Discover Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands

Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, England: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lichfield_Road,_Sutton_Coldfield.jpg
Author: Erebus555


Sutton Coldfield is a town located to the north of Birmingham, in the West Midlands of England. It was a municipal borough within Warwickshire until 1974, when the Local Government Act made it part of Birmingham and the West Midlands County. It has a population of 108,000 people (2012 estimate).

The name Sutton Coldfield is said to be derived from "southern town coal field". The area has seen human habitation going back to prehistoric times, with the discovery of Iron Age settlement dating to as early as 400 BC.

The Romans also left their mark in Sutton Coldfield, as evidence with Icknield Street, which was a Roman road that runs from Fosse Way at Bourton on the Water to Templeborough in South Yorkshire, passing close to the town.

After the Romans departed from Britain in the 5th century, the Sutton Coldfield area was taken over by the Anglo Saxon kingdom of Mercia. The town that we know today was established during this time.

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sutton_Coldfield_Town_Hall.jpg
Author: Peter Whatley


Sutton Coldfield experienced industial growth in the 17th and 18th century. It became a center for the manufacture of weapons, from blades to gun barrels, as well as knives, bayonets and axes. During this period a number of mills were built to power the various industries. It was a time of affluence for Sutton Coldfield. Noted for its fresh air and low levels of pollution, it attracted the wealthy from Birmingham as a choice address.

Sutton Coldfield was linked by the railroad to Birmingham in 1862. From there, the line was extended to Lichfield in 1884, while another line was built that joins the Wolverhampton and Walsall Railway Line to the Birmingham to Derby line. The railways brought visitors to the town.

Sutton Park in winter: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Snowy_Sutton_Park_-_Dec_28th_2000.jpg
Author: Lee Jordan


Unlike many towns in England, Sutton Coldfield managed to ride through a number economic crises that derailed their growth. Since the 1960s it saw a number of retail developments including shopping centers in New Oscott, Wylde Green and Mere Green. Despite expressed concerns from some residents, Sutton Coldfield was absorbed into the metropolitan county of West Midlands when it was formed in 1974.

Visiting Sutton Coldfield

To reach Sutton Coldfield, take the A5127 road from Birmingham. If you are coming from London, take the M6 motorway to Junction 5 and continue on the A452. At the roundabout, follow the signage and head north on the A452 to reach Sutton Coldfield.

Terraced houses on Coleshill Road in Sutton Coldfield: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Coleshill_Road,_Sutton_Coldfield.jpg
Author: Erebus555

Places of Interest in Sutton Coldfield

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