Streetly

B74 - Grid reference SP089990

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Straet Lea: first record 957

The Anglo-Saxon Charter of (Little) Aston and (Great) Barr records a grant of land from King ?Eadred to his minister, Wulfhelm in 957 AD. The boundary of the estate in question begins at Straet Lea whose name means 'street clearing'. This term refers to a settlement on the Roman road which can still be seen running through the west side of Sutton Park.

Known from the Middle Ages as Icknield or Ryknield Street, this road linked Metchley fort with the Roman fort at Wall near Lichfield. The road was clearly in use and an important topographical feature in Anglo-Saxon times. When Sutton Park became a deer park in the 12th century this section was no longer used; Sutton's continued use as a park has ensured the road's preservation. The road through Sutton Park is now a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

Interestingly, Streetly is the same name as Stirchley, which was known at one time as Stretley. In addition to the road, Roman evidence has been found in the area. Near Hardwick Road a small bronze ornamental disc was found with representations of classical figures, and possibly showing the death of Orpheus. Discovered in 1840 in a field of Hardwick Farm, it was first thought to be a shield boss, but it is probably too small for that. And in Thornhill Road a sandstone Romano-Celtic head about 30cm high was unearthed. Of a type commonly found in northern Britain, it possibly came from Letocetum (Wall) Roman fort and is now in Birmingham Museum. There have also been a number of coin finds in Sutton Park, some with metal detectors, the coins dating from the 1st to the 4th century.

William Dargue 07.03.09

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For 19th-century Ordnance Survey maps of Birmingham go to British History Online - Maps.

Map below reproduced from Andrew Rowbottom’s website of Old Ordnance Survey maps Popular Edition, Birmingham 1921. See Acknowledgements. Click the map to link to that website.