Coleshill green walk
Delve into the family history of our village's former first family, the Pleydell-Bouverie's, during this gentle stroll through the heart of the Coleshill. Soak up traditional rural life crossing farmland, before returning through our Capability Brown styled parkland. Finally catch a glimpse of our village's secret Second World War history. Follow the green way markers on this route.
Map
Start:
The estate yard car park at Coleshill SU235935
1
Park in the estate yard in Coleshill village. Turn left out of the estate yard, walk up hill and turn left again towards the village. Cross the main road and walk down the lane opposite, on the left of the green with the church on your right.
All Saints Church
Discover many of the trials and tribulations of Coleshill's Pleydell-Bouverie family within this handsome medieval church, a part of which is late Norman. The family tombs and memorials offer a snapshot of their lives through the ages. Witness the wrath of Cromwell's men who are thought to have removed one tomb and defaced another. There's a moving tribute to a much loved mother lost in childbirth aged just 26. And there's a stained glass window of St George, in memory of Jacob Edward or 'Ted' who died during the Second World War.
2
Go through the gate into a field and turn immediately right and continue straight on.
3
Cross road and continue over a stile along the line of a hedge. Walk past the end of Fern Copse to the right, crossing a stile and bridge.
4
Continue alongside the hedge line to Brimstone Farm.
5
Turn right at the farm and along drive.
6
A short cut can be taken after the double bend in the drive, by turning right and passing Fern Copse again and heading to Cuckoopen Plantation, where you turn right to skirt the woods, then enter and return to the village by a woodland track.
7
Cross road to Colleymore Farm. Walk through farm and bear right.
8
Turn right opposite cottage to Ashen Copse Farm. Keep to the edge of the field and bear right to a stile. Continue past with the farm buildings on your left.
9
Go onto the farm drive and cross road with wood to your left. Pass Flamborough Woods to your right.
10
At the corner of Flamborough Woods, go through a gate and cut diagonally across the field. Go through a kissing gate into a grass field. Cross the field and into Coleshill Park. Continue across the Park through several kissing gates.
Coleshill Park
In 1748 Sir Mark Pleydell's only daughter, Harriet, married William Bouverie. Despite owning numerous estates, the couple decided to make Coleshill their home and the parkland was planted to complement the house. Harriet tragically died in childbirth, but William, who was now Lord Pleydell Bouverie of Coleshill, was created Earl of Radnor in 1765. Later that century, the parkland was refashioned in the style of Capability Brown.
11
Return to Coleshill through two more gates beside Courtleaze. The site of Coleshill House was above to your right as you leave the Park. At the cross roads, turn right and head up the road to the Guard House, before returning straight back down hill to the estate yard.
The Guard House
Only a few clues remain in the village of its vital role during the Second World War. Coleshill House, which was the secret headquarters of the British Resistance, or Auxiliary Unit, was lost to fire in 1952. But the recently restored Guard House offers a sneak peak of what life was like living under the threat of invasion. Find out about Churchill's secret army, their training and bravery. Listen to the memories of some of the courageous men who trained here. Want to find out more? Why not join one of our Second World War history walks...
End:
The estate yard car park at Coleshill SU235935
