Atherstone
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Template:GBmap Atherstone is a town in Warwickshire, England, with a population of 8,293 (2001 census). The town is located near the northern most tip of Warwickshire, and is the administrative headquarters of the North Warwickshire district.
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 the town. It is believed by some historians that the rebel Queen of the Britons Boudicca 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.
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.
Its co-ordinates are Template:Coor dms (52.5833, -1.5167)1.
See also
External links
- Atherstone Online (http://www.atherstone-online.org.uk/)
- Atherstone News (http://www.atherstonenews.com/)de:Atherstone