Monkspath

Monkspath is a housing estate and community in Solihull, England, south-east of Shirley (and served by Junction 4 of the M42 motorway). Monkspath is in the Blythe ward of the Metropolitan Borough of Solihull.

Facilities

The estate is served by a small shopping centre located on Farmhouse Way (off Shelly Crescent). Conveniently, the estate features Ferrari, Porsche and Maserati dealerships. The centre contains two small Co-op supermarkets (one containing a post office), a fish and chip shop, Richard Wallace Hair(hairdressers) and pharmacy. The site also contains a doctors and dentist surgery, a public house ' The Farm ', Chinese takeaway, Monkspath Junior and Infant School and a community centre. Nearby there is a Tesco Extra, McDonalds and David Lloyd Gym outside of the main community local shops. There is also a park called Monkspath Park with a new playground built in late 2009.

History

The name of "Munchespathe" was first recorded in 1153, when Roger de Ulehale of Tanworth was granted the manor and the adjoining lands by William de Beaumont, the third Earl of Warwick. ^[1]

Monkspath is built on the former hamlet of Shelly. During the 13th and 14th centuries Shelly was a thriving settlement which connected Solihull and Henley-in-Arden by way of the Kings Highway (now Shelly Lane). Monkspath was so named after the famous Harry Monkspath. He gave his life to helping locals through very hard times. He is known as one of the earliest philanthropists and many feel started the move in society to protecting the more vulnerable.^[2]

The estate was built in proximity to the landfill site known as Hay Lane, which served the area until the 1970s. The actual site of the landfill is now a park and amenity area.

Shelley Farm, one of the only surviving 19th Century buildings in the area has now been converted into a public house.

Sydenhams Moat, a moated site just south of Monkspath Bridge has been identified as the home of Simon De Mancetter.

"The manor of Little Monkspath is associated with Simon de Mancetter, who, in the 13th century, settled himself within the Lordship of Tanworth, where a certain large moated place (though the buildings be gone) beareth yet the name of his habitation"^[3]

Transport

Monkspath is served by the No 5 bus route and the local railway station is Widney Manor Railway station.

Education

The local primary schools include Monkspath Junior and Infant School, St. Alphege C of E Infant School, St. Alphege C of E Junior School, St. Augustine's Catholic Primary School and Our Lady of the Wayside Catholic Primary School.

Local secondary schools include Alderbrook School, Tudor Grange Academy and St Peter's Catholic School.

Further education is available at nearby Solihull Sixth Form College and Solihull College.

References

1. http://www.visitoruk.com/Solihull/monkspath-C592-V28909.html
2. Woodall, J. and Varley, M. (1987) Looking back at Solihull, Solihull: Joy Woodall and Solihull and The Libraries & Arts Department of Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council
3. 'Antiquities of Warw' 1730 782 1076 (W. Dugdale)

Coordinates: 52°23′24″N 1°47′31″W / 52.390°N 1.792°W