Residents of Tanworth are welcome to use this page to comment on local issues.
Have Your Say...

Posted Monday, August 18, 2008
Hello everyone, Richard and I are back from our two years away in New Zealand and it is great to be home.  We are going to do B & B again so any enquiries on 01564 742281 and we shall try and oblige.
Aileen Swain

Posted Wednesday, June 11, 2008
I moved to Tanworth one year ago and it is the most beautiful spot on earth I suppose.  Me and my wife feel at home here, despite being from the continent.  Thank you Tanworth for the warm welcome...!!!!!!
Dr. Marcel The

Posted Tuesday, June 3, 2008
I am really looking forward to spending some time in Tanworth on the 14th June 2008 My brother's daughter Clare is getting married in Tanworth church and having the reception in the village hall. That will bring back a few old memories. My first 'gig' was entertaining the 'Old Folks' and the 'Bingo' crowd with my brother Roger at the tender age of 13yrs. In that very hall. I hope Paul Smith is still keeping up with this site.. that re-union is still hope'd for. Hello Tanworth.
Phil Dipple

Posted Monday, February 11, 2008
My grandfather William E Mitchell was born in Tanworth 1873.  Any Mitchells still living there?
Declan Vincent Mitchell

Posted Monday, January 14, 2008
Samuel Handy was born in Tanworth in 1646. Are there parish records and/or is there someone I could contact who could/would search the parish records. Any information would be very much appreciated. The photos are wonderful. They make me wonder that I may be seeing something my ancestors looked upon centuries ago...
Juanita Handy Nelson

Posted Monday, January 14, 2008
Hi, I'm doing research on my husband's family.  His mother is a Hughes, born in Tanworth.  I've researched them back to William Hughes in 1799.  ANY information on any of the Hughes would be great!!
Sandy Rye

Posted Thursday, January 3, 2008
What a wonderful find! We are the Gunn family who lived in Tanworth in Bank House after Rev John Jones moved out - bought for the sum of £500 back in 1952!. Stuart and Sally, parents of Marilyn, Sheila, Vickie and Olivia, were 'regulars' at the Bell. A visit is long overdue....Vickie Gunn [now Rev'd Vickie Goodman, Somerset].
Vickie Goodman

Posted Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Tanworth-in-Arden Parish Council has allotments available on it's site by the Reservoir Pub in Earlswood. For more details contact Parish Clerk on 01564 703200 -- office@tanworth-pc.org.uk

Posted Monday, October 29, 2007
It was lovely to find this site. I am researching my family history and my great great grandparents must have lived in this area after marrying in circa 1814. Two of their children - David King was baptised in Tanworth in 1820 and his sister Mary in 1817. Two of their siblings were baptised in the Weslyan chapel Redditch (William 1814 and Caroline in 1824/5. My great great grandfather Francis King born 1795/6 Warwicks was an agricultural labour so must worked at different farms in this area. His wife Ann was ten years older than him and always on the census said she was born in Worcestershire and on one of the early census stated Theckenall (guess the enumerator misheard this) and i cannot find such a place!!  The family eventually moved to West Bromwich where my greatgrandfather Enoch King was born in 1829 and his sister Eliza in 1825. They were baptised in West Bromwich Weslyan chapel.  I will try to visit Tanworth in Arden someday as it looks a wonderful place and i would like to explore.  I would appreciate some feedback from these comments
Patricia Reid

Posted Monday, October 29, 2007
I am very anxious to trace relatives or anyone who knew Pilot Officer Alfred Eric DAVIES, an RAF Spitfire pilot, shot down near Hastings on 30 October 1940 and sadly killed. A road close to where he died is likely to be named in his honour. The Davies family came from Tanworth in Arden.
Andy Saunders

Posted Thursday, September 13, 2007
Hello, I am seeking information on Thomas and Elizabeth Bott who lived on Illshaw Heath, Salter Street from at least 1860 to 1910. They had many children, I am  primarily interested in Elizabeth Bott born 1869 and disappears after the 1891 census. I can find no marriage or death records for her. Thank you for any help you can provide. Cheers
Kenton Poole

Posted Tuesday, August 21, 2007
I would love to know of the whereabouts of Bill or William who used to be the gardener at the church around 1970,he was a good friend of our family. All i recall as an eight year old is he lived on the outskirts of the village and was widowed and liked a little flutter on the pools
Liz Vince

Posted Monday, July 9, 2007
Does anybody know of an artist Murray B Blain who lived in this area about 1870!s please?
John

Posted Monday, June 25, 2007
My husband, daughter and I are relocating to the area due to work and would love to rent or buy a property in the village. If anyone knows of anything available from the end of July, please let me know ?? We need at least 3 bedrooms and would like a garden.
Heather Cooksey

Posted Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Can anyone help? I'm trying to locate Doctor Christopher Stockdale who I believe lives (or lived) in Tanworth-in-Arden.
Michael Kay

Posted  Friday, May 18, 2007
I have just found out that my great great grandparents and siblings lived in Tanworth in 1841,(surname of LINDON, Joseph & Phobie, with children, John, Easter and Benjiman.) they were living at Aspley Heath, Tanworth. I would be most appreciative of any information that anybody can provide re the address or the family ?.
Frank Clarke

Posted Monday, April 2, 2007
I am trying to organise a morning for Solihull Discovery Walks in and around the village to take place on Weds. 15 August to last for 60-90 minutes. I would love to find someone who could talk to the group about Tanworth, it's history, it's church etc. and possibly lead a guided walkaround.  I would be delighted to hear from anyone who may be able to help.
Eileen Ward

Posted Monday, March 5, 2007
My grandmother Nelly Baker Bott once lived on a farm in Earlswood called Witch Pitts, with her guardians Frances and Charles Morrall from 1890 to 1900. Does this farm still exist and is it operating under this name, and possibly who lives there now?
Kenton Poole

Posted Monday, February 26, 2007
was brought up in Acocks Green, Birmingham, but my ancestors lived for a few hundred years in Tanworth, Lapwoth etc. the SOLEY Family ! I have a great deal of information on the family and would be grateful if anyone connected in anyway to The Tanworth In Arden Soleys to contact with me. Some are buried in Tanworth but its too far for me to search as I have lived in Munich 33 years. Thank you for any help or interest.
David

Posted Thursday, February 8, 2007
It was great to hear that Paul Smith had spoken to his brother Richard we were good mates back in them there old days. All we need now is to find Keith Lobb and Rob Griffin and we could get the old gang back together again. I really enjoy going back to Tanworth, any excuse would be good.
Phil Dipple

Posted Monday, January 29, 2007
Does anybody know if Ted and Beryl Evans live in Tanworth? They are friends of my moms from years back when they lived in Daylesford Road, Solihull. They moved a few times, the last address being in Admington, TAMworth, mom is sure that they were moving then to TANworth but has no address for them. They had a Daughter Suzanne and twins Paul and Mandy. Any help would be most appreciated, thanks
Lynne Morton (nee Jones)

Posted Monday, January 22, 2007
I have just read that the late great Nick Drake is buried at St Mary Magdalene in Tanworth and I am thinking of making a pilgrimage there.  A great lyricist and a great man, i so wish he had been able to hold on. He is is greatly appreciated now. He was right, they will stand and stare when you're gone ....
Allison Boyles

Posted Tuesday, January 9, 2007
Happy new year to all the oldies in past times] crowd from Tanworth. After reading Phill Dipples comments following on from mine, I think it would be a tremendous idea to have a reunion for all the lads and lasses that were around from the mid fifties up to whenever. Keep posting on here or contact me. By the way Phill, Richard was over the moon when i told him about you. I feel a few drinks coming on. Come on the old crowd. Get in touch.
Paul Smith

Posted Thursday, December 21, 2006
I think when you walk into this pub its the threshold between a village into a town pub.  This is a shame as its bringing the town into the village, you walk in and already you get the impression that the target is the richer side of the community and all the rich suited up townies.  Sorry but its the truth.  This is not the pub I used to know and certainly is not traditional!
John

Posted Monday, October 30, 2006
Tanworth in Arden, the trees are awake. Birds flutter, flying down to the lake. The sound of a shot ,can be heard in the distance as clays hit the air...the men stand and stare.
Aga's a blazing, heating up an old kitchen Breakfasts are cooking, wellies are wet,
The Church bell starts to ring, and the dog starts to sing.
Awaiting her walk, not quite ready yet. Tanworth life, such a wonderful thing
Not all gilt and gold, There are plenty of memories, still to be told.
Mrs Sadler

Posted Tuesday, October 24, 2006
I'm the 4th generation to live in this lovely village and my children are no attending the school where my grandmother, mother and my myself went many years ago. The funny thing is my old headmaster is now my children's headmaster [weird!] My great-grandmother was Freda Vaughan , grandmother was a Joyce Cox (Vaughan] and my mother Carole Cox [walker]. If these names ring any bells then i would love to hear from you.
Vicky Walker

Posted Monday, October 2, 2006
From Adrian Booth of Bridlington in East Yorkshire: my wife Janet and myself called at Tanworth on Saturday 23rd September, on our way back home from a holiday in the Cotswolds. We were drawn by our great love of the music of Nick Drake, and we had a lovely stroll around the village. During our stay we talked with three residents, including a lovely lady at the church, all of whom had known Nick all those years ago. Everyone was so friendly. We had a look at the house where Nick used to live, and we paid our respects at his simple gravestone in the churchyard. We thought the village itself was lovely, although it was sad that the pub has lost its character. If we are in the area again we will certainly revisit the village. With best regards.
Adrian Booth

Posted Monday, August 21, 2006
It was great to see this page on internet as my father Reginald Frank Gill was born there, and also was confirmed at Tanworth in Arden church on Saturday may the 16th 1931, this was officiated over by Bishop Hamilton Bayne.
My grandmother Louise Gill lived there until she died and I believe I still have relatives living there but have lost touch with them over the years I would love to get in touch again if anyone knows them I now live in Cape Town South AFRICA
John Gill

Posted Monday, August 7, 2006
We came across the beautiful village of Tanworth whilst on our way to Umbridge children's farm and just had to stop for a drink at The Bell pub!  We also had a look arrange to church.  What an absolutely beautiful village!
Sue Bradley

Posted Monday, July 31, 2006
Finding this website was a bit of a revelation. I was born in Hockley Heath but my parents moved to Tanworth in 1951 (i was 2 months old) I have more memories of Tanworth than could ever fit in this space. The comments from Paul Smith prompted me to put my comments in, his brother Richard was an early mate, along with Keith Lobb, Rob Griffin, the lads from the 'Bell' I guess I was a bit of a rebel in those early years, fighting with Mrs David, the headmistress. Ridding motorbikes around the 'reck' and that was at the tender age of about 13... I was however a Camponologist (can't even spell it now)  at the church under the watchful eye of Mr Corbett a local farmer from Danzey. My first love.. The beautiful Rita Cox came from Aspley Heath as did another good mate Chris Hodgetts (They were neighbours.) I could ramble on for ever about Tanworth, I loved living there. I do ride over on the odd Summer evening on my motorbike and have a drink at the Bell. But you don't see any faces you recognise these days... I did see Barbara Simmonds a few years ago, she was a friend of my older sister June... That's another story... Hello to all the old chums from Tanworth... Maybe we could arrange a reunion sometime.
Phil Dipple

Posted Tuesday, July 4, 2006
I am researching my family history and Andrew and Maud Coventry lived in Tanworth in Arden for many years and raised at least five children there.  They were married in 1911 and to my knowledge, Andrew and Maud are buried in St Mary Magdalene Church graveyard.  I haven't been able to find a headstone though on the one quick visit I made there a week or so ago.  I would be very grateful if anyone remembering Andrew Coventry and his family, could contact me on 01386852442.  He was the brother of my Great Grandmother, Florence Coventry who was born in Malt Mill Lane in Alcester. Kind Regards
Valerie Barden

Posted Monday, June 19, 2006
I have always promised myself a visit to the grave of the Great Mike Hailwood, and although there are commemorations every year with a motorcycle run with the proverbial "cast of thousands", I shall carry out my wish at  another time, privately, when I can be alone, in the present of a great man, with my own thoughts.
Jeff J

Posted Monday, June 12, 2006
Does anyone have any information on the Morrall/Morrell family in Tanworth in the early 1800s.
My gr-great Grandfather, Jesse Morrall, was born in Tanworth in c1832, son of William & Sarah.
Helen Smith

Posted Monday, June 5, 2006
My goodness what a surprise to see so much of Tanworth in the web,  while I searched just for its county. Today was my 3rd visit to this beautiful church and quaint village, where my son Mark will wed Beccy in August 2006. To me this is England and friendly characters such Vi and Margaret depict true village spirit.
Mary Backhurst

Posted Friday, April 21, 2006
My husband Ray Bennett was born in Tamworth in Arden in September 1920. There were a lot of children in the family, about 11. Bert Don  Sam Elsie Grace etc. Does anyone remember the family?  Ray now has Altzheimer's and I met him in Canada where we are now living, so I'm trying to get some kind of family history together.
Christine Bennett

Posted Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Hi, we are looking for any information about a lady relative called Annie who was born in the Village of Tanworth in Arden in 1854. Her Married name was Sutton (Married to Thomas Sutton), and we know she moved to Birmingham and had 6 Children Lewis, Evelyn, Margurite,  Joseph, Edwin, Roderic. We have reason to believe that she still has (or has had) relatives in the area, and we are hoping to contact anyone who has any information. Many Thanks,
Joanne Spears

Posted Thursday, March 9, 2006
My grandmother Nelly Baker Bott (Poole) lived in Tanworth from 1890 to 1910. She lived with the Morrell/Morrall family who operated a farm and took in children of questionable lineage. Although I am sure life was difficult she grew up to be a wonderful women who was very special to all her grandchildren.  It is terrific to be able to visit Tanworth on my laptop and develop some concept of what life at the turn of the 19th century must have been like.  Thank you.
Kenton Poole

Posted Tuesday, March 7, 2006
I came to know about Tanworth In Arden through my love of the music of Nick Drake. In fact, so moved by his beautiful music and the myths surrounding his life and tragic early death, I travelled up to Tanworth with a friend about three years ago to see his grave. We stayed at Rushbrook Farmhouse and had a thoroughly enjoyable time. There is something deep and mysteriously beautiful about the village. I think that the Nick Drake connection is what really does it for me. It's almost as if his music has somehow seeped its way into the very heart of the village and its old buildings. The Pub was a little bit disappointing as it seemed to have been turned into something of a modern and slick food establishment. I should imagine that back in about 1970 it would have had far more charm and personality. I would love to be able to transport myself back in time and visit the village at a time when Nick drake was still alive. It would be interesting to savour the atmosphere and ponder whether or not certain places within the village had been the inspiration for some of his songs. Tanworth In Arden is the sort of place that is as interesting and beautiful on a wet winters day as well as a nice warm summers day. If I ever get rich I am going to buy a little house in Tanworth and go there whenever I'm stressed. I feel sure that after only an hour in the property I will be feeling refreshed and ready to face the world again.
David J Rudram

Posted Monday, February 20, 2006
My ancestors were Richardson of Tanworth, specifically my great grandfather was Frank Richardson, parents were George and Elizabeth Stevens. I would be grateful for any information on either of these families as I am just getting started with this side. Can share copies of certificates etc.
regards
Josie Briggs

Posted Monday, February 13, 2006
Can anyone help me with the actual location of the former "Tyburn Farm", please?  It lies in the Browns Green/Umberslade Lodge area but is no longer so named on current maps.  My 4xgreat-grandfather (William Bartlam)was bailiff and farmer there in the 1860's and 70's, and his wife Sarah was buried at Tanworth church in 1870.
Many thanks
David Kerr

Posted Monday, November 14, 2005
It's good to see you website. Is anyone else researching the Tarlton/Tarleton and Bladon families, living and buried at Tanworth pre20th c.  We would be happy to swap info, we've got a lot!  Mollie
Mollie Knight

Posted Monday, July 18, 2005
Is anyone knowledgeable enough about Tanworth's history to know anything about a Robert Archer born 1643 died 1713 married Anne Skinner anything at all would help my research into my family.  Thanks
Jill Gregory

Posted Monday, July 4, 2005
My husbands family lived in Tanworth in Arden all their lives, their names were Matthews Maria had an illegitimate child called Arthur in 1906 and I would dearly like to know what happened to her. Arthur was my husbands dad. He was born at No 1 Lode Lane and I cannot find out what type of dwelling that was.
Wendy Matthews

Posted Monday, June 13, 2005
Hi :) I'm Sally Danzey and was wondering if anyone was able to help me with the history of Danzey Green and how it got its name.  Its an unusual name and I'm hoping to find some family connection. 
Sally Danzey

Posted Monday, May 23, 2005
Does anyone know what happened to the WILFORD family who took over THE BELL in the 1940s,they had a son named Richard, who used to live next door to me in Hall Green.  Thank you in anticipation.
Diana Mentor

Posted Friday, May 6, 2005
I am very interested in any additional information you might have on "Richard Greswold", born 1417, Vicar of Tanworth-In-Arden from 1441 until his death in 1465 in Tanworth-In-Arden, Warwickshire, England.  If you know where I might find this info please send me an e-mail.  Thanks so much!  Sincererly, Lin
Lin Stuhler

Posted Monday, April 18, 2005
Hi my name is Paul Smith, i was privileged to of been born in the village in Bellfield in December 1953.Ihave wonderful memories of my childhood, playing ten a side football up the reck, taking my dog Simba down the fields and loosing him in the stream tunnel under the railway line. Going swimming at the Adies and visiting the Astons up Johnsons hill, where my mother Sally was a nanny to the Aston children. Standing chatting in the bar at the Bell with all the regs. {i am eighteen now!!!] Chatting to Jack Hood who sat comfortably at the end of the bar with his whisky and his milk. Watching Johnny Prescott training for his next fight and getting very excited hearing Roger Moore was looking at a property at Wood End. My best friend was Graham Summers, youngest son of the late Jack who owned the farm at Danzey Green, sadly for me, Graham has emigrated to France to start a new life in farming. (he is doing well) My hobby and still is now was standing at the level crossing down the fields and capturing the sounds and smells of any steam loco that came past. I left Tanworth in 1979 and my return trips were with my brother Richard and our dad Sid sitting in the lounge having a pint of Flowers ipa. I could go on, but i am just going to wallow in my thoughts. Tanworth i loved you.
Paul Smith

Posted Monday, April 11, 2005
I drive through beautiful Tanworth every week and I have often wondered where legendary motorcycle racer Mike Hailwood lived.  Can anyone shed any light on this please?
Al Unser

Posted Monday, April 4, 2005
I remember when the chestnut tree on the green blew over. I was present at the planting of the new tree. I also remember the cast of Crossroads visiting the school. For those of you who didn't know Tanworth In Arden was the Crossroads village.
A Kent

Posted Tuesday, December 16, 2003
For Visitors to Tanworth in Arden the Church is open in the day for prayer and a look around. The Church dates back to the 12th century with the current structure built in the 14th century, alterations were made in the 18th century but the church was returned to the medieval pattern in the 19th century. There is a modern 20th century addition of a toilet! A leaflet is available in the Church entrance and explains the architectural history more completely. For anyone researching their family tree please contact me and I may be able to help from our local records.
Rev Tim Harmer, Vicar

Posted Friday, December 27, 2002
Terry Family
My descendants were the Terry family who have lived in the village of Tanworth-in-Arden or Knowle since members of my family can remember. I have some information going back as far as Thomas (b1701 - d1772) & Elizabeth Terry (d30.09.1757) who had the children Edward, Alice, William, Sarah, James & Joseph. I have been informed that my Nan, whose name was Elsie Hilda Terry (b14.12.1904 - d08.07.1971) was a descendent of Thomas Terry but the Family Tree in between is missing! Elsie Terry was buried at St Mary Magdalene with my grandad John Thomas Wood (b30.071912 - d07.1991) in Tamworth-in-Arden.
I am currently researching my family tree but living in Cornwall is proving to be a huge disadvantage. I would be very grateful for any information on either Elsie Terry or John Thomas Wood
Lee.J.Wood

Posted Friday, October 18, 2002
Hello to all in Tanworth from Marg Mike and Chris Hussey. It was great to see the web site.
We lived in Tanworth from 1980 to 1998, and loved it. Now moved to pastures new, Teesdale Victoria Australia. Small little Township, Post Office, School but no 'BELL'.
Marg & Mike Hussey

I am interested in finding the story to the Umberslade Obelisk.
Any information or direction to search would be most appreciated. Many thanks.
Barry Hodgson

Have been inside pub and Church, both uplifting!
I have a question which maybe someone could answer. My Great Grandfather Joshua Edgington died in 1898 at Rotherhams Oak, Tanworth, would that be the name of the house or a different part of Tanworth?
Margaret Dickinson
Rothams Oak is an area about 1 mile from the Village through which Broad Lane runs.

Lovely to find Tanworth on the web (deliberately spelt like that to conform to the name I have always known)
I was born at Doctor's House in 1920 & had my home in Tanworth until 1967 when I left to be ordained in Ely Cathedral. I married Irene Smart in the church on 25/9/43 & we lived at Bank House until 1952 when we moved to Cank Barn which we had made into our home from the barn & cowshed which we bought in 1948.
Rev. John Jones

I used to live in Tanworth in Arden and it was lovely to see this web site. Thank you.
Georgia Ewins



Tanworth in Arden Village Hall
The hall is available to hire for a wide range of activities including private parties, meetings, social and fund raising events. www.tanworthvillagehall.org.uk

Tanworth’s Village Hall wins the lottery!
The village of Tanworth in Arden is celebrating a major grant towards refurbishing its village hall. The good news came as the Tanworth Singers were making the best of the cramped conditions in the hall to produce a winning performance of “The Gondoliers”, Gilbert and Sullivan’s much loved operetta.
The Village Hall Trust has been awarded £69,830 by the Community Buildings Trial Programme. The funds will be used to provide full access for disabled people, improved toilets with baby changing facilities and improvements to the stage and hall interior. The anticipated cost of the refurbishment will be around £100,000
The 75-year- old village hall is the centre for a wide variety of activities. The grant will enable facilities to be provided which match the normal requirements of the 21st Century.
In addition to the Community Fund and much local fund raising by community groups using the hall, the refurbishment is now possible thanks to further support from other sources including Stratford on Avon District Council, Tanworth Parish Council, the Tanworth Pantomime Committee and the Lottery “Awards for All” fund.
The Chairman of the Village Hall Committee, Graham Medley, said: “We are delighted that our efforts have been rewarded and the Village Hall can now be modernised to ensure its continued use and expansion as a centre of community activity. We have an ageing population and it is vitally important that all people from the community can make use of the hall. The Hall is already used for a range of arts based and social activities and it is hoped that the improvements will encourage other community groups to be formed and more young people to use the hall.”
Web site www.tanworthvillagehall.org.uk

Parish Church
Tanworth's parish church, St Mary of Magdelene, was built around 1330-1340.
It was damaged during the reformation and in the 1790's it was extensively altered to conform to the then popular Palladium style. The vicar at the time was Philip Wren, the great grandson of Christopher Wren designer of St Pauls Cathedral.

The Bell at Tanworth The Green, Tanworth in Arden, Nr Solihull.Tel:01564 742212 A traditional village pub over looking the green & church. more...

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