Begun as a Saxon farmstead (tun) by water (ea) known as Etone

In the middle of the 12th Century the lord of the manor gave the village to a French Abbey. They built a priory for nuns hence the current name Nun-ea-ton.
In the 12th Century the village grew into a town and was granted rights by the crown to hold a weekly market.

The population in the Middle ages was about 1,000 at most. This represented an up and coming town.

In 1539 Henry VIII closed the Nunnery.
First Grammar School in 1552.

Coal mining began in the 14th century but it in fact boomed in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Late 17th century silk weaving industry mostly from looms in their own homes.
First census of 1801 population of 5,000 by end of century population of 25,000.
The railway arrived in 1847 textiles and engineering industries grew up during this century. Silk and cotton factories opened hats were made and the coal mining industry prospered.

Brick and tile making also grew up in the 19th century and there was a brewing industry.
The Council started in 1893 electricity arrived in 1897 and the first public library opened in 1899.

1907 Nuneaton was incorporated and given its first mayor.
Museum and Art Gallery opened in 1917
Council House opened in 1934
First council houses during 1920’s and 1930’s.
131 people killed during blitz 1941-42.
1948 hospital named after George Eliot.
Current population 80,000 approx

With the best of intention all of the above information is true, correct and given in good faith, however, we cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions contained in the above.

Equally we recommend that should you need or want to find out more you should conduct more detailed independant research.