SAINT NICOLAS' PLACE
KINGS NORTON BIRMINGHAM
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History
Our medieval green and its buildings have been at the heart of our community for over 500 years.
The Tudor Merchant’s House was built in 1492 by a local wool merchant. In the 1770’s, part of the house became the Saracen’s Head Inn and in 1930 the buildings were gifted by Mitchell's & Butler's Brewery for use as parish offices and a community.
They have been at the social heart of Kings Norton ever since.
Restoration
By 2004, both the Saracen’s Head and the Old Grammar School were in desperate need of major repair. The Grammar School, donated to the parish in 1916, was on the English Heritage At Risk list. The Friends were formed to fund-raise to save the buildings.
We were fortunate enough to win the BBC TV’s ‘Restoration’ programme and get a significant sum from the Heritage Lottery Fund to enable a major structural refurbishment and to make our buildings more accessible with a lift and modern easy-access toilets.
Since that point, our historic buildings have been collectively known as St Nicolas Place.
And Now - Upkeep
We find ourselves several years further on, having to be totally self-supporting. The elements continue to take their toll on our timber, wattle and daub structures, so we have an ongoing struggle to raise funds for regular repairs and upkeep.
This is where our Friends continue to have a vital role. Our Friends understand the value of our buildings, both for their heritage and their community use.
They are ambassadors for us, publicising, supporting, donating or volunteering.
Do you love History? Value Heritage? Care about the Community
Then please join us and help us raise funds to support this beautiful place.
You don’t have to live in Kings Norton, just have a passion for historic buildings like ours being at the heart of the community.
In return, we offer Friends the opportunity to meet like-minded people and know that they are making a real contribution.
We hold at least one free or subsidised Friends-only event each year as a thank-you and keep Friends up-to-date with our building and our events through regular newsletters and emails.
In due course, you may want to offer further support and volunteer with events, or manning reception, or our shop, or helping with our monthly book-sale, or even training to be a tour guide.
We will welcome any additional help, however small or infrequent.
So, if you would like to join us, please either drop an email to our membership secretary at fhkn@btinternet.com or drop in at St Nicolas Place reception.
Membership fees are £10 per annum or £7 concessionary rate for those not working.
Friends of Historic Kings Norton
81 The Green, Kings Norton, Birmingham B38 8RU
0121 458 1223
