Solihull Warwickshire Family History Guide
Solihull is an Ancient Parish and a market town in the county of Warwickshire.
Parish church: St. Alphege
Parish registers begin:
- Parish registers: 1538
- Bishop’s Transcripts: 1673
Nonconformists include: Independents and Roman Catholics
Fairs: April 30, Sep. 14, Oct. 12
Table of Contents
Adjacent Parishes
- Kings Norton Worcestershire
- Knowle
- Elmdon
- Barston
- Hampton in Arden
- Shirley
- Tanworth Salter’s Street
- Yardley Worcestershire
- Sheldon
- Yardley Wood Worcestershire
- Packwood
Parish History
Solihull
Imperial Gazetteer of England & Wales 1870
Solihull, a small town, a parish, a sub-district, a district, and a division, in Warwick. The town stands near the Birmingham and Warwick railway, and near the B. and W. canal, 7 miles SE of Birmingham; is a seat of petty-sessions, and a polling-place; and has a post-office under Birmingham, a r. station with telegraph, a town-hall, a police station, a cruciform later English church, Independent and Roman Catholic chapels, an endowed grammar-school with £125 a year, another endowed school, a workhouse, and two annual fairs.
The parish includes Shirley chapelry, and comprises 11,296 acres. Real property, £25,230. Pop., 3,329. Houses, 710. Malvern Hall is the seat of F. E. Williams, Esq. A Benedictine nunnery was founded, in the time of Henry II., at Hen-wood. The living is a rectory in the diocese of Worcester. Value, £1,455. Patron, the Rev. A. Clive. The p. curacy of Shirley is a separate benefice.
Source: The Imperial Gazetteer of England & Wales [Wilson, John M]. A Fullerton & Co. N.d.c. [1870-72].
A Topographical Dictionary of England 1848
SOLIHULL (St. Alphege), a parish, the head of a union, and formerly a market-town, in the Solihull division of the hundred of Hemlingford, N. division of the county of Warwick, 13 miles (N. W.) from Warwick, and 105 (N. W.) from London; containing 3401 inhabitants.
This town is situated on the road from Warwick to Birmingham, and consists principally of two spacious and parallel streets, intersected by two smaller; the houses are generally well built and of modern appearance, and the inhabitants are amply supplied with water from two copious springs to the north. The air is remarkably salubrious, and the surrounding scenery is pleasingly diversified. The Warwick and Birmingham canal passes about half a mile to the north of the town, the Stratford canal about two miles to the south of it, and the Hampton station of the London and Birmingham railway is within a distance of three miles to the north-east.
Fairs for horses and cattle are held on the 29th of April and 12th of October, and on the 11th of September for horses and for hiring servants. The powers of the county debt-court of Solihull, established in 1847, extend over the registration-district of Solihull, and part of that of Meriden. Petty-sessions are held on the first Saturday in every month, alternately, here and at Knowle. The town-hall is a neat brick building.
The parish comprises 11,296 acres, of which 5583 are arable, 4080 meadow and pasture, and 568 wood and plantations. The surface is flat; the lands are well inclosed, and the scenery, in some parts enlivened by the river Blyth, which intersects the parish, is enriched with abundance of hedge-row timber, chiefly oak. The soil is partly gravelly and light, partly a clayey loam, and generally in good cultivation, yielding crops of every kind; the substratum contains coal, but no mines are in operation. Olton Hall and Malvern Hall, situated in the parish, are handsome residences.
The living is a rectory, valued in the king’s books at £24. 18. 4., and in the gift of the Rev. Archer Clive, M.A., by whom a handsome parsonage-house has been erected, in the Elizabethan style: the tithes have been commuted for £1500, and the glebe comprises 91 acres.
The church is a spacious cruciform structure, partly in the decorated and partly in the later English style, with an embattled tower rising from the centre and surmounted by an octangular spire. The interior abounds in rich details: the tracery, mouldings, and corbels are elaborate; and some very beautiful tabernacle-work which formed part of the ancient rood-loft, where the organ was originally placed, has been removed to the front of the west gallery built in 1840. The font, of octagonal form, is Norman, with circular pillars at the angles.
In the chancel and transepts are piscinæ in trefoil arches with triangular canopies; and there were formerly numerous monuments, some of them to the Holbech family, in the ancient chapel of St. Katharine, but the roof was destroyed by the fall of the spire in the year 1757, and many of the monuments were then injured.
The late Mr. Thomas Chattock, of Solihull, having bequeathed £100 to beautify the church, the Rev. Archer Clive added a further sum, and a window has been embellished with stained glass, executed by Wailes of Newcastle; it is divided by mullions into five compartments, in the centre one of which is a representation of Our Saviour, and in the others figures of the Four Evangelists. A church has been erected at Shirley-Street, which see. There are places of worship for Independents and Roman Catholics.
Various charitable bequests have been made to the parish at different times, yielding in 1827 an annual income of £317, and now producing a gross revenue of £600, subject to deductions for keeping certain buildings in repair. These funds, by order of the court of chancery in 1840, are partly appropriated to the maintenance of a free grammar school, which affords a classical and general education, and includes an English school for the children of the poor.
A sum is likewise allotted from the income to the support of schools for boys and girls at Shirley-Street; and above 20 children of the parish are clothed. A school near Solihull, in which are 70 girls, has an endowment of £25 per annum arising from a bequest by Mrs. Martha Palmer. The rent of a farm bequeathed by Mr. Collet, producing £50 per annum, is partly distributed in donations of 1s. each to poor persons, twice in the year, at the gravestone of the testator; and partly applied, at the discretion of the trustees, to other charitable purposes.
The union of Solihull comprises eleven parishes or places, all in the county of Warwick, with the exception of the parish of Yardley, which is in the county of Worcester; the whole containing a population of 12,406. A Benedictine nunnery dedicated to St. Margaret, was founded at Hen-Wood, in the parish, by Ketelburn de Langdon, in the reign of Henry II., and at the Dissolution had a revenue of £21. 2. Near Olton Hall are some traces of an ancient moat.
Source: A Topographical Dictionary of England by Samuel Lewis 1848
Solihull Parish Registers
Parish Records
FamilySearch
FreeReg
Warwickshire Historical Directories
Directory Transcriptions
Solihull Slaters Directory 1850
Solihull is a small market-town and parish, in the hundred of Hemlingford, 108 miles N.W. from London, 14 w. from Coventry, 7 S.E. from Birmingham, 12 N.W. from Warwick, and between four and five miles s. w. from the Hampton station on the London and North Western Railway: the completion however, of the Birmingham and Oxford Junction will include Solihull in its route, when it will become a station on that line.
The town, which is eligibly and pleasantly situated between those of Birmingham and Warwick, consists chiefly of one main street, with another branching from it to the market-place: the houses are in general modern and well built, and some of them handsome. The Stratford, and Warwick and Birmingham canal passes through the parish, and about two miles from the town is a large reservoir for the supply of the latter. Petty sessions are held every alternate month in conjunction with Knowle, and Lord Holmesdale, who is lord of the manor, holds a court-leet annually at the latter of which a constable is appointed: these courts are held in the town-hall, a neat modern brick edifice, beneath which is the market-place, and the upper part is occasionally used for assemblies, concerts, &c. Solihull is included in the twenty-third circuit of County Court towns, under the Act passed August, 1846, for the recovery of debts not exceeding £20. There are several maltings, in the town, two or three flour mills, and a tannery – these are the prominent branches, except that of agriculture, which predominate here.
The parish church of St. Alphege is a spacious and handsome cruciform structure, partly in the decorated style of English architecture, with an embattled tower and octagonal spire rising from the intersection. The interior of the building contains some fine specimens of tabernacle and screen work; near the western entrance is an ancient stone font; and the vestry-room was formerly a chapel, dedicated to Thomas-Ã -Becket. The living is a rectory, in the patronage of the Rev. Archer Archer Clives; the present incumbent is the Rev. Patrick Murray Smythe. There we places of worship for Independents and Roman Catholics.
The free school is supported by sundry donations, pursuant to an order in Chancery: Shenstone, the poet, was educated at this school. There is a charity school, endowed by Mrs. Martha Palmer and Miss Fisher, in 1746, for the instruction of a limited number of girls. The scenery surrounding this town is of a pleasing character and there are some handsome residences in the neighbourhood, among which is Malvern Hall and Park, the fine seat of Henry Greswolde, Esq. The market, held on Wednesday, has much declined, owing to the proximity of Birmingham. The fairs, which are held April 30th, September 14th, and October 12th, for cattle and horses; the September fair being also a hiring statute. The parish of Solihull contained, in 1831, 2,878 inhabitants, and in 1841, 3,401.
Knowle is a hamlet and chapelry in the parish of Hampton-in-Arden , and same division as, and 2 ½ miles S.E. by S. from Solihull, and is said to derive its name from Cnolle or Knoll, which has reference to the situation of the village. The chapel of Saint Ann, was erected by Walter Cook, canon of Lichfield, in the reign of Richard II and contains some ancient stalls and fragments of stained glass: the living is a perpetual curacy, in the presentation of the rector of Solihull. The charities comprise a school, founded by the Hon. Sarah Greville about the year 1718, and augmented by the Hon. Algemon Greville; a benefaction for the instruction of children, made by Fulke Goreville, Esq.; and Balsall Temple, about a mile and a half hence, founded by Lady Katherine Leverton, for the sustenance of twenty-four poor windows. A fair for cattle and sheep is held on the first Monday after St. Ann’s Day. The population of the chapelry, in 1831, was 1,120, and in 1841, 1,208.
Post Office, Solihull, Thomas Harborne, Post Master – Letters from London & Birmingham arrive every morning at half-past four, and are despatched at nine at night. – Letters from Leamington Warwick &c. arrive every at nine, and are despatched at half-past four in the morning.
Post Office, Knowle, John Cattell, Post Master. – Letters from all parts arrive (by mail cart, from Birmingham) every morning at five, and are despatched at nine at night.
Gentry And Clergy.
Barber Edward, Baraton
Blunt Thomas, Esq. Solihull
Bouetby Joseph, Esq. Springfield house
Bushell Mrs. Catherine, Ivy Hall
Christopher Rev. John, Knowle
Coachman Charles, Esq. Temple Balsall
Crowther Rev. Samuel, Knowle
Curtis Charles, Esq. Solihull
Dadley Mrs. Mary Ann, Knowle
Edwards Mr. Jos. Holbeach, Solihull
Edwards Mrs. Jane, Solihull
Elliott Rev. George, Solihull
Featherstone John Dilke, Esq. Packwood Lodge
Greswolde Henry, Esq. Malvern Hall
Harborne Mr. Thos. Olton Cottage
Hill Rev. John Spencer Knowle
Holbeach Mr. Joseph, Solihull
Homer Mr. Arthur, Solihull
Homer Mr. George, Solihull
Kimbell Mr. John, Knowle
Marshall Mrs. Sarah, Solihull
Perkins Mr. Thomas, Solihull
Short Colonel – , Load Heath
Short Mrs. Jane, Solihull
Short Rev. John, Temple Balsall
Silvester Mr. Joseph, Solihull
Smythe Rev. Patrick Murray, Solihull
Swatkins Mrs. Mary, Solihull
Taylor Mrs. Sarah, Solihull
Thompson Mrs. Letitia, Solihull
Thompson Robert John, Esq. Knowle
Thompson Mr. Thomas, Solihull
Wilson Rev. James, Solihull
Wilson Mr. William Henry, Solihull
Academies And Schools
Elliott Rev. Geo. (boarding), Solihull
Free Grammar School, Solihull –Rev. George Elliott, head master; Joseph Sice, second master
Free School, Knowle –Charles Chinn, master; Martha Boston, mistress
Kimberly Ann (day and boarding), Solihull
Kimberley Geo. (boarding), Solihull
Whitwell & Harris (ladies boarding) Solihull
Attorneys.
Bolton James Thomas, Solihull
Chattock Henry Harvey, Solihull
Harding George Joseph (and clerk to the magistrates), Solihull
Bakers.
Cattell John, Knowle
Eborall Thomas, Solihull
Oakey John, Solihull
Price William, Solihull
Boot And Shoemakers.
Adams William, Knowle
Dyke Daniel, Knowle
Earps William, Solihull
Pearson James, Knowle
Phillips George, Knowle
Smallwood Aaron, Solihull
Smallwood John, Solihull
Warner William, Solihull
Woodcock John, Solihull
Worner Joseph, Solihull
Yates John, Solihull
Butchers.
All day William, Knowle
Bailey Thomas, Knowle
Barratt Richard, Solihull
Eborall Thomas, Solihull
Middleton Edward, Knowle
Carpenters And Joiners.
Glover William, Knowle
Latham Henry, Solihull
Madeley George Thomas, Solihull
Marley William Henry, Solihull
Skinner James, Solihull
Chemists And Druggists.
Goodwin Henry Priston, Solihull
Kimbell Henry, Knowle
Coal Dealers.
Eagles John, Knowle
Hopkins Samuel, Solihull
Coopers.
Gopsill Samuel, Solihull
Wakefield John, Knowle
Fire. &c. Office Agents
Birmingham, John Scott Marshall, Knowle
District, John James Kimbell, Knowle
Professional (life), Henry Priston Goodwin, Solihull
Grocers And Dealers in Sundries
Marked thus * are also drapers.
Aston Ann, Solihull
*Ball Catherine, Solihull
Boston Sophia, Knowle
*Bower Enoch, (and ironmonger) Knowle
Bridge James, Solihull
Cattell Thomas, Solihull
Glover May Ann, Knowle
Goodwin Henry Priston, Solihull
*Greaves Edward, Solihull
Hickin Joseph, Solihull
Hill George, Solihull
Hodgkins Richard, Knowle
Holmes Mary, Solihull
Kimbell John James, Knowle
Loach William, Solihull
Price William, Solihull
Smallwood Sarah, Solihull
Wilcox William, Knowle
Worner Joseph, Solihull
Inns And Public Houses
In Solihull when nor otherwise stated.
Barley Mow, Sarah Perry
Bull’s Head, Mary Palmer, Knowle
George Inn, Elizabeth Taylor
Golden Lion, Thomas Capner
Greswolde Arms Inn, John Scott Marshall, Knowle
Malt Shovel, Thomas Gibbs
Mason’s Arms, Sarah Compton
Red Lion, Henry Cotterill, Knowle
Royal Oak, Thomas Hammond
Swan, Ann Sowley, Knowle
Wilson’s Arms, Richard Chinn, Knowle
Maltsters.
Adams William Knowle
Avery Samuel, Knowle
Capner John, Solihull
Chinn Henry, Knowle
Chinn John, Solihull
Cotterill Henry, Knowle
Gibbs Thomas, Knowle
Hammond Thomas, Solihull
Hood Thomas, Solihull
Perry Sarah, Solihull
Reeve Thomas, Knowle
Wall George, Solihull
Wall Joseph, Solihull
Millers.
Morton John, Solihull
Vere William, Solihull
Tomlinson John, Knowle
Painters, Plumbers And Glaziers.
Cattell George, Knowle
Hammond Thomas, Knowle
Stafford Francis, Solihull
Thompson John, Solihull
Saddlers.
Boston John, Knowle
Clarke Joseph, Knowle
Herbert Edmund, Knowle
Parsons William, Knowle
Pearman William, Solihull
Tailors.
Bellamy William, Solihull
Byrne Moses, Solihull
Galloway Francis, Knowle
Hughes William, Solihull
King Joseph, Knowle
King William, Knowle
Loach William, Solihull
Tanner.
Madeley John, Solihull
Watch & Clock Makers.
Edwards Benjamin, Knowle
Haines Nathan, Knowle
Wells Richard, Solihull
Wells Thomas, Solihull
Wheelwrights.
Checkly Richard, Knowle
Hadley Samuel, Solihull
Perry Joseph, Solihull
Miscellaneous.
In Solihull when not otherwise stated.
Adams William, brick maker, Knowle
Allen Edward, brick maker, Knowle
Athley Stephen, professor of music
Chetley Richard, blacksmith, Knowle
County Court, Solihull (held monthly), Frederick Trotter Dinsdale, Esq. judge; John Bass Hanbury, clerk; George Joseph Harding, assistant clerk; Robert short, high bailiff
Crewe James, inland revenue officer
Fairfield James, car proprietor
Fire Engine House – James Fairfield, superintendent
Green & Cocker, blacksmiths
Guest John, corn dealer
Harborne Thos. registrar of births & deaths
Hood Thomas, brewer
Hopkins Charles, hair dresser
Inland Revenue Office at the George Inn – Richard Thomas, supervisor
Latham Henry, surveyor
Lowe Thomas, surgeon
Lynall Richard, pump maker
Owen John, collector of taxes
Proctor Thomas, veterinary surgeon
Savings’ Bank – Rev. Patrick Murray Smythe, actuary
Sewell Edmund, gardener Knowle
Smith Harriet, dress maker
Smith John, stone mason
Solomon John, bricklayer
Taylor May, dress maker
Union Poor House – Robert Hodder, governor; Elizabeth Tribshaw, matron
Wall George, brazier
Wild James, constable
Places of Worship
and their ministers
Saint Alphege Church, Solihull – Rev. Patrick Murray Smythe, rector; Rev. James Wilson. curate
Saint Anis Episcopal Chapel, Knowle – Rev. Samuel Crowther, incumbent; Rev. John Christopher, curate
Independent Chapel, Solihull – Rev. John Spencer Hill
Independent Chapel, Knowle – Rev. John Spencer Hill
Roman Catholic Chapel, Solihull – Rev. John Francis Lycett, priest
Omnibuses.
To Birmingham, Fairfield’s omnibuses from Knowle, Monday, Thursday and Saturday, and Thomas Phillips and James Prestidge, from Knowle, Monday and Thursday.
Conveyance by Railway
On the London and North Western line.
Station at Hampton 4 ½ miles N.E. from Solihull.
From Birmingham, 7 miles N.W. of Solihull, passengers may be conveyed to all parts of England
Carrier.
To Birmingham, James Fairfield, from his house, Solihull. Monday Thursday and Saturday – James, from the Bull’s Head, Monday, & – Clements, on Saturday.
To Leamington and Warwick, James Prestige from Knowle, Sat.
Source: Slater’s Directory (Warwickshire Section) 1850
Maps
Administration
- County: Warwickshire
- Civil Registration District: Solihull
- Probate Court: Pre-1837 – Court of the Bishop of Lichfield and Coventry (Episcopal Consistory), Post-1836 – Court of the Bishop of Worcester (Episcopal Consistory)
- Diocese: Worcester
- Rural Deanery: Arden
- Poor Law Union: Solihull
- Hundred: Hemlingford
- Province: Canterbury