Alleys & Passageways of Birmingham

I started this thread on another forum and Winkle started a similar thread on another forum. I see no reason why we should not both contribute to another one here. With new contributors we may come across some new views.

My first photo photo is one of my favourites it shows a location known locally as "the gates". This was at 6 Spiceal St which was next to the original Woolworth's building. Just look at the date on that Arch 1780. Of course Herbert Manzoni couldn't wait to see the back of it in his 60's revamp of the Bull Ring.

Phil

Great photo Phil, I'll be looking out for some lost alleyways and such when I come up (hopefully) on Monday, thinking of going to the camera show at the NEC.

John

You must let me know if when you are coming up, and if it's possible in my part then we might be able to meet up for a short while for a coffee or even something a little stronger.

Phil

Phil, I'm coming up on Monday (7th) for 3 days only due to work load,would be nice to meet up with you on Tuesday, no alcohol I 'm driving ha ha.
Will ask Lyn if she would like to come.

Good idea Phil. Here's my first entry (no pun intended). Speaking Stile Walk. Ran between Holloway Head and Irving Street. Now swept away and I think occupied by posh new Town apartments. The name was said to reflect the echo like phenomenon that you got when shouting down the Walk. The Unicorn pub on the corner junction at Holloway Head may explain the occasions of 'shouting'...

On the above street map it shows St Thomas churchyard I have tried to google it with no luck is it still there?

June

June

St Thomas's was bombed out during world warII. The tower is still there and it has been joined by the colonnade from Broad St and is now renamed as the Peace Gardens. So of you type "Peace Gardens Birmingham" in to Google you might have more luck or try " Bath Row Birmingham " on Google Earth.

Phil

There are no gravestones standing, as it has been landscaped, but it is still an open space. for view from above go to http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source...001773&t=h&z=19
Mike

Another of my favourite alleys, Crooked Lane said to be one of the oldest streets in Birmingham. It originally ran from the Cherry Orchard, now St Phillips Churchyard to the Old Lamb House at the junction of High St, Dale End and Bull St. It has now disappeared completely under new development.

Phil

Cracking photos Phil, I wonder if the two ladies were asked to pose or were just there at the time, they seem a little too formal to be just strolling.

Thanks for your help Phil & Mike, I suppose all records were lost when St Thomas was bombed.
June

John

It looks that way doesn't it? Shame but I don't suppose either of them are still with us.

June

There is a chance that the records for St Thomas's are on file at Birmingham Central Library. you could take a look here
http://warwickshire-info.pwp.blueyonder....s_marriages.htm

Phil

Not really a street, road. passageway or alleyway, but I reckon more feet have tramped their way through here than most other streets of Birmingham. I know I staggered (staggered being the operative word) through here many a night on the way from the Crown heading toward the Ringway (Pink Elephant) Club. Sometimes pausing for a coffee & a pie at Alex's to help sober up for the next session. It is of course the subway under Smallbrook Ringway.

Phil

Posted by phil

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Not really a street, road. passageway or alleyway, but I reckon more feet have tramped their way through here than most other streets of Birmingham. I know I staggered (staggered being the operative word) through here many a night on the way from the Crown heading toward the Ringway (Pink Elephant) Club. Sometimes pausing for a coffee & a pie at Alex's to help sober up for the next session. It is of course the subway under Smallbrook Ringway.

Phil

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Those pictures must have been taken in it's very earl days Phil. If they were taken when that underpass was much older even the pictures would smell like a toilet.

SB

I'm sure when the subway first opened there were toilets in the subway. There certainly were outside the Crown (if you had the courage to use them) The Council in their unique wisdom closed all the public toilets down over the years. What did they expect when the clubs emptied out in the early hours of the morning after the crowds inside had been pouring drinks down their throats all night.

Phil