Sutton Coldfield became a prosperous market town in the early Middle Ages but had fallen into decay by the 15th century. Its fortunes were changed by John Vesey, who became Bishop of Exeter and obtained a charter of incorporation in 1528, placing the Chase and Manor in the hands of the ‘Warden and Society of the Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield’. “Many of the photographs have not been published before and there is an excellent variety.” Midland Ancestor