Walsall Road, Perry Barr, Birmingham, West Midlands, B42 1AA
Birchfield Harrier’s very first Olympian and medal winner was Arthur Robertson. He took part in the 1908 London games, winning gold in the three-mile cycling team race and an individual silver in the steeplechase.
A photograph of Arthur Robertson - winner of gold and silver medals at the 1908 Olympics.
A photograph and text about Arthur Robertson.
The text reads: Robertson, second from left, at a three-mile team race at the Oval in London. WW Alexander, after whom the nearby athletics stadium is named, is on the far right.
Photographs and text about Perry Hall and Perry Mill Farm.
The text reads: These licensed premises stand on land that was once part of the centuries-old farm of Perry Manor. Recorded in the Domesday Book (of 1086). It was known as Perry Mill Farm, until renamed Home Farm, in the late 19th century.
Perry Manor was one of two manors covering what is now Perry Barr. ‘Perry’ is said to derive from the old English word pirige, meaning pear tree. ‘Barr’ means hill top, probably referring to nearby Barr Beacon, the highest point in the area.
In 1844 the two manors were inherited and re-united by Frederick Gough, 4th Baron Calthorpe. Perry Hall – the long-time home of the Gough-Calthorpe family – was demolished in c1920. The old parkland around the hall is now Perry Hall Park.
Prints and text about Thomas Attwood.
The text reads: Birmingham City University’s main campus is located in Perry Barr. The Faculty of Education building is named after Thomas Attwood, who was born in nearby Halesowen and was a leading political figure in the first half of the 19th century.
Attwood founded the Birmingham Political Union in 1830, to campaign for electoral reform, which was the burning issue of the day. After the Reform Act was passed, in 1832, Attwood became Birmingham’s first MP, serving for seven years.
External photograph of the building – main entrance.
If you have information on the history of this pub, then we’d like you to share it with us. Please e-mail all information to: pubhistories@jdwetherspoon.co.uk