Housing History

Living Conditions & Housing

1908: The following report appeared in the magazine produced by the church in St. Martin’s Street near Five Ways.  There was a dense population of 70,000 surrounding the church and the writer described the living conditions of the people in the locality.

“Their population is of a most mixed character, but its variety is its recommendation. We hope that beautiful Edgbaston, with its charm and wealth, will ever provide us with leaders and workers. Ladywood, lying north, contains a big army of artisans; city-wards are the Shopkeepers; and east and southeast stretches one of the poorest and dreariest districts of the city. This is the land we look upon and desire to progress for our Lord; these are the people we wish to win to his obedience; and here are the stricken and the sorrowing we desire to save with this presence.”

It continued…

“We have also a large proportion whose earnings scarcely provide their livelihood – women whose work of carding and packeting of hooks and eyes and buttons brings them only from 3s 6d to 4s per week, men who at their sweated industries are as miserably paid.” “There is heavy drinking among men and women; and gambling is a terrible evil in our midst. Crime is all too common, and certain neighbourhoods have an unenviable notoriety for dog stealers and railway thieves. In court and alley and slum lurk the twin evils of destitution and vice, of want and woe.”

“The young people appeal to us with all the pathos of their helplessness. The streets around are alive with children upon whom we must put our hands. Many are tainted from their birth, neglected morally and physically, and can have no chance of useful citizenship, save that which is offered through the Church’s influence.”

Housing at Brindleyplace

19th Century
Islington Place, off Sheepcote Street
Islington Place contained 12 houses with 61 people, an average of five per household at the time of the 1881 Census. These were poor working class homes. The occupation of the head of the households included stone bricklayer, carter and furniture packer.

Cumberland Street
The houses on Cumberland Street, although located near to the industrial premises, were larger than those of Islington Place. Each house also had a large garden. Wealthier people occupied these. The occupations of the head of the households included a dressmaker, commercial clerk and bookseller. The occupation of other residents included a schoolmistress, bank clerk, master confectioner and photographer.

20th Century
Symphony Court, developed by Crosby Homes, is located on a triangle shaped site across the Brindley Loop Canal. Completed in 1995, it is noted as being one of the earliest city centre residential developments. The complex consists of 143 houses and apartments.  It has gated private access. The value of the residences increased 250 per cent in the first few years.