history articles and wondering where that public house was located. This led to the idea of preparing a snapshot in time of Sutton Coldfield town centre pubs in the early part of the 20th century."

You will be surprised to see a Round-about in Sherifoot Lane, Four Oaks, but it was a feature of the area 200 years ago. Read on and all will be made clear!

A little while ago, I was looking through the Group’s website, when I came across an article on the grand sounding Royal Promenade Gardens, by Roger Lea, which formed part of his ‘History Spot’ series. These were, as members will recall, published in the Sutton Coldfield News, over a period of several years. Upon reading further, it appeared that the gardens were designed and laid out by a Job Cole, back in 1868. It was situated alongside, what is now, Clifton Road. Ten years later, the Royal Promenade Gardens were taken over by the Sutton Coldfield Crystal Palace Company. However, this venture was short lived and ended in bankruptcy. In 1906, the leasehold of the grounds was taken over by the Crystal Palace Amusement Park, owned by Patrick Collins, who was one of the best known showmen in the country. In 1907, a miniature railway opened adjacent to the funfair and ran alongside the boundary of Sutton Park down to Wyndley. This was purchased by Pat Collins in 1912. I found that, although all four enterprises were covered briefly on our website, it was only on an ad hoc basis and the picture as a whole was missing. I thought therefore that a project, bringing together all the various aspects, would be of benefit to members.

Of the 51 houses that Bishop Vesey is thought to have built, only a few remain visible in Sutton Coldfield and most of these have been sympathetically restored.  However, there could be others hidden behind 18th century façades in the High Street which may only reveal themselves as time goes by.  This illustrated article by Stella Thebridge gives a comprehensive picture of the situation.

This print appears to have been drawn by a Sutton Coldfield resident in 1859, probably a young lady.  An attempt has been made here to identify the event it depicts.  However, it still remains a mystery. Can you shed any light on it?

On the 26th May 1971, Princess Anne, accompanied by her Lady in Waiting, arrived at the Town Hall in Sutton Coldfield. After signing the Visitors Book in the Town Hall, she met with representatives of Sutton and also of Warwickshire County Council and then took tea with them.