Villagehistory

But what of this charming village I hear you ask. Well it's name was written in Anglo-Saxon in about 771 AD as Allerwas which when translated means Alder marsh (originating from the large number of Alder trees in the marshy area). As you can see it's been around a long time, a bit longer than me - despite what anyone might tell you.

From investigations throughout the area and finds at Alrewas and other local villages it would seem that there have been settlements of one sort or another in these areas for several thousands of years.

In 43 AD the Romans moved in on England and began their centuries of occupation. In our area 2 main military roads were constructed, one of which, Rykneld Street, runs along a line of ancient villages. One being Alrewas.

By 410 AD the Romans had gone from Britian and we then saw another period of immense change as various tribes from Scotland, Wales and abroad fought for control and colonised the land they gained, leading to our roots as Anglo-Saxons.

The Danes came and did their pillaging stuff they were famous for and in 878 AD King Alfred had a bit of a set to with a large Danish army. As a result a lot of Danes settled in this part of the world, despite which a bit of fighting carried on for some time (nothing much changes does it?).

Anyway the next big upset was when Norman invaded (Norman who?) in 1066 and then of course came the Doomsday Book ( by the way I couldn't find out if that's still in print - anybody know?). Apparantly in the book Alrewas was worth 11 pounds!!- at the time more than Birmingham (no change there - whoops sorry).

And so the village grew, agriculture being the main industry although in recent years the number of farms has fallen from 37 in the 1930s to a single figure now.

A nearby airfield at Fradley played it's part in World War II and is now being regenerated as industrial and housing areas.

So there you are - a potted history of - repeat after me - All Re Wuss - well done !!