In & Around the Old Market Town of Tamworth
Did you know ...
- that Tamworth was the capital of Mercia in the reign of Offa (757-796AD) and is one of the oldest Boroughs in England?
- that we have (or had) the largest natural collection of swans in Europe
- that we have one of only two largest Parish Churches in England and it has a double spiral staircase - the only church in England to have such a staircase as I understand it.
- that Tamworth has been voted the "Top City/Town in the UK to retire to!"
- as per "Yours Magazine", issue 83 - March 2010
If anyone can confirm/deny any of the above then please let me know.
We used to have a Swan Warden but alas I think, no longer!
Please fill in the Feedback Form if you have any information to share with us on or about Tamworth and would be happy for us to include it on the site.
For more facts on Tamworth visit the Tamworth Council web site, and for the Castle, visit the Friends of Tamworth Castle web site.
Click on any of the highlighted links below to find more information
- Colin Grazier Monument - In the Church St Square
- War Memorial - outside St Editha's Church
- Town Hall & Sir Robert Peel Statue
- St Editha's Church - link to the St Editha's Church web site.
- Guy's Alms Houses
- Queen Elizabeth Mercian School (QEMS) - oldest school in Tamworth
- Tamworth Castle, Bandstand and Gardens
- Snow Dome & Ice Skating rink complex - eye sore to some of us!
- Over 50's Clubs/Activities
- Strykers 10 pin Bowling Alley
- Hostelries
- Tamworth Herald - Local paper for the local news! No longer locally produced as it comes out of Stoke-on-Trent nowadays! A sign of the times?
- 'Vision of Britain' - facts on Tamworth
- Tradesmen & Services - either used by ourselves or friends and we are happy to recommend.
To view a larger version of the photos, just click on the photo in question.
Hovering over the photo should pop up a brief description of same.
War Memorial - outside St Editha's Church
Town Hall with the statue of Sir Robert Peel
History of Tamworth Castle
Why not take a few minutes to read a short article on the History of Tamworth Castle?
The Castle have various functions throughout the year and details can be found via the Council Website ot the Information Centre in Market Street
Art work in the Castle Grounds
Take a stroll through the Pleasure Grounds and view the Planets - a series of artworks. Here we have a few of the items on display.
Sir Thomas Guy and the Almshouses
Thomas Guy became the MP for Tamworth in 1695, but lost the election in 1707 and later moved to London where he built the famous Guy's Hospital. It's said he went to London and built the hospital there to spite the people of Tamworth for not re-electing him their MP!
The houses were erected in 1673 on a piece of land at Lower Gungate purchased by Thomas Guy. The Alms were erected to house seven poor Women. Guy later erected accommodation to provide for men at a cost of £200. Some of the rooms were rebuilt in 1827, but the whole site was demolished in 1913. New almshouses were built on the site and retained the name.
Over 50's Clubs
There are a number of things to do for the Over 50's and retired people, and you can find information from various places on the Tamworth Activities Directory (TAD) website.
Similarly, there are Bowling Clubs, one such being The Spital Bowls and Tennis Club on the corner of Wigginton Rd, and further details can be found on their website.
There are other clubs and activities on the TAD site and lists in the Central Tamworth Library along with the Information Centre.
Tradesmen & services we've used and can recommend
I've listed here tradesmen/contractors I have used personally and have been satisfied with the standards of their work.
Please mention where you got their contact details if and when you contact them.
- Electrical work - Elec-craft - Roy on 01827 302963
- Garage - MOT, Service &/or repairs - Ashby Road Service Station - 01827 64459
- React4U - Windows, Doors, Conservatories, etc. Call 01827 63827
An item that may be of use to a number of you is one of what Hostelries are available in and around Tamworth.
## Please note this list is not up to date and hence if you'd like to feedback up to date info that would be good. Thanks. ##
If you have other experiences of eating in and around Tamworth, then feed them back for inclusion of a new page "Where to eat in and around Tamworth".
Here is a list of some of the places we &/or friends have visited in recent times, with a short comment on the various experiences;
- The Old Crown in Wigginton, which is liked by friends who've been there. (Nov 22 feedback is not as good as was)
- Pretty Pigs, Amington - Carvery Meal not as hot as it could have been with some veg overcooked. Quality is very variable.
- Red Lion, Hopwas - Friendly and Good Food
- The Globe, Tamworth - Reasonable choice although seem to sell out of the "specials" within minutes of opening!
- The Riftswood, Comberford Rd, Tamworth, Tel: 01827 62785 - A Sizzling Pub serving good food at reasonable prices and reasonably priced Ales! (Reviewed Oct 22)
- Unicorn, Orton on the Hill - quite good (Reviewed Oct 22)
- The Wolverston - Found this place short on service and expensive for what it serves. It was 2-4-1 but the meal costs were expensive to start with!
- The Appleby Inn, on the A444 at Appleby Parva. Nice food, not cheap, and a pity about the Ale prices! Used to serve too many chips which can be off putting!
- Tame Otter, Hopwas - Told they have good Fish & Chips
- The Fox Inn, Lichfield Rd. - Good food but can be busy.
- The Albert, Albert Road - Good Food, but more of an evening experience (Reviewed Oct 22)
- The White Lion, Harlaston. Good food, but more of an evening experience (Reviewed Oct 22)
- The Wigginton, Wigginton Rd. Reasonable but limited serving times (Oct 22)
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