Recent content by Peter M Sturge MBE

A post to add to previous comments and share information and photographs about "Edencroft" when it was known as "Southfleld" and home to Joseph Sturge (1793-1859) and his family. "Southfield" was both a family home and a political hub. Within the grounds he had built a meeting room that could...

Following the above discussion, the attached illustration of the chemical works may be of interest.

This story of "Edencroft" and the suggestion that the house "has an atmosphere" may relate to the murder of a YMCA resident, Stephanie Baird, aged 29, there on 23rd December, 1959. Described as "one of the most gruesome murders in Birmingham's history" it resulted in a massive manhunt, with all...

Delighted to hear that Joseph is to be cleaned. The last effort was in 2007 when the Civic Society, the Council and the Family worked together "to give Joseph a hand" - his left hand was missing. We had a grand day when the statue was rededicated, with mayoral, Montserrat Association and...

The statue of Joseph Sturge has been moved many times to make way for traffic schemes. It once stood in a small park and, during WWII was encased in brick to protect it from wartime damage. The photograph of the bricked-up statue was taken in October 1940 by a refugee, Mr Schmutnig, who was...