Places of Interest
In and around Kenilworth
Abbey Fields | Old High Street | Kenilworth Castle | Kenilworth War Memorial | Little Virginia | Millennium Walks | Nature Reserves | Stoneleigh Abbey | Stoneleigh Park | St Nicholas’ Church | The Clock Tower | The Old School House |
Abbey Fields, embracing the Abbey Ruins, Gatehouse & ‘Barn’
Close to the Parish Church of St Nicholas lie the ruins of the Abbey of St Mary the Virgin. A history of the Priory is available online here >>
There is also a complete history of the Abbey itself contained within the British History online website.
http://www.kenilworthweb.co.uk/menu/places-of-interest/kenilworth-st-nicholas-church
Beating of the Bounds
The perambulation, or beating the bounds, was an ancient custom common to a number of European countries, but had generally faded away by the end of the 19th century. In England at Rogation tide, often on Holy Thursday or Ascension Day, the local vicar lead his parishioners round the bounds of the parish.
Kenilworth Castle
Immortalised and romanticised by Sir Walter Scott in his early 19th century novel, Kenilworth is probably one of the finest ruined castles to be seen in Britain today.
High Street
Bridge Street and High Street, form the east and north sides of Abbey Fields. Numerous examples of fine listed buildings can be found here all in excellent condition.
Little Virginia
The little hamlet of Little Virginia originally consisted of fifteen cottages which date from the 17th Century.
Millennium Walks
The high banks and massive ditch that encircle todays car-park protected the Tiltyard and its sluice-gates. Why do you think this was so important for the Castle’s defence? Soldiers used this arena to practise fighting in mock battles called ‘melees’.
Nature Reserves
There are four local nature reserves in Kenilworth. All are managed through a partnership agreement between Warwickshire Wildlife Trust and Warwick District Council
Stoneleigh Abbey
Stoneleigh Abbey stands beside the River Avon, and buildings have been inhabited on this site for 830 years, since 1154 when King Henry II granted the lands to a community of Cistercian monks. Click for details of Tours >>
Stoneleigh Park
Stoneleigh Park is home to the Royal and Town and Country Shows, each held annually, and which draw thousands of visitors from across the Country.
St Nicholas’ Church
St Nicholas’ Church is situated in High Street, and looks out over Abbey Fields. The exact date of its founding isn’t known, but by 1291 it was in the patronage of the Priory of Kenilworth.
The Clock Tower
The clock stands at the head of Warwick Road by Abbey End, and was presented to Kenilworth in 1906 by G.M. Turner as a memorial to his late wife. The inscription for the plaque at Abbey End reads “Near this spot stood The Globe Hotel, destroyed by enemy action on the night of 21 November 1940, killing 28 people. Their known names are recorded on a table in the cemetery chapel”
The Old School House
The benefactor was Dr Edwards, a surgeon, who died in 1723. He also bequeathed amounts to charities for the education of boys in other villages
