SARACEN'S HEAD AND THE OLD GRAMMAR SCHOOL AND BBC RESTORATION PROGRAMME

Early day motion 1584, tabled 22 July 2004 by Lynne Jones (Labour). Signed by 4 members.

That this House congratulates the King's Norton Team Parish in their success in getting their campaign for the restoration of The Saracen's Head and the Old Grammar School recognised by the BBC Restoration programme; notes that King's Norton Green is a medieval village within Birmingham, on which stands one of the oldest grammar schools in the Midlands, a 12th-century church and a 15th-century timber-framed house; further notes that the Old Grammar School is a wonderful-looking, timber-framed structure that has sadly fallen into decay and is on English Heritage's At Risk register; also notes that the nearby Saracen's Head was quite possibly the largest house of the royal manor during the 15th century, boasting highly decorative medieval workmanship; also notes that the wife of Charles I, Queen Henrietta Maria, stayed there on her way back from Yorkshire where she had gathered troops for the English Civil War and that the buildings have been used on a daily basis for over 500 years by the local people; also notes that if restored, these buildings would provide a much needed educational tool, giving pupils a real insight into history and architecture; and urges honourable Members and the public to support the restoration of the grammar school as an educational facility for school parties and the Saracen's Head to provide public facilities and a mixed-use community centre for parish and secular activities, serving the urban community of King's Norton.

Signatures by party: Labour 4.