Astley

Settlement in Warwickshire North Warwickshire

England

Astley

St Michael's Church, New Arley The Arley Colliery Company began mining coal locally in 1905. In the 1920s it built a company village of six hundred houses, called New Arley, and, in 1928, a company church to serve it, the Church of England parish church of St Michael. The style could perhaps be called colliers&#039; baroque. See the Victoria County History of Warwickshire, Vol. 6 pp8-12, which doesn&#039;t give the name of the architect <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/warks/vol6/pp8-12" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/warks/vol6/pp8-12">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> . — St Michael's Church, New Arley Credit: A J Paxton

Astley is a small village located in the county of Warwickshire, England. Situated approximately 10 miles northeast of Nuneaton, it is part of the North Warwickshire district. The village is surrounded by picturesque countryside and offers a peaceful and rural setting for its residents.

Astley is known for its rich history, with evidence of human settlement dating back to the Roman period. The village is home to several historical landmarks, including Astley Castle, a Grade II listed building that dates back to the 12th century. The castle has been beautifully restored and is now a popular tourist attraction.

In addition to its historical significance, Astley also boasts stunning natural beauty. The village is nestled in the heart of the Arden Forest, an area of ancient woodland renowned for its diverse flora and fauna. This makes Astley a haven for nature lovers and provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and birdwatching.

Despite its small size, Astley is a close-knit community that benefits from a range of local amenities. These include a village hall, a primary school, and a traditional pub that serves as a meeting point for residents. The village also hosts various events throughout the year, including a summer fete and a Christmas market, fostering a strong sense of community spirit.

Overall, Astley offers a charming and tranquil environment, making it an idyllic place to live or visit for those seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of city life.

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Astley Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.501634/-1.5445362 or Grid Reference SP3189. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

St Michael's Church, New Arley

The Arley Colliery Company began mining coal locally in 1905. In the 1920s it built a company village of six hundred houses, called New Arley, and, in 1928, a company church to serve it, the Church of England parish church of St Michael. The style could perhaps be called colliers' baroque. See the Victoria County History of Warwickshire, Vol. 6 pp8-12, which doesn't give the name of the architect Link

A J Paxton

New Arley seen from Gorsy Spinney

From the birch trees of the spinney a footpath runs southwards to Wood End, following the edges of fields and passing the eastern tip of New Arley village.

A J Paxton

Birch trees at Gorsy Spinney, Arley

A path runs through the wood on the edge of the football ground at Hill Top. public footpaths lead from here to Astley and Wood End.

A J Paxton

New Arley reflections

The path from New Arley to Wood End runs along the edge of a large field, which was very wet after heavy autumn rain.

A J Paxton

Lost in a muddy field, Wood End

Well, I knew where I was on the map, but had lost the footpath. North Warwickshire has some good walking country, but signposting is often poor. The path had crossed a ditch and a field boundary without warning.

A J Paxton

Field path, Wood End

At last, a signpost, though the sign itself was broken and faded.

A J Paxton

Football pitch at Hill Top

The woods at Gorsy Spinney can be seen beyond the recreation ground.

A J Paxton

Hedge Laying the old fashioned way at Hill Top

The gentleman almost hidden in the centre of the picture, is doing an outstanding job , laying this very overgrown hedge, the way it has been done for hundreds of years, not just chopping it off with a chainsaw.

Mick Malpass

Leaving Gun Hill on Church Lane

In the distance across the valley, Old Arley can just be seen behind the telegraph pole.

Mick Malpass

Hill Top

A view of some houses in this rural hamlet.

Peter Mackenzie

The Fir Tree, New Arley

A local pub for local people, and you can grab a curry until midnight!

Richard Harrison

Hill Top at dusk

A view of Hill Top (formerly part of New Arley). One of the houses in the row used to be the Police House for Arley, where the Neighbourhood Watch met and the Community Police officers could meet their err.. community!

Richard Harrison

Glebe Farm and pheasants

An early morning shot of Glebe Farm just off Park Lane, between Astley and Fillongley, with a couple of sprightly pheasants just in the photo top right.

Richard Harrison