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Estende Green.

There are no oaks in all the shires, I love so well as these that spill smooth acorns from their mailed cups, along the Warwick lanes.

Yes, back then the landscape of Eastern Green was very much different than what it is today, empty of buildings and people, Hockley being the only lane.

Free from factory chimneys, pylons, electric lighting and roaring traffic. Old Eastern Green boasted several farms, a blacksmiths, and a wheelwrights.

A strange quiet settled everywhere, disturbed only by hedgerow chatter, a barking dog, or the quick clatter of a passing horseman. By night the silence was deathly, and the only lights were the soft glimmer of rushlight and candle.

Early mornings bought the rattle of wagons, the clanging of anvils, and the lowing of frightened cattle herded into market or out to pasture for this - was the age of agriculture. The time of the Farmer.

Cromwell.

But real storms lay on the political horizon...

The Civil war was to have influence upon the hamlet, as Cromwell Lord Protector and his armies marched on toward Kenilworth and Edge hill, plunging all England into lengthy war and hardship.

The smoking cannonade rolled over Edge Hill and penetrated deep into the heart of nearby Birmingham, on a night red and acrid with the crackling fires of citizens cottages.

The great conflict indeed left its mark.

So much so that after its end Major Rabon or Rawbone of Cromwells new model army made Corner cottage his residence for nine years, until it was reported to the head Bishop that Presbyterian conventicles were being held there and he was hastily ousted.

Mrs Morgan.

Encompassed by the long established parish of Allesley, the fragmented farmlands of Eastern Green were in much need of a focal point for the ever growing community. Little known to it’s people a need was about to be answered, an event was about to occur that would change the face Eastern Green forever.

On the wishes of the late Miss Elizabeth Morgan a bequest of £12,000 pounds was to be expended on the building of a church, school and parsonage house. Of which £2,000 pounds was to be invested in the benefits of the poor persons resident within the parish. At the discretion of the rector of Allesley it was deemed the proposal should go ahead. And it was then that the Eastern Green we know today was born.

And on Thursday, November 4th 1875, shortly after eleven o’clock one cold winters morning, Saint Andrews Church was consecrated and Eastern Green became a parish in its own right.

World War 1.

The Great War, shattered bodies, minds and beliefs. And bought profound psychological and social change to the country.

At its end, eight hundred and fifty thousand British Serviceman lay dead.

A History with a Future.

But you know, Eastern Green throughout the years may change beyond all recognition, yet, it's past shall always remain deep within the soil.

For this is where the village first emerged and grew, and it's people, the first farmers, teachers and holy men took their first tentative steps towards building this village we all today hold dear.

From a lowly clearing in the forest of Arden to the arable farmlands producing meat and dairy to a thriving modern village community.

And that almost brings us to the end of our story, but there is just one more thing.

What now for the future of this charming little corner of Warwickshire they call Eastern Green? This sleepy little parish many frequent, yet few wish to leave.
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