The Birches, Tamworth Road

I have recently moved into the area and am in the process of renovating an old care home, previously The Birches, now Maplewood, on the Tamworth Road. I know that it was built in 1873 by a chap called Charles James Bill, but I would really love some old photographs of the house and also the chap who built it. Can anyone help and point me in the right direction. Many thanks

Hello and welcome to our friendly forum We've set up this separate thread for your query, hoping that it illicits some informative responses for you

My mother died of TB in the 1940s. We children went for six monthly check ups at The Birches. The x ray machine was in a front room to the right of the main entrance. There was always several other children waiting for an x ray. Although I now live not far from The Birches, all I know that there has been a planning application to change the use of the building to a private residence but that was several years ago.

Hi Maplewood. Have not been able to find any pictures for you. Charles James Bill was a silk merchant when he built the house. In July 1877 it was auctioned by Thomas Clarke as Birch Tree Cottage in the occupation of CJB, described as a Cottage orme residence with 5 bedrooms and 34 acres ( If you would like a copy of the auction ad from the Coventry newspaper I will send it to you direct). CJB did not seem to stay in one place very long. In 1871 he was living at 5 Warwick Row, by 1881 he had moved to Milverton and after that he was living in Kensington and the Fulham in London. he also seems to have had several occupations. In 1891 he is described as a retired brewer but in 1901 and 1911 he has returned to work as a managing director of a dairy. He also seemed to have his fingers in several other pies. I have looked on Britain from above but it seems to be surrounded by trees. A few years ago we travelled along the Tamworth Road every week from Tamworth to Coventry to visit my mum, first in a sheltered flat and then a care home so we passed the house and it always used to fascinate me. If you have a look on the Coventry archive page, Coventrycollections.org there is reference to a brief history of the property The Birches back to 1764 ref PA2242/2/3 which may help.

A few images here if you follow the links. Link 1 Link 2

I believe The Birches was a building used for the training of nurses to SRN. I have a small photo with a sundial in the garden with my future wife in uniform with a fellow-trainee in the 1950s.

Hi Maplewood, et al., I can't be certain but I think this might be the same Charles James Bill in the London Gazette, 1861 (LondonGazette.co.uk (1)). In the legal notice, Charles James Bill was announcing his business partnership in the 'John Bill Dresser and Company' silk business. After a preliminary search, I think (?) his business partners were his Father (John Bill), his Brother (John Bill) and a member of his Mother's family (Charles Dresser). The company was liquidated in 1952 (LondonGazette.co.uk (2)). In 1833, there is a baptism record for a Charles James Bill. [Father: John Bill. Profession: Silk Broker. Mother: Frances Bill.] Luke.

Also in the 1912- 1913 Spennell's Annual Directory the company is also listed: "Bill (John), Dresser & Co., Silk mercts, 35 Earl St. (Tel. 139)". (University of Leicester Website (Page 162 of directory)).

Coventry Evening Telegraph - Friday 17 October 1941 Coventry makes Substantial Progress in Reinstating Its Hospital Services Important matters affecting the future of Coventry and Warwickshire Hospital, the progress made in reinstating its services, and providing additional accommodation, were considered last night at meeting of the Board of Management . . . . . Staff accommodation The new ward block would necessitate increased nursing staff, and for them the committee had acquired, on lease, "The Birches," Tamworth Road. This house belonged to Mr. W. Coker Iliffe, and had been occupied by Mr. N. Cluley . . . . .

Hi Midland Red, a good find there. Mr William Coker Iliffe's (iLiffe) (9th October 1874 - 30th September 1942) Father was the founder of the Coventry Evening Telegraph. In 1911, William Coker Iliffe was the director of a newspaper publishing firm. He was married to Aveline Bertha Iliffe. In 1936, he brought 11 Priory Row. In post 7 of the Allesley Hall School thread (on this forum back in 2012) Mick suggested that the Iliffe family had at one point lived on the Tamworth Road supporting the Coventry Evening Telegraph article you found.

Both William Coker Iliffe and his brother, Edward Mauger (1st Baron Iliffe), are included in the forum's list of Famous Coventrians

Dear all I logged onto the site yesterday for the first time in several weeks (as you know) due to unforeseen circumstances I have not be able to reply earlier. I wanted to say thank you to all your members who have provided information for me about The Birches and express that I wasn't being rude or ungrateful I just wasn't able to reply earlier. Many thanks

Welcome back

Dear Annewiggy. I would love a copy of the auction document. Many thanks for your help.

Maplewood, I have sent you a contact message as well, if you can let me have your email address via contact I can send you a copy if the cutting.