old pictures of Billesley, Birmingham

[bilsat]

Hi all.
I am trying to find any old pictures from Billesley especially any of the old farms or major buildings from the area.
I have an old map dated 1883 and want to add pictures of the places mensioned on it for a project to show at our local Community Centre.
In perticular, the prefabs in the area, tudor picture house, valley pub any of the farms.
The only ones I can find to date is in local history books but are copywrited, we are a charity so cannot afford to pay for each picture from several books..
Any ideas?
Pete

[Keitht]

Billsat,

Only just found your post from last June.

I am a local historian and have several photos and old maps of the Moseley, Billesley, Yardley Wood area, particularly the old farms, all of which I can place exactly. I'd be happy to share them with you if you're still interested. Question is, how?

keitht

[bilsat]

Hi Keitht.
Where are you based, I still live in Billesley and retired! free as a bird (I wish)
Pete

[Keitht]

Hi Pete,

Guess I'm probably about a mile south of you and likewise retired (that's a joke if ever there was one.).

Give me a call on 0777 338 3748 any time before about 6pm any weekday and we'll make some arrangements.

Keith

[jim1]

I have this 1835 map.
My ancestors where brickmakers on Billesley common & owned land in Brook Lane.

jim

[Keitht]

Jim,

Many thanks. These are extremely useful.

It's interesting to see that your second map shows both Coldbath and Swanshurst Farms yet doesn't show Ashleigh Grange, which stood on Windermere Road at the same time. If anyone has a photo of that, which stood until at least 1917, I'd be very grateful. I have a photo of Swanshurst Farm and have read that Ashleigh was a very similar buiding.

Brickmaking seems to have been a common trade in the area back in the day. I have several references to brickmakers' cottages on several local roads including Brook Lane and School Road.

Keith

[jim1]

These are 2 halves of the same map,the 1st. being on the left.My Sawyer family owned a number of properties opposite what's now Moseley golf club.

jim

[bilsat]

Thanks for the maps Jim, I will add them to my collection. Thanks Keitht for the pics, I have downloaded them to my other computer....

[Keitht]

Pete,

I realise I didn't find you a photo of Quagmire Farm. I know I have one somewhere but can't put my hand on it at the moment. As soon as I do I'll copy it to you.

Btw, does anyone have a photo of Warstock Farm?

Keith