Introduction

Swanshurst Quarter was an administrative division, not a natural entity. It was that part of the ancient manor and parish of Yardley which lay between Stratford Road and the south-western boundary, 3.6 miles from N to S and 2.4 miles across at its greatest. Established by the C 18th as one of the four areas of the Civil Parish for poor rate collection and highway maintenance, it ceased to exist when Yardley Rural District joined the City of Birmingham in 1912. Herein the whole area will be called 'the Quarter'; 'Swanshurst' will always refer to the common, farm and district of that name.

This booklet supersedes 'Walks In Yardley Wood' & 'Wake Green & Greet Common' and also includes some material from 'Sparkhill & Greet'. Adjacent Quarters are detailed in 'Hall Green and Hereabouts' and 'Acocks Green and All Around'.