About Rugby

The market town of Rugby is situated in beautiful Warwickshire, in the heart of the Midlands. Rugby was mentioned in the doomsday book, when it was known as 'Rochberie' - 'roche' meaning stone and 'berie' an important place.

The excellent railway and motorway network, Grand Union and Oxford Canals, situated on Rugby's doorstep, have all played their part in Rugby's rapid growth.

However, Rugby is most famously known as the birthplace of rugby, a game played and enjoyed throughout the world. It was in 1823 that Wiliam Web Ellis, “with fine disregard for the rules of football, first tok the ball in his arms and ran with it. It was that moment which set the course for Rugby as we know it today, and rugby enthusiasts can visit the unique rugby football heritage within the town and follow the ' Pathway to Fame' trail.

Visitors to the town, soon realise what a very special place it is, as history mingles with the present day. The delightful floral displays in Caldecott Park, provide a relaxing diversion, whilst shoppers experience everything from traditional old -world charm, to High Street names.

The magic of outdoor markets held in the heart of the town, and the rural charm of Monthly Farmer's Markets, are a welcome return to the joys of shopping in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Rugby football fan or not, Rugby School can't fail to impress with its beautiful buildings, and a tour of the School and School Museum is highly recommended. Ex-scholars include author Lewis Carroll, poet Rupert Brooke, and actor Anthony Quayle.

Other famous Rugbians include; Sir Frank Whittle who developed the jet engine here, Sir Norman Lockyer astronomer and scientist and Sir Denis Gabor developed the theory of Holograms here.

Art lovers can relish in Rugby's renowned collection of contemporary art, housed alongside Rugby's Tripontium collection of Roman artefacts, in the impressive Art Gallery, Museum & Library.