Castle Bromwich

Castle Bromwich Local History Group

Castle Bromwich Local History Group

There are about 15 members of this group, who meet monthly at the Baptist Church in Timberley Lane.
Sometimes they have a speaker, but more recently they have been doing some research.
They are looking at relevant photos and documents acquired following the closure of Shard End Local History Society.
They helped with an initial sort-out of Colin Green's vast photograph collection.
Books and DVDs already produced are being studied and also internet sites.
They are now about to start working on a Timeline of Castle Bromwich Events set against national and world events.
We have found out lots of interesting things. Did you know that?

1876

In the summer of 1876 the Bridgeman family had an important guest at Castle Bromwich Hall.
Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli came to visit the Earl of Bradford. He arrived by steam train from London at Stechford station and was then driven in a horse-drawn carriage to Castle Bromwich Hall.

To tell the truth, Disraeli had not really come to visit Lord Bradford. He had come to see Lady Bradford, Selina Bridgeman. The Prime Minister's wife had died four years previously after a marriage of 33 years. Now aged 72, he was desperately lonely. In recent years he had written frequently to the Countess of Bradford, sometimes three times a day! She gave him comfort in his grief. Altogether Disraeli wrote 1100 letters to Lady Bradford!