Tamworth, Staffordshire facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tamworth
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Town and borough
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Clockwise from top left: Tamworth Castle, Town Hall with the Robert Peel statue, Parish Church, Skyline, Æthelflæd monument and Railway Station
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Tamworth shown within Staffordshire
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| Sovereign state |  United Kingdom |
| Constituent country |  England |
| Region | West Midlands |
| Non-metropolitan county | Staffordshire |
| Status | Non-metropolitan district |
| Admin HQ | Tamworth |
| Incorporated | 1 April 1974 |
| Suburbs of the town |
List
Amington
Belgrave Bitterscote Bolehall Borough Park Coton Green Dosthill Gillway Glascote Leyfields Perry Crofts Stonydelph Wilnecote |
| Government | |
| • Type | Non-metropolitan district council |
| • Body | Tamworth Borough Council |
| Area | |
| • Total | 30.85 km2 (11.91 sq mi) |
| Area rank | 308th (of 326) |
| Population | |
| • Total | 78,653 (2021) |
| • Rank | 293rd (of 326) |
| Ethnicity (2021) | |
| • Ethnic groups |
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| Religion (2021) | |
| • Religion |
List
51.6% Christianity
46.6% no religion 0.5% Islam 0.3% Buddhism 0.4% other |
| Time zone | UTC0 (GMT) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+1 (BST) |
| Postcode |
B77-B79
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| Post town |
tamworth
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| Area code(s) | 01827 |
| OS grid reference | SK207040 |
Tamworth is a busy market town and borough in Staffordshire, England. It is about 14 miles (23 km) north-east of Birmingham. The town is named after the River Tame, which flows through it. In 2021, the population of Tamworth borough was around 78,653 people.
Tamworth was once a very important place for the Anglo-Saxon Kingdom of Mercia in the 700s and 800s. It has a 12th-century castle, a well-kept medieval church called the Church of St Editha, and a Moat House. For a long time, Tamworth was split between Warwickshire and Staffordshire. But in 1889, it became fully part of Staffordshire.
Today, Tamworth is known for its businesses in logistics, engineering, clothing, and making bricks, tiles, and paper. Until 2001, the Reliant car factory was here. They made the famous Reliant Robin three-wheeled car and the Reliant Scimitar sports car.
You can also find the Snowdome in Tamworth, which is an indoor ski slope with real snow! Just 1.7 miles (2.7 km) south is Drayton Manor Theme Park, a popular amusement park.
Contents
Exploring Tamworth's Past
Ancient Times: Romans and Anglo-Saxons
When the Romans came to Britain (43–409 CE), the area around Tamworth was home to the British Coritani tribe. We know the Romans were active here because bits of Roman building materials have been found. Tamworth was also close to a major Roman road called Watling Street.
After the Romans left, Anglo-Saxons from northern Germany and Jutland settled in the Tame valley. They called their new home "Tomworðig," meaning "an open meadow by the Tame." They also built a fortified estate called "Tomtun" (Tame-town). These settlers were known as the "Tomsaete," or Tame-settlers.
The Tomsaete became very powerful. Their land grew into the Kingdom of Mercia, which was the largest kingdom in England by the late 500s.
Tamworth: A Royal Center
From the 600s, Tamworth became a special stopping place for Mercian kings. It had an early church and a river crossing. In the late 700s, it was fortified with an earthen wall and wooden fence to protect it.
By the end of the 700s, King Offa of Mercia (757–796) made Tamworth the main center of his kingdom. It was almost like a capital city! One of the oldest written records about Tamworth is from Offa's time. It's a land grant signed by Offa from his royal palace in Tamworthie in 781. Offa's palace was likely made of wood and thatch, so not much of it remains today.
Between 790 and 850, many important royal documents were signed in Tamworth. In 868, the Great Heathen Army (Vikings) invaded England. They drove out King Burgred in 874. Tamworth then became a border town between Viking-controlled eastern Mercia and Anglo-Saxon western Mercia.
In 913, Æthelflæd, the Lady of the Mercians, made Tamworth her capital. She strengthened the town against Viking attacks. Æthelflæd was a strong leader who won back land from the Danes. She died in Tamworth on June 6, 918.
During the time of King Æthelstan (924–939), England was mostly peaceful. In 926, a sister of King Æthelstan was married in Tamworth church. A mint was also set up in Tamworth, making silver coins. Many of these coins ended up in Scandinavia, as they were used to pay Danegeld (money paid to Vikings to stop attacks).
After Æthelstan died in 939, Vikings attacked Tamworth again. But the town was soon rebuilt. However, it never became as important as a royal center again. In the early 900s, Tamworth was divided between the new areas of Staffordshire and Warwickshire. The border ran right through the town center.
Norman and Medieval Times
After the Norman conquest of England in the 1000s, the Normans built a large motte and bailey castle in Tamworth. This was the first version of the Tamworth Castle we see today.
The Marmion family became the lords of the manor around 1093. They lived in Tamworth Castle for eight generations. They were mostly responsible for building the stone fort that replaced the original wooden Norman castle.
In the Middle Ages, Tamworth was a small market town. The king gave it special rights in 1319. In 1337, Tamworth was allowed to hold two big yearly fairs. These fairs were like huge markets that attracted people from far away. In 1345, a terrible fire destroyed much of the town. Then, the Black Death arrived in England from 1348, which greatly reduced the population. But Tamworth eventually recovered from these tough times.
16th and 17th Centuries: Growth and Challenges
Queen Elizabeth I gave Tamworth another special document in 1560. This confirmed the town's rights and made it a single borough. This meant Tamworth could elect a representative to Parliament.
Tamworth faced outbreaks of plague in 1563, 1579, 1606, and 1626. Many people died, but the town's population always bounced back.
King James I visited Tamworth three times. He stayed at Tamworth Castle in 1619. During the English Civil War (from 1642), Tamworth Castle was first held by the King's supporters. But in June 1643, it was captured by Parliament's forces and stayed under their control.
Tamworth continued to grow. By 1670, it was one of the most populated towns in the Midlands. It was important for trade because it controlled two key bridges over the Anker and Tame rivers.
18th and 19th Centuries: The Industrial Revolution
Tamworth grew quickly during the Industrial Revolution in the 1700s and 1800s. This was thanks to the nearby coal mines. The town also became part of the canal network, with the Coventry Canal built through it. Roads were improved, and Tamworth connected to the wider canal system.
The Peel Family's Impact
The Peel family played a huge role in Tamworth's growth. Robert 'Parsley' Peel (1723–1795) was a cotton mill owner. His son, Sir Robert Peel, 1st Baronet (1750–1830), started the first cotton mills in Tamworth in 1788. Textiles quickly became Tamworth's main industry. He also started banks in the town.
His son, Sir Robert Peel, 2nd Baronet (1788–1850), became one of Britain's most famous Prime Ministers. He was a Member of Parliament for Tamworth from 1830 until he died. He lived nearby at Drayton Manor. Sir Robert Peel helped create the modern police force, which is why police officers are sometimes called "bobbies" or "Peelers." A statue of him stands in front of Tamworth's town hall.
Town Improvements
Many improvements came to Tamworth in the 1800s. Pavements were laid in 1807. From 1835, Tamworth had gaslight. A piped water supply was created later in the century.
The railways arrived in Tamworth in 1847. This connected the town to Derby, Birmingham, and later, London. Tamworth has a unique split-level station where two main railway lines cross.
The first public cemetery opened in 1876. Tamworth Castle was bought by the town in 1897. A hospital was built in 1880, paid for by William MacGregor, a generous person who also built churches and started a free library.
In 1889, Tamworth officially became part of Staffordshire. This happened because most of its population was in the Staffordshire part of the town. During the 1800s, the Tamworth pig breed was first sold here.
Modern Tamworth: Post-War Growth
The first council houses in Tamworth were built in 1900. More were built after the Second World War. Tamworth got electricity in 1924.
Tamworth grew very fast after the war. Its population almost doubled in 30 years, from about 25,000 in 1961 to 72,000 in 2001. This was partly because people moved here from the larger West Midlands conurbation.
The Reliant Motor Company started in Tamworth in 1935. They made cars like the Reliant Scimitar and Reliant Robin here. The company moved in 1998, and houses were built on the old factory site.
The A5 bypass opened in 1995, making it easier for traffic to get into and around the town. Tamworth also has six Local Nature Reserves, which are special places for nature.
Tamworth's Location
Tamworth is where the River Tame and Anker rivers meet, just south of the town center. It's on the very edge of Staffordshire, close to the Warwickshire border. The borders of Derbyshire and Leicestershire are also not far away.
The town's built-up area includes Fazeley, which is just outside Tamworth borough. In 2011, the combined population of Tamworth and Fazeley was 81,964.
Tamworth is about 13 miles (21 km) north-east of Birmingham city centre and 6 miles (10 km) from Lichfield. Other nearby towns include Polesworth, Atherstone, and Sutton Coldfield.
Tamworth's Neighborhoods
Tamworth has many different neighborhoods, or suburbs:
- Amington
- Belgrave
- Bitterscote
- Bolehall
- Borough Park
- Coton Green
- Dosthill
- Gillway
- Glascote
- Glascote Heath
- Hockley
- Kettlebrook
- Lakeside
- Leyfields
- Perry Crofts
- Quarry Hill
- Riverside
- Stonydelph
- The Alders
- The Leys
- Two Gates
- Wilnecote
Who Lives in Tamworth?
According to the 2011 census, Tamworth borough has about 76,900 people. Most people (97%) are White British. The next largest group is White Irish (0.9%). About 95% of people in the borough were born in England.
Religion in Tamworth
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Christianity is the largest religion in Tamworth, with 77% of the population. About 15% of people say they have no religion. Other religions like Hinduism, Islam, and Sikhism are also present.
The main church in Tamworth is the Church of St Editha, which is a very old and important building in the town center. For Roman Catholics, the main church is St John the Baptist on St John Street.
How Tamworth is Governed
Tamworth Borough is run by a Council. Since 2004, the local Conservative Party has led the council. Before that, the Labour Party led it from 1990 to 2004.
Tamworth is also part of the Greater Birmingham & Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership. This group works with nearby areas to help the local economy grow.
The local Member of Parliament (MP) for Tamworth is Sarah Edwards from the Labour party. She was elected in 2023.
Culture and Arts in Tamworth
Music Scene
Many musicians have connections to Tamworth:
- Julian Cope, a singer and writer, grew up in Tamworth. He recorded several solo albums here.
- The heavy rock band Wolfsbane started in Tamworth. Their lead singer, Blaze Bayley, later joined Iron Maiden.
- Rock guitarist Clem Clempson was born in Tamworth.
- Bob Catley, the lead singer of the rock band Magnum (band), also lives in Tamworth.
- Phil Bates, a guitarist and singer, was born in Tamworth and played in local bands.
The Amington Band is a traditional British brass band based in Amington since 1917.
Getting Around Tamworth
Road Travel
The main road that goes around Tamworth is the A5 bypass. The M42 motorway is to the east of Tamworth, and you can get to it at junction 10.
"The Egg" is a special magic roundabout in the town center. It connects several main roads. It even has a cinema and restaurant in the middle!
Train Travel
Tamworth railway station is on Victoria Road. It has four platforms and is unique because it's both a high-level and low-level station. This means trains on different lines can cross each other here. It connects the West Coast Main Line and the Cross Country Route.
Wilnecote railway station also serves the southern parts of Tamworth.
Bus Services
Bus services in Tamworth are run by companies like Arriva Midlands North and Diamond Bus. You can take buses to nearby towns like Atherstone, Nuneaton, Lichfield, and Birmingham. There are also buses connecting the town to its different neighborhoods.
Canal Network
The Coventry Canal runs through Tamworth. Near the town, at Fazeley Junction, it connects to the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal. A few miles north-west, at Fradley Junction, the Coventry Canal joins the Trent and Mersey Canal.
Tamworth's Sister Towns
Tamworth has "sister towns" in other countries, which means they have friendly connections:
- Bad Laasphe, Germany (since 1980)
- Tamworth, New South Wales, Australia
- Vaujours, France
Sports in Tamworth
Football
Tamworth F.C. is the local football club, playing at The Lamb Ground. They have played against teams like Oxford United. Their biggest rivals are Nuneaton Town.
Many famous football players are from Tamworth:
- Tony Coton, a former goalkeeper for Manchester City.
- Ashley Williams, a former player for Everton and captain of the Wales national team.
- Marc Albrighton, who plays for Leicester City.
Rugby
Tamworth RUFC is the local rugby club, based at Wigginton Park.
Other Sports
- Field Hockey: Tamworth Hockey Club plays in the Midlands Hockey League.
- Cricket: Tamworth Cricket Club is also based in Hopwas.
- Bowls: Tamworth has two bowling clubs: Tamworth Castle Bowling Club (outdoor) and Tamworth and District Indoor Bowling Club.
- Speedway: Speedway racing used to take place in the Tamworth area in the 1930s and later at the Greyhound Stadium.
Learning in Tamworth
Tamworth has five secondary schools, a sixth form center, and a branch of South Staffordshire College. There are also 27 primary schools.
Tamworth in the News
The Tamworth Herald is the local newspaper, started in 1868. It reports on local news and events.
You can also listen to local radio stations like Radio Tamworth on 106.8 FM. Tamworth is covered by BBC West Midlands and ITV Central for television news.
Famous People from Tamworth
Tamworth has been home to many interesting people:
Politicians
- Thomas Guy (1644–1724): He founded almshouses (housing for the poor) in Tamworth and helped build Tamworth Town Hall. He also founded Guy's Hospital in London.
- Sir Robert Peel (1788–1850): A British statesman and Prime Minister who helped create the modern police force.
Arts and Entertainment
- Clem Clempson (born 1949): A famous rock guitarist.
- Julian Cope (born 1957): A musician, author, and cultural commentator.
- Blaze Bayley (born 1963): A singer, known for being the lead singer of Wolfsbane and later Iron Maiden.
- Emma Slater (born 1988): A professional dancer and choreographer on Dancing with the Stars.
- Erin Kellyman (born 1998): An actress known for movies like Solo: A Star Wars Story.
Sports Stars
- Tony Coton (born 1961): A former football goalkeeper.
- Ashley Williams (born 1984): A football player and former captain of the Wales national team.
- Marc Albrighton (born 1989): An English professional footballer.
Images for kids
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The Reliant Scimitar GTE, a sports car made in Tamworth.
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A blue plaque honoring the founders of Reliant Motors.
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Tamworth town centre seen from the castle.
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A map showing Tamworth and Fazeley.
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See also
In Spanish: Tamworth para niños
