Warwickshire

A county with a population around 500,000) and covering 975 square miles (2,525 sq km) in central England. The county seat is Warwick.

In Warwickshire there are the popular towns of  Leamington Spa, Rugby, Nuneaton, Long Compton and Warwick.

 

Geography

The terrain is gently rolling, with outcroppings of the Cotswold Hills in the south. The main river is the Avon. There are small remaining areas of the ancient Forest of Arden. The geology of the county is very varied and most periods are represented.

 

Industry

The region is a varied one, largely given to agriculture (wheat and other grains, dairying, sheep and cattle grazing). Some light industry is practiced. There are deposits of limestone and fireclay; coal is in the northeast. One of England's most known public schools is at Rugby.

 

History

There are many remains of the Roman occupation. Sacked by Cromwell during the English Civil War, the red sandstone ruins of the castle at Kenilworth are worth visiting. Warwick Castle is a major tourist attraction and is one of the few mediaeval castles still intact. It was home to the Neville Earls of Warwick, including the “King Maker”, one of the most powerful barons of the War of the Roses and many items of that family are on display. Shakespeare's birthplace at Stratford-on-Avon, with the Globe Theatre, is one of England's most popular literary attractions.