VILLAGE TOURS - MAY WE SUGGEST...

Berkswell

The church is considered to be one of the finest in the Midlands, set off by an unusual two storey timber porch and contains a rare 12th century double crypt. Behind the red brick almshouses on the green is a well in which many early Bishops of Lichfield received baptism and from which the village takes its name. Nearby on the green is the old whipping post and 5 holed stocks. In the main street, the 400 year old Bear Inn has a Russian cannon captured during the Crimean war outside.

Temple Balsall lies hidden off the A4023. This historic hamlet by the meadows of the River Blythe contains the late 13th century church of St. Mary originally constructed by the Knights Hospitallers, and was later rescued from ruin by Lady Anne Holbourne, granddaughter of Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester. Later still being restored by Sir George Gilbert Scott in the 19th century. The adjacent 12th century old hall, later extended, contains a timber framed aisled hall built circa 1185 by the Knights Templars.