Hatting

The canal and the railway had a considerable effect on the development of Atherstone in the 19th century. By 1891 the population had increased to 4,991. The increase was due to a large extent to the development of the hatting industry. Although it was still largely a cottage industry with many men and women working from home, factories were beginning to be built in the town.

The following extract and photographs have been taken from the book 'Atherstone Hatting 100 years reminiscence' by Christine Jenking. For further details about the book telephone 01827 715096.

"Hatting had been recorded in Atherstone from the 17th Century. In those days hat making was very much a cottage industry and the process of making felt hats were carried out in the yards behind buildings on Atherstone's Long Street. The 'Master Hatter' lived at the top of the yard and the men he employed lived and worked in dwellings behind the 'Masters' house. As trade developed, so did the houses and workshops to accommodate a growing labour force. This in turn created the many yards that were built in Atherstone".

At one time in Atherstone there were several hat factories, the more dominant being Vero & Everitts factory situated in Station Street, Wilson & Staffords on the Coleshill Road, Denham & Hargraves in Long Street and North Street and Hattons hat factory was and still is situated in The Brown Bear Yard off Long Street.

Market Place

In the mid-13th century the Abbot marked out thirteen and a half burgage tenements around the Market Place and along Watling Street, in the hope of attracting free tenants who would bring prosperity to the town. By the end of the century the number of burgages had risen to thirty-six. Charters were granted by the King for twice-weekly markets, which still continue today.

Market Place, once known as Butchers Row is where animals were once slaughtered and sold.

Merevale Hall

Merevale Hall overlooks the town of Atherstone. Built in 1840, an imposing hall with embattled towers and walls. The diaries and books of Sir William Dugdale, whose tomb can be found in North Warwickshire at St Cuthbert's Church, Shustoke is one of the halls treasures.

In the 19th century, through the growth of the hatting, the population of Atherstone rose dramatically. The town was landlocked on the south by the estate of the Dugdales, of Merevale Hall, Lords of the Manor, and on the north side by the Bracebridges' estate.

The only areas available for building were the burgage plots, which were developed with rows of cramped and unhealthy cottages, known locally as "Yards". No yards remain today but Phoenix Yard gives an idea of what they were like. The building over the archway, the cottages and workshops on either side are a reminder of the shape of the former yards, the last of which was condemned in the 1960's.

After the Norman Conquest, Robert, Earl Ferrers, founded an abbey at Merevale, little now remains of the Abbey except its refectory walls and a small church on the site of the gatehouse. Nearby, Merevale Church contains a Johannes Snetzler organ, a famous Baroque instrument that is now restored. It is said to have been played by Handel whilst he was staying in Leicestershire.

St. Mary's Church

St Mary's Church was founded in 1365 as a chapel-of-ease, but did not become a parish church until 1835, when Atherstone separated from Mancetter and became a parish in its own right. In 1782 the tower was rebuilt in the 'modern Gothic' style. The chancel, built in 1863 was used as the premises of the Queen Elizabeth Grammar School for over 200 years.

It was in St Mary's church that Henry Tudor, then Earl of Richmond, received communion before the Battle of Bosworth in 1485. To the rear of the building is the decorative detail of the 12th century Baddesley Porch, brought from Baddesley Ensor church when it was demolished in 1842, to provide a private entrance for the Bracebridge family from Atherstone Hall (demolished in the 1960's).

Atherstone Ball Game

The Atherstone Ball Game has a long history and seems to have its roots in local village rivalry although the precise origins of the game are not known.

Atherstone is one of the few places where this medieval custom of Shrove-tide "football" still survives. The game is played through the main Long Street. A local prominent character is invited to start the game. Due to a committee established in 1974 the game has been saved from degenerating to a meaningless brawl, teams work together and the declared winner is the person who manages to hold onto the ball when the game finishes at 5 o'clock.

Atherstone Grammar School

William Deveruex, Thomas Fulner and Amyas Hill founded Atherstone Grammar School in 1573. Originally, the pupils, all boys were taught in the chancel of Atherstone Chapel. Michael Drayton, the poet was probably one of the earliest pupils. He died in 1631 and is buried in Poet's Corner, Westminster Abbey, near Chaucer and Spenser. In 1635 Obadiah Grew became master. During the Commonwealth period, as a supporter of Cromwell, he was assistant to the Commissioners responsible for ejecting 'scandalous ministers and schoolmasters'. On the right of the photograph, the window of the assembly hall can be seen. Designed by local architect, Jennings, it was built in the Gothic style to emulate the great school and college buildings of the period.