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Weoley Castle expanded rapidly in the 1930's and
is not as established as the older areas of Birmingham
with their Victorian housing. By contrast the
housing is more spacious and there are plenty
of opens spaces. The first mention of Weoley Castle
appears in the Domesday Book of 1086 with the
owner of Weoley listed as 'Awold' The actual castle
was recorded as belonging to 'William Fitz Ansculf'
who lived at Dudley Castle and actually owned
most of the Birmingham area as we know it today.
Weoley Castle itself was never really a true castle.
It was more of a fortified manor house, surrounded
by a moat with a defensive wall and watch towers.
The excavations at Weoley Castle have revealed
that the manor included a brewery, a bakery, a
chapel, Great Hall, kitchens and various living
quarters. In later times the castle was rebuilt
and eventually deserted, the stones being used
by the local community for new buildings.
Weoley Castle was purchased by the city council
in the 1930's and excavated. Many of the objects
can be seen at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.
Examples of these include a Communion Cruet which
dates back to 1325, glassware, ceramics and German
stoneware. Many household items of the day were
also found, along with coins and tools. Weoley
Castle is currently closed to the general public
for essential repairs but the site has been opened
for viewing on several occassions.
Weoley Castle Square, the hub of the community
in Weoley Castle is due for redevelopment. It
provides a wide range of local shops and amenities.
The Woodgate Valley Park is close to Weoley Castle
which borders Northfield and one of the main routes
(Bristol Road) into Birmingham.
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