Bennetts Hill was created as part of the 19th-century Inge estate development.[2] 11 Bennetts Hill (now demolished) was the birthplace of the artistEdward Burne-Jones in 1833, a fact commemorated by a Birmingham Civic Societyblue plaque on the site.
The neighbouring house, 10 Bennetts Hill, was occupied by David Barnett and Samuel Neustadt, both Jewish jewellery merchants. As a child Edward Burne-Jones played with their children, shared entertainments, and even took part in Jewish festivals. For the Purim festival, he arrived early and wore disguises as the other children did.[citation needed]
John Pemberton, who developed the Priory Estate (including Old Square) in the early 18th century, also lived on Bennetts Hill.
Architecture
Bennetts Hill has buildings in a mix of architectural styes, many of which were constructed in the 20th century, although some 19th-century structures remain. The crossroads with Waterloo Street has fine Victorian and Edwardian buildings on each corner, a "unique survival" in Birmingham.[3]
The former Sun Building
Southern section
West side
No. 13 is a stucco-fronted building constructed in 1823 and thought to have been designed by Charles Edge.[2]
Nos. 11–12 were demolished to make way for the Scottish Widows Building, which was constructed between 1930 and 1931. It was designed by E. C. Bewlay.[2]
Nos. 9-10, the Sun Building, designed by S. N. Cooke with a sun emblem and lettering by William Bloye and constructed between 1927 and 1928.[2][4]
East side
No. 21 was constructed by Horton's Estate between 1933 and 1934 and was designed by W. S. Clements.[2]
Nos. 23–24 were designed by E. Bower Norris in 1961 in the Neo-Georgian style.[2]
No. 25 is a Riley & Smith design, built in 1926 and 1927 for the Commercial Union Assurance.[2]
Nos. 6 and 7–10 feature windows in recessed panels, typical of Charles Edge, although it is unknown if he was the architect. The shop frontages survived the Waterloo Court development in 1976, although the structures behind them were demolished.[7]
East side
Nos. 37–38 are two office buildings of around 1860, standing on part of the grounds of the demolished Bennetts Hill House. No. 37 is believed to be the work of Edward Holmes.[8]
