The Evolution of King's Norton History Society

The Society has 40-50 members and meets regularly on the last Monday in the month, from September to May, in the Saracen's Head, for talks on a variety of subjects.

Origin

The origin of the Society was from an Extra Mural Study Group organised in the 1960s by Miss P.A. Nicklin. Stephen Price, with his significant research, ensured the continuing study of the history of King's Norton, in the 1970s. The research, using the Tithe map of 1840, the investigation into the purchase of the Manor from King George, and other studies, needed to be formally recorded.

In 1980 Helen Goodger, Myra Watson and Steven Price held a public meeting in King's Norton library, and the King's Norton History Society was formed.

Achievements

In 1982 the Society persuaded Birmingham Civic Society to put up a plaque on the Old Grammar School to commemorate the Seventeenth Century schoolmaster Thomas Hall. Funds were raised, by having a stall at King's Norton Carnival from 1983-5 and other grants, to purchase a new signboard for the Saracen's Head. Lord King’s Norton unveiled this in 1986. A two day exhibition was held in Bell’s Farm in 1989 in connection with the Maypole May Festival.

The committee has organised local walks and visits to places of interest. James Melling’s conducted tours of the Saracen's Head, the Old Grammar School, and church visits were very well supported. Audrey Langston is largely responsible for organising annual coach tours the most recent being to the Severn Valley, and Elgar Birthplace and Museum. There have been two walks round the medieval boundary of King's Norton. The first was inspired by Frances Hopkins in 1989 and the second by Greta Lacey in 2002.

The Society is a member of the Birmingham and District Local History Association. It participates in Open Days organised by Birmingham City Council as well as events run by St Nicolas Church. Exhibitions and tours of the Saracen's Head attract many visitors. There is a Trail round the Village Green that describes the changes and developments both ancient and within living memory.

Local History Group

In 2004 a Local History Group, led by Wendy Pearson, began meeting in King's Norton Library on the afternoon of the first Monday in the month. The purpose of this was to involve local people in contributing to the recording of the social history of the area.