History of Nuneaton

History of Nuneaton

About Nuneaton

Nuneaton is the largest town in the English county of Warwickshire.

The borough of Nuneaton and Bedworth is known as George Eliot Country, the birthplace of the world famous nineteenth century novelist George Eliot.

She was born as Mary Ann Evans on South Farm on the Arbury Estate in 1819 and lived in the area for the first twenty one years of her life.  Amongst her novels was possibly her most famous "Middlemarch" this is considered to be the finest novel in the English language.

Visitors to Nuneaton have the opportunity of taking part in many tours which follow the life and works of George Eliot.

Geography

The town is situated 9 miles to the north of Coventry, 20 miles to the east of Birmingham and 97 miles northwest of the UK capital London.

Nuneaton has the River Anker that runs through the middle of it.

Close to Nuneaton, you will find towns that include Bedworth, Atherstone, Hinckley and Tamworth, with Coventry and Leicester a bit further afield.

Nuneaton also has a famous landmark known to the locals as "Mount Jud" which is large mound of earth extracted from the Judkins quarry when it was formed. Mount Jud can be seen for miles around.

History

The name Nuneaton came from a 12^th century Benedictine nunnery around which much of the town grew. Parts of that nunnery still survive.

Nuneaton has grown gradually from the 17^th century onwards, mainly due to its position in the centre of the Warwickshire coalfields. These coalfields, with the exception of Daw Mill just outside Nuneaton, have all since been closed.

In the late 19^th century Textile and Engineering industries developed as well as silk, cotton and hat making.

By 1900 the population of Nuneaton grew to around 25,000;  today that population stands around 73,000.

The town alongside its near neighbour Coventry suffered heavy bombing raids during World War II. The heaviest in Nuneaton took place on 17 May 1941 when 100 people were killed and 380 houses were destroyed.

As a result of these bombings much of the town centre was rebuilt in the post war years.

Today

The town centre has an abundance of retail outlets - 377 at  the last count, as well as the Ropewalk and Abbeygate indoor shopping centre complexes.

Visitor numbers are constantly rising; in 2005 they had 22% and in 2010 it is nearer 43%.

As well as a place with historical interest, the town is a modern pedestrianised area during the day and offers a nice relaxing day out for all visitors.

Outdoor markets are held twice a week, Wednesdays and Saturdays with 100/150 traders on both days.  The town is very proud of its market; it has been awarded the best market in the country for the last two years.

The town centre management is holding a 30's and 40's night in the centre this year as part of the Christmas town centre light switch on.  The event is expected to see around 30,000 visitors and will be held on 4 December 2010.

The theme was chosen as music from this era made everyone feel good during the depression, so the aim is to repeat the same for the folk of Nuneaton.