I was wondering if you could help, do you have any information/pictures on the Ladywood Chapel on Monument Road, my grandparents got married there in 1942.

Craig Hicks

I'm e-mailing you to see if anybody remembers the Hartland family from Beach Street, Ladywood. My Grandmother Harriet Hartland lived at 23 Ct 4 house Beach Street up until at least the 40s. Her mother and father where Mary and John Hartland. Her brother and sisters were Alice, Elsie, John, Harriet my Nan and Thomas.

Alice married Jesse Bolton, Elsie married Horatio Thorp, John married Minnie Price, all from Beach Street.

Harriet was said to have gone to Clark Street School.

Henry Shakespeare's brothers and sister where William, Minnie May, Alice Maud, Amt and Rose.  In 1911 they were living at 3 Bk 2 Clark Street, as shown on Rose Shakespeare birth certificate.

If anybody remembers any of the above Please contact me on my e-mail at.

Robert

I have not been on line for a while, I am trying to trace a woman (Linder Terry) who in the late 1960s worked for, I think a Kodak print works on Icknield Port Road. The family had moved from Guest Street, Hockley some years before.

She was a great friend and would love to find out if she is still alive.

Jean Hopkins

I hope you don’t mind me contacting you but my father, who has just passed away, was from Shakespeare Road and went to Barford Road School.

He was a member of a football team during the 1950’s called Ladywood Imps.

Do you or anyone know anything about this football team at all?

I know he certainly played for them and may have been involved in managing them also.

Many thanks

I don't know if you can help me. I am doing a bit of family research. My great Grandfather was Percy Prosser - he lived in Ledsam Street and was a bookmaker, his daughter - my great Aunt died a couple of years ago and moved to a flat in Francis Road in the 60s when Ledsam Street was demolished? The question I have is about a shop in Broad Street that was a newsagent and tobacconists - my Gran was nicknamed Dolly after someone who worked there - it was near to Austin J Beeny I believe,  but I can't see a shop that looks like it on the photo of Beeny's.

I was after the name of the shop?

Russ Perry

Whilst continuing to unearth the family archive I came across the attached two photo's which may have Ladywood and district connections and therefore might be of interest to your website followers. They might also be able to help with the identification of teams, persons and location.

As you can see the photos show 2 cup celebrations by local works teams in Birmingham.

I am on the photos and present on both occasions. More importantly so is Joe Hyde, my step-grandfather who, I recall hazily, was the team's driver. (In 1950 I'm fairly certain the team went to away matches on the open back of a lorry - whilst I sat in the cab). My cousins John and Michael Weston (both active members of the 8th Boys Brigade) were certainly members of the 1956 cup winning team and can be seen on the later photo.

Now - the teams? I'm far from certain; but I know Joe Hyde worked for Elkington’s and then the Birmingham Mint during this period.

Regards

My name is Patrick (Jack) Regan, I lived at 129 Rann Street, Ladywood as a child, (6 years of age or so) in 1939/40. Indeed I have many memories of the wartime blitz in the area and the terror of the Air Raid siren on the approach of the German bombers. Then the relief when the All Clear siren sounded. During the actual air raid my mother and sister and some neighbours sheltered in the basement of a hospital, or some such building, nearby, and the great care by the Salvation Army members was indeed wonderful .During the air raid they led us all in prayer and hymns for "our gallant airmen, soldiers and sailors" and provided cocoa and buns for all.  Coming out of the air raid shelter one morning, I clearly remember seeing the city of Coventry blazing in the distance. It was a terrifying sight, especially for children.

I attended two schools in the area.  The first was St. Catherine's at a place, (I think,) called Horsefair, and the second was called The Oratory.  I believe, if memory serves me correctly, I travelled to St. Catherine's on a tram.  Either going to, or coming from school, I recall asking the conductor to drop me at "Blythe" street. The teachers at St. Catherine's were a Miss Jevin’s and a Miss Peters, long since gone to a higher station I'm sure.

I recall one really terrifying incident (never to be forgotten!). Playing in the garden with a chum, a German aircraft, obviously on photo reconnaissance, came suddenly out of the sky and down over the roof tops including ours, being chased by one or two of  "our own" (as was said during wartime). The noise was fearful.  My chum and I ran to, and nearly kicked in, the back door of the house in absolute terror to get inside. The talk as I heard it at the time was that the "Hun" aircraft was shot down and crashed in Broad Street. My family returned to Ireland a year or so after that incident. That chum's name was Tommy Fairbrother, a child of my own age, and my best pal.

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Jack Regan  

In tracing my family history I have found that Thomas Chatwin, who was my GGG Grandfather, had what seemed to be a massive factory on Gt Tindal Street http://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Thomas_Chatwin.

In 1871 the census says that he employed 200 people and I've found loads of adverts for his business long after his death in 1889. The last advert I found was in the 1950s when the factory was obviously still in operation. I did a search for the road and it lead me to your website which is fascinating. I had a quick look at Google Maps hoping the old building would still be there like some of the others around B’ham and apart from one big factory which doesn’t have anything on the outside to identify what it used to be, it looks like everything else has been pulled down.

Do you know anything about Thomas Chatwin Tools or what might have happened to the factory?

Hi my name is Stephanie, I have some interesting information.

Well I think it is and was wondering if you could help me, or shed some light on something. I was born in sheepcote lane and so was my mother before me my maiden name was Lilley and my mother’s Maiden name was Carter, we moved to number 8 Kent street north this used to be a pub!

I can't remember the name of it but it was a pub before it became our house there was a house next door to us in this street and then a garage owned by a son and father in-law by the name of Cavvana and hide. Next door to that was a little shop run by Albert and Audrey Ashbourn this street hold many memories for me and I had a very unusual event happen to me there. I really would love to know if anyone could share any old photo's or at least tell me the name of that pub?

That later became my home. Kind regards.

Hi everyone

I'm Joan Lesley Chinn and attended Osler Street School and left in 1960/61. I now live in Tamworth and I’m married with one son.

I would love to hear from anyone who remembers me. The names I remember are; Brenda Hood (who I am still in touch with), Pat Prestidge, Carol Clarke, Hazel Forrester, Anne House and Pamela Moseley.

Please contact me via this website.

My father, Edward William Law; mother Ada Irene Kenwrick before marriage. Owned a grocery shop at 61 Anderton Street, Springhill called A. LAW.

There were four of us children Ted, Johm, Doll and myself Christine. I would like any photos between 1940/1950 as I have no photos, only memories of the shop and mom and dad.

If you can help in any way much appreciated.

Hi, I am emailing you, to see if you have any information or photo's of the Davis shop at 50-52 Dudley Road, it was owned by William Henry Davis and his wife Alice in the early 1900's.

Not sure what they sold (not much help I'm afraid).

Thank you

My father James Stapleton was born in Stirling, Scotland of Irish parents. James spent most of his working life in Birmingham, he was a welder. He lived in boarding houses in the Ladywood area (51 Gillott St) and later in Edgbaston. I lost contact with him in the 1970s. I live in Melbourne, Australia and often wonder about him. I haven't been able to find him on any census records. If anyone knew of James I would love to hear from them.

Hello, I am writing on behalf of my grandmother, who was born and lived in Shakespeare Road during the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s. My nan is now 92 and still going strong with a lot of memories and funny stories about the Ladywood area and life in Birmingham at this time. We are keen to record some of these memories and we are using your book as a good prompt. Does anyone have any questions or anecdotes to share? Please get in touch if you do. Here is some more information about the family.

My nan – Florence Durows – 7 / 73 Shakespeare Road, Ladywood

Daughter of Mary Ann Pugh and William Henry Durows

Brothers and sisters

Elsie, Doris, Nancy, Bill, Tommy, George, Joe. Nancy (Annie) was in a wheel chair due to the loss of her leg from an accident with a drop down bed.

Some of the children attended the Oratory School

Some memories

The man with a wooden leg who called on the houses to weigh you with his scales. If he guessed your weight correctly, you got your money back.

The deaf lady who sold tripe and onions from her front room.

The day the train derailed at the back of Shakespeare Road.

The ‘penny crush’. Watch a film for a penny at the cinema. Lots of orange peel and banana skins thrown about apparently.

The lady who would call with a big basket of used clothes who then spread them out on a blanket for all of the women to buy.

The pawn shop. Apparently all of the men's’ good suits went into the pawn shop on a Monday to get some cash and then were taken out on a Friday so they could wear them out on the town.

The lady in the road who used to make toffee apples on a stick. They were made on a Friday and all of the children bought them on the Saturday.

This is a group of workers from the Council's Housing Management Department, 1960 in Parker Street

Gentleman with his arms folded is Arthur Kennedy, does anyone know who the others are?

The photos are of my great granddad Fred Jukes (one holding my aunt glad on his knee), I wonder if anybody recognises him.

I am trying to trace people who may have known him or even past associates who may have served with him during the 1st World War.

Anthony Fisher

I am helping my friends trace their missing sister Mary Teresa ( Tess ) Johnson born Birmingham 1945, she went to Shenley Fields Children’s home in the 1950's.  Her parents were Alfred and Gladys Johnson who lived (I think ) in 2/24 St. Marks Street, Gladys died and all the children were put into children’s homes, except Michael, who was adopted.

If you remember her or you can help in any way I would be most grateful.

Thank you,

I guess this photo of Birmingham City FC was taken in about 1921, and the person I am interested in is the goalkeeper on the left in the last row (second person).

His name was John Davies and he lived in or around Tilton Road, Small Heath and married a Lily Crump.

I would welcome any help please.

Margaret Davies

The photos (featured on the Belliss & Morcom page) of the unit was refurbished about 4 years prior for a sawmill (in a town called Tzaneen, South Africa), the sawmill was constructed we believe in the 30’s, and has been part of the plant when the kilns were installed, however was decommissioned about 30 years prior.

The unit runs well, however, the steam system had been amended over the years with the piping no longer complying to the original design and layout, hence, the back pressure is to great, with this unit only now being started occasionally just to ensure all is in working order and exhausted to atmosphere.

Another place that has 2 units (in states of various disrepair) is at a tea estate located in Zimbabwe, (when the units were supplied would have been Southern Rhodesia) in the mountainous area on the border between Mozambique and Zimbabwe at an Estate called Wamba in the Honde Valley area.

We are at the present moment looking at options of the unit in Tzaneen, re locating this to a small plant that is already geared up for a back pressure power generation unit, would you happen to have any technical details based on these units, (any technical details, foundation information, output parameters for example)?

Thank you and kind regards

I was always told that my uncle Alfred Griffiths had never married, I have recently found out that he did.

He married a Violet Rivers in 1927

I think that they lived in St Vincent’s Street or Sherborne Street

There were four children

Gwendoline born 1928

John born 1932

Norman born 1933

Ronald born 1935

I would be glad of any information at about any of the above.

Wondered if any information on pupils from 1964 – 1967 (Osler Street School) can’t seem to find any information at all.

Looking for Anita Bryant, Ann Simms, Pearl Carter. Michael Plant and Donald Plant.

Would be grateful for any information at all.

Kindest regards

Katherine Sadler

I am researching my grandparents, James Stott Wilson and Florence Wilson.

 I believe they ran a greengrocery shop in Ladywood/Monument Road/Springhill.

Can anyone help please?

Hello, I was hoping you might be able to help me.

I’m doing my family tree and i have found out that my dad was born at 22 Great Tindal Street in 1920.

I know that he was bought up at 1/52 monument road

I was hoping that you might be able to help me find some photos of these places and I would be most grateful for any information or help at all.

Does anyone Know anything about the “ Perrott Scholarship”?

I have been looking for years for the following girls:

CAROL HIGGINSON - lived at 3/43 Monument Road opposite Summerhill Methodist Church. Married ROY BALL in 1970 (of whom there is a photograph in the 92nd Boys Brigade section of The Site)

FRANCES GILLESPIE - lived at 20 Shakespeare Road - Alexandra Street end. She was a choir member at Summerhill Methodist Church. Believed to have worked at John R Lee, St. Marks Street for a time

PAM(ELA) WALTERS -  lived at 200 King Edward Road (rear entry St Marks Street). Attended Steward Street Juniors and went onto City Road Girls with LINDA COOPER. Pam had an older sister PAULINE WALTERS who with her husband ran a betting shop in Rubery.

I am carrying out some research for my aunt concerning her father, William Radford, who she knows little about due to his demise when she was young.

I have found him in the 1901 Census living at 15, Barker Street, with his first wife, and again in the 1911 Census living at 25, St. Martins Street. His wife subsequently died and he later re-married my Grandmother whose first husband had died at Gallipoli. At the time of his second marriage he was living in Lower Broadheath, Worcestershire.

My aunt was born from this marriage. She says that she remembers her father going back to Birmingham to a place called Rotten Row. I should be grateful if you would let me know if Rotten Row is in the same area of Ladywood as Barker Street and St. Martins Street?

Many thanks

Graham Lewis  

Can you tell me if you, or anyone, have information on the Lee family of Birmingham?  I am trying to find out what life was like for my Great Granddad Alfred Lee born 1892 and his family.

I have on the census Thomas Lee, wife Lucy Lee and children William, Agnes, Thomas, Alfred (or Fred) Edward and Alice. They are recorded as living at the following address in the late 1890’s:- 7 Back 75 Icknield Square and 5 Back 37 Grosvenor Street.

I am particularly interested in old photo’s as we have nothing on this side of the family or the area.  My Great Granddad would talk very little of his child hood.

Kind Regards

Lorraine

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.

Hi, my name is John Allington. I was born at No. 246 St Vincent Street in July 1946.

I went to St. Johns infant and junior schools.

From there I went to Follet Osler Senior School, and my best friend at that school was John Lawlor.

We lost touch not long after leaving school in 1961 and I would love to get in touch with him again.

This is a great site, it brings back a lot of memories.

John Allington

Whilst looking through some old things of my late uncle William (Bill) Evans (who died in 2000) he lived at 40 Dugdale Street, Winson Green until 1976 when the houses were demolished. I found this photo of a group of boys who appear to me making their first communion.

My uncle was a 'good catholic' and I believe that he attended St Patricks RC Church on the Dudley Road opposite the Hospital, so the photo might have been taken there.

I have no idea what year it was taken, but if you post it on your site someone might recognise themselves and give us a year!!

Best wishes,

I am trying to find contact anyone who has any memories of Birmingham Mint.

I am trying to find out if my great grandfather was employed there in 1901 – he is listed on the census as an Ingot Planer in Ladywood and with a little detective work and much guessing I thought this may have been a position within the Mint.

Thanks for your kind help in advance.

Regards

It is a strange picture, there are weird things on the sills of the upstairs windows plus there must have been a sign up over the door with lights round.  It looks like a hired cart because it has a number on it and it will be a complete fluke if you can recognise it I realise but it is worth a try.

The family concerned lived in Monument Road, 95 Shakespeare Street and 84 Icknield Street West? 

They emigrated to the USA in 1903.  Perhaps it is near a boating lake as the men who are coming out of the building are wearing boaters??

I love detective work, hope you do too!!

Thank you for your help. 

Yvonne

Hello, I am hoping that someone has some photographs of the Queen's Coronation street party in Irving Street.

My family only had one photo of me on that day, as I was the Queen of Hearts, sadly that photo has been lost. I think there was a photographer from the papers there, so I am really hoping someone might have a photo of the day back in 1953.

Good old days, I love your site it brings back some good memories.

I am researching the history of my wife’s family who for most of two centuries lived mainly around the Browning Street area of Ladywood.

I have amassed much useful information but remain puzzled by the name of Monument Road.

On census and other information up to about 1880 it seems to be called Monument Lane and thereafter it is referred to as Monument Road.

I know there other Monument Lanes/Roads in the Midlands, but I believe my references are all to the same lane/road in Ladywood.

I have googled on this for hours and found no clue to any renaming.

Do you have any knowledge of a formal change of name? I would be most grateful for any help you can offer.

Many thanks,

Peter Bowen

My Dad has had a look at the site and thinks he has an answer for one of the questions

Regarding Monument Road and Monument Lane, he thinks that it was always Monument Road but the station was called Monument Lane.

My uncle (recently deceased) had the nameplate of the station Monument Lane as a memento

Jayne Brawn

I wonder if you can help me please.  I'm looking for old photos of Broad Street between 1870 and 1890 as I believe my Grandfather lived and ran a grocers shop at 215 called Whitehouse Brothers, around 1880.  At present there isn't even a building there as it was to the left of the TGWU so I haven't got a clue what it would have looked like.

Regards,

Peter Whitehouse

My Dad was born in Bishopsgate Street, Ladywood and served in the Home Guard up to 1943.

Does anyone know the name of the Home Guard Branch for that area and what the cap badge looked like?

Thanks

When browsing on your site, it was lovely to see a photograph of my dad, Joe Raybone pictured on their football team photograph taken in 1933-34.

I remember this photograph being displayed in a shop window on Spring Hill when I was a child.  Dad was always a great footballer.

I wonder if anyone else recognises someone?

I am not sure if you are able to help me or point me in the right direction but I am trying to piece together my mum’s history and have recently discovered (this week in fact) that my mother spent some time at the Probation Training Home known as The Hawthorns at 168 Ladywood Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham in 1959 – she was aged 16.

However, I don’t think she was there for long as it would appear that she absconded from this place, and ended up in Central London – how/with who’s help etc remains a mystery but I am close to putting together if you like the final pieces of this jigsaw puzzle of her life. 

If you can provide me with any assistance whatsoever, I would be very grateful indeed.

Kind regards,

Has anyone got information about The Spread Eagle Inn which was in Sherborne Street.

My husband's Great Grandfather, William Rose and his wife Sarah were listed as a retail brewer there on the 1891 Census.

I am unable to find out any more  about this establishment and wonder if anyone else can help or at least point me in a direction where I can go.

A number of years ago I invited anyone requesting any information about In Icknield Port Square to contact me as my Nan Mrs Hilda Smith was getting on a bit and loved to talk about the old days.  I wanted to say a big thank you to everyone who sent me an email asking me to ask my Nan a question.

She is now 98 and not in the best of health so unfortunately cannot help any more.

On a separate note if any one as any information on the Room family, I believe Monument Road, that would help me!!!

Regards,

Does anyone remember me, Anne Roy or my Family (father Debi Prosad Roy also known as Roy, he was Indian or mother Winifred, English and brother Neil).

We lived at 153 Alston Street, in 1959 my father and I moved after the compulsive purchase orders on our homes, they have since built new house in this road. 

I lived in Noel Road and went to school at St Georges round about 1948 would like to hear from anyone who may remember me, my maiden name was Hill and I had a brother called Anthony 3 years older than me.

I am trying to find my wife’s cousin Maisy Shepherd (nee Spencer), she was married to John Shepherd who was a fireman at Handsworth fire station.

They had one son Lee Spencer Shepherd. Her father was called Horice and Marg. Maisy's brother was called Stanley.

Hope you can help

Kinds regard

My great great grandparents lived there from at least the 1851 census in what looks like Springfield Road but the writing isn’t easy to read.  My great g aunts and uncles seemed to have got married at All Saints church or St Johns but no one seems to be able to tell me where my great great grandparents might have been buried and I am unable to find either of their death records.

My great great grandfather was widowed by 1871 and living with his daughter who then emigrated to the USA as did most of his children but my great great grandmother Elizabeth Spencer b 1810 Warrington died somewhere between probably 1861 and 1871 , it could have been earlier but definitely after 1851.

My question is could you give me a clue as to where they might have been buried and which county this would have come under as I have recently read this area came under Worcestershire at this time?  Is there any chance you might know anything about engine drivers in the area because my great great grandfather had been an engineer in the Warrington area before moving to Birmingham in about 1850 and I believe there are some records of engine drivers?

I would really like to find their graves or at least know what happened to them and I would really appreciate any help

Thank you

Does anyone remember my Mum's family? The Waudes who lived in Essington Street?

My Mum went to St Peter's school and my Mum and Dad were married in St Peter's Church.

Best wishes

Could you please put a message up for me  My grandfather was William Allington who owned the boot shop repair shop in St Marks Street  in Ladywood.

I have found two people who are asking about it so if they would contact me may be we can all learn from it many thanks

I was wondering if anyone knew anything about or is connected to a photography shop at 24 Spring Hill Road in 1915 that was run by a George Samuel Morris.

I am a Pessol descendant and there are very few Pessols. (I have only found around 100).

I only have two William Pessol’s in my tree, one born in 1857 and another in 1902 who would be around 50 in the year of the Coronation.

Can you or any over your contributors shed any light on the William Pessol that is mentioned on the site?

Yours sincerely

My great great grandparents lived there from at least the 1851 census in what looks like Springfield Road but the writing isn’t easy to read.  My great g aunts and uncles seemed to have got married at All Saints church or St Johns but no one seems to be able to tell me where my great great grandparents might have been buried and I am unable to find either of their death records.  My great great grandfather was widowed by 1871 and living with his daughter who then emigrated to the USA as did most of his children but my great great grandmother Elizabeth Spencer b 1810 Warrington died somewhere between probably 1861 and 1871, it could have been earlier but definitely after 1851.

My question is could you give me a clue as to where they might have been buried and which county this would have come under as I have recently read this area came under Worcestershire at this time?

Is there any chance you might know anything about engine drivers in the area because my great great grandfather had been an engineer in the Warrington area before moving to Birmingham in about 1850 and I believe there are some records of engine drivers?

I would really like to find their graves or at least know what happened to them and I would really appreciate any help

Thank you

Does anyone remember Cox's Bakery, I believe it was on the corner of Coplow Street an Icknield Port Road.

John Franke

Yes, I remember the bakery very well, I lived just down the road from it in the Port. The bake house was on the corner, the shop was next to it in the Port.

We could smell the bread baking in the morning, I can smell it still if I think about it. Miss Roberts was the manageress and another lady worked in the shop can't think of her name. They had other shops; one was on Dudley Road and also in Winson Green Road, for a time the manageress was a girl named Jean Harman,

By the way they sold Great Bread Pudding!    

Roy Edwards 

I am trying to undertake some research about a black boxer named Frank English, I think he trained somewhere behind the Roller Rink in Ladywood, but I can't find any information about him, can anyone help?

My grandmother was born on 25 February 1870. Her name was Martha Ann Critchley. She was born and resided at number Four Grosvenor Street West, in the sub district of Lady Wood, in the registration district of Birmingham, in the county of Warwick. She later married my grandfather, Mr. Aaron Flook.

However, this was at the church of St Mary The Virgin, at Kingswood, Wotton-Under-Edge. Her profession given on her marriage certificate was Pin Maker.

I also have details, of my great grandmother, her mother. She was born on 3 February 1851. Her name was Elizabeth Sophia Hinks. Who later marred my great-grandfather, Albert Critchley.

My great-grandmother was born and resided at number Thirty-Eight Sheepcote Street, in the sub district of Lady Wood, in the registration district of Birmingham, in the county of Warwick. I have not yet been able to get their marriage certificate. Therefore, I do not have an occupation for her.

I do hope that this has given you the information that you need. I look forward to receiving your reply. Thank you very much for your kind help in trying to discover the history of my family.

Kind regards,

Bill Flook

I am researching the history of my wife’s family who for most of two centuries lived mainly around the Browning Street area of Ladywood.

I have amassed much useful information but remain puzzled by the name of Monument Road.

On census and other information up to about 1880 it seems to be called Monument Lane and thereafter it is referred to as Monument Road.

I know there other Monument Lanes/Roads in the Midlands, but I believe my references are all to the same lane/road in Ladywood.

I have googled on this for hours and found no clue to any renaming.

Do you have any knowledge of a formal change of name? I would be most grateful for any help you can offer.

Many thanks,

Has anyone any photographs of what I believe was called the Palais de Danse in Monument Road close to the Dudley Rd.  About 1942 there was a Christmas Party for old folks at which four boys from St Martin's, Birmingham Parish Church choir were asked to sing some carols.

I was one and another was Gordon Boughton (his father became Lord Mayor later) and we borrowed his older sister to play the piano for us.   I think it was the Home Guard who organised it but how we got connected with it I can't remember.

What a magic collection of photos and details of the past you have. So sorry I can't contribute.

Regards

I am wondering if anyone would know my mother's family, she was Hilda Shaw.

She was born in Ledsam Street in 1911.  She apparently came from a large family of mainly girls who attended church twice each Sunday wearing clothes that they were only allowed to wear on that day.  I know very little about her family life except that there were several sisters and one brother.  They were 'Wesleyans'

I used to attend St Peter's Church, Spring Hill, where the wonderful priests Father Geoffrey Brown and Father Gordon set me on the road for a good life.  I left Birmingham in 1968, but prior to this was a 'Beauty Queen' and was Miss Gay Tower Ballroom and the Birmingham Press Queen.  In those days I was known as Jenny Wood.  My maiden name was Jennifer Hartells and I attended Camden Secondary Modern Girls School from 1957 - 1961.  My best friend there was Hazel Hoccom who came from a lovely family, a sister Janet, brother Trevor and the nicest Mom you could wish to meet. 

If anyone could tell me anything about my mother or has any recollections of school life I would love to hear from them.

Regards

Jenny Folkes

I lived with my family right next to Osler School. They were the happiest days of my life. I wish I still had my friends around me their names were.

      Anita Bryant

      Anne Simms

      Pearl Carter

      Diana (can’t remember last name)

We walked around Edgbaston Reservoir every single day we were best mates ever.

My boyfriend at the time also went to Osler School and I left in 1967 at the age of fifteen

Does anyone know my friends or my family

Our family name is Coppage.

Thanks

Hi, I found your site by googling for 184 Ledsam Street and was surprised to find photos of 181 Ledsam Street.

My husband's gg grandfather, John Smith Goodfellow, was born at 184 Ledsam Street back, 7 Oct. 1855. His father was son of Samuel Goodfellow, glasscutter.

We're mostly wondering if the building still exists, or if you know anything about what it was like at that time. We live in California

Thank you,

Paula Goodfellow

I have been researching my family and found addresses on 121 Marroway Street where they used to live around 1895 to about 1903, I have also found an address of 190 Marroway Street – somehow I think this is wrong as the house numbers do not go up to 190 – would I be correct?

Thanks for such a wonderful web site – it has given me an insight to what life was like there.

Kind regards

Dave Hanson

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 wanted to know if you have or know anywhere about of old photograph of Ladywood, especially houses around the Irving Street area of Ladywood around the 1850-1870.

Much appreciated

Does anyone remember the Drew's that lived at 3/101 Nelson Street.  William and Louisa Drew, children Henry, William (my dad), Lily, Horace and Betty.

They were living there in 1934.

Any information would be much appreciated.

I am researching the Curley family from Ladywood believed to live in 6 back 52 Monument Road, Ladywood in 1957/1958.

There is a story in the family that she was murdered does any body remember anything?

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

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?

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

Does anyone remember my brother Trevor Allington, who attended Barford Road School in 1945-6?

Does anyone remember Allingtons Boot Repair Shop in St Marks Street, round about 1943-1946.

Also any girl that attended City Road Senior School at about 1950, keeping my fingers crossed.

Regards,

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.

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.

I was wondering if I could post a message on the old ladywood site –

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 great grandmother owned a shop in Cregoe Street, Birmingham, between 1870 – 1920. I wonder whether it would be possible to obtain any old photographs of the street during this period?

Regards

Paul Lewis

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?

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.

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.

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.

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?

I lived on Stour Street, 18 back of something. Born 1957 and the family name was “STYCH”.

I went to Stewart Street School and would be interested to hear from anyone that remembers us.

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

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

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

Does anyone remember an NFS Fire Station in Monument Road?

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.

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

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.

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

Apart from Father Christmas can anyone put a name to a face and location photo taken around 1959, I'm in the middle of the front row.

Many thanks

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

I've been trying to find more about my grandmother who was born in Smethwick in 1878.  I understand that she danced in the Bluebell troupe and the only reference I have been able to find of this so far is the troupe of dancers that were trained by Betty Fox and Ella Shields referred to in your website.

Is there any other information regarding this dancing school.

I would like to try and find out the name and location of a button factory that was in Ladywood during the period before and I think during the 2nd WW.

Thank you.

I am trying to obtain a photo of 5 Railway Terrace, back of Barford Road about 1910.  My great grandparents lived there at that time.  I put an add in before, but it was for 5 Railway Terrace, Icknield Port Road.  I have found since that it was at the back of Barford Road.

I would be grateful for any help.

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.

Does anyone know or have information about "Ladywood Coffee House Mission"?

Skin Hospital, George Road, Edgbaston - I was nursing there, and would love any news, I would like to find some of my fellow nurses. If you can help I would be pleased.

I wonder what the hospital is to day?

I was there in 1946-47.

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

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.

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.

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

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,

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,

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.

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.

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

Found this advert while trawling the net. I served my apprenticeship with Wilmot Breedon, part of which was in the Goodman Street branch.

Does anyone know what happened to this company?

Love your website, keep coming back for more.

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,

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.

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,

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

Hi My Great, great grandparents lived in Ladywood, 73 King Edwards Road.

I have a photo of a home called “Parkfield” but not sure if this would have been the home in king Edwards Road and if it still standing?

Many thanks

We lived in Icknield Port Road from 1953, my mom was still there till about 1969, when she moved to Winson Green.

No one seems to remember the Wilson’s, we lived at 3/35, if anyone knows of them please contact, through this website

You have been recommended by Carl Chinn in my search to find further details or photos of St. Marks Street, Ladywood and St. Peters School, which was situated just off Broad Street, Ladywood.
 
I was born in St. Marks Street in 1961 and went to St. Peters, up to approximately 1967/8 and would love to find any details about either.

I have just come across your site and wondered if there's anyone who knows anything about a SHEILA AVERY.  My mother-in-law was born on 8th January 1951 in Marston Green Maternity Hospital, I presume to an unmarried mother as she was given up at birth.  All I know is her mother was called SHEILA AVERY and that she lived at 4/45 Shakespeare Road.

She would love to know a bit more about the family.

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

My name is Christine Arnold
 
 I am researching my family history and know that my great grandmother and father lived at 5 Railway Terrace, Icknield Port Road.

Does anyone know where this terrace was and when it disappeared? I would really like to find out and possibly and hopefully get photos of this.

Thanks, Christine

I would dearly like to contact Rose Evans who I have not seen for nearly 40 years.

Can you please help?

Many thanks

Barbara Jones

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

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 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

Where are they now?

Picture taken Circa 1931, friends of Great Tindal Street and St Mary Street, Ladywood

Left to right - Mr. Gardner, Raymond Mason, Philip Gardner, Lewis Barrowcliffe, Ivan Barnsley, George Gardner, Mr Inett, Teddy Inett

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 am trying to compile information about a gentleman called Watty Green who ran a pub called the Cross Keys in Steward Street off Springhill, have you any information on this person.

Kind Regards

Christine Stokes

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.

I need help looking for Bernard "ticker" Yeomans of 43 Barker Street, Ladywood.

He was a  family friend and I am looking for information for my mom, Rachel Palmer, it was 1957-58 when he knew her.

many thanks

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,

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

Does anyone have any photographs of The Oratory School, either the grounds, class photographs, former pupils, teachers or even memories for the website, if so please send them in, as so many people are asking for information or photographs.

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,

 
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 am trying to trace the marriage of the following:

Doris Gibberson b. 1903 Ladywood d. 1987 who married Edund Boteler Chalmer, receptionist clerk, living at 47 Worlds End Avenue, Birmingham 32. I would appreciate any information.

Laura McDuff, Melbourne, Australia

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.

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).