J. R. R. Tolkien in Sarehole from 1896 - 1900

Did you know that J. R. R. Tolkien as a small boy moved to the Sarehole area in 1896, which at the time was a small hamlet outside of Birmingham. He would live here with his mother Mabel and his younger brother Hilary until 1900. They lived in a house on the Wake Green Road, which was close to Moseley Bog and Sarehole Mill. The area would later be the basis for the Shire in The Hobbit.

For my original Tolkien post follow this link: J.R.R. Tolkien's Birmingham (inspiration for The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings). This Did you know post will be an expansion of J. R. R. Tolkien's time in the Sarehole area (now in Moseley, Birmingham).

264 Wake Green Road / 5 Gracewell Cottages

The Tolkien family moved from South Africa to outside of Birmingham in 1896, after his father died. They moved to a house in Sarehole, which at the time was a hamlet in Worcestershire (it is now in Moseley, Birmingham and close to Hall Green). John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, known as Ronald, lived with his mother Mabel and younger brother Hilary at 264 Wake Green Road (also known as 5 Gracewell Cottages). Ronald's mother taught the children at home. He enjoyed exploring the nearby Moseley Bog and Sarehole Mill.

dndimg alt="Ronald and Hilary" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ronald and Hilary Tolkien c 1905.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The above photo taken from the BM & AG Sarehole Mill Guide Book published in 2002.

This view of the cottages on Wake Green Road during December 2012. They are now homes of retired people and are private residences.

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My dentist is around the corner of Swanshurst Lane, and I usually walk around the corner to the no 5 bus stop on Wake Green Road. This view was from about April 2013. Although it's closer to 260 Wake Green Road. No 264 would be further to the left of here.

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After another visit to the dentist, I got this view on my smartphone camera in early March 2020. So no 264 would be further down to the left of the no 5 bus stop. Sometimes the ladies that live here would use the bus stop to go to town.

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Gracewell Homes Foster Trust

Seen on a walk down Wake Green Road on lockdown (earlier in April 2020) is what is now the Gracewell Homes Foster Trust. It is possible that these brick homes could have been there in Tolkien's time. The first two views on the walk to Moseley Bog via Thirlmere Drive and Pensby Close.

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The house on the right looks a bit like a Mock Tudor house. Although I've not found any details about how old it actually is.

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Three cyclists socially distancing on the ride down Wake Green Road past the Gracewell Homes Foster Trust. The entrance to the Sarehole Mill Recreation Ground is a bit further down on the left. This was on the walk down from Moseley Bog (leaving it at the playing field at Windermere Road).

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The Chalet

One of the oldest houses in the Sarehole area, this cottage was called The Chalet, and is on Green Road. It is possible that the Tolkien boys could have walked past it as it would have been around there at the time. Just up from the Green Road ford (where the River Cole crosses it). It is a Grade II listed building dating to the early 19th century. Seen earlier in April 2020 on the lockdown walk from the Sarehole Mill Recreation Ground via the Green Road ford to Sarehole Mill and back.

dndimg alt="The Chalet" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Chalet Green Road (April 2020).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Sarehole Mill

One of my Sarehole Mill photos was in this post: Birmingham's architectural gems - we go back in time!. Always room for some expansion.

From the October 2013 free open day at Sarehole Mill which was after the 2012-13 restoration (the previous major restoration was in 1969). This open day was part of the Hall Green Arts Festival. The mill is a Grade II listed water mill on the River Cole. Originally the area was called Sarehole, but it is now on the Hall Green / Moseley border near Cole Bank Road (and close to Tolkien's childhood home on Wake Green Road). It is one of two working water mills in Birmingham (the other mill is at New Hall Mill). On the Open Day was various tables selling things. The Bakehouse is to the right (but wouldn't be fully restored until early 2020).

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Ronald and Hilary Tolkien would have sneaked into the mill like they always do while the miller was covered in white dust from grinding the bones for fertiliser. View of the north waterwheel mill gears, which drove three pairs of milestones on the first floor. They are only in working order on demonstration days now. Also called The Flour Bins.

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The children nicknamed him 'The White Ogre' and they would run away when he shouted at them to leave. More gears that drives the waterwheel.

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The back of Sarehole Mill near the Mill Pool. There is a gate from the main courtyard to the right of here that you have to close. Then there is another gate to the short walk around the mill pool that also needs to be closed behind you. Have been around here several times over the years.

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The view of Sarehole Mill from the Mill Pool, while it was clear. There is decking to stand on to the right. The mill made a nice reflection in the mill pool water. In later years it kept getting full of algae. Especially in the winter.

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Moseley Bog

My original Moseley Bog post is here: Moseley Bog from my December 2012 and September 2016 visits.

A walk around Moseley Bog earlier in April 2020 on lockdown. Getting in again via Thirlmere Road and Pensby Close again. Had hoped to make it to the Yardley Wood Road entrance / exit, but we ended up passing through the playing field near Windermere Road, so instead left via there and walked down Wake Green Road.

For Tolkien as a child, he treasured his memories of exploring it with his younger brother. It was the inspiration for 'the Forest' in The Lord of the Rings.

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The Bog is the site of two Bronze Age 'burnt mounds' which are a Scheduled Ancient Monument. These days there is a wooden planked path that you can walk around on. But you can still see how boggy the area was. It was dry and sunny on my last walk here.

dndimg alt="Moseley Bog" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Moseley Bog (April 2020) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The wooden planks take you safely over the Bog. I expect the Tolkien brothers didn't have this in their day as children, so they probably got quite a bit muddy!

dndimg alt="Moseley Bog" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Moseley Bog (April 2020) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

A body of water between the fallen tree branches. So much inspiration for the young Tolkien for his later Middle Earth novels.

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And look at the trees. This would have provided inspiration as well. In the books and the movies was giant talking walking trees (that could carry the small Hobbits).

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The Hungry Hobbit

There is a cafe / sandwich bar near the roundabout on Wake Green Road. It used to be called The Hungry Hobbit. Seen here in January 2011. But when the Tolkien estate found out about this name they were not happy. They were threatened with legal action.

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Second view from January 2011 when it was still called the Hungry Hobbit (at the time). The sign below says Sandwich Bar. Visitors to Moseley Bog and / or Sarehole Mill can go here (although Sarehole Mill has it's own small tea room).

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This view of the Hungry Hobbit Sandwich Bar during March 2011 (when it was closed).

dndimg alt="Hungry Hobbit" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hungry Hobbit cafe (March 2011).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

By the time I took a photo update in March 2017, they removed two letters "it" to rename the cafe as Hungry Hobb (closed when I saw it like this). Hopefully the issues with the Tolkien estate have been settled by now.

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One of the signs you would find around the island, either on Cole Bank Road, Wake Green Road or the bottom of Swanshurst Lane. For the Hungry Hobb Cafe. They have clearly changed the sign over the years (this view also from March 2017).

dndimg alt="Hungry Hobbit" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hungry Hobbit cafe (March 2017) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown. Now at more than 1,120 followers. Thank you.

Birmingham We Are People with Passion award winner 2020

National Trust properties in the Cotswolds: Snowshill Manor and Hidcote Manor (Summer 2019)

While all National Trust properties and gardens are now closed, we look back to my visits in the Summer of 2019 to a pair of properties in the Cotswolds (Gloucestershire). In July 2019 we went to Snowshill Manor (not far from Broadway in Worcestershire) and the last National Trust property we went to was at Hidcote Manor near the end of August 2019. Both had eccentric owners in the 20th C.

For my last National Trust properties post in the Midlands follow this link: National Trust properties around the Midlands (Spring and Summer 2019).

 

Snowshill Manor

This visit to Snowshill Manor was during July 2019. We passed through Broadway in the car to and from the manor (we would later go back to Broadway in September 2019 on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway).

Some history taken from the Wikipedia page (linked above). Snowshill Manor is a National Trust property located in the village of Snowshill in Gloucestershire. It is best known for it's 20th century owner Charles Paget Wade. The property is a typical Cotswold manor house. It has been Grade II* listed since 1960. Wade gave the house and the contents to the National Trust in 1951.

 

When you arrive in the car park and walk to the entrance, the first thing you would see is the Visitor Reception and Shop. National Trust members can get their cards scanned inside of here.

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On the walk to the manor house, you can see this model windmill with toy soldiers. Although I later took it on the way to the cafe later during the visit.

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Before we left, we headed to this building to have a coffee. We sat outside. It looks like a traditional Cotswolds type of building. Not sure how old it is though.

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First view of Snowshill Manor heading up the path. It is a Grade II* listed building Snowshill Manor. The manor house dates to the 17th century, with additions in the 18th and 19th centuries. It was altered in 1919-23 by Charles Paget Wade.

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The house was made of Coursed squared sandstone with a stone slate roof. There was timed entrances to the house, so we didn't go in at this point. This was my first view head on of the house.

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Another view from within the gate. Above the main entrance is the Sambach coat of arms.

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Getting a view of Snowshill Manor behind the gate. As this was the view that Charles Paget Wade saw in a magazine called Country Life which was advertising it for sale in June 1916.

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After our visit to the other buildings and a look around the gardens we eventually got to have a full look around the inside of the house, where you could see many of the objects that Charles Paget Wade had collected during his time here. In this room was one of the model ships that he owned.

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A pair of large candlesticks with a bust of a man in the middle with a ruff.

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This darkened room had Ancient Japanese armour. Like Samurai warriors or something.

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Upstairs to the attic, and there was loads of bicycles in this space. As well as another model windmill.

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Back downstairs and this room had loads of masks in open drawers. Was also some swords on the wall on the left.

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This room had rifles on the wall on the right. Also some shields, a tall hat and a pair of boots. There was much more than this to see, this is just a highlight of the collection in the house. Wade probably didn't live in this house with his collection.

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This was the Priest's House and Workshop. It was in this building that Charles Paget Wade actually lived. At the time I couldn't get the full exterior in one photo due to the amount of people in the way. It is a Grade II listed building Brewhouse, in Garden, Adjoining Snowshill Manor. It was built in the 16th and 17th centuries with extensions in the 19th century. Wade made changed in 1919-23. Made of Squared stone in courses with a slate roof. You could go up the stairs to see the contents inside.

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What looks like to be Wade's kitchen table. With objects on shelves and on the steps.

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Loads more objects on this side including a pair of chairs. Lots of swords and pikes hanging from the ceiling by the looks of it. Near a fireplace.

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This was the interior of the Priest's House. A statue on the right near an alter. A desk and a chair on the left.

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Outside you can see a model village in the gardens. It is of Wolf's Cove. Wade started building the village in 1907 when he lived in Hampstead. When he moved to Snowshill in 1919, he brought the models with him and by the 1920's had started to create the model Cornish fishing village of Wolf's Cove. National Trust volunteers and staff started to recreate it from 2010 onwards. The model train returned in 2018.

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Located in the Well Court was this clock with doors. Latin inscriptions on both sides. I am doing this post after the clocks went forward again to British Summer Time. It is also like a Zodiac with the stars on it.

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The other side of the Well Court. There was a small pond here, be careful not to fall in! The building is Grade II listed Two Gardenhouses, About 8 Metres North of Dovecote, Snowshill Manor. They were former cowhouses now Garden Houses. Dated to the late 18th century and early to mid 19th century. Probably altered from 1919 to 1923 by Charles Paget Wade. Walls made of Random rubble with a slate roof. There was a further area to look at through the door, but you have to duck down to get through and look where you are going.

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Distance from Birmingham: well over an hour via the A435 and A46. Postcode is WR12 7JU. About 38 miles away. During the lockdown / pandemic period we are in it is temporarily closed. So glad we got to go last summer. National Trust website: Snowshill Manor and Garden.

Hidcote Manor

This visit to Hidcote Manor Garden was during the August Bank Holiday Weekend in late August 2019. After we went here, we went to Kiftsgate Court Gardens again in the afternoon. Was my fisit visit back to Kiftsgate in about 9 years (but that is for another post).

Some history taken from the Wikipedia page (link above). Hidcote Manor Garden is a garden located in the village of Hidcote Bartrim near Chipping Campden in Gloucestershire (part of the Cotswolds). The American Lawrence Johnston and his mother settled in the UK in the early 20th century, and he immediately became a British citizen and fought in the British army during the Boer war. In 1907 his mother purchased the Hidcote Manor Estate. Johnston became interested in developing the garden which he started doing in 1910. After World War II he spent most of his time at his property in the South of France, so he entrusted Hidcote to the National Trust in 1947.

 

Just before the visitor centre, I spotted this farm. It is called Manor Farm (Righton). It was not too far from the Barn Cafe.

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This view of Hidcote Manor and the Former Chapel (to the left) was from the plant sales area behind the Barn Cafe. The chapel is Grade II listed Former Chapel at Hidcote Manor. Was a former barn, later a chapel. Dated to the 18th century, converted in the 20th century to a chapel by Lawrence Johnston. Made of ashlar and limestone.

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Later near the end of my visit, I popped into the chapel. Saw several stained glass windows like this one. Was also an exhibition in here that didn't really interest me.

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First look at Hidcote Manor from the plant sales area just beyond the Barn Cafe and toilets. You head out of this area and into the courtyard to get to the house and chapel. The gift shop was the building to the right (just out of shot).

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The first full view of Hidcote Manor from the inner courtyard. It is a Grade II listed building Hidcote Manor. Was a former farmhouse. Dates to the late 17th century, which was refronted in the 18th century. With more alterations in the early 20th century. Made of ashlar limestone with a tiled roof.

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Only a few rooms on the ground floor were open to explore. This was the library with a fireplace and desk.

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In the living room was some comfy chairs near a fireplace.

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To the side was a cards table with chairs.

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Back outside of the house. This view was from the East Court.

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This view of Hidcote Manor was from the Old Garden. Almost hidden by the trees.

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I later saw this view of the house, not far from Mrs Winthrop's Cafe. Didn't have a coffee here, as we later had a drink at Kiftsgate Court instead (I later had a cola).

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Now for an explore around Lawrence Johnston's gardens. The White Garden in the Old Garden. Steps between the bushes.

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Red Borders and the Gazebos. This area was roped off so had to fins another way to that pair of buildings near the steps. The Gazebos was Grade II listed buildings Two Gazebos and Attached Walls, Railings and Steps at Hidcote Manor Gardens. They date to the early 20th century. Made of Squared limestone. Decorated by Lawrence Johnston.

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I later saw another view of the Gazebos. And you can walk through one of them. The other one had plates and a surface for making sandwiches or something, like Johnston had it set up for picnics on the lawns somewhere.

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This is in the Bathing Pool Garden. It features a statue installed in 1930 of a boy and a dolphin. Was a fountain.

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View of the Italian Shelter. Was built in the 1910s. Has some benches to sit on. Was also Italian style or Roman style statues in there, and wall paintings.

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This was in the Central Stream Garden. All these gardens were looking nice in the later summer period.

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On the way out of the gardens I saw the Alpine Terrace. It runs parallel to the Stilt Garden. There is an urn at the end.

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To the back of the house was Mrs Winthrop's Cafe. As mentioned above we didn't stop to have a drink here. The cafe was to the right, while the gardens, toilet, shop and exit were to the left.

dndimg alt="Hidcote Manor Garden" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hidcote Manor Garden (August 2019) (18).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Distance from Birmingham: an hour via the M42 and M40 (SatNav takes you through Stratford-upon-Avon). About 47 miles away. Postcode is GL55 6LR. During the lockdown / pandemic period we are in it is temporarily closed. So glad we got to go last summer. National Trust website: Hidcote.

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown. Now at 1,100 followers. Thank you.

Birmingham We Are People with Passion award winner 2020

Birmingham Heritage Week (14th to 15th September 2019): Bournville - Selly Manor and the Serbian Orthodox Church. Edgbaston - Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Three venues visited over the weekend of the 14th and 15th September 2019. Selly Manor (including Minworth Greaves) and the Serbian Orthodox Church in Bournville. Then the next day to Birmingham Botanical Gardens in Edgbaston (was really busy there).

Selly Manor

The first of the two buildings at Selly Manor. George Cadbury, the founder of Bournville bought the building in 1907 and arranged for it to be moved from Selly Oak to where it stands today. Now at the corner of Sycamore Road and Maple Road. The heritage open day was on Saturday 14th September 2019 during Birmingham Heritage Week.

A look at the exterior.

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Selly Manor was moved to this site in 1916. It is now operated as Selly Manor Museum by Bournville Village Trust. It is a Grade II listed building. The exit steps from the top floor is seen to the left. The main entrance was around to the left.

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Interiors: a dining room table I think on the ground floor. The house contains the Laurence Cadbury furniture collection with objects dating from 1500 to 1900.

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Costumes on a table including hats. Kids could try them on and look in the mirror. On the first floor. There is about six rooms inside to see.

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The ceiling and one of the windows I think on the attic floor. So small in here I exited too quickly, as the steps near here led back outside! William Alexander Harvey the architect managed the restoration from 1909 to 1916.

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Minworth Greaves

The second of two buildings at Selly Manor. Near Maple Road in Bournville. I've seen it before back in 2009, but this was my first time inside. Thought to date to the 13th century, it was moved here in 1932 by Laurence Cadbury.

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Walking round the back of Minworth Greaves. This site is quite small, compared to other places I've been to (Manor House wise).

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A Grade II listed building. William Alexander Harvey supervised the re-build from 1929 to 1932. The interior looking up at the roof to the trio of coat of arms. The Birmingham Watercolour Society Exhibition was on from the 3rd to 14th September 2019.

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One of the three coat of arms at the back of Minworth Greaves. This one on the left.

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View of the timber framed ceiling from the back looking to the middle. A curtain divides the two sections. The exhibition was below.

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Serbian Orthodox Church of the Holy Prince Lazar

The Heritage Open Day was held in Bournville on Saturday 14th September 2019. Located on Griffins Brook Lane near Cob Lane. I had to use Google Maps directions to find it via the Merritts Brook Greenway. It's not far from the Bristol Road South.

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Built in 1968, it is also known as the Lazarica Church. It was built for political refugees from Yugoslavia after World War II.

dndimg alt="Serbian Orthodox Church" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Serbian Orthodox Church Bournville ext (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Serbs have been associate with Bournville since Dame Elizabeth Cadbury sponsored thirteen Serbian refugee children of World War I.

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A look at the colourful interior. Very impressive as you head into the main entrance. Looks likes something straight out of Serbia (I've never been).

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Just before the exit, the group of visitors also admiring this building.

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Birmingham Botanical Gardens

It was free to enter the Botanical Gardens on Sunday 15th September 2019, the Heritage Open Day during Birmingham Heritage Week. And loads of people showed up, families with kids. Was a really busy day in Edgbaston! Located on Westbourne Road in Edgbaston, the gardens was designed in 1829 by J. C. Loudon and opened to the public in 1832. Near the entance is various tropical houses. Also on the site is bird houses and a bandstand.

The Subtropical House

It simulates climatic conditions found between the warm temperate and tropical regions of the world.

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Mediterranean House

The plants in this house grow in parts of the world that typically have hot, dry summers with mild, wet winters so the main growing season is late winter and spring.

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The Bird Houses

Various birds in the four giant cages here. On the open day I saw the peacocks on the roof! When I got close to the cages, was able to get some decent photos through the cages of the birds.

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The Bandstand

A band was there for the day performing songs during the afternoon. It is Grade II listed and was built in 1873.

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Near the entrance and exit was these pink and blue Heritage Open Days balloons on the spiral staircase. Was loads more people coming in as we exited. And also lots of cars coming around Westbourne Road (clogging up the traffic). We walked a distance away from the Botanical Gardens to get here. You could also get the no 23 or 24 buses (but they were also stuck in traffic). Also the no 1 bus was nearby.

dndimg alt="Birmingham Botanical Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bham Botanical Gdns (BHW Sept 19) (5) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown.

Moseley Hall Hospital and Moseley Park: Birmingham Heritage Week, September 2016

Back during the Birmingham Heritage Week of September 2016, on the 11th September 2016 I went to Moseley Hall Hospital, starting off at the Dovecote and Cow House. Then walking towards Moseley Hall Hospital. On the open day Moseley Park was open, so didn't need a key (I'm not a resident). In the park I had a look in the Ice House.

Walking down from Kings Heath along the Alcester Road, I entered via the service road to Moseley Hall Hospital, and sat on a bench until the Dovecote and Cow House were opened, sometime after 2pm on Sunday 11th September 2016.

The estate was farmland back in the 18th century surrounding Moseley Hall. Eventually the land was sold to the City of Birmingham and housing built around the estate.

After the Dissolution of the Monasteries the Moseley estate ended up with the Grevis family who rebuilt the hall in the early 1600s. In 1768 it was sold to the banker John Taylor, His son John built a new house in the plain classical style. In 1889 the estate was sold to Richard Cadbury of the chocolate making family. In 1891 Cadbury presented Moseley Hall to the City of Birmingham. It is now a NHS community hospital.

The Dovecote

The Dovecote is a Grade II listed building. Made of brick, tiled roof with wooden lantern and finial. It dates to the 18th century. I had a look around outside before it opened.

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You head up some wooden steps and then you can have a look inside. This was the first building I went up shortly after 2pm when they unlocked the door. A look up to the wooden ceiling.

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Cow House

The next building I looked at was the Cow House, seen here before they unlocked the door. A Grade II listed building described as the Building to the North East of the Dovecote. Built in the 18th century, brick with a slate roof.

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Once the door was unlocked a look at the ground floor. There was also steps up to the area above. Like all places like this, you go up the steps, but have to reverse down them, a bit like in various old mills I've been too. Was various old bits and bobs upstairs.

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Moseley Hall Hospital

After the Dovecote and Cow House, I walked down to the old hall, now a hospital. Moseley Hall Hospital is a Grade II listed building. It was built in about 1790. It was Richard Cadbury's home until he gave it to the City to be Children's Home in 1890. Made of Ashlar with a slate roof. Has a porch with 4 pairs of Tuscan columns.

I previously posted the below photo in this post Cadbury Brothers: George and Richard Cadbury.

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I did briefly pop inside, but decided there was nothing worth taking photos of, so I next set off for Moseley Park. Saw this side view of Moseley Hall Hospital on the way. Heading down the grass bank to the busy Salisbury Road, was tricky finding somewhere to safely cross the road, before heading through the open gate into the park.

dndimg alt="Moseley Hall Hospital" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Moseley Hall Hospital side view.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

For more photos taken at Moseley Old Hospital, check out my album on Flickr.

The Ice House in Moseley Park

First up a look a the Ice House, the main reason for going into Moseley Park. The Ice House was built in the 18th century to store blocks of ice for Moseley Hall. One of the volunteers said that even ice shipped over from America via the UK's canal system was stored here. Even now, if you put ice down here, it will stay frozen! The Ice House is a Grade II listed building. Dates to the late 18th century, built of brick.

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A look inside and down the Ice House. It has a ladder there, but don't think you can go down there. Worth a look though. Subterranean structure under slight earth mound. Domed brick chamber of about 16ft deep.The chamber is, at least partly, of cavity brick construction.

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Moseley Pool

At the time I also had a look around the park. One of the many paths and trees here. Leading to the Moseley Pool.

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Usually only locals that live in the area with a key would get to see this pool of water. But on the Heritage Open Day, anyone could see it.

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Looks so tranquil and peaceful, hard to believe that this is in Moseley! Between Salisbury Road, Alcester Road and Chantry Road.

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A Boat House on the Moseley Pool. The gates are on Salisbury Road and Alcester Road. Both are normally locked. They also have music festivals in this park (I've never been).

dndimg alt="Moseley Park pond" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Moseley Park Birmingham Heritage Week Sept 2016 pond (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

For more photos taken at Moseley Park, check out my album on Flickr.

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown.

A Tale of Two Hampton Courts (don't confuse them!)

You've all heard of the world famous Hampton Court Palace in London, but have you heard of the other Hampton Court in Herefordshire! Hampton Court Castle is in the West Midlands Region, and is closer to Birmingham, than the former home of Henry VIII in the capital! Some people may even get sent to the wrong one on their SatNav! Both are well worth a visit. I visited both in 2016.

Hampton Court Castle

A visit on the August Bank Holiday Weekend of 2016 to Hampton Court Castle in Herefordshire. This was only a month or so after my visit to the other more famous Hampton Court down in London! It is located in Hope under Dinmore, south of Leominster and is a Grade I listed building. It dates to 1427 and was built by Sir Rowland Lenthall, on land that was a gift of King Henry IV. It's been beside the River Lugg for 600 years. The Lenthall's stayed here for 300 years. In the 19th century it was bought by Richard Arkwright. His descendants lived here until 1912. In the 20th century it went through various owners until the American millionaire Robert Van Kampen bought it in the 1990s. It was sold again after his death. The postcode for your SatNav is HR6 0PN. Distance from Birmingham around 58 to 61 miles, via the M5.

 

First up a look at the Gatehouse, this would be the first and last thing you would see if arriving by car (or coach if one would be able to fit through the archway). The gatehouse is a Grade I listed building, and it listed with the main castle building. Hampton Court, Hope under Dinmore. It dates to the 15th century, with 19th century remodelling. There is two small towers either side of the entranceway.

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First view of the castle itself at the end of the drive. This Hampton Court is a castellated country house built between 1427 and 1436. It was altered in the early 18th century by Colen Campbell for Lord Coningsby and remodelled and restored in the early 19th century by Sir Jeffrey Wyatville for Richard Arkwright.

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On this side was the Orangery Tearoom, where we had some lunch. Some picnic tables outside.

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The view of the castle from the lawn. It was from near here that you could watch the falconry display on the Bank Holiday Weekend in late August 2016. The grounds are also used for various other special events, such as outdoor theatre productions, small concerts and family days out.

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A look at the castle round to the right side from the lawn. The Orangery Tearoom was to the far left. The building itself is much smaller than the other Hampton Court. There has been many owners of the building over the centuries. It was owned by the noble Coningsby family from 1510 until 1781. John Arkwright grandson of Richard Arkwright purchased it in 1810. John Stanhope Arkwright sold it in 1910. It was the seat of the Viscount Hereford from 1924 and 1972. American businessman Robert Van Kampen bought it in 1994, but he died in 1999. The Van Kampen family sold the castle and grounds in 2008. The house was last for sale in January 2016.

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Now a look inside. There was not a problem with taking photos inside of the castle (as long as you don't use flash).

In this corridor was suits of armour and deer heads. Saw lots of suits of armour on the ground floor over various corridors / rooms.

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Suits of armour and a chandelier in this room. Also on the wall was an armoured horse with a suit of armour (on the left). And half a deer on the right side!

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Another corridor with more suits of armour (on the left) and deer heads (on the right). A tapestry at the far end.

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Shields and more suits of armour around this staircase. Also heraldic flags. A chandelier hanging on the ceiling.

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This dining room with a long dining table and chairs, looks like to be from the 19th century. Was a dress on a dummy to the far left. Paintings of flowers on the wall either side of the mirror.

dndimg alt="Hampton Court Castle" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hampton Court Castle Herefordshire (August 2016) (10)(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

For more photos, please check out my album on Flickr: Hampton Court Castle - the castle.

Hampton Court Palace

This was a group visit during July 2016 (went on a mini coach). A nice day out, where you could see the Tudor palace of King Henry VIII and the late 17th century palace of King William III & Mary II. As well as watch jousting displays and explore the vast gardens. It's next to the River Thames, in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. Postcode for your SatNav is KT8 9AU. Distance from Birmingham approximately 130 miles, if you go via the M40 and M25.

The palace is a Grade I listed building Hampton Court Palace. This view from the main entrance looking up to the Tudor Palace. Built from 1514 onwards, originally by Cardinal Wolsey. King Henry VIII  took it over from the Cardinal, and became one of his main palaces. He made alterations from 1529 to 1540 including the building of the Great Hall. Lots of tourists about in a busy hot summer!

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Entering into the next courtyard. This is The Base Court. It's the entrance to Henry VIII's Apartments. The palace is now managed by Historic Royal Palaces. No Monarch has lived here since George II. From here you can visit Henry VIII's Kitchens. There was busts of Roman Emperor's around this court.

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The Baroque palace was built from 1689 until about 1694 for King William III by the architect Sir Christopher Wren. This are is the Fountain Court. From here you can access The Georgian Story and William III's Apartments. But I think that you couldn't take photos inside of those galleries unfortunately. I think there was a tea room around here somewhere!

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Heading out to the palace's gardens. This view was taken from The Wilderness (near the Rose Garden) and is a view of the Great Hall. That was rebuilt from 1532 and the Chapel was remodelled in 1536, including the building of the Chapel Court. We were heading to the River Thames.

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View of the palace from the River Thames. There is a park on the other side of the Thames called Cigarette Island Park, and it has nice views of the palace, the further you go down the path! The boat was called Connaught and was at Hampton Court Landing Stage, Pier No 3. Tudor Palace seen on the left. Baroque Palace to the right!

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Kitchen's - seving place. There wasn't many interiors where you could take photos, but it was ok in the Henry VIII's Kitchens

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The Queen's Staircase.  Decorated in 1734 for Queen Caroline by the architect and designer William Kent. Nice looking Royal ceiling! Taking photos in the King William III apartments was not allowed, so I had to respect that, so was not much that I could take up here! That led to the The Georgian Story, but wasn't much to take photo wise when I got there (at the time).

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The Great Hall - stained glass window - Henry VIII. Not as much restrictions in King Henry VIII's Apartments though (for taking photos). This stained glass window has the Royal Tudor Coat of Arms, with an image of King Henry VIII in the middle of it.

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Henry VIII and Katherine Parr married in her Privy Closet at Hampton Court on the morning of 12th July 1543. This was seen in a room off a corridor. Nearby was a portrait of Henry VIII on the wall.

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The Clock Court. Part of the Tudor Palace. Some benches here for people to sit down. At this point we were on our way to have a quick look at the Young Henry VIII's Story exhibition. The entrance to the Henry VIII Apartments was further to the left. This was just after exiting those apartments (probably from the door behind me).

dndimg alt="Hampton Court Palace" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hampton Court Palace London (July 2016) (8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

For more photos, please check out my album on Flickr: Hampton Court Palace.

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown (over 1000 followers!).

Kings Norton around The Green including Saint Nicholas Place

A look around the old village centre of Kings Norton. Including The Green and Saint Nicholas Place (which includes St Nicholas Church, the Tudor Merchants House and the Old Grammar School). This collection of buildings won TV's Restoration programme back in 2004 and are now fully restored. There is also occasionally a Farmers Market on the green.

Kings Norton

First off, a look at the buildings at Saint Nicholas Place.

This is St Nicholas Church in Kings Norton. It is the Anglican Parish Church of Kings Norton. There has been a church on this site since at least the 11th century, although most of the current building dates to the early 13th century. The spire was built between 1446 and 1475. The church was restored in 1863 by Ewan Christian and again in 1871 by W J Hopkins. It is a Grade I listed building. This view from April 2009, with a bit of blossom on some of the trees.

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The spire of St Nicholas seen during April 2009. In this view is a Monument with an urn that is Grade II listed. Made of stone it dates to about 1770. The only inscriptions that are readable are that of Ann Middlemore (died in 1873) and Martha Middlemore (died in 1876). It is close to the entrance of the churchyard from The Green.

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I've been back to Kings Norton several times over the years. Got some more photos of the church during March 2012. This one of the spire. Kings Norton has railway links with the Rev W. V. Awdry who was the author of the Thomas the Tank Engine series. He was a curate here from 1940 to 1946. Kings Norton Station is up the hill in Cotteridge on the Pershore Road South (now part of the modern Cross City line).

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One more view of St Nicholas Church from March 2012. There is a churchyard all around the church that you can walk through on the paths, and it leads to the Old Grammar School. The Saracen's Head is nearby on The Green, and when it was restored was given the name of Saint Nicholas Place, probably after the church.

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I previously posted my photos of the Old Grammar School in Kings Norton in this post. The Old Grammar Schools of Kings Norton and Yardley.

I will add a bit more detail here, compared to my earlier post. Along with the Saracen's Head (the Tudor Merchants House), it won the BBC TV programme Restoration in 2004, and it was fully restored in the years that followed. A Grade II* listed building, it was probably built as a priest's house to St Nicholas Church. This view from April 2009. The spire of St Nicholas can be seen from behind.

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You can see the Old Grammar School from the Pershore Road South in Kings Norton. It looks pretty with blossom on the trees and daffodils on the lawn during spring. Seen here on St George's Day 2009. It became a school by the 16th and 17th centuries.

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The Birmingham Civic Society unveiled a rectangular green plaque here in 1982. It was for Thomas Hall B.D. Who was a Schoolmaster, Preacher and Biblophile. He taught here from 1629 to 1662. It was last used as a school in the early 1950s. Until the restoration was complete, it was on the Buildings at Risk Register. This view was from March 2012.

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There was an amendment to the listing text in 2018 during the Centenary of the 1918 Representation of the People Act. Two women (suffragettes) in 1913, who were members of the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU), entered the school while it was empty. They forced opened a pair of windows in April 1913, but no fires was set. A message on the blackboard read ‘Two Suffragists have entered here, but charmed with this old-world room, have refrained from their design of destruction.’

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Next up is the Saracen's Head. Also known as the Tudor Merchant's House. Along with the Old Grammar School (see above) it won the 2004 BBC Restoration programme. It is now where the Saint Nicholas Place offices are located. It is at 81 and 83 The Green, and is close to the churchyard of St Nicholas Church. A Grade II* listed building. It has been a pub, a grocer's shop and a community meeting place. Dates to the late 15th century. These views from April 2009 unless stated.

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Side view of the Tudor Merchant's House / The Saracen's Head. Both this building and the Old Grammar School re-opened to the public in June 2008. It was built in 1492 by a wealthy merchant called Humphrey Rotsey and is now known as the north range. The building was expanded in the early 16th century and that is now known as the east range.

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In 1643 Queen Henrietta Maria of France stopped in Kings Norton with an army. It is assumed that she spent the night here in the house. But there is no evidence for this. She was on her way to rejoin King Charles I at his headquarters in York. During the English Civil War. There is a green plaque on the green that mentions her stay in Kings Norton. Saint Nicholas Place is also spelled Saint Nicolas Place. I assume either spelling is correct.

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This view of the Saracen's Head / Tudor Merchant's House from March 2012. Seen from the churchyard of St Nicholas Church. The building has become a pub by the 18th century. In the 19th century a further wing was added known as the south wing. By the 20th century, Mitchells & Butlers had owned the Saracen's Head public house. But in 1930 they donated it to Kings Norton Parish to used as a Parish Hall.

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Now a look around at some of the buildings around The Green.

The Bull's Head public house is to the left of the Sarcen's Head / Tudor Merchant's House. The first view during April 2009. Can you spot the cherry blossom on a tree? The pub is now run by Milton Pubs.

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The next view of the Bull's Head, from another angle, taken in March 2012. Back then it was run by Sizzling Pubs.

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One more view of the Bull's Head seen during December 2012 from The Green. The pub is at 77 The Green.

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A look at The Green in Kings Norton during April 2009. Many trees, and shops around. This is from the Saracen's Head end of The Green.

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The Green plaque seen in Kings Norton during June 2011. Mentions that it has been part of the public centre of Kings Norton for over 500 years. For centuries it has been used for fairs, meetings and markets. The area around Kings Norton Parish is much smaller now than in the Middle Ages.

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The Village Barbers Shop seen on The Green during April 2009. As of 2019, it is still there / open.

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Molly's Cafe at the other end of The Green in April 2009. It was still open in 2017, but sadly seemed to have closed down in 2018, and is now for sale or to let.

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The Farmers Market on the Kings Norton Green on 8th December 2018. I wasn't expecting to see it on this visit to Kings Norton, but there it was during the build up to Christmas.

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Unexpectedly spotted an impersonator in the Co-operative Food car park as Kings Charles I! I don't think the real Charles ever visited Kings Norton during the Civil War, but as stated above, his Queen Henrietta Maria did in 1643. He was probably there for the Farmers Market.

dndimg alt="King Charles I in Kings Norton" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/King Charles I in a Kings Norton car park.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown

Acocks Green Village on the Warwick Road, Shirley Road and Westley Road

Another village centre. This time Acocks Green Village. With the junction of the Warwick Road, Shirley Road and Westley Road. On the bus routes 11A and 11C. Also on the 1, 1A, 4 and 4A (the 4 used to be the 37). Acocks Green has a church called St Mary the Virgin. There is also Acocks Green Primary School, Acocks Green Bowl and Acocks Green Library.

Starting with the Westley Road in Acocks Green. One one side is the Acocks Green Bowl next to the 11C bus stop. Opposite is Acocks Green Primary School (it is also on the Warwick Road).

A look at Acocks Green Bowl on the Westley Road. Now a bowling alley with a laser quest called Quasar Elite. Originally built as a cinema, it opened in 1929 as the Warwick Cinema, also known as the Warwick Super Cinema. It was operated by the Victoria Playhouse Group . The Warwick Cinema was closed in 1962 and it was converted into a 10-pin bowling alley, although the cinema remained and it reopened in 1964 as the Warwick Cinema. The cinema part closed in 1991 and was converted into a laser tag centre.

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For many years they had Qusar Elite upstairs above the bowling alley, at least until 2017. As of 2018 it is now Laserquest. Laser Game & Escape Rooms. I spotted this while waiting on the 11C bus on the Westley Road (the driver usually has a 5 to 10 minute break here). Laserquest is "ultimtate sci-fi action adventure for all". It is suitable for children or adults of all ages. They have birthday packages. I think in my life I've only tried laserquest once or twice, but it was a very long time ago and I wasn't any good at it (was better at bowling - but I've not been bowling in years either!). In fact I've not bowled at Acocks Green since the late 1990s.

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Acocks Green Primary School seen on the Westley Road in Acocks Green. I think this side was originally the Infants School.

The school was created in 2004 by the merger of Acocks Green Junior School with Acocks Green Infant School. The buildings date back to 1908 by the architect A.B. Rowe. It is locally listed Grade B.  Was opened in 1909 by Worcestershire County Council, transferring to Birmingham City Council in 1911. The school consisted of Boys, Girls and Infants departments, but in 1932 it was reorganised into Senior Mixed and Junior Mixed departments. The Senior Mixed department became a separate school in 1945 and the Junior Mixed department became a primary school at the same time. It currently has approximately 480 pupils.

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The side of Acocks Green Primary School seen on the Warwick Road in Acocks Green. I believe that this part was probably the Junior School. This view from Dudley Park Road. The no 37 bus route used to be on the Warwick Road before it was renumbered by National Express West Midlands in 2018 to the 4 (the new 4A route also follows the same route apart from starting in Gospel Oak).

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St Mary the Virgin Acocks Green is the Parish Church of Acocks Green and is on the Warwick Road opposite the primary school. It's been a Grade II listed building since 2009. It's an Anglican parish church designed by J G Bland dating to 1864-1882 in the 13th century style. Later extensions by J A Chatwin date to 1891-4. The church was made from local sandstone apart from red brick walls to the exterior of the transept arches marking the impact of WWII bombing. There is a churchyard around with gravestones and memorials.

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It was originally built as a chapel of ease to St Edburgha's in Yardley, when Acocks Green was part of the same parish as Yardley. A stained glass window by Morris and Co to designs by Burne-Jones was added in 1895, in memory of Reverend Frederick Thomas Swinburn, late Vicar of Acock's Green. This view as you walk close up past the churchyard on the Warwick Road. Quite of a lot of crosses in the churchyard. Also the odd statue above graves as well.

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Acocks Green Library is on the Shirley Road in Acocks Green. Locally listed Grade A, it was built in 1932. Architects Messrs. J.P. Osborne and Sons, builder Mr. J. Emlyn Williams of Aston, masonry work by Wragg Bros of Kings Heath, terrazzo by Lyne and Sons of Birmingham, and hand-made facing bricks by J.W.D. Pratt of Oldbury. Refurbished in 1994-95. On the left is a small war memorial garden (Garden of Remembrance), where each Remembrance Sunday, they hold a wreath laying ceremony at the war memorial. Above the main entrance is Birmingham's coat of arms, also known as Forward.

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This Subway is at 1101 Warwick Road in Acocks Green. The building was formerly a Midland Bank. HSBC was probably there until they moved to the other side of the road. HSBC vacated their last Acocks Green premises between 2014 and 2015. A former Woolwich Bank used to be at 1105 Warwick Road (to the left of here). It is has been Exchange 4 Pounds for many years, but the shutter is always down for some reason?

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The Inn on the Green is a pub at the corner of Shirley Road and Westley Road in Acocks Green. It is locally listed Grade B. Built in 1930 for Mitchells and Butlers by James and Lister Lea. Art Deco style. On the Shirley Road side is Birmingham Route 44 - The Road Inn. Birmingham's Premier Rock Venue. James and Lister Lea were known for doing Birmingham pubs at the turn of the century (19th to the 20th). The company existed from 1846 to 2001 when they merged with Bruton Knowles.

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Christmas lights seen on Jeffries Hardware on the Shirley Road in Acocks Green. Seen during December 2012. I think they use the same Christmas lights above the store each year. The one in the middle says "Merry Christmas".

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Christmas lights seen down Westley Road towards the village green in Acocks Green Village from the 11C bus stop outside of Acocks Green Bowl. The bus stop for the 11A is on the other side of the road. This view was seen in late November 2015. The Christmas lights here are usually green and yellow.

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This more recent view of Christmas lights in Acocks Green Village was seen on the Warwick Road near Wilko looking towards Burton. This was during early December 2018. To the right of Burton used to be a Woolworths store until they went bust in 2009. The store was empty during 2010, until it was turned into a Furniture & Electrical  charity shop for the British Heart Foundation.

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Bouncy castles and other stalls on the Warwick Road in Acocks Green, seen during Acocks Green Village Fun Day. It was held on Saturday 12th April 2014, and was held by the Acocks Green Village BID (one of many events they have had in the village). There was an entertainer there that day (a clown), who would blow up balloons and fold them into shapes / objects for families. The Post Office used to be on that side of the Warwick Road (next to Lloyds Bank), until 2014 or 2015. When the later moved into WH Smith Local which opened in 2015 (where Bon Marché used to be until about 2012) on the other side of the road (to the right of Iceland).

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The new Acocks Green Village in Bloom sculpture was unveiled on the village green during 2017. It was unveiled on Thursday 4th May 2017. The designer was Veronica Treadwell. Made by the manufacturer Collins. Installed with the help of Fran Lee and the Bloom volunteers. The design was based on a tree as it was thought that the Acocks Green area has more trees than any other area in Birmingham. It's design is based on the transport links to and from the village. A canal built in the 18th century (what is now the Grand Union Canal). A railway built in the 19th century (later becoming part of the Chiltern Mainline) which was later surrounded by Victorian and Edwardian properties. The sculpture shows a horse-drawn narrowboat and a Great Western Railway locomotive. It is basically a "Welcome to Acocks Green" sign on the island. The shop seen behind was the Card Factory.

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During the spring and summer each year, the Acocks Green Village in Bloom team plant colourful flowers on the green. Seen from near the Warwick Road zebra crossing during April 2014. At the time there was also daffodils in bloom. Shops seen behind going up the Shirley Road including Consol Walk-in-Spa, Shaw's Amusements, Kingman House (Cantonese & Chinese takeaway) and Cash Fall Amusements.

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Seen in May 2015 was this wonderful flower display of yellow coloured flowers (I'm not very good on flower names so is easier for me to say what colour they are). This view to the Westley Road / Warwick Road corner. At the time there was also tulips on the village green. There is a Barclays Bank on that corner (to the right of a solicitors office).

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Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Key Hill and Warstone Lane Cemeteries in the Jewellery Quarter

Did you know that there is two cemeteries within the boundaries of the Middle Ring Road? At the north east corner of the Jewellery Quarter (Hockley) is Key Hill Cemetery (Non-Conformist) and Warstone Lane Cemetery (Church of England). If you walk along Icknield Street (part of the Middle Ring Road) you can walk in and out of both.

Key Hill Cemetery

The cemetery opened in 1836 and is the oldest of the two cemeteries. It's a nondenominational cemetery (nonconformist). The main entrance is on Icknield Street, while a side entrance is on Key Hill. The cemetery was laid out by the Birmingham General Cemetery Company by the architect Charles Edge. It is no longer used for burials. There is also Commonwealth war graves in the cemetery. A lot of famous names of Birmingham's past are buried here such as Joseph Chamberlain and George Dawson to name two.

Key Hill Cemetery seen in January 2018. Icknield Street entrance.

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Key Hill entrance.

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Key Hill Cemetery seen in November 2018. Starting again at the Icknield Street entrance towards the first WW1 war memorial.

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Path past the gravestone and momuments.

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Getting a little tricky to see the paths with all the leaves on the ground. This way towards the Key Hill exit / entrance.

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Leaves everywhere, gravestones and monuments all over. Is some catacombs nearby too.

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War memorials at Key Hill Cemetery.

This memorial is in memory of those who fell in the Great Wart 1914 - 1918 and who are buried in this cemetery. Poppy wreath from the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, the Council and the people of Birmingham.

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The original war memorial in the cemetery to those who fell in the Great War 1914 - 1918. It is inscribed with the fallen names.

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More recently a war memorial bench to those who fell in WW1 has been placed in the cemetery.

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Warstone Lane Cemetery

This cemetery dates to about 1847. There is an Entrance Lodge on Warstone Lane. It's a Church of England cemetery. In here can be found a set of catacombs. This cemetery also has Commonwealth war graves. Famous names of Birmingham's past here include John Baskerville and Harry Gem to name two. Other names for this cemetery include Brookfields Cemetery, Mint Cemetery or Church of England Cemetery. As well as Warstone Lane, other entrance's include Pitsford Street, Vyse Street and Icknield Street.

Views from November 2009.

Cemetery Lodge. Grade II listed building. Built in 1848 by J R Hamilton of Gloucester (Hamilton & Medland). It's at 161 Warstone Lane.

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The War Stone. It landed here in the last Ice Age by a glacier. It was called the Hoar Stone. It is a felsite boulder.

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Gravestones in Warstone Lane Cemetery seen close to the lodge and war memorial area.

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December 2012 view of Warstone Lane Cemetery from Pitsford Street.

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A November 2018 walk into Warstone Lane Cemetery towards the catacombs. Various gravestones on the way along the footpaths.

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A look at the catacombs at Warstone Lane Cemetery. It is double layered, and has a path that goes around it to the top. This is probably the most well known part of this cemetery.

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War memorial in Warstone Lane Cemetery close to the Cemetery Lodge.

November 2009 view of the war memorial cross with a few poppy wreaths below.

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The names on the memorial, as seen in November 2009. Bit similar to the design at Key Hill Cemetery. They make it look nice sometimes with the flowers planted in front of the memorial.

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The same war memorial seen in November 2018. This time just one poppy wreath. Was just after the Armistice 100 weekend commemorations. Cemetery lodge seen to the left. You can also see The War Stone from this vantage point.

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Photos taken by Elliott Brown.