Pictures of Kingsbury

About Kingsbury

Kingsbury lies in a quiet corner of Warwickshire, it is most notable for its water-park which offers an oasis of calm for visitors escaping the hurried life of Birmingham and other nearby cities and large towns.

One of the most memorable views of the landscape is the lovely old parish church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul as seen from between dense trees surrounding the lakes. The church has a noble, sturdy tower with embattlements around its walls, it dates mostly from the 13th century, but has alterations of the 16th century. Surrounding the building are the graves of local families from several centuries.

Historically, Kingsbury is an old place, it was recorded in the Doomsday Book, and Kingsbury Hall (or Bracebridge Hall as it was sometimes known) was once the home of the Bracebridge family, however the house is only a shadow of its former self and is used only as a farmhouse. Interestingly the Bracebridge family of the 15th century were distant relatives of the Arden's, William Shakespeare's maternal ancestors.

Helmingford Mill remains, this was originally a water-mill used for milling corn into flour, later the mill played its part in the Napoleonic Wars when it was used to grind gun barrels for muskets.

The mill stands on the banks of the River Tame, close to a bridge of 1783. The bridge was altered in the early 1980's following the collapse of its central section. It is now built of concrete and is used by pedestrians only.

In the 19th century the main landowner of the area was the Prime Minister, Sir Robert Peel, at this time it was naught but a small hamlet, it was the dawning of the Industrial Revolution and the railways that turned Kingsbury into a large village. The sights and sounds of industry have long since gone, and the village, mindful of preserving its former charm and atmosphere, has become home to commuters.

Apart from the water-park, visitors to Kingsbury will find pubs, a country club, shops and the lovely old church, which is well worth seeing.