ST

I wonder if anyone can help me identify some faces in this photo from my father's collection. He's certain the individuals are from his mother's side of the family, which would make them associated to Griffins or Herns (Hearn, Hearne) in Ladywood. The style of clothes suggests the late 1920's or early 1930's.

The Griffin family (headed by John Griffin) were in Stour Street from before 1901 until at least the 1920's (he died in 1922). John was married twice into the Hern (Hearn) family successively to two sisters, Alice, then Ann.

Other members of the Hern family lived on Monument Road in the early 20^th century.

I presume therefore that there are Griffins or maybe Herns in this photo but my father doesn't recognise anyone. Families who married into the Griffins and Herns included Gibbins (Gary Wilkes' family), Patricks, Adams, Hart, Hodgkinson, Hollins, and Canavan.

Many thanks

John

I found your website and wondered if anyone could help me, My Grandparents ran a grocery shop on Essington Street from about 1945 to 1949. Their names were Albert and Gwendolyn Helps.

I was trying to see if I could find out the name of their shop and if anyone had any photos.

Hope you can help

With many thanks

Lucy

Does any one remember the Cotterill’s from 54 Nelson Street in Ladywood during the 1920's and 30’s?

My grandfather was George William Cotterill, and my gran was Maggie nee Taylor, who sold flowers in the bull ring.

My mother was ivy, and Amy, Ernie, Horace and George Cotterill. They all went to Nelson Street School during the thirties.

Please get in touch if you have any information, thanks

Maggy

Hello, I feel a bit of a fraud, because the only connection I have with Ladywood is that my dad was born at ' 11 back of house number 1' Ryland Street in 1896. The Croft family still lived there at the time of the 1901 census, and for 30 years in the Summerhill area.

Doing my Birmingham family history search from Somerset isn’t easy, so I visited Ladywood last year, mainly because (to my surprise) I discovered that Ryland Street still existed - well, some of it. Am I right in thinking that if a house number is '1', it will have been closer to the city centre, and not the other way? In other words, because of redevelopment, the spot where my dads birthplace was, has probably now been completely covered by the new road system, etc?

Finally, does anyone know of any photographs of the top end of Ryland Street ie. Number one back to back, or for that matter ANY courtyard scenes of Ryland Street, or ANY Ladywood Courts. I would be very grateful.

Thanks very much, Philip

PS. This is a marvellous website - and will spread the word to my widespread family

I am working on my family tree and have recently discovered your web site.

It is a great insight into our history.

My family all originate from Ladywood and I am trying to locate photos, stories etc to bring their past to life. My family line is Gibbins, Griffin, Wilkes, Guise, Roberts, Savigar.

I know that they originated from Garbett Street, Stour Street, Sheepcote Street and Barker Street.

I have a few photos that were taken in Ladywood and would be interested to know if anyone can put names to faces etc.

I hope you find the interesting and would welcome any feedback

Best regards

Gary Wilkes

The Smith Family of Ladywood

I am trying to build up a family tree of my family from Ladywood.

I have confirmed that my great-grandfather was William Smith and was a boot-maker in Ladywood. My grand-father was George Smith and married a Florence McKay at St Marks Church on the 24th of December 1892.

On the 1901 census my grand-parents were living at 2 Court 27 Sherborne Street. The head of the family at the above address was Clara King, she was a widow and aged 30years and my grannies sister, also boarding at the residence was a Alice Adey aged 21,single and worked as a paper bag maker.

The next census was in 1911 and my grandparents were living at 48 Blythe Street. The census shows that Grannie Florence had,had 7 infants but they had passed away.

Among the 1911 census was Harry, Thomas, Frederick, Frank (my father) there was another child called Winifred but is not listed.

In 1914 my grand father signed up for the First World War and was killed in action at Gallipoli in 1915. Granny Florence moved the whole family to Cape Town South Africa in 1927.

Dennis Smith

As a child from about 5 years old until 10, my family, the Dunns, and I lived in the Doctors Surgery at 180 Monument Road. My father worked at the BSA and my mother worked for the Doctors at the surgery. My two brothers and I attended St Georges School.

I have always been intrigued by the property and would like to know something about it and the people who were there before us.

There is no record on the 1911 census and a trawl of the Internet has not produced any results. If anyone has any information about the property or its occupants before around 1957, I would love to hear from them.

If anyone remembers the Dunns from this period and would like to get in touch please do.

Noddy Kendal-Dunn

My name is Pete Cox and I'm trying to trace my father's history, he was born in the Aston Union Workhouse in May 1910.

I have a record of him at the age of 10 months living as a Boarder with Mrs. Rooney, 2 Emily Place, Osler Street, Edgbaston, Birmingham.

I have checked on Google Earth and most of the street seems have been rebuilt as only number 4 Osler Street seems exist.

I wondered if you could throw any light on what happened to number 2 Emily Place?

Could anyone help please?

Kind regards,

Pete Cox

My name is Zoe Millman and I'm researching peoples' perceptions of the canal landscape around Brindley Place in Ladywood.

Looking at some of the comments on your great website, it seems that many people have strong memories of the canals and the buildings/streets around them. It occurs to me that with the re-development of this area to make way for the ICC, NIA and Mailbox, there must be many places that only exist in memories now and I would be very interested to hear what the canal landscape means to people here.

If anybody would be interested in talking to me about their experiences of the canals in this area and perhaps go for a short walk around the Brindleyplace area please contact me through Mac.

Zoe K. Millman

I came across your site on Old Ladywood because I'm researching my family history.

I have some possible birth certificates around 1854-1855 for my great-grandfather.

Two of them show single mothers (yep!) and both births are at 175 St. Vincent Street. I can't find this address on 1851 or 1861 census returns, though I may not be searching effectively.

However, I suspect this might be some sort of institution - a hospital or a home for unmarried mothers?

Does anyone happen to know, please?

Kind regards

Richard Batchelor

I am looking into the family history of the Smith's/Wicksey's and wondered if any one has any information/photos or knowledge of any of the following people/places.

Julia Wicksey- Wicksey is splet differently over the years, including Wixey/Wicks/Wickson.

1871: Icknield St. East Back 4 (210) 1877: In the workhouse Dudley Road - had baby boy - Henry Edward Smith. Married sometime between 1871 and 1877 to John 'Jesse' Smith - no details of this man, except he was a rivet maker.

In 1881 Julia had another son, Oliver Roland Smith, however she is listed as living as a lodger at Back 21 Tindal St. No 5 with her mother, Margaret Wixey (Wicksey).

In 1901 we have a record that Oliver Roland Smith (Julia's son) was living with family at 102 St Mark Street. He was living with his aunt anmd others: Clara M Walton, Francis H Smith (assumed this is his aunt), Edward St Smith (listed as nephew), Clara W Smith (Niece) and Norah M Healey (Niece).

We have no records of Henry Edward Smith, Oliver's brother and no record's of their father John 'Jesse' Smith and no records that they lived as a family with their mother Julia.

Henry later went on to marry Emma Schulze and worked on Pershore Road for the German family business- sausage skin makers.

Any info or thoughts appreciated

Sarah Smith

I am a volunteer with the Friends of Key Hill & Warstone Lane Cemeteries, and I was chatting to an elderly gentleman who was visiting family graves in Key Hill.

He recalls his wife attending church events, back in 1953, where there was a Canon Stevens/ Stephens.

He asked if there was way to find what church this was. They lived in Monument Road, and he knew it was not too far away. He does not own a computer, and his memory is no longer what is once was.

I note from the St Pauls website that they had a Canon Stevens, looking after the silver, sometimes under his bed!

If this had been around in 1953, than it looks like the one he's after.

Can anyone help?

Brian Southwell

I am Michael Jones, Chairman of St Marks Estate Residents Group, Ladywood.

I am conducting some research into the old Wilmot and Breeden factory (Formatic Gauge) on Goodman Street, I wandered if you would have any photographs or information on the building in its former glory.

This year is the 40^th anniversary since the rebuild of the estate and the 10th year anniversary of the building been converted into apartments. I would be very grateful for any information you could share.

Many Thanks

Michael Jones

I was recommended to your site by Maureen Dwyer. She and she suggested that you might be able to help us with our search.

I really enjoyed looking at the photos of Monument Road. I am researching for my partner Gill, who was brought up in Erdington Cottage Homes to try to find out what happened to his mother.

Her name was Doris (known as Dolly) May White, nee Gallier. She was born in 1909 in Birmingham. In 1936, Gill then aged 3, was placed in the homes along with his brother and two sisters.

We have found out that in August 1938, she had another son named Derrick Raymond White and he was born at 183 Monument Road. We have also found her on an electoral roll at 183 Monument Road in 1939 along with a Cecilia Tipper, Lily Purchase, Olive Markham, Frederick Williams, Frederick Wilkins and Emily Olive Wilkins. This is Doris's last known address. We know (from his birth certificate) that Derrick was adopted but don’t know when.

Do any of these names mean anything to anyone? Also we would love to know what kind of house 183 was - we did wonder whether it might be a refuge or something of the sort. We are also pretty sure that Dolly went on to have other children, but cannot find evidence as we don’t know the fathers name.

Any clues, however small, would be so gratefully received.

Thank you,

Connie

Can anyone help please?

My paternal grandfather WILLIAM HENRY READ moved to Birmingham circa 1914/15. By trade he was a house painter. In 1920 he married Florence Hemmet and they lived at 70 St Marys Street. During the 1920's his daughter from his first marriage, ALEXANDRA PHYLLIS, born 1914, [better known as QUEENIE READ], went to live with them. She would have attended one/two [possibly junior & senior] of the local schools. Unfortunately I don't know which schools served St Marys Street.

I'm also told that after leaving school she worked in Ladywood for about a year or so, but I don't know where, before moving back to London.

I know it's a real long shot, but would there be anyone with relatives that may recall either William Henry [he died in Ladywood, 1939] or Alexandra.

Could someone possibly tell me which schools she would have attended, so that I could pin down the dates she was there? I would love to get hold of a photo of William Henry as I have no idea what he was like. Any help would be most appreciated.

best wishes to all

Frances Read

I don't know if you could help me out, I'm a Ladywood kid (few years ago that is) born 1946 Lived in Grosvenor Street West , St Vincent Street and King Edward Road, before moving to Quinton in 1956.

Would you know when the houses in these streets were built, especially St Vincent Street (1/166 was our address and yes I remember it very well).

Many thanks,

Great site and spent many hours on it.

John

I stumbled across your site, looking for images of 11 St Martin's Place. This is where my maternal grandfather was living at the time of the 1911 census. He came over from Japan in 1910 as an artisan working on the Anglo-Japanese Exhibition held at White City in London.

His name was Otocichi Moriai. I am interested in finding out more this area he came to live in and if anyone knows of the Bellews who ran the boarding house in which he lived, that would be a great bonus.

Am I right in thinking St. Martin's Place no longer exists - due perhaps to bombing?

I hope to hear from you or anyone else regarding this.

Tabitha Tarling

The name of my husbands family is the Garradley's. Walter Garradley was married to May Garradley, we think Walter was also linked to the Hatfields mainly a Sarah Ann Hatfield.

Walter's mum re-married and her name became Elizabeth Smitten, some may remember her as Eliza Quinn.

They have lived in various places, in 1911 Walter lived at 140 Bishopsgate Street, in 1925 Walter and May lived at 63 Icknield Street. In 1918 Walter was about 30 years old. Walter had an older brother called Arthur and an older sister called Mary Ann. Mary Ann lived at Icknield Street as well. Walter's dad was called Thomas Quinn and in 1872 the family lived at 18 Court Hope Street.

If you can see if anyone who visits your web site may know anything about the family it would be much appreciated.

Thanks for your help.

Janie

I was reading a book bought me for Xmas about Birmingham archaeology and came across a short snippet about the cellars of the Albion Public House being used as an air raid shelter during WW2.

It described the room being partitioned off with concrete blocks and the ceiling being reinforced which would probably explain what I thought was some sort of vaulting.

Perhaps some of your older visitors to the site might know more?

Christina

I am researching the Blakeman family who lived in James’ Building, Icknield Port Road in the late 19^th and early 20^th Century and wondered if you may be able to help.

I have a photograph of a male and on the back it has Lowrie, Queen’s Corner, 25 New Street, Birmingham, as well as other addresses in London, Liverpool and Edinburgh.

Do you know of such a photography business and if so when it began and closed.

This may help me to identify the person in the photograph?

Thank you

Geoff Bull

I was looking at the old picture of St Barnabas' football team of 1958 - 1959. (I wasn't in it) and I recognised two school friends, Peter Jenkins and Fred Oldershaw.

Does anyone out there know of them?

My name is Eddie Lee, known as Ted back then. We lived at 145 Grosvenor Street West, 'till 1959.

My dad was Ted Lee and my mom was Anne (Nancy) Lee.

We left in 1959

Ed Lee

Just having a look through the pictures on the B & M page.

We regularly run a three-cylinder S5 diesel here at the museum and are hoping to move a 1931 Standard 18 oil engine here in the next year or so. We also have two early paraffin engines dating from 1917.

If anybody has any B & M literature - drawings, manuals etc that we could copy and return we would be most grateful.

Regards

Paul Evans

Curator

Internal Fire Museum of Power

I'm trying to find out a little more about a public house called the Acorn Inn (or Achorn as it's recorded in one census) at 137 Icknield Street (right by the Kettleworks (132) if the numbering hasn't changed - presumption tells me it was on that side of the road too) but have found little evidence of it. I was unsure if you might have ever come across any record or mention of it that you can recall?

My thanks once again for maintaining such a great resource.

Andy

I live in Sydney, Australia and am trying your wonderful Website to see if I could find any more information about my mother's ancestors.

They were quite a large family called SATCHELL who lived in Great King Street and New John Street, Birmingham. Originally from Rugby, I believe they came to Birmingham looking for work. My grandfather was a jeweller called George Albert Victor Satchell, who died in WW1 in 1917. He married Beatrice GALVIN.

Would love to hear and swap information with connections to SATCHELL or GALVIN.

Regards

Anne

Could I ask you to put an entry on your Old Ladywood Forum, for my Ladywood Family.

My Ladywood family are the HENDERSON's who lived in 1881 at 57, Freeth Street. This was William Henderson b 1825 and his wife Sarah Ann Rowley.

They had the following children, William b1847, Helen b 1848, Matilda b1850, Sarah Ann b1851, Mary b 1855, Thomas b1857, Matthew b 1859, John b1861, Harry b1863, Justus b1867.

They all went on to live in and around Ladywood and had 'loads' of children themselves, there were numerous Henderson families living all over Ladywood up until the area was cleared in the 1970's.

Apparently the Henderson's were into breeding Staffordshire Bull Terriers which were used for fighting a popular pastime many years ago.

My G/grandfather was John Henderson b 1861 he married Lilly Jane Cleaver and in the 1891 Census they lived at 6, Alexander Place, off St Marks Street, with their children, Martha Lilly b1899 and John b 1890, together with Lilly's brother William CLEAVER b 1860 his wife Elizabeth and children Henry b 1887 and Joseph b 1889.

The Cleavers later moved to Middlemore Road, Smethwick.

A sister of William b 1825, was Clara Henderson b 1841, she married Edwin HARRISON and in the 1891 Census, Clara is the Licensee of the Albion Inn, 187, Heath Street, she had 8 children and I am in touch with a descendant of hers who is in Australia.

If anyone has any connection with the Henderson family I would be delighted to hear from them on via E mail.

James Evans

I am researching on behalf of my mother-in-law

Her father ALBERT TURNER was born at 77 DUDLEY ROAD, 7.2.1929 and his mother EDITH TURNER was a cloakroom attendant at "THE HAWTHORNS" Ladywood Road, also living at this address.

I have scoured the internet trying to find out what "The Hawthorns" is or was and came across a photo of the aforementioned building on this site.

I was wondering if anyone has anymore photo's or information on this address.

There is no father on the birth certificate so presume Albert was illegitimate, making this address more intriguing, as wondering if father had a connection with the address

Any information would be greatly appreciated

Vicky

Fabulous site by the way!!!

I am hoping you, or some of your readers, may be able to help me with my research into the life of Vera Barclay.

Vera Barclay was the author of about 40 children's books but best known for her work in setting up the Cub section of the Boy Scouts with Baden Powell in 1916 (see the Scouting Milestones site on her life).

According to records I have received from the Scouting Association she set up a Catholic Scout Troop and Cub Pack based at 259 Monument Road and she lived at 25 Noel Road in the early 20s. As these addresses are just round the corner from the Oratory, it is a little surprising that the troop was associated with St Peter's Catholic Church (maybe the old St Peter's at Broad Street). The Troop was the 21st Birmingham or 21st Midland and the Cubs were the St. Francis of Assisi Pack.

Her assistant was a Miss L. Parman of 48 St Mary's Street in Ladywood.

I would like to find out as much as I can about this period in Vera Barclay's life.

Hoping you can help,

With every good wish,

Fiona Mercey

I am from Kragerø, Norway and I noticed in some local history that a company called Evans and Askin did some mining in the area. I understood that Evans and Askin, (later it changed to Henry Wiggin & Company) came from Birmingham and I believe in the area of Icknield square.

Do you know it there was a firm with this name in the area?

Is it possible to find some information about this firm, I understood them to be nickel smelters.

Thanks in advance.

Best wishes

Øivind Moen

Hi, I have been researching my family history and there has been a story in the family that I have been unable to substantiate which concerns Ladywood/Edgbaston.

The story concerns my grandmother her name was Eleanor Lawrence and she married John Worthy at The Oratory on March 16th 1916.She came from Monument Square, Bellis Street and John Worthy was born and raised in Ellis Street. After they married they took a house at 1/130 Broad Street. They had one son on July 5th 1922 called John Reginald Worthy.

The story is that Eleanor became pregnant again in 1928 but she was run down by a horse and cart outside The Oratory. I have found her death certificate, which says she miscarried on August 1st 1928 at Selly Oak Hospital and continued to deteriorate. On August 17th a laperotomy was performed and they discovered an advanced state of peritonitis, she died on August 19th 1928.

This story was given to my father (aged 6) as the reason his mother had died.

Have you ever heard anything similar?

Or do you know where I might find an account of such an accident.

I have checked the Mail, Post and Aris Gazette but so far have not found anything even vaguely similar.

JP.

My name is Susan Dainty, I was on the Ladywood website and came across Anderton Street photos.

At the time of living on the street, my family was known as Reeves, and we lived there from 1959 to 1968 at number 2 back of 96, and I was wondering if anyone remembers anyone else who lived there.

I vaguely remember the Bird family

Sue Dainty

I would like this put in the help section of Old Ladywood, first I would like to say what a great site

Does anyone out there know of a JAMES GREGORY he was born in 1838 in Birmingham he married SARAH REEVES in 1861 they had 8 children

MATILDA 1861 REBECCA 1864 DAVID 1867 ROSANAH 1868 HARRY 1871 ALBERT 1876 JOHN 1879 AND SARAH 1865

The problem I have is there is no sign of James on any census before 1871, on his marriage certificate it says his father was John Gregory, police officer. Nothing has been found for John this is a total mystery.

There is no James Gregory with John Gregory as his father on the 41-51-61 census - so my question is DOES ANYONE OUT THERE KNOW THE GREGORY FAMILY?

Carol Kezia

Have found your lovely website and am a wedding photograph with the hope that someone may be able to help. I have been sent this photo from a relative to add to the family tree, but no one can tell me who they are.

The bride/bridegroom would have either surname of Grice or Land and would have come from Suffolk.

The photo was taken at Louis, 104 Alum Rock Road, Birmingham.

The only other clues I have are of the bride running a sweet shop and the groom having something to do with fireworks. I saw one photo in your gallery from Libby Roberts with a William Grice and wonder if there is any link.

John Land

I am seeking info about my aunt, KATHLEEN JOAN DODSON.

She was born in 1920. in Ladywood. Around about 1939, she seems to have disappeared from Birmingham, never to be seen again. I have always wanted to know what happened to her; perhaps someone may have a bit of information about her. She worked at the MONITOR stoves and lamps factory, I have a photograph of the workforce; unfortunately there are no names to identify anyone. If anyone can help I would be so pleased.

Sylvia Rushton

I was wondering if anyone knew my Grandad "David John Lewis" and his family. He was originally from Tredegar, South Wales and moved up to Birmingham.

He lived at 6 back 90 Saint Marks Street, Ladywood, Birmingham in the 1950's and died tragically in a hut at work on a building site in Fairfax Road, West Heath of carbon monoxide poisoning aged 53 in November 1959.

He was cremated in Yardley Cemetery. It would be great if anyone knew him or his family so I could find out a bit more about his life etc

Thanks for any help you can give me.

Glenn Whitehouse

I need help explaining an address please.

My Gt Grandfather was an actor/comedian in the late 19th century and when my grandmother was born he gave this address to the registrar (although my grandma was born in Horncastle in a travelling Van in the yard of a pub) which was in Birmingham.

It goes as follows, 2 house 6 Court, Alexandra Street, King Edwards Road, Birmingham. I have looked at some of the pictures of Alexandra St, and King Edwards Road on your website but it wasn't much help to me. The date was March 1884, I don't seem able to find anything on the census without a name to go on. The family were in Stony Stratford in 1881. His name was Thomas Henry or Thomas Davis Young. Could the people at this address have been his family or perhaps it was a lodging house.

I would appreciate any help anyone can give me. I am trying to find out when he was born as the 1911 census says Birmingham, but that’s not much help on its own either.

Many thanks

Lynn Morris

Absolutely fantastic website and a really meaningful resource - wonderful stories and photos.

I was just wondering whether you'd ever come across the Bowdlers in your research? My great granddad, James Bowdler moved to Herefordshire with his mother, Amelia and aunt Sidina, sometime before 1891 and were living on Nelson Street in 1891.

By 1911, James, his wife Alice, and children (my granddad Joseph, Thomas and Robert) were living at Victoria Terrace on Rawlins Street and then from c1920 to the Second World War, they were all at 4 back 22 Clement Street (by then daughter Violet Bowdler, had been born).

They're not my memories unfortunately - just records - although my dad does remember his dad, Joseph talking about Clement Street - but maybe those names jog some memories among your many contributors.

Would be very grateful for any thoughts at all,

Best wishes,

Neil

I am trying to trace family on my mother's side. Unfortunately, both her parents died when she was a child, and she lost contact with the rest of her family, so we have very little to go on.

We know from the 1911 census that my Grandmother, Dora Bell, lived in Ickneild Square in Ladywood as a child (aged 5 in 1911). She was the eldest daughter of Christopher Arthur Bell and Elizabeth Bell, who was born Elizabeth Benzing.

Dora had 2 brothers, Jack and Christopher Arthur; and 4 sisters, Ruth, Millicent, Marguerite and Vera.

If anyone remembers the Bells/ Benzings, I'd be grateful for any information - better still, if anyone has any photographs of them, as my mother does not have any photos of either of her parents.

Dora married Thomas Brookes sometime before 1927, and moved to Lichfield, Staffs. I know nothing about Thomas except that he was born around 1896 and was from Birmingham - he may have also been from Ladywood, but I don't know for sure. As before - any information would be a great help.

Many thanks,

Linzi

I am looking for memories of people from the West Indies or Asia who worked at GKN especially if they lived in the local back to back houses.

This is for some research I am doing for the National Trust locally.

K. Hughes

My name is Jim Shaw.

My uncle and aunt Jack and Amy Baker lived in Ledsam Street. They had a small factory where they produced drapery and sold in the markets.

However I am trying to trace the background of an uncle who lived in 6 Marston Place, Saint Vincent Street. He was a plumber.

His name was either John (Jack) Morgan or Shaw.

Any clues to jimshaw@jimshaw.co.uk.

Here's hoping.

Jim Shaw

I am tracing my Uncle John William Charles Bond who lived in mansion crescent Smethwick in the 1950's.

He married Brenda Townsend in 1954 but separated later.

John met a greengrocers daughter somewhere within the area and they had a child, a boy in the late 50's. If I can find this gentleman he will have a great extended family keen to meet him. John worked as an iron worker and then in the Blue Moon pub later as a barman.

Would be great to find my cousin.

Linda Hayler, nee Bond

Family history research: Annie Louise Pool, John Linehan and nephew W Griffin. Ladywood Birmingham.

I'm looking for descendants/info/direction of Annie Louise Pool born 1872. Annie was one of several children born to Benjamin and Elizabeth Pool of Morville Street Ladywood.

Annie married Frederick Dowler in 1888 a daughter Bessie Mina was born, she left England approx 1900's married and settled in Ireland.

Annie's marriage to Frederick Dowler only lasted a very short time.

Annie was a piano forte tutor and musician.

Annie later married John Linehan a concert promoter and travelling showman.

Annie died 1914 at 18 Wood Street, Ladywood, her nephew W Griffin was present at her death. I believe W Griffin was also involved in variety/music halls.

Annie appears to have disappeared from the 1901 census and I have not been able to find anything else about her until her death in 1914.

I really would like to know who else resided in the house at the time of her death.

I have no information at all regarding John Linehan and no other info regarding her nephew W Griffin.

I'm anxious to correspond with anyone else researching the above family, I'm hoping this will eventually lead me to discover where my late father was born.

Kindest regards

Jackie

Hello,

I am researching the history of the Women's Liberation Movement and have found that an important conference was held at 'Ladywood School’ in 1978. From your site I see that there were a number of schools in Ladywood and I need help ascertaining which one it was.

The documentation suggests that the school was on Freeth Street, with other events taking place in an annexe in Clark Street. I'd be very grateful for any help you can give me with the name of the school and even perhaps some pictures of it.

Many thanks

Jeska Rees

I think the Ladywood site is wonderful and it has been very helpful with my research for my family tree.

I am trying to trace any relatives of Albert and Lizzie Evans, who lived at 6 back 139 Sherborne Road (1911).

Their children were Edith Nellie, Clara, Albert, William and Edwin. Lizzie's maiden name was Moxon and she was my grandmother's sister.

I would also like to trace any relatives of William Henry and Jane Griffiths. Their children were May, William James, Joseph and Edward. They lived at 7 back 139 Sherborne Street. Jane was also my grandmother's sister.

Carol Wells

Hi, thanks for a great site.

I wondered if you could help me, my great grandparents lived at 5 Railway Terrace, Icknield Port Road. This was the address on their marriage certificate for 1909.

I cannot seem to trace this terrace and wondered if anyone can help me, I presume it would have been a back-to-back house.

I am really trying to get a photo of it.

I would be grateful for any ideas.

Thanks,

Christine Arnold

Just wondering if any one can help, I’m looking for Vera Woodward from Coxwell Road, Ladywood, she lived there before 1965, when the houses were knocked down.

Would love to get in contact with her again, I know she married and went to live in Winson Green, Birmingham, but can’t recall her married name, she had a daughter called Teresa

Regards,

Teresa Griffin

Hi – wondering if you can help me, or point me in the right direction.

My mother’s family lived in Ladywood, and also St George, at the end of the 19^th century. On the census records addresses are given as “9 back 50”, or “back 14 St Georges Place ”, or “4 court 3 house Lee Bank Road ”.

How were the houses arranged and numbered? Are there any old maps?

I would be very interested and grateful if you could suggest sources of further information.

Thanks in advance,

Judith Bachmann

Do you have any more information regarding a picture in the miscellaneous section, on the Old Ladywood site of the sewing factory outing?

It is shown with the word 'Midland' across the side of the open bus. I was born in St. Vincent Street in 1949 and lived there until October 1960. Mother once had a job at 'The Sewing Factory’, which possibly made doilies and chair-back covers. We would be interested to know anything of the factory.

Also two of our ancestors are down on the census as being a Sword Furniture Makers - a father and son - from the 1841 census to the 1891 census, would you happen to know of any factories around the Ladywood area in this line of business. So far I have been unsuccessful.

Many thanks for taking the time to read this, and hope you can help.

V Smith (Mrs)

I found your web site and wondered if you can you tell me where I can find info re the occupants of Ryland Road- I am assisting a friend research her family as she is new to family tree work and her family were living in Ryland road during some of the censuses.

The surnames were Hannan/Haman/Hannon derivatives / Paddock the Hannan side were Irish descendants and Paddocks were Walsall/Warwickshire Birmingham.

Trying to find birth of Elizabeth Haman/Hannan 1860, first name Maria parents Caroline /Thomas Hannan. You may be able to help find family members?

Any help would be gratefully received many thanks

Ann

I am looking for any information about Doris Smith, born about 1915. Her father was Albert Smith and he was a labourer. Doris lived at 5/57 Browning Street, but later on lived at 7/57 Browning Street with her husband John Holmes.

Any information on this family will be very helpful because I don’t know anything else and this is the last bit of my family tree, I am struggling with.

Please email nlm244@hotmail.com if you have any information many thanks

Natasha Martin

Hi, my name is Sheila Wilson, nee Rowley I lived at 4/36 Edward Street, two of my close friends in the street were, Sandra ward and Pat Haylor.

My oldest brother was good friends with John Taylor, his name was Jeffrey Goode.

Jonny Leek, Johnny Lewis, Chicka Dunn (never did know his real name), Shamus, all hung around together.

Great times playing Cricket around the wreck......Happy days...

Good to hear from someone from the old end.

I have been in Canada for 35 years so the old place has changed a lot.

Look forward from hearing from any one from Edward Street

All the best...

Sheila

Hi there,

I have been looking at the site and found it very interesting. Although I left Hall Green in 1962 and moved to Glasgow my grandfather was the licensee of The Mount Pleasant, 126 Ledsam Street around 1920 or earlier. My mother and father were married from there in 1921.

In 1922 he took over the license at the Saracens Head in Shirley. I was wondering if the pub is still there, or if it is whether it has been refurbished or what is in its place.

I can see there might not be any chance that it is there, but you never know.

I would be very grateful for your help.

Cheers,

Sheila Beck

Does anyone remember me?

I lived in St. Marks Street, opposite John R Lees. I have great memories and would love to reminisce with people I share those memories with.

Particularly Kay Madden, John Madden’s sister I think? Kay lived with her Nan in Big St. Marks Street and I would love to get in touch with her, so John if this is your sister can you please ask her to email me, or anyone else who remembers me, via Mac.

Mary Dunkley

CORONET CAMERA COMPANY, 308-310 Summer Lane, Aston, Birmingham 19.

I have been collecting Coronet cameras for over a quarter of century and although having got rid of most of my original collection, I have restarted to collect gain in earnest last year!

Presently, I am writing an article and eventually a book, on the history of the Coronet Camera Co., and would be pleased to hear from not only people who may have any coronet cameras, but more interestingly, from office and factory workers who worked for the Company.

I am also seeking to buy or view photographic company trade catalogues and any Coronet company archives that may still exist.

If anyone knows more about this interesting and largely forgotten company could they please contact me?

Dr Gerald P. Connolly

Email: Coronet@talktalk.net

Hi there,

I've just stumbled across your site and it looks great!

I am currently researching my family history and my Paternal Great-Grandparents were from Birmingham, the Lady Wood area. But there is a family scandal/mystery that has been eluding us all this time and I'm dying to find out the truth. And this is where, I'm hoping, you might be able to help...

My Great-Grandmother Elsie Markham (lived on Ellen Street/Road, Camden Street) fell pregnant with my Grandfather at 18 years old in 1914, unmarried. Apparently the father was a Jewish Immigrant who owned/worked in a Photography Shop on Icknield Road or Spring Hill which Elsie also worked at. My Great-Grandmother married another man, William Dutton, the following year who 'adopted' my grandfather and raised him as his own. My Grandfather passed away long before I was born, but my Nan said he remembers secretly meeting his Father and his Uncle when he was about 6, so that would imply that this Photographer (if he was one at all) was still around in 1920. She also said that this Photographer was known as Mr Thomas.

My Granddad moved down to London, where we all still live now and from here I have been unable to find anything out about a possible photography shop in that area.

I really hope, with your knowledge of the area, that you, or maybe someone else that visits your site might be able to help me to uncover this mystery.

Kind Regards
Lauren Dutton

I have been looking at your website and I think its brilliant. I have searched through it over and over and found some great pictures. I was hoping you might have more information or find a way of gaining information. I have some family names, street names etc, but nothing much else to go on.

The dates would be between 1930 to 1980 or there abouts:

1. Stoke Street
2. Florence Street
3. Latimer Street
4. Rickman Drive
5. Warrinder family
6. Norris Family
7. St. Thomas Church
8. St. Thomas' C of E School
9. I also found a picture of John Tustin on your website, but when I went back to show a family member I couldn't find it.

Any information would be great, thank you.

Samantha Wincott

My great grandmother 'Rosalind Florence Yardley' was born in 1871 in Ladywood and lived in Oak Terrace, Icknield Port Road with her mother, Susan Yardley and grandparents, George and Anne Yardley.

Rosalind's father was not recorded on the birth certificate, so unfortunately I have no idea of this side of my family. I was thinking that the father may be recorded on the baptism record, but have no idea what church they may have gone to as I don't know the area at all (I live in Wales)!

Does anyone know what the local church in the area was in 1871 or is anyone related to Yardley family??

Thanks,

Andrew - emeryad@cardiff.ac.uk

Just going through the site again, there are a few people that have come from Nelson Street school, is there any chance that you could give them my E mail address, it would be nice to see if they were in my class at school?

Keep up the good work

Regards

Marie

If you wish to contact Marie, please send your message to mac@oldladywood.co.uk and I will forward it on

Hello

I have only just found out about your site and its great.

I am trying to find information on the name HALL living at 33 Browning Street and then moving to Morville Street. Would like the number, from memory it seemed like a converted shop front. Did they have a little shop there?

Also HAWKES living at 37 Stoke Street. My mother was named Lily - born in 1903 in Bishopsgate Street. She had brothers named Fred and Joe and a sister called Nell.

I think my grandmother was married previously and had two sons named Samuel and James. Would anyone know their surname?

Thanks for any help

Pat

Hi, I'm a Brummie now living in Canada. I have been researching our Family Tree together with one of my brothers, who still lives in Bromsgrove, then I came across this site and find the memories people have placed there fascinating and the pictures bring back so many memories of childhood.

We lived in Steward Street and went to Steward Street School. We lived in one of the back-to-back houses right next door to the old mission, which was next door to the blacksmiths, which was opposite Steward Street School.

I would love to hear from anyone who may have lived there and remember our family name - Humphreys.

Feel free to email me at babscol@eastlink.ca.

Babs nee Humphreys

I would like to hear about any of the Lediard family descendants, I believe they lived in Leslie Road. This would be my grandfather Fred Lediard, there were 4 brothers and 5 sisters, (Harry, Len, Norman, Fred, Alice, Millie, Lily & Elsie & Edna).

Their parents were Alice (Pratt) and William. Elsie married Ivan Barnsley and I did see a wedding photo on your site and would be interested in knowing who the bridesmaids were. I know Lily married Charlie Read and another sister married into the Norgrove family.

I would like to know if all the family were born in Ladywood and where their parents were born.

My dad is Barry Lediard.

I think this is a great site.
Thanks for your help.

Val Clarkson

The son and daughter of the owner later sold the business. I have been unable to find out any more than this and would be grateful for any information.

My great grandfather, Charles Moseley, founded the factory with his sister, Florence (hence C&F Moseley Ltd). I understand that the business went into demise upon the death of my grandfather, Reginald Moseley in August 1970.

Amanda

I am researching my family tree name of BARNBROOK, they lived in the Ladywood area until about 1959 and their last address was in ST MARKS STREET.

My Mother's maiden name was LILY HILL, she owned a Hairdresser's shop next door to the Ice Rink I think this was in Summerhill Street, it was called KITTY'S, her Father's name was WALTER HILL and was known for his snooker playing around the Midlands clubs.

I would love to hear from anyone that remembers them or any information that could help.

Thank You

Regards

Ann Belcham (Nee Barnbrook)

I'm currently looking into my family tree and would be interested if you or any of the people who contribute to your site have any details of my family.

My great grandfather and great grandmother William & Louisa Lawrence owned the Laundry at 135 Monument Road from the late 1890's until the late 1920's or early 1930's. They had 3 sons, Thomas, Charles and my grandfather Arthur. Charles worked on the railways with GWR and died in the World War I. Arthur also served in the First world war and was a prisoner of war.

I know very little about the laundry only that they did all the cleaning for the theatres in Birmingham at that time.

I do appreciate that it was a long time ago and that there are few people around who will remember this era, but any information would be a bonus.

Regards

Neil Lawrence

Does anyone remember a postmaster at Spring Hill, I think the family name was Clarke.

A few years ago, I met a Trevor Clarke, who was researching his family in the Ladywood area.

Unfortunately Trevor died recently and I was wondering if anyone remembered him or his family.

Heather Ackrill-Carron

I wonder if anyone remembers my Aunt Rose Timbrell, her husband was Jack and son Barry. She lived all her life in Ladywood and died just a few years ago. She lived in Essington Street when she was first married. Then went to live in Elizabeth Fry House, she left there just a few years before she died. She worked at French's when she was young with my mum, her sister Iris. I love looking at your site. My husband and his family lived in Ledsam Street. Their name was Nash and there were 11 children 4 girls and 7 lads, My Husband is Alan he went to Osler school.

Jenny Nash

Can you tell me when Warstone Lane disappeared please? My grandfather, Henry Weston SMITH was born there at the Back of 64 Warstone Lane on 20 June 1879.

His father was a Chelsea Pensioner. By the 1881 census, the family had moved to 321 Bridge Street West (off Summer Lane)- which also seems to be a "lost" street.

I am hoping there may be some records still of Sunday Schools (Methodist) or schools in the area.

I also wondered why the family moved to Birmingham from Portsea Island in Hampshire- were there any reporting requirements for Chelsea Pensioners?

Thank you so much for your fine work on this site.

From a Cornish Aussie.

Lois

I have just finished exploring your website – fantastic!

I am hoping through you to help a friend of mine-who now lives in Wales, she is desperate to find out any information about her parents Edward William LAW and Ada Irene Nee Kenwick - they resided for some time in ANDERTON STREET and ran a shop, Mr. Law made tin soldiers to sell in the shop, they had four children Edward (Teddy),John, my friend Dorothy (Dolly) and Christine

If anyone can help, please contact me at deekspeg@aol.com

Regards

Peg

Hi, could you please tell me if anyone remembers the Wren and Hobley Families, the Wren family lived in Springhill and the eldest son Ted married Barbara Hobley, one of 4 sisters of 25 Shakespeare Road, who are my parents.

My Grandad Frank Wren, had Springhill taxis, and my moms gran ran a grocers shop at no 14 Shakespeare Road. My mom Barbara went to St. Marks and Osler School seniors. My moms parents Albert & Lil Hobley were good friends with Sid & Flo Butts, who ran a drapery shop at the

top of Shakespeare Road.

My grandad Albert is sitting in the front row outside the commercial Pub, which is on your website.

Also a major event in Springhill was when my dads sister June died following a bad fog that fell, as she was guiding the traffic with white sheets, she became ill and died just before she was to be married!!!

Please could you let me know if anyone remembers them?

Regards Debbie Wren

Hi, wow what a great read. My mom and dad both came from Ladywood and I recognise some of the streets and peoples names. My oldest brother was born at 83 Anderton Street.

Does anyone remember my mom Lily or Lynn Lily McCarthy nee Broughton and dad William (Billy) Mills. Other names I am interested in are Thursfield/Lentle.

Please contact me at Objd@aol.com. I will ask mom about some of names on site and give you update too...

I have asked mom today (Lynn Lily McCarthy nee Broughton) aged 75 this year; who she remembers from school and the list she recalled were

Beryl Shutts

Barbara Chick

Amy Matthews

Lily Day

Johnny Reed

Kenny Marton

Jeff or Geoff Statton

Reggie Steele

Cathy Chinn

Miss Stricknall

Miss Vernon

Does anyone remember these names?

I have been looking for my Grandmother-in-law for almost two years and have only just managed to find two sites for her based on her first two offspring. This woman who we knew as Grandma Charlotte we now find, had two christian names and three surnames, and as we only guessed at her birth year because we think she was 83 when she died in 1975 and celebrated her birthday on the 5 May each year, we assume she was born in 1892.

I have her on the 18 July 1914 living at 3 back of 18 Moreton Street, and on 21 august 1920 at 54 Edward Street, a stones throw away. in 1914 she signed herself Charlotte Mason and 1920 Lottie Huband, late Mason formerly Shepherd.

We are stymied at the moment and don't know where to go next, so hope you can shed some light, by the way she is down on her first child’s birth certificate as a Brass founders Lathe Hand, and no fathers name shown.

Please help us if you can Mac

Yours Joyce Daniels

I wonder if anyone remembers Billy Smith, or John Beaumont, who both lived in Anderton street in the 40s, if my memory serves me right John went into the Navy, and I think that when Billy got married he lived in Anderton Street. I remember Billy working at the Loco sheds at Monument Road, he went on to become a fireman on the railway, they were both mates of mine when we were young, we lived in Shakespeare Road, then moved to Quinton around 1948-9 by that time I was in the services myself, so if anyone can help, I'd love to hear from them..

Graham Sullivan
graham.sullivan2@btinternet.com

Have recently found your wonderful site as I'm starting to look at my Birmingham family history.

On the 1891 census Samuel and Betsy Usherwood (great grandparents) are listed as living at 2 Back 59, Garbett Street. I understand that the street has gone but would love to hear from anyone who remembers it or the family when they lived there.

In 1881 they were living at 4 Back 55, Freeth Street, I realise all this is a long time ago, but I live in hope.

Also my father, Alan Usherwood, worked as a driver at Bellis and Morcom from about 1960 to his retirement and it would be great to hear from anyone who worked with him there.

Again thanks for such a wonderful site.

Jo Winwood

Hello

Just found the website and found a name that stood out - Alan Wolton. I believe that this same gent is one that I worked with during the 70's and 80's for a company called Rentair of Atherstone, Warks.

If so I would be pleased to hear from him and catch up on the past twenty odd years.

Mike Geraghty

I'm really interested in finding out more about the area - I was born in the Great Western pub, Camden St/George St West in 1960 when my Dad managed the pub. I'd love to find out more about the area & see old photos.

Also, is it likely that you - or any of your contacts – will remember my Dad? His name was Stan Sharred & he was married to Jean. They had 2 sons (one also born at the pub in 1958) before having me in 1960.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Best wishes,

Jan Daniells (nee Janet Sharred)

What an excellent site! I'm not sure why I haven't come across it before now, but I am delighted that I have discovered it now. Great work.

I would greatly appreciate any help that your readership might be able to provide wrt my HASTINGS family who lived at Back 153 Saint Vincent Street, Ladywood in 1895-1897.

My Great Grandfather, Thomas HASTINGS and Louisa Ann Hastings nee NERNEY lived at Back 153 Saint Vincent Street, Ladywood between 1895 and 1897. They were married 22 Dec 1893 at the Parish Church , Bishop Ryder, Birmingham .

Whilst at this address, Thomas William HASTINGS was born 4^th April 1895 and another sibling, Alfred Howard HASTINGS was born 29 Sept 1897.

Some time around 1898-1900 they moved to Sheffield where my Grandfather, William Henry HASTINGS was born 8 Oct 1900, followed by five other siblings.

Over the past 18 months I have made good progress in most other areas of research and have both the marriage certificate of Thomas HASTINGS and his death certificate, but have been unsuccessful in tracing a birth or baptism record.

Whilst at Back 153 Saint Vincent Street, Thomas HASTINGS was a Brass Caster and later, an Iron Moulder. From the 1901 census (Sheffield) and marriage/death certs, I believe that he was born 1872-1874 in Birmingham .

I would dearly love to hear from anyone who can shed any light on:

Ø What did Back 153 Saint Vincent Street look like in 1895-1897.

Ø Are there are records of where Thomas Hastings worked as a Brass Caster.

Ø Neither 1881 or 1891 census shows son Thomas b1872-1874 with a father, also a Thomas Hastings, (source marriage cert) who was an Ostler (some form of stablehand). Where were they?

Ø Are there any school records/photos for Thomas Hastings c1880-1890?

Ø Any other snippet that may help overcome this impenetrable brickwall !

Please email me at kevinhastings@fsmail.net.

Kindest regards

Kevin Hastings

I wish to thank anyone who has given me so much pleasure, and many others like me, with all of their news, photographs etc for the oldladywood site.

Thank you all so much. Will hope to see you in 2008 too.

Wishing everyone, at Home and Abroad, a Happy Healthy and Peaceful 2008

Heather Carron (nee Ackrill/Goode/Smith all oldladywoodians)

Hello,

I found your site whilst trying to get some pictures of the old Icknield Port Road for my partner, Colin Woolf.

I wonder if anyone remembers them from the early 50s. There was Gordon and Gladys, and children Brian, Bert, Barbara and Colin.

It would be great to see if anyone does.

Thanks,

Wendy Minchin

Congratulates on such an informative website.

I'm trying to trace my grandfather - Ronald Oliver Murray. He married Elizabeth Portsmouth back in 1945 but unfortunately their marriage ended when my mum was tiny. She doesn't remember anything of her dad, as was told that he died when she was young.

We recently found my grandmother's movement card which shows that she visited Sherborne Street just after Ronald and she had married and after Janet (my Mum) was born. I think Ronald moved back to Ladywood after their marriage was over.

I've tried tracing him through the numerous web-sites but without success. Having just found your website, I hope that there is someone who still lives in the Ladywood community, who will remember the Murray's who lived in Sherborne Street. I know his father was called Oliver and that there was a relative called Winifred Murray (my Mums' god-mother), but sadly we have no other details.

Many thanks

Wendy Timberlake
on behalf of Janet Smith (my Mum)

I was a Belliss & Morcom Engineering apprentice from 1949 to 1954 and worked for them in Iraq, the Bahamas and elsewhere after finishing national service in 1956 and until 1960.

I have been surfing through your website and wallowing in nostalgia - thanks for the opportunity to do so!

I came across, in the February 2006 up-date, a request from Gerald Willis for information about Belliss & Morcom and or their one time subsidiary; Sisson.

If you have contact with any other ex Belliss people of my era, I should be delighted to hear from them.

Alan Wolton

I am trying to trace details of my grandfather Joseph Henry Hill. He was a widower and opened a cafe in Ledsam Street, Ladywood in 1939 but it didn't do very well as the war had just started and food was being rationed but he did get work in supplying food for a factory up the road, Joseph had a car which he used as an ambulance which he drove in the war.

This is all of the information that I have about his Ladywood days. He allegedly came from Bury in Lancashire, he was a professional soldier who married Lizzie Clay in Selly Oak 1915 aged 24 and was widowed in 1936 and he remarried to a lady named Grace.

Any information gratefully received

Sheila

I live in Luxembourg, but my family are from Brum, I am fascinated by the history, but I just found something that has interested me greatly.

There was a motorcycle manufacturer called LMC, situated in Monument Road in the 20s, this is where my great grandfather comes from (William Breeden) and I would love to find something out?

All the best

Andrew Breeden

I am currently doing my Family Tree and got records of a Lilian, living at 8 Ryland Terrace, but I have no details of who she married when and how long for, but I do know she had at least 3 children called June, Phillip and Kenny (Ken).

Her siblings were Violet who is meant to be Lilians twin, her other siblings are Edith, James Fred and Florence, which is meant to be my Grand-ma.

If you have any further information please contact me,

Paul Carter

Hi what a great web site.

My name is Pip and I live in Australia. I am currently trying to track down any relatives of my mother. Her name is Barbara A Longhurst, formerly King. She grew up Ladywood and lived at 99 Great Tindal Street.

I would love to know if any one out there remembers her family, she was the youngest of 8 children. Her eldest brother was Albert, there was Bernard, Peggy, Mary, William (Bill), Dorothy and I believe, one child passed away quite young and was a twin and another sibling passed away in her 19th year but unsure of her name.

Her mother was Aida Beatrice and her fathers name was William Edward King, my mother was born 26th January, 1938.

If anyone could help me with any information It would be greatly appreciated, even if you were a neighbour.

With anticipation of a response,

Yours truly,

Pip Candrick

pipcandrick@optusnet.com.au

Harold Watkins

I don't know if you can help me but I am trying to trace the above or his sister Lilian (possibly married now) for my in-laws.

Harold and Lilian Watkins lived in Ladywood with their parents of the same names and would have been born in the 1930's or thereabouts.

Harold Watkins (father) died in June 1949 (I think) aged just 42 and after that contact was lost was his wife Lilian and the children Harold and Lilian. Harold senior was one of a large Watkins family - some of the brothers and sisters being Polly, Joseph (Joe), Tom, Billy, Bert (Married to Louisa) - and possibly more than this. Polly and Tom never married and lived together. Ideally I would like to contact the children - Harold and Lilian, as it is their cousin - Elizabeth Watkins (Betty - now Betty Ward) - my mother in law - that is keen to make contact again, for her golden wedding in March 2008, and all previous attempts to trace them have been unsuccessful.

If anyone has any information it would be much appreciated

Jenny

Does anyone remember the Coleman family who lived at 81, Shakespeare Road, where they ran a Hardware shop? The couple were Fred and Rhoda and they had sons Fred, Harold, Bert and a daughter called Rhoda. Bert was my father and I would be very pleased to hear from anyone that remembers him or the family.

If anyone remembers them or has any old pictures I would be very grateful if you could contact me at this email address bolton_52@ntlworld.com

Hope you can help me

Jill

It’s nice to see you have been up dating your site and it was nice to see some one remembering my old school Piggott Street.

I have photo of 3 of my old school friends, June Hill, Vera Radd, Pat ?????,and would love to know if any body still remembers them. I have some happy memories of my school days from 1938 to 1947, some of the boys where Donald Howard, Ken Hill, sister June M. Hill, we all lived in Irving Street.

Best wishes

Doreen

My father died recently and I was sent his death certificate. He was born Albert Edward Jackson - 29 December 1926. His mother was a housekeeper at 8 Ryland Street, Birmingham.

Mothers name Jackson. Father unknown? The address where he was born is given as 8 Ryland Street, Birmingham.

Given that he had always told me that he was orphaned when he was twelve, after his parents died in a car accident, I am curious if anyone can shed light on this matter.

My email address is equil.films@bigpond.com

THANK YOU

Michelle Purves - Australia

I would like to know just where my mother was born along Monument Road. Her birth certificate says 3 back of 321, and at 322 was Tuckers the butcher, and at 321 was Tromans, the greengrocer, according to the back of the map (1914 map of Birmingham (West), including Ladywood).

Mum remembers Tuckers, but I thought she remembered that as the greengrocer - easy mistake, she was only five when she left there. I can only find one court along that section of Monument Road, although there are plenty in Ladywood Square and Beach Street.

If you can assist, I would be most grateful.

Cheers

Pauline Roberts

I have just read your site and was wondering if anyone out there knew my mother, Olive Smith, I believe she lived at 57/59 Northbrook Street, back in the 50's.

She had a brother, Fred, her parents were Kathleen & Joseph Smith, I can just remember going to the house which faced on to the canal, I would love to see any pictures of the houses along that street, as sadly mum passed away in July 2004, it would be lovely to see where she grew up as I would have only been 6 in 1965 when the houses were demolished.

Thank you,

Lynn Robins

Can anyone help with old photographs of Northbrook Street?

This is my great grandfather, William Henry Grice who lived in Summer Hill Street with his wife and 10 children.

This is his daughter Flossie with him. He left the family on two occasions and his wife, Minnie Violet Grice (nee Hanley) and some of the children had to go into the workhouse on Dudley Road. Minnie had only one eye due to a fork being thrown with good aim by William! He was only seen on one occasion after 1933 and we are still trying to trace what happened to him.

We do have a lead that he worked at the Bulpitts Factory on Albion Road. I would be extremely grateful to anyone who may remember him or the family.

Kind regards.

Libby Roberts

Hello,

I have just come across your site and love all the old photos and info you have. My family lived in Clark Street for many years, post 1900, and Nan has said that her mother and her Nan ran a shop there in the front section of the house they lived in. They also used this section of the house to home men coming home from the war who did not have homes to go to.

Unfortunately I cannot work out if it was the Gibson family or the Reaney?Rainey side of the family who originally opened the shop, all I know is that Nan’s mum Violet Gibson, nee Reaney, did so after either her mum or Mum in law. I have searched the web but cannot find any info and unfortunately I live in Australia and cannot visit your local libraries.

I was wondering if you have come across any info i could use, or if not you could keep your eyes open for me and put me in contact with anyone researching the same areas.

Warm regards,

Louisa Wright

daz_lou@bigpond.net.au

My Father was born at number 7 Sir Harries Buildings, Icknield Square, in 1916, does any one know were this was?

Unfortunately I have no photos, but I do have his school-leaving certificate, from the Oratory Boys School, dated 1926, which I thought may be of interest.

J Horton

I just came across your wonderful site. What a marvellous resource!

I myself grew up in North Birmingham, but my father was born and raised in Stour Street, Ladywood. We're researching our family history and I've been restoring several old family snapshots, several of which people we're currently unable to identify with confidence. I thought I'd offer a couple here in case anyone recognises some faces. The family names I'm particularly researching are SHELLEY, who lived at 34 and 36 Stour Street and GRIFFIN


Photograph 1	Photograph 2

Photograph 1

Almost certainly Stour Street around the 1920's, but we're not sure who the subjects are.

Photograph 2

A faint pencil note on the back of this photo from the mid 1920's says "36 Stour St". The younger child is my great Aunt May Shelley, but the older child we're not certain of. My father thinks it might be Ivy Patrick, who was very close to the family but I've not been able to trace any record of her.

My immediate Shelley family moved to Kingstanding in the late 1930's, but if anyone has information on the Shelley or the Griffin families I'd be very interested in hearing from them.

Many thanks, and congratulations on a tremendous website.

All the best

John Shelley

Would any of you knowledge people know when Friston Street was demolished? I had moved out of Birmingham and have since tried to trace family etc and asked in Birmingham City Library and Springfield Library, all to no avail.

My father was born in Friston Street in one of the back-to-back houses. They had a clock and all the neighbours used to call through the open door (never locked) what's the time Gran.

Grandma had a job of knocker up too as she was able to use her clock. I always thought they were very poor, but now realise they were one of the lucky families.

3 back of Friston Street - Joseph & Mary Ackrill

8 Highfield Terrace off Friston Street - Charles & Mary Ackrill

2 back of 55 Friston Street - Ernest and Mary Ackrill (these were my grandparents) My father Wilfred Edward Ackrill.

Any help would be appreciated.

Heather Carron

email hedmc@supanet.com

Hello

I live all the way in Australia and not sure if I have approached this correctly, but I thought I would send an email anyway once I found your Ladywood site. Great to be able to see where my grandparents lived back in the 1890's.

'My ancestors were Charles Milligan and Lucy Edith Hawkes who married in St Johns Church in Ladywood Birmingham on 21 July 1895. Residence at time of marriage was listed as Bk 28 St Vincent Street, Ladywood (which I understand is the same street the Church was in) and Charles father was Robert Milligan a Bricklayer. The Witnesses to the Wedding were a John Craddock and Ada Milligan.

Charles appears to have lived in Ladywood for a long time as I found him on the 1881 Census as a Scholar Aged 9 boarding with James and Jesse Covey or Coney at 14 Wellington St, Ladywood with their son James and a lodger William Dutfield. Charles himself was a Toolmaker in 1895 at Ladywood and Bicycle Builder by 1897 but had moved to the Headless Cross/Ipsley area when my Grandmother Cissy Louisa Milligan was born in 1897. If anyone is able to shed any light on the Milligan family in Ladywood who may be connected to my ancestors, I would appreciate it'

If the above could be posted on your help section, I would really appreciate it. I have only recently found that Charles surname had been spelt incorrectly on some official entries like marriage as Millingham and even his dad's name has been spelt like that, which is wrong, so was no wonder I had been having trouble. Once I found Ladywood on the Certificate and hunted on the net and found info about the Church and now your site, it is great. I hope to have success in finding out about his parents etc.

Kind regards

Wendy in Australia

Email - johnos4@optusnet.com.au

This photograph was brought into the Local History Fair, do you know who the couple are or anyone else in the photograph.

The wedding is presumed to be in Ladywood, but not to sure about this, can you help?

If you can help please contact

janetnaylor2@yahoo.co.uk

Hi there

Even though I am not from the Birmingham area (but my father hailed from Erdington), the reason for this email is out of sheer curiosity.

Sadly my father died a few years ago now and in clearing the content of his garage in Wales where he had resided for the last 60 years of his life, I came across a small notebook. It is only recently that I took time out to look at the book.

The notebook originally was the property of F Adderley of 116 Coplow Street in Ladywood. The content of the notebook consists of about a hundred ‘recipes’ for varnishes, paints, lacquers and shellacs. The volumes involved are clearly of industrial proportions – frequently using 30+ gallons etc. and customer mentioned include ‘V Armstrong’, ‘R S & J Ipswich’, ‘CWS Tyesley’. Names of the more exotic sounding mixtures include ‘Naptha Stain’, ‘Immutal Slush’ and ‘Yacca Varnishes’ although the majority are variants of lacquers, varnishes and shellacs.

There are dates in the notebook around the end of 1929 and the beginning of 1930.

Who was this man? Where did he work? Your excellent website clearly evokes many memories of local people and I wonder if this brings additional memories to local people.

Unfortunately I cannot be in Birmingham on 3rd June but wish you well with your broadcast.

I am happy to receive information via this email address – alan.copestake@btinternet.com

Thanks

Alan Copestake

Hello

I wonder if you or anybody can help me my name Trevor Tomkinson, 1 of family of 6 Tomkinson’s that people may remember, we lived at 122 St. Marks Street, my eldest brother and sister were Terry Tomkinson and Celia Tomkinson.

My mothers name was Florence Tomkinson, she was born Florence green and lived in Camden Street.

Her mom was Anne Green, my dad was Albert Tomkinson, I went to St. Johns School and I lived there in early sixties.

Can anybody remember us and can anybody help especially my moms side, the greens, I’m sure I have relatives still living thank you

Please reply to

t.a.tomkinson@talk21.com

I'm trying to locate a friend Jennifer Jones; we lived next door to each other in Gt. Tindal Street, Ladywood in the 50's.

Kept in touch for a while but have lost contact with her.

If anyone can help, my email address is:

perryjnprry@aol.com

Or get in touch if you remember me.

Jeanette Perry (nee Webb)

I live in Weston-super-Mare and have recently been researching a diary describing a holiday spent in Weston in June 1836 of a family from Birmingham. The original diary is deposited in Somerset Record Office in Taunton.

After a great deal of research I have now identified the writer as Thomas CLARK, (Junior) who, on the 1841 & 1851 censuses was living in Reservoir Road.

In 1841, his father, Thomas CLARK (Senior), was living in Ladywood Lane.

They were Hothouse & Metal Sash Manufacturers, with a business at 55 Lionel Street, and were responsible for creating the original hothouses in the Birmingham Botanical Gardens when they opened in 1833.

If you can tell me anything more about the family, their homes or the business I'd be very interested and would be pleased to share any information I already have about the family.

With thanks

Pat Hase

I lived at 113 Great Tindal Streeet, Ladywood, would any one remember me or my dad, Bert Wadsworth or my mom, Gladys.

My dad worked at Bellis &Morcom and I went to the Oratory School in 1950. My mates where - Michael [chucky] Fowler. Terry Duffy. John Nash. Patsy Richmond. the headmaster was Mr. Barrett; the nun who looked after us was Sister Joseph.

I played football for the school with a boy Tom Caveghy, whose dad had a coal yard up by Osler Street School. We went to all the picture houses in that area; worked for ALF PRIDDY, builder and we did a lot of work for Smiths, the butchers, building fridges and such even at his farm at Sutton Coldfield also all his shops.

If any one knows us, be great to hear from you

TONY WADSWORT

anthony.wadsworth1939@hotmail.com

Hi, my name is Brian Timmins,

I lived in Edward Street and went to Nelson Street School, after there went to Barford Road School and later moved to Villiers Street, Winson Green. I am now living in the U.S.A. since 1974.

Found this site through an old school friend Frank Thornhill, I would like to hear from any old friends who might like send an E MAIL - olbrit@sbcglobal.net

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK

I have seen your web site, which is very interesting.

My husbands Uncle was MP for Ladywood for many years, till he died suddenly in 1969, his name was Victor F Yates, 1900-1969.

He was a labour MP, and I have also noticed that some care homes in Ladywood are called Victor Yates homes.

My husband remembers Victor, but unfortunately, we have no pictures of him, and as we have been doing the Family Tree and history it would be a real bonus to have pictures.

I would be very grateful if you can help or advise me with this.

Thank you and best regards

Glynis Preston

Hello Mac,

I lived in Morville Street at number 114, from 1957 to about 1964

I was wondering if you or any of your correspondents remember the advertising vehicles that they used to make at Ryland Garage.

They used to be in the shape of the various products like a tube of toothpaste etc., we used to think they were great, but have never seen any mention of them anywhere. I sometimes think I was dreaming because no one I have spoken to can remember them.

If you could put this on your site maybe there is someone who does remember or even has 'photos of them which would be great.

Regards

Bob Shale

Any information on Peter Danks (my great great grandfather) who lived at 77 Ladywood Road and was a baker, or my great grandfather Thomas Danks and my grandmother Harriet, who lived at 71would be appreciated.

If anyone has any old pictures or details of their lives. thank you.

Great website, loved the pictures. made their lives real as I can’t remember them.

Yvonne Mace

Hello,

I enjoyed looking through you website, very interesting.

I am looking for a photograph of the public house called Wagon & Horses which was situated on the corner of Ruston Street & Grosvenor Street West.

Any info about this pub would be greatly welcome.

Regards Derek

Does anybody remember a grocers at 54 Ladywood Road. The name of the owner was Percy George.

I am trying to trace anyone of the George family, they all seem to have been grocers and they owned the premises in Ladywood Road for approx 60 years up until at least 1939.

I know that some of the family went to live in Summerfield Crescent as well.

Any help would be great.

Thank

Su.monkey@virgin.net

I am probably the next generation on from most of the people on your website.

I grew up in Ladywood in the 1970s, although my parents where born there in the late 40s, the question I am asking is that of my fathers family, he was one of 18 and lived on Monument Road with the family name of ROOM does any one remember this family?

Secondly my nan Mrs H. Smith live on Icknield Square, she is getting on for 97 now and loves to talk about the old days, but we are running out of questions.

Please if any ones got any, fire them in this direction.

Mark Room

markroom@blueyonder.co.uk

Please can you help me? I have just made a break through on line after many, many years trying to trace my family on my mothers side. I think I might have found my Great Great Grandfather.

I think he and his family lived in the area that you show on your website (found on a search engine). Lady Wood in the 1881 census.

I am looking to locate an address - can you tell me if you know if it is still in existence please? It is 24 Court 1 House, Carver Street. Do you know it in any of your research?

If I am on the right lines my G G Grandpa worked as a 'Puddler in Iron Works' and my G G Grandma was a Pearl Button Polisher. Do you know anything of these occupations in the area?

Thank you so much for reading me email. You can see from the time I sent this that I am rather hopeful to fill this bit of my history and to tell my Mother who is now 75 as she has very little knowledge of her family.

Thank you.

Jennie Ghent

jenniedjones@yahoo.co.uk

I have been trying to find a street map of the 1870’s and 1880’s showing the above places, without much success.

My Grandfather, Alfred John Dunn, was born at 16 Frederick Place, Mill Street, Ladywood. I think Grosvenor Street West was previously called Mill Street, as the New Union Mill was situated in it. I think it later became Central City Flour Mill.

The 1881 census shows him living with his father, Alexander Dunn and mother Emma and brother Arthur, at 32 Grosvenor Street West, and Frederick Place was nearby, and so was the Colmore Arms public house.

Do you have any information that might help me pinpoint the location of the above addresses in Grosvenor Street West.

Kind Regards

Ian Dunn

ian@dunn1403.freeserve.co.uk

My name is Stuart Doughty and I am still searching for some information about my granddad, his name was Gerald Charles Doughty, he was born 21st June 1927 at 62 Blythe Street, Birmingham.

His fathers name was John "Jack" Doughty, he was a police officer and his mothers name was Winnifred Doughty, attached is a photo of my granddad, Gerald.

Anyone recognise him or know anything about the family.

Please help??

Stuart

I have just spent an interesting half hour viewing your website showing old photos of Ladywood.

My mother’s family lived at 66 Blythe Street in 1901, and she was born in 1912 (Elsie).

Her father was Henry Williams an Iron Founder, who also had some interest in nearby licensed premises.

I wonder if anyone has any reference to this family.

Many thanks

Colin Everett

Does anyone remember any of the school friends from the Osler Street School Senior years 1949 to leaving in 1953.

My name was Irene Trapp and I lived in Rann Street. I remember many of the old school chums. I have just had an old chum called Iris Jones, who now lives in Perth Australia, come and stay with me and my husband, here in France where I now live.

We had a wonderful 4 days together and we had not seen one another since we left school in July 1953. What a chinwag we had, I remember such a lot of names. Where are some of them now I wonder?

It would be nice to hear from anyone who remembers me - Brenda Pickering, Norma Coles [have a photo of you in France], Margaret Evans and Iris Bloor of Alston Street, Ann Price Essington Street.

I was also in the Girl Guides at the Church in Stirling Road.

Where is Jean Hyde, Vera Hawkins, I still have pictures of the camping hols. Anyone who remembers me, feel free to get in touch.

Many thanks Mac

Irene Smith nee Trapp

Kalisuki1@aol.com

My name was Iris Jones. went to Osler school late 40's left around 1953. Have already met one school friend or rather she found me, her name is Irene Trapp.

I have a brother Brian Jones, if anyone remembers him.

I lived in St Marks Street Ladywood and I now live in Australia.

ido55483@bigpond.net.au

Does anyone have any recollections or any background information of Sun Street in Birmingham , long since removed from the map!

I have sight of a relatives marriage certificate quoting this address as their residence and am very interested in know where exactly it was and any other history. I am aware that there was a pub called ‘The Malt Shovel’ around 1898 with the licensee being Kate Smith.

Any information appreciated.

Please mail Rob at robhen_159@hotmail.com

Rob Hennessy

Is there anyone watching this site that has any memories of the early years of people and photographs that lived in Pope Street Ladywood during a period from 1930 onwards as we are assembling a family tree and we wish to find out the people and their lives they led in this most fascinating and friendly street during this spell up to the second World War.

Any help however small and names would be greatly appreciated

Regards,

George Morris

gf.morris@blueyonder.co.uk

My name is John Fry. I would be interested to know if anyone has any information on the Fry's that lived in Ladywood. My ggg-grandfather William Fry moved to Beech Street around 1880 with his wife Mary. By 1890 they were in 5 Market Buildings (wherever that was) in Monument Road. In 1900 they had again moved on to 176 Icknield Port Road. It is believed that they stayed here right up until their deaths - c.1930.

Between them they had 10 children - William, Walter. John (my gg-grandfather), Sarah, Martha, Richard, Lucy, James, Daniel (probably known as Thomas) and Frank.

Any information on any of the above would be gratefully received

Thanks

John Fry

john.fry2@ukonline.co.uk

Hi Mac, thanks for putting a photo on the web of my dad.

I’m looking for any old school chums who knew me from Follett Osler School, up until 1965, when I left school to go to work, really looking for Linda Cook or Raymond Forty.

Many thank, keep up the good work fab web page.

TERESA (GRIFFIN)

teresamccrim@aol.com

Hi there,

I am researching my family tree and was wondering if anyone knows of my grandad, who was born 21st June 1927 at 62 or 67 Blythe Street.

His fathers name was John "Jack" Doughty and his mother was Winnifred. I think that Jack was a Sgt. in the police force?

Can you help please?

Regards

Stuart Doughty

stuart.doughty1@blueyonder.co.uk

I am researching the Birmingham and Coventry Barrage Balloon Squadrons of the Auxiliary Air Force (AAF).

Formed in early 1939 from volunteers from the local population, there were 7 Squadrons in total, known as the County Of Warwick (BB) Squadrons AAF. Numbers 911, 912 & 913 Squadrons manned the North Birmingham barrage sites and came under Number 5 Balloon Centre at RAF Sutton Coldfield. Numbers 914, 915 & 916 Squadrons were formed for the South Birmingham barrage and came under Number 6 Balloon Centre at RAF Wythall. Number 917 Squadron was manned by volunteers from Coventry and also came under No 6 Balloon Centre. They were all called up in late August 1939, when 916 was literally 'sent to Coventry' to support 917 Sqn in the Coventry Barrage.

Subsequently, WAAFs were trained up to run many of the balloon sites, but it must not be forgotten that it was the men of Midlands who volunteered and manned the sites at the beginning. No record exists of their achievements, but I hope to put this right through my research. By 1942, there were about 150 balloon sites in the Birmingham, but in the Squadron record books only a site number is listed, not the location.

If anyone knows of the location of a balloon site, and have any reminiscences, I would be grateful to hear from them.

Phil Bonner

bonner.pj@ntlworld.com

Does anyone remember the families of Ackrill who lived in Friston Street? Any help would be appreciated.

When were the families of Friston Street moved for the demolition and where were they moved to?

Remember visiting around 1952/3 as a child but did not know all the history I have now found out and would love to see if any descendents remain.

Thank you for a well put together and informative website.

Heather Carron nee Ackrill

Hedmc@myactiveware.com

I am doing my family history and would like to know if anybody knows of the James of Ladywood.

My father was Albert George James, his dad was Fredrick Samuel James married a Beatrice Hill, 1932, lived and worked in Ladywood.

Would any living relatives be in Birmingham, my granddad Fredrick, worked in the fire service during the Second World War, then went to work in the Jewellery, he died in 1972, I know he had a sister Dorothy.

Esher Smith

smith133@btinternet.com

Hello,

Great Web site!!

I have found a article written by Kathryn Harris and I am interested to know if there is a connection to my family tree.

I am researching my family history and have found out that the Moseley side of my family ran a sweet factory/shop in Ladywood (we think Camden Street), which later moved to Marston Green after a fire. The business was later sold by the son and daughter of the owner. I have been unable to find out any more than this and would be grateful for any information.

Thanks,

Kathryn Harris

I have a Kate RETCHFORD b 1867 Alcester who married in 1901 Birmingham to Harry MOSELEY b 1863 Redditch,Worc. They were last known in the 1901 census at Redditch. Harry was a Druggist & Kate was Needle splitter.

Looking forward in hearing if there is anything here.

Kind regards

Tony Thompson

Mungar,QLD

Australia

altr@bigpond.com

This is a quarter of a picture of Birmingham Firemen taken during World War Two. I do not know their names but my father was once on a lost portion of this picture. He worked from Birmingham City Centre and also from Ladywood opposite the old Welfare on Monument Road Ladywood.

I wondered whether anyone has the complete version of this photo and/or other information about it. I think I remember hearing my Dad say that Louis Jaffa (whose shop was on Monument Road for many years) also served in the Fire Service with him.

Best regards

Pauline

If you can help please email mac