SOLIHULL’S history will be uncovered this weekend as part of the Heritage Open Days.
The National Trust is opening up Baddesley Clinton, Packwood House and The Church of St Mary the Virgin as part of its festival of history and culture.
This year, many events will adopt this year’s theme ‘Astounding Inventions’, offering a celebration of cutting-edge creations that make our lives easier, and the imaginative inventors behind them.
Baddesley Clinton, in Knowle, will open its doors on Saturday, September 10 from 9am to 5pm.
Set in the heart of the Forest of Arden, there are a number of stories to uncover from the property’s 500-year history from refuge to haven.
The moated manor house has been a sanctuary since the 15th century from hiding persecuted Catholics in its priest’s holes, to the history of the Ferrers family who lived at Baddesley
The gardens include fish pools, a walled garden and a lakeside walk, perfect for a tranquil stroll.
Packwood in Lapworth will be open to visitors on Saturday, September 10, from 9am until 5pm.
The restored Tudor house, park and garden contains a collection of 16th-century textiles and furniture, and the gardens have renowned herbaceous borders and a famous collection of yews.
It was restored at the beginning of the 20th century by Graham Baron Ash, and visitors can discover the detail behind the man, his passion for collecting and his collection.
The village of Temple Balsall will also be celebrating its past over the weekend as the The Church of St Mary the Virgin opens its doors.
From noon until 5pm on Saturday there will be an Autumn Fair on the front lawn of Temple House, with stalls, refreshments, guided tours, and music by the Birmingham Concert Band.
There will also be an art exhibition in the school hall from 10.45am until 5pm.
Entry to the art exhibition is free.
On Sunday the church and site will be open after the morning service ends around 11am and the exhibition will be open from 11am until 4pm where light refreshments of tea and cakes will be available.
The weekend finishes with Choral Evensong in the church at 6pm by Rugby choir Sine Nomine who have sung in cathedrals around the country.
Parking is available off Fen End Road West in Temple Balsall,
The events are free to attend.
For more visit the heritage open days website and search for one of the sites.
