Aston Parish Church Heritage Day

This year we are focusing on the reminders in the church and churchyard of major national events from the Battle of Cressey to the 20th century world wars. Enjoy self-guided tours and talks. Be amazed by the Aston Hall and Church Conservation Area. The church is huge and social distancing is easy. 

See a fine collection of monuments commemorating the people who changed the area over 6 centuries. Learn about industrial giants including Joseph Ansell, discover the Aston man who was the first to translate the complete Bible from the original Greek into English and was burnt at the stake. William Shakespeare’s mother’s family (Arden) have left several monuments, some were involved in the Wars of the Roses on the Yorkist side. See the new monument made by the community to two local women killed in a gun battle at a New Year’s party in 2003.

A children’s trail is available all day.

1pm talk – John Rogers (1500 – 1555) protestant martyr meet at his memorial

2pmtalk – Recent research on the locally recruited territorial Battalion of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment in WW1 and 2. The extreme event at the Somme and Dunkirk will be featured and the impact on local people.

3pm talk – The battle with Covid and its legacy in terms of improvements to the 1480 tower.

4pm talk – William Shakespeare’s Aston connection (1360 to 1627). Meet at the Kathleen Arden memorial.

Aston has a longer history then nearby Birmingham. Be amazed by what you find.

 

Date & Time Sat 11 Sept | 12pm–5pm Location Aston Parish Church, Witton Lane, B6 6QA Cost Free Booking Booking not required Access Access to the tower and ringing room is by a spiral staircase. Access is restricted to small, accompanied groups. The church has excellent road and public transport access. It is located between the Aston Expressway (A38(M) and Villa Park. Look out for the large spire. Parking – On the site, street parking in Witton Lane and Trinity Road. Parking is also available at Aston Hall. Park your coach in Witton Lane at the bus layby alongside the park. Public Transport – Rail and Bus to Aston Station, walk along Grosvenor Road and look for the church spire. The 11 outer circle bus. Website