sharing Solihull's local history
This is an extract of a longer video by local film-makers and photographers, filmed in March 1954 when Princess Margaret presented then Urban District of Solihull with a Royal Charter of Incorporation as a Borough. It shows the area around Poplar Road and Warwick Road, including then Council House (now the Assembly Rooms pub).
Tracey
Heritage & Local Studies Librarian
Solihull is unique in being the only former Rural District (1894-1932) to have grown to the status of Metropolitan Borough in its own right.
2014 marks 60 years since HRH Princess Margaret visited Solihull to present the then Urban District (1932-54) with a Royal Charter of Incorporation as a Borough.
Just ten years later, “the village”, as most Silhillians still called it, had grown to such an extent that the Municipal Borough served a population of 100,000. This was considered sufficient to become a County Borough in 1964, and take on responsibilities previously carried out for residents by the County Council.
Another ten years on, and 1974 saw the effect of the Local Government Act 1972, which re-organised local authorities and saw Solihull County Borough merge with Meriden Rural District and Hockley Heath Parish to form the Metropolitan Borough of Solihull we have today.
All this makes 2014 a special year for us: a 40th, 50th and 60th anniversary!
We’re hoping that you’ll be able to tell us your memories of the events in 1954, 1964, and 1974 that marked the rise of Solihull from an Urban District to a Metropolitan Borough.
Post your memories here, or e-mail heritage@solihull.gov.uk.
David
On Tuesday 12th November 2013, everyone living, working, studying or visiting any of the places that make up the Borough of Solihull is invited to share their day with each other and with future generations through social media, photos, videos, or written diaries.
The contributions will be archived by the borough’s Heritage & Local Studies Service to capture the everyday life of the borough in a single ordinary day, creating a fascinating time capsule to show what it was like to be alive in Solihull on this particular day.
In a similar way to Mass Observation’s one-day diaries we want you to tell us about your day on 12th November. You can tell us whatever seems appropriate to you.
We’ll put further details here over the next few weeks but, if you want any further information in the meantime or have any questions please post a comment here or get in touch with Tracey Williams at Solihull Central Library on 0121 704 6934 or by email.
Tracey
Solihull Life 