2000 years in Sutton Coldfield

Three to four thousand years ago, Neolithic people eked out a living in what is now Sutton Park, and at the dawn of the first millennium Celtic tribes built a hill fort here to defend the borders of their kingdom.

Sutton Coldfield today is a thriving suburb of Birmingham, having reluctantly relinquished its independence in 1974.

The story of the transformation of the town and its park in the centuries in between is a fascinating one, graphically brought to life in this unique DVD.

We explore the impact of Romans, Saxons and Normans on the region, and of course, the role of Bishop Vesey in the creation of the Royal town, and the acquisition of the park and chase ‘for the use of the people in perpetuity’.

More recently, we recall Sutton’s days as a stagecoach centre, the coming of the railways that led to large scale expansion, and the advent of the motor car that saw Sutton Make world motoring history.

We also delve into some of the folklore that enriches the towns illustrious past. Including, tales of a miniature Stonehenge on Maney Hill, the mysterious moving foundations of Holy Trinity Church and the highwayman that haunts Sutton Park.

This intriguing record of Sutton Coldfield and its park is produced in association with the Sutton Coldfield Observer.