Hello Phil,
Thank you for your prompt response. Now that I have seen your map - I must try to get a copy - it is easier to distinguish Court No. 8 from its neighbours. Highgate Park Terrace was indeed opposite Salop Street and unlike its neighbours, it seems not to have been numbered. Court No. 8, where my grandparents lived, clearly underwent change in the Nettleforld improvements of 1901-4 that you refer to. The buildings on the north side of the court yard must have been taken down for, as I recall it, the ground in front of my grandparents house was cleared.
The first three or four houses on the north side of Salop Street were missing too in the days that I knew the area. Whether they were lost because of age and decay or through bomb damage, I don't know. An 'aunt' of mine (actually a cousin of my mother) lived in the first house as you progress up Darwin Street on that side. And then you come to Paradise Terrace. These houses had a front and back garden. The front doors faced down the street and were accessed by a fairly wide open passageway. A narrow passage gave access to the back entrance and this passageway contained the wash house and toilet block. The houses must have been regarded as superior to their neighbours. My grandparents, William and Elizabeth Whitehouse lived at No. 1 Paradise Terrace from 1934. My granddad bred greyhounds in what was the front garden. Family legend has it that he bred the winner of the first race at Hall Green when it opened. The story is backed by a brass model of the winning dog, named Galice. The model was made by Pearson and Page (Pearage) whose works were close to where my grandparents lived in Lower Essex Street. (Oh dear, I'm begining to ramble!)
One last point. Had your map spanned out a tad further it would have taken in the courtyards on the other side of the road. One of these, after undergoing Nettlefold improvements - I believe that the two houses facing onto the Street, with an entry between, were taken out and the court yard opened up - was then renamed as Clifton Terrace. It was here that I spent the first six years of my life. However, as you will have realised, both sets of grandparents and other relatives lived in the street so that my memories stretch over a twenty year period.
The time spent with my grandfather was a great joy to me. My memoiries confound those who say back to back life was miserable.
Again, thank you for getting back to me
regards, Barry