Knowle, Warwickshire

Knowle
Warwickshire
The High Street
Location
Grid reference:	SP182767
Location:	52°23’17"N, 1°43’55"W
Data
Population:	10,823  (2001)
Post town:	Solihull
Postcode:	B93
Dialling code:	01564
Local Government
Council:	Solihull
Parliamentary constituency:	Meriden

Knowle is a village in Warwickshire, standing a few miles southeast of the town of Solihull, and has a population of around 11,000 residents.

Knowle still retains considerable village charm, despite being on the very edge of the Birmingham conurbation. Knowle is contiguous with the village of Dorridge and the smaller village Bentley Heath, both of which are mainly residential in nature. The districts of Copt Heath to the north and Tilehouse Green to the south are considered suburbs of Knowle.

Knowle is near to the Grand Union Canal which links Birmingham to London. Knowle Locks are a flight of five locks (was originally six until around 1930) near the canal bridge on Kenilworth Road.

Shops and businesses

Knowle has many shops. Most of these are located on the High Street, though there are a number of side roads and a shopping precinct. Knowle Library is maintained by Solihull Council in a building called Chester House dating back to Tudor times. At the rear of the building a Knot garden has been restored. The small shopping area also has restaurants of all varieties, making Knowle a popular destination for dining out. In 2011 a Costa Coffee opened on the High Street and plans for a new Waitrose store have been passed by Solihull MBC despite considerable opposition from local residents.

Big Society and recreation

Recreation areas include Jobs Close Park, which has a children's play area, tennis courts, football field and plenty of open space.

Another children's playing field is owned by the National Trust near Knowle Primary School.

In the smaller village of Bentley Heath, there is a newly refurbished park, near the highly rated school, of the same name.

There are also many clubs in the village for all ages.

• The Knowle Society exists to help maintain the village and its heritage.
• Knowle Local History Society holds a wealth of historical information about the village and its people from very early times.
• Various Scout and Guide groups including a karate class and church groups.
• Drama: A number of drama groups and even an Operatic Society.
• Knowle and Dorridge Lions organise events, including the annual 5 mile Knowle Fun Run.
• There is a Masonic Hall and Knowle and Dorridge Round Table meet locally.

Sport

• Football: Knowle Football Club
• Cricket: Knowle Village Cricket Club
• Rugby: Silhillians Rugby Union Football Club, which is the home of Warwickshire Hockey as well as Old Silhillians Hockey Club.

Transport links

The village is on the A4141 road and is close to the M42 motorway: Junction 5 of the M42 motorway is a little over a mile from the western edge of the village.

Knowle does not have its own railway station, but nearby Dorridge railway station, on the Chiltern Main Line, was previously known as Knowle and Dorridge. Another station lies a few miles north at Hampton-in-Arden on the Coventry-Birmingham (West Coast) line and Birmingham International railway station is nearby for express services to London Euston. Knowle is also close to Birmingham International Airport and is linked to Solihull by bus services.

Outside links

• Knowle Fun Run
• Knowle and Dorridge Lions
• Knowle Sea Scout Group
• Ye Olde Knowle Bowling Club
• Knowle Parish Church website
• Knowle Local History Society website
• Knowle and Dorridge Round Table
• 1st Knowle Scout Group
• Knowle Village Cricket Club