Conveyancing Solicitors In Handsworth and Handsworth Wood

THE HISTORY OF HANDSWORTH AND HANDSWORTH WOOD

Considered inner city suburbs within the city of Birmingham, Handsworth is marginally closer to the city centre at 2 miles than neighbouring Handsworth Wood which is 3 miles from the centre of Birmingham. The area of Smethwick falls between Handsworth and the city centre.

Handsworth was originally in the county of Staffordshire, then Warwickshire before becoming part of Birmingham in 1911. Between the 13th and 18th centuries, Handsworth was a small village with few residents. The area saw a dramatic rise in population density following the building of accommodation for workers in nearby factories. Famous notable historic residents are James Watt, William Murdoch and Matthew Boulton who were founders of the industrial revolution. Their remains are buried in St Mary’s Church. Dating even further back than this, archaeology in the area has discovered finds dating back to the Stone Age.

Handsworth Wood was originally the woodland which formed part of the wider estate for Handsworth Manor. Towards the end of the 19th Century large houses were built and were popular with wealthy residents.

During World War II, the boundary between the two areas, Handsworth and neighbouring Handsworth Wood, was used as the indicator for safe and bombing zones. Whilst Handsworth was considered at risk from bombing, neighbouring Handsworth Wood was considered safe. This meant that the latter was a prime location for evacuees. The larger sized properties also enabled more children to be housed per property in Handsworth Wood.

HANDSWORTH AND HANDSWORTH WOOD TODAY

Today, both Handsworth and Handsworth Wood are popular residential suburbs of Birmingham. Handsworth Wood, with its large numbers of Victorian properties and a good mixture of semi detached and detached houses, is considered a premier residential area.

The area is also known for its multi-cultural vibe. The suburbs form the centre of the Afro-Caribbean community in Birmingham. This is mainly due to the arrival of people from the West Indies during World War II as part of the colonial war effort. Every two years, the infamous Handsworth Carnival is held in the area.

This popular Caribbean themed celebration began in 1984. More recently, the area has seen the arrival of migrant workers due to its proximity to the Longbridge Factory and other industry in the area. The area forms a perfect location for families as there are two grammar schools and a good mixture of green and open space for residents to enjoy. There is a wide selection of world food offerings in the town’s many different restaurants, bars and other establishments. Residents also have the benefit of easy access to three different cinemas. Also being so close to the city centre, the area benefits from a regular bus route and railway access into the city centre and wider afield.

The 63 acre Handsworth Park was part of a £9.5 million regeneration project in 2006 and now features acres of landscaped lawns, mature flower beds and trees and a large boating lake.

In Handsworth Wood, one of its main features is Sandwell Valley Country Park which is considered an area of scientific and conservation significance. The park features Priory Woods with many native trees, wildlife and Sandwell Priory ruins. The River Tame and Forge Mill Lake, also run through the park. Sandwell Valley RSPB reserve lies within the boundaries of the park and form an important breeding ground numerous birds. There is also a working restored Victorian farm with a walled kitchen garden and also rare breed animals. Another popular place to visit is Perry Hall Park in the grounds of a former mansion dating back to the Elizabethan times.

If you are considering property investment, Handsworth and Handsworth Wood are considered popular locations within the rental market with landlords achieving good rental yields. The eclectic mix of housing, and lifestyle options open up the area to a number of different target markets.