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Solihull
was founded as a market centre
or 'planted borough' in the 12th century beside important
medieval roads connecting Birmingham with Warwick and Worcester
with Coventry.
Situated on a hill made up of
stiff red marl (which turns to mud in wet weather), the settlement's
name was derived from 'miry or muddy' soily hill.
In 1242 the flourishing town
was given a charter to hold a market by Henry III. For
many years Solihull was a major coaching town.
The coming of the canals and
railways brought further prosperity and by the end of the
18th century Solihull was developing as location for the grand
houses of Birmingham industrialists. Unlike Birmingham,
the Industrial Revolution passed Solihull by and it remained
a small market town until the 20th century.
The town's growth accelerated
after the 1920s, owing entirely to overspill population from
Birmingham.
During World War II the Rover
Car Company established a factory here and in post-war years
Solihull has become well-known as the home of Land Rover.
Today Solihull is a domitory
town for Birmingham, to which it is joined.
The town is noted for its fine
architecture, including many Tudor shops and houses.
Solihull is a popular shopping
area and a highlight is the impressive new Touchwood Retail
and Leisure Centre.
Local tourist attractions include
Earlswood Lakes, created the 1820s to supply the Birmingham
to Stratford canal, and the Birmingham
Railway Museum at nearby Tyseley.
The Heart of England Way long-distance
path also passes through the district.
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Solihull
