A visit to Hall Green, Birmingham, to look at this leafy suburb, its buildings and its watercourses. The history of Hall Green is explored and the origins of many place names are included.

Hall Green today is a delightful suburb of South Birmingham. As estate agents would say “It is in a desirable much sought after location”. At first glance it may seem to have a history no older than the many 1930’s houses so evident. It certainly has retained more open space than many city suburbs and deserves the description ‘leafy’.

Our look at Hall Green, however, discovers a great deal of fascinating history plus some beautiful views of pieces of countryside, that have remained intact despite urbanisation.

The DVD sets out to explain the origin of many place names within Hall Green, and introduces such long gone names of great charm as – Short Sheets, Clattens, Rickyard Piece, Six Days Work, and Great Gussetts.

Hall Green was the birthplace of Tony Hancock and the home of J.R.R. Tolkien, author of the 20th century world best seller “The Hobbit” and "The Lord of the Rings". Sarehole Mill and the surrounding area, upon which Tolkien based much of his writings, feature in this DVD.

Running time: 80 minutes