Stirchley and Kings Norton Area Guide 

Stirchley

Stirchley is a suburb of Birmingham lying about Five miles to the south of the city centre on the main A441 Pershore road which as the name denotes provides access between Birmingham and Pershore as well as Redditch. It is a primarily residential area dating from the Victorian period.

Although part of the Pershore Road was originally a Roman road it was an agricultural area until the mid-1800s.  The river Rea flows through it which originally powered mills at Lifford, Dogpool and Moor Green.It was originally part of Kings Norton and there is little of note until late Victorian times when much of the current housing stock was created with a wide range of terrace houses. The Birmingham Worcester Canal runs through it and that brought industrial development to the area. It borders Bournville, Kings Heath and Selly Oak.

Transport

Stirchley has excellent transport facilities with direct access along the Pershore Road to junction 2 on the M42 Motorway about 4 miles away. Close by is Bournville Station which is on the very busy cross city line bringing a regular train service to Birmingham City Centre with its vibrant social, shopping and commercial centres. There is an also a very regular bus service to many parts of Birmingham.

Amenities

Stirchley has a busy shopping centre based along the Pershore Road and a good selection of other amenities

Stirchley is an area often favoured by first-time house buyers, whilst Selly Oak and Selly Park are home to many students from the nearby University of Birmingham and so attract many buy-to-let investors. Muntz and Selly Parks provide green open spaces for residents. Edgbaston Cricket Ground home to Warwickshire Cricket Club lies to the north of Stirchley where Canon Hill Park is situated. There is a library in The Old Library and the old Swimming Baths used for various market type functions and playgroups etc……….The friends meeting house has been converted to flats.

The Three Horseshoes public house in the centre of Stirchley certainly existed in 1836 and has more recently been renamed the New Bournbrook Inn and has a Travel Lodge at the rear. The Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Birmingham University are also only a few miles away.

Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park lies there providing a small zoo focusing on endangered species.

Schools
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https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/directory/24/birmingham_schools

Kings Norton

Kings Norton village lies about 7 miles to the south of Birmingham City and is a popular suburb with both residential, and some industrial property

It was first mentioned in Roman times when there was a settlement at Parsons Hill close to Icknield Street and the name is believed to be derived from a north settlement held by the king. From Saxon times onwards it was one of the manors of Bromsgrove and is mentioned frequently in the history of the area, parts of the village date from medieval times. Industry in the late 1700’s came with the Birmingham to Worcester canal which linked through to the River Severn. The coming of the railways brought further developments in the mid 1800’s the main Birmingham to the south west railway line passes through the area.

Notwithstanding the history most of the residential property is much more recent. There are areas of Victorian terrace houses around Cotteridge and areas of interwar semi detached houses off Parsons Hill but much of the remaining property in Kings Norton has been built since the last war.

Of particular note is the lovely residential area formed around Merecroft Pool to the west of the village with roads such as Rednal Road, Beak Hill Road, Meadow Hill Road and Grassmoor Road. This delightful enclave is well worth a visit by discerning house hunters.

Transport

Kings Norton is very well served for transport links lying on the A441 Birmingham to Redditch Road with the junction 2 on the M42 Motorway about 4 miles away. Kings Norton Station is on the cross city line bringing a very regular service to the vibrant social, shopping and commercial centres in the city. There is also regular bus services reaching many parts of Birmingham.

Amenities

There is an excellent shopping centre around the green that forms the centre of Kings Norton village and the delightful Kings Norton Park is close by.

The Green was the centre of the village in medieval times bounded by the 13th century Saint Nicholas Church. There are also a number of medieval buildings here, The Tudor Merchants House was built in 1492 and the nearby Old Grammar School is believed to date from 1434 and was used as a school in the middle ages.

There are a number of schools including the well known Kings Norton Boys School.
Schools
Search of local schools, enter the post code where you hope to move to
https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/directory/24/birmingham_schools

Pictures

Kings Norton Green                                                    https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/info/50170/local_history/1656/kings_norton_local_history                                        

St Lawrence Church in Kings Norton                          https://www.kingsnorton.org.uk/                     

Merecroft Pool in Kings Norton                                 http://www.birminghamconservationtrust.org/2020/03/20/friday-photo-merecroft-pool/                                 

Kings Norton Park                                                       https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/directory_record/9126/kings_norton_park

The Tudor Merchants House Kings Norton                https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/529806343634279261/                      

The Old Grammar School Kings Norton                     https://www.stnicolasplace.com/