Today I had a conversation with Fiona at the Brambles Care home on Birchfield Road. They are interested in finding out more about the site on which the home stands, particularly former uses.
They are of the opinion that this site was previously known as the “Birches” and before that was the site of The Gables Maternity Hospital. Can any one confirm this or add more information?
Regards
Derek
Robert Munro
11 Sep 2021Dear Derek,
I might be able assist in your query through my interest in the family of Herbert Terry of Herbert Terry & Sons Ltd. On 10 May 1902 a planning application was granted to Alfred Terry, son of Herbert, to build a house in Birchfield Road. In 1910, Alfred Terry’s address was The Brambles, Redditch. He later moved to a different address where he lived until his death in 1926.
On 20 May 1959, Walter Terry, brother of Alfred, died “at his home, ‘The Brambles’ , 218 Birchfield Road, Redditch”. He was 80.
Both Alfred and Walter were wealthy individuals and would have owned large houses. It’s possible that Walter or a descendant might have bequeathed ‘The Brambles’ to the town as was the case with another large property the Terrys had owned.
I would be very interested if you were able find if this was what happened.
Best wishes
Robert Munro