VISITORS to the parish centre in Studley had a rare opportunity to explore the village’s past at a special exhibition last Saturday, May 21.
Organised by Studley Local History Group, on display were old photographs and documents stretching back over the previous century and beyond.
Studley is mentioned in the Domesday Book and now sits along the Roman road Icknield Street having migrated from the banks of the River Arrow where the parish church, and the original Studley castle, still remain.
“The Local History Group was formed in 2000 with the aim of preserving the heritage of the village and to ensure it doesn’t get lost for ever,” said the group’s chair Tony Lever. “Our main activity at the moment is recording and cataloguing our archives. Tony Chambers at the Manor House has kindly leant us a room for this which we’ve nearly filled!
“We’ve had some amazing discoveries too – Studley Castle for instance, now a hotel, was built in 1837 but has been bought and sold countless times.
“The old castle by the church goes back to Saxon times and was the seat of the Corbucion family under the Normans.”
Studley also played a key role in the development of the needle industries.
“The village played a significant part due to its ability as a centre for precision engineering, which is highlighted by needle making,” said Tony.
“When the needle makers first moved to the area they settled initially in Sambourne before moving to Studley because of the water power from the River Arrow.
“It’s here that many of the biggest names in Redditch needle making started, firms like Millward and Abel Morrell.”
Meetings are on the third Tuesday evening of even months at 8.15pm at the Parish Centre, Old Vicarage Gardens, Studley, B80 7SG.
People can also call: 01527 852002.
