Quinton, by Bernard Taylor
Published by Tempus in 2003, 128 pages. Paperback (N6930X1)
Brand New Book
From the rear side cover: In this intriguing collection of archive images, Quinton, or Ridgacre as it was once known, has been evocatively recreated using over 200 photographs which illustrate the diverse history of this Birmingham district.
Although some distance from Birmingham, the village has been tied to the city through work and the provision of services since the beginning of the last century. In 1909 the Parish Council, under the chairmanship of Revd Jones, decided to become annexed to Birmingham. The prospect of improved sanitation and additional wealth was too great to refuse and the rural appearance of the village soon changed. Further urbanization followed on from the building of new housing and the arrival of the motorway.
The shops, municipal buildings and pubs are placed alongside images of churches, schools, sport and entertainment to create a wonderful representation of community life in the past. The author, a keen local historian and chairman of the history society, has compiled a fascinating pictorial record which will appeal to those who live in the area now and for those who want to revisit this suburb of Birmingham as it used to be.
The book will delight anyone who has lived or grown up in Quinton, as well as people with a more general interest in the social history of this part of West Birmingham and beyond....