As readers have heard about Bonny Scotland and "Doon Sooth" Southampton, we have contrived to bring you a perspective of the central region of England; an area where we live. Though Coventry is well documented through it's associations with Lady Godiva and the major strikes during World War 2, along with it's car-producing and Cathedral, there are a lot of smaller towns and villages which bear their own testaments within the annals of history.
Indeed, there appears to be a lot of historical value in the town of Rugby, situated 15 miles south of Coventry; the now Alsthom/Alcatel works (previously known as B.T.H., then A.E.I., going on to be G.E.C.) having once been a test-site for the jet engine that powered the aircraft designed by Sir Frank Whittle. Rugby has been mentioned in the publication Mugby Junction (or so it is thought) by Charles Dickens, no less, but most notably due to lending it's name to the game that was "discovered" by William Webb Ellis during a football game at the famous Rugby School, and the subsequent manufacture of Rugby balls by James Gilbert & Son. Though, as of recently, the company no longer manufacture, the premises are maintained as a museum for the tourists.
But Rugby comprises of several villages, each with their own places in history; Hillmorton, once the neighbouring villages of Hill and Morton according to speculation, has a horse-racing background of some notability, stabling etc, The old radio station, familiar to most because of it's masts just off M1 junction 18, also has it's place; as a highly visible landmark. The atomic clock is maintained from this station, which otherwise has been shrouded in secrecy. Hillmorton is now the home of Daventry Railfreight Terminal, an ugly and unwanted addition to our countryside. For Stobbart fans, this is a place to visit.
Dunchurch is a most interesting village, too. Reputed to have been a stop-over point for Guy Fawkes and his associates, this charming village boasts a plethora of thatched dwellings which have been the basis for construction of new abodes - well worth a visit in summer, when it is at it's best. For those of cullinary bent, Dunchurch contains some of the best restaurants in the area. The statue of Lord John Scott by the crossroads is a mystery in December; persons unknown "alter" this to be a topical character each Christmas, which has now become a regular institution.
Maypole dancing and Morris Men complete the rural feel of this village, which seems to have been caught up in a time warp, and developed a character all of it's own. Had it not been for the unwillingness of Dunchurch residents to accept a mainline railway junction in the 1890's, the town of Rugby would not have been.
Bilton has it's own green complete with stocks, but very little of historical value. The only redeeming feature apart from the bakery (which consists of a wattle & daub building on the green), and the crocus display in spring, is the "George" public house, whose landlord has themed about it's name. Regretfully, it appears that George is a popular name with murderers of all kinds, but it gives an interesting slant to 'a quiet drink'.
Lawford, Newbold, and villages further to the north of Rugby appear to be under threat of redevelopment to address the need for greater international air travel. Whilst not remarkable in their historical importance, these are examples of Warwickshire communities which, if the proposal for an airport is accepted, will either change beyond recognition or, at worst, disappear completely.
Brownsover is another area undergoing redevelopment, but also home to Brownsover Hall which is a historical building converted into a hotel. Local legend has it that the Hall possesses more than it's fair share of ghosts, including a "spirit in a bottle", which is slowly de-corking itself despite the stopper being wired on.
Home of the famous Warwick Castle, which is open to the public; Warwick possesses a wealth of Tudor dwellings. This gives the town a sense of a "living museum", and should be visited at least once. We had reason to visit the castle recently, and thought that a brief would be of interest.
The castle is quite easy to find; just follow the signs, and is about 6 mins. from M40 J15. Car parking is £2-50, and can result in a rather long walk. Disabled parking is also available, but those stairs and inclines are likely to take their toll. To gain access to the castle itself is an expensive occupation - £37 odd for two adults and one child, but an interesting and informative day out (providing it doesn't rain). Visitors would also do well to take their own sandwiches, as on site catering is a tad expensive.
Dependant on the season, additional displays are also available; this year's itinary includes: Jousting Tournaments; Birds of Prey; Summer Concert with Fireworks; The Warwick Bowmen; Secrets of Victorian Servants. For halloween, horrible happenings of history, and Christmas provides a cacophony of entertainments from modern day to mediaeval times.
The gardens are of considerable interest, and somewhat extensive. These were landscaped by Capability Brown. The Peacock Gardens are quite breath-taking, and the 18th Century Conservatory contains a great many exotic species. The Victorian Rose Garden provides an olfactory delight in summer.
Finally, an unusual aspect of the Castle is the modification of the water mill to produce electricity to power the lighting of the buildings in 1894 - at 110 volts D.C. The mill originally ground wheat to produce bread for the Castle, with the additional benefit of eels being caught in large numbers, and kept in a holding tank to provide fresh food during times of siege.
Allow yourselves at least three and a half hours to view the castle, though more is advisable due to the extensive nature of this site. Opening hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (5 p.m. October to March) daily, except Christmas Day. Further details can be obtained from
