Atherstone is a town in Warwickshire, England. Atherstone is located near the northernmost tip of Warwickshire, close to the border with Staffordshire and Leicestershire, and is the administrative headquarters of the borough of North Warwickshire.
Atherstone has a long history going back to Roman times. An important defended Roman settlement named Manduessedum existed at Mancetter near the site of modern day Atherstone, and the Roman road, the Watling Street (now known as the A5) ran through Atherstone. It is believed by some historians that the rebel Queen of the Britons Boudica was defeated at the Battle of Watling Street by the Romans in her final battle near Manduessedum. Atherstone was once an important hatting town, and became well known for its felt hats. The industry began in the 17th century, and at its height there were seven firms employing 3000 people. Due to cheap imports, the trade had largely died out by the 1960s, and ended completely in 1998.
In recent years Atherstone has been promoting itself as a book town. In part due to its central location in the UK (on the main A5 national route and close to the M42 motorway), Atherstone's economy has expanded rapidly since the 1990s, with several major companies such as TNT, Aldi, Bhs and 3M setting-up their head office operations and/or national distribution centres in Atherstone.
An annual tradition in Atherstone is Shrove Tuesday Football or mob football played on public highways with large crowds. The game celebrated its 800th anniversary in 1999.
North Warwickshire is a local government district and borough in Warwickshire, England. The main town in the district is Atherstone where the council is based. Other significant places include Coleshill, Polesworth and Kingsbury. North Warwickshire is a mostly rural area with several small towns. The area historically had a large coal mining industry, but this has almost died out.The boundaries of North Warwickshire are almost the same as the North Warwickshire parliamentary constituency. However the constituency also includes Bedworth. The local MP is Mike O'Brien.
The towns and villages of North Warwickshire include Ansley, Arley, Astley, Atherstone, Austrey, Baddesley Ensor, Baxterley, Bentley, Blythe End, Caldecote, Coleshill, Corley, Curdworth, Dordon, Fillongley, Furnace End, Gilson, Great Packington, Grendon, Warwickshire, Hartshill, Heath Whitacre, Kingsbury, Lea Marston, Little Packington, Mancetter, Maxstoke, Merevale, Middleton, Moxhull, Nether Whitacre, Newton Regis, Over Whitacre, Polesworth, Seckington, Shustoke, Shuttington, Warton, Water Orton, Whitacre Heath, Wiggins Hill, and Wishaw.
Sunday, February 3rd, 2008 by David Wilding
The traditional Shrove Tuesday Atherstone Ball game has come around once again, and this year we’ve launched a brand new dedicated ball game website to commenorate the fact.
The Atherstone Ball game is an ancient Shrove Tuesday tradition in which the people of this normally sleepy rural North Warickshire Town awaken and literally brawl over […]
Saturday, September 8th, 2007 by Geoff Wilding
With the increase of hard pressed smokers having to smoke outside public houses, town councillors have called for more control over seating provided outside pubs on the pavement.
Town councillors were told that ther was no estimate on the number of licensed premises holding the required license for drinking outside premises on the pavement.
Cllr. Geoff Taylor […]
Friday, August 17th, 2007 by Geoff Wilding
Atherstone’s Town Clerk, Christopher Foster, retired last week after six years’ dedicated service to the town.
His work for the Town Council included the achievement of Quality Status for the Council, and successful bids for over £166,000 in grant funding for local services and facilities. He stalwartly managed the cemetery, play areas and allotments and overall […]
Friday, August 17th, 2007 by Geoff Wilding
Swift action by Police Neighbourhood Team leads to early arrest
A 28 year old Atherstone woman who assaulted a 77 year old pensioner and stole her purse was sentenced to a 3 1/2 years prison term at Coventry Crown Court on Wednesday 25th July.
Macala Bannister approached the victim as she walked into Atherstone Town on 19th […]
Saturday, July 21st, 2007 by Geoff Wilding
Atherstone Carnival organisers were reluctantly forced to cancel this year’s event at the last minute.
The overnight torrential rain and further predicted downpours led to the cancellation on safety issues.
However unbowed and undefeated the carnival committee have vowed to stage the event “later in the year” and are already involved in organising a suitable […]
Sunday, June 17th, 2007 by Geoff Wilding
On yer bike, takes on a whole new meaning in June when Fenny Drayton man Dave Norris (65) and two of his mates embark on a marathon charity cycle ride across America.
The whole exercise is in memory of Dave’s late wife Mary who passed away with cancer aged 60 .The three cyclists (with a combined […]
Thursday, June 14th, 2007 by Geoff Wilding
Atherstone’s annual fun day event was blessed with glorious weather today (2nd June) when a large crowd enjoyed the many attractions on offer.
After the official opening by the Borough Mayoress assisted by the deputy chairman of the Town Council, Atherstone Marching Band started proceedings with their usual polished performance.
The event was centred on […]
Wednesday, May 23rd, 2007 by Geoff Wilding
A masked gunman forced a newsagent in Long Street to hand over the contents of the till.
The robbery took place at Gale newsagents in Long Street, Atherstone, at 6.20am on Wednesday. 17th May.
A Warwickshire Police spokeswoman said: “He ran into the newsagents and shouted at the man behind the counter to empty the contents of […]
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All aboard in 2009: Atherstone to London Euston and Liverpool rail link confirmed 
Atherstone Ball Game 2008 Sunny Funday Former Hat Workers revive old Custom "Book Town Dead" Says trader but others disagree Booktown Bistro at Atherstone College Adders March On In FA Cup South Street Plans go to Appeal Stolen car parts dealer had only £9,000 in assets Speed Problem Cushions 
