Warwick
- This article is about Warwick, England, see also Warwick, Rhode Island and Other uses of 'Warwick'.
The town is famous for Warwick Castle which attracts huge numbers of tourists from around the world. The town centre is also known for its historic architecture, and contains a mixture of Tudor and 17th-century buildings.
Named after the town is the University of Warwick although this is in fact some miles away, nearer Coventry.
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2 Transport 3 History 4 Legends 5 External Links |
Administration
Population growth has led to Warwick becoming joined to its larger neighbouring town Leamington Spa with which it forms a small conurbation. Both towns are now part of the Warwick District, which has its headquarters in Leamington, although each retains a separate town council.
Warwick is near the M40 motorway and the A46 trunk road. The town also has good rail links, with direct train services to both London and Birmingham provided by Chiltern Railways from the original station in the town and also from Warwick Parkway, a new out-of-town station opened in 2000. Other rail operators serving Warwick are Central Trains (to Birmingham and Stratford-upon-Avon) and First Great Western Link (to London and Stratford). The Grand Union Canal and the River Avon also pass through the town.
The town of Warwick was founded on the banks of the River Avon in the year 914 AD by Ethelfleda, sister of Mercian king Edward the Elder, when Warwick castle was first built as a defence against Danish invaders.
In mediæval times Warwick was one of the largest and most prosperous towns in central England and in the 11th century it became the shire town of the newly created county of Warwickshire.
In 1694 a great fire destroyed much of the town.
The most famous local legendary hero is Guy of Warwick.
Transport
History
Legends
External Links