Untold stories and unsung heroes are the theme of celebrations of English Tourism Week in the historic town of Warwick this week.

The town, which sits in the heart of the country just a stone's throw from Stratford-upon-Avon, is best known for its world-famous castle yet boasts a rich past - much of which is unknown despite being scattered with stories and historic significance.

The tales, including the background behind a network of underground tunnels and the story of the town's Medieval Court Leet, as well as often-forgotten figures such as boxer Dick Turpin and car designer Donald Healey, are all being shared by Warwick Town Council to remind people of the town's huge draw for tourists.

The campaign coincides with English Tourism Week, which takes place from March 13 to 22, and aims to shine a spotlight on the outstanding quality and exceptional value that English tourism brings to visitors and communities alike. Led by VisitEngland, the week kickstarts the spring/summer season and raises awareness of the quality and variety of tourism available in England.

During the course of English Tourism Week, Warwick Town Council and Warwick Visitor Centre are sharing daily posts via their social media channels that celebrate the stories, attractions and Blue Plaques that tell the rich history of the town as a reminder of how much it has to offer both to locals, but to people further afield in the Midlands and beyond.

The campaign is part of ongoing efforts by the town council to encourage people to explore Warwick beyond its castle, taking in the history that lies within its ancient walls. Last year those efforts included the launch of a Treasure Map Trail to add to an already impressive offering of free resources helping to guide people around the town. In the coming weeks an Easter trail will be added to the list, which will run from 30th March to 10th April, giving families the chance to hunt for knitted bubbies made by The Crafting Tree Group in Chase Meadow.

Warwick Town Centre Manager Kelly Scott said: "Warwick is, of course, famous for its castle. At more than 1,000 years old, it is the best-preserved fortress in England and one of the country's most iconic historic attractions. But there is so much more to discover beyond the castle walls.

"From a fantastic range of independent shops and a thriving food and drink scene, to a calendar packed with markets, festivals and community events throughout the year, Warwick offers visitors something new to enjoy in every season. Add in a town centre that couldn't be more picturesque if it tried, and it's easy to see why Warwick continues to attract visitors from across the UK and around the world.

"Warwick may be a small county town, but it offers something truly special - world-class heritage, independent enterprise, strong community values and a year-round calendar. Don't wait, arrange your visit now and come and find out more about these stories yourself."

For those who might not be convinced, here are 9 stories and historic figures from Warwick that you might not know about:

1. Warwick's hidden tunnels

Beneath the streets of Warwick lies a fascinating and mysterious network known as the Warwick Tunnels. These tunnels, some dating back to medieval times, were originally created for practical purposes such as access to rivers, cellars, and storage, but over time they became shrouded in local legend and intrigue. Stories abound of secret passages linking Warwick Castle to key buildings in the town, hidden escape routes, and tunnels used during times of conflict. While many of these tales are partly legend, the tunnels remain an important part of Warwick's rich heritage and sense of mystery.

2. Dick Turpin

Lionel "Dick" Turpin was an English middleweight boxer. He was a British and Commonwealth middleweight champion, reputedly the first black fighter to win a British boxing title. Dick was born in 1920 in Warwick and after serving in World War II was the country's number one middleweight boxer in 1947.

3. The Great Fire of Warwick

On 5 September 1694, a fire broke out in a house in High Street and quickly spread through the tightly packed timber-framed buildings. Within just a few hours, much of the town centre was destroyed. Around 250 houses, as well as important buildings including Warwick Castle gatehouse and St Mary's Church, were badly damaged or lost. However, the disaster also led to the rebuilding of Warwick. Many of the elegant Georgian buildings seen in the town centre today were constructed after the fire, giving Warwick its distinctive character. The Great Fire remains a defining moment in Warwick's history and shaped the town as we know it today.

4. Guy of Warwick

Guy of Warwick is one of the most famous legendary figures associated with the town of Warwick. According to medieval legend, Guy was a humble but brave knight who fell in love with Felice, the

daughter of the Earl of Warwick. To prove himself worthy, Guy set out on a series of heroic adventures across Europe and the Holy Land, defeating giants, dragons and other foes including the Dun Cow, a monstrous creature that terrorised the local countryside.

Guy eventually returned to Warwick and married Felice. Later in life, he is said to have lived as a hermit in a cave overlooking the River Avon, now known as Guy's Cliffe, just outside the town. Although Guy of Warwick is a legendary figure rather than a historically proven one, his story became hugely popular in the Middle Ages and helped place Warwick firmly within England's storytelling tradition of heroic knights and local folklore.

5. Warwick Court Leet

Originally established in the Middle Ages, Warwick Court Leet was responsible for maintaining law, order, and local governance within Warwick, and is one of the oldest civic institutions in the town, with roots stretching back over 800 years. Today, it continues as a ceremonial body, upholding centuries-old traditions and celebrating Warwick's rich civic history. The Court Leet is best known for its annual ceremonies, where officials dressed in historic robes gather to appoint officers, inspect the town's property boundaries, and mark community achievements.

6. Donald Healey

Some might not know it, but Warwick has strong links to car designer and rally driver Donald Healey, whose business was founded in 1945. Healey's new enterprise focused on producing high-quality, high-performance cars which were inevitably expensive. In 1963 they moved into the former Warwick Cinema on this site where a retirement complex now exists.

7. The Warwick Pageant

Over a century ago, in 1906, Warwick came alive with the spectacular Warwick Pageant, a grand celebration of the town's rich history and heritage. The pageant brought together hundreds of residents and visitors, dressed in elaborate period costumes representing different eras of Warwick's past. From medieval knights to Georgian citizens, the streets of Warwick became a living history tableau, celebrating the town's heritage and community spirit.

The 1906 Pageant was more than just a parade – it was a statement of civic pride and local identity, showcasing Warwick as a town proud of its history and culture, and inspired a series of historic pageants across England. Events like this helped establish Warwick's reputation for festivals, pageants, and community celebrations that continue to draw visitors to the town today.

8. Arthur Measures

At the end of Mill Street, famous for its 15th and 16th century buildings is where you will find the Mill Garden, renowned for the quality of its planting and breathtaking position on the banks of the River Avon, lying beneath the walls of Warwick Castle. A Blue Plaque awarded to Arthur Measures for his inspired leadership of the syndicate that purchased Mill Street from the Earl of Warwick in 1959 marks this site.

9. Warwick's Town Crier

The role of the Town Crier in Warwick dates back hundreds of years, when criers were the official voice of the town. Before newspapers, radio or the internet, the Town Crier would walk through the streets ringing a bell to gather attention before announcing important news, local by-laws, market days and royal proclamations. Today, the Warwick Town Crier continues this proud tradition at civic ceremonies, community events and special occasions, helping to celebrate the town's heritage while keeping alive one of Britain's most colourful historic roles.

To find out more about Warwick's rich history, visit the Visitor Information Centre website here and to see more stories and historic figures from the town, follow its social media channels at warwick.town.council or warwick_visitor_centre.