Kenilworth may be a small town but we think it’s pretty special. With history, culture and a fantastic community feel, we love this market town.
Located in the heart of Warwickshire, Kenilworth is steeped in history and is mentioned in the 1086 Domesday Book by its old English name Chinewrde.
One of its biggest draws is its Castle, or what remains of it, and it has had rather an interesting history.
During the Middle Ages, Kenilworth Castle was under siege as part of the Second Barons’ War. It is thought to be the longest siege in Medieval English history! During the Wars of the Roses in the 15th century, Kenilworth Castle served as an important Lancastrian base in the Midlands, it was occupied by Parliamentarians in the English Civil War and Elizabeth I visited Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester at Kenilworth Castle several times, the last being in 1575.
Although the Castle is now no longer intact, we love that English Heritage looks after it and visitors can still enjoy visiting it.
Near the Castle is a group of thatched cottages called Little Virginia. We love the local legend that they were so called because the first potatoes brought to England by Sir Walter Raleigh were planted and grown here in the 16th century.
Other attractions in Kenilworth include the remnants of Kenilworth Abbey, which can be seen at Abbey Fields park, as well as the town’s Clock Tower and Kenilworth windmill, built in 1778. It was converted into a water tower in 1884 and continued to be the town’s main water supply until 1939. It is still a local landmark but is now a private home.
We also love that Kenilworth is a great place to live whatever your age. It boasts some fantastic schools, many performing far better than the national average and receiving exceptional Ofsted ratings, but it is also safe, peaceful and has plenty of things for people to do including some great parks to explore.
Industry and business have changed over the years but one fact we love is that in the early 19th century Kenilworth was known for its horn comb making industry.
Nowadays it is the high street which is the big draw with both independent and national high street shops and businesses not forgetting the wonderful weekly market. It boasts a Michelin star restaurant in The Cross and in the 1980s the town’s name was used by one of the first generation of computer retailers, a company called Kenilworth Computers based near the Clock Tower.
As well as all this, Kenilworth boasts a theatre, a successful Arts Festival and a variety of sports clubs.
We think all this adds up to make Kenilworth a really great place!
