Hi Chris, there's not a fat lot of the old Birmingham left is there? I suppose the clearance of some of the more derelict areas was inevitable.
I actually grew up in Redditch, but my Ancestry investigations have led me to explore the old areas of Aston, Duddeston, Ladywood etc. It seems most of my great-greats were in the pub trade, which could explain a lot!! I wish my Dad was still alive so I could ask him how much he knew about these old places. Not a great deal I think because his own grandfather died young and his father drifted away from central Birmingham after WW1.
I still find it all fascinating though and feel very proud that my forbears came from where they did.
My granny grew up in Aston and at one time their address was the back of something, Sand Street, which am guessing was a really poor area.
Oh to be a time traveller and be able to go back and visit!!!
Kind regards, Julia