i lived in charles road bordesley green end from 1942 to1948 my dad leslie albert jukes was born at 28 bordesley green before his parents married ellen sherlock lived at 24 and her husband to be lived at 28 his mothers house miss kate burnes an irish woman married george jukes a plater he was a wine woman and song man and ran home to his fathers house at 38 because he had 40 000 coming to him he was not spoken
of again his father paid for his grandsons education at king edwards grammer school one of which was leonard jukes they were the off springs to joseph and ann jukes joseph was born in wolverhampton in 1730
be fore that the family came from dudley further back to ludlow castle richard and john born 15 07 within the castle b efore that sempringham hide hall befor taking the name jukes was joselinas flanders and
france yes we are more royal than the queen and i was born in brum

My grandadwas born 1889 mom stonelane 1915 sprakbrook 1st war coleman harrison ron ballsheath hand bookies.runner for wilson bookies mole st

my great grand mother Katherine burns was irish from Waterford she lived and worked at the garrison lane pub
would have been from 1870 to 1900 she died at no 28 Bordesley green in 1921 she was then mrs jukes
married to George mother of George leonard and others whom he left when he came into money from his father at 38 they never saw him again he spent 40,000 on wine women and dressed like a dandy
he lived till he was 104 at living in that area but we seen him on the bus going to see his son leonards grave in Alvechurch in 1950
that money was made through button manufacturing in Birmingham joseph jukes came from Wolverhampton 1750 went to the merchant school in Wolverhampton
kate as she was known her father was an irish tenant farmer that’s how they ended up in Birmingham like so many other familys

I lived in my grandparents shop Keatleys on the corner of Coventry Rd and Henshaw rd
I was born 1942 and after the grandparents
Herbert Keatley and Ada Dunne died mum and dd ran the shop… They were Charlie and Ciss Keatley. I went to. St benedicts school then Harrison barrow grammar school Acocks green
Coventry rd was my world as a child opposite was Jack Dawes and his dad’s second hand stall
George Taylor s garage a sweet shop my grandmother also owned and we lived in in the war. Maurice caswell was opposite on Henshaw Rd and a painter and decorator
Down the road towards Cyril Rd was Sammy cheslers furniture shop.. Dad’s competitor yet they were good friends
Dr Feast was our doctor
We left for Solihull in 1954 but kept the shop on till the 70s

Mary Ette bee Keatley

Curly Knight was my Great Grandfather. He was a Rag and Bone Man and came from Next door to the Anchor Pub. Les Rose you are my Dad Tom Jennings Cousin. Tony Knight you are my relative! Thomas Joseph Knight was married to Roseanna Selina Ross. They Had Thirteen Children. Violet Knight my great Aunt being the youngest! I remember Les Rose coming to see my family when we lived at Granddad Bill Jennings House in Plowden Road. Glebe Farm. You came along with your Mum my Great Aunt Violet. She was my late Nan’s baby sister! Nan Beatrice Anne Knight died at 43 in 1943 after catching Pneumonia after recovering from TB. Nan Beatrice had six Children. My Father Thomas Charles her eldest child. Margaret, Twins Billy and Joyce and then James. The last child was Anthony Terence Jennings. I never knew my Grandmother Beatrice but we were very close to her Sister Lily, who
Married Joe Osborne. Gt. uncle Joe died at age 58 and his wife Lily went on to live to the Grand old age of 101.5 years! Lil and Joe had two daughters Marlene and Patricia. My Granddad Bill Jennings was President of the local British Legion in Neachly Grove, Glebe Farm. I remember Dad telling me he loved the Glebe when he moved there as it was the Countryside in 1933. He said it was such a big change from the inner City area and he said he felt rich because it was such a change for him and all his siblings! A week before he died in 2017 my Father told me his Dad was also a Peaky Blinder! A secret he had kept all his life! My Father Tom was in the RAF from 1941 in Air Sea Rescue. He used to tell me of his adventures. He had danced with a Persian Princess! Been the guest at a Maharaja’s Elephant Stables. He was stationed all over India. Africa. The Middle East and Burma and Malaysia. He even went to the Himalayas. He said he was a lucky man as he never got shot at even though he was an Air Gunner and Wireless Operator on special Rescue operations! He said God was kind to him but not so to others and he like many people in WW11 lost many friends on Rescue missions. He Flew in 212 Squadron and 240 squadron during his time in the RAF. He also did work for two weeks in POW camps in Ceylon. He said it was heart breaking! Dad came from
Watery Lane. He told me he was a fighter from the age of five years of age! He said if a boy had a pretty girl on his arm he would fight the lad for her! I smiled when he told me!

I was born 1964 in watery lane, Small Heath to a Elizabeth Nicol and William Nicol people used to call him Nick. I have 2 older brothers Paul and Ian and a younger sister called Gillian. I would of only been approx. 4yrs before we were moved to Chelmsley Wood Housing estate before they knocked down all the back to back houses. So my question is does anyone remember the Nicol’s. One of my few memories are huddled around the open fire (no Guard) washing hanging off the mantlepiece with mum knitting I would of been 3yrs and my sister 1yrs whilst my brothers 5yrs and 7yrs went off to school in the snow to St Andrews. I also remember we had a massive bonfire close to the houses where all the kids used to place on it and make dens.

Stumbled upon this site, hailing from Canada. Have been doing family research mostly for my husbands family. They were from Birmingham area. Small Heath comes up often. Our mystery man is (husband’s grandfather) Harry Ryder, B. 1904, at Bertha Road to Annie Rydas Davis and Harry Rydas Davis…Harry Ryder called Hannah Ryder (later married Tom Mills) his mom. He had 2 half-sisters who were given to the Barnardo Home 1908 and were emigrated to Canada 1909 by the home. He emigrated to Canada in 1927. Reading all your comments gives us some perspective on what life was like the early 1900’s. If anyone has any info on the Rydas name or what could be the explanation of Harry ending with the Ryder family name we would be greatful for some insight. We are stumped. Harry passed away 1965…a few months after my husband was born. Thank you.

Does anyone have any information on violet and Tom munn from the garrison lane area during 1930’s. I was told they were Irish Gypsies. They also used the name booth and grimley. My garadmother maiden name is Shirley munn btw

My Great Grandfather I believe was a peaky, his name was William (Billy) Moore, he was into money, betting and loans. I would be interested to know if anyone had a connection or remembers hime.

I have recently uncovered that my great grandfather is Tommy Knight from Small Heath(though he changed his name often) and was one of the leaders of the Peaky Blinders. He was the youngest of 3 brothers and had two children Rose Knight (my grandmother) and Ken Knight to Mary Janetta (Known as Janet) who lived with their mothers grandparents (presumably due to the violence?). His family ran a rag market in the town. He spent a lot of his time in the army, and once disappeared to India. My nan said Tommy was a really kind man, and disillusioned with the police not doing anything about poor people being robbed, decided to make his own police. She said the razor blades in the caps were real, and they would use them to take the eye out of anyone who looked at stealing from the poor. I’ve not watched the series or read any books on the subject so I don’t really know much about it all, I’ll be doing some more research and my mum is trying to find photos of her grandad to see how much matches up. Anyone with information regarding Tommy Knight, could you pop me a message on facebook? http://www.facebook.com/hannahlisaprice

Does anyone have any info on the Grayland family? They lived in and around Small Heath and Garrison Lane. My Great Grandmother – Clara (?) Wood – ran a cafe in Bordesley that used to be frequented by the Peaky Blinders. Her daughter (my Grandma) Ellen Elizabeth Grayland remembered the violence clearly.
There seems to be a Grayland Close in Acocks Green (where the family moved out to) which fascinates me! If anyone has any information at all, I’d be so gratetful. My father, William Grayland, is no longer here and I can’t ask him.

Does anyone have any information regarding a family called Edwin? They lived at Temple Terrace, Cooksey Road. My gran Annie Sarah was born there in 1908. Her parents were Alfred Charles and Elizabeth. Elizabeth died when my gran was 3.

My family are the hawkins .grandad used to have the horses under the railways archs.my mom is marjorie. With her brothers and sisters june jean carole ray and dennis hawkins.

Am watching the series on Netflix.
Love the series. Live in Canada now. But lived on Stratford Rd on the opposite side to where the Angel Pub was/is which was mentioned in one of the episodes.
Have really enjoyed reading all the blogs which I happened to stumble on.

Born in Birmingham, now living in Australia. Love these blogs. Does anyone have a photograph of the pavement artist that used to sit in Eden Place in the 1950’s. His name was Jim McKenna. He wore a black eye patch and always had his little dog with him.

My Granddad was Bob Lowe, also known as Harry Lowe. He was a tailor living on Coventry Road, St. Andrew’s end, behind the police station. He was quite a well known tailor in the early 1900s. He also used to take bets which my mum, as a little girl, had to take to someone round the back, he even took them from the policemen next door.
My dad’s eldest brother, Len Wilson, was a bookmaker too.
We left Small Heath in 1958, just after I was born and all of them are now gone so I have none to ask about them. Would love to know if we had any Peaky Blinder connections or from anyone who has heard of either of them. Proud to be a Small Heathen at last !!

Robert Morris lived at 24avondale road spArkbrook with his wife Mary and 10 children he was married to a Mary Ann strong who at one time lived at warstock farm her father Jonas strong had a haulage company and she had a brother Charles big family secret never spoken about til quite recently Robert Morris was supposed to have killed a policeman in a fight over a horse he disappears off the face of the earth turning up in Ruthin his place of birth under the name of Robert parry known locally as parry the saddler his wife and children followed him and he died in 1940 and was buried as Robert Morris I have found a newspaper report of a court hearing at acocks green 8th March 1907 Robert Morris a horse breaker of Avondale road sparkhill had not responded to his bail on the dual charge of drunks was and assaulting the police his poor neighbour from 69 Avondale road a woodcarver stood bail for him for £10 also found some reports in Birmingham daily gazette Robert Morris probably his son of green lane small Heath incident after hall green races carcass of a horse supposed to be picked up for slaughtere he sold it to a farmer to feed his pigs Does anyone have any connections to any of these families and could any of them be of gypsy descent many thanks for reading this

The strong family trying to find any information on Charles strong born 1872 in 1924 he was living in Vauxhall grove off Vauxhall road as a haulier for Jonas strong Ltd he also had premises in viaduct street in the city could this if been a scrap yard could he be the Charlie strong the peaky blinders character is based in ??

I’m looking for family members. My grandmother was Evelyn Grace Hawkins, I believe she lived in artillery Street, small heath in the 1900s. She left the area to become a officer in the then fledgling salvation army. The rest of the family stayed in small heath. Last known relatives in the area were Rose Gillett (née hawkins) and Elsie Hawkins. Thanks for any help.

Update . My Grandad Samuel job. Was born in 1907. And his dad was called (Sam Job) he was 21 when his son ! My Grandad was born. Making him born in 1886. ? Now he was the Coalman who delivered coal in sacks. They had a yard at the back of there own home in Garrison. But the interesting story is my Great Great Grandad was the guy who challenged a Bareknuckle fight with the world Champion John l Sullivan. Known as the Boston boy. He was irish American. And on his tours of Great Britain. He used to offer prize money for fights. This is 100% Original story . Passed down through family. Now if anyone knows the Job family from small heath. Get in touch. My email is ( Philljob@mail.com) my Grandad before war helped his dad on coal deliverys till war. Then his brothers Jack Job and Charles job and Richard Job known as Dickie job. Spread out and made there own lives. Thanks

Hi, bit of a long shot, but would anyone remember if there was a scrapyard on Witton Street, a little yard right next door to the Garrison Pub, pictures of the road or any information would be great.

We lived on Heather Road in Small Heath 44years ago, I worked in Haymills for a good 25years for my Dads Haulage and construction company.

Just love the Peaky Blinders with all their references to places I know off!! lovely reading all your stories too,

My family Name is (JOB) My Grandads Dad run a Coal business in that area of Aston from early 1900s. All the way upto the 1950s-1960s. My Grandad was Samuel Job. The oldest brother of quiet a few Brothers working for there dad who’s business it was .running it from the back of there family yard. Does anyone know my family. As I lost late grandads younger brother (Charles Job) A Great man who my dad thought alot of. And when he died my dad lost apart of him. Any info of our history old great. I know my Great Grandad new the real peaky blinders. And drank in the Garrison pub with them. If this helps.

I lived in Bolton Road, Small Heath as a kid in the early 60’s. My parents owned the little hardware shop at number 395, Bolton Road. I wonder if anyone remembers it? We were quite a big family, my mum was called Kath and ran the shop. My dad was Fred. I had two brothers at the time, Tony and Derek, and two sisters, Ann and Margaret. My surname is Fox and our shop had my mums name over the front window “K.M.Fox”. I would love to hear from anyone who remembers it. There was also a newsagents a few doors down run by Geoff and Pauline, and a greengrocers run by a lady called, I think, Doreen. I started school at the Goodwin School, which I seem to remember was on Jenkins Street. My back garden used to back onto a huge “bomb site”, which is where all the local kids played and hung out. Occasionally we would go to Farm Park, Small Heath park, or the swimming baths on Green lane. Happy memories. I am a life long Blues supporter but moved to Kent but am very interested in the history of the area. I would love to hear from anyone who knew any of my family. We were there from 60-64. Great site, keep up the good work!

My mother tells me she was born in a pub called the malt shovel up by the blues ground run by my great grandad does anyone know anything about the pub please.

I was born in Reginald Road, Alum Rock in April 1951. My Dad, Reg (Jessie) James often talked about people who had razor blades in the front of their hats to be used in fights. He used to drink in the Black Horse Pub, Small Heath and I remember sitting outside many times waiting for him to come out. As a very young child I also remember going to Green Lane Swimming Baths where the smell of chlorine was almost overpowering. I did an electrical apprenticeship at Walter J. Parsons in Heathmill Lane at the back of the Old Crown Pub which I think is the oldest in Birmingham. Much of my time was spent working at the BSA and the Austin. I attended Alston Road School from the age of 4 years 4 months to 15. The only one who has taken any time to get the accent even remotely right is Tommy and he reminds me of my late brother, Freddie, who also used to get up to some dubious acts. I am pleased that the history of Birmingham is being shown in this way and hope that someone can renovate the old pubs etc. because I for one would like to visit what is left my past again. If anyone remembers me, Billy James or any of my quite large family by today’s standards, but not then, Julie, Freddie, Joyce, Reggie, Marion, Billy (me), Robert, Brian, Barbara and my Mom, Nancy (maiden name Gosling) I would love to hear from you. We all need to be proud of our heritage because Birmingham was responsible for a huge amount of very important industry. Best Wishes. Bill James.

Loving new series of Peaky Blinders. I was born in WateryLane in 1957. We lived in my grandads house John Smith. My mum Irene married Cal Dolphin. He went to Ada rd school and Tilton rd. they got married in St Andrews church. My mum was great friends with an Alice Ward, love to know if she’s still around.

I was born in 1959 and lived at 302 Garrison Lane, we lived there until 1969/70 when the homes were demolished for slum clearance and moved to Warstock (out of the frying pan into the fire) no only joking, both districts were fine with nice people. My parents came from Galway and Limerick. I can remember enough to fill a phone look about Garrison Lane, it was grim and everything was grey and dirty, we had a great adventure playground, sometimes dangerous but always fun, no one had told mum’s to not let their kids out to play in those days. There were lots of crazy old ladies, I realise now that they had lost all of their family’s in the war. There were no nicedogs, all ofthe dogs would wander the streets and wanted to kill you. The people were nice in a rough earthy way, there ware certainly no ex-wing commanders living around here only cannon fodder and the war was not that long over and the area had not yet been tidied up so lots of bombed houses for us to play on, digging through the rubble for treasures that we could sell to the local shop keeper. Happy memories

My family (Ellis’s and also Harwood’s) in Small Heath area from at least middle 1800’s. Garrison Lane, Artillery Street , Miles Street and Lawden Road and in Greet. My Uncle Charlie used to run an illegal back entry bookies from Miles Street. My dad, (John Ellis) as a young kid, used to take the bets at the bottom of the entry.. He always had to go into town about 10/11pm on saturday nights to get the Sunday Mercury so Charlie could check the winners. The Ellis family are still bookies on the course meetings today. My GGrandfather used to live in a road (which I’ve forg0tten the name of) , was knocked down to build St. Andrews, and then renamed Tilton Road.

does anyone know of the cafe in watery lane near the brittania works or witton street end? I believe my relation marie? owned or worked in it. her husband was called alf.

Just discovered my Grandfather emigrated from England due to worries he and or his cousins would get involved with the gangs. Anyone remember the Shickles? Lived there until early 1920’s. An uncle owned a pub is my understanding

Any one who lived in Miles street Bordesley Birmingham?

cant believe what i hhave read here, my dad was Edward Fredrik Teen from cooksy road born 1912, his dad was a tram driver, dad had 2 sisters maude and i think ellsie? he maried a girl from stoke on trent Dorethy, and lived in diferent houses throuhg the war, i was born in 1944, 1 year befor the end, at 116 green lane, and my god mother and farther glladys and gorge medows lived next door 118 green lane, throughout the war dad was a plumber fitter at the bsa, he worked permanent nights but his boss said ted go on days for a bit and have time wwith the wife an kids, that night dad at home and the bsa was hit, flat i was told when older, my dad would never talk about it, never, my mom told me that night they decided to go down into the celler and not the shelter out back, very heavey bombing , the shelter got hit, the house was shaking she said, morning came and when they try to go out the back there was a very big bomb stiking out the ground were the kitchen was, but never exploded, but she always said what a great crod of people they were there in small heath, every thing looked better after a cup of tea, we were moved to pollard rd,. acocks green after that, ,

I wonder if any one remembers my grand parents Edward and Alice Jones who lived in Parliament st mothers name was Emily I was born in there front room in 19 36 then lived in cooksey rd which was bombed in the war

Hi Ray.
My sister told me she used to spend time with your wife and her sister Susan.did they have a brother too.
Your sister Susan went to school with me.
I remember you have a brother Peter I used to drink in the garrison with his girlfriend and my ex.
You also had a brother Graham.
Do you remember the galliots and Michael Truman. Also the Powell’s.
The Irish family the folans lived at the top of Gordon street we all seemed to know so many families those days.
People don’t know how good the 50s and 60s were such a nice place to live.
Mary.

Ray.
Think I’ve got you would you be Moore and your wife Coles
If I am right remember you if not what are your surnames

Hi Ray.
Yes I did marry a standley Arthur.
And divorced almost 30 years ago
I also remember JFKs death but not as much as my sister Carol who was older.
Ray where were you living at the time.
I think I remember you but the age of 62 it was a long time ago.
I think they are doing the garrison up as last time I passed it had scaffold up
I do hope so as I was born there and hate to think it would be demolished.
It’s my only claim to game.
Regards Mary

Hi sian.
My dad Fredrick did have a sister called lillian she was married to arch and they had three children Vincent Leah and Roy they were Reilly. Roy was a coalman
Known as kenning and Reilly
My dad had lillian sister brother Albert and brother Harry.
If you need any more info let me know.
Mary

I am seeking anyone who has knowledge of a Neville Collins, known to have lived at 188 Charles Street, Small Heath around 1960’s. I would be grateful of any news. My family lived in the area for many years and I have found memories of back to back housing and Anderson shelters, left after World War II.

hello – I have a picture of my grandad taken outside the ‘ Albert Thorne’ pub, an Ansells pub. The ‘regulars’ are all lined up outside – including the barman – taken about 1920 – does anyone know where that pub was maybe Unit street – I’m from Lozells – it could be round Hockley Brook somewhere. My uncle Eddie Cutler ran the ‘White Swan’ in town – an old bloke used to come in that everyone deferred to – he was known as ‘old Joe Kimber’ is he the Kimber of the peakies fame [ which is mostly bullshit by the way] my cousin was Johnny Prescott – anybody know [knew] that crew- cheers

My Parents lived in Small Heath, Birmingham in 1940’s – I know this is a long shot, but does anyone remember them? Mother: Kathleen “Kay” Glennon, born Dublin 1916, she worked as a Waitress in Birmingham, may have lived at Charles Road, Small Heath with Mrs Barbara Clayton; and 11a Park Hill, Moseley in a Flat. Had 3 children: Barbara, Michael and myself, Sheila. Left Birmingham 1951. My Father: Frederick Fitzsimons, born County Meath, Ireland 1921, may have worked as a Bus Conductor, but not certain of this. As far as I know he and my Mother never married. He returned to Ireland around 1949 or 1950. I am trying to piece their lives together, as there is no one left to answer my questions. Any help would be very much appreciated. (Mum spent 10 months in Dudley Road Hospital Infirmary after my Birth, as we were both very ill, so maybe someone who was in hospital with her may remember, or any of the staff from that time.) It would mean a great deal to me to solve a few mysteries. Many thanks.

I am trying to find out about my Dad,Albert Haynes,he was born 1/03/1909 at 109 Palace Road, Small Heath and attended Little Green Lane School he went on to work at the gas works .His Moms maiden name was Sarah Jane Rose and his Dad was John Haynes , he had a brother Arther and a sister Rose.He moved to Sheldon in 1938 when he married my Mom Winifred Hassall from Kingsheath.I would be so gratefull for any imformation about my Dad or any of his extended family as i keep hitting brick walls.Barbara

What a fascinating blog. Just stumbled across it while surfing net for stuff. I myself spent many hours playing in Garrison Park during the 70’s. I didn’t live in the area but my Mom ran the High Stool Café situated on Watery Lane from around 1970 – 1980 when it was demolished to widen the road. The site where it stood is now occupied by Halfords. My Dad had a scrap yard opposite Cannings Factory and I remember there was a small shop that sold papers and biscuits. Also there was a haberdashery shop on the corner of I think little barr street. Quite often I would walk down Tilton road after getting off the bus on Kingston Hill. If I remember there was an old picture house that was turned into a bingo hall? My dad was born in Palmer Street flats and I know that my Grandad and great uncles were born around there and brought up in the area. My great uncle Tommy committed suicide by jumping from the canal bridge on Garrison Lane (so I’m told) My granddad was born in the late 1800’s early 1900’s so maybe he was around there at the time of the Peaky Blinders. My Dad was born in 1924 but sadly died in 1971 so unable to give me any details of how life was for him as I was only 9 at that time. My family name was Sansom.

Ray.
I agree with you as my mom and dad kept the Garrison from the 50s to the mid 60s.
The people were proud people never asked for hand outs worked hard in very hard jobs.
Every Sunday wore the Sunday best. The steps were all scrubbed and the pavements washed Monday was wash day in the back to back houses and the washing done by hand in the wash house. The washing was spotless
Loved the ladies.
All made a fuss of us kids gave you what they had even though they didn’t have much.
Proud to be from Garrison lane
Mary

garrison lane was a dirty filthy place to live in the 1950s my step grt gand mother still lived there then
mrs Sherlock her house was dark inside and every one had a tin bath hooked onto the wall out side there front doors , it must have been a status simble to have a tin bath
although they came from the lowest of the low they never swore I never heard my grand parents say a nasty word

Hi carole,
Lovely to know Teresa and pauline
Keep in touch,
I would love to meet up after Christmas
It is a bit hectic in the silly season
And working in London it’s awful
The Garrison tavern has scaffolding around it
I hope it’s being done up as the pub I was bought up in and not being pulled down will keep an eye on it in the next few weeks.
Have a great Christmas and good new
Year.
Can’t wait to catch up
Mary

Mary twins said to say hello just now. Been in touch with Teresa. And a Merry Christmas to you too.
Carole

Hi carole
To meet up would be great live near hunters moon just let me know day and time.
Mary

Hi carole.
Nice to hear all the news about the girls.
It’s was Colin and he married sue batts
Who was in our class too. They live in Devon.
So great to hear where everyone is in the world.
I am in hodge hill area.
The art teachers where miss hyatt
And miss Williams.
Pat was the one I taught to run.
Cathy the twins and me spent alot of time at the twins house.
The Garrison is still boarded up just hope they don’t pull it down.
Did you go to the juniors of tilton I loved Mr Turner made me the runner l should of been.
Are you in the area still as everyone is so far away thanks for the update on the whereabouts of the class. I meet Debbie when she was married to a friend of mines brother but that was in the mid 70s it must be 45 years or more since we all saw each other.
So great to hear
Thanks Mary

Hi carole.
You may remember me my mom kept the Garrison tavern in the 50s to the 60s I was at Garrison lane school great little school and then on to tilton rd school for girls with miss harding as our head.
I have live in the area all my life the apple never falls far from the tree.
The life style was hard but great loved living in the Garrison alot of things in there dated back to the tv show.
The street I grew up the mothers watch us play till it went dark and we all played together.
Such a great time.
I was at school with Debby hickin the twins Teresa and pauline and cathy wade to name just a few.
Miss bowden was our teacher.
Great times nice to know you still OK.
Mary

I have only just started watching this programme on netfix but was fascinated by it from the start. I was born in Small Heath in Glover Street and went to Tilton Road School from the age of 5 to 16 so know the area well. Moved to Ronald Road Bordesley Green aged five so know Denbeigh Street well and lots of my school friends lived in or just off Garrison Lane. The area is still full of great schools and buildings. Spent many happy hours at Green Lane swimming baths and the library there. Recall the back to backs down cattle road and Maxstoke Street and of course visited the Blues ground often. What very very happy times. Carole

We lived in lime grove ,Venetian road in the early 50s My grandmother had a cottage on the tip at the top of venetia road before it was a tip of course. Has anyone got any old photos of venetia or tilton road.my father’s family lived in stilton road ,his dad was Fred B al l. .

what great memories of Bordesley green ( DenbighStreet)

My nan and grandad had a grocers shop the corner of Coventry Road and Watery Lane, number 68 from memory, up until around 1968. Her name was Violet Robinson, she had 7 children and one of the daughters, my aunt Barbara married the green grocers son next door Frank….mr mrs Davies. My dad Peter Fisher worked for a time in the garage in Watery Lane. His mom Mrs Dorothy Fisher had a shop just under the bridge on Bolton Road, and then later to Arthur Street. We were brought up with tales of the old days, but never realised how violent they really were. I also remember the paper shop just before the digbeth flyover….Mr Mrs Bates, there was a pub, betting office and a tat shop.
I remember being told my Nans brother or father had a pub in the Digbeth area, and one night people came in and shot the place up…..makes my life seem pretty boring!

This is a fascinating piece. I was born, and lived at, 3 Park Villas until I was sixteen.
One question: where were the Corporation Baths?

I lived in Garrison lane no 342 from 1944 till 1950 went to Tilton road school my cousins lived few doors up Ann and Alan Carter , my father was a professional boxer and Trainer Billy Davies he fought Randolph Turpin and was trainer to Johnny Prescott , we moved out to a prefab in Tile Cross , my Grandad and nan also lived in Garrison lane and ran a cafe there they moved on to run the Lights pub in Hospital street just off Summer lane , remember all the back to back houses in both area’s

Hello I have been reading all the comments which I found so interesting
I live in Western Australia near Perth ,the last 18 years ,now age 82

I was born in Cookesy rd small Heath Birmingham ,we moved to Little green Lane , then to Deakins rd south Yardley , my mother , Mrs Laura Brough and her four youngest ,Lily, Raymond then Me Joan and our little sister Doreen ,age four , we went to Red hill School , then evacuated to Evesham ,later to South Wales
Would any one remember us ?
Doreen and I had a double wedding ,married in 1953 , my husband Ron Hunter ,sadly passed away
Lived in Boresley Green, Botha road
I have not seen this T V series , do hope it comes to W A ?

Hi

My great grandfather John Docker was a gunsmith and lived in Little Barr Street, is there anyway I can find old photos of that street from around 1900 to 1945? I have been down their in the past few years and I still can see victorian buildings but I would love to see it how my Great Grandfather would have in his time x

My Nan and Grand dad used to live in one of the flats on Garrison Lane – from the late 1940’s – 1970 – they were Rose & Bert Tribe – they had two daughters – Shirley and Linda (does any one know them)? my Mom Shirley went to Tilton Road girls school – my mom passed away in January 2012. I’m sure my nan used to work at Rene’s sweet shop. I have fond memories of catching the 61 buzz from Sheldon to the Coventry Road and walking through the back yard to my nan and grandads flat . Peaky blinders bought back happy memories.

i lived in watery lane at 4/211 from 1954 to 1966 and have found it so interesting and being reminded of all the shops,places and local names i went to ada rd infants and secondary schools and remember school sports days on the blues pitch.my aunt lived in wolsley st so spent a lot of my childhood around garrison lane SO PROUD TO BE FROM SMALL HEATH…

I lived at 4/192 Watery lane in the yard where my nan, two aunties & uncles also lived. In the series Peaky Blinders reference is made to numbers 5 & 6 Watery Lane. Does anyone remember Gaunts sweet shop? I went to St. Andrews school & we had our sports days on the Blues pitch. Dad worked at Hadens for years. Does anyone remember the Mustin family, there were quite a few of us? I absolutely love love love Peaky Blinders.

Hi, just found this by accident! Very interesting info. I am researching my husbands side and his great grandparents ran a shop 146/148 Garrison Lane for about 20 years 1890 ish to 1911 when I believe the son in law took over. Not coming from that side of town does anyone remember this address and I believe it was just a short way from the Garrison pub (no 110)? Regards jayne

I used to go to the outdoor at the sided on the late 60’s with my nan when I was younger & living in Garrison Street. She would stand at the hatch with bottles to fill up & she would have a crafty half whilst we were waiting
I attended St.Andrews school as well up to when I left for Marlborough Juniors happy days
My Mom worked at Cannings & my Nan worked at Maxstoke street as a cleaner but don’t remember the company she worked for. She would always mention blokes as he’s a blinder & didn’t really know what she meant but now I do
looking forward to the new series tonight

My grandparents were living at 8 Bordesley Street at the end of WW1 when my grandad was demobbed from the army. I see from Google that the house is still standing, next door to a cafe.

Hi, I find this fascinating. My grandparents were born and died in Millward Street Small Heath, My gran at 18 and My granddad at 17. They lived together at 26 after getting married in the early thirties. My mom and her brothers lived there during WW11 and tell many stories of the blitz Blinko was the family name, unusual enough for some to remember perhaps?. My gran remembered the Peaky Blinders, the Sheldons, I think, were in this area. I can remember going to the Betting shop with my granddad just after it became legal. Kids still had to wait outside though, unless you were my granddads granddaughter, then you sat on the counter!

I live in Adelaide , Australia, but born 1950 in Birmingham at Loveday St Maternity Hospital left the UK in 1973. I watch the Peaky Blinders series. I wish I could talk to my Dad about the show, he’s been dead 20 years. he grew up in Small Heath. His name was Howard John Ealing. Birmingham Cityt Football club was his team. He co-owned an Upholstery Business in Bordesley Green called GH Brewer B’Ham LTD. If anyone has any info on my dad or his family let me know. dad born 1907.

Ray
I had a brother called Keith and a sister Carol and hazel worked in the garrison with mom after dad died in 1957
I bet you remember the old piano in the garrison and the nights when they all sang for hours.
Mom always had the music on and when bits and peices by Dave Clark five was played every one stamped on the floor till she made us take it off, some of the regulars in the 60s where Bernard Warner and Andy capp also the divied between the bars had post cards on the customers had sent very funny ones.
Also remember Harry hunts greengrocers.
The people in the day’s then we’re not well off but everyone had time for you, moms up the rd in the wash houses in the lane doing the washing many times running between the lines of pure white sheets in the yards behind odens shop the smell of washing now brings it all back
Do you remember the pop. Shop with the one armed bandits in on st Andrews rd pop was. Awfull but us kids loved it
Mary

Does anyone remember ‘Bassetts Ranch’ on Garrison Lane, owned by George Longbottom, sometimes called Bassett? He was my grandfather, liked to be called Boak, and he was a green grocer. He loved his horses and bare fist boxing! He sold the house on Garrison Lane about 1940.

my family on my fathers side The JUKES AND SHERLOCKS AND GEARYS lived in Garrison lane
my great grand mother was an irish girl she lived and worked at a pub in Garrison lane kate burns
married george jukes she had 5/6 children off him this is the person who they put into pinky blinders
dad used to say there was some hard people around I remember going down there to see my step grt grand mother mrs sherlock , there was a tin bath out side every house hung on the wall it was rough
this was in the late 40s
the other grt grandmother was emma geary who married george sherlock she died at about 42 leaving my grandmother at 12 to see to her brothers and sister this was in 1902
her daughter ellen was my grandmother she married leonard jukes when both familys were living on bordesly green in 1914
my father was born at 28 bordesly green my brother was born in charles rd I was born in Lordswood nursing home harborne because a bomb had hit charles rd the night before
were my grandfathers did his signwriting and tilton road school next door were my dad went to school its all gone just as though these familys who made birmingham never existed.
my Uncle who had come for work from south wales in the early 30s to birmingham was cliff coombes
whos family has prosperd from birmingham he was the uncle of my mother mary stephens who s marraige to my father who owned jukes and curiton advertising in birmingham gave her a good standard of living she came from south wales as well to work in another cousin of her fathers
off license shop while they had there good jobs in birmingham cliff took her away from that house as the had galloping consumption off there mother who had just died from it
she was lucky she met dad just at this time 1936 she was 18 and married into a middle class family
the jukes in 1745 came to birmingham from wolverhamton and dudley our side were button makers
they made money then went into other trades bsa trains enginers art work brass gun making doctors wifes of solicitrs and the first lord mayor of dudley first heard of in this area after the normans in london essex married into the joselyne family of bourne lincolnshire and hide family
alice duke married thomas hide about 1430 they were all normans
thats why john jukes became squire of bordesly 1830s about

geolagists enamalers

I was born in the garrison tavern in 1953 my mom and dad kept the garrison from about 1952 to 1964 Phil and Fred Glastonbury my memory of the garrison and living there is wonderful l went to garrison lane school then on to tilton rd.
My best friend was Jan. Who lived In the shop next door Rene’s many happy memories playing in the street while the moms watched us till it got dark. zala’s chippy massy newspaper shop
53 bus to town lovely times,

Hi
I live in Coventry I am researching my family ancestry and I would be interested to know about the following families if you have any information, Turner of Aston Birmingham connection to Birming Small Arms from 1800’s to 1961 My 2 x great uncle Harley Llewelyn Turner was a Brass worker hiis father and sister were Silver smithsin the late 1800’s early 1900’s I am also looking at my Stanton connections and believe there may be a connection to gunsmiths and BSA, They are also connected to Ilkeston Steel works.

Live in Australia (moved her from Brum in 1968) so yet to see the show but very much looking forward to it. My brother together with my parents lived in Garrison Lane when he was very young in the 1930s before moving to Cooksey Road in Small Heath and then were bombed out in the early forties and moved to Sheldon where I was born. I was a cop working out of Edward Road and Balsall Heath Road nicks in 1966-1968 and did a lot of beat work around St Andrews especially on match day so the photos brought back a lot of memories. The shot of the viaduct was a real flashback and brought a tear to my eye. Still proud to be a Brummie and an avid Blues fan. You can take the boy out of Birmingham but you can’t take Birmingham out of the boy. The grand kids reckon I “talk funny”. Go figure.

I’m researching my family tree. My great grandmother lived at 208 Watery Lane in 1901, in fact my grandfather was born at this address in 1903. He was illegitimate, as was his sister so my great grandmother had 2 children out of wedlock by the age of 20. Apparently their dad was irish and collected money for unpaid loans. My grandad hated him because he once saw him nearly beat a man to death for not paying his loan and rumour has it he was hung for murder. Im still researching but the Peaky Blinders existed at this time, far earlier than the programme depicts. But the programme made me realise how hard his life must have been.

I have never watched peaky blinders but had a conversation in pub with someone New Year’s Day my mom and dad Anne and John Reynolds kept the Garrison I think between 1968 and 1971. I started school at Tilton Road and although very young have some really good memories of the pub .I went to Green Lane nursery. I also remember the local shop next door not sure what actual name was but we called it Reenies.

Now living in Australia, I have yet to see the series, but I have fond memories of probably some of the best years of my life. Being born at 8/208 Watery lane (yes I still remember the address) 1 living area down stairs, and 2 very small bedrooms upstairs.Living next door to my oldest mate Gary (spud) Taylor, we both attended St Andrews school, and are still both devoted City fans. I can recall we once had our school sports day at the ground, winning the egg & spoon race, we still remain friends up to this day. My late mother Violet Knight once told me (herself the last of 13 children living next door to the Anchor pub (2 bedrooms, but they had a little yard, I guess you could call them posh by todays standards, next to the canal),of the time my grandfather (Curly Knight) as he was known, a modern Rag & Bone man with the luxury of a horse & cart t`boot. Well as the story goes, Curly would often stagger out of the Anchor, and instead of turning left, would turn right, and yes you guessed it, fell into the canal, on more than one occassion. Just one of probably a host of memberable stories that associate itself with life Small Heath. Anyone else got a story to tell? Cannot wait for the series to be aired here, might see my old grandad

Loved this article Joe and especially enjoyed the photos. I’d love you to do a piece on Digbeth some time!

My granddad Bert Price was born and bread in garrison lane a went of to the great war,i rember hime telling me all the old tails from there when he came back from france,all these guys and how he used to box down there some times bear fist.I rel gentleman he used to take me down there when I was a youg biy in the sixties and spoke of the aPeaky bliders.I loved the show.

Born in small Heath of Irish parents who at one stage owned the wagon and horses on adderley st. So as a kid I roamed that whole area the program bought back memories and made me take a look back at my own history nice blog btw.

The Peaky Blinders is a brilliant series and so well realised…..who could imagine that Small Heath and Bordesley Green could be so glamorous….still I suppose there was once a ‘Green’ in Bordesley…after all there is the major thoroughfare Green Lane in Small Heath….

I used to get the Sandon Road Number 6 Corporation ‘Buzz’ into townand then the number 16 down Green Lane, and I got off near Hobmoor Road to walk to my gillfriend Alexandra Victoria Hollis’s house at 200 Floyer Road in Small Heath. her mom Maria Hollis, would be in her 80’s now. She was Eurasian and had a German father and Siamese Mother. Vicky’s Dad, George Hollis met Maria in Bangkok on r and r with Brummie General William ‘Bill’ Slim’s ‘Forgotten Army’ of Brummie and Indian troops which at the battles of Imphal and Kohima in 1945 saved the Indian Empire from the same fate as Singapore in 1941.

George Hollis and Maria Seidel fell in love and married in Bangkok and George brought Maria the child bride and soldier’s sweetheart back to the cold and the hostility and the rampant racism of a post-war Birmingham….

Maria always said she used to watch the washer-women gossiping about her and her mixed-race family on their Floyer Road Doosteps…..

The number 6 ‘buzz’ went from the top of Willow Avenue in Bearwood, where the it had its terminus next to a branch of the Birmingham Municipal Bank, which enabled me Mom and Dad Dot and Les Bracey (from Summer Lane, Aston)…

Me mom Dorothy was born Dot Merriman. and lived in back-to-backs in Dugdale Street, off the Dudley Road in Winson Green.

Her Dad, me Grandad Arthur Lewis Merriman worked at Hudson and Wright, also in Dugdale Street and drank at The Park Tavern on the corner of Dugdale Street and Dudley Road and at ‘The Engine’ AKA ‘The Locomotive’ next to the entrance to Cape Hill Brewery and ‘The Yorkshire Grey’ further up the Dudley Road, near to where those 3 poor young Muslim boys were run over and killed during the Birmingham Riots, and the father of two of the unfortunate victims, Tariq Jahan, showed what true Brummie Spirit and Community is all about………………

Grandad Arthur was in the Auxiliary Fire Service at the Cape Hill Brewery Fire Station and was often out on fire watch during the Birmingham Blitz of 1941 with his bucket of water and stirrup pump….he volunteered in 1939 but at 40 was too old….he had been a teenage soldier in The Black Watch during The Great War…..brave men all!

Keith Bracey, Birmingham Community Historian, Greensward Enterprise, Oldbury, West Midlands.

we lived in Grey Street, I was born there, Sportsmans was on the corner of the road, went to nursery at Garrson Lane nursery and first went to school at Tilton Road. Used to mind the cars for the Blues fans on a Saturday for 3d a car, my nan and auntie also lived in Grey St, many memories of there.

i lived in gordon st when i was a child in the 60s but nobody has any photos ! i remember the house very well , old victorian house 🙂

My dad was born in 1884 so was old enough to know of the peaky blinders. He told me. The bookies would pay men to take bets in the streets as it was illegal. When the men were arrested. The peaky blinder bookie. Would pay his court fine and move him to another area. They were men home from the First World War. No job and no money. They were only paid. Two weeks money on being demobbed. Being a bookies runner was all that was on offer to them

Love this blog,This area of Birmingham often gets overrlooked ,I lived in Fazeley Street until I was 16 and in my mind I can still picture all the streets,buildings,and people who lived in the area during the 1950s 1960s My grandparents lived in Artillery Street ,just off Garrison Lane,the Garrison,Sportsmans,and the Sailors Return pubs where some of grandads locals.Both myself and my brother went to Garrison Lane,Ada Road and Tilton Roads schools and of course Blues supporters.There was a large mix of people in the area,quite a big Italian community,also there was a canal basin and warehouses in Fazeley street you can see the building from the train it is shaped like a barge,some of the bargees would come to the local shops to stock up before they set off on there next trip.There a lot of ‘local characters’ who lived around this area years ago ,not always law abiding but would help any-one out if they where in need.Happy Days !!

Both, thanks very much for your kind comments.

Clare, I was wondering the same – perhaps it was the men doing all the drinking?! And don’t be too put off by the accents.

Rporlddavies, I agree – it is great to step back and think about the history around us. I’ve walked past a couple of the buildings here many without giving them a second thought. Perhaps it takes a TV show from outside the city to make us appreciate what we have.

I have always been saddened by Birmingham’s inability to tell its own vibrant story. It is fascinating. PB’s finest contribution may well be to get people to open their eyes to what is around them and then check out some history for themselves.

A very well written and enthusiastic blog–very enjoyable.

Really enjoyed your blog post, Joe. LOVED the photos!! I must admit I haven’t caught up with the series yet but am intrigued, though I know many have been put off by dodgy accents. I regularly catch the 97 bus through Bordesley Green and have always loved the architecture on the stretch into the city centre. I’ve walked down to the gentlemen’s toilets under the railway bridge to see if there was any kind of female equivalent. What DID women do back then?

Thanks everyone for your positive comments and stories.

@ Louse / Suzi – do be careful, some of the bits on the canal are quite lonely!

@ Nichola – judging by the Gangs of Birmingham book, the Peaky Blinders the Summer Lane / Gun Quarter youths would have been a match for the Peaky Blinders

Nice blog Joe! :o)) My Mom lived in backs to backs in Summer Lane so not quite PB territory, byt hey!

Terrific stuff.

My grandfather lived in Miles Street( now gone) the other side of the Ibis roundabout from Watery Lane,and from 1903 – 1938,and he told me about the Peaky Blinders.

I am loving the series so far, despite the accents.

I lived in Small Heath until i was 8years old…….in a back-to-back…the accent does grate on me, but it is a very good series……Louise maybe we can take a walk down the street where your Nan lived when a child?

Brilliant blog. I’m going to take the walk to see it all.

Great article/blog. I read the sloggers and Peaky Blinders book well in advance of the TV series, and was a bit apprehensive as to how the TV portrayal would work. We all have our own images and ideas of how it should look, but I must admit the ‘Filmic ‘qualities has elevated it to an incredible high standard and puts Birminghams social History firmly on the map where it belongs to those on a local and dare I say national international basis. My dad was a Policeman in Birmingham in the late 1940’s and would have been familiar with the areas and no doubt remnants of the families who had ties with the past gangs. Hard times for all.

Fascinating article and a great selection of photos.

An absolutely blinding first blog for BCT Joe. I will pay more attention watching the series tomorrow night!