View source for Rugby, Warwickshire

{{short description|Town in Warwickshire, England}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2023}}
{{Use British English|date=January 2023}}
{{Infobox UK place
| official_name = Rugby
| type = Town
| country = England
| region = West Midlands
| static_image_name        = {{multiple image
|border = infobox
|total_width = 280
|image_style = border:1;
|perrow = 1/2/2
|image1 = Rugby town centre.jpg
|image2 = Webb Ellis Statue (2) 1.23.JPG
|image3 = Rugby School Chapel 9.21.jpg
|image4 = St Andrew's Church, Rugby, from south, 3.23.jpg
|image5 = Rugby_Art_Gallery,_Museum_&_Library_(2)_10.21.jpg
}}
| static_image_caption     = Clockwise, from top: Rugby market place & Clock Tower, looking west from Church Street; [[Rugby School]] Chapel; [[Rugby Art Gallery, Museum & Library]]; [[St Andrew's Church, Rugby|St Andrew's Church]]; and [[William Webb Ellis]] statue
| static_image_width       = 300
| population = 78,117
| population_ref = ([[2021 United Kingdom census|2021 census]])
| population_demonym = Rugbeian
| os_grid_reference = SP5075
| coordinates = {{coord|52.37|-1.26|display=inline,title}}
| post_town = RUGBY
| postcode_area = CV
| postcode_district = CV21, CV22, CV23
| dial_code = 01788
| constituency_westminster = [[Rugby (UK Parliament constituency)|Rugby]]
| civil_parish =
| shire_district = [[Rugby (borough)|Rugby]]
| shire_county = [[Warwickshire]]
}}
'''Rugby''' is a [[market town]] in eastern [[Warwickshire]], England, close to the [[River Avon, Warwickshire|River Avon]]. At the [[2021 United Kingdom census|2021 census]], its population was 78,117,<ref name="2021RugUrb">{{cite web |title= Rugby (Warwickshire) |url= https://www.citypopulation.de/en/uk/westmidlands/warwickshire/E63003068__rugby/|publisher= Rugby on City Population  |accessdate= 11 November 2022}}</ref> making it the [[List of Warwickshire towns by population|second-largest town]] in Warwickshire. It is the main settlement within the larger [[Borough of Rugby]], which had a population of 114,400 in 2021.<ref name="ONS 2021">{{cite web |title=How the population changed in Rugby: Census 2021 |url=https://www.ons.gov.uk/visualisations/censuspopulationchange/E07000220/ |publisher=Office for National Statistics |access-date=10 November 2022}}</ref>
Rugby is situated on the eastern edge of Warwickshire, near to the borders with [[Leicestershire]] and [[Northamptonshire]]. It is the most easterly town within the [[West Midlands (region)|West Midlands region]], with the nearby county borders also marking the regional boundary with the [[East Midlands]]. It is {{convert|83|miles|km}} north of [[London]], {{convert|30|miles|km}} east-south-east of [[Birmingham]], {{convert|11.5|miles|km}} east of [[Coventry]], {{convert|18|miles|km}} north-west of [[Northampton]] and {{convert|19|miles|km}} south-south-west of [[Leicester]].
Rugby became a market town in 1255. In 1567, [[Rugby School]] was founded as a [[grammar school]] for local boys but, by the 18th century, it had gained a national reputation and eventually became a [[Public school (United Kingdom)|public school]]. The school is the birthplace of [[rugby football]] which, according to legend, was invented in 1823 by a Rugby schoolboy named [[William Webb Ellis]].<ref name="BBC6ways">{{cite news|title=Six ways the town of Rugby helped change the world|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-coventry-warwickshire-25946757|work=BBC News|access-date=11 March 2019|date= 1 February 2014}}</ref> Rugby remained a small and fairly unimportant town until the mid-19th century, when a major railway junction was established there, which spurred the development of industry and the rapid growth of population.
==History==
{{Main|History of Rugby, Warwickshire}}
===Ancient history===
Early [[Iron Age]] settlement existed in the Rugby area: The [[River Avon, Warwickshire|River Avon]] formed a natural barrier between the [[Dobunni]] and [[Corieltauvi]] tribes, and it is likely that defended frontier settlements were set up on each side of the Avon valley. Rugby's position on a hill overlooking the Avon, made it an ideal location for a defended Dobunni watch settlement. During the [[Roman Britain|Roman period]] the Roman town of [[Tripontium]] was established on the [[Watling Street]] [[Roman road]] around {{convert|3.4|miles|km}} north-east of what is now Rugby, this was later abandoned when the Romans left Britain.<ref name="RGOAT"/>
===Medieval===
[[File:St Andrew's Church west tower 3.23.jpg|thumb|upright|The west tower of St Andrew's Church, dating from the 13th or 14th century]]
The small settlement at Rugby was taken over by the [[Anglo-Saxons]] around 560&nbsp;AD, and it was mentioned in the [[Domesday Book]] of 1086 as ''Rocheberie''; there are several theories about the origin of the name; one is that it is derived from an old [[Common Brittonic|Celtic]] name ''droche-brig'' meaning 'wild hilltop'.<ref name="Pernell">{{cite book |last1=Pernell |first1=Sarah |title=Rugby |date=2006 |isbn=1-85937-620-7}}</ref> Another theory is that ''Rocheberie'' was a phonetic translation of the [[Old English]] name ''Hrocaberg'' meaning 'Hroca's hill fortification'; ''Hroca'' being an Anglo-Saxon man's name pronounced with a silent 'H', and ''berg'' being a name for a hill fortification, with the 'g' being pronounced as an 'ee' sound. By the 13th century the name of the town was commonly spelt as ''Rokeby'' (or ''Rookby'') before gradually evolving into the modern form by the 18th century.<ref name="RGOAT">{{cite book |last1=Osbourne |first1=Andy |first2=Eddy |last2=Rawlins|title=Rugby: Growth of a Town |date=1988}}</ref>
In 1140, the first recorded mention was made of [[St Andrew's Church, Rugby|St Andrew's Church]], which was originally a [[chapel of ease]] to the mother church at [[Clifton-upon-Dunsmore]], until Rugby was established as a [[Parish (Church of England)|parish]] in its own right in 1221, at which point it was elevated to the status of [[parish church]]. In 1255, the [[lord of the manor]] Henry de Rokeby obtained a charter to hold a weekly [[Marketplace|market]] in Rugby, which soon developed into a small country [[market town]].<ref name="Rughistim">{{cite web|title=Rugby history timeline|url=https://www.rugby-local-history.org/timeline/|publisher=Rugby Local History Research Group|access-date=30 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160920204515/http://www.rugby-local-history.org/index.php/history?id=114|archive-date=20 September 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
In the 12th century, Rugby was mentioned as having a [[castle]] at the location of what is now Regent Place. However, the nature of the 'castle' is unknown, and it was possibly little more than a fortified [[manor house]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Site of a Possible Medieval Manor House or Castle at Regent Place |url=https://www.ourwarwickshire.org.uk/content/catalogue_her/site-of-a-possible-medieval-manor-house-or-castle-at-regent-place |publisher=Our Warwickshire |access-date=27 December 2021}}</ref> In any event, the 'castle' may have been short lived: It has been speculated that it was constructed early in the reign of [[Stephen of England|King Stephen]] (1135–1154) during the period of civil war known as [[The Anarchy]], and then, as a so-called [[adulterine castle]], built without Royal approval, demolished in around 1157 on the orders of King [[Henry II of England|Henry II]]. The earthworks for the castle were still clearly visible as late as the 19th century, but have since been built over. According to one theory, the stones from the castle were later used to construct the west tower of St Andrew's Church, which bears strong resemblance to a castle, and was probably intended for use in a defensive as well as a religious role.<ref name="RGOAT"/><ref name="Wait1">{{cite web |last1=Wait |first1=Rev W.&nbsp;O. |title=Rugby:past and present, with an historical account of neighbouring parishes. |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406212122/http://access.bl.uk/item/pdf/lsidyv2ae4164a |pages=38–47 |date=1893}}</ref>
===17th century===
The Rugby area has associations with the [[Gunpowder Plot]] of 1605: On the eve of the plot, the plotters stayed at the 'Lion Inn' (now a private residence called 'Guy Fawkes House') in nearby [[Dunchurch]], convened by Sir [[Everard Digby]], awaiting news of [[Guy Fawkes]]'s attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament. If he had been successful they planned to kidnap the King's daughter [[Elizabeth Stuart, Queen of Bohemia|Princess Elizabeth]] from [[Coombe Abbey]] in the countryside between Rugby and Coventry.<ref>{{cite web |title=Remember, remember the Gunpowder Plot's Warwickshire roots |url=https://rugbyobserver.co.uk/news/remember-remember-the-gunpowder-plots-warwickshire-roots/ |publisher=Rugby Observer |access-date=5 May 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Warwickshire and the Gunpowder Plot 1605 |url=https://www.ourwarwickshire.org.uk/content/article/warwickshire-gunpowder-plot-1605 |publisher=Our Warwickshire |access-date=5 May 2024}}</ref>
During the [[English Civil War]], one of the earliest armed confrontations of the conflict took place at the nearby village of [[Kilsby]] in August 1642.<ref name="NVB">{{cite book |title=The Northamptonshire Village Book |date=1989 |publisher=NFWI and Countryside Books |isbn=1-85306-055-0 |pages=105–106}}</ref> That same year, King [[Charles I of England|Charles I]] passed through Rugby on his way to [[Nottingham]], and 120 [[Cavalier]] Horse Troops reportedly stayed at the town, however the townsfolk were sympathetic to the [[Roundhead|Parliamentarian]] cause, and they were disarmed by the Cavalier soldiers. Later, in 1645, Rugby was strongly Parliamentarian, and [[Oliver Cromwell]] and two regiments of [[Roundhead]] soldiers stayed at Rugby in April that year, two months before the decisive [[Battle of Naseby]], some {{convert|12|miles|km}} to the east, in nearby [[Northamptonshire]].<ref name="RGOAT"/><ref name="Rughistim"/>
===Influence of Rugby School===
[[Rugby School]] was founded in 1567 with money left in the will of [[Lawrence Sheriff]], a locally born man, who had moved to London and made his fortune as the grocer to [[Elizabeth I of England|Queen Elizabeth I]]. Sheriff had intended Rugby School to be a free [[grammar school]] for local boys, but by the 18th century it had acquired a national reputation and gradually became a mostly fee-paying private school, with most of its pupils coming from outside Rugby. The [[Lawrence Sheriff School]] was eventually founded in 1878 to continue Sheriff's original intentions.<ref>{{cite web|title=SHERIFF, Lawrence|url=http://www.rugby-local-history.org/index.php/biographies?id=97|publisher=Rugby Local History Group|access-date=11 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180412001354/http://www.rugby-local-history.org/index.php/biographies?id=97|archive-date=12 April 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Rughistim"/>
[[File:The High Street, Rugby, 1830.jpg|thumb|Rugby High Street in 1830]]
Until the 19th century, Rugby was a small and relatively unimportant settlement, with only its school giving it any notability. Its growth was slow, due in part to the nearby markets at [[Dunchurch]] and [[Hillmorton]] which were better positioned in terms of road traffic. In 1663 Rugby was recorded as containing 160 houses with a population of around 650. By 1730 this had increased to 183 houses, with a population of around 900. Rugby's importance and population increased more rapidly during the late 18th and early 19th century due to the growing national reputation of Rugby School, which had moved from its original location at a (now long vanished) schoolhouse north of St Andrew's Church, to its present location south of the town centre by 1750. By the time of the first national census in 1801, Rugby had a population of 1,487 with 278 houses. By 1831 this had increased further to 2,501 in 415 houses. This growth was driven by parents who wished to send their boys to Rugby School, but were unable to afford the boarding fees and so took up residence in Rugby, this in turn attracted domestic staff and tradesmen to the town to service the needs of the newcomers.<ref name="RFASPAST">''Rugby, Further Aspects Of The Past'' (1977) Rugby Local History Group</ref><ref name="BHOL"/><ref name="RGOAT"/>
===Railway town===
Rugby's growth into a significant town was prompted by the arrival of the [[railway]]s, as its location made it an ideal meeting place for various railway lines, by the middle of the 19th century, the railway junction at Rugby had become one of the most important in the country: The first railway arrived in 1838 when one of the earliest inter-city main lines, the [[London and Birmingham Railway]] (L&BR) was constructed around the town. In 1840 the [[Midland Counties Railway]] made a junction with the L&BR at Rugby, which was followed by a junction with the [[Trent Valley Railway]] in 1847. A [[Rugby and Stamford Railway|line to Peterborough]] opened in 1850, followed by a [[Rugby–Leamington line|line to Leamington]] in 1851, by which time there were more than sixty trains a day passing through [[Rugby railway station]] via the five converging lines. A [[Northampton loop|line to Northampton]] opened in 1881, and finally the [[Great Central Main Line]] opened in 1899.<ref name="RFASPAST"/><ref name="Pernell"/>
Rugby was transformed into a [[railway town]], and the influx of railway workers and their families rapidly expanded the population.<ref name="Rughistim"/> Rugby's population grew to nearly 8,000 by 1861.<ref name="BHOL"/> reaching nearly 17,000 by 1901. By which time around 1 in 5 Rugbeians were employed by the railways.<ref name="Histpop">{{cite web|title=Administrative unit Rugby MB/UD Local Government District|url=http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/unit/10002485/cube/TOT_POP|publisher=Vision of Britain|access-date=7 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180308103209/http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/unit/10002485/cube/TOT_POP|archive-date=8 March 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Pernell"/>
[[File:Ordnance_Survey_One-Inch_Sheet_132_Coventry_and_Rugby,_Published_1946_(Rugby_crop).jpg|thumb|left|Map of Rugby from 1946]]
===Growth of industry===
The arrival of the railways had the effect of transforming Rugby from a rural backwater, into a substantial industrial town. In the later half of the 19th century, local industries began to develop: Large-scale [[cement]] production began in the town in 1862 when the [[Rugby Cement|Rugby Lias Lime & Cement Company Ltd]] was founded to take advantage of the locally available deposits of [[Blue Lias]] [[limestone]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Rugby Portland Cement Company Ltd. |url=https://www.cementkilns.co.uk/cc_rpcc.html |publisher=Cement Kilns |access-date=25 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181026025059/https://www.cementkilns.co.uk/cc_rpcc.html |archive-date=26 October 2018 |url-status=live  }}</ref><ref name="RGOAT"/> A factory producing [[corset]]s was opened in 1882, employing local women, this survived until 1992, by which time it was making swimwear.<ref name="Rughistim"/>
In the 1890s and 1900s heavy [[engineering]] and electrical industries began to set up in Rugby, attracted by its central location and good transport links, causing the town to rapidly grow into a major industrial centre: [[Willans and Robinson]] were the first engineering firm to arrive in 1897,<ref>{{cite web|title=THE WILLANS WORKS|url=https://www.ourwarwickshire.org.uk/content/article/power-people-willans-works|publisher=Our Warwickshire|access-date=7 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180308103605/https://www.ourwarwickshire.org.uk/content/article/power-people-willans-works|archive-date=8 March 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> building steam engines to drive electrical generators, they were followed by [[British Thomson-Houston]] (BTH) in 1902, who manufactured electrical motors and generators. Within a short time, their product range expanded, and a wide array of electrical equipment came to be produced by BTH at Rugby. Both firms started producing [[turbine]]s in 1904, and were in competition until both were united as part of [[General Electric Company|GEC]] in 1969. Another name associated with Rugby was [[Lodge Plugs]], manufacturer of [[spark plug]]s, who set up a factory in the town in 1916.<ref name="RLHGind">{{cite web|title=Industrial Town – From 1836 to now|url=https://www.rugby-local-history.org/industrial-town-from-1836-to-now/|publisher=Rugby Local History Group|access-date=7 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180308104242/http://www.rugby-local-history.org/index.php/industry?id=75|archive-date=8 March 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
For most of the 20th century, the various engineering works dominated employment in Rugby; at their height in the 1960s, BTH alone employed around 22,000 people.<ref name="WWBTH">{{cite web |title=Trip down memory lane for BTH workers in Rugby – and remembering when the town won at Wembley |url=https://www.warwickshireworld.com/heritage-and-retro/retro/trip-down-memory-lane-for-bth-workers-in-rugby-and-remembering-when-the-town-won-at-wembley-3853912 |publisher=Warwickshire World |access-date=4 October 2022 |date=23 September 2022}}</ref> Rugby expanded rapidly in the early decades of the 20th century as workers moved in. By the 1940s, the population of Rugby had grown to over 40,000, and then to over 50,000 by the 1960s.<ref name="Histpop"/>
===Civic history===
The parish of Rugby was made a [[local board of health|local board district]] in 1849, which was the town's first modern form of local government; previously it had been governed by its [[vestry]] and [[manorial court]].<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=21020|page=2853|date=18 September 1849}}</ref> The local board's main responsibilities were to provide the town with infrastructure such as paved roads, street lighting, clean drinking water and sewerage. Such districts were converted into [[Urban district (England and Wales)|urban districts]] in 1894.<ref>[[Local Government Act 1894]]</ref> Rugby's status was upgraded to that of a [[municipal borough]] in 1932, and its boundaries were expanded to incorporate the formerly separate villages of [[Bilton, Warwickshire|Bilton]] (including [[New Bilton]]), [[Hillmorton]], [[Brownsover]] and [[Newbold-on-Avon]] which have become suburbs of the town.<ref name="BHOL">{{cite web|title=THE BOROUGH OF RUGBY|url=http://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/warks/vol6/pp202-210|publisher=British History Online|access-date=7 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180308042739/http://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/warks/vol6/pp202-210|archive-date=8 March 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="visionofbritain.org">[http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/relationships.jsp;jsessionid=E23CCC271601732AAC9B20DF4AA61813?u_id=10002485 visionofbritain.org] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930210612/http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/relationships.jsp;jsessionid=E23CCC271601732AAC9B20DF4AA61813?u_id=10002485 |date=30 September 2007 }}</ref> In 1974 the municipal borough was merged with the [[Rugby Rural District]] to form the present [[Borough of Rugby]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Timeline History of Rugby|url=http://www.visitoruk.com/Rugby/20th-century-T1535.html|publisher=VisitorUK|access-date=4 May 2018}}</ref>
===Modern history===
In the postwar years, Rugby became a major junction of the [[motorway]] network, with the [[M1 motorway|M1]] and [[M6 motorway|M6]], and [[M45 motorway|M45]] merging close to the town. The railways went into decline during the same period, with several of the railway lines into Rugby closed. Since the 1980s, the engineering industries have gone into steady decline, with many former industrial sites redeveloped for housing and retail. Due to its proximity to the motorway network, Rugby has become a major [[#Logistics|centre for logistics]], becoming, in some definitions, part of the area known as the [[golden logistics triangle]].<ref name="RLHGind"/><ref name="ONSlog"/>
In the 21st century, Rugby's urban area has undergone further expansion with large new developments at [[Cawston, Warwickshire|Cawston]] and the large new development of [[Houlton, Warwickshire|Houlton]] on the site of the former [[Rugby Radio Station]] to the east of the town.
===Fame===
[[File:Rugby School 06.jpg|thumb|right|[[Rugby School]].]]
Rugby is most famous for the invention of [[rugby football]], which is played throughout the world. The invention of the game is credited to [[William Webb Ellis]], a [[Rugby School]] pupil who, according to legend, broke the existing rules of football by picking up the ball and running with it at a match played in 1823. Although there is little evidence to support this story, the school is credited with codifying and popularising the sport. In 1845, three Rugby School pupils produced the first written rules of the "Rugby style of game".<ref name="BBC6ways"/>
Rugby School is one of England's oldest and most prestigious [[public school (England)|public schools]], and was the setting of [[Thomas Hughes]]'s semi-autobiographical masterpiece ''[[Tom Brown's Schooldays]],'' published in 1857.<ref name="BBC6ways"/> Hughes later set up a colony in America for the younger sons of the English gentry, who could not inherit under the laws of [[primogeniture]], naming the town Rugby. The settlement of [[Rugby, Tennessee]] still exists.<ref>{{cite news |title=Typhoid, tomatoes and Tom Brown's Schooldays - the story of the rise and fall of Rugby, Tennessee | date=19 August 2020 |url=https://www.rugbyadvertiser.co.uk/news/people/typhoid-tomatoes-and-tom-browns-schooldays-story-rise-and-fall-rugby-tennessee-2946947?itm_source=parsely-api |work=Rugby Advertiser |access-date=24 August 2020}}</ref>
Rugby School is said to have been a major inspiration behind the revival of the [[Olympic Games]]: the French educator, and father of the modern Olympics [[Pierre de Coubertin]], visited Rugby School several times in the late 19th century, and cited the school as one of his major inspirations behind his decision to revive the Olympic Games.<ref name="BBC6ways"/>
Rugby is a birthplace of the [[jet engine]]. In April 1937 [[Frank Whittle]] built and tested the world's [[Power Jets WU|first prototype]] jet engine at the [[British Thomson-Houston]] (BTH) works in Rugby, and during 1936–41 based himself at [[Brownsover Hall]] on the outskirts, where he designed and developed early prototype engines. Much of his work was carried out at nearby [[Lutterworth]]. Whittle is commemorated in Rugby by a [[Frank Whittle#Rugby, England|modern sculpture]] near the town hall dating from 2005, made by [[Stephen Broadbent]].<ref name="OWWhittle">{{cite web |title=SIR FRANK WHITTLE, INVENTOR OF THE JET ENGINE |url=https://www.ourwarwickshire.org.uk/content/article/sir-frank-whittle-inventor-turbo-jet-engine |publisher=Our Warwickshire |access-date=16 June 2020}}</ref><ref name="BBC6ways"/><ref>{{cite news |title=Winning ways to hail jet pioneer |url=https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/local-news/winning-ways-hail-jet-pioneer-3137042 |work=Coventry Telegraph |access-date=16 June 2020 |date=24 March 2005}}</ref>
[[Holography]] was invented in Rugby in 1947, by the [[Hungary|Hungarian]] born inventor [[Dennis Gabor]], also while working at BTH. For this he later received the [[Nobel Prize in Physics]] in 1971.<ref name="OWGabor">{{cite web |title=DENNIS GABOR, RUGBY NOBEL LAUREATE |url=https://www.ourwarwickshire.org.uk/content/article/dennis-gabor-rugby-nobel-laureate |publisher=Our Warwickshire |access-date=16 June 2020}}</ref>
In the 19th century, Rugby became famous for its once important [[railway]] junction which was the setting for [[Charles Dickens]]'s story ''[[Mugby Junction]]''.
==Rugby today==
The modern town of Rugby is an amalgamation of the original town with the former settlements of [[Bilton, Warwickshire|Bilton]], [[Hillmorton]], [[Brownsover]] and [[Newbold-on-Avon]] which were incorporated into Rugby in 1932 when the town became a [[municipal borough|borough]],<ref name="BHOL"/><ref name="visionofbritain.org"/> all except Brownsover still have their former village centres. Rugby also includes the areas of [[New Bilton]], [[Overslade]], Hillside and the partially constructed [[Houlton, Warwickshire|Houlton]] housing development. The spread of Rugby has nearly reached the villages of [[Clifton-upon-Dunsmore]], [[Cawston, Warwickshire|Cawston]], [[Dunchurch]] and [[Long Lawford]].
[[File:Regent Street, Rugby.jpg|thumb|right|upright|Regent Street and the tower of [[St Andrew's Church, Rugby|St Andrew's Church]]]]
===Town centre===
The town centre is mostly [[Victorian era|Victorian]] and early 20th century, however a few much older buildings survive, along with some more modern developments. Rugby was described by [[Nikolaus Pevsner]] as 'Butterfieldtown'<ref name="WarwickshireTownsAndVillages">Allen, Geoff, (2000) ''Warwickshire Towns & Villages'', {{ISBN|1-85058-642-X}}</ref> due to the number of buildings designed by [[William Butterfield]] in the 19th century, including much of Rugby School and the extension of [[St Andrew's Church, Rugby|St Andrew's Church]].
The main shopping area in Rugby has traditionally been in the streets around the Clock Tower, two of which – High Street and Sheep Street – were pedestrianised in the 1980s.<ref name="Rughistim"/> Until the 19th century, Rugby's urban area consisted of only Market Place, High Street, Sheep Street, Church Street, North Street and what is now Lawrence Sheriff Street. These centred on what is now the Clock Tower, which was built in 1887 on the site of an ancient cross. These streets still form the core of the town centre. In the [[Victorian era|Victorian]] and [[Edwardian era]]s several more shopping streets were added in order to cater for the growing town, including Albert Street and Regent Street, the latter of which was built in 1905, and was intended to be Rugby's main shopping street, although it never achieved this goal.<ref name="RGOAT"/><ref>{{cite web |title=Rugby roads J–Y |url=http://www.rugby-local-history.org/index.php/rugby-roads?id=118 |publisher=Rugby Local History Research Group |access-date=23 August 2019}}</ref> The town centre has an indoor shopping centre called [[Rugby Central Shopping Centre]] which opened in 1979 (previously named The Clock Tower shopping centre).<ref name="Rughistim"/> A street [[market (place)|market]] is held in the town centre several days a week. In recent years several out-of-town retail centres have opened and expanded to the north of the town, including: Elliott's Field Retail Park, Junction 1 Retail Park and Technology Drive.
==Geography==
[[File:RugbyMap.png|thumb|upright=1.5|Map of Rugby]]
[[File:Rugby from the air (crop), geograph-2056266-by-Thomas-Nugent.jpg|thumb|Aerial photograph of Rugby from the north-east.]]
Most of Rugby sits around {{convert|400|ft|m}} above sea level on an irregular shaped plateau which is situated between the valleys of the [[River Avon (Warwickshire)|River Avon]] and [[River Swift|Swift]] to the north, and the [[Rains Brook]] and [[River Leam]] to the south. During its modern growth, Rugby spread north across the Avon valley and enveloped the villages of Brownsover and Newbold, which are to the north of the Avon valley.<ref name="EX222">OS Explorer Map 222 : Rugby & Daventry, Southam & Lutterworth: (1:25 000) {{ISBN|9780319244159}}</ref><ref name="Wait325">{{cite web|last1=Wait |first1=Rev W.&nbsp;O. |title=Rugby:past and present, with an historical account of neighbouring parishes. |url=http://access.bl.uk/item/pdf/lsidyv2ae4164a |page=325 |date=1893}}</ref>
The county boundary between Warwickshire, [[Northamptonshire]] and [[Leicestershire]] to the east of Rugby is defined by the [[A5 road (Great Britain)|A5 road]] (the former [[Watling Street]]) around {{convert|3|mi|km}} east of Rugby town centre. The three counties meet at [[Dow Bridge]]; the point where the A5 road crosses the River Avon, forming a [[List of tripoints of English counties|tripoint]]. To the south-east of Rugby the county boundary with Northamptonshire is defined by the Rains Brook.<ref name="EX222"/><ref name="Wait294">{{cite web|last1=Wait |first1=Rev W.&nbsp;O. |title=Rugby:past and present, with an historical account of neighbouring parishes. |url=http://access.bl.uk/item/pdf/lsidyv2ae4164a |page=294 |date=1893}}</ref>  Rugby is the easternmost town within Warwickshire (and the entire [[West Midlands (region)|West Midlands region]])
;Suburbs and districts
Suburbs and districts of Rugby include:
*[[Bilton, Warwickshire|Bilton]]
*[[Brownsover]]
*[[Hillmorton]]
*Hillside
*[[New Bilton]]
*[[Newbold-on-Avon]]
*[[Overslade]]
*Rokeby
;Adjacent settlements
Places adjoining or adjacent to Rugby, but not part of the town itself:
*[[Cawston, Warwickshire|Cawston]]
*[[Clifton-upon-Dunsmore]]
*[[Dunchurch]]
*[[Houlton, Warwickshire|Houlton]] (under construction)
*[[Long Lawford]]
*[[Newton, Warwickshire|Newton]]
;Nearby places
*Nearby cities: [[Birmingham]], [[Coventry]] and [[Leicester]]
*Nearby towns: [[Bedworth]], [[Daventry]], [[Hinckley]], [[Kenilworth]], [[Leamington Spa]], [[Lutterworth]], [[Northampton]], [[Nuneaton]], [[Southam]] and [[Warwick]].
*Nearby villages: [[Barby, Northamptonshire|Barby]], [[Braunston]], [[Brinklow]], [[Catthorpe]], [[Harborough Magna]], [[Kilsby]], [[Lilbourne]], [[Monks Kirby]], [[Newton, Warwickshire|Newton]] and [[Pailton]].
{{Geographic location
|title = '''Destinations from Rugby'''
|Northwest = [[Nuneaton]], [[Bedworth]], [[Hinckley]]
|North     = '''[[Leicester]]''',<br />[[Lutterworth]],
|Northeast = [[Market Harborough]], [[Corby]]
|West      = '''[[Birmingham]]''', '''[[Coventry]]'''
|Centre    = Rugby
|East      = [[Kettering]], [[Wellingborough]]
|Southwest = [[Stratford-upon-Avon]], '''[[Warwick]]''', [[Leamington Spa]]
|South     = [[Southam]],<br />[[Banbury]]
|Southeast = [[Daventry]], '''[[Northampton]]''', '''[[London]]'''
}}
==Climate==
Rugby has an [[oceanic climate]] typical of the English interior. Temperatures are mild for the latitude and winter nights average above freezing. Summers are highly variable depending on wind patterns, with an all-time record of {{convert|38.7|C|F}} in spite of the mild averages.<ref name=Infoclimat/> Annual rainfall is moderate, but frequent drizzle results in about 125 precipitation days per year.<ref name="Met Averages"/>
{{Weather box
| location = [[Church Lawford]], {{convert|3|mi|km}} from Rugby (1991–2020 normals), sunshine from [[Coventry]], extremes 1983–present
| collapsed =
| metric first = y
| single line = y
|Jan record high C = 14.7
|Feb record high C = 17.7
|Mar record high C = 22.4
|Apr record high C = 25.5
|May record high C = 27.5
|Jun record high C = 31.3
|Jul record high C = 38.7
|Aug record high C = 34.6
|Sep record high C = 30.6
|Oct record high C = 27.6
|Nov record high C = 18.4
|Dec record high C = 15.3
|year record high C =
|Jan avg record high C = 12.3
|Feb avg record high C = 12.9
|Mar avg record high C = 16.1
|Apr avg record high C = 20.1
|May avg record high C = 24.1
|Jun avg record high C = 27.0
|Jul avg record high C = 29.4
|Aug avg record high C = 28.7
|Sep avg record high C = 24.4
|Oct avg record high C = 19.3
|Nov avg record high C = 15.1
|Dec avg record high C = 12.9
|year avg record high C = 30.6
|Jan high C = 7.1
|Feb high C = 7.8
|Mar high C = 10.4
|Apr high C = 13.6
|May high C = 16.7
|Jun high C = 19.8
|Jul high C = 22.3
|Aug high C = 21.8
|Sep high C = 18.7
|Oct high C = 14.3
|Nov high C = 10.0
|Dec high C = 7.4
|year high C =
|Jan mean C = 4.3
|Feb mean C = 4.7
|Mar mean C = 6.6
|Apr mean C = 9.0
|May mean C = 11.9
|Jun mean C = 14.9
|Jul mean C = 17.1
|Aug mean C = 16.9
|Sep mean C = 14.4
|Oct mean C = 10.9
|Nov mean C = 7.1
|Dec mean C = 4.6
|year mean C =
|Jan low C = 1.5
|Feb low C = 1.5
|Mar low C = 2.7
|Apr low C = 4.3
|May low C = 7.1
|Jun low C = 10.0
|Jul low C = 11.9
|Aug low C = 12.0
|Sep low C = 10.0
|Oct low C = 7.4
|Nov low C = 4.1
|Dec low C = 1.8
|year low C =
|Jan avg record low C = -4.7
|Feb avg record low C = -4.3
|Mar avg record low C = -3.3
|Apr avg record low C = -1.7
|May avg record low C = 0.3
|Jun avg record low C = 4.6
|Jul avg record low C = 6.9
|Aug avg record low C = 6.6
|Sep avg record low C = 4.0
|Oct avg record low C = 0.9
|Nov avg record low C = -2.4
|Dec avg record low C = -4.7
|year avg record low C = -7.1
|Jan record low C = -14.5
|Feb record low C = -12.2
|Mar record low C = -8.5
|Apr record low C = -4.9
|May record low C = -2.2
|Jun record low C = -0.2
|Jul record low C = 3.4
|Aug record low C = 3.7
|Sep record low C = -0.1
|Oct record low C = -3.8
|Nov record low C = -8.2
|Dec record low C = -12.5
|year record low C = -14.5
|precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation mm = 58.0
|Feb precipitation mm = 44.2
|Mar precipitation mm = 43.0
|Apr precipitation mm = 46.5
|May precipitation mm = 55.0
|Jun precipitation mm = 55.1
|Jul precipitation mm = 60.0
|Aug precipitation mm = 67.0
|Sep precipitation mm = 57.8
|Oct precipitation mm = 67.4
|Nov precipitation mm = 63.6
|Dec precipitation mm = 59.6
|year precipitation mm =
|unit precipitation days = 1.0 mm
|Jan precipitation days = 12.0
|Feb precipitation days = 10.1
|Mar precipitation days = 10.2
|Apr precipitation days = 9.9
|May precipitation days = 9.9
|Jun precipitation days = 9.2
|Jul precipitation days = 9.0
|Aug precipitation days = 9.7
|Sep precipitation days = 9.6
|Oct precipitation days = 10.7
|Nov precipitation days = 12.2
|Dec precipitation days = 12.0
|year precipitation days =
|Jan sun = 55
|Feb sun = 75
|Mar sun = 115
|Apr sun = 147
|May sun = 192
|Jun sun = 185
|Jul sun = 198
|Aug sun = 180
|Sep sun = 137
|Oct sun = 101
|Nov sun = 63
|Dec sun = 61
|year sun =
|source 1 = [[Met Office]]<ref name="Met Averages">{{cite web |url=https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/research/climate/maps-and-data/uk-climate-averages/gcr1cerx2|title = Church Lawford 1991–2020 averages |access-date=30 September 2023|publisher=Met Office}}</ref>
|source 2 = Infoclimat<ref name=Infoclimat>{{cite web|url=https://www.infoclimat.fr/climatologie/annee/1991/church-lawford/valeurs/03544.html|title=Climatologie de l'année à Church Lawford|publisher=Infoclimat|language=fr|accessdate=30 September 2023}}</ref>
}}
==Demographics==
At the [[United Kingdom census, 2021|2021 census]], there were 78,125 residents in Rugby, up from 70,628 on the 2011 census, and 62,580 at the 2001 census.<ref name="2021RugUrb"/>
In terms of ethnicity in 2021:<ref name="2021RugUrb"/>
*84.3% of Rugby residents were [[White British|White]]
*8.3% were [[British Asian|Asian]]
*3.1% were [[Black British|Black]]
*3.0% were [[Mixed (United Kingdom ethnicity category)|Mixed]].
*1.1% were from another ethnic group.
In terms of religion, 52.9% of Rugby residents identified as [[Christianity|Christian]], 38.6% said they had [[irreligion|no religion]], 4.0% were [[Hinduism|Hindu]], 2.3% were [[Islam|Muslim]], 1.2% were [[Sikhism|Sikh]], 0.4% were [[Buddhism|Buddhists]], and 0.6% were from another religion.<ref name="2021RugUrb"/>
==Politics and governance==
===National representation===
{{Main|Rugby (UK Parliament constituency)}}
From 1885 until 1983 Rugby was a constituency in itself, a status it regained in 2010. Rugby was historically one of the Midlands' most marginal seats. From 1885 until 1924 Rugby was a marginal seat which changed hands between the [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservative]] and [[Liberal Party (UK)|Liberal]] parties. From 1924 until 1942, the prominent Conservative [[David Margesson, 1st Viscount Margesson|David Margesson]] was Rugby's MP, his resignation triggered the [[1942 Rugby by-election]] which was won by an independent trade unionist [[William Brown (trade unionist)|William Brown]], who retained the seat until losing it to [[James Johnson (British politician)|James Johnson]] of the [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour Party]] in 1950. From 1950 until 1983 Rugby was a Labour-Conservative marginal, with the Labour Party holding it for the majority of that period.<ref name="CR">{{cite web|title=The House of Commons Constituencies Beginning With "R"|url=http://www.leighrayment.com/commons/Rcommons2.htm|publisher=leighrayment|access-date=1 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121219110721/http://www.leighrayment.com/commons/Rcommons2.htm|archive-date=19 December 2012|url-status=usurped}}</ref>
In 1983 Rugby was joined with [[Kenilworth]] to become part of the parliamentary constituency of [[Rugby and Kenilworth (UK Parliament constituency)|Rugby and Kenilworth]]. Between 1983 and 1997 [[Jim Pawsey]] was the Conservative Member of Parliament, losing in 1997 to Labour's [[Andy King (British politician)|Andy King]]. At the [[2005 United Kingdom general election|2005 general election]]  [[Jeremy Wright (politician)|Jeremy Wright]] regained the seat for the Conservatives.<ref name="CR"/>
Following the recommendations of the [[Boundary Commission for England]], Warwickshire was allocated a sixth parliamentary seat. In the 2010 general election, the existing Rugby and Kenilworth constituency was abolished and split in two. A new [[Rugby (UK Parliament constituency)|Rugby constituency]] was created, and a new constituency of [[Kenilworth and Southam (UK Parliament constituency)|Kenilworth and Southam]] formed to the south of Rugby, and as a result the town regained its pre-1983 status of returning its own member of parliament, albeit with the addition of the [[Bulkington]] Ward from [[Nuneaton (UK Parliament constituency)|Nuneaton]]. Jeremy Wright chose to stand for Kenilworth and Southam in the 2010 general election and was successful. [[Mark Pawsey]], son of former Rugby MP [[Jim Pawsey]], was elected for Rugby in 2010. In the [[2024 United Kingdom general election|2024 general election]] the Labour Party's [[John Slinger]] won the seat from the Conservatives.<ref name="CR"/>
===Local government===
[[File:Rugby town hall.jpg|thumb|right|[[Rugby Town Hall]] – The headquarters of Rugby Borough Council]]
Rugby is administered by two [[local government in the United Kingdom|local authorities]]: [[Rugby (borough)|Rugby Borough Council]] which covers Rugby and its surrounding countryside, and [[Warwickshire County Council]]. The two authorities are responsible for different aspects of local government. Rugby is an [[unparished area]] and so does not have its own [[town council]].
The [[Borough of Rugby]] was created in its current form in 1974, with the first elections held in 1973, since then, Rugby Borough Council has spent the majority of its time under [[no overall control]], alternating with periods of [[Conservative Party UK|Conservative]] control. (see [[Rugby Borough Council elections]]) since 2023 it has been under no overall control.
===Public services===
Rugby is covered by [[Warwickshire Police]] and [[Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service]]. Ambulance services are covered by the [[West Midlands Ambulance Service]].
The local hospital in Rugby is the [[Hospital of St. Cross, Rugby|Hospital of St. Cross]] which is part of the [[University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Hospital Of St Cross: Overview |url=https://www.nhs.uk/Services/Hospitals/Overview/DefaultView.aspx?id=2266 |publisher=NHS |access-date=18 August 2020}}</ref> A more extensive range of health services are provided at the [[University Hospital Coventry]], some ten miles away.<ref>{{cite web |title=University Hospital (Coventry): Overview |url=https://www.nhs.uk/Services/hospitals/Overview/DefaultView.aspx?id=2286 |publisher=NHS |access-date=18 August 2020}}</ref>
==Culture and recreation==
The largest general purpose venue in Rugby is the [[Benn Hall]] which opened in 1961 as part of the town hall complex,<ref>{{cite web |title=Directory of attractions – BENN Hall |url=https://www.therugbytown.co.uk/directory_record/10041/benn_hall |publisher=The Rugby Town |access-date=10 December 2018}}</ref> Rugby has two [[theatre]]s, a professional theatre, the [[Macready Theatre]], and the amateur [[Rugby Theatre]], both in the town centre.<ref>{{cite web |title=Directory of attractions – Rugby Theatre |url=https://www.therugbytown.co.uk/directory_record/10063/rugby_theatre |publisher=The Rugby Town |access-date=10 December 2018}}</ref> A nine-screen cinema run by [[Cineworld]] is located at a retail park north of the town centre.<ref>{{cite web |title=Directory of attractions – Cineworld Rugby |url=https://www.therugbytown.co.uk/directory_record/10045/cineworld_rugby |publisher=The Rugby Town |access-date=12 September 2019}}</ref>
[[File:Rugby Art Gallery, Museum & Library (2) 10.21.jpg|thumb|left|The [[Rugby Art Gallery, Museum and Library]]]]
The [[Rugby Art Gallery, Museum and Library]] which opened in 2000, hosts various temporary art exhibitions. The main collection, which is not on permanent display, is the nationally-renowned Rugby Collection of 20th Century and Contemporary British Art, which comprises 170 artworks by artists including [[L. S. Lowry]], [[Stanley Spencer]], [[Paula Rego]] and [[Graham Sutherland]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Rugby Art Gallery and Museum Art Collections |url=https://www.artuk.org/visit/collection/rugby-art-gallery-and-museum-art-collections-1084 |publisher=Art UK |access-date=10 December 2018}}</ref> The museum displays Roman artefacts excavated from the nearby Romano-British town of [[Tripontium]], as well as an exhibition of the social history of Rugby. The building also houses the town's library.<ref>{{cite web |title=Directory of attractions – Rugby Art Gallery and Museum |url=https://www.therugbytown.co.uk/directory_record/10061/rugby_art_gallery_and_museum |publisher=The Rugby Town |access-date=10 December 2018}}</ref>
The [[Webb Ellis Rugby Football Museum]] also in the town centre also hosts rugby memorabilia.
The poet [[Rupert Brooke]] was born and grew up in Rugby, and is commemorated in the town by a statue in Regent Place.<ref>{{cite web |title=RUPERT BROOKE Poet from Rugby |url=https://www.ourwarwickshire.org.uk/content/article/rupert-brooke |publisher=Our Warwickshire |access-date=13 December 2018}}</ref>
In the 1960s, Clifton Hall at Rugby was owned by the music manager [[Reginald Calvert]] and became a centre of the Midlands rock music scene, with a number of Midlands bands such as [[The Fortunes]], and the local band [[Pinkerton's Assorted Colours]] starting their careers there.<ref>{{cite news |title=Backbeat: Stars out for Clifton Hall 50-year reunion party |date=31 May 2012 |url=https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/lifestyle/nostalgia/backbeat-stars-out-clifton-hall-3025674 |work=Coventry Telegraph |access-date=6 January 2021}}</ref> In the 1980s the influential rock band [[Spacemen 3]] was formed in Rugby by the local musicians [[Jason Pierce]] and [[Pete Kember]]. Following its demise in 1991, both musicians went on to form successful subsequent projects; Pierce formed the critically acclaimed band [[Spiritualized]] and Kember continued performing under the names [[Peter Kember|Sonic Boom/Spectrum]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Spacemen 3 Biography by Stephen Thomas Erlewine |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/spacemen-3-mn0000005251/biography |publisher=Allmusic |access-date=13 December 2018}}</ref> Other notable musical acts to emerge from Rugby include the 1970s pop band [[Jigsaw (British band)|Jigsaw]] which was formed by musicians from Rugby and Coventry,<ref>{{cite news |title=Flashback: Remembering Coventry band Jigsaw |date=13 April 2016 |url=https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/flashback-remembering-coventry-band-jigsaw-11178790 |work=Coventry Telegraph |access-date=17 February 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Jigsaw Biography by Timothy Monger |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/jigsaw-mn0001032454/biography |publisher=Allmusic |access-date=18 December 2018}}</ref> the 2000s singer-songwriter [[James Morrison (singer)|James Morrison]], and more recently [[Emily Burns]].<ref name="wom">{{cite web |title=PREMIERE: EMILY BURNS – "MY TOWN" |date=26 September 2019 |url=https://www.wonderlandmagazine.com/2019/09/26/premiere-emily-burns/ |publisher=Wonderland Magazine |access-date=6 July 2020 |archive-date=8 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200708032431/https://www.wonderlandmagazine.com/2019/09/26/premiere-emily-burns/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
There are two large [[urban park]]s in the town centre, one is [[Caldecott Park]] alongside the town hall,<ref>{{cite web |title=Directory of attractions – Caldecott Park |url=https://www.therugbytown.co.uk/directory_record/10043/caldecott_park |publisher=The Rugby Town |access-date=28 January 2019}}</ref> and on the edge of the town centre is the [[Whitehall Recreation Ground]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Directory of attractions – Whitehall Recreation Ground |url=https://www.therugbytown.co.uk/directory_record/10076/whitehall_recreation_ground |publisher=The Rugby Town |access-date=28 January 2019}}</ref>
Rugby has an indoor [[leisure centre]], the ''Queen's Diamond Jubilee Centre'' which opened in 2013, replacing the older ''Ken Marriott Leisure Centre'', it is run by GLL a charitable social enterprise on behalf of the local council.<ref>{{cite news |title=Queen's Diamond Jubilee Centre in Rugby opens to public |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-coventry-warwickshire-23884376 |work=BBC News |access-date=28 January 2019 |date=31 August 2013}}</ref>
===Sport===
[[File:Rugby School, Rugby match (1) 3.23.jpg|thumb|Game of Rugby being played on 'The Close' at [[Rugby School]], where the game was invented.]]
*Rugby has a number of [[rugby union]] teams including; the [[Rugby Lions]], Rugby Welsh, Rugby St. Andrews RFC, [[Newbold-on-Avon RFC]], AEI (Rugby) Rugby Football Club and Old Laurentian RFC.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rugby Union |url=https://www.rugby.gov.uk/directory/37/sports_clubs_and_organisations/category/158 |publisher=Rugby Borough Council |access-date=10 January 2023}}</ref>
*Rugby has two non-league [[Association football|football]] clubs, [[Rugby Town F.C.]], who play in the [[United Counties League]] Premier Division, and [[Rugby Borough F.C.]], formed in 2017, who were [[Leicestershire Senior League]] Division One Champions in 2017–18.
*There are two [[golf course]]s near the town: Rugby Golf Club to the East, and Whitefields Golf Club to the South West.
* The Rugby Lawn [[Tennis]] Club, is one of the oldest in the world, having been established in 1876.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rugby Lawn Tennis Club |url=https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/rugbylawntennisclub |publisher=Rugby Lawn Tennis Club |access-date=23 September 2021}}</ref>
*Rugby's [[artistic swimming|Artistic Swimming]] Club is competitive on a regional and national level.<ref>{{cite news |title="We were quite a small club, we had about 25 swimmers - now we're competitive at every age group nationally." |url=https://coventryobserver.co.uk/sport/we-were-quite-a-small-club-we-had-about-25-swimmers-now-were-competitive-at-every-age-group-nationally/ |work=Coventry Observer |access-date=10 January 2023}}</ref>
==Economy==
For most of the 20th Century manufacturing was the largest employer in Rugby. Manufacturing employment peaked in the 1950s, and has gone into steady decline since, and service industries are now the largest source of employment.<ref name="vobsis">{{cite web|title=Simplified Industrial Structure|url=http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/unit/10088379/cube/IND_SECTOR_GEN|publisher=Vision of Britain|access-date=20 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321063238/http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/unit/10088379/cube/IND_SECTOR_GEN|archive-date=21 March 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 2017 the average annual workplace wage in the Rugby borough was £29,059; above the Warwickshire (£28,513) and UK (£28,296) averages.<ref name="WCCeconoverview"/>
===Engineering and manufacturing===
[[File:GE Energy building, Rugby 10.21.jpg|thumb|The [[GE Power]] engineering facility in Rugby.]]
Rugby remains an [[engineering]] centre and has a long history of producing gas and steam [[turbine]]s and electrical equipment. Engineering in Rugby has taken place under a myriad of different companies; it was established in the 1900s by [[British Thomson-Houston]] (BTH) and [[Willans & Robinson]], which later became parts of [[Associated Electrical Industries]] (AEI) and [[English Electric]] respectively, until both were united as part of the [[General Electric Company]] (GEC) in the late-1960s, which itself merged with [[Alstom]] in 1989. Most of the engineering works in Rugby were based in the Avon valley area north of the railway station, since the 1980s much of the engineering works have closed with their land sold off for housing and commercial development, however engineering still continues in Rugby on a smaller scale under the auspices of [[GE Power Conversion]], which produces large electric motors, and services and manufactures steam turbines. In 2019 the Rugby site was threatened with closure, but was saved following an order for motors from the [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]], after the House of Commons [[Defence Select Committee]], decided that closing the site would lead to a 'loss of sovereign capability and security'.<ref>{{cite news |title=UPDATE: GE site to stay open - but around 80 employees to be made redundant |url=https://rugbyobserver.co.uk/news/saved-ge-site-to-stay-open-but-some-jobs-could-still-be-lost-to-downsizing/ |work=Rugby Observer |access-date=24 March 2021 |date=20 May 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Saving industrial plant operators time and money: An inside look at the Rugby Repair Center |url=https://www.ge.com/power/about/insights/articles/2020/steam-rotating-equipment-repair-maintenance |publisher=GE Power |access-date=27 March 2021 |date=20 April 2020}}</ref>
Further afield, within the [[Rugby (borough)|Rugby borough]] is the [[Rolls-Royce plc|Rolls-Royce]] engineering works near [[Ansty, Warwickshire|Ansty]]. This is nearer to [[Coventry]] than Rugby.
Rugby is also a centre of [[laser]] manufacturing: This was started by the local firm [[JK Lasers]], which was founded in 1972. In 1982 JK Lasers merged with [[Lumonics]] of Canada and was for a time one of the largest industrial laser companies in the world.<ref>{{cite web |title=A serious laser player |url=https://www.electrooptics.com/feature/serious-laser-player |publisher=Electro Optics |access-date=19 April 2021 |date=9 September 2008}}</ref> Following takeovers and mergers, the JK Lasers brand name disappeared in 2015, and it is now part of SPI Lasers, a subsidiary of the [[Trumpf]] company.<ref>{{cite web |title=JK Lasers joins SPI to enhance TRUMPF's business in fibre laser technology |url=https://www.spilasers.com/news/jk-lasers-joins-spi-to-enhance-trumpfs-business-in-fibre-laser-technology/ |publisher=SPI Lasers |access-date=26 March 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Trumpf acquires JK Lasers for £21.2 million |url=https://www.machinery.co.uk/machinery-news/trumpf-acquires-jk-lasers-from-gsi-group |publisher=machinery.co.uk |access-date=26 March 2021 |date=16 March 2015}}</ref> In 2018, SPI Lasers announced that their manufacturing site at Rugby was to be doubled in size.<ref>{{cite web |title=SPI Lasers to double the size of its Rugby manufacturing site |date=30 October 2018 |url=https://www.pesmedia.com/spi-lasers-rugby-warwickshire-manufacturing-site/ |publisher=Product Engineering Solutions |access-date=15 April 2021}}</ref> A second laser manufacturing firm in Rugby is Litron Lasers, which was established in 1997.<ref>{{cite web |title=Litron Lasers England, Rugby |url=https://rugby.cylex-uk.co.uk/company/litron-lasers-england-19143431.html |publisher=cyclex |access-date=16 April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=LITRON LASERS LIMITED Company number 03395353 |url=https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/03395353 |publisher=Companies House |access-date=15 April 2021}}</ref>
===Cement===
[[File:Cemex Cement Works, from Lawford Road, Rugby 7.21 (2).jpg|thumb|left|Rugby cement works at [[New Bilton]]]]
Another major industry in Rugby is [[cement]] making; This industry started on a small scale locally in the early 19th century, but began on a large scale in the 1860s when the [[Rugby Cement]] company was founded, making cement from the local [[Jurassic]] [[Blue Lias]] limestone at [[New Bilton]]. The current cement works at Rugby has the largest [[cement kiln]] in the UK, capable of producing 1.8 million tonnes of cement a year.<ref>{{cite web |title=CEMEX cement works, Rugby, Warwickshire |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cemex-cement-works-rugby-warwickshire/cemex-cement-works-rugby-warwickshire |publisher=Environment Agency |access-date=19 February 2021 |date=19 January 2014}}</ref> The current plant was opened in 2000, having been rebuilt and substantially enlarged in the late-1990s, upon its opening other Rugby Cement plants at [[Southam]] and [[Rochester, Kent|Rochester]] were closed, with all production moved to the enlarged Rugby plant.<ref>[http://www.mineralsuk.com/britmin/mpfcement.pdf minerals.com] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928085834/http://www.mineralsuk.com/britmin/mpfcement.pdf |date=28 September 2007 }} (PDF)</ref> Rugby Cement was taken over in 2000 and is now owned by the Mexican firm [[Cemex]], who moved their UK headquarters to Rugby in 2018.<ref>{{cite web |title=CEMEX UK moves headquarters to Rugby |date=18 June 2018 |url=https://professionalbuildersmerchant.co.uk/news/cemex-uk-moves-headquarters-to-rugby/ |publisher=Builders Merchant |access-date=15 January 2019}}</ref>
===Logistics===
Rugby is often described as being part of the area known as the [[golden logistics triangle]] due to its central location and good transport links. In 2021 Rugby had the highest percentage of business units used for transport and storage in the UK, at 17%.<ref name="ONSlog">{{cite web |title=The rise of the UK warehouse and the "golden logistics triangle" |url=https://www.ons.gov.uk/businessindustryandtrade/business/activitysizeandlocation/articles/theriseoftheukwarehouseandthegoldenlogisticstriangle/2022-04-11 |publisher=Office for National Statistics |access-date=15 December 2022 |date=11 April 2022}}</ref> Since the 1980s several large [[industrial estate]]s have been built to the north, and [[Warehouse|warehousing]], distribution and light industry have become major employers. This is due to the town's close proximity to the M6 motorway (Junction 1) and M1 (Junction 19), at the heart of the UK's motorway network.<ref name="RGOAT"/> In 2017 nearly half of Warwickshire's businesses in the 'Transport and storage' sector were in Rugby.<ref name="WCCeconoverview">{{cite web |title=Rugby Economic Overview 2017 |url=https://apps.warwickshire.gov.uk/api/documents/WCCC-688-277 |publisher=Warwickshire County Council |access-date=11 November 2019}}</ref> In 2017 [[Hermes Group|Hermes]] opened its 'Midlands Super Hub' parcel delivery depot at the Rugby Gateway development to the north of the town, which is the largest of its type in the UK.<ref>{{cite news |title=UK's biggest parcel hub brings over 100 jobs to Rugby |url=https://rugbyobserver.co.uk/news/uks-biggest-parcel-hub-brings-over-100-jobs-to-rugby/ |work=Rugby Observer |access-date=11 November 2019 |date=22 August 2017}}</ref> To the east of Rugby is the large [[Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal]] (DIRFT), which opened in the 1990s; although this is across the county border in Northamptonshire, it is closest to Rugby.
===Organisations based in Rugby===
[[File:IChemE headquarters, Railway Terrace, Rugby 4.21.jpg|thumb|Headquarters of the [[Institution of Chemical Engineers]] (IChemE) in Rugby.]]
The American fashion retailer [[Gap Inc.]] has had its UK headquarters and distribution centre in Rugby since 2002,<ref>{{cite news |title=Gap HQ moving to Rugby |url=https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/local-news/gap-hq-moving-to-rugby-3177541 |work=Coventry Telegraph |access-date=16 April 2021 |date=10 August 2001}}</ref> as does the construction firm [[Morgan Sindall]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Morgan Sindall headquarters and office locations |url=https://craft.co/morgan-sindall-group/locations |publisher=Craft |access-date=25 April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Morgan Sindall Construction receives £39 million Rugby secondary school brief |url=https://www.morgansindallconstruction.com/news/morgan-sindall-construction-receives-39-million-rugby-secondary-school-brief/ |publisher=Morgan Sindall |access-date=25 April 2021}}</ref> and the historic legal firm [[Brethertons]].<ref>{{cite web |title=BRETHERTONS LLP Company number OC317116 |url=https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/OC317116 |publisher=Companies House |access-date=6 April 2021}}</ref> In addition a number of trade, professional and charitable organisations have headquarters in Rugby, including the [[Institution of Chemical Engineers]],<ref>{{cite web |title=THE INSTITUTION OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERS Charity number: 214379 |url=https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/214379/contact-information |publisher=Charity Commission |access-date=12 April 2021}}</ref>  the [[Institution of Lighting Professionals]],<ref>{{cite web |title=THE INSTITUTION OF LIGHTING PROFESSIONALS Company number 00227499 |url=https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/00227499 |publisher=Companies House |access-date=16 April 2021}}</ref> the [[Master Locksmiths Association]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Master Locksmiths Association gets keys to new HQ |url=https://www.thebusinessdesk.com/westmidlands/news/2033735-master-locksmiths-association-gets-keys-to-new-hq |publisher=The Business Desk |access-date=10 April 2021 |date=15 September 2019}}</ref> the [[Auto-Cycle Union]],<ref>{{cite web |title=THE AUTO-CYCLE UNION LIMITED Company number 00134679 |url=https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/00134679 |publisher=Companies House |access-date=6 April 2021}}</ref> the [[Oral Health Foundation]],<ref>{{cite web |title=ORAL HEALTH FOUNDATION Company number 01027338 |url=https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/01027338 |publisher=Companies House |access-date=6 April 2021}}</ref> and the development charity [[Practical Action]].<ref>{{cite web |title=PRACTICAL ACTION Company number 00871954 |url=https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/00871954 |publisher=Companies House}}</ref>
===Tourism and other===
[[Tourism]] is also important to the town's economy, especially related to [[Rugby football]].<ref>[http://www.rugby.gov.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?documentID=973 Rugby BC Action on Tourism] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929011830/http://www.rugby.gov.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?documentID=973 |date=29 September 2007 }}</ref>
One of the last links to Rugby's rural past was the [[cattle market]] held near the railway station, and earlier in the "Market Place" in the old centre of Rugby since [[medieval]] times. The market near the railway station was closed in late 2008 and the site has been redeveloped into housing, a [[hotel]] and a [[Tesco]] store as part of a wider scheme of work in the station area.
==Notable buildings and landmarks==
[[File:Hillmorton radio masts.jpg|thumb|upright|right|[[Rugby Radio Station]] (now&nbsp;demolished)]]
One of the most notable landmarks around Rugby was, until August 2007, the '''[[Rugby Radio Station]]''', a large radio transmitting station just to the east of the town. The station was opened in 1926, at its height in the 1950s it was the largest radio transmitting station in the world, with a total of 57 radio transmitters, covering an area of 1600 acres. Traffic slowly dwindled from the 1980s onwards, and the site was closed between 2003 and 2007.<ref name="OWRRS">{{cite web|title=RUGBY RADIO STATION A short history|url=https://www.ourwarwickshire.org.uk/content/article/rugby-radio-station-2|publisher=Our Warwickshire|access-date=24 October 2018}}</ref> Several of the masts were decommissioned and demolished by explosives in 2004, although a few, including four of the biggest masts remained until 2007. (Firing the explosive charges was delayed by [[rabbit]]s gnawing the wires).<ref>{{cite news | title= Rabbits delay masts' demolition | url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/coventry_warwickshire/3823335.stm | work= BBC News | date= 20 June 2004 | access-date= 15 September 2007 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20040719105152/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/coventry_warwickshire/3823335.stm | archive-date= 19 July 2004 | url-status= live | df= dmy-all }}</ref> The remaining four 'tall' masts were demolished on the afternoon of 2 August 2007 with no prior publicity. The site is now being developed as a new housing development known as [[Houlton, Warwickshire|Houlton]] <!-- <ref>[http://www.radiostationvision.com Radio Station Vision Website]</ref> -->
'''Rugby Cement''' works, is to the west of the town. The main tower of the cement works stands at {{convert|400|ft|m}} tall,<ref>{{cite news|title=Chance to climb Rugby's Cemex tower |url=https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/chance-climb-rugbys-cemex-tower-3079147 |work=Coventry Telegraph |access-date=23 September 2021 |date=31 August 2009}}</ref> and can be seen from as far away as the [[Cotswolds]] and the [[Malvern Hills]] in [[Worcestershire]].<ref name="RCPhillpot">{{cite news |title=Bright lorries and growing anger in New Bilton - former Advertiser reporter remembers Rugby Portland Cement |url=https://www.rugbyadvertiser.co.uk/news/people/bright-lorries-and-growing-anger-new-bilton-former-advertiser-reporter-remembers-rugby-portland-cement-3113646 |work=Rugby Advertiser |access-date=4 August 2021}}</ref> The landmark is controversial; in 2005 it came in the top ten of a poll of buildings people would like to see demolished on the [[Channel 4]] television series [[Demolition (television)|Demolition]].<ref>{{cite web |title= The dirty dozen |url= http://www.channel4.com/life/microsites/D/demolition/worst2.html |publisher= Channel 4 |format= [[HTTP]] |access-date= 15 September 2007 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20071108220440/http://www.channel4.com/life/microsites/D/demolition/worst2.html |archive-date= 8 November 2007 |url-status= live |df= dmy-all}}</ref>  In October 2006, the owners of the Rugby Cement works, [[Cemex]], were fined £400,000 for excessive pollution after a court case brought by the [[Environment Agency]].<ref>{{cite web | title= EA Court Case details | url= http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/news/1483240?lang=_e&region=Midlands%20Region | publisher= Environment Agency | access-date= 15 September 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070927183927/http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/news/1483240?lang=_e&region=Midlands%20Region <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 27 September 2007}}</ref>
[[File:WWEstatue 700.jpg|thumb|upright|William Webb Ellis' statue]]
The town has statues of three famous locals: [[Rupert Brooke]], [[Thomas Hughes]] and [[William Webb Ellis]]. The Rupert Brooke statue is situated at the forked junction of Regent Street on the green and commemorates his contribution to poetry. Thomas Hughes' statue stands in the gardens of the Temple Reading Rooms (the central library of Rugby school) on Barby Road. Since England won the [[Rugby World Cup]] in 2003, the William Webb Ellis statue outside Rugby School is one of the most visited parts of the town.
As the main growth of Rugby occurred in the 19th century. The central area of Rugby, is known for its many fine examples of [[Victorian architecture]], these include:
[[File:St Andrew's Church, May 18.jpg|thumb|left|St Andrew's Church]]
'''[[St Andrew's Church, Rugby|St Andrew's Church]]''', in the town centre, is Rugby's original [[Church of England]] [[parish church]]. A church has stood on the site since 1140. The oldest surviving part of the church is the 22&nbsp;metre high west tower which bears strong resemblance to a [[castle]] turret, the west tower was possibly built during the reign of [[King Henry III of England|Henry III]] (1216–1272) to serve a defensive as well as religious role, and is Rugby's oldest building. The church has other artefacts of medieval Rugby including the 13th-century parish chest, and a medieval [[baptismal font|font]]. The church was extensively re-built and expanded in the 19th century, designed by [[William Butterfield]]. The expanded church included a new east tower, added in 1895 which has a [[spire]] {{convert|182|feet|metres}} high.<ref name="RGOAT"/> The church is [[grade II* listed]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Church of Saint Andrew A Grade II* Listed Building in Rugby, Warwickshire |url=https://britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/101183695-church-of-saint-andrew-rugby |publisher=British Listed Buildings |access-date=12 December 2018}}</ref> Very unusually, both of the church towers have [[Change ringing|ringable bells]], the main peal of bells (all cast in 1896 by [[Whitechapel Bell Foundry|Mears & Stainbank]], [[London]]) being located in the eastern tower, and the old peal (all cast in 1711 by Joseph Smith of [[Edgbaston]]) located in the western tower.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://warksbells.co.uk/index.php/p-r/rugby|title=Rugby|website=warksbells.co.uk|access-date=20 February 2019}}</ref>
[[File:St Maries Church, Rugby 3.19.jpg|thumb|upright|St Marie's Church]]
'''[[St Marie's Church, Rugby|St Marie's Church]]''' on Dunchurch Road, is Rugby's main [[Roman Catholic]] church. It is one of the town's most well-known landmarks as it is quite dominant on the skyline. The church was first opened in 1847, designed by [[Pugin]] in the [[Gothic Revival architecture|Gothic revival]] style, it was enlarged in 1864, and in 1872 the current tall and slender spire was added, which is nearly {{convert|200|ft|m|abbr=off}} tall.<ref name="RGOAT"/><ref name="Rughistim"/> The church is also grade II* listed.<ref>{{cite web|title=Roman Catholic Church of St Marie A Grade II* Listed Building in Rugby, Warwickshire |url=https://britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/101365006-roman-catholic-church-of-st-marie-rugby |publisher=British Listed Buildings |access-date=12 December 2018}}</ref>
[[File:Rugby School buildings from Warwick Street 9.21 (2).JPG|thumb|280px|left|Rugby School, (from left to right) New Quad Buildings, Chapel and War Memorial Chapel.]]
[[Rugby School#Buildings and architecture|The buildings of '''Rugby School''']] are major landmarks mostly dating from the 18th and 19th century with some early 20th Century additions. The oldest buildings are the Old Quad Buildings and the School House the oldest parts of which date from 1748, but were mostly built between 1809 and 1813 by [[Henry Hakewill]], these are [[Grade II* listed buildings in Rugby (borough)|grade II* listed]].<ref>{{NHLE |desc=OLD QUAD BUILDINGS AT RUGBY SCHOOL |num=1035021 |access-date=3 September 2019}}</ref><ref>{{NHLE |desc=SCHOOL HOUSE AT RUGBY SCHOOL |num=1183930 |access-date=3 September 2019}}</ref> Most of the current landmark buildings date from the [[Victorian era]] and were designed by [[William Butterfield]]: The most notable of these is the chapel, dating from 1872, which is topped by an octagonal tower {{convert|138|ft|metre}} tall, and is [[grade I listed]].<ref>{{NHLE |desc=CHAPEL AT RUGBY SCHOOL|num=1183714|access-date=8 June 2021}}</ref><ref name="Pernell"/> Butterfield's New Quad buildings are grade II* listed and date from 1867 to 1885. The War Memorial chapel designed by [[Sir Charles Nicholson, 2nd Baronet|Charles Nicholson]] is a later addition dating from 1922.<ref>{{NHLE |desc=NEW QUAD BUILDINGS AT RUGBY SCHOOL |num=1035020 |access-date=3 September 2019}}</ref><ref>{{NHLE |desc=WAR MEMORIAL CHAPEL AT RUGBY SCHOOL|num=1365005 |access-date=3 September 2019}}</ref>
There are two further [[grade I listed]] buildings in Rugby, although these are not in the town centre, one of these is [[St Botolph's Church, Newbold-on-Avon|St Botolph's Church]] in [[Newbold-on-Avon]],<ref>{{NHLE|desc=CHURCH OF ST BOTOLPH |num=1183970|accessdate=16 May 2024}}</ref> the second is [[Bilton Hall, Warwickshire|Bilton Hall]] in [[Bilton, Warwickshire|Bilton]].<ref>{{NHLE|desc= BILTON HALL |num=1035049|accessdate=16 May 2024}}</ref>
[[File:Rugby_Clock_Tower_9.22.jpg|thumb|upright|Jubilee Clock Tower]]
Rugby's '''Jubilee Clock Tower''' in Market Place is one of the town's best known landmarks, which traditionally marks the centre of Rugby. The clock tower dates from 1887, and was built to celebrate [[Queen Victoria]]'s jubilee. It is {{convert|43|ft}} tall, built of Derby Dale stone, and was designed by Goodacres of Leicester. The clocks were donated by Evans and Sons of Birmingham. It is grade II listed.<ref>{{cite web|title=Rugby's Jubilee Clock Tower |url=https://www.ourwarwickshire.org.uk/content/article/rugbys-jubilee-clock-tower |publisher=Our Warwickshire |access-date=1 January 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Jubilee Clock Tower, Market Place, Rugby |url=https://www.ourwarwickshire.org.uk/content/catalogue_her/jubilee-clock-tower-market-place-rugby |publisher=Our Warwickshire |access-date=8 June 2021}}</ref><ref>{{NHLE |desc=CLOCK TOWERL|num=1300276|access-date=8 June 2021}}</ref>
===Places of interest===
Places of interest in the town include:
*The [[Rugby School Museum]], which has audio-visual displays about the history of Rugby School and of the town.
*The combined [[Rugby Art Gallery and Museum]]. The art gallery contains a nationally recognised collection of contemporary art. The museum contains, amongst other things, [[Roman Empire|Roman]] artefacts dug up from the nearby Roman settlement of [[Tripontium]].
*The [[Webb Ellis Rugby Football Museum]], where traditional [[Rugby football|rugby]] balls are handmade. It contains much rugby football memorabilia.
*The [[Benn Hall]], a conference, seminar, exhibition and party venue.
* [[Newbold Quarry Park]], nature reserve
*[[Swift Valley Nature Reserve]]
*[[Rainsbrook Valley Railway]], miniature railway
Places of interest around Rugby include:
*[[Brandon Marsh nature reserve|Brandon Marsh]]
*[[Brinklow Castle]]
*[[Coombe Abbey]]
*[[Dunchurch]] – Historic village
*[[Draycote Water]] – Reservoir and nature reserve
*[[Garden Organic]]
*[[Oxford Canal]]
*[[Stanford Hall, Leicestershire|Stanford Hall]]
==Transport==
===Railways===
[[File:Rugby railway station.jpg|thumb|Rugby railway station]]
[[Rugby railway station]] is a principal stop on the [[West Coast Main Line]], with frequent regular services to [[Euston railway station|London Euston]], [[Birmingham New Street railway station|Birmingham New Street]], [[Stafford railway station|Stafford]], [[Crewe railway station|Crewe]] and {{rws|Northampton}}. There are also some infrequent services to [[Glasgow Central railway station|Glasgow Central]], the [[North West England|North West of England]], [[Shrewsbury railway station|Shrewsbury]], [[Chester railway station|Chester]] and [[Holyhead railway station|Holyhead]]. Routes are operated by [[West Midlands Trains]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Train timetables and schedules |work=London Northwestern Railway |date=May 2023 |access-date=20 November 2023 |url= https://www.londonnorthwesternrailway.co.uk/travel-information/journey-planning/train-timetables-and-schedules |quote=}}</ref> and [[Avanti West Coast]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Our latest timetables and ticket info |work=Avanti West Coast |date=May 2023 |access-date=20 November 2023 |url= https://www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk/travel-information/plan-your-journey/timetables |quote=}}</ref>
Rugby has had a railway station since 1838, when the [[London and Birmingham Railway]] was opened, though the present station dates from 1885. It was once served by lines which have now been closed, including to [[Midland Counties Railway|Leicester]], [[Rugby to Leamington Line|Leamington Spa]] and [[Rugby and Stamford railway|Peterborough]]; these were closed in the 1960s as part of the [[Beeching cuts]].<ref name=Elliot>Elliott, Peter H (1985). Rugby's Railway Heritage. {{ISBN|0-907917-06-2}}.</ref>
Between 1899 and 1969, Rugby had a second station; [[Rugby Central railway station|Rugby Central station]] was a stop on the former [[Great Central Main Line]], which hosted services to [[Marylebone railway station|London Marylebone]] to the south and [[Leicester Central railway station|Leicester]], [[Nottingham Victoria railway station|Nottingham]] and [[Sheffield Victoria railway station|Sheffield]] to the north. The station and line were closed in the 1960s as part of the [[Beeching cuts]].<ref name=Elliot/>
[[British Rail]]ways' [[Rugby Locomotive Testing Station|locomotive testing centre]] was located in Rugby.<ref name=Elliot/>
Warwickshire County Council have proposed a new station in the area; [[Rugby Parkway railway station|Rugby Parkway station]] is to be sited on the [[Northampton Loop Line]], south-east of the existing station; it will serve the [[Hillmorton]] area of the town and the new development at [[Houlton, Warwickshire|Houlton]]. The station is to be built in between the current edge of town and [[DIRFT]] to accommodate for the future expansion of the town where 6,200 homes are planned to be built over a 15 to 20-year period. No date, however, has been given for the opening of this station.<ref>{{cite news|title=Second train station to be built as Rugby expands|url=http://www.rugbyadvertiser.co.uk/news/local-news/second-train-station-to-be-built-as-rugby-expands-1-7012226|work=Rugby Advertiser|access-date=23 November 2015|date=15 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151124100610/http://www.rugbyadvertiser.co.uk/news/local-news/second-train-station-to-be-built-as-rugby-expands-1-7012226|archive-date=24 November 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Roads===
Rugby is situated near to several major trunk routes including the [[M1 motorway|M1]], [[M6 motorway|M6]] and [[M45 motorway]]s, and the [[A5 road (Great Britain)|A5]], [[A14 road (England)|A14]] and [[A45 road]]s. Other main roads in the town include the [[A426 road]], the [[A428 road]] and the [[Rugby Western Relief Road]], which links the A45 with the Leicester Road, that connects with junction 1 of the M6.
In 2010, a short local [[bypass (road)|bypass]] was opened; it was the first part of the Rugby Western Relief Road. It runs from the [[A428 road|A428]] (Lawford Road), along the edge of the built-up area to the [[A4071 road|A4071]] (road from Rugby through [[Bilton, Warwickshire|Bilton]] and [[Cawston, Warwickshire|Cawston]]), a little west of Cawston; it takes through heavy traffic off suburban housing roads such as Addison Road. On 10 September 2010, the final part of Rugby's Western Relief Road was opened. The road runs from Potsford Dam near Cawston, through the Lawford Road and ending at Newbold Road, near the Avon Valley School. The initial estimated cost was projected at £36.6&nbsp;million, while the final figure was in excess of £60&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rugbyadvertiser.co.uk/news/local/final_60_5_million_bill_for_rugby_western_relief_road_1_1993538|title=Final £60.5 million bill for Rugby Western Relief Road|date=15 December 2010|work=Rugby Advertiser|access-date=12 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101219125416/http://www.rugbyadvertiser.co.uk/news/local/final_60_5_million_bill_for_rugby_western_relief_road_1_1993538|archive-date=19 December 2010|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Buses===
[[Stagecoach in Warwickshire]] is the town's primary operator, with routes to Coventry, Southam, Leamington Spa, Daventry, Leicester and Northampton; it also serves the major estates of the town.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rugby Bus Services |work=Bus Times |date=2023 |access-date=20 November 2023 |url= https://bustimes.org/localities/Rugby |quote=}}</ref>
===Air===
There are direct railway links to [[Birmingham Airport]], via [[Birmingham International railway station]]; the smaller [[Coventry Airport]] is also nearby.
===Canal===
[[File:Newbold canal tunnel.jpg|thumb|Newbold canal tunnel on the Oxford Canal at Rugby]]
The [[Oxford Canal]], which runs from near Coventry to [[Oxford]], passes around Rugby and through the areas of [[Newbold-on-Avon|Newbold]], [[Brownsover]] and [[Hillmorton]]. The canal was opened in 1790, as a winding [[contour canal]], but was straightened out in the 1830s. Notable features of the canal locally are the {{convert|250|yard|metre|abbr=on}} long tunnel at Newbold and the flight of [[Hillmorton#Hillmorton Locks|locks at Hillmorton]], which are the busiest flight of locks on the national canal network.<ref name="RTRPE">{{cite web|title=The Development of Transport in Rugby by Peter H Elliott |url=https://www.warwickshirerailways.com/lms/lnwr/rugby/station/rugby's_transport_history.pdf |publisher=Warwickshire Railways |access-date=10 September 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Hillmorton Locks set to keep its crown as the busiest set of locks in England and Wales |url=https://www.rugbyadvertiser.co.uk/news/people/hillmorton-locks-set-to-keep-its-crown-as-the-busiest-set-of-locks-in-england-and-wales-821710 |work=Rugby Advertiser |access-date=10 September 2021}}</ref>
===Cycling===
There are a number of cycling routes in Rugby, including roadside cycle lanes; others are off-road and traffic free, some of which reuse old railway infrastructure.<ref>{{cite web |title=Cycle routes in Rugby |url=https://api.warwickshire.gov.uk/documents/WCCC-930-120 |publisher=Warwickshire County Council |access-date=8 March 2022}}</ref>
==Notable residents==
{{See also|List of Old Rugbeians}}
===Born in Rugby===
{{Div col|colwidth=35em}}
*[[Chris Adams (wrestler)|Chris Adams]] (1955–2001), wrestler
*[[Neil Adams (judoka)|Neil Adams]] (born 1958), judoka
*Junade Ali (born 1996),<ref>{{cite web |title=Computer scientist from Rugby named the youngest ever Fellow of the Institution of Engineering and Technology |url=https://rugbyobserver.co.uk/news/computer-scientist-from-rugby-named-the-youngest-ever-fellow-of-the-institution-of-engineering-and-technology/ |publisher=Rugby Advertiser |access-date=28 March 2024}}</ref> computer scientist, youngest ever fellow of a professional engineering institution on record and inventor of [[Compromised Credential Checking]] amongst other technologies
*[[Melanie Astles]], (born 1982) French aerobatic champion
*[[David Barby]] (1943–2012),<ref name="30celeb">{{cite news |title=30 celebrities you probably didn't know were from Warwickshire |url=https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/article6833713.ece |work=Coventry Telegraph |access-date=5 March 2019 |date=17 March 2014}}</ref> antiques expert
*[[Ian Bell]] (born 1982), cricketer
*[[Laura Bettinson]] (born 1987), singer-songwriter
*[[Andrew Bloxam]] (1801–1878), clergyman and naturalist
*[[Matthew Bloxam]] (1805–1888), antiquarian and archaeologist
*[[Arthur Bostrom]] (born 1955),<ref name="30celeb"/> actor, best known for his role as [[Officer Crabtree]] in the [[BBC]] TV sitcom ''[['Allo 'Allo!]]''
*[[Rupert Brooke]] (1887–1915), poet
*[[Richard Cockerill]] (born 1970), rugby union coach and former player
*[[Ben "Yahtzee" Croshaw]] (born 1983), comedic writer
*[[Jim Dewes]] (born 1957), cricketer
*[[Maud Russell England]] (1863–1956), New Zealand teacher, feminist, educationalist and art dealer
*[[Walter Gilbert (sculptor)|Walter Gilbert]] (1871–1946), sculptor
*[[Herbert Haddock]] (1861–1946),<ref>{{cite web |title=CAPTAIN HERBERT JAMES HADDOCK, SHIP CAPTAIN FROM RUGBY |url=https://www.ourwarwickshire.org.uk/content/article/captain-herbert-james-haddock-ship-captain-from-rugby |publisher=Our Warwickshire |access-date=9 August 2020}}</ref> ship captain, the first person to captain ''[[Titanic]]''
*[[M. John Harrison|Michael John Harrison]] (born 1945), writer
*[[Ali James]] (born 1979), rugby player
*[[Peter Kember]] (born 1965), musician ([[Spacemen 3]], Spectrum)
*[[Jeremy R. Knowles]] (1935–2007), organic chemist and enzymologist at Oxford and Harvard
*[[Richard Lindon]] (1816–1887),<ref>{{cite web |title=Richard Lindon: Rugby's forgotten innovator |url=https://www.ourwarwickshire.org.uk/content/article/richard-lindon-rugbys-forgotten-innovator |publisher=Our Warwickshire |access-date=1 January 2023}}</ref> leatherworker, inventor
*[[Norman Lockyer]] (1836–1920), scientist, discovered the gas [[helium]]
*[[Rose Macaulay]] (1881–1958), writer
*[[Ray Mawby]] (1922–1990) - [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservative]] politician and [[Member of Parliament]] - later revealed to have been a spy for [[Czechoslovak Socialist Republic|Communist Czechoslovakia]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Former Rugby councillor sold secrets to Communist spies |url=https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/former-rugby-councillor-sold-secrets-3024175 |work=[[Coventry Telegraph]] |access-date=25 November 2022 |date=29 June 2012}}</ref>
*[[Katharine Merry]] (born 1974), former sprinter
*[[James Morrison (singer)|James Morrison]] (born 1984),<ref name="30celeb"/> singer-songwriter
*[[James Petiver]] (1665–1718), botanist
*[[Jason Pierce]] (born 1965),<ref name="30celeb"/> musician ([[Spiritualized]], Spacemen 3)
*[[Tim Pigott-Smith]] (1946–2017),<ref name="30celeb"/> actor
*[[Marjorie Pollard]] (1899–1982), field hockey and cricket player, film maker and writer, and the first woman to commentate on sport for the BBC
*[[Carole Quinton]] (born 1936) former track and field athlete
*[[Peter Rogers (businessman)|Peter Rogers]] (1947-2020), businessman
*[[Sam Ruddock]] (born 1990), track and field athlete
*[[Lawrence Sheriff]] (c. 1510–1567), grocer, philanthropist
*[[Barbara Stocking]] (born 1951), public servant
*[[Vikki Stone]], (born 1985),<ref>{{cite web |title=Rugby comedian Vikki Stone who found fame over Phillip Schofield song reveals latest act |url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/comedy-news/rugby-comedian-vikki-stone-who-8125262 |publisher=Birmingham Mail |access-date=22 April 2023 |date=23 November 2014}}</ref> comedienne
*[[Lauren Taylor (golfer)|Lauren Taylor]] (born 1994), golfer
*[[Chris Wakelin]] (born 1992), snooker player
*[[Peter Whalley (priest)|Peter Whalley]] (1722–1791), clergyman, academic and schoolmaster
*[[Mona Wilson]] (1872–1954), civil servant and author
*[[Arnold Wolfendale]] (1927–2020), Astronomer Royal
*[[Kimberley Woods]] (born 1995), Canoeist
*[[Albert Wratislaw]] (1822–1892), clergyman and scholar
{{Div col end}}
<gallery>
File:London_2012_-_Neil_Adams_crop.jpg|[[Neil Adams (judoka)|Neil Adams]], Judoka, multiple Olympic medal winner
File:Rupert_Brooke.jpg|[[Rupert Brooke]], poet
File:Lockyer-Norman.jpg|[[Norman Lockyer]], scientist, discovered helium
File:Richard_Lindon_(1816-1887).jpg|[[Richard Lindon]], leatherworker, inventor of rugby ball
File:Spir2.jpg|[[Jason Pierce]], musician, ([[Spacemen 3]], [[Spiritualized]])
File:Barbara_Stocking_-_World_Economic_Forum_Annual_Meeting_2012.jpg|[[Barbara Stocking]], former head of [[Oxfam GB]]
</gallery>
===Lived or lives in Rugby===
{{Div col|colwidth=35em}}
*[[Joseph Addison]] (1672-1719),<ref>{{cite web |title=Parishes: Bilton |url=http://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/warks/vol6/pp30-35 |publisher=British History Online}}</ref> writer and politician
*[[Matthew Arnold]] (1822–1888), poet
*[[Thomas Arnold]] (1795–1842), educator
*[[Emily Burns]] (born 1994), singer-songwriter
*[[Lewis Carroll]] (1832–1898), writer
*[[Will Carruthers]] (born 1967), musician
*[[Neville Chamberlain]] (1869–1940), politician
*[[Paul Dirac]] (1902-1984), physicist
*[[William Webb Ellis]] (1806–1872), clergyman, claimed inventor of rugby football
*[[Reginald Foort]] (1893–1980), organist
*[[Dennis Gabor]] (1900–1979), physicist
*[[William Gilbert (rugby)|William Gilbert]] (1799–1877) established [[Gilbert Rugby|Gilbert company]] sports equipment manufacturer.
*[[Thomas Hughes]] (1822–1896), writer
*[[Billy J. Kramer]] (born 1943),<ref>{{cite news |title=LOOKING BACK - March 12, 2020 edition By John Phillpott |url=https://www.rugbyadvertiser.co.uk/heritage-and-retro/retro/looking-back-march-12-2020-edition-2449637 |work=Rugby Advertiser |access-date=21 February 2021}}</ref> singer
*[[Unity Mitford]] (1914–1948),<ref>{{cite news|title=The truth behind Hitler's spurned lover|url=http://www.rugbyadvertiser.co.uk/news/the-truth-behind-hitler-s-spurned-lover-1-1480889|work=Rugby Advertiser|access-date=18 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171005000423/http://www.rugbyadvertiser.co.uk/news/the-truth-behind-hitler-s-spurned-lover-1-1480889|archive-date=5 October 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> socialite
*[[John Moultrie (poet)|John Moultrie]] (1799–1874), clergyman and poet
*[[Kevin Painter]] (born 1967), darts player
*[[Louise Porton]] (born 1996), double murderer who killed her own two children in Rugby in January 2018
*[[Peter Purves]] (born 1939),<ref name="30celeb"/> television presenter
*Yvonne Ruddock (1965-1981),<ref>{{cite web |title=Rugby family and friends reclaim the story of the New Cross fire - the 16th birthday party which ended in tragedy |url=https://www.warwickshireworld.com/news/people/rugby-family-and-friends-reclaim-the-story-of-the-new-cross-fire-the-16th-birthday-party-which-ended-in-tragedy-3965160 |publisher=Warwickshire World |access-date=23 January 2023 |date=23 December 2022}}</ref> victim of the [[New Cross house fire]] in London.
*[[Salman Rushdie]] (born 1947), novelist
*[[Judy Simpson]] (born 1960), athlete
*[[Lesley Souter]] (1917–1981) first female electrical engineering student at the [[University of Glasgow]]
*[[Franco Wanyama]] (1968–2019), boxer
*[[Frank Whittle]] (1907–1996), inventor
*[[Clem Wilson]] (1875–1944), cricketer
*[[Johnny Williams (boxer)|Johnny Williams]] (1926–2007), boxer, one time both the British and Empire heavyweight champion
*[[Richard Henry Wood]] (1820–1908),<ref>{{cite web |title=WOOD, Richard Henry |url=http://rugby-local-history.org/index.php/biographies?id=101 |publisher=Rugby Local History Research Group |access-date=3 March 2022}}</ref>  antiquary and philanthropist
{{Div col end}}
==Education==
{{See also|List of schools in Warwickshire}}
===Primary===
;State schools
{{Div col|colwidth=20em}}
*Abbots Farm Junior School
*Abbots Farm Infant School
*Bawnmore Infant School
*Bilton Infant School
*Bilton CE Junior School
*Boughton Leigh Infant
*Boughton Leigh Junior
*Brownsover Community Infant School
*Cawston Grange Primary School
*Clifton-upon-Dunsmore Primary School
*Eastlands Primary School
*English Martyrs Catholic Primary School
*Henry Hinde Infant School
*Henry Hinde Junior School
*Hillmorton Primary School
*Northlands Primary School
*Oakfield Primary Academy
*Paddox Primary School
*Riverside Academy
*Rokeby Infant School
*Rokeby Junior School
*Rugby Free Primary School
*St Andrew's Benn CE Primary School
*St Gabriels's CofE Academy
*St Maries RC Infant School
*St Maries RC Junior School
*St Matthews Bloxham CE Primary School
{{Div col end}}
;Independent
*[[Crescent School, Rugby|Crescent School]]
===Secondary===
;Comprehensive Schools
*[[Avon Valley School]]
*[[Bilton School]]
*[[Harris Church of England Academy]]
*[[Houlton School]]
*[[Rugby Free Secondary School]]
;Partially selective schools
*[[Ashlawn School]]
;Grammar schools
*[[Lawrence Sheriff School]]
*[[Rugby High School for Girls]]
;Independent schools
*[[Rugby School]]
*[[Bilton Grange]]
===Further education===
*[[Warwickshire College Group#Rugby College|Rugby College]] – which is a part of the [[Warwickshire College Group]].
*[[Percival Guildhouse]] - Independent adult education charity.
===Former schools and colleges===
*[[Bishop Wulstan School]]
*[[Hillbrow School]]
*[[William Temple (archbishop)#Legacy|William Temple College]] (1954–71): an Anglican theological college.
== Local media ==
===Radio===
The local radio stations are:
*[[BBC CWR]]: 104.0 FM
*[[Hits Radio Coventry & Warwickshire]] (formally known as Free Radio Coventry and Warwickshire): 97.0FM
*[[Capital Mid-Counties]]: 107.1 FM
===Written media===
The main local newspapers are:
*The ''[[Rugby Advertiser]]''
*The ''[[Rugby Observer]]''
*The ''Warwickshire Telegraph''; a localised sub-edition of the ''[[Coventry Telegraph]]''.
===Television news===
The Rugby area is covered on regional TV News by:
*[[Midlands Today|BBC Midlands Today]]
*[[ITV News Central]]
==Twin towns==
{{See also|List of twin towns and sister cities in the United Kingdom}}
Rugby is [[Town twinning|twinned]] with:<ref name="Rughistim"/>
* [[Évreux]], France (since 1959)
* [[Rüsselsheim]], Germany (since 1977)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://doczz.com.br/doc/768048/statistischer-bericht-2013 | title=Statistischer Bericht 2013 }}</ref>
==See also==
*[[Rugby, North Dakota]]
*[[Rugby, Tennessee]]
*[[Rugby, New South Wales |Rugby, New South Wales, Australia]]
==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
==Further reading==
{{refbegin}}
*{{cite book
|title = Rugby, Aspects of the Past
|publisher =  Rugby Local History Group
}}
*{{cite book
|last = Timmins
|first = E.&nbsp;W.
|year = 1990
|title = Rugby: A Pictorial History
|isbn = 0-85033-700-3
}}
*{{cite book
|last = Elliot
|first = Peter&nbsp;H.
|year = 1985
|title = Rugby's Railway Heritage
|isbn = 0-907917-06-2
}}
*{{cite book
|last1 = Rawlins
|first1 = Eddy
|last2 = Osborne
|first2 = Andy
|year = 1988
|title = Rugby Growth Of A Town
|isbn = 0-907917-06-2
}}
{{refend}}
==External links==
{{Sister project links|wikt=no|commons=Category:Rugby, Warwickshire|b=no|n=no|q=no|s=no|v=no|voy=Rugby (England)|species=no|d=Q623765}}
*[http://www.rugby.gov.uk/ Rugby Borough Council]
{{Warwickshire}}
{{Authority control}}
[[Category:Rugby, Warwickshire| ]]
[[Category:Towns in Warwickshire]]
[[Category:Railway towns in England]]
[[Category:Market towns in Warwickshire]]
[[Category:Unparished areas in Warwickshire]]
[[Category:Former civil parishes in Warwickshire]]
[[Category:Borough of Rugby]]