Weoley Castle
The Castle
Birmingham’s medieval castle, Weoley Castle, is more like one of the fortified manor houses which developed side by side with other types of castles. Through medieval times lords were taking steps towards more space and greater comfort. Nevertheless, in such violent times, they made sure they still had protection.
The chief room, the Hall, was for centuries the main area where everybody lived, ate and, except the lord and grand visitors, where everybody slept. Other domestic features included a kitchen, pantry and buttery to one side of the hall and the lord's solar (private rooms) and chapel were on the other. A brewhouse and bakehouse were essential for ale and bread.
There would have been Fishponds and a vegetable garden were further sources of fresh food. A well supplied water. By the early fifteenth century chimneys were becoming more common to take away smoke rather than just a vent in the roof. Some of the windows may have had glass panes and thought was being given to decorative features.
Defensive features similar to those of larger castles are evident – wall towers battlements, thick stone walls, a batter (widening of lower part of outer walls), arrow slits, a gatehouse and drawbridge.
A moat surrounds the castle to deter attackers. It was originally fed by means of a leat (a ditch) from the River Bourn which runs along its north side.
Picture Gallery
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Local Photographs
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[ The Church ]
This is the view of the church from the local park. The presbytery can be seen on the left, the church is in the centre and on the right is the Raven public house.
On the left hand side you can see some of the local shops.
[ The Duck Pond ]
We are lucky to have such a pretty piece of land in a city parish. The lake is inhabited by various species of ducks, geese, fish and other small wild life.
Here you can see part of Weoley Castle Square. It is a busy little community with shops ranging from indoor markets, to Somerfield’s supermarket, to a fishing tackle shop.
[ The square at Weoley Castle ]
Along with a host of takeaways, there is also a library, a medical centre, a nursery and much more located around the centre grassed circle.
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