Vote for these historic West Midlands sites in national competition celebrating heroes

Three historic sites in the West Midlands have been shortlisted in the all-new ‘Everyday History Heroes’ public award competition.

The purpose of the competition, launched by historian David Olusoga OBE, is to find places that celebrate the everyday people who helped shaped the country.

A total of 24 sites have been shortlisted, including three in the West Midlands: the Moor Pool Heritage Trust in Birmingham, Escape Arts in Stratford-upon-Avon and the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust in Stratford-upon-Avon.

• Read more: West Midlands residents of one special postcode can visit Shakespeare sites for free this summer

The public have been invited to vote for their favourite site, helping to crown England’s first- er Everyday History Heroes. The voting is open until Monday, August 31.

The outcome of the vote will be announced on Thursday, September 10.

There will be one national winner and seven regional winners.

Winners will receive a donation to help fund their community initiatives.

Vivi Bayliss at Escape Arts said: “We’re delighted to be shortlisted for Everyday History Heroes and to have the everyday stories of Stratford-upon-Avon’s communities recognised in this way. We believe local history belongs to everyone and work to celebrate the memories, experiences and contributions of ordinary people.”

Barbara Nomikos at Moor Pool Heritage Trust said: “We are delighted that Moor Pool Heritage Trust has been shortlisted for Everyday History Heroes. Through projects such as Everyday Working Lives, alongside our collections, trails and community events, we’re uncovering and sharing stories of the ordinary people who shaped both Moor Pool and Birmingham’s City of a Thousand trades while celebrating the community spirit that continues today.

“This nomination is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the everyday people and the histories that are such an important part of Birmingham’s heritage, while inspiring future generations to discover and value these stories.”

Frankie Davies at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust said: “While Shakespeare’s work, life and times are known around the world, we’re also passionate about uncovering the stories of the ordinary people connected to Shakespeare’s Family Homes, such as the history of Cambridge House School, which was situated at Hall’s Croft in the 19th century. The use of Findmypast and our own archives helps us shine a light on the lives that unfolded here, inspiring connection and revealing a deeper and more inclusive picture of the past.”

The public can vote by following this link: https://www.findmypast.co.uk/c/everyday-history-heroes-west-midlands.