24th August 2013 Temple Balsall Trot

After a record (most mileage) day yesterday, debated on the wisdom going out today. Chose a route that went north west of home, around Temple Balsall and Chadwick End, as looking at the contours on the OS map, that would be a fairly flat and comfortable ride.

Temple Balsall School

Temple Balsall is a little hamlet a few miles west of Balsall Common on the road to Knowle.  It is one of the oldest sites in the borough of Solihull and it is named after, and dates from the times of, the Knights Templars. They farmed about 650 acres in the 12th century. They lost it when Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries and later, Queen Elizabeth gave the estate to Robert Dudley.
The photo is of the village school, typical of a small school. I have passed this place a few times now but have been sensitive to taking pictures on school days. Saturday morning, the place is empty so no issues there.

The Orange Tree

This pub is in Chadwick End, right on the border of Warwickshire and Solihull in the West Midlands. Been here once before, good food, and the place was packed which is a good sign of a decent menu.  More of a restaurant than a pub, it does have some good reviews on the interweb. Notice the legend on the front of the pub, hoof-fin-feather-fur-flour. Not the place to visit if you are a vegetarian I would suggest!

Good move to go out today. 19 miles, took it very easy, and thoroughly enjoyed it