Aston Hall

[Susan Rice]

My Gran was a Freelance Caterer in the 1930s-40s and I have a lovely photo of her and her helpers inside the Hall in front of a beautiful wooden carved wall. I'll look it out and post it.

 

[Astoness]

that would be lovely susan...thank you

lyn

 

[John L]

I remember that back in the day my friends and I used to walk through the grounds of Aston Hall and on into the city centre following games at Villa Park, it took us around 20 or 25 minutes to walk to the Ben Johnson by the old Fire Station (those were the days!). It was a really nice walk and I also played Sunday league cricket several times in the park, with Aston Hall to our right. Those photographs above @ #325 & #328, take me right back there, thanks for posting them.

 

[Astonb6]

From my home on Little Oaks Road, Aston Park was just a short way to walk and it was my playground every day.

Aston Hall was my pretend second home. Lovely memories that no one can take away from me.

I now live in Spain (Mallorca) and after 3 years I'm finally back in Brum just to visit and pay my respects at Witton cemetery to my Jean, my Mom & Dad and brother, That was a lot of flowers I left but well worth every pound I spent to honour them all.

And yes, of course, I am visiting our Aston Hall today!

You all take care............. Derek.

 

[Vivienne14]

A 19th century painting by Handsworth local artist and councillor John Joseph Hughes. Viv.

 

[Vivienne14]

A curious custom at Aston Hall - reported on 2/2/1931 but reaching back to 'olden times'

Viv

Source: British Newspaper Archive

 

[Vivienne14]

In Oliver Fairclough's book "The Grand Old Mansion", he states that in the 1779s the gardener at the House ranked immediately below the Steward, and that, like his predecessor, he lived in the South lodge. I assume that that was the building on the left in the drawing

In this 1851 newspaper article it claims one tower was occupied by the gardener, the other by the falconer (!) Every home should have one ! Viv.

 

[Vivienne14]

The Hall looking pretty intimidating. Drawn by MacPherson in 1889.

 

[G G Jean]

I can't believe I was born just down the road from here in Holte road , and someone doing my ancestry found we are members of the Holte family from Aston Hall
.

 

[Astoness]

I can't believe I was born just down the road from here in Holte road , and someone doing my ancestry found we are members of the Holte family from Aston Hall
.

crikey jean...how exactly are you connected to the famous holte family

lyn

 

[mw0njm.]

I bet I'm the only person on the forum to be kicked out of Aston Hall?. I went with friends to the candelight evening. One of them said "let's see how many we can blow out" Guess who got caught and sharply evicted?. TTFN. Jean.

what a way to treat a member of the Holte family,bet will you be changing your avita now

 

[Vivienne14]

Until I saw this watercolour of Aston Hall Lodge Gate by Elijah Walton I hadn't fully appreciated the impression of a high level of security being implied by the gateway. Firstly the double gates below the arch are substantial in themselves, but the gates also have serrated, metal prongs along the top edges of the gates.

The perimeter walls however look less substantial. Therefore my guess is the gates were made that way to send a message to ward off possible trespassers.

Viv

 

[mw0njm.]

i dont go in i am scared of ghosts

 

[Radiorails]

I have seen a couple but were not malevolent..

 

[John L]

So much more welcoming, with the gates open isn't it?

 

[Vivienne14]

The staff in c1910 and the same spot 8 years ago, The tree behind the group now almost obliterates the view of Aston Hall

 

[Vivienne14]

Not a great photo, but it gives an idea of the ornamental garden in the 1920s.