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The local social history of Birmingham and its environs

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Sutton Coldfield

Sutton Coldfield is a north eastern suburb of Birmingham. Generally acknowledged as a desirable residential area with an ancient grammar school and one of the largest parks in the UK, Sutton has a modern shopping centre and excellent facilities. Originally a settlement founded probably in the 6th century and recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, its name derives from ‘South Farm’ but the meaning of Coldfield could refer to the burning of charcoal or the area’s inhospitable nature. With historical connections to the Crown and Earls of Warwick, and through the patronage of Bishop Vesey of Exeter, a close advisor or Henry VIII, the town gained the prefix ‘Royal’ in 1528. The Warden and Society set up by Vesey administered Sutton for nearly 360 years until it became a borough with its own mayor in 1886. In 1974 the town was absorbed by the City of Birmingham but has recently regained its ‘Royal’ status.

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About The Author

I was born in Southport, Lancashire (now Merseyside); my family origins are to be found in the wild hills of Westmoreland. I trained as a teacher at St Peter's College, Saltley, qualifying in 1968 and have now worked as a primary school teacher in Birmingham for well over forty years. Read More…

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