Warwick

Warwick, the county town of Warwickshire lies upon the blend of the River Avon in the West Midland region of the England. It is located 11 miles south of Coventry with a population of around 31,345 according to 2011 census. The early settlement of the area was found in the Neolithic period. In the 9^th century, it was the fortified settlement of the Saxons, also known as Saxon burh. During the Norman invasion of England, Warwick castle was built in the 11^th century by William the Conqueror. An independent Warwick School is considered fifth oldest surviving boy’s school in the country. Many companies have set up their head offices in the town due to its close proximity to the motorway routes.

The human settlement of the area dates back to the Neolithic period. The area has been continuously occupied from the sixth century. A fortified settlement was developed at Warwick to protect the Kingdom of Mercia against the Danes. Warwick, due to its closeness with Avon and Fosse Way, was chosen as one of the ten burhs for fortification. In the medieval period, the earls of Warwick was established, and they had taken control of the city. The town walls or defensive walls were built to protect the town from the potential attackers, and presently only Westgate and Eastgate survive.

The Warwick castle became a famous tourist attraction, the castle was first converted into a stone fortress and then a country house. In 1694, the medieval town was severally affected by the Warwick Great Fire. The administration of the town is governed by Warwick District Council. The headquarters of the county council of Warwickshire is based in the town and controls the non-metropolitan county of Warwickshire. The town was affected by the Great Warwick Fire in the 17^th century and destroyed much of the medieval town. Although, only older wooden buildings survive around the fringes of the town centre.

Transport

M40 motorway connects the town with the cities of Birmingham and London and A46 road connected to the Stratford-upon-Avon and Coventry. Several council off-street car parks are built in the town such as at the castle and the railway station. Warwick Railway Station serves the town and has direct rail services to London, Stratford-upon-Avon and Birmingham. London Midland operates few peak hours trains to and from Birmingham. Parkway Railway Station is situated on the periphery of Warwick and provides commuter services to Birmingham and London. Bus services are operated in and around the county of Warwickshire by ‘Stagecoach in Warwickshire’.

Education

There are several secondary schools and state-run co-educational schools including Myton School, The King’s High School, Aylesford School and Warwick School. For higher education, the town is served by the University of Warwick lies on the southern edge of Coventry and several miles north of Warwick.

Attractions

The town is famous among the tourists for its historic charm and grand castle including the popular Literary and Folk Festivals as well as the well-known Victorian Evening. There are many museums and attractions from every era from the last thousand years include Warwick Castle, Lord Leycester Hospital, St Mary Collegiate Church, Royal Leamington Spa, The Mill Garden, Hill Close Gardens, The New Avon Bridge and much more exciting locations.  

Notable Residents

The well-known people of the town in the fields of politics, sports, architecture, journalists, artists, medical and education include:

• John Rous
• Anne Neville
• Thomas Fisher
• Edward Plantagenet
• Abiezer Coppe
• John Ryland
• William Lambe
• William Holland
• George Greville
• Thomas Smith
• Farn Carpmael
• Margaret Harrington
• Aaron Philips
• Naomi Phoenix
• Paul Goodwin
• Philip Bromley
• Thomas Collins
• Matty Blair
• Josiah Court
• Kevin R. Cox
• Aaron Philips