Berkswell
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
  Map sources for Berkswell at grid reference SP246790
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Berkswell is a village and civil parish in the Metropolitan Borough of Solihull, county of West Midlands, England. It is in the east of the borough, and borders Coventry, and is about 7 miles west of Coventry city centre. According to the 2001 census the parish had a population of 2,843.
The civil parish includes a number of hamlets apart from Berkswell village itself. Berkswell railway station serves the village, but is actually closer to Balsall Common than to Berkswell village.
Berkswell took its name from a 16-feet deep, stone-walled well just outside the churchyard of the 12th century Church of St John the Baptist. It is said to have been used for baptisms by immersion and can still be seen today. The village has a green and the stocks (now fenced off) were used for punishing offenders. It is claimed that these were especially built for a one legged ex soldier and his two drinking companions as there are only five leg holes. The Bear Inn dates from the 16th century. The local history society run a small museum in a 17th century cottage near the church. On Windmill Lane is the protected and restored Berkswell Windmill, a fine example of a tower mill with its original machinery. There are several 16th and 17th century houses.
Local Features include Marsh Lane Nature Reserve.
There is also a small Church of England primary school located close to the Church on Church Lane.
