Last Court House Tours of the Year

The final Court House Tours of the 2016 season took place on Sunday 9th October, the last day of the Warwick Words History Festival.

And for some taking part there was the bonus of being able to watch the Fusiliers Association parade as it passed the building.

During the day nearly 60 visitors attended a total of 4 tours – our absolute maximum. Our apologies to a small group who appeared after we had started the 11am tours and had to be turned away. For safety reasons we have to restrict numbers and we’ve always advertised the tours as first come first served.

There were some very nice comments from visitors who enjoyed hearing about the Saxon origins of Warwick, the history of the buildings on this site at the central crossroads, the Great Fire of 1694, the construction of the present stone Court House and its recent refurbishment.

Many had been unaware of the Regency ballroom on the first floor and were impressed with it as a potential venue for dinners or private functions.

As the 2pm tours began, the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers started their annual Veterans Parade down Church Street.

This year’s event was particularly special as the colours of the Second Battalion were being paraded for the last time before being laid up in St. Mary’s Church.

The Second was the most closely associated with Warwick  as it was the direct successor to the famous Royal Warwickshire Regiment dating back to the early 1700s. It was disbanded in 2014 as part of cost cutting by the British Army.

Many former members turned up to take the salute and attend the special service in St. Mary’s.

Unlocking Warwick will hope to continue offering free Court House Tours next year. If you think you could be a volunteer tour guide, email info@unlockingwarwick.org