Miscellaneous items I found of interest during the week.
New on Ancestry
London, Ontario, Canada, Catholic Orphanage Records, 1852-1924
17,035 records from Catholic orphanages operated by the Sisters of St. Joseph in London, Ontario, Canada. Types of records available may include admissions records, applications for adoption, and certificates of relinquishment. Many are handwritten, but newer records may be printed.
UK, Postal Establishment Books, 1691-1979
Over 1,6 million records for employees in the higher grades, most of whom were clerical workers. However, you will also find records of postmasters and possibly some records of postmen. You may find name, date of birth, age, occupation, date of employment, place of employment, employment history,
length of employment, retirement details, salary, and date of death.
UK, World War II Audio, 1939-1945
As far as I recall, this is the first time Ancestry has posted audio files. While there are only 47 files, they paint a picture of the life and times.. Most worked in the Women’s Land Army, although there are also accounts from female civilians. There’s a searchable outline of the subjects covered..
From Legacy Family Tree webinars, free through May 16, 2025
Researching Great Brooke Street with Gemini Deep Research
Great Brooke Street in Duddeston, Birmingham, was given as the home of Sarah Davis Bennett, nee Northwood, when she married Jeremiah Macklin Allcroft in September 1837. They had both lost their first spouses and were independently wealthy. Checking Google Street View showed the street today to be a mix of industrial and middle-class residential properties, with a park on one side. I wondered how much the area had changed since 1837, so I asked Gemini Deep Research to look into “Great Brooke Street Redevelopment History.”
It took a while, showing in mind-numbing detail the process it followed. The end result follows, less the list of 30+ sources used in the report, and even more read but not used.
I’m impressed. The description is consistent with it being a street where the well-to-do would live in 1837. As always, I can’t rule out hallucinations.
The History of Great Brooke Street and its Redevelopment in Birmingham, England
1. Introduction:
Great Brooke Street, situated in Birmingham, England, initially formed a key thoroughfare within the Ashted Estate, a late 18th-century development located near the town centre.1 Over time, as Birmingham expanded, this area became integrated into the broader district of Aston. This report aims to provide a comprehensive historical analysis of Great Brooke Street, meticulously tracing its origins, its multifaceted transformations across different historical periods, the significant landmarks and residents that have shaped its character, the profound impact of urban renewal initiatives, and ultimately, its place within the larger narrative of Birmingham’s urban development. The story of Great Brooke Street serves as a compelling case study, reflecting the wider patterns of urban growth and the dynamic forces of change that have shaped the city of Birmingham over centuries.
2. The Foundation of Great Brooke Street (Late 18th Century):
- 2.1. Birmingham in the Late 18th Century: A Town in Transition:The latter part of the 18th century marked a period of significant growth and transformation for Birmingham. The town was rapidly emerging as a crucial manufacturing hub, fueled by the nascent stages of the Industrial Revolution.3 Birmingham’s burgeoning metalworking industries, coupled with a spirit of innovation, positioned it as a key player in Britain’s economic landscape. This economic vitality spurred a substantial increase in population, creating an urgent need for new residential areas to accommodate the influx of people seeking opportunities in the town beyond the confines of the increasingly congested town centre.3 This period of rapid economic and demographic expansion directly contributed to the emergence of Great Brooke Street, as the demand for housing outside the traditional urban core created a fertile ground for speculative development ventures.
- 2.2. The Ashted Estate: Conception and Design:The initial conception of the land that would encompass Great Brooke Street began in 1771 when Dr. John Ash, a wealthy Birmingham surgeon and one of the founders of the General Hospital, leased approximately 10 hectares of land situated less than a mile from the town centre from Sir Lister Holte.2 Dr. Ash intended to build a prestigious, classically styled house for himself near the junction of what would later become Barrack Street and Great Brook Street. However, he never occupied this residence, as he relocated to London by 1787.2 In the same year, the estate, along with an additional 20 hectares, was acquired by John Brooke, a Temple Row attorney and the County Coroner, who financed the purchase largely through loans from three affluent investors.1 Brooke’s acquisition was driven by a clear intention to capitalize on the growing demand for housing by developing the land.1 His venture was explicitly speculative, aimed at attracting Birmingham’s burgeoning class of entrepreneurs seeking residence in a more salubrious environment outside the established town.2 The planned layout of the Ashted Estate, developed by Brooke, featured a structured grid of streets. The design included a primary thoroughfare, which he named Great Brooke Street, and a crescent known as Ashted Row.1 This formal layout, with its emphasis on a main street and a defined crescent, was characteristic of Georgian-era town planning, often employed to create an impression of order and attract a more affluent clientele. The naming of the estate after Dr. Ash, a figure of local prominence, further suggests an intention to imbue the development with a sense of prestige and appeal to a discerning market.2
- 2.3. Early Residents and Social Aspirations:John Brooke’s development strategy for the Ashted Estate, and particularly Great Brooke Street, involved constructing substantial houses intended for lease to wealthy middle-class residents.2 Brooke actively encouraged these initial lessees to further invest in the estate by either subletting their properties or purchasing additional land, thereby fostering a sense of community and investment in his speculative venture.2 In contrast to the grander houses along Great Brooke Street, the side streets within the Ashted Estate were allocated for smaller houses, which were leased to builders who, in turn, erected dwellings to attract tradesmen and the artisan working class.2 Furthermore, the development plan included the construction of back-to-back courts situated behind the main streets. This deliberate differentiation in housing types within the Ashted Estate clearly indicates a planned social hierarchy, with Great Brooke Street positioned as the most prestigious address, catering to the aspirations of Birmingham’s expanding middle class who sought more refined and healthier living conditions away from the industrial heart of the town.
3. The 19th Century: Industrialization and Social Transformation:
- 3.1. The Tide Turns: Industrial Encroachment:Despite the initial aspirations for the Ashted Estate to remain a tranquil residential enclave, the relentless industrial expansion of Birmingham throughout the 19th century gradually began to encroach upon the area.4 The very factors that had propelled Birmingham’s growth ultimately undermined the hopes of escaping the smoke and pollution associated with industry. A crucial development in this transformation was the opening of the Digbeth Branch Canal in 1799.2 This new waterway, a vital artery for Birmingham’s burgeoning industries, ran through the eastern side of the town, including the Ashted area, significantly altering its character.2 Along the canal’s banks, an increasing number of factories and wharves were established, serving the growing needs of manufacturing and trade.2 Ironically, these were precisely the features that the initial wealthy residents of Ashted had sought to avoid by moving outside the town centre.2 The development of this canal infrastructure, while essential for Birmingham’s overall industrial progress, directly conflicted with and ultimately overshadowed the original vision of the Ashted Estate, including Great Brooke Street, as a peaceful and genteel residential retreat for the town’s elite.
- 3.2. Social and Housing Changes: A Working-Class District:By the late 19th century, Ashted, including Great Brooke Street, had undergone a significant social and physical transformation, evolving into a densely populated working-class district.2 The initial larger houses that had been built for the wealthier residents were either subdivided to accommodate multiple families or were gradually replaced by smaller dwellings more suited to the needs and financial means of the growing working population.2 This period also witnessed the construction of numerous back-to-back houses, a common form of working-class housing in Birmingham, built to maximize the use of land and provide accommodation for the rapidly expanding workforce.2 Historical evidence of this high density of housing in Ashted, including Great Brooke Street, can be found in the detailed Ordnance Survey maps produced during the late 19th century.8 These maps visually depict the close proximity of dwellings and the limited space between buildings, illustrating the area’s changing social and housing profile. The shift in the housing stock and the social composition of Great Brooke Street reflected the broader demographic changes occurring in Birmingham as it solidified its position as a major industrial centre, attracting a vast working-class population drawn by the promise of employment in its factories and workshops. The contrast between the initial “substantial houses” intended for the wealthy 2 and the later prevalence of “slum dwellings” and back-to-back houses 2 clearly illustrates this significant socioeconomic shift.
- 3.3. The Railway’s Impact:Further altering the environment of Ashted, including Great Brooke Street, was the construction of a railway viaduct in 1852.2 This significant infrastructure project was undertaken to raise the railway line to the level of the newly established New Street Station, a major hub for the expanding national rail network.2 The construction of this elevated railway line directly impacted the physical landscape of Great Brooke Street, introducing new elements of noise and vibration to the area. Moreover, the viaduct potentially created a physical division within the community, separating areas and affecting the flow of pedestrian and vehicular traffic. The presence of this substantial railway infrastructure would have further contributed to the transformation of Great Brooke Street from its initial conception as an elegant residential street to a more industrialized and densely populated urban thoroughfare.
- 3.4. Vauxhall Gardens: A Local Amenity:Despite the significant industrial and social changes that characterized the 19th century in Ashted, Vauxhall Gardens, located at the extremity of Great Brooke Street, continued to function as a local amenity.11 These gardens, noted for their tasteful layout, provided a space for leisure and entertainment, hosting concerts and displays of fireworks during the summer months.11 The continued presence of Vauxhall Gardens suggests that even as Great Brooke Street and the surrounding area transitioned into a predominantly working-class district, the street still served as a focal point for community life and social activity, offering residents a place for recreation and enjoyment amidst the urban environment.
4. The 20th Century: Decline, War, and Post-War Redevelopment:
- 4.1. Deterioration and the Path to Redevelopment:By the beginning of the 20th century, the housing conditions in Ashted, including Great Brooke Street, had significantly deteriorated. The area was characterized by high population density and a substantial proportion of dwellings were classified as slums.2 While some initial efforts at slum clearance were undertaken after World War I, a more comprehensive approach was deemed necessary to address the widespread issues of inadequate and unsanitary housing.2 In 1937, a large swathe of Duddeston and Nechells, encompassing Ashted, was officially designated as a Redevelopment Area by the local authorities.2 This designation formally recognized the urgent need for significant urban renewal in the district due to the dire living conditions faced by many residents. However, the outbreak of World War II in 1939 necessitated the postponement of these ambitious redevelopment plans until the cessation of hostilities.2 The official designation of Ashted as a Redevelopment Area underscores the severity of the housing crisis and the commitment of the local authorities to address it through comprehensive urban renewal initiatives in the post-war era.
- 4.2. The Scars of War:World War II had a devastating impact on many urban areas in Britain, and Ashted in Birmingham was no exception. The area suffered significant damage during the conflict, most notably the destruction of Ashted Chapel by German bombing.2 This chapel, originally converted from Dr. John Ash’s house and opened in 1791, held significant historical and architectural value as one of the earliest landmarks within the Ashted Estate, directly linked to the origins of Great Brooke Street.2 Following the extensive damage sustained during the war, Ashted Chapel was eventually demolished in 1956, marking a major loss for the area’s physical landscape and collective memory. The destruction of this historical and architectural landmark represents a pivotal moment in the history of Great Brooke Street and the surrounding district, signifying a profound alteration to the area’s identity.
- 4.3. The Transformation into Newtown:In the aftermath of World War II, the long-awaited post-war redevelopment of the designated areas, including Ashted, finally commenced.2 This period saw extensive demolition of the existing housing stock and the subsequent construction of a new housing estate known as Newtown (also referred to as Aston New Town).2 The planning principles guiding this redevelopment aimed to create a more modern and organized urban environment. A key aspect of this was the segregation of housing from industrial areas, with industry being strategically zoned to the west of Windsor Street, away from the new residential developments.2 The housing itself was characterized by lower density compared to the previous tightly packed back-to-back houses, with a significant portion of the new dwellings being constructed in multi-storey blocks.2 This marked a radical departure from the traditional terraced housing that had previously dominated the area. However, due to the lower density of the new housing, only approximately half of the original population of Ashted could be rehoused within the redeveloped Newtown estate.2 A photograph taken in early 1954 provides a valuable visual record of Great Brook Street in Duddeston before these extensive post-war changes, showcasing the older buildings that would soon be replaced by the modernist architecture of Newtown.18 This image offers a stark contrast to the high-rise developments that would come to define the area in the subsequent decades. The comprehensive redevelopment into Newtown fundamentally reshaped the physical and social fabric of the area around Great Brooke Street, replacing traditional housing with modernist high-rise architecture and establishing a new identity for the district.
- 4.4. Later Modifications to Newtown:As urban planning philosophies evolved, the initial vision for Newtown, characterized by its numerous multi-storey blocks, underwent further modifications. In the late 1990s, reflecting a shift in preferences towards lower-rise housing and addressing some of the social challenges associated with high-rise living, many of the tower blocks constructed in the 1960s and 1970s were replaced with new low-rise housing developments.2 This later phase of redevelopment indicates a reassessment of the initial post-war urban planning strategies and a move towards housing forms that were perceived as more conducive to community building and resident satisfaction.
5. Recent History and Redevelopment (Late 20th and 21st Centuries):
- 5.1. The Declining Use of “Ashted”:While the street name Great Brooke Street has persisted through the various transformations, the historical name “Ashted” for the district has largely fallen out of common usage.12 The area is now predominantly referred to as Newtown or is considered part of the broader Aston district, reflecting the significant changes in its urban landscape and identity since its initial development in the late 18th century.
- 5.2. Ongoing Regeneration Efforts in Aston:The wider Aston area, encompassing Newtown and Great Brooke Street, has continued to be a focus of urban regeneration efforts in recent decades. The “Aston Pride” project, implemented between 2001 and 2011, represented a significant £54 million investment aimed at improving various aspects of the community, including reducing crime, enhancing healthcare facilities, and increasing employment opportunities.14 This initiative demonstrates a sustained commitment to addressing the social, economic, and environmental challenges faced by the area. Furthermore, strategic planning for the future of Aston, Newtown, and Lozells has continued through frameworks such as the Area Action Plan (2012-2026).19 These plans provide a clear vision and strategy for ongoing regeneration and development, encompassing housing, employment, infrastructure, and community facilities, indicating a long-term perspective on the revitalization of the district that includes Great Brooke Street.
- 5.3. Contemporary Status and Future Prospects:The provided research material does not contain specific details regarding very recent redevelopment projects directly on Great Brooke Street itself. However, an examination of planning applications within the broader B6 postcode area, which includes Aston and Newtown, reveals ongoing development and change in the surrounding urban landscape.23 These applications suggest a continued evolution of the area, with potential for further transformations in the physical and social environment in the vicinity of Great Brooke Street. While specific details for the street itself are absent, the broader context indicates that it remains part of a dynamic urban environment subject to ongoing change and development.
6. Conclusion:
The history of Great Brooke Street in Birmingham is a compelling narrative of urban transformation, reflecting the city’s dynamic growth and evolution over more than two centuries. From its inception as a key element of the aspirational Georgian Ashted Estate, intended for the town’s burgeoning middle class, the street underwent a significant shift to become a densely populated working-class area in response to Birmingham’s rapid industrialization during the 19th century. The 20th century brought further dramatic changes, with the area around Great Brooke Street being extensively redeveloped after World War II into the Newtown estate, characterized by its modernist high-rise architecture. While later decades saw a partial return to lower-rise housing, the fundamental character of the district had been irrevocably altered. The story of Great Brooke Street mirrors the broader social, economic, and physical transformations that have defined Birmingham, from its early industrial prowess to its post-war urban renewal efforts. Despite these radical changes, the enduring presence of the street name itself serves as a tangible link to its 18th-century origins, a testament to the street’s foundational role within the planned Ashted Estate. As Birmingham continues to evolve in the 21st century, it is likely that Great Brooke Street and its surrounding areas will continue to adapt and change, reflecting the ongoing dynamics of urban life.
Table 1: Timeline of Key Events in the History of Great Brooke Street:
| Year |
Event |
| 1771 |
Dr. John Ash leases land for a prestigious house |
| 1787 |
John Brooke purchases the Ashted Estate for housing development |
| 1791 |
Ashted Chapel opens |
| 1799 |
Digbeth Branch Canal opens, impacting the character of Ashted |
| 1852 |
Railway viaduct constructed through Ashted |
| 1937 |
Ashted (part of Duddeston and Nechells) designated Redevelopment Area |
| 1939-1945 |
World War II and bombing of Birmingham |
| 1956 |
Ashted Chapel demolished |
| 1960s-1970s |
Newtown redevelopment with construction of tower blocks |
| Late 1990s |
Replacement of many tower blocks with low-rise housing |
| 2001-2011 |
“Aston Pride” regeneration project implemented in the wider area |
Significant Dates in 21st Century History
You can certainly identify one of these. What about the others? Hint: For some, think technology. Second Hint: Try asking AI facilities.
Come back next week for the answers.
11 September 2001
26 September 2006
9 January 2007
15 September 2008
3 March 2020
30 November 2022
Thanks to the following for comments and tips: Anonymous, Brenda Turner, Teresa, and Unknown.
7 pm: Discover the Ottawa Branch OGS Library, by Pam Cooper for OGS Ottawa Branch.
Further to Sunday’s note about the latest updates to Findmypast, I received the following additional information.