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Dunchurch is closely linked with the 1605 Gunpowder Plot, as it was the location of the inn where the conspirators waited for news of Guy Fawkes's success at blowing up the Houses of Parliament. The Red Lion still survives today, although the building is now a private residence known as Guy Fawkes House.
Designated a conservation area, many of the buildings date back to the 15th century and have traditional thatched roofs. The village was an important staging post on the coaching roads between London and Holyhead (now the A45 road) and Oxford and Leicester (now the A426 road).
At one point it was said that nearly every building within the village was either a coaching inn or hotel - accommodating the 40 stagecoaches per day stopping at Dunchurch. Many of these old inns can still be seen today.
One such inn is the 18th century Dun Cow Inn which had stabling for 40 pairs of horses. The Dunn Cow comes from medieval legend and according to the tale it was a dragon-like monster that terrorised the local villages until it met it's demise at the hands of the legendary Guy of Warwick.
2 miles West of Dunchurch is Draycote Water. The reservoir is managed by Severn Trent to supply Rugby with water, and covers more than 600 acres with a capacity of 5,000 million gallons. Draycote Water is excellent for birdspotting, and is one of the best locations in the Midlands for winter wildfowl and gulls, and for migrating birds on spring and autumn passage. Boating, yachting, all types of watersports as well as other activities such as cycling around the lake can also be done here, so there is no shortage of things to do.
Nearby towns and villages to Dunchurch include Thurlaston, Kites Hardwick, Cawston, Wolfston Grange, Bourton on Dunsmore, Grandborough, and Barby.
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'A Glimpse into the Past: A Brief History of the Village of Dunchurch'
This new book about the interesting and historic Warwickshire village of Dunchurch was officially launched at Dunchurch Library on 8th September 2006 and has been very well received.
The book is the result of two successful History Days held by Dunchurch & Thurlaston W.I. in July 2005, when a number of members, dressed according to the aspect they depicted, told the story of the village's history and led tours around the village and St. Peter's church. Compiled by a member of the W.I. History Group, the book contains many photographs and illustrations and is available from outlets in Dunchurch or by post (£3 plus 45p P&P) from: Freda Bennett, 104, Tennyson Avenue, RUGBY, Warwickshire, CV22 6JF. Proceeds are in aid of W.I. funds.
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Useful Links to Information on Dunchurch and organisations within Dunchurch.
Pictures of Dunchurch
www.dunchurch.org.uk
www.draycotewater.co.uk
Weather forecast for Dunchurch nr Rugby
Google Map of Dunchurch
Local buses serving Dunchurch
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