The author of 'My Journey Back in Time' is John Bird.
The author was featured in the 'Black Country Bugle'.
He has uncovered his pedigree which links him to the old noble families of Black Country History, and through them to wider European royalty. John was able to trace his line through to the Emperor Charlemagne (c.742-814).
John
can also link to the the early barons of Dudley castle. The St Jame's
Priory in Dudley was built by Gervase, who is a brother to his 25th
great-grandmother, Hawise de Somery.
The
author now wishes to offer the book to anyone who wishes to read it
online.
You can download the complete book by clicking on the links below.
Part 1: Download the book
Part 2: Download the book
Part 3: Download the book
Journey Back in time : Video
Part 2: Download the book
Part 3: Download the book
Journey Back in time : Video
More interesting images and articles...
1. Bugle Article
2. On page 34 'William Poole of Bishop's Itchington' check Jasper Fisher (1528-79) on Google. Please click to read article.
2. On page 34 'William Poole of Bishop's Itchington' check Jasper Fisher (1528-79) on Google. Please click to read article.
3. Images to view
4. Welcome
5. De Somery Coat of Arms
6. Salaam
7. King Henry and his roost!
8. Rise of Great Britain
9. Fisher
10 The Franks
11. Ned Williams
12. Full Moon helps John
13. Edwoin Blocksidge
14. Sharwood's balls 1 and Sharwood balls 2
15. Comberford History
16. Shakespere article
17. Earls of Chester
18. Life at Weobly
19. Marduk
20. Jasper Fisher
21. John Hales
22.Lady Margaret
23.Page 232. Abolition of slave trade replacement page.
24.
25. Sir John Baggot
26. Sir. William Baggot
4. Welcome
5. De Somery Coat of Arms
6. Salaam
7. King Henry and his roost!
8. Rise of Great Britain
9. Fisher
10 The Franks
11. Ned Williams
12. Full Moon helps John
13. Edwoin Blocksidge
14. Sharwood's balls 1 and Sharwood balls 2
15. Comberford History
16. Shakespere article
17. Earls of Chester
18. Life at Weobly
19. Marduk
20. Jasper Fisher
21. John Hales
22.Lady Margaret
23.Page 232. Abolition of slave trade replacement page.
24.
25. Sir John Baggot
26. Sir. William Baggot
The author WELCOMES donations as well as POSITIVE comments. Thank you from the author to all commentators.
158 comments:
Amazing work!
Hi John, I really look forward to reading the digit copy of your book, "My Journey Back in Time", but would still prefer to purchase a copy for keepsake. It's a great achievement. You have put a lot of time and effort into your book so why souldnt the world receive the opportunity to get to read it. J.Cooper 25th/4/2019
Mostly skimmed through your book. I was interested in the photographs mostly. Nice to see famous faces and significant places. Book is a real labour of love. I have been working on my own family history book for 20 years and I can't get it finished. I hope to visit Dudley castle one day.
This is clearly the result of dedicated work, over several years. Well done, John Bird.
Thanks for your comment Mr Cooper.
Thanks for your comment Debra.
Finally finished part 2 of the book and half-way to part 3. I am a English history Professor at Washington state University so wanted to study this book. A lot of the book includes historical information which I cannot find anywhere else and I have read nearly every major English history text book available. For a Professor like me this is a treasure trove. The author really knows his history-I hope he comes to USA someday so I can meet him and discuss history! I have recommended this site to all my students.
Have been here before but noticed some updates. My family is from Dudley so discovered this page by accident. My father has started to read the book and is really enjoying it. He says there is so much history packed into the book of which he had no idea about. We are planning on taking a trip to Dudley so we can visit the places mentioned in the book. It would be great if the author was running tours of Dudley- my family would love it!
It's clear to see that a lot of time and effort has gone into the book John. Some amazing facts and In depth history! Well done. What a great achievement.
I study english in my country of Russia. Please forgive bad english I trying best. I love the english history and the life of the king and queen. This book so happy to read and in my country very hard to get book to read on the english history. But John Bird he gives freely from the heart this history and from his own life. I wish to give him most pleasant wishes and thank you as I learning much and so I can also teach friends about this history of Dudley. I also wish as others to come to beautiful england and to come for the Castle in Dudley.
anthony bird
My brother has produced a wonderful reference work, his research has been thorough and precise, his passion and commitment unquestionable.
A very educational work, well done!
Someone recommended this website to me. I am a local Dudley lad and did not know much about the history. I am a slow reader but I am working my way through the book. I think I've seen the author in Dudley. Looks like he has been working hard for a long time on this. Great job.
English history isthe most amazing history. your book is full of research which is unknown. Why have \ not seen such facts? \ Think because no-one has time to read, learn, study. You have worked many years. We appreciate this work that you give the word! From Greece we salute you, the Great John Bird of Dudley!
I today came to this page after it was send to me from my friend. This free book has helped me learn more about the english history. Dudley castle is amazing I want to see it in real life one day. I wish to find out more about the kings and queens and the book has explained me about the kings and queen and the history. John Bird is proud man for making this book. Thank you. Levine from Serbia.
Referring to your article The Franks I found it to be very informative and very educational. This could be used in schools for a quick reference to the timelines in history as a suggestion. Very well laid out well done John Tracy Gray
Good work I like it
Serbia here. English history free online for me I love this story I not know it be true. Allah bless you.
History will look back on this with much amusement. I like the efforts made by this person attempting to write. It is good when you think he left school with nothing. Like me I can write good and school was no good for me. Proved the Dudley Yam Yams wrong. I read the newspapers as well. Famous guy now -i hope I get a chance to speak to him.
Read the book today. Very happy with the work JohnBirk has done here I wish him well. Please share this work all over the world. Thjanks you very much jOHNS.
My family are from the Bird family around Dudley and Cradley would be interested in getting a copy to check the story! if they are also involved in the history! cant comment at present have been trying to get a copy for months! would not have known if it wasn't for the Black Country Bugle!
Excellant loved it work well paid off.
would like a copy for my brother Dean as he also loves it.
Especially the pictures.
Ex 35-35
This book is very interesting. I will read until the end.
I predict the book will be very famous around the world. That is my prediction because there is so much amazing informations that I did not know before. I am studying new english history so this class I am learning from this book everything there is to know. I want to say thanks to Mr Birk.
Glorious book simply glorious. I have passed to all my students in my missionaries who want to learn about english history. My praise to the writer John. You have filled my heart with joy and there is no space for more! I can not say anymore but glory to the book! My students love it!
My autistic son lives Dudley. He reads slow and all other historical books are too hard. This book is written to appeal to low IQ people. So my son loves it as he likes simple words and lots of pictures. I can say this book is perfect for children who like history. I have asked my school teacher to share the book in classes. If this book wasn’t free to read here I would never have discovered it.
I just came to see the site given to me. I did not see the full book. It is interesting. It is very worldly. You have spent a lot of time on this worldly activity. Now it is finished you may look towards non-worldly things. See you at the next meeting John.
Great book. Shared to all my friends in Turkey.
Hello John Birf we saw you the other day showing the book so I asked her to give me this website. I like history so I reading. I live near castle. Hope to meet you to discuss some information. Can you meet me at my house at 34 corporation road. I am always home. I will give you tea and biscuits we can have a good chat and more. See you soon John.
Enjoyed the book. I showed my teacher so we talked in class about the book and the Gunpowder plot. Wish you come to our school to talk to class. Could you come to schools.
>HI JOHN, GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR BOOK, IT IS A GREAT ACHIEVEMENT!
Excellent work of history amazing. Thanks.
Brilliant work Dave! From the attendant you met at Dudley assembly hall today!
Thanks for giving me the website - I started to read the book today.- Tom.
Just browsing while looking at history. Such a rich history we have.
Found this when searching DudLey - doing some history work. Always good to learn more!
Ned Williams
Thanks for information. My work always "fades" as I go a few decades beyond living memory so I am very Impressed with anyone who can actually go back into "real history".
Good luck,
Ned Williams
Dudley College...
RE: My Journey Back in Time
Dear Mr Bird,
The Chief Executive and Principal of Dudley College, Neil Thomas very kindly passed on a copy of your book to our history department. It is a fascinating piece of research and must have taken a great deal of time and effort to compile. I look forward to sharing it with our history students and with other members of staff, many of whom are interested in genealogy. I would like to express our gratitude for bringing your work to our attention,
Yours sincerely,
Dr Samantha Badger
History Lecturer
Mr Bird, I have read your email with interest and would like to thank you for sharing this information with me about your book "MY JOURNEY BACK IN TIME". The history and culture of our region is extremely important, and so it's fantastic to hear about your passion for the heritage of Dudley Castle!
Amanda Jewkes
Wow.. Wow... John
Those comments.!!!!!
You been asked to do dudley tours.. Seems to be alot interested in the castle.
Asked to go into schools
Truly impressive..
The comments people have wrote
And from all over too.. America turkey.. Russia...
John your a star... A history genius... I'm so lucky to have a cousin whom shows real commitment and determination.
So proud of your huge achievement and look forward to reading this book
Great photo of your mom ♥️
She's has a great son who is capable of anything
For sure....
We already knew you as a compassionate caring son who's done above and beyond for his mom.
Now a genius too bless you xxx
Tracy Grey says...
Absolutely brilliant book for everyone whether your interested in history or not it's very interesting to see the history and the amount of work put in well done john.
August 16, 2019 at 9:02 AM
Mr James Pearson said…..
I am 85 year old and by gum. I haven’t read anything so informative since I was a mere tadpole in the loins of my Great father! Yes, this book gave me the tingles all over my body. I enjoyed muchly the castle story. The ladies of history were quite a marvel. O yes, by gum your book is good and has turned me into a young buck again by reliving history. Yes, I am 16 again and throbbing like anything. Your book excites me!
Thank you John Bird. December 2 2019 7:19 pm
From the Mayor of Dudley: councillor David Stanley......
Thank you for sending me your book ‘My Journey Back in Time’. It is a fascinating read and I appreciate the significant research that has gone into producing this.
I will certainly share this with guests who visit the Council House. As a borough, I believe we have a wonderful heritage, which should be celebrated.
Thank you again for sharing this with me.
WARWICK CASTLE - CUSTOMER SERVICES
Dear John
I have just forwarded your email and cover letter regarding your researched book'My Journey Back in Time'. Thank you for forwarding access to this book over to us, I shall certainly share this with the History Team at the castle who I am sure will find this an interesting read. Congratulations on the completion of your book which is no easy task and has clearly taken a great deal of time and research. The topic and content of the book seem engaging and I wish you every luck with its continued success.
Kind regards.
THE NATIONAL: TRUST.
Dear Mr Bird, thank you for your email about your new book 'MY JOURNEY BACK IN TIME'.
We will forward to colleagues we think this may be of interest too!
Kind regards: Customer Enquires, London and South East region. nationaltrust.org.uk
ASTON HALL BIRMINGHAM.
Dear Mr Bird,
Many thanks for your email.Thanks for sharing information with us about your book. Sounds like a brilliant publication.
My area within Birmingham Museums isn't really in the research side of things. I look after our wonderful volunteers.
So I am copying in the Aston Hall email address as I am sure they will really benifit from having a look at this book.
Thanks again for sharing this with us. Have a brilliant week.
All the best.
Becky Benson: Volunteer Manager.
Hello Mr Bird
Thanks for this. I will forward your email to our flourishing Heritage Group who will be fascinated!
Yours
Judith Rodgers
Thanks John, quite an achievement to get this book to print, well done, I look forward to reading it.
Best wishes,
Bob Booth, Chairman, The Bournville Society
DUDLEY CASTLE AND ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS.
Dear Mr Bird
Following our converstaion here at the zoo offices yesterday. I am writing to thank you for telling us about your forthcoming publication about the castle. We would be happy for you to use the images you have taken of the castle if you agree to the following conditions.
-to credit Dudley Zoological Gardens for the images taken.
-to make a £50 donation payable to Dudley Zoological Gardens. Your donation will be put towards the upkeep of the castle.
We would be grateful to receive two copies of your book once it is published to keep in our onsite Library. We would also be happy to discuss the potential option of selling your book in our shop once it has been published.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards
Louise
Marketing Assistant.
THE BLACK COUNTRY SOCIETY.
Dear John
Many thanks for taking the trouble to highlight your book. Family history research can be fascinating especially, as in your case, well known figures from the past are discovered. I can see how much effort you have put into this over many years and I was interested to read the Bugle article on your work.
Thanks again for bringing it to our attention.
Best regards,
Andrew Homer
Secretary
Black Country Society
ANTONY BIRD.
Credit where it is due.
Nice to see they acknowledge the hard work you put into your book, it is a great accomplishment.
Hi John, yes I can help with sales when things are bit normal and people get interested again with leisure and reading. I'll be glad for some fresh air as I've been stuck in isolation for many months due to being high risk. What's good is I was already working home due to disability and not seeing anyone so I have been able to continue.
I must say you have done a lot of hard work on your book. I remember your publisher often praised your work ethic.
I don't know much about history and was not fond of it at school so I learnt much from your book!
The photos are great very professional. I am glad I am getting the chance to help.
MAYOR OF THE WEST MIDLANDS: ANDY STREET.
Dear Mr Bird
Thank you for your email to Andy Street regarding your book 'MY JOURNEY BAcK IN TIME' which he has asked me to respond to on his behalf.
Firstly, congratulations on the publishing of your book. What a wonderful achivement! I see that you have been discussing with Dudley Castle and Zoo, the possibility that they may be willing to have your book for sale in their shop. Given that your book includes pictures of the castle , this would be a super idea if agreeable!
Wishing you all the very best with the sale of your book.
Kind regards
Linda
Hello Mr Bird
I am still reading your book and I am taking my time as I enjoy looking at the photos.
It’s great you visited those castles and took photos. It’s like being there myself!
I think Mr Raj has lost interest in the book as he said he wished you well but didn’t
comment much and asked me to study the JW.org website whenever I have spare time.
I think he has all his attention on the JW.org site and trying to learn from it.
On Mon, Jul 27 2020
ANDY
Hi John
Love the book pictures ov castle and your family life story still viewing now keep well from Andy
COADB.COM
Thank you John.
I now have your online blog address, if I use anything from your book, I will be sure to mention your name.
Tammy Eledge
Owner and Chief Genealogist at COADB.com
UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM
Dr Malcolm Dick BA, PGCE, PhD Department of History.
Social and regional historian with teaching and research interests
in the history of the West Midlands, also Editor-in-Chief of the History West Midlands project.
Dear John,
I can see how colourful your book is and its importance to you as a record of family history. I am not a genealogist and don’t have
the expertise to or time to check any details.
You seem to be having a lot of success with your publication in any case.
Very best wishes – and good luck with your book.
THE BLACK COUNTRY SOCIETY
Andrew Homer Secretary
Black Country Society.
Dear John
Thank you for your email.
Unfortunately, as we are a voluntary society we are unable to offer any services such as genealogy.
However, I would say that as you have already employed the services of a genealogist to do this work for you, it would be both time consuming and expensive to have that work repeated. I recall from your book that you reference your genealogist several times and also include a link to her website, so it is very clearly stated who has done this research on your behalf.
Kind regards
Andrew Homer
On 05 August 2020 at 10:37 BC
THE BRITISH LIBRARY
Legal-Deposit-Books
13:21 (0 minutes ago)
to me
Dear John,
Thank you for your email regarding your latest publication.
We the British Library have a hard copy of your latest publication which was sent to last year and it is now safely in our collection System no 019462872 However many thanks for the information that it is now available to read online.
Regards.
Dawn Ledgeway legal Deposit Team Member
I was asked to write some comments on the book by my friend. First I say that it was a great achievement as it’s not easy to research and complete a book like this. I teach English (adult ed), and also train tutors. It is a well written, clear, organised and a professionally presented work with beautifully shot photographs and lovely art work. A lot of work has gone into the pedigree compiled by a genealogy professional so to me that really adds to the authenticity of the book. Sadly some will feel envy which happens everywhere and professionals are often the ones who try to discredit other professionals in academia. Well done to the author!
UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM
Dr Malcolm Dick BA, PGCE, PhD Department of History.
Social and regional historian with teaching and research interests
in the history of the West Midlands, also Editor-in-Chief of the History West Midlands project.
Dear John,
Just to echo Andrew’s point. The Black Country Society can’t provide the services you require.
Neither can the University of Birmingham, which is an academic institution and doesn’t have genealogy as part of its remit.
If you search online you can find proof readers and genealogists. If you wish, I can suggest genealogists who might be able to help.
Best wishes,
Malcolm
..........................................
The authors reply to the above from
I proofread the book myself "before" I had it published. The comments on my blog show that it has had a great reception. I was strongly recommended to get it proof read again and get my pedigree rechecked by "a critic" that I should have ignored from the start. I have no real need to get the pedigree rechecked as it was done by two professional genealogists in the first place who have done a great job of it for me. My pedigree is in harmony with Historian: John Hemingway's work as seen in his publication 'An Illustrated Chronicle of the Castle and Barony of Dudley 1070-1757, which was approved of by the Earl of Dudley in 2006. This satisfies me the author 100 pc.
Thanks MR Dick
MALCOLM DICK....
Dear John,
Thank you. I think you can ignore the occasional critic as you suggest and if you are happy with
the work of professional genealogists, then you should, I think rely on their advice.
As you have had a good reception then that is what counts most.
I know John Hemingway. A few years ago he completed a PhD with me on William Shenstone and the Leasowes.
Dr John Hunt has also done work on Dudley Castle; ‘Lordship and the Landscape:
A documentary and archaeological study of the Honor of Dudley c. 1066-1322’.
All the best,
Malcolm
DR JOHN HUNT - DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY - UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM...
A medievalist working primarily on regional history and archaeology, medieval lordship
and community, and cultural history, in England and France between the tenth and fourteenth centuries.
Dear Mr Bird,
Thank you for sending me a copy of your book, particularly on a topic central to my own work and research.
It is very kind of you to do so. I look forward to reading it.
With best wishes,
John
Amazing piece of work! Really immense. Such a book deserves to be mentioned in all high ranking scholarly journals. The prose is both clear, succinct and full of amazing discoveries the like of which the world has never seen. How could such a work be bypassed by many people? This book deserves a place in history and needs to be looked alongside other great Tomes of our time. I do think the BBC will pick up on this book and start running some sort of series about it. This man John Bird is about to become a celebrity! He deserves it because he has single handedly composed and researched this amazing piece of history and family research. I think the University needs to give him a special honorary Degree. Come on Birmingham University please give him a degree and all the other titles he deserves. Amazing book, well done. I really enjoyed reading it during the last few months. It has really cheered me up and kept me going during those long lonely nights in bed. There is nothing better I like to do then take your book to bed with me and enjoy it’s warming words and soothing sounds. It brings much satisfaction and I sleep like a baby afterwards. The best remedy I can tell you!
Must agree with previous comments. Just outstanding..a real genius that needs to join Mensa. Compliments John. Nice meeting you the other day and giving me the info. I am blown away by your knowledge.
My friend told me I should leave a comment as I keep telling him about Dudley and the history and your book. I’ve been reading it ever since you gave me the website to download the book. I don’t have much spare cash so I very sorry I couldn’t buy the book. So thank you for letting me read for free. It is very generous and show everyone that you like history and like me want to tell everyone. Hope can meet when I visit Dudley in a few years.
I appreciate the fact that John stopped me on the way as I ran for the bus. I thought that I may as well check out his work seeing how he took the trouble to offer me his business card. I always like checking out fellow authors works. I'm impressed, got to admit! Good website and great effort put in. I would recommend that you somehow if possible sort your comments section or rearrange by the newest first and also offer social media buttons to allow for website sharing.
Mr John,
I am delighted that I had got a chance to speak to you. I hope you remember me stopping near ASDA bus stop in Dudley and asking about my interest in History. Initially I didn't get you though, but after you showed me the book I got the context. Yes, the book is really good and your work towards the history and heritage is really commendable. I searched the book from online and stared reading it. It is really descriptive and the context is really lucid. I have been gaining so much knowledge of old time and culture about the Black Country.
I am sincerely appreciating your work. Thanks a lot for enlighten us about the history and old time. Really got lots to learn.
Regards,
Punit
It was a pleasure to meet mr Bird today and speak to him about his book. I was lucky to have gone through his book and learn about his great efforts in writing a very detailed book
Great book inserting
THE CITYLIFE TEAM
Thank you John, Your book sounds interesting, and thanks for letting us Know about it.
Jono Oates
Amazing Work John, Well Done
BELVOIR CASTLE
Good Morning Mr Bird.
Your email for attention of the Duke has been forwarded to me this morning.
Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions I am working from home and as a result
won't be seeing His Grace until the restrictions are lifted. Once they have been
and we are back to some normality I will of course show His Grace your correspondence
and have a look at your book online with him. I will no doubt be in touch however at this
time I am unable to give you a time-frame so please bear with us.
Regards
Debbie Griffith
Private Secretary to His Grace, The Duke of Rutland.
BELVOIR CASTLE
June 25th 2020, at 237PM.
It's magnificent John.
STEVE.
I enjoyed 'my journey back in time' thank you for recommending it to me
Your book is a massive achievement John, well done.
PHIL
Hi john bird I would like to let you know that my step daughter and her partner may have found some photos and tapes that belong to you while digging their garden
I in Estonia I like very much reading this history storybook that my friend send me about dudley life and history.
Imran Mahmood Wed, 28 Apr, 2021
Hi John,
I just skimmed through this and I'm finding it very interesting. Hope to see more work from you.
Imran.
DUDLEY COLLEGE
Phil Brooks..Wed, 28 Apr, 2021
Hi john
Met you briefly when you popped into college yesterday.
I have passed your info/ email onto my colleagues - If any are interested / able to work on a project with you, they'll get back to you.
thanks for your interest,
best wishes
Phil
Phil Brooks
Lecturer
Dudley College of Technology
JOHN COOPER
Impressive video and sound John.
John.
JOHN COOPER.
Hey John,
your video on You tube, and its music are brilliant.
I can't fault it at all!
Test from rups
Phil
Hey John, Iv'e looked at your You tube videos, they are amazing, they are very well done!
This is an amazing true long time dedication of passion. Chike Oneafolu.
Met this gentleman in a bus stop and he told me to have a look at his book. Wow! I never expected this.
Hats off to you sir for the work that must of gone into this.
John Hale.
John has done an amazing job at researching this immense historical project in so much detail. He has left stone unturned in his family tree, which fascinatingly links back to the royal lineage. I thoroughly enjoyed reading through his insightful journal / blog. John is an inspiration to adults with autism everywhere, showing that great works can be achieved with systematic precision and perseverance. Consider the fact also that he could not write / read when he left formal education. Well-done John and thank you for being so I inspiring.
Hello Google.
Could you check to see if there is an error in the comments site on my blog please.
some people are sending comments that don't seem to be displayed among the other comments on the blog!!!
rhysthomas@kingcharleshouse.com
10:49 (7 hours ago)
to Joansj9187
Hi John,
I’ve just published a comment on this site
https://newworldorder2019.blogspot.com/p/welcome_1.html#comment-form
but it has not shown up? Not sure if there is a problem there.
Kind Regards,
Rhys Thomas
Tel: 01384 886 236
Thanks.
Hello there...
If your comment positive appreciative comment about My Journey Back in Time does not seem to register on this site.
you are welcome to send it to Joansj9187@gmail.com
Thanks.
Saw your website and it is good. See you soon down town my old friend. This is Mike- remember me? We have some lovely memories back in those days we got up to some great stuff. I have come out of the closet since then. Hope you ok.
Excuse me Mr Mikey.
I do not know a person by this name and have never known a person by the name of Mike Mikey.
so what is the purpose of this comment?
Theodore Marker Fri, 9 Jul, 00:43
Hi John its Theodore here sorry I haven't gotten back to you earlier. I have watched some of your Youtube videos and I am very impressed, you've done a great job and I would love to help you with your channel. I am a little busy over the weekend but If your free I could come and meet you on Monday. I am no expert but I would love to do what ever I can to help.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Kai! Saying thanks for history update …
Nice to meet you tonight John. I can already see that your Sir William Bagot is also our 'bad uncle Bill' as we like to call him. We will have a look at your book; you have obviously put in a great deal of work. Best wishes. Pete and Julie
Rupesh 31 Aug 2021, 12:40 (2 days ago)
I like the video it spreads the serious message.
I think too many are not aware of what is coming.
I am glad i am learning more from jw.org. You have helped Find good material for my reading.
I am slowly learning and trying to apply myself.
Thanks.
Jay Torna Wed, 6 Oct, 15:51 (4 days ago)
Brilliant work John, you could see the dedication put into the book and how is much history behind it
zafarmehmood
Just met John in the street as I came from my front door and he called me over and explained the blog he had written for anyone who had some spare time to gain more understanding and knowledge about the past generations and meanings of rich heritage left on display thought the heart of our black country. Its worthy of your time too look deeper into your towns town's rich history as far as the Tudors. Or even the lead like huge figures upon a wall high right opposite farmfoodsand the bus station it's been there all my life I've been past it a million times but I didn't know what it was or what it background would be very interesting John well done I'm glad we had a quick chat that led me too u and your hard work as a blogger for the people of the black country n
zafarmehmood@mail.uk
October 7, 2021 at 6:27 PM
Paul Howes paul@howesfamilies.com
Hello John.
Thank you for your note. Well done on your book. I'm afraid that my own interest extends only to the Howse name and others that sound like it. I'm not related to the person you mention but would like to learn more about him and his Howse descendants. If you could point me to a specific location where I might find that detail, I'd be very grateful.
Thank you
Paul
On Fri, Oct 29, 2021 at 11:14 PM
Hello John
I've only had a chance to have a quick look at your online book as I am struggling for time because of my heavy workload and numerous family responsibilities, which leave very little room for anything else. However, from what I have seen it is obvious that you have put a lot of work and effort into it. My best Wishes.
Carl Chinn
Good morning Mr. Bird, 17 Dec, 2021
Your drawing of Fisher's stained glass window looks excellent! Very nicely done, it will look great on your book cover.
Thanks for sharing.
Virginia Museum of History & Culture
Andrew.
Gary Smailes 08:55 (3 hours ago)
Hi John.
Thanks for getting in touch. I must admit that as someone with a masters degree in history I did find your blog very interesting.
I'd love to hear more about your plans for the book.
Hello John
Thank you so much for your email including attachments and information about your book ‘My Journey Back in Time’.
I have read the attachments with interest and look forward to having a closer look at your book. I have forwarded your email to the Historic Environment Team (and have included Jayne Pilkington, the Principal Historic Environment Officer, into this email) who will also be interested in the information you provided.
Thank you again for your interest and for the information you have kindly provided.
Kind regards
Emma Pardoe
Dudley Townscape Heritage Project Manager
Dudley Council
Hello John
As promised, I have come to contribute my thoughts on your book 'My Journey Back in Time'. You are clearly a man who has found his passion project and dedicated himself to it, and what has resulted is an extraordinary compilation of research, complete with a millennium-long deep family tree that in places reads like a condensed Who's Who of both local and national history. I can only echo the comments of those above in expressing my pleasure that you have brough your work to my attention. Your evident determination in spreading the history you have uncovered is very much to your credit.
You are, if I may say, clearly a man in search of something deeper and greater than yourself. Perhaps it is a stronger and more stable rooting in a world that seems to be more precarious and fragmentory with every passing day. Maybe that;s something we all seek. Whatever it is, Mr Bird, I hope you find it.
Peace.
Andy.
Thanks Andy
Hello Andy
If you are still searching for the answers to some of life's big questions, you could type them into the jw.org search box. It will not let you, or anyone else down, if you are really searching. Seek and you "will" find > I have already done that on jw.org and I am 100pc satisfied!
Thanks again for your above comment.
Good afternoon John
Hope you are well,
Firstly I'd like to say I really enjoyed your book, I loved how it was written and seeing all the pictures to support it was great, I'll most definitely be reading it again and I hope you're still making progress.
Lettie
Just finished reading and looking through your book. A great piece of local history and I highly recommend to anyone else who loves to delve into our local past.
Jamie
So happy I accidentally got the chance to meet the author. Can't wait to read it.
What a pleasure it was to meet John Bird in Dudley Library. I enjoyed his 1st edition booklet very much and had to get more copies for the residents at Errol Court. Speaking with him brought back so many childhood memories.
Kay Moss.
Nice to meet the author and get the links to this book. Very well researched and documented, extremely thorough. Well done John for all your hard work, a great achievement.
Jon
John
I have read your introduction booklet to this online blog, and I have found it to be so interesting, and full of information.
Well done!
Jane Pearson.
20/10/22
Just met John in the street as I came from my front door and he called me over and explained the blog he had written for anyone who had some spare time to gain more understanding and knowledge about the past generations and meanings of rich heritage left on display thought the heart of our black country. Its worthy of your time too look deeper into your towns town's rich history as far as the Tudors. Or even the lead like huge figures upon a wall high right opposite farm foods and the bus station it's been there all my life I've been past it a million times but I didn't know what it was or what it background would be very interesting John well done I'm glad we had a quick chat that led me too u and your hard work as a blogger for the people of the black country n
zafarmehmood@mail.uk
Your writing style is engaging and informative, and your attention to detail brought the castle's history to life. I especially appreciated the way you highlighted lesser-known facts about Dudley Castle, and the way you made its fascinating history accessible to readers of all backgrounds.
I have met John today. He is a lovely man. He gave me a free edition of his book to read. The book looks amazing.
Wish you all the best
Dr Mohamed Daoud
THE BRITISH LIBRARY
Dear John,
Thank you for your email and for bringing your link to our attention.
The British Library has a print copy of this item and it is available for all our readers to enjoy.
Unfortunately we are unable to share your link at this time.
Thank you for thinking of the BL, it is very much appreciated.
Kind regards
Brian
Thank you John for your wonderful history book "My Journey back in time". It opens a door on the history of Dudley and on the history of the Bird family.
This book is full of precious pearls to be discovered by the reader.
I am looking forward to exploring further the history of the first Barons of Dudley when I'll go to Picquigny in Somme, France and to Moutiers-Hubert in Calvados, France.
DR JOHN RICARD
Thought provoking and intelligent work. A great book to unwind with. Fantastically, informative!
An insightful book for a deep and thoughtful mind, grabs at the mind, and conscientious mind.
Frank
I met John on the street in Dudley and he told me about this wonderful book that I've thoroughly enjoyed. Great work John and glad to have met you to learn a lot about he history of our home. Caroline.
This looks like something worth the read. It is very interesting and it's lovely to know history will be preserved because of your work.
Kind regards from Adam and Christina. Thank you for sharing this with us.
John handed me a copy of my journey back in time this evening. I haven’t had time to fully read it as I wanted to leave a comment just to mention how thorough and well researched the book is. I have not been able to put it down. As a fairly local lad I had no idea of the history around me and this book and website is certainly a great source of education and also entertainment. Congratulations on the work John
Hello Sir,
It was nice to have a chat with you today about your projects also your researches.
I'm interested into history, present, also a future.
Nowadays technology gives plenty of opportunities to reaching a lot of groups of interest. There is few online platforms that could be helpful with your researches also advertising your work and your website for wider communities. Two most used at this days are Facebook and Twitter.
I'll have a look into your book surely.
I wish you to have a lovely day.
Kind regards,
M
NOTE
Message from author John Bird.
My Journey Back in Time is now a FLIP BOOK. Check Google images for > dudleycastlejohnbird.com
Well done John on producing such an amazing book. You have so much enthusiasm and passion for this subject and it shows in your book. It is well researched and attention to detail is paramount.
I remember the scroll you showed me all those years ago that stretched the length of the room then to the book and now digital.
Wow !!!!
That’s dedication and determination and you have those qualities in spades John.
Well done on an amazing achievement.
Your old lost friend: Carolyn
John's work in his book reflects his full dedication, love, and passion for tracing his family's background and ancestry and History as a whole. The book itself has interesting topics and images and is very informative.
Client Services executive
Jay
John gave a copy of his small booklet and I found it very interesting keep up the good work John
Malcolm Blatchford of the North Priory Estate Dudley
DUDLEY ARCHIVES
Dear John,
Further to our telephone conversation, I can confirm the are over 600 images of yours currently available to see on our online catalogue. They all copyright watermarked, so wouldn’t be able to be used without your permission. The John Bird collection is p12/*, so the earlier images you have provided have been fully processed. Since then you have forwarded other images, however, we have only one volunteer digitising and cataloguing the picture collection and they are currently working on pto* images. It may be some time before any of your latest images are processed, however, those visiting the service can view the other images in the p12 collection.
Unfortunately, the public facing catalogue, is not running quite right at the moment and whereas the description of the images are clearly showing, the actual pictures are not. This has been referred to Axielle who offer IT support for our CALM catalogue.
As soon as the catalogue is operating correctly, I will be in touch.
As you can imagine, there is a considerable backlog processing all of the images in the collection and getting them online. We are a small staff and this is only one of the many duties we undertake, operating the public service is one of our primary duties and although other work is important, running the public service takes priority.
I hope you can appreciate that we do try to make the material deposited here available for visitors to view.
Kind regards,
Jane Humphrey
Senior Archives Assistant
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