The ‘Belgravia of Birmingham’—Edgbaston fully warrants a detailed history. The site of a Roman fortress and a major Civil War skirmish, in the 18th century its manor house was rebuilt and its park landscaped by ‘Capability’ Brown. The next century saw its development by the absentee landowners and almost everyone who was anyone in Birmingham came to live in Egbaston. The 20th century brought the university, followed by the Hospitals and Medical School, the most prestigious grammar school, leading hotels, professional offices and the County Cricket Club, whose ground is used for test matches.