Publications
From a complete history of the area, to a fascinating insight into local Cinema, to our own dictionary of traditional remedies, our publications make the perfect gift!
All our publications are available directly through the Society.
To order please contact us:
val.hart@stpaulstrust.org.uk
0121 464 1890 or 0121 464 1888 or write to us
c/o St. Paul’s Community Project Ltd, Hertford St, Balsall Heath, Birmingam B12 8NJ.
Postage and packing: Our prices include postage and packing for the U.K. Please consult us for international charges.
Balsall Heath: A History
‘Balsall Heath: A History’ by Val Hart is a story spanning two centuries, charting the development of Balsall Heath from a sparsely populated farmland and heath in the eighteenth century to the ‘genteel neighbourhood’ of the 1840s, the ‘populous quarter’ of 1891, to the busy and crowded suburb of the 1930s and 40s.
Moseley Road Trail
Content to follow.
The Flicks
The Flicks celebrates memories of the old days at the cinema in Balsall Heath and the magic of the silver screen, from the early days of silent films to the glamour of the 1950s, through contemporary accounts and peoples’ memories. Did you know that Balsall Heath had a fine collection of six cinemas by the end of 1914 for a population of approximately 40,000?
Balsall Heath & Highgate: Past & Present
Published by Sutton Publishing as part of their Britain in Old Photographs series, this book brings together photographs, ranging in date from the late 19th century to the present day, of past ‘Balsall Heathans’ at school, work, worship and play, in a series of thematic chapters. Apart from providing a visual record of many of the fine old buildings of the area, including shops and pubs, many of which are long-gone, the book also provides insights into the daily life of the inhabitants of this vibrant Birmingham suburb and the bomb damage suffered by the area during World War II.
Brown Paper & Goose Grease
‘Brown Paper and Goose Grease: A Dictionary of Remedies’ was collected by Balsall Heath Local History Society from the memories of older Birmingham people from the days before antibiotics and free health care and Victorian self-help books such as ‘Enquire Within Upon Everything’ published in 1894.