St Chad's School, Birmingham

[Catney]

I'm just wondering if anyone knows anything about St Chad's School in Loveday Street, Birmingham. I have an article on my great grandfather (b 1879) that says he went to that school (and apparently played truant a lot!)

Many thanks

[Winterbloom21]

Well, I would guess that it is a Catholic school as St. Chad's RC Cathedral is in Birmingham.    I wonder if the Birmingham Archives (next door to St. Chad's Cathedral) would have any helpful information on it for you.

[Winterbloom21]

If you google it you'll find out quite a bit of information.  Apparently, it was in the 'gun quarter' of Birmingham and the school had a big problem with boys' attendance as they tended to get recruited to work in the gun factories.

[Catney]

Thank you - and very interesting as his daughter (my grandmother) never mentioned any Catholic roots at all.  I'll add it to my list of things to look up when I next get to Birmingham!

[Winterbloom21]

Well, that's interesting.    If you do ever go to Birmingham and want to look at the RC archives you have to make an appointment first.   They are open Wednesday to Friday 11-6, number 0121 230 6252 or you can email archives@rc-birmingham.org.     They have quite a few baptism and marriage records there and, from memory, I think you can check on their website which periods they cover so that you don't waste your time going there and finding that yours aren't there.

In fact, if you are on the other side of the world, I'm going there next week, so if you have any names or dates, I can look them up for you.

[Catney]

That's really kind of you.  I don't quite live on the other side of the world, but far enough away in the South East - haven't been back to the West Midlands for a year and a half now!

If you do get the chance, the person I'm interested in Thomas Joseph Peck born 23 March 1879 Newton Street.  Parents are Robert Peck and Mary Peck (nee Gallagher).  Mary probably has an Irish background and I do have one sole reference of Robert referring to himself as RC, but their marriage certificate has them marrying in a C of E church.

Obviously don't worry if you don't get the time, I really should be sorting out a trip up to Birmingham anyway!

[Winterbloom21]

OK, I've made a note of that and will have a look.  You never know.    I'm just going there to look up my great grandfather's baptism.  I know it's there, but I just want to see who the witnesses are, in case it's of any particular interest, so yours will give me something else to do to make it worthwhile!

[Catney]

In that case it would be much appreciated!

[Winterbloom21]

Keep your fingers crossed.  I rang up today to find out that they are closed for this week and all of the next.    The only day I can visit is the first day they reopen, so it means ringing them on the same morning!    I've sent an email anyway, to forewarn them, which I hope that somebody reads.    We'll see how it goes.