Berkswell

Map sources for Berkswell at grid reference SP246790

Berkswell is a village and civil parish in the Metropolitan Borough of Solihull, county of West Midlands, England. It is in the east of the borough, and borders Coventry, and is about 7 miles west of Coventry city centre. According to the 2001 census the parish had a population of 2,843.

Church of St. John Baptist, with its unusual wooden porch.

The civil parish includes a number of hamlets apart from Berkswell village itself. Berkswell railway station serves the village, but is actually closer to Balsall Common than to Berkswell village.

Berkswell took its name from a 16-feet deep, stone-walled well just outside the churchyard of the 12th century Church of St John the Baptist. It is said to have been used for baptisms by immersion and can still be seen today. The village has a green and the stocks were used for punishing offenders. It is claimed that these were especially built for a one legged ex soldier and his two drinking companions as there are only five leg holes. The Bear Inn dates from the 16th century. The local history society run a small museum in a 17th century cottage near the church. On Windmill Lane is the protected and restored Berkswell Windmill, a fine example of a tower mill with its original machinery. There are several 16th and 17th century houses.

Local Features include Marsh Lane Nature Reserve.

There is also a small Church of England primary school located close to the Church on Church Lane.

Famous People from Berkswell include the Actor Jeremy Brett, famous for his role as Sherlock Holmes, Tennis Player Maud Watson - the first Ladies Singles Champion at Wimbledon and Bob Wyatt(R.E.S.), England Cricket Captain for a number of years from 1934.

External links

• The website of the Church, which also includes information of the village itself
• The website of the local history group
• Marsh Lane Nature Reserve
• British History Online - Berkswell Parish (Includes a more detailed account of Berkswell's history and places of interest)

Coordinates: 52.40846° N 1.63980° W

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