Category: General

Why we’re celebrating 750 years of history

Balsall Heath is 750 years old, and the evidence takes us right back to Edward 1st ‘Longshanks’ or  ‘Hammer of the Scots’.

The Earliest Record: 1275

The earliest documented mention shows he original spelling was Bordeshale (Later contracted to the familiar ‘Balsall’). This places the area’s first official record early in King Edward I’s reign.

Copy of the written document, the Lay Subsidy Roll, which lists 'Roberto de Bordeshale, living in the Royal Manor of Bromsgrove and Norton in Worcester'
Copy of the written document, the Lay Subsidy Roll, which lists ‘Roberto de Bordeshale, living in the Royal Manor of Bromsgrove and Norton in Worcester’

Bromsgrove and King’s Norton were Royal manors held ‘in ancient demesne’ by the king. 

What Happened in 1275?

The official documentation was a direct result of the King’s efforts to modernize and tax people, passing laws to bring order and better admin.  A key piece of legislation was the first Statute of Westminster. This law included new rules for taxes and land ownership.  Before 1275 boundaries and ownership could be proven with simple oral evidence, but the new laws demanded that everything be formally recorded.  A drive for better governance and tax collection that “Bordeshale” was officially put on the map!

Copy of image introducing 'The Statute of Westminster'
Thanks Ian, image in Article, ‘Time Immemorial’ https://www.ianvisits.co.uk/

Defining the Boundary

Long before it became an inner-city suburb, the area now known as Balsall Heath was defined by natural boundaries.  The boundary of the historic Kings Norton manor was marked by the Bodesehale Brook.  This brook ran roughly parallel to the present-day Belgrave Road before flowing into the River Rea.

This ancient line was so significant it was still used centuries later. In 1796, the brook was clearly marked on a Gooch estate map as the dividing line between Kings Norton parish in Worcestershire and Aston parish in Warwickshire:

Gooch estate sketch map from 1796 in John Morris-Jones in “Bygone Balsall Heath’ 1979

What was Balsall Heath Like in 1275?

While the area was officially recorded, it wasn’t a town. Life in 1275 Balsall Heath was rooted in the landscape:

A watermill was certainly operating nearby, near what is now Cannon Hill Park, with records dating back even earlier to 1231.  Farms likely dotted the fertile land along the Rea Valley.

The Heath. The higher ground was dominated by open heathland, which lay along the ancient ridgeway track—the same route that eventually developed into the Moseley Road.

So, when we celebrate 750 years, we’re celebrating its official birth, connecting our modern community back to the medieval landscape of Bordeshale!

November Meeting of the Society

The next meeting will be held on Thursday November 27th at 2 pm at The Creation Centre ( old Tram Depot), 582, Moseley Road, B12 9AA

The speaker will be Betty Hagglund, talking about Mary and Martha Russell, daughters of William Russsell, who was Unitarian and close friend of Joseph Priestley.
The two women grew up at Showell Green House but this was destroyed by rioters in the 1791 riots, after which the family fled to America.

Welcome

Over the last 40 years the Society has grown from strength to strength. We have a fascinating range of publications, some interesting projects and active participation in local events

We are now based in The Old Print Works, in the eighteenth century house which fronts on to the Moseley Road, and next to the  Gap Café. Our base is right next to the lovely gallery space at the Works, which is ideal for exhibitions.

Our address is:
Balsall Heath Local History Society
The Old Print Works,
498-506 Moseley Road,
Balsall Heath.
Birmingham B12 9AH

info@balsallheathhistory.co.uk
Phone number for the office. 07565 194822
or phone Val Hart:07776899352

Facebook: Balsall Heath Local History Society




Balsall Heath. A History

“Balsall Heath, a History” by Val Hart was first published in 1992. It had many reprintings but has been out-of-print for some time. This is a revised and updated edition.

The price is £10.95 plus £2.30 postage to UK.  So a total of  £13.25. Please pay through the Donate button  below, after the info about our meetings and pffice base.

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You can find us on Facebook at Balsall Heath Local History Society




In Memoriam. Jim Fitzpatrick

The sudden death of Jim on October 8th has come as a great shock to us all. He has been a member of the Society for nearly 20 years and has made a huge contribution to our understanding of Balsall Heath’s history. He was committed to collecting stories from Balsall Heath people and spent a lot of time interviewing people, writing up the results and presenting them in an illustrated form for the Gazette newsletter.

Over the years he has taken an active role in all our exhibitions, events and stalls, ever keen to promote the Society, and has also worked on some of our publications, especially Tales Out of School, and Stars of Balsall Heath. I am personally indebted to him for his massive support for the Lost Children Project in all its aspects- research, publicity, exhibitions and the play. He has been a key member of the Society and will be badly missed.

Jim was also a member of the Birmingham History Theatre Company . He used often to tell people that he originally got involved as a scenery shifter but somehow got roped in to play significant parts in a host of productions. He was willing to try his hand at anything and dress up appropriately too.

He played a wide range of characters, from an eighteenth century canal entrepreneur to Police Chiefs, a Tollhouse Keeper, a farm labourer, the Stationmaster of Camp Hill Station, a Canadian farmer and Headmaster of Fairbridge Farm School

His most recent roles were as Harry Withers, the Bournville Carilloneur and Mr Butcher, founder of the works on the Moseley Road, now the OPW, Old Print Works. He approached all his roles with great commitment and humour.

I will remember Jim for his unfailing support, his creativity, his kindness and generosity. When I had a bereavement in 2018 he stepped up to take a lead part in producing The Gazette newsletter and has continued this for the last five years, expanding and enriching the content.

After his wife, Rose, died in 2020, Jim accelerated his work for the Society. Most recently he has spent vast amounts of time on preparation work for the re publication of my book, Balsall Heath a History. I am not sure this would have been possible without Jim as a driving force.

He gave us all so much, we should honour him.

Jim’s Funeral will be held on Tuesday, November 7th at Redditch Crematorium at 11 a.m. All Welcome.

Val Hart

In Memoriam. Bron Salway.

It is with great sadness that we have to announce that one of our long standing members, Bron Salway passed away on Saturday December 10th 2022. Bron had served on our Committee for many years and was responsible for organising our programme of speakers for our monthly meetings. We will miss Bron very much, not just as a fellow Society member, but as a kind and supportive friend.

Many people will remember her as she was a teacher at Heathmount School for many years and contributed to the community in a variety of different ways. She ran our Victorian and WW2 classroom and was a sparkling presence at Balsall Heath Carnivals. Always ready to help anyone, she made a difference to so many people’s lives. Her joy in life, her sense of humour, her efficiency and her kindness, will stay with us as we remember her passing with heavy hearts. She will leave a big gap in all our lives.

A Memorial for Bron Salway.  June 2023 

A Camellia has been planted at St Paul’s Venture, Malvern St. Our thanks go to Hywel, Mark and the Evergreen Gardening Club for their help.

 

The Lost Children Play

The play is now available to see on Youtube via this link:  https://youtu.be/mp6cm9oT99E

In the play we attempted to present conflicting opinions about the work of the Middlemore Homes – illustrating the desperate conditions which led to parents sending their children abroad as well as a glimpse of what happened to them in Canada. The outstanding feature of the play, however, was the music. Peter Churchill, Community Musician, has written some brilliant songs which are emotive, thought provoking and humorous.

Reviews

*It was easily the best show that the Birmingham History Drama Group has performed. Peter Churchill’s songs could easily grace the Westend or a musical film out of Hollywood. A.M.

*This is a story people should know about and is told here very well. H.O.

*Great production. So well thought out. I must say the final song bought a tear to my eye. P.R.G Creative   City Projects.

* It was heart breaking. No one talks about these ‘Children in Need’ Andy.

*Wonderful performances and the songs were great. Ceri.

*Really enjoyed very heart-warming and interesting to see an unknown bit of history. Nicky.

*Wonderfully produced, thought provoking even for us who know. P & J( Relative of emigrated child)

* Congratulations to all on a superb show.  I thought it was one of the best theatrical productions I’ve ever seen. Great music and songs, well sung. J.A.

*Moving, impressive performance with community heart. Anon.

*Very, very good totally memorable performance. Well done to everyone involved. Anon.

Very moving and a part of my family’s history. Anon