In 1904 the land around the Mount (
where modern day Cheswick Green now stands) was acquired by Mr. Phillip Baker, a
well-known Birmingham lawyer, who developed it as a "Pleasure Ground". Mr. Baker
spent a great deal of money laying out the grounds and building refreshment rooms and a
ballroom. The area offered the residents of nearby industrial Birmingam a chance to escape
to the country in the days before holidays to the coast.
 Shrubs were
planted, garden walks and tea gardens were created, and a maze constructed in which was
placed the old stocks from Moor Street Police Station. For a time the venture was
successful but even in those days vandalism was a problem and a great deal of damage and
destruction finally defeated all efforts to make the project prosper. The 1914 war saw the
end of The Mount as a pleasure resort.
 After the Great War
the land was divided into half acre plots to be sold. A document of that time records
that, "On some of the lots are well-established apple trees for which the purchaser
will pay 5 shillings each". Ex-Servicemen, munitions workers and pensioners were
among the purchasers who were encouraged to cultivate the land and help the nation by
producing foodstuffs. |
 
|
Practical advice on establishing a
small holding was given and the document states, "A cottage or bungalow may be
erected, or whilst building operations are difficult, a tent or caravan make it possible
in the summer to enjoy the simple life". Many of the people built weekend bungalows,
others built more substantial homes for permanent residence.
During the Second World War many people, bombed out of their established homes, went to
live there in what had been their weekend bungalow, and because of the housing shortage
these eventually became their permanent homes.
In the postwar years, many wished to rebuild but were unable to get planning permission.
Several attempts were made to form a residents association to keep the site tidy, and the
unadopted roads in repair.
 If you can
remember the Mount Estate or know of someone that does, you may be able to help us record
what was an interesting area in the history of Solihull.
See also
Growing up on the Mount
Shirley Race Track.
Photo of remaining column
Photo of column base
Postcard of the time
With special thanks to Godfrey Nall,
William Hiscox and the late John Burman.
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