King's Norton: A History

Kings Norton is now incorporated into Birmingham, but was once one of the largest manors and parishes in Worcestershire. Common themes running throughout its history include the village, agriculture, and population, but other topics discussed, such as the Domesday Book or the industrial revolution, are specific to a particular period. The focus shifts in the later chapters to the modern parish of St. Nicholas centered on the ancient village and green. Much of the area is now built-up but a large piece of open countryside remains around Wythall. The final chapter assesses the huge changes brought about by the absorption of Kings Norton into Birmingham. The Saracens Head, a splendid medieval timber-framed building, was notable for its insubstantial and unreliable history, so the authors rose to the challenge of rediscovering its forgotten past. These and many other startling facts have been incorporated into what will certainly serve as the principal source for the history of this ancient manor parish for many decades to come. This book presents the results of several decades of work by the authors on the history, topography, archaeology and architecture of Kings Norton, much of which is original and not previously published. The process of researching the book has involved a multitude of sources, and several new discoveries have even been made. The book will inform and delight all those with an interest in this special corner of the Midlands.