To Birmingham University Library then to Telford in Shropshire Friday 23rd May

Given the problems we have had with traffic in the centre of towns and the fact that Universities are generally sited almost in the centre, we were apprehensive about our visit to Birmingham.  But for the first time Heidi directed us to the correct location, and luckily she did because there are so many roads, highways, ring roads all around Birmingham, we would never have managed without the GPS.  Wonder what we did in the old days?

Anyway, we went into the Cadbury Collection in the Meadheath Tower R21, and had to go through some rigorous security clearances before we were allocated a reading number and entry to the collection.

There are thousands of records here, we were after the personal papers of John's great grandfather, Rev James Sedgwick, as he was a missionary in China with the Anglican Overseas Missions.

I felt completely overwhelmed at all the instructions, and the collections and how to find what we were looking for, but maybe from my blank looks, and after describing James Sedgwick to the staff, we got excellent help and assistance from Ivana.

There were a lot of records relating to James.  He seemed to be a bit of a "rebel" at times, but we read an account that he wrote of his journey to China, his delight in seeing Paris and Milan.  He was given a Chinese name and introduced to the congregation under that name.  His writing was beautiful, and while it was possible to photograph parts of the collection, I was only able to take photos of a small bit because the pen ink had seeped through the pages, and they were written in 1870's.

While he was there he had problems with his eyes, and was sent to Hong Kong for treatment.  He managed to stay in Hong Kong and was ordained as a priest in 1877.

Later he was back in Hang Chow, and he was not happy there.  He asked many times to be moved, but the Bishop wouldn't agree.  Then around 1881 he wrote a beautiful letter, letting them know he was able to stay because he had planned to marry Miss Jennings, who would be such an asset to him to assist him in his duties including reading.

Both Ivana and I had tears in our eyes when I read out the letter, from a man who obviously had found the one he wanted to spend his years with.  The strange thing was that he kept mentioning that she was over the age of contracting consumption, as she was 31, and just in case the Bishop heard it from other places, he wanted to assure him that she was very healthy.

We then found a letter from Mr Elwyn, who those of you who have read my document on James and Ellen will be familiar with.  Turns out Ellen went to China in 1878 with the Elwyns to help teach the children.  Another little bit of my puzzle was unearthed.

Then James writes that Ellen has a condition and it would be better if they could be transferred from Hang Chow.  That request was again denied.  It might be that her condition was pregnancy.

Mr Elwyn then writes that Ellen dies, with child.  The researchers took that to mean the child died, but we are aware none of the family would be here today if that happened.

Quite emotional to read all this, and to try to understand just how difficult it would be for James with a newborn.

Another microfische record notes that 6 ladies of the Church had died around the time of Ellen.

Ivana was so taken with the story that she asked me to send a copy for them at the Library when I get all the stories updated when I get home.  I think I have a couple of years worth of work ahead of me!

The personal papers are not cataloged and it would have taken a week to go through all of them, food for thought our Reader's card is good for 3 years!

From Birmingham we proceed towards our B&B accommodation near Telford.

The route took us to a Crooked House, but we never found it, only the sign, then towards Ironbridge, but it poured rain, so we will go back there tomorrow.

I keep looking at all the finials on the tops of the iron fences, to compare with mine in Oatlands

This is a beautiful home, an old Rectory of St James.  The rooms and the surroundings are beautiful, and we were treated to a High Tea when we arrived.

I had thought of changing our accommodation though when we were outside Birmingham!  Glad I didn't.