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The Rookery Sutton Coldfield, 1942 a42_03385
Filename: aa42_03385.jpg
Size: 5399 x 4152 (7.4MB)
Date: 24th June 2021
Source: Historic England
Credit: Historic England Archive
Source: Historic England Archive
Owner URL: https://images.historicenglandservices.org.uk/
Job Title: Photographer
© Historic England Archive
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Historic England
The Rookery Sutton Coldfield, 1942 a42_03385
The Rookery, Lichfield Road, Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham. The derelict east front of The Rookery.
Once described as " The greatest ornament and addition to the town of Sutton" (Agricola 1762), The Rookery was constructed in circa 1700 by William Jesson, of Langley Hall. The house was home to members of the Jesson family until the 1780s when Elizabeth Jesson let the house to tenants. In 1811 a girls school was established in the Rookery and around this time the artist, David Cox, painted a watercolour of the house, now in collection of the Tate Gallery. In 1871 it was purchased by William Henry Tonks, a successful Birmingham brass founder. The Rookery remained in the Tonks family until 1934 when it was sold to Sutton Borough Council. In 1957 it was demolished. The site is now occupied by the police station
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Media ID 22140049
© Historic England Archive
Derelict Or Ruin Destruction House Loss And Loss And Destruction Stuart Ivy Clad Overgrown Queen Anne
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print takes us back to the year 1942, capturing a hauntingly beautiful scene of The Rookery in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham. The image showcases the derelict east front of this once magnificent house, which was considered "the greatest ornament and addition to the town of Sutton" by Agricola in 1762. Constructed around 1700 by William Jesson of Langley Hall, The Rookery served as a cherished home for generations of the Jesson family until the late 18th century. In 1811, it transformed into a girls school and gained recognition when artist David Cox painted a stunning watercolor depiction that now resides in the prestigious Tate Gallery collection. In 1871, William Henry Tonks, a prosperous brass founder from Birmingham, acquired The Rookery. It remained under his family's ownership until its sale to Sutton Borough Council in 1934. However, despite its rich history and significance to the community, this architectural gem met an unfortunate fate when it was demolished in 1957. Today, where The Rookery once stood proudly on Lichfield Road is occupied by a police station. This photograph captures not only the physical decay and overgrown beauty with ivy-clad walls but also symbolizes loss and destruction—a poignant reminder of our ever-changing urban landscape. George Bernard Mason skillfully captured this moment frozen in time through his lens—preserving an important piece of history for future generations to reflect upon.
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