The West Midlands boasts some seriously talented exports, from movie stars and musicians to world class football players.
Recently, we’ve had a look at the famous faces - actors, musicians and even politicians - who were raised in and around Birmingham. Now, we’ve decided to take a look at the famous celebrities who grew up in Castle Bromwich and Castle Vale.
Many famous people grew up in the Birmingham and solihull districts which have plenty to offer. Castle Bromwich is steeped in history and has many historical attractions such as the Castle Bromwich Hall, which is a Grade I listed building and was built in 1599 for Sir Edward Devereux, MP for Tamworth. There’s also the beautiful Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens and historic airfields.
Castle Vale also has some great modern features, including the Castle Vale Retail Park and Reed Square for shopping.
A number of musicians, sportspeople, writers and other famous faces all come from the areas. With this in mind, we’ve taken a look at the most famous people who are from Castle Bromwich and Castle Vale, including those who were born in the areas, as well as those who have lived there at some point during their lifetime.
1. Roger Taylor
The Duran Duran drummer used to live in Hawthorne Road in Castle Bromwich where he taught himself to play drums
2. Tom Clarke
The lead singer of the indie rockers The Enemy grew up in Wasperton Close in the village. The band’s 2007 debut album We’ll Live and Die in These Towns went straight to Number 1 in the UK Albums Chart on release. Their second album Music for the People went to Number 2 on the chart Photo: Scott Antcliffe
3. Trevor Francis
Francis is Birmingham City legend who spent 9 years at the club, making 280 appearances. In 1979 he became Britain’s first £1 million player following his transfer from Blues to Nottingham Forest. He lived a few doors down from Duran Duran drummer Taylor in Castle Bromwich for a while when he lived in Birmingham
4. Ted Richards OBE
Richards is the Solihull MBC Councillor and the former leader of the council. The Conservative lives in Castle Bromwich. He has represented Castle Bromwich for almost 40 years as a councillor Photo: Solihull Council