An historic 120-year-old barn, the Cadbury Barn, Manor Farm Park, just off Bristol Road South, once owned by the Cadbury family, has been razed to the ground by arsonists.
The Birmingham Mail writes:
Firefighters were called to deal with a blaze at the Cadbury Barn, Manor Farm Park, just off Bristol Road South. The fire happened three years to the day after the Cadbury Manor House – on the same site – was destroyed by arsonists. The timber barn, built in 1895 for George and Elizabeth Cadbury on their estate, was totally destroyed.
Northfield Fire Station tweeted: ‘Red Watch currently at last night’s six engine fire in Manor Farm Park, 200 years of history gone in a few hours.’
A West Midlands Fire Service spokesman said: ‘We sent six fire engines to the scene and 23 firefighters tackled the blaze, but unfortunately the barn was totally destroyed. It is very sad as it was of historical value. We believe it was an arson attack and police have been notified.’
The barn was of architectural and historical significance, particularly through its association with the Quaker/Cadbury philanthropy. It was built specifically to host large parties, mainly for children from deprived areas of Birmingham and the Black Country. The children would be treated to a day out in the countryside, with activities such as swimming, then enjoy tea in the spacious barn. During the Second World War the barn, together with adjacent farm buildings, was used as the national training camp for the Quaker-led Friends Ambulance Unit.
