Where Walter and Emily Jane rented. The houses were built in the period 1860-80 on farmland outside the City. Spark refers to a landowning family who farmed there. There was a hill, the Stratford Road has a slight incline (Sparkhill), and a stream (Sparkbrook). The population increased “overnight” to 6-8000 and the City then encompassed it.

I will need to re-check it, but I think the Census of 1911 shows 7/8 family living here. Just done it, there were 10! Walter, Emily Jane, Annie, Gladys, Agnes, Adeline, Doris, Gertrude, Ivy and Frederick. They had been living there three years.

How did they fit in? My Mother often referred to sleeping “head to toe”, which is one solution. Not much privacy, and talking of privies….

It was outside. Not where it’s shown , that’s a modern addition, it was at the bottom of the garden (no pun intended). Likely an earth closet. Again, my Mother referred to whistling (if you heard someone coming).