North Borough Council

YOUR GUIDE Welcome to North Warwickshire

More tourist information, including places to stay, is on the Borough Council’s website at: www.northwarks.gov.uk/ tourism

For accommodation, attractions, events and heritage in North Warwickshire and beyond, see the Northern Warwickshire Tourism Association’s leaflet and website: www.visitnorthern warwickshire.com

Thank you!… to the photographers who donated their work to this 2011 edition THE LOCAL including The Herald, News, Warwickshire County Council and GLOBAL PLAYER Enjoywarwickshire.com We can provide this TNT is a global express delivery player, with a major local presence. information in another format, for example We’re part of the local community, with a UK hub at and a Nuneaton depot in larger print. Contact serving commerce and industry throughout North Warwickshire. North Warwickshire Borough Council Whether it’s a package, parcel or pallet, destined for , London or New York, Tel: 01827 715341; make sure it’s taken by TNT. Call the number below and our Nuneaton team will be email: customerservices on its way. @northwarks.gov.uk The information in this For an immediate collection Freefone Guide was as correct as possible at the time of going to print, Nov 2011. or0800 visit www.tnt.co.uk 100 600 Contents Page No. The Market Towns: Atherstone, , Coleshill ...... 6 Business matters in the Borough ...... 14 North Warwickshire's countryside - a breath of fresh air ...... 18 At your leisure – getting out, gyms and golf courses ...... 20 Places to visit – from a book farm to a bird reserve ...... 22 A wealth of history & heritage ...... 24 2 3 Welcome to North Warwickshire a community of communities

In the far north of Warwickshire lies the London and from Coleshill Parkway, either alongside The Belfry, headquarters of home… together with historic links to smallest and perhaps the least well west to or east to Cambridge, the Professional Golfing Association Boadicea, Richard III, Shakespeare and known Borough in the County – North Peterborough and Stansted Airport. and famous for four Ryder Cup Lady Godiva, you’ll appreciate that North Warwickshire, with its 62,300 residents. These excellent transport links are a major tournaments. Then we have traders Warwickshire has an awful lot to offer! attraction for companies such as Aldi, at Atherstone’s market in the historic So, enjoy browsing through the information We’re known as a ‘community of BMW, Ocado and TNT, which have market square; sailing at Kingsbury in this 2011 Guide. If you’re a new communities’ because of our diverse selected North Warwickshire as the base Water Park, the most popular of resident, a warm North Warwickshire market towns, villages and hamlets, all for their businesses. Warwickshire’s country parks; the welcome to you. If you’re working here, of which have their own identities. engine production line at BMW at take some time out to discover the delights I’ve also heard us called ‘the Near To’ North Warwickshire can also be described Hams Hall and lastly, St Peter’s of the Borough. And if you’re a first time Borough, because we are within such as a ‘Borough of contrasts’ and for proof Church, which dominates the skyline visitor, make sure you come back again, easy reach of Birmingham, Coventry, of this, look no further than the cover of at Coleshill. because although North Warwickshire may Leicester, Nottingham and Solihull ! this Guide. be small, we’re well worth a second look! If you add in … numerous garden The M6, M6 Toll, M42 and A5 all pass North Warwickshire’s rich mining heritage centres and golf courses … children’s through the Borough and there’s a is commemorated in the colliery wheel at farms, canalside walks and country Jerry Hutchinson, Chief Executive, regular train service from Atherstone to the village of Baxterley, which is pictured shows …a castle which is still a family North Warwickshire Borough Council 4 5 The Market Towns: The town’s Christmas lights illuminate the festive window displays in the local Atherstone, Polesworth and Coleshill shops, street vendors sell crafts, gifts and food, families enjoy the fairground rides and the grand finale is the spectacular firework display set to Cable Marking Systems and music. www.dickensnight.co.uk Cable Accessories.

Walk this way… 40 successful years Walk away from the Market Square based in Coleshill. towards Coleshill Road and head towards the canal. Stroll along the canal towpath to watch the narrow Partex (UK) Ltd boats navigate the locks and spot 61-66 Station Road the stunning ironwork heritage Coleshill B46 1JT sculpture by the bridge. This marks 01675 463670 one of the starting points for the 25 [email protected] mile circular route around North www.partex.co.uk Warwickshire known as the North Arden Heritage Traill (see page 20).

The Ball Game along Long Street using a ball, which is The town is renowned for its annual specially made each year. Originally a Atherstone Ball Game, which has been match between Warwickshire and played since the 12th century, even Leicestershire lads, it now involves Atherstone is on the Roman Watling Atherstone’s Market Square during two World Wars! This no holds hundreds of players of all ages. The Street, which was also part of the Have a browse for bargains on Long Street, barred version of the beautiful game is winner is the person left holding the ball London to Holyhead stagecoach route. then take a detour to the pretty market played every Shrove Tuesday afternoon when the klaxon sounds at 5.00pm. In August 1485, Henry Tudor passed square and admire the parish church of St through Atherstone on his way to the Mary’s. Atherstone’s market dates back to Battle of Bosworth. He made his 1246, when the Abbot of Bec, then Lord of headquarters at The Three Tuns Inn the Manor at Atherstone, obtained a charter and stationed his troops in the fields to hold a market on a Tuesday. Drop by on around Merevale Abbey. Nearby a Tuesday and Friday to buy fresh fruit and Mancetter was the site of a large veg, household items and clothing at very Roman fort, allegedly the home of the reasonable prices. 14th Roman legion. It is said that Queen Boadicea (Boudica) met her fate The Square is the focal point for many outside the fort in the Anker Valley. events, including the ‘Summer in the Square’ music concerts and the popular Heritage Motorshow in September. On the last Saturday in November, it comes alive with dozens of stalls for the annual Dickens Night. 6 7 Polesworth Coleshill

Coleshill is the most western of North Warwickshire’s market towns, characterised by its steep main street and range of specialised shops. It is an ancient coaching town, taking its name from the River Cole with its striking mediaeval bridge. During the 18th century, Coleshill became one of the coaching stops on the main London to Holyhead route. Nowadays, travellers are far more likely to take advantage of the train services and free parking at Coleshill Parkway, opened in 2007!

Stocks and schools The town stocks, restored in 1998, are unique in Warwickshire, as they also combine a pillory and whipping post. These stand on Church Hill outside the old Market Hall, which houses a Heritage Centre and exhibition area and is also the headquarters of the Coleshill Civic Society. For details of events and to hire the Hall, In the 16th century, the site of Polesworth heritage. A new phase of the trail will take The Abbey is open Tuesday - Friday ring: 01675 465557. vicarage was then Polesworth Hall and walkers to Pooley Country Park (see page 19). 11am-4pm; Saturday 10.30am-1pm the home of Henry Goodere. He was a and Sunday 2pm-4pm. Further along is the house, which was friend of several poets who became Tel: 01827 892340 or see Coleshill Grammar School, dating back to known as the ‘Polesworth Circle’. Polesworth Abbey and Gateway www.polesworthabbey.heralded. 1520. Next door, is the church of St Peter This elite group included the poet John The 12th century Abbey is at the heart of the org.uk; and Paul, which dominates the town and Donne and the dramatist Ben Jonson, town, next to the River Anker and Abbey email: [email protected] has superb views over the surrounding whilst Michael Drayton, born in Hartshill Green Park. Visitors can stroll in the sensory countryside. Worth seeing are the 12th century Norman font and the brass in the in 1563, attended school here. garden, constructed on the site of the The Tithe Barn Polesworth may also have links with the nave, displaying the six-fingered hand. cloisters, where the Benedictine nuns would A Grade II listed building, dating back childhood and education of the great once have walked in prayer. Enjoy the to the mid17th century, the Tithe Barn Coleshill’s markets bard himself, William Shakespeare. Fairtrade refreshments in The Refectory was renovated in1995 along with the Every Friday morning, the WI Market meets and view the audio-visual presentations on Hall Court site. It is now owned by at the Parish Rooms. On the fourth Friday of The Polesworth Poetry Trail the history of the Abbey. the Parish Council and can be booked every month, the Farmers’ Market comes to The town’s literary connections are for meetings and community activities. town, with a variety of local produce. Take now commemorated in the Polesworth The beautiful mediaeval, two storey Abbey your pick from free range eggs; bread,honey Poetry Trail. Starting from the Abbey, Gateway has been restored to provide two and home-made sweet and savoury pies. follow the 10 waymarkers engraved guest apartments and is open to visitors on with poems created by local people Wednesday afternoons and Saturday Since 1982, Coleshill has been twinned with to celebrate the area’s history and mornings. Booking essential: 01827 892340. Chassieu in France and has developed close 8 links with Usingen in Germany. 9 Make North Warwickshire an even safer place to visit!

Join your local Neighbourhood Watch Scheme - getting together with your neighbours can help fight crime in your community. Contact Ron Potter, Chair of Neighbourhood Watch for North Warwickshire on 07836 797800 www.nwnhw.co.uk To report a crime or incident, ring on 01926 415000. Report crimes anonymously to Crimestoppers 0800 555111. Report anti-social behaviour to North Warwickshire Borough Council on 01827 715341 Monday to Friday 8.30am - 8pm and Saturday 9am - 4pm or via the website at www.northwarks.gov.uk/asb

ALL THE BEST DEALS ARE AT JACKSONS OF OLD ARLEY MIDDLETON HALL www.jacksonscamping.com The Hall is a grade II listed building, site of special scientific interest and former home of For all your Trailer Tents, Tents, Awnings, Camping Equipment, Caravan two British naturalists, Francis Willoughby ands John Ray. Beautiful walled gardens and Accessories, Sleeping Bags, Rucksacks, Outdoor Clothing and Walking Boots. nature trail, 40 acres of grounds, 16th Century jettied building, tea rooms, gift shop and Shop at Jacksons of Arley for everyday low prices, no discount card needed! Courtyard Craft Centre. Middleton Hall has a programme of events throughout the year. We have over 40 years knowledge and experience. The Peel Collection and Police Museum celebrates the life of Sir Robert Peel, who lived at nearby Drayton Manor and is famous for founding the modern police force, hence the Units 1 & 2, Springhill Ind Park name ‘Bobbies’. There were 6 Sir Robert Peels of Drayton Manor, Colliers Way, Arley, Warwickshire. CV7 8HN who went from fortune and fame to a common grave. Tel: 01676 540878 Weddings, Conferences & Private Function facilities available all year round by arrangement

Opening Times Easter – End September: Sunday 2-5pm Bank Holiday Mondays: 11am – 5pm On A4091 Belfry-Tamworth Road Tele: 01827 283 095 Email: [email protected] Web: www.middleton-hall.org.uk

10 11 Waterski and Wakeboarding Centre is a family run business held in the beautiful Kayaking Canoeing Sailing Warwickshire countryside, with panoramic views across Windsurfing Rafting Climbing the RSPB lakes near Tamworth. It boasts 135 acres, Abseiling Orieteering 85 acres of which is water. Visitors are welcome to enjoy our lake walks or relax on the Terrace Off Road Cycling Archery at The Waterfront Bar Team Building All activities are led by experienced/ fully qualified Private Parties Learn to Wakeboard and instructors. All specialised equipment will be Wedding Receptions Waterski provided. For further information or to make a Christenings Members caravan booking please contact the centre on: Christmas parties and camping Tel: 01827 872461 email: [email protected] West Midlands Water Ski Centre Tamworth Road, Cliff, Warwickshire. B78 2DL Web: www.warwickshire.gov.uk/kwpoec tel: 01827 870203 www.wmwsc.com

DEPENDABLE, FRIENDLY & PERSONAL SERVICE 24 HOUR CARE TELEPHONE ESTIMATES THE OLD Canal location VENUES AVAILABLE 10 miles from city OUT OF SEASON centre CONCESSIONS SCHOOL 8 miles from NEC ALL ACCESSORIES and airport AVAILABLE - FURNITURE, 2 miles from HOUSE LININGS, LIGHTING, The Belfry HEATING & MORE Easy access to HOTEL motorway and all NEW FOR 2011 networks ENVIRONMENTALLY CURDWORTH Cater for FRIENDLY PARTIES - BOOK THE LATEST Kingsbury Road, occasional parties, christenings and CRAZE - SILENT DISCO Curdworth, funerals Sutton Coldfield, Off-road parking Contact: West Midlands B76 9DR Original Garth Bishop Tel: 01675 470 177 Victorian www.oldschoolhousehotel.co.uk schoolhouse 01827 872280 07860651276 12 13 Business matters in the Borough Coal mining was a major industry in From Birch Coppice, travel south on the A5 North Warwickshire until the late to Atherstone, which is the base for BHS’s 1980s. It provided employment for distribution centre on Carlyon Road over 12,000 people in the 1940s and Industrial Estate and the headquarters of 1950s at 17 pits in the Borough at Aldi and TNT on the Holly Lane Industrial places like Baddesley, Birch Coppice, Estate. Dordon, Kingsbury and Polesworth. Daw Mill Colliery at Arley, owned by “TNT is proud to have based its UK UK Coal, is the one remaining headquarters for more than 31 years at ‘super-pit’ in Warwickshire and is Atherstone, which lies at the geographical Britain’s biggest coal producer. heart of the country. North Warwickshire remains a significant source of some of the From mediaeval times, Atherstone most talented people in the express delivery was famous for its felt hats, trilbys, business and the company is proud to draw caps and even Tommy Cooper’s many of its employees from the area and fezes! After the Second World War, continue to be at the centre of the the hatting trade suffered a huge community.” slump in demand. To try and combat Alistair Cochrane, Managing Director the decline, the Men’s Hat Promotion, TNT Express Services UK & Ireland chaired by local hat manufacturer, Gerald Austin, coined the famous phrase: ‘If you want to get ahead get Coleshill is an increasingly attractive a hat’. As fashion gradually became location for businesses since the opening more casual, the hatting trade of Coleshill Parkway station in 2007. The declined and the last factory, Wilson town has a number of industrial estates, and Stafford on Coleshill Road, whilst Coleshill Manor is a prestigious office closed in 1999. development in the grounds of an 18th century Grade II listed manor hall. The Back to the 21st century and North National Manufacturing and Distribution Warwickshire is making a name for Centre is at Hams Hall near Coleshill, close itself as a well-placed base for to Junction 9 of the M42 with the Channel distribution due to excellent road and Tunnel Rail Freight Terminal nearby. rail networks and our proximity to Businesses already established here Birmingham International Airport. A include Sainsbury’s, E.ON and the BMW few minutes from junction 10 of the engine plant. M42 is Birch Coppice Business Park, owned by IM Properties. Its ideal location has attracted companies such “Producing highly fuel efficient engines for both as TNT, Severn Trent Services and BMW and MINI brands places our North UPS and online supermarket, Ocado Warwickshire plant firmly on the map within our will be locating there global production network. in 2012. We benefit from a good infrastructure and a committed “Ocado is growing rapidly across the country and this location local workforce, and in turn ensures we will have capacity contribute economic to provide more customers benefits to a region famous for with the leading online its engineering heritage.” grocery offering.” Nick Spencer, Plant Director, Tim Steiner, CEO Ocado. BMW Plant Hams Hall.

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16 17 North Warwickshire’s countryside - a breath of fresh air

Enjoy a walk by the canal or meander along the paths used by miners as far back as 1846. Follow the spiral path up to Pooley’s golden tower of birch leaves, in memory of the first trees to grow on the site after the colliery closed. Relax and recuperate in the Tea Room and browse the artefacts commemorating life as a North Warwickshire miner. Just a short walk from Pooley is Alvecote Priory Picnic Area on the site of a former 14th century Benedictine Priory. This three acre site is a picturesque spot on the Coventry Canal, ideal for a family picnic.

For more details about all the Country Parks, including opening times and car parking charges, go to www.warwickshire.gov.uk/parks

Shustoke - the Reservoir Owned by Severn Trent Water, Shustoke Reservoir is the ideal place for a gentle two Hartshill Hayes Country Park Kingsbury Water Park The Old Barn Coffee Shop, gift shop, mile stroll around the larger of the two Visit Hartshill Hayes and enjoy Created from former gravel pits, Kingsbury Education and Visitor Centres are at reservoirs.This is also the home of Shustoke panoramic views across North Water Park consists of 30 lakes and pools the main entrance. Broomey Croft Sailing Club, whilst Shustoke Fly-fishers use Warwickshire, , Derbyshire set in 620 acres of landscaped countryside. Children's Farm (see page 22) the the smaller reservoir. and Leicestershire. The site was In 2010, it was awarded the Enjoy England caravan site, tea rooms and Nature chosen for a fort in Iron Age times and Quality Rose mark, ranking it alongside Reserve are at the northern entrance. Shustoke - the Show the remains of Roman pottery kilns have attractions such as Blackpool Tower and The annual Whitacres and Shustoke Show also been found in the area. There are the Tower of London! With 350,000 visitors Pooley Country Park at Blyth Hall near Shustoke, attracts hundreds three walks through the Park, a year, it is the most popular park in the The third of North Warwickshire’s of people from miles around. There are including a route which forms part of the County. country parks is on the site of the former fairground attractions, falconry displays, North Arden Heritage Trail (see page 20) Pooley Hall Colliery at Polesworth, which classic cars, craft stalls and a charity horse and a new downloadable MP3 ‘Miners There are footpaths and trails, Echills Wood closed on Good Friday 1965. It was the show. The traditional horticultural tent houses Walk’. The Visitor Centre is open at miniature railway, fishing, bikes to hire and first mine to generate its own electricity award winning floral arrangements alongside weekends selling leaflets, gifts, snacks mobility scooters on loan. New for 2011 from excess steam in the 1920s and the prize winning cakes and vegetables. and drinks, whilst the children’s is the children’s play area in a newly first to install pithead baths in 1928. www.whitacresandshustokeshow.co.uk adventure play area is a popular landscaped area overlooking Bodymoor This mining heritage is celebrated in the The second Sunday in August sees the annual attraction. Heath Water. Sailing, powerboats, jet bikes rainbow coloured colliery wheel erected Fillongley Show held at Stonebridge Farm in and model boat clubs are also based at the on the site and in the memorabilia in Corley. Check out the details at Water Park. Pooley’s Visitor Centre and Tea Room. 18 www.fillongleyshow.org.uk 19 At your leisure - getting out, gyms and golf courses. Arley Sports Centre Oak Avenue, Old Tee time in North Warwickshire Arley. Tel:01676 541867. Atherstone Leisure Complex off Long North Warwickshire must be a golfer’s Street, Atherstone. Tel: 01827 722198. paradise, with eight courses scattered Coleshill Leisure Centre Park Road, around the Borough. The most famous of Coleshill. Tel: 01675 466022. these is at The Belfry, headquarters of the Polesworth Sports Centre Dordon Road, Professional Golfers’ Association. The Belfry Dordon Tel: 01827 894091. has hosted the Ryder Cup tournament four times, with the last one taking place in 2002. Set in 500 acres of countryside, it has three 18 hole golf courses, including the famous championship course, The Brabazon.

As well as the Belfry, there are also courses at Lea Marston Hotel and at the Marriott Forest of Arden Hotel and Country Club. Other golfing venues include Atherstone, , Oakridge, Purley Chase, and Stonebridge golf clubs.

North Warks walks North Warwickshire Borough Council’s The Borough’s beautiful countryside, sports and leisure centres - canal towpaths and Country Parks are just for the health of it! popular places for a gentle stroll or a bracing walk. The North Arden Heritage Four sports and leisure centres provide a range Trail, developed over four years, is a 25 of sports, recreation and fitness activities for all mile route around the Borough using ages. On offer are badminton, squash, football, existing footpaths and passing through exercise classes with everything from aerobics 12 parishes. to Zumba and the popular Lifetimes Fitness Suites. Children can have fun at birthday parties Each parish also has its own circular and join in coaching courses and activities walk complete with specially during the school holidays. commissioned art installations to Maxstoke Park Golf Club, a gem in the grounds commemorate local history and As well as its Fitness Suite and popular pool, of the historic Maxstoke Castle Estate. heritage. Look out for the stone bench Atherstone Leisure Complex has a Studio Gym Hosts of the 2011 Warwickshire at Baddesley, the family sculpture at offering a 30 minute full body workout and the Amateur Championship Fillongley and the stepping stones at latest ‘Powerplates’. The Memorial Hall next Membership and Society Enquiries Shustoke.To find out more and to door is a regular venue for concerts and shows are welcome. download copies of the walks, go to and is available to hire for weddings, exhibitions www.northardenheritagetrail.co.uk and meetings. Contact your local centre or the Please visit our web site for further details: www.maxstokeparkgc.co.uk 20 website at www.northwarks.gov.uk/leisure 21 Places to visit - Middleton Hall and Craft Centre and John Ray and of the Tudor explorer Dating back to the 13th century, this is Sir Hugh Willoughby. The restored Great Hall is from a book farm to a bird reserve the former home of two great 17th of Tudor origin and provides a classic setting for century naturalists, Francis Willughby weddings, parties and theatre or music Astley Book Farm performances. There is also a programme of Astley Book Farm opened in former farm events throughout the year ranging from concerts buildings in 2004 and is, appropriately, to children’s activities. The grounds include a situated on the Arbury Estate, the birthplace nine acre lake, a walled garden and the Craft of the Victorian novelist, George Eliot. It Centre including the Courtyard Coffee Shop. now houses around 70,000 volumes and is Tel: 01827 283095 www.middleton-hall.org.uk known as ‘the largest second-hand bookshop in the Midlands’. Book-worms RSPB Middleton Lakes can enjoy a cappuccino and a cream tea in the coffee shop whilst browsing through Next door to Middleton Hall is Middleton Lakes, their favourite literary work. The Book Farm the RSPB bird reserve which opened in 2011. is open every day from 10am - 5pm. 400 acres of old gravel quarry have been Tel: 02476 490235 transformed into a peaceful haven to enjoy walks www.astleybookfarm.com and wildlife. With its lakes, reed beds, meadows and woodlands, Middleton Lakes looks set to Ash End House Children's Farm become one of the best birdwatching sites in the Ash End House Farm is a family owned area. Regular events include guided walks and business, which has operated as a family activities. Parking and entrance is free. Children’s Farm for nearly 30 years. It Tel: 01827 259454 www.rspb.org.uk/reserves provides an enjoyable and educational Hoar Park Shopping Village and hands-on experience for children of all ages Children’s Farm and their families. It now incorporates the Hoar Park dates back to the 1430s and RSPB Middleton Lakes nature reserve Shire Horse Centre, the Big Barn play area nestles in 141 acres of wooded countryside. and the farm allotments, where children can Its 18th century farm buildings have been help harvest the vegetables and herbs. Ash converted into a number of small shops End House runs a variety of events selling a range of goods from handmade throughout the year, is a great venue for a chocolates and cupcakes to crafts and children’s party and specialises in guided clothing. The Granary Antiques Centre and tours for school groups. Tel: 0121 329 3240 the awardwinning café and restaurant are www.childrensfarm.co.uk also situated around the pretty courtyard. BROOMEY CROFT Other attractions include a children’s farm, Children’s Farm Broomey Croft Children's Farm a circular country walk, fishing pools and Situated next door to Kingsbury Water Park, regular antiques auctions. Hoar Park is open Broomey Croft Children's Farm is an award Tuesday-Sunday. Tel: 02476 394433 winning children’s farm. Youngsters will love www.hoar-park.co.uk A great day out seeing and feeding the animals and visiting at under £5 a head the play barn, gift shop and Granary Tea Rooms. An added extra is a free ride on the In the beautiful Tame Valley, the RSPB has farm’s tractor and trailer! Broomey Croft Kingsbury Water Park transformed an old gravel quarry into a place welcomes children’s birthday parties and Bodymoor Heath Lane rich in wildlife and natural character. Leave the visits from schools and groups. However, Sutton Coldfield B76 0EE hustle and bustle of life behind as you discover it does close for the winter season from Tel: 01827 873844 a mosaic of habitats around the reserve. RSPB Middleton Lakes nature reserve October until the February half-term. Middleton Hall, Middleton, Tamworth B78 2AE Tel: 01827 873844 www.broomeycroftfarm.co.uk Tel: 01827 259454 www.broomeycroftfarm.co.uk www.RSPB.org.uk/middletonlakes 22 23 A wealth of history and heritage

gatehouses, the church tower, granary and lengths of wall.

Merevale Hall An imposing building, Merevale Hall stands on top of a hill overlooking Atherstone. It was built by the architect Edward Blore in the 1830s on the site of a former 17th century manor house.

The Hall’s treasures include the diaries and books of local historian Sir , Garter King of Arms. His most famous work, 'Antiquities of Warwickshire,' was published in 1656 and his tomb is in St Cuthbert’s Church, Shustoke. Merevale Hall is still lived in by the Dugdale family but is not open to the public.

Packington Hall Park Maxstoke Castle Astley Castle and Church Blyth Hall Maxstoke Castle and Priory Once a fortified manor house, Astley Blyth Hall, east of Coleshill, was built in the This 14th century moated castle was Castle was built during the reign of 16th century and then enlarged in 1625, when built by William de Clinton, Earl of Edward I. It was the family home of Lady it became the home of the famous antiquary Huntingdon. Although the original Jane Grey who was Queen of England and county historian, Sir William Dugdale, wooden bridge and drawbridge have Merevale Hall for nine days in 1553. Both Astley Garter King of Arms. It was refronted early in been replaced by a stonebridge, the Church and Castle feature in the novels the 18th century and contains fine staircases gatehouse, crenellated curtain walls and of George Eliot, who as Mary Ann Evans, from both the 17th and 18th centuries. corner towers remain complete. Inside grew up on the estate. The Dugdale family still lives in Blyth Hall but the courtyard is a Tudor, timber-framed Packington Hall opens up the grounds every year for the wing and much of the original dwelling This 18th century building is the private After World War 2, the Castle became a Whitacres and Shustoke Show. house. home of the Earl and Countess of Aylesford. hotel until it was left derelict after a fire in Packington Hall stands in a park of around 1978. In 2009, the Landmark Trust, Mancetter Manor Sir Thomas Dilke bought Maxstoke 300 acres, with a deer park, fisheries and which is a buildings preservation charity, This is a fine timber framed hall house, of cruck Castle in 1599 and the Fetherston-Dilke the Forest of Arden Golf and Country Club. began a scheme to rejuvenate the construction, built about 1330. The Manor family still owns and lives in it today. The grounds were laid out by Capability building. It now has a new future as a was the home of Guy de Mancetter who died Every June, the family throw open their Brown and his plans of 1751 are kept in the holiday let offering modern in 1364, leaving the estate and an inheritance doors to the public for an Open Day to house. The Hall, built in 1693, is in the accommodation, whilst a heritage trail to his three daughters. Subsequent owners raise money for charity. Italian Renaissance style, with interior design by Joseph Bonomi. The Hall and Park are around the site will ensure its rich history included the Glover family, who were staunch Maxstoke Priory, a mile and a half from not open to the public but there is some is preserved. www.landmarktrust.org.uk Protestants during the reign of Mary. Once a the Castle, was also founded by William availability for small conferences and dinners. hotel and restaurant, Mancetter Manor is now de Clinton in 1336 for Augustinian Tel: 01676 522020 and see 24 privately owned. Canons. The remains today include two www.packingtonestate.co.uk 25 26 27