Locations
Shenstone
Shenstone is the name of a civil parish and village in Staffordshire's Lichfield district, located in the West Midlands. The parish includes the villages of Stonnall and Lichfield. It is located between Lichfield, Staffordshire, and Sutton Coldfield. It is located on the edge of the West Midlands Green Belt, amidst rolling Staffordshire countryside. The area has a semi-rural feel but remains close to larger urban areas. The village is steeped in history. Shenstone has several historic buildings, including the St John the Baptist Church, which is listed. The parish church, which is the one you see today, was rebuilt in the mid-19th century. It also has a conservation zone and traditional pubs. This gives the village a distinct historic character, despite being close to Birmingham.
Shenstone is a popular commuter town because of its excellent connectivity. It is the only settlement outside of Lichfield to have a railway station that offers services towards Birmingham New Street and Redditch, as well as Bromsgrove. The village is located next to the M6 Toll and offers quick access throughout the region. It is also served by regular buses towards Lichfield, Sutton Coldfield and Birmingham. The community is vibrant, with clubs, a hall in the village and events that are held occasionally. This allows rural tranquility to be combined with easy access to towns and services. The settlement is quiet, countryside-oriented and within easy reach of the West Midlands.
Coleshill
Coleshill, a town in the North Warwickshire District of Warwickshire, takes its name from the River Cole. The population was 6,900 in the 2021 Census. It is located approximately 11 miles east of Birmingham, approximately 8.5 miles south of Sutton Coldfield, and 13 miles north of Coventry. The town lies on a ridge that runs between the rivers Cole, Blythe and Tame. It is just east of the West Midlands County border. Coleshill is part of the West Midlands Conurbation, but there are large gaps of green belt land that separate it from the rest. This helps it maintain its own identity.
The historic center of the town is long. The town occupies a prominent eminence and is built around a single long street that runs north to south. This layout has survived from its many centuries as a former market town and a seat of petty session. The Church of St Peter and St Paul is its most notable landmark. It's noted for its graceful, tall crocketed tower, richly sculpted Norman font, and monuments honoring the Digby Family, long-time lords of the manor. Coleshill also has the historic Coleshill School whose roots date back five centuries. The modern Coleshill enjoys an excellent strategic location. It is close to the M6, M42, A446, Birmingham Airport, and the NEC. This makes it a convenient commuter base, and a gateway between Birmingham, Coventry, and the wider Midlands.