Yet another market town in the United Kingdom, Rugby is part of jurisdiction of the county of Warwickshire. Like any city within the UK, the place has had a rich history. For one, it is distinct for being the origin of the game rugby football, which is now played in different parts of the world. It is in the town where the game was born, thus taking the town's name for itself.
Rugby is more than just football, however. In here, you can find several historical artifacts that date back to several centuries.
For example, St. Andrew's Church is a medieval-age religious sanctuary. It has been around since the tenth century. The current structure is a result of expansions and reconstructions using the designs made by William Butterfield.
The church is notable for having retained much of its medieval structure, including a tower that resembles the turret of age-old castles. The tower is said to have been built for defense during the thirteenth century by King Henry III.
Since rugby football is as much a part of history of the area, the town has established a Rugby Football Museum in its centre. Formerly the shop of a shoe and boot maker James Gilbert, who also created the first rugby ball, the Rugby Football Museum lets visitors take a look into the sport for which the town is remembered for.
Genuine brass hand pumps made by Richard Lindon are on exhibit in the museum, among others. One can also purchase traditional hand-made rugby balls as souvenirs.
To further your history education about Rugby, you should visit the Rugby School Museum as well. It is located right near the Rugby Football Museum. In here, you can find audio-visual displays and presentations that walk you through the long history of the town, including the history of the school itself.
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