Kings Norton is a suburb in south Birmingham. It was historically a village separate to Birmingham but was absorbed as the city expanded and urbanised. During the 20th century, the area developed massively with the construction of additional private and public housing. In October 1920, 25½ acres of land at Kings Norton (just below St Nicolas' Church) were purchased by the Birmingham Civic Society[clarification needed] and afterwards presented to the city for the benefit of the citizens of Birmingham. The Society also designed and paid for the formal gardens, gates on the Pershore Road side and stone benches.