The Great Stone Northfield

[Neil M]

The Great Stone at the corner of the pub before removal (top left), whilst being dug out (top right) and being craned away to its new location in the Pound next door (lower image). All c1954.

 

[Neil M]

This article (#18) is very interesting, Viv. Elias Clarke (recorded as Elias Clerke, pbr.) was instituted as Rector of Northfield on 17 March 1438 but I can't find any reference to his having broken into the Pound although struggling with manorial records is confusing! Wouldn't that have been a bit scandalous for a rector? Did rectors typically own livestock?? I wonder if anyone can resolve this because it's perfectly reasonable to suggest that the Pound was originally late medieval in origin (like the neighbouring original building that became the Stone pub) and that it was later modified in the 17th century as opposed to being first built then. (https://britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/101343382-village-pound-ward suggests c 17th century origin)

Just to add that the same story of the allegedly criminal but no doubt kindly rector appears in the Smiths' book "Northfield Past & Present", Sutton Publishing, 2001 pp 16-17. They also say "The 18th century saw the introduction of poor boxes into the Church in 1707. Previously there had been collections for the poor and needy. The unemployed, to obtain assistance, were obliged to stand for a specified time each day in the village Pound". Unfortunately, no references provided. Nevertheless it is a perhaps timely reminder that the Welfare State has it's advantages!

 

[Pedrocut]

November 1761, Aris’s…could the Three-Mile Stone be an early mention of what we now call the Great Stone ? (Or just a milestone)

(SORRY…The post was inadvertently placed under “what number bus” !)

The Three-mile Stone is more likely to be a milestone, as later there is a reference to a Four-mile Stone. The earliest mention of the Great Stone Inn I can find is 1812.

 

[Neil M]

To translate this : To be Sold,
A Freehold Messuage and Farm, in the Occupation of William Hibbutt, the latter consisting of upwards of 70 Acres of Arable Land, Meadow, and Pasture Ground, all inclosed, and lying together in the Parish of Northfield, and County of Worcester, opposite to the Three-Mile Stone, on the Road leading from Birmingham to Bromsgrove.— For further Particulars enquire of Mr. Welch, Attorney at Law, in Evesham; Mr. Mainwaring, Attorney, in Birmingham; Mess. Harrison and Lea, Attornies in Queen-Street, London; or of the Tenant, who will shew the Premisses.

"A Freehold Messuage and Farm..." separates the residential compound from the broader agricultural enterprise. It signifies that the buyer is purchasing the actual farmhouse and its residential grounds (the messuage), alongside the 70+ surrounding acres of arable, meadow, and pasture lands (the farm)

The Three-Mile Stone sat right in the heart of Selly Oak and would not have involved Northfield so the Great Stone stands proudly Northfieldian!!
.........because it's more than 3 miles away from the City centre....

 

[Pedrocut]

The Great Stone, George Withy (Withers) can be stretched back to at least 1800. (Make that 1794)