As the only surviving example of the once prevalent Back to Backs of Birmingham, these historic buildings are a rare treasure. During the 19th Century, a number of buildings were built back to back around a common courtyard to meet the demands of the rapidly growing population of the city as a result of industrialization. These houses were inhabited by the working class who managed to survive in these cramped quarters. Each of the four Back to Backs around the courtyard has been restored and refurnished as a representation of four different time periods, giving visitors an extremely rare opportunity to take a peek into the lives of the ordinary working men and women of the 1840s, 1870s, 1930s and 1970s. Only a few slots are available each day and prior reservations are a must if you wish to visit these homes.
One of United Kingdom's finest vestiges of medieval-age military architecture, the legendary Warwick Castle sits right in the heart of the Warwick Castle Knight's Village. The castle, William I's iconic stronghold that he built in 1068, encapsulates nearly 1000 years of history. Originally built as a motte-and-bailey castle, it was equipped with a stone keep in the 12th Century, during Henry I's rule. Its displays today include a host of medieval weaponry, vivid waxworks, and the Herculean 18-meter (59-foot) Warwick trebuchet, known as one of the largest siege engines of its kind in the world.
Birmingham's main library was opened in 2013 and is one of the most recognizable and visited buildings in England's second city. The Birmingham's library is the largest public library in the UK and is as remarkable as looking on the inside as it is on the outside. As soon as you walk in you feel like you're in some sort of literary spaceship. And the collections are just as out of this world, including the Boulton and Watt Archives, the Parker collection of children's books and several notable photography collections and archives. In addition, the library houses the Shakespeare Memorial Room, designed in 1882 and moved from the old central library to this one.
This square has transformed over the past decade from a grassy slope where office workers would picnic on a summer's afternoon to a pedestrian-friendly European plaza accessible all year. Birmingham's Town Hall and Council House are located on the square, but graded steps replace the slope and there's now a large fountain containing a sculpture known fondly by locals as the Floozie in the Jacuzzi. Stone lamps and statues of sphinxes adorn the grounds, as does a statue of Queen Victoria. Victoria Square has now become a popular meeting point and a relaxing place for people to watch.
This landmark church is located in a picturesque setting on the edge of town, beside the river and approached through an avenue of lime trees. The burial site of famous playwright Shakespeare, Holy Trinity Church is considered to be one of the finest parish churches in the Midlands, and one of the most beautiful in England. A bust of Shakespeare on the north wall brings about and the much debated question: is it lifelike or not? Admission to the church is free, however they ask for a small donation.
Kenilworth's most historic sight, the ruins of this unmistakable castle can be seen standing amid a field of verdure, adjacent to the iconic Leicester's Gatehouse. Sculpted from new red sandstone, its distinct military design sets it apart from its equally-exalted peers. One of the most impressive exemplars of a medieval semi-royal fortress, the castle's steep bailey walls, lavish inner court, and other preserved features stand as remarkable remnants of history and heritage. The castle has seen its fair share of battles over the centuries, with the Great Siege of 1266 being its most defining event, immortalizing it as a cornerstone of 13th-century British heritage.
These buildings were originally a part of a Carmelite Friary that was established in Coventry in the year 1342. Several extensions and renovations were made to the property over time. After its dissolution in 1538. as part of King Henry VIII's Dissolution of the Monasteries in England, the property passed from owner to owner. Over the years, the buildings were used to house The King Henry VIII School, a workhouse, a museum on the building's history and a toy museum, all of which were either moved or closed. Perhaps one of the most noteworthy points in its history was a visit from Queen Elizabeth I in 1565. Currently only one wing of the cloister and the original gateway still stand. The friary is now only open to public during the Heritage Open Weekend in September.
Bewdley Station was first opened in 1862 and was operated by the Severn Valley Railway company. The station saw a growth in passenger traffic over the years, however the industrialization that led to its growth eventually led to its demise as well due to the development of the automotive industry. Although the station was closed in 1970, a short four years later efforts were made to restore and preserve the station, and services began once more. Thanks to the efforts of the company and a dedicated group of volunteers Bewdley Station has retained much of its original character including the original footbridge and platform canopy. In addition, a variety of historic artifacts have been moved here from other railway stations. The station is often the venue for events and galas during which visitors are given the access to areas of this historic station that are usually closed to public. Trains being a common point of fascination for both adults and children, a visit to the Bewdley Station is sure to be an adventure for the entire family.
The Holy Trinity Parish Church is situated in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham and is a parish church of that area. The building, constructed in parts, gradually over centuries, was first built in the 15th Century. Additional structures and modifications were added in the following years. This is an active church with regular services, activities for children, choir and social services always on the calender. Weddings and Baptisms also take place at this shrine. Currently raising funds to make some refurbishments, the Church Trust has laid out plans, including, changing the position of the altar, that will keep the old charm and also suit better the needs of the congregations. The Holy Trinity is a church that opens doors to new church goers by taking extra care to ensure they feel at home with the Lord.
The St John the Evangelist Church in Perry Barr is an Anglican Church of England parish. This structure was built in 1833 and was consecrated in the same year. Designed by Robert Studholme, the place of worship is now a Grade II listed building. It is quite an active parish and hold regular services, details of which you can find on the website.
St Cyprian's Church, Hay Mills is a splendid example of Gothic Revival style architecture. The origins of the church can be traced back to 1860 when James Horsfall, a famed wire manufacturer, builtt a school room for the use of his employee's children. This came to be used as a chapel and was finally incorporated in to the current church building 1873. Adorned with a number of rich architectural details, what the church is best known for is its stunning collection of stained glass windows by Hardman & Co. While some depict biblical scenes, other bear images of saints. Whatever the theme, each and every one of the windows are characterized by intricate details and a vivid use of colour. Also of interest is the church's beautifully carved pulpit and the font which serves the dual purpose of being a memorial to Horsfall's daughter. The church continues on as an active parish church even today with a devoted and enthusiastic congregation.
St. Mary The Church of Our Lady Merevale is a parish church situated in Merevale, Warwickshire. It was originally meant to be a gatehouse to a substantially larger abbey known as the Merevale Abbey. Only a few traces of the abbey remain today as it was demolished in the Dissolution of the Monasteries by Henry VIII. The gatehouse remained unscathed and today is a church under the Church of England. Known for it's beautiful and ornate Jesse windows, it is the only chuch in the parish to have four exclaves and the only Cistercian Gate Chapel church in the whole of United Kingdom to have regular weekly services.