Nick Turpin's Rugby Reconnaissance

Further Stagecoach shenanigans are in the offing as our noble highwayman Nick Turpin and his trusty lieutenant WME once more venture into the wilds of Warwickshire. What photographic plunder awaits as they sally forth to Rugby and Dunchurch?

- Whittle Statue -

Our ripping yarn begins in Coventry where our duo make the acquaintance of Sir Frank Whittle, the inventor of the jet engine, whose statue stands beneath the arches outside the Transport Museum. There are a variety of Stagecoaches we could choose to raid but its the Rugby-bound 86 that requires our outlaw's outlook. The ride is duly memorable, encountering the speedway stadium at Brandon then rampaging through Wolston and Long Lawford.

- The Alexandra Arms -

Thirsty highwaymen need refreshment so Nick Turpin's research comes in extremely handy to locate taverns either side of Albert Square. Phil Mitchell and Ian Beale might be conspicuously absent but the Seven Stars and the Alexandra Arms are both worthy of mention especially if there's an Atomic Bomb ale to be savoured.

- Sent to the Stocks! -

The somewhat damp weather cannot quell the spirit of adventure and so our heroes sally on forth to Dunchurch, the 63 Stagecoach getting some attention along the way. Dunchurch is a place steeped in history with the village green being a classic picture postcard location (well it would have been if the sun was out!) Unfortunately for Nick Turpin his past misdemeanours appear to have caught up with him and he is banished to the stocks, which was probably the best way of ensuring he didn't get up to any mischief with the nearby maypole.

- Guy Fawkes House -

Other Dunchurch landmarks include a thatched bus shelter and St Peter's Church, while the Dun Cow and Green Man coaching inns have refreshed many a weary traveller over the years. It would appear that Nick Turpin is not the only notorious character to have been in the vicinity for one local dwelling is named Guy Fawkes House, reflecting the building's connections to conspirators during the Gunpowder Plot. 

- William Webb Ellis -

From damp Dunchurch we make a leisurely return to Rugby, dismounting off the 63 once more so as to admire the magnificent features of Rugby School. It was here in 1823 that William Webb Ellis famously picked up a ball and ran with it in hand, thus bringing the game of rugby into existence. There won't be any scrummaging from us today but we do indulge in some recreational rivalry by throwing some darts in the Raglan Arms.

- The Merchants Inn -

Alongside Rugby's sporting pedigree there is also more beer bounty to be considered, hence we cannot contemplate commandeering our Coventry carriage until we have sampled the Victoria (an Atomic Brewery taphouse on Lower Hillmorton Road) or the Merchants Inn. The latter is a veritable shrine to all things ale, bedecked with breweriana and a place Nick Turpin holds in very high regard (although an Essex Beast was on hand by way of additional persuasion!) The final act of this fleeting fable features that homeward 86 connection and another story of Stagecoach spoils is complete.