About the Author

Born in Southport, Lancashire, I have been a Birmingham primary school teacher for forty years. I trained at St Peter's (Saltley) College, later completing a BA with the Open University.

I have long been interested in the history of my adoptive city and studied part-time for an MA in West Midlands local history at Birmingham University. My Master's dissertation was a study of the impact of the Gothic revival on the restoration of Birmingham's ancient churches. I am the author of two primary school assembly books (Oxford University Press) and the former captain of the local bellringing team. I have lived in Castle Bromwich for 30 years.

As author, I take responsibility for all errors and omissions. But, if I might quote from the Preface of A Topographical Dictionary of England edited by Samuel Lewis published in 1848 -

The Proprietors cannot entertain the hope that, in a work compiled from such a variety of sources, and containing notices so numerous and diversified, errors have not occurred; indeed, the information, even when collected upon the spot, from the most intelligent persons, has frequently been so contradictory as to require much labour and perseverance to reconcile and verify it. They have, however, regardless of expense, used the most indefatigable exertions to attain correctness, and to render the work as complete as possible; and they, therefore, trust that any occasional inaccuracy will receive the indulgence of the Subscribers.

William Dargue 2008