Selly Manor

Selly Manor is a timber-framed building in Bournville, that was moved to its current site in 1916 by chocolate manufacturer and philanthropist George Cadbury.

At that time it was called Smythes Tenement and was on land belonging to William Jenette, lord of the sub-manor of Selly.

In 1561, attorney and bailiff John Setterford, his wife Phylis, and her son William Pritchett  leased the house.

Phylis Setterford outlived her husband, and when she died in 1608, an inventory of the contents was made, which details the layout of the building as well as every item in it.

The house deteriorated further still and following the death of its owner Edward Olivieri, the Rookery was put up for sale by auction in 1907.

In a letter to his son, Laurence wrote These old buildings are educational and especially needed for a new town like Birmingham; a vast majority of people never think of bygone times.

[7] Much of his collection was displayed at his house, The Davids in Northfield, Birmingham, but Selly Manor was a perfect home for the 16th and 17th century furniture and domestic objects he loved so much.