Engraving of Sturge
[Local Studies: Birmingham Portraits Collection]
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Lease Map of Sturge's Property, 1824
[City Archives: MS 2126]
Image from 'Sophia Sturge, A Memoir'
[LSH: B.Col 78.1 STU]
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Sturge and Edgbaston
Joseph Sturge (1793-1859), was one of Birmingham's greatest antislavery campaigners. Originally born in Gloucester, Sturge relocated to Edgbaston in 1822. His house (no longer standing) was at 64 Wheeley's Road.
He lived at this address from 1824 until his death in 1859, dedicating time and money to charities, abolitionist movements and other social reforms. His home was visited by antislavery activists from around the world, including Harriet Beecher Stowe author of Uncle Tom's Cabin.
Sturge's interest in Birmingham was crucial to the growth of the city. One friend commented how: 'his energy was so untiring that he never stopped to examine the difficulties of any undertaking which commended itself to his consciousness... I have often thought that a few thousand such men would effect a moral revolution in the world (Stephen Hobhouse, Joseph Sturge, His Life and Work, 1919). |
Directions
If you wish to visit the site of Sturge's home, take first right outside Five Ways station and go down Wheeley's Road as far as the 'Edencroft' flats. These are at the crossing of Wheeley's Road and St James. It is here where Sturge's house once stood. In 2007, a plaque will be dedicated here to mark his life.
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