7 pm: Discover the Ottawa Branch OGS Library, by Pam Cooper for OGS Ottawa Branch.
https://ottawa.ogs.on.ca/events/ottawa-branch-presentation-details-tbd-2025-05-22/

“Secrets for Success: How to Harness the Power of FamilySearch’s Full-Text Search” by Julia A. Anderson

This Legacy Family Tree Webinars presentation, given on Wednesday, was followed by Geoff Rasmussen applying the techniques to a search in his family tree. Highly recommended for the search tips. It was mentioned that some of the collections included on Full-Text Search can only be accessed at FamilySearch Centres or affiliate libraries. If you know which they are, please add a comment.

WDYTYA? Magazine June 2025

The feature articles in the issue are:
Get More from Social Media, by Kelly Cornwell’
Finding the Forgotten, identifying the 1,300 lost victims of Germany’s First World War air raids, by Ian Castle,
Surviving the Slums: Bethan Watts outlines the harsh realities of Victorian slums.
Also, Jonathan Scott reviews the most useful sites to uncover the lives of London Ancestors.

MyHeritage adds Phillimore Marriage Registers

It’s surprising to find that MyHeritage hasn’t had this valuable published resource all along. The 2,179,315 entries, from 1538 to 1837, include images of the original publications. Phillimore includes entries from 1,500 parishes across 29 English counties. Northern counties and London parishes have less comprehensive coverage.

Portsmouth Ancestry?

Just added to FamilySearch:
Hampshire, Portsmouth, Baptisms, 1538-1940, 541,243 records
Hampshire, Portsmouth, Burials, 1538-1926, 313,413 records
Hampshire, Portsmouth, Marriages, 1537-1930, 393,944 records.

These are sourced from the Portsmouth History Centre. Images are only available at FamilySearch Centres and affiliate libraries.

Full-text Search Ontario Additions

Two Canadian collections are recent additions at FamilySearch Full-text Search
Canada, Ontario, Biographies, from 1964 to 1976, with 23,725 records.
Canada, Ontario, Others, 1996, with 135,494 records.

Don’t take the date 1996 seriously. The collection is a mixed bag with some entries dating back to the 18th century.

Choose from these selected free online events. All times are Eastern Time, unless otherwise noted. Registration is assumed to be required in advance—check the links so you’re not disappointed. For many more events, mainly in the U.S., visit Conference Keeper.

Further to Sunday’s note about the latest updates to Findmypast, I received the following additional information.

Yorkshire baptisms comprised 10,688  from Sheffield Christchurch Pitmoor, in the Ecclesfield Deanery of the Diocese of Sheffield, for 1846 to 1925.  Hits are linked to images of the original record.

4,521 transcript baptism records are from Bawtry St Nicholas, in the Diocese Southwell & Nottingham and Archdeaconry Newark, for 1668 to 1899.

Findmypast now has 9.2 million Yorkshire baptism records.

For Nottinghamshire, the 76,897 new baptism records are from 83 different churches, many non-conformist, from all over the county. The total for the county is now 1.6 million.

Miscellaneous items I found of interest during the week.

Ottawa Irish Famine Memorial Invitation

Time Travelling

“Wonderful stories shared by more than a dozen of the Ottawa area’s most engaging historians” have recently been produced by the Historical Society of Ottawa and Rogers TV. The first seven episodes are now available on YouTube.

Episode 1 – Paul Weber – “Go Exploring” https://youtu.be/4jbkQ1BVFEkhas the first 

Episode 2 – Kevin Ballantyne – “Glimpses of ‘Forgotten Ottawa’” https://youtu.be/c4733IZ9yNE

Episode 3 – Rick Henderson – “Philemon Wright and his town” https://youtu.be/ueJn5cBM_yA

Episode 4 – Peter Atkinson, “Gord Atkinson: Ottawa’s Oldest Teenager” https://youtu.be/nPHqdAx0V7I

Episode 5 – Michael McBane – “Bytown 1847” https://youtu.be/mJEkeHB8ugg

Episode 6 – Jim Hurcomb “Ottawa’s Golden Age of Rock and Roll” https://youtu.be/dSuX48DwIUs

Episode 7 – Paul Couvrette “The Changing World of Photography” https://youtu.be/6EKCmDYS5zA

Tracing your Staffordshire Ancestors

New this month  in the Pen and Sword Tracing Your Ancestors series

A Panorama of Victorian London

Exeter University’s story-map guides viewers through some of 1844 London’s most prominent landmarks.

New on Ancestry

Web: Caribbean, Aircrew in the RAF during World War II, 1939-1945
Just 467 records

UK, Navy Board and Predecessors Prisoner of War Registers, 1755-1831
Find 1,238,250 records.

Until 20 May 2025 at 11:59 p.m. ET, Ancestry is offering 40% off a 6‑month membership for new subscribers. That’s $50.99 for Canada Discovery Plus or $77.99 for World Deluxe.

Findmypast Updates

This week, updates have been made to Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire baptisms, Wiltshire Coroners Inquest Records and the National Burial Index. No details of how extensive these are, nor which additions were made to the newspaper collection, were provided.

Lucky Kentucky

Since RootsTech additions to FamilySearch Labs Full Text Search have focused on the US, with some for Columbia added in April. These seven collections became available this month

Collection Title	Records	Last Updated
United States, Kentucky, Biographies, from 1736 to 1880	497,529	12 May 2025
United States, Kentucky, Births, from 1914 to 1916	909,526	12 May 2025
United States, Kentucky, Deaths, 1950	1,930,558	12 May 2025
United States, Kentucky, Legal, from 1910 to 1969	6,919,277	12 May 2025
United States, Kentucky, Marriages, 1892	2,263,638	12 May 2025
United States, Kentucky, Properties, from 1879 to 1918	861,028	12 May 2025
United States, Kentucky, Religious, from 1841 to 1857	50,714	12 May 2025

Significant Dates in 21st Century History

Did you know these

11 September 2001 — 9/11.
26 September 2006 — Facebook first became generally available.
9 January 2007 — Steve Jobs announces the iPhone (smartphone era).
15 September 2008 — Lehman Brothers files for Chapter 11 – global financial crisis.
3 March 2020 — WHO declares COVID-19 a global pandemic.
30 November 2022 — general availability of ChatGPT.

Thanks to the following for comments and tips: Anonymous, Teresa, and Unknown.

 

 

Here are the newspapers with additions in the past 30 days. Papers new to newspapers.com, mostly just an issue or two, are bolded.

Newspaper Name	Community	Dates	Number of Pages
The Windsor Star	Windsor, Ontario	1893–2025	1,613,968
The Vancouver Sun	Vancouver, British Columbia	1912–2025	2,228,866
The Province	Vancouver, British Columbia	1894–2025	2,414,544
The Ottawa Citizen	Ottawa, Ontario	1898–2025	2,124,252
National Post	Toronto, Ontario	1907–2025	874,323
The Leader-Post	Regina, Saskatchewan	1883–2025	1,374,209
The Gazette	Montreal, Quebec	1857–2025	2,191,762
Edmonton Journal	Edmonton, Alberta	1903–2025	2,103,815
Calgary Herald	Calgary, Alberta	1888–2025	2,549,158
The Hamilton Spectator	Hamilton, Ontario	1852–2025	2,254,625
The Times-Transcript	Moncton, New Brunswick	1875–2025	901,465
The Northern Light	Bathurst, New Brunswick	2010–2025	13,321
The Kings County Record	Sussex, New Brunswick	2010–2025	12,556
Telegraph-Journal	Saint John, New Brunswick	1874–2025	945,556
Daily Gleaner	Fredericton, New Brunswick	1884–2025	992,352
Waterloo Region Record	Kitchener, Ontario	1893–2025	1,369,743
The Toronto Star	Toronto, Ontario	1900–2025	3,900,896
Welland Advocate and Review	Port Robinson, Ontario	1852–1852	28
St. Catharines Constitutional	St. Catharines, Ontario	1851–1871	2,944
The Farmers’ Journal and Welland Canal Intelligencer	St. Catharines, Ontario	1826–1833	871
British Colonial Argus	St. Catharines, Ontario	1833–1834	60
The Canadian Champion	Milton, Ontario	2012–2023	27,517
The Mirror	Midland, Ontario	2012–2023	20,544
The Thorold Post	Thorold, Ontario	1885–1955	28,901
Niagara Herald	Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario	1885–1886	10
Niagara Herald	Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario	1828–1830	18
Niagara Herald	Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario	1801–1802	251
Gleaner	Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario	1818–1837	1,350
The Standard	St. Catharines, Ontario	1891–2015	1,084,493
St. Catharines Journal	St. Catharines, Ontario	1834–1898	5,306
The Women’s Standard	St. Catharines, Ontario	1895–1895	8
Welland Tribune	Welland, Ontario	1885–1892	31
The Weekly Star	St. Catharines, Ontario	1901–1902	16
Weekly News	St. Catharines, Ontario	1872–1893	232
The Toronto World	Toronto, Ontario	1898–1898	10
The Times	St. Catharines, Ontario	1869–1875	5,509
Thorold Post and Niagara District Intelligencer	Thorold, Ontario	1875–1885	1,882
Weekly Register	York, Ontario	1822–1826	851
St. Catharines Daily Telegraph Reporter	St. Catharines, Ontario	1847–1847	1
The Globe	Toronto, Ontario	1865–1867	38
The Farm and Fireside	Toronto, Ontario	1893–1893	4
The Evening Star	St. Catharines, Ontario	1887–1905	1,746
The Evening Journal	St. Catharines, Ontario	1862–1920	12,544
Daily News	St. Catharines, Ontario	1877–1889	72
Upper Canada Gazette	York, Ontario	1817–1848	9,968
The U. E. Loyalist	Toronto, Ontario	1826–1828	458
The Merchants’ Herald	St. Catharines, Ontario	1871–1871	52
The Commercial Advertiser	St. Catharines, Ontario	1870–1870	16
The Merritton Advance	Merritton, Ontario	1903–1903	8
York Gazette	York, Ontario	1807–1816	1,349
E. J. Palmer’s Grimsby Illustrated	Grimsby, Ontario	1873–1873	4
The Academy	St. Catharines, Ontario	1875–1875	4
Advocate	York, Ontario	1824–1834	2,983
The Welland Tribune and Telegraph	Welland, Ontario	1923–1925	220
Welland Telegraph	Welland, Ontario	1881–1891	25
Reform Press	Dunnville, Ontario	1878–1878	4
Port Colborne News	Port Colborne, Ontario	1967–1967	42
Women’s Patriotic Journal	St. Catharines, Ontario	1914–1914	18
Pelham Herald	Pelham, Ontario	1982–1982	40
Niagara Advance	Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario	1967–1967	12
Fonthill Herald	Fonthill, Ontario	1967–1967	56
Evening Tribune	Welland, Ontario	1967–1967	108
The Star-Journal	St. Catharines, Ontario	1908–1909	24
The Gazette	St. Catharines, Ontario	1883–1883	4
The Pioneer	Smithville, Ontario	1877–1877	4
Irish Canadian	Toronto, Ontario	1875–1875	8
Haldimand Tribune	Dunnville, Ontario	1865–1865	15
Haldimand Advocate	Cayuga, Ontario	1950–1950	12
Niagara Chronicle and Advertiser	Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario	1838–1838	4
The York Weekly Post	York, Ontario	1821–1821	56
The Niagara Chronicle	Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario	1839–1854	568
The Niagara Argus	Niagara, Ontario	1844–1846	32
The Canadian Farmer and Grange Record	Welland, Ontario	1880–1881	8
The Echo of Niagara	Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario	1884–1884	8
Canada Constellation	Niagara, Ontario	1799–1800	84
Upper Canada Gazette, or American Oracle	Niagara, Ontario	1793–1807	2,180
The Times	Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario	1895–1915	8,074
The Telegraph	Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario	1836–1836	2
Spirit of the Times	Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario	1830–1830	12
The Canadian Argus and Niagara Spectator	Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario	1816–1820	128
Weekly Post	St. Catharines, Ontario	1867–1867	4
The Semi-Weekly Post	St. Catharines, Ontario	1854–1861	313
The Post	St. Catharines, Ontario	1867–1868	24
Lincoln Post Express	Lincoln, Ontario	1895–1987	31,812
The Loyalist	Toronto, Ontario	1828–1828	226
St. Catharines Herald and Niagara District General Advertiser	St. Catharines, Ontario	1864–1864	4
The Morning Journal	St. Catharines, Ontario	1862–1862	120
The Tribune	Campbellton, New Brunswick	2002–2025	23,011
Miramichi Leader	Miramichi, New Brunswick	2010–2025	26,559
Weekly Times	St. Catharines, Ontario	1872–1875	8
Reporter	Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario	1833–1842	59
The News	Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario	1846–1871	2,983
Upper Canada Guardian	Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario	1808–1808	4
The Fountain	Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario	1847–1847	8
The Argus	Oakville, Ontario	1875–1875	4
Niagara Peninsula Weekly	Port Colborne, Ontario	1967–1967	16
Boyle McCauley News	Edmonton, Alberta	1979–2025	4,912
Kawartha Lakes This Week	Lindsay, Ontario	2010–2023	35,513
King Connection	Newmarket, Ontario	2012–2023	10,086
Innisfil Journal	Innisfil, Ontario	2011–2023	11,250
Guelph Mercury Tribune	Guelph, Ontario	2012–2023	30,090
The Mississauga News	Mississauga, Ontario	1982–2000	159,027
The Mississauga Weekender	Mississauga, Ontario	1985–1985	226
Mississauga Business News	Mississauga, Ontario	1983–1998	413
Mississauga Business Times	Mississauga, Ontario	1998–1998	72
The Independent and Free Press	Georgetown, Ontario	2012–2023	21,705
The Georgina Advocate	Georgina, Ontario	2012–2023	13,949

From 2019 to 2021, Steven Guilbeault served as Minister of Canadian Heritage. On Tuesday, he was sworn in again, this time as Minister of Canadian Culture and Identity, Parks Canada, and Quebec Lieutenant.

He first assumed responsibility for the portfolio, which includes Library and Archives Canada, on 20 November 2019. That term coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, which shaped and limited many aspects of the government’s work during that time.

As Prime Minister Carney signals an activist approach, it remains to be seen how Guilbeault will align with that direction. His new responsibilities include Parks Canada, an area he previously oversaw as Minister of Environment and Climate Change from 2021 to 2025.

Miscellaneous items I found of interest during the week.

New on Ancestry

London, Ontario, Canada, Catholic Orphanage Records, 1852-1924
17,035 records from Catholic orphanages operated by the Sisters of St. Joseph in London, Ontario, Canada. Types of records available may include admissions records, applications for adoption, and certificates of relinquishment. Many are handwritten, but newer records may be printed.

UK, Postal Establishment Books, 1691-1979
Over 1,6 million records for employees in the higher grades, most of whom were clerical workers. However, you will also find records of postmasters and possibly some records of postmen. You may find name, date of birth, age, occupation, date of employment, place of employment, employment history,
length of employment, retirement details, salary, and date of death.

UK, World War II Audio, 1939-1945
As far as I recall, this is the first time Ancestry has posted audio files. While there are only 47 files, they paint a picture of the life and times.. Most worked in the Women’s Land Army, although there are also accounts from female civilians. There’s a searchable outline of the subjects covered..

Researching your Essex and East London Ancestors

From Legacy Family Tree webinars, free through May 16, 2025

Researching Great Brooke Street with Gemini Deep Research

Great Brooke Street in Duddeston, Birmingham, was given as the home of Sarah Davis Bennett, nee Northwood, when she married Jeremiah Macklin Allcroft in September 1837. They had both lost their first spouses and were independently wealthy.  Checking Google Street View showed the street today to be a mix of industrial and middle-class residential properties, with a park on one side. I wondered how much the area had changed since 1837, so I asked Gemini Deep Research to look into “Great Brooke Street Redevelopment History.”

It took a while, showing in mind-numbing detail the process it followed. The end result follows, less the list of 30+ sources used in the report, and even more read but not used.

I’m impressed. The description is consistent with it being a street where the well-to-do would live in 1837.  As always, I can’t rule out hallucinations.

The History of Great Brooke Street and its Redevelopment in Birmingham, England

1. Introduction:

Great Brooke Street, situated in Birmingham, England, initially formed a key thoroughfare within the Ashted Estate, a late 18th-century development located near the town centre.¹ Over time, as Birmingham expanded, this area became integrated into the broader district of Aston. This report aims to provide a comprehensive historical analysis of Great Brooke Street, meticulously tracing its origins, its multifaceted transformations across different historical periods, the significant landmarks and residents that have shaped its character, the profound impact of urban renewal initiatives, and ultimately, its place within the larger narrative of Birmingham’s urban development. The story of Great Brooke Street serves as a compelling case study, reflecting the wider patterns of urban growth and the dynamic forces of change that have shaped the city of Birmingham over centuries.

2. The Foundation of Great Brooke Street (Late 18th Century):

• 2.1. Birmingham in the Late 18th Century: A Town in Transition:The latter part of the 18th century marked a period of significant growth and transformation for Birmingham. The town was rapidly emerging as a crucial manufacturing hub, fueled by the nascent stages of the Industrial Revolution.3 Birmingham’s burgeoning metalworking industries, coupled with a spirit of innovation, positioned it as a key player in Britain’s economic landscape. This economic vitality spurred a substantial increase in population, creating an urgent need for new residential areas to accommodate the influx of people seeking opportunities in the town beyond the confines of the increasingly congested town centre.3 This period of rapid economic and demographic expansion directly contributed to the emergence of Great Brooke Street, as the demand for housing outside the traditional urban core created a fertile ground for speculative development ventures.
• 2.2. The Ashted Estate: Conception and Design:The initial conception of the land that would encompass Great Brooke Street began in 1771 when Dr. John Ash, a wealthy Birmingham surgeon and one of the founders of the General Hospital, leased approximately 10 hectares of land situated less than a mile from the town centre from Sir Lister Holte.2 Dr. Ash intended to build a prestigious, classically styled house for himself near the junction of what would later become Barrack Street and Great Brook Street. However, he never occupied this residence, as he relocated to London by 1787.2 In the same year, the estate, along with an additional 20 hectares, was acquired by John Brooke, a Temple Row attorney and the County Coroner, who financed the purchase largely through loans from three affluent investors.1 Brooke’s acquisition was driven by a clear intention to capitalize on the growing demand for housing by developing the land.1 His venture was explicitly speculative, aimed at attracting Birmingham’s burgeoning class of entrepreneurs seeking residence in a more salubrious environment outside the established town.2 The planned layout of the Ashted Estate, developed by Brooke, featured a structured grid of streets. The design included a primary thoroughfare, which he named Great Brooke Street, and a crescent known as Ashted Row.1 This formal layout, with its emphasis on a main street and a defined crescent, was characteristic of Georgian-era town planning, often employed to create an impression of order and attract a more affluent clientele. The naming of the estate after Dr. Ash, a figure of local prominence, further suggests an intention to imbue the development with a sense of prestige and appeal to a discerning market.2
• 2.3. Early Residents and Social Aspirations:John Brooke’s development strategy for the Ashted Estate, and particularly Great Brooke Street, involved constructing substantial houses intended for lease to wealthy middle-class residents.2 Brooke actively encouraged these initial lessees to further invest in the estate by either subletting their properties or purchasing additional land, thereby fostering a sense of community and investment in his speculative venture.2 In contrast to the grander houses along Great Brooke Street, the side streets within the Ashted Estate were allocated for smaller houses, which were leased to builders who, in turn, erected dwellings to attract tradesmen and the artisan working class.2 Furthermore, the development plan included the construction of back-to-back courts situated behind the main streets. This deliberate differentiation in housing types within the Ashted Estate clearly indicates a planned social hierarchy, with Great Brooke Street positioned as the most prestigious address, catering to the aspirations of Birmingham’s expanding middle class who sought more refined and healthier living conditions away from the industrial heart of the town.

3. The 19th Century: Industrialization and Social Transformation:

• 3.1. The Tide Turns: Industrial Encroachment:Despite the initial aspirations for the Ashted Estate to remain a tranquil residential enclave, the relentless industrial expansion of Birmingham throughout the 19th century gradually began to encroach upon the area.4 The very factors that had propelled Birmingham’s growth ultimately undermined the hopes of escaping the smoke and pollution associated with industry. A crucial development in this transformation was the opening of the Digbeth Branch Canal in 1799.2 This new waterway, a vital artery for Birmingham’s burgeoning industries, ran through the eastern side of the town, including the Ashted area, significantly altering its character.2 Along the canal’s banks, an increasing number of factories and wharves were established, serving the growing needs of manufacturing and trade.2 Ironically, these were precisely the features that the initial wealthy residents of Ashted had sought to avoid by moving outside the town centre.2 The development of this canal infrastructure, while essential for Birmingham’s overall industrial progress, directly conflicted with and ultimately overshadowed the original vision of the Ashted Estate, including Great Brooke Street, as a peaceful and genteel residential retreat for the town’s elite.
• 3.2. Social and Housing Changes: A Working-Class District:By the late 19th century, Ashted, including Great Brooke Street, had undergone a significant social and physical transformation, evolving into a densely populated working-class district.2 The initial larger houses that had been built for the wealthier residents were either subdivided to accommodate multiple families or were gradually replaced by smaller dwellings more suited to the needs and financial means of the growing working population.2 This period also witnessed the construction of numerous back-to-back houses, a common form of working-class housing in Birmingham, built to maximize the use of land and provide accommodation for the rapidly expanding workforce.2 Historical evidence of this high density of housing in Ashted, including Great Brooke Street, can be found in the detailed Ordnance Survey maps produced during the late 19th century.8 These maps visually depict the close proximity of dwellings and the limited space between buildings, illustrating the area’s changing social and housing profile. The shift in the housing stock and the social composition of Great Brooke Street reflected the broader demographic changes occurring in Birmingham as it solidified its position as a major industrial centre, attracting a vast working-class population drawn by the promise of employment in its factories and workshops. The contrast between the initial “substantial houses” intended for the wealthy 2 and the later prevalence of “slum dwellings” and back-to-back houses 2 clearly illustrates this significant socioeconomic shift.
• 3.3. The Railway’s Impact:Further altering the environment of Ashted, including Great Brooke Street, was the construction of a railway viaduct in 1852.2 This significant infrastructure project was undertaken to raise the railway line to the level of the newly established New Street Station, a major hub for the expanding national rail network.2 The construction of this elevated railway line directly impacted the physical landscape of Great Brooke Street, introducing new elements of noise and vibration to the area. Moreover, the viaduct potentially created a physical division within the community, separating areas and affecting the flow of pedestrian and vehicular traffic. The presence of this substantial railway infrastructure would have further contributed to the transformation of Great Brooke Street from its initial conception as an elegant residential street to a more industrialized and densely populated urban thoroughfare.
• 3.4. Vauxhall Gardens: A Local Amenity:Despite the significant industrial and social changes that characterized the 19th century in Ashted, Vauxhall Gardens, located at the extremity of Great Brooke Street, continued to function as a local amenity.11 These gardens, noted for their tasteful layout, provided a space for leisure and entertainment, hosting concerts and displays of fireworks during the summer months.11 The continued presence of Vauxhall Gardens suggests that even as Great Brooke Street and the surrounding area transitioned into a predominantly working-class district, the street still served as a focal point for community life and social activity, offering residents a place for recreation and enjoyment amidst the urban environment.

4. The 20th Century: Decline, War, and Post-War Redevelopment:

• 4.1. Deterioration and the Path to Redevelopment:By the beginning of the 20th century, the housing conditions in Ashted, including Great Brooke Street, had significantly deteriorated. The area was characterized by high population density and a substantial proportion of dwellings were classified as slums.2 While some initial efforts at slum clearance were undertaken after World War I, a more comprehensive approach was deemed necessary to address the widespread issues of inadequate and unsanitary housing.2 In 1937, a large swathe of Duddeston and Nechells, encompassing Ashted, was officially designated as a Redevelopment Area by the local authorities.2 This designation formally recognized the urgent need for significant urban renewal in the district due to the dire living conditions faced by many residents. However, the outbreak of World War II in 1939 necessitated the postponement of these ambitious redevelopment plans until the cessation of hostilities.2 The official designation of Ashted as a Redevelopment Area underscores the severity of the housing crisis and the commitment of the local authorities to address it through comprehensive urban renewal initiatives in the post-war era.
• 4.2. The Scars of War:World War II had a devastating impact on many urban areas in Britain, and Ashted in Birmingham was no exception. The area suffered significant damage during the conflict, most notably the destruction of Ashted Chapel by German bombing.2 This chapel, originally converted from Dr. John Ash’s house and opened in 1791, held significant historical and architectural value as one of the earliest landmarks within the Ashted Estate, directly linked to the origins of Great Brooke Street.2 Following the extensive damage sustained during the war, Ashted Chapel was eventually demolished in 1956, marking a major loss for the area’s physical landscape and collective memory. The destruction of this historical and architectural landmark represents a pivotal moment in the history of Great Brooke Street and the surrounding district, signifying a profound alteration to the area’s identity.
• 4.3. The Transformation into Newtown:In the aftermath of World War II, the long-awaited post-war redevelopment of the designated areas, including Ashted, finally commenced.2 This period saw extensive demolition of the existing housing stock and the subsequent construction of a new housing estate known as Newtown (also referred to as Aston New Town).2 The planning principles guiding this redevelopment aimed to create a more modern and organized urban environment. A key aspect of this was the segregation of housing from industrial areas, with industry being strategically zoned to the west of Windsor Street, away from the new residential developments.2 The housing itself was characterized by lower density compared to the previous tightly packed back-to-back houses, with a significant portion of the new dwellings being constructed in multi-storey blocks.2 This marked a radical departure from the traditional terraced housing that had previously dominated the area. However, due to the lower density of the new housing, only approximately half of the original population of Ashted could be rehoused within the redeveloped Newtown estate.2 A photograph taken in early 1954 provides a valuable visual record of Great Brook Street in Duddeston before these extensive post-war changes, showcasing the older buildings that would soon be replaced by the modernist architecture of Newtown.18 This image offers a stark contrast to the high-rise developments that would come to define the area in the subsequent decades. The comprehensive redevelopment into Newtown fundamentally reshaped the physical and social fabric of the area around Great Brooke Street, replacing traditional housing with modernist high-rise architecture and establishing a new identity for the district.
• 4.4. Later Modifications to Newtown:As urban planning philosophies evolved, the initial vision for Newtown, characterized by its numerous multi-storey blocks, underwent further modifications. In the late 1990s, reflecting a shift in preferences towards lower-rise housing and addressing some of the social challenges associated with high-rise living, many of the tower blocks constructed in the 1960s and 1970s were replaced with new low-rise housing developments.2 This later phase of redevelopment indicates a reassessment of the initial post-war urban planning strategies and a move towards housing forms that were perceived as more conducive to community building and resident satisfaction.

5. Recent History and Redevelopment (Late 20th and 21st Centuries):

• 5.1. The Declining Use of “Ashted”:While the street name Great Brooke Street has persisted through the various transformations, the historical name “Ashted” for the district has largely fallen out of common usage.12 The area is now predominantly referred to as Newtown or is considered part of the broader Aston district, reflecting the significant changes in its urban landscape and identity since its initial development in the late 18th century.
• 5.2. Ongoing Regeneration Efforts in Aston:The wider Aston area, encompassing Newtown and Great Brooke Street, has continued to be a focus of urban regeneration efforts in recent decades. The “Aston Pride” project, implemented between 2001 and 2011, represented a significant £54 million investment aimed at improving various aspects of the community, including reducing crime, enhancing healthcare facilities, and increasing employment opportunities.14 This initiative demonstrates a sustained commitment to addressing the social, economic, and environmental challenges faced by the area. Furthermore, strategic planning for the future of Aston, Newtown, and Lozells has continued through frameworks such as the Area Action Plan (2012-2026).19 These plans provide a clear vision and strategy for ongoing regeneration and development, encompassing housing, employment, infrastructure, and community facilities, indicating a long-term perspective on the revitalization of the district that includes Great Brooke Street.
• 5.3. Contemporary Status and Future Prospects:The provided research material does not contain specific details regarding very recent redevelopment projects directly on Great Brooke Street itself. However, an examination of planning applications within the broader B6 postcode area, which includes Aston and Newtown, reveals ongoing development and change in the surrounding urban landscape.23 These applications suggest a continued evolution of the area, with potential for further transformations in the physical and social environment in the vicinity of Great Brooke Street. While specific details for the street itself are absent, the broader context indicates that it remains part of a dynamic urban environment subject to ongoing change and development.

6. Conclusion:

The history of Great Brooke Street in Birmingham is a compelling narrative of urban transformation, reflecting the city’s dynamic growth and evolution over more than two centuries. From its inception as a key element of the aspirational Georgian Ashted Estate, intended for the town’s burgeoning middle class, the street underwent a significant shift to become a densely populated working-class area in response to Birmingham’s rapid industrialization during the 19th century. The 20th century brought further dramatic changes, with the area around Great Brooke Street being extensively redeveloped after World War II into the Newtown estate, characterized by its modernist high-rise architecture. While later decades saw a partial return to lower-rise housing, the fundamental character of the district had been irrevocably altered. The story of Great Brooke Street mirrors the broader social, economic, and physical transformations that have defined Birmingham, from its early industrial prowess to its post-war urban renewal efforts. Despite these radical changes, the enduring presence of the street name itself serves as a tangible link to its 18th-century origins, a testament to the street’s foundational role within the planned Ashted Estate. As Birmingham continues to evolve in the 21st century, it is likely that Great Brooke Street and its surrounding areas will continue to adapt and change, reflecting the ongoing dynamics of urban life.

Table 1: Timeline of Key Events in the History of Great Brooke Street:

Year	Event
1771	Dr. John Ash leases land for a prestigious house
1787	John Brooke purchases the Ashted Estate for housing development
1791	Ashted Chapel opens
1799	Digbeth Branch Canal opens, impacting the character of Ashted
1852	Railway viaduct constructed through Ashted
1937	Ashted (part of Duddeston and Nechells) designated Redevelopment Area
1939-1945	World War II and bombing of Birmingham
1956	Ashted Chapel demolished
1960s-1970s	Newtown redevelopment with construction of tower blocks
Late 1990s	Replacement of many tower blocks with low-rise housing
2001-2011	“Aston Pride” regeneration project implemented in the wider area

Significant Dates in 21st Century History

You can certainly identify one of these. What about the others? Hint: For some, think technology. Second Hint:  Try asking AI facilities.

Come back next week for the answers.

11 September 2001
26 September 2006
9 January 2007
15 September 2008
3 March 2020
30 November 2022

Thanks to the following for comments and tips: Anonymous, Brenda Turner, Teresa, and Unknown.

FMP takes the opportunity to update its military content on the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

The War Office List: 51,764 New Records

Covering from 1866 to 1921,  among the pages of the War Office Lists, find:

• Officer Listings: They included British Army officers’ names, ranks, and regiments.
• Service Information: Some editions provided details on postings, promotions, retirements, and appointments.
• Regimental Details: They outlined the organization of different regiments and corps.
• Government & Administrative Notices: Certain editions included official government announcements about the army.
• Colonial and Indian Army: Some issues covered officers serving in the British Indian Army and colonial forces.

Commonwealth War Graves and Monumental Inscriptions: Italy and Poland

This week, FMP adds 3,579 selected records from Italy (2,624) and Poland (955), drawn from Commonwealth War Graves and other monumental inscriptions. The coverage is not comprehensive. The CWGC commemorates 5,918 Canadians in Italy.

Royal Air Force Lists, 1919–1945

For those who flew or served with the Royal Air Force in the years following its formation through to the end of the Second World War, a new set of RAF Lists may contain the information you’ve been searching for. These records cover ranks, postings, and other official details.

Newspapers

125,548 new pages, ranging from 1853 to 1996, were added this week, including five new titles.  There’s a concentration on Northern England (Lancashire and Yorkshire). The Barrow News has the longest (broken) run, from 1888 to 1963. The coverage divides into  pre-WW2 and single years from the last 80.

New Titles

• Altrincham Chronicle, 1889–1890
• Barrow News, 1888, 1890–1895, 1897–1898, 1906, 1908–1922, 1925–1934, 1939–1944, 1948–1961, 1963
• Barrow Times, 1876–1877, 1880–1881
• Hastings & St. Leonards Advertiser, 1862, 1873, 1891, 1894–1895, 1897–1900, 1913–1914
• Laisterdyke & Bowling News, 1895–1896, 1899–1911

Updated Titles

• Banffshire Journal, 1979
• Barrow Herald and Furness Advertiser, 1894, 1905–1907, 1909
• Bolton Evening News, 1914–1918
• Cannock Chase Chronicle, 1996
• Crowle Advertiser and Isle of Axholme News, 1877, 1884–1886
• Drogheda Advertiser, 1900–1901, 1903, 1907, 1925–1926, 1928
• Forres Elgin and Nairn Gazette, Northern Review and Advertiser, 1993
• Hebden Bridge Times, 1986
• Howdenshire Chronicle, 1893–1894, 1911, 1927
• Lytham Times, 1895, 1910–1911, 1914, 1917–1918, 1931
• Oxford Journal, 1913, 1917, 1919
• Peterborough Evening Telegraph, 1969
• Pudsey & Stanningley News, 1950
• To-day, 1900–1904
• Walsall Chronicle, 1986
• Warrington Guardian, 1914, 1917
• Whitehaven News, 1881, 1883–1885, 1900–1901
• Wigan Examiner, 1853, 1900–1909, 1911–1913

Be quick. No time to linger. Until 13 May, Ancestry.ca has opened a selection of its records to free access. Browse the list and start at https://www.ancestry.ca/c/may-free-access .

This month’s BIFHSGO meeting on Saturday, 10 May, is a hybrid session with two presentations.

At 9 am, Marnie McCall will present Copyright for the Family Historian.
Learn what copyright means for your research and writing, how to navigate public domain materials, and what to consider when using family photos, letters, and others’ work in your presentations.

At 10 am: Kristen den Hartog presents Rebuilding the Body After the First World War.
In the wake of the First World War, thousands of wounded soldiers returned to Canada. By 1919, a military hospital opened in a former cash register factory in Toronto’s west end. Christie Street Hospital, intended as a temporary facility, remained in use through the next war.

Attend in person at Knox Presbyterian Church (Lisgar & Elgin) – Geneva Hall, and enjoy refreshments and social time, or online by registering here.