Solihull Leasing

Did You Know?

Solihull is a large town in the West Midlands, with a population of 123,187 in the 2011 Census. Historically in Warwickshire, it is a part of the West Midlands conurbation.

Still quaint, the town is dotted with historic architecture including timber-framed Tudor houses and shops and nearly three-quarters of the borough is defined as Green Belt. Add to that is surrounded by picturesque countryside.

It is home to The National Motorcycle Museum which houses the largest collection of British motorcycles in the world with over 1,000 machines from 171 different manufacturers.

In 1901, the population of the town was just 7,500. This growth was due to a number of factors including a large slum clearance programme in Birmingham and the development of the Rover car plant.

Solihull is a metropolitan borough to the south-east of Birmingham area. Its name probably comes from the Old English sol hyll meaning 'muddy hill'.

Solihull Borough includes several satellite towns and villages including Castle Bromwich, Chelmsley Wood, Cheswick Green, Dorridge, Knowle, Balsall Common, Meriden, Hampton in Arden, Hockley Heath, Eastcote, Barston, Bickenhill, Catherine-de-Barnes and Bentley Heath.

In 2013 Solihull was named the West Midlands’ most affluent area, boasting two of the most exclusive streets.

The town is dotted with historic architecture including timber-framed Tudor houses and shops and nearly three-quarters of the Solihull is defined as Green Belt area. Add to that Solihull is surrounded by beautiful countryside.

Every year since the early 1930s (apart from gaps during world wars), the Carnival has taken place. This is now fixed to the first weekend after the June half-term and takes place in Tudor Grange Park, organised by Shirley Round Table. The event raises about £10,000 for charitable causes each year.

Solihull's name is commonly thought to have derived from the position of its parish church, St Alphege, on a 'soily' hill. The church was built on a hill of stiff red marl, which turned to sticky mud in wet weather.

Solihull is the most affluent town of the West Midlands, and one of the most affluent areas in the UK outside London. In November 2013, the uSwitch Quality of Life Index named the town "best place to live" in the United Kingdom. Residents of town and those born in the town are referred to as Silhillians. The motto of Solihull is Urbs in Rure.

This is a jewel in the crown for Solihull. It might be called Birmingham Airport but it has always been proud to have this facility in the heart of the local area. Thousands upon thousands of people pass through the doors of Birmingham Airport each year, whether it be for business purposes or people taking a holiday.

Successful business entrepreneur and Apprentice star Karren Brady lives in Solihull. Her children attend school here and she can often be seen enjoying the delights of Touchwood. Former Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond is another familiar face. He was also from the borough and often makes references to his heritage. Comedian Jasper Carrott lives in Lapworth and newsreader Michael Buerk attended School there and regularly visits the school.