For those who have always regarded Tanworth-in-Arden as being just a beautiful village in the heart of the Warwickshire countryside, this book will be a revelation. The ancient parish of Tanworth is much more extensive, extending from Shirley Heath in the north to the bottom of Liveridge Hill in the south; from Fulford Heath in the west to Hockley Heath in the east. Besides Tanworth village, it includes much of what is modern Monkspath; and the villages of Cheswiek Green, Dickens Heath, Eariswood and Hockley Heath. This book will throw light upon the following and many more aspects of the history of the parish.What and who is the Tanworth Association for the Apprehension and Prosecution of Felons that has been in existence since 1784? What is the link between Pope Alexander IV and Bedsworth Farm? Which Tanworth family lived at Umbersiade Hall, having an unbroken male line for 600 years, and why did they erect an obelisk on the estate? What is the link between the construction of Eariswood Lakes and the building of Saiter Street Church? Did a mighty battle in the dark ages, resulting in a grave containing some 2000 bodies, take place near Cheswick Green?
Which religious houses sponsored St Mary Magdelene Church; and which Tanworth people belonged to the prestigious Guild of Knowle? What was the link between the Muntz family and ships' bottoms? How did the collection of 'conkers' by the children of Saiter Street School help in the production of munitions during the First World War? Why did the coaching era and the building of the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal help in the development of Hockley Heath?Which European troops occupied Umberslade Hall during the Second World War? Where was the racecourse at Cheswick Green, and the location of the railway at Illshaw Heath?