Today Atherstone is a thriving town whose economy has expanded rapidly since the 90's with several major companies such as TNT, Aldi, BHS and 3M setting up head offices and national distribution centres. The town is ideally situated for easy access to all major Midlands towns and cities.
The town itself is very picturesque and centred around the market square there are a good range of shops. Also there are some superb examples of architecture as well as very pleasant walks alongside the Coventry Canal in the nearby countryside.
Atherstone has a long important history dating back to Roman times. An important Roman settlement existed at Mancetter near the site of modern day Atherstone and the Roman road - the Watling Street (the A5) also ran through the town.
The ancient St. Mary's Church, situated at the top of the market square dates from the early 12th century when the monks of Bec made a donation of 12 acres to a house of hermits, later refered to as "Austin Friars".
By the late Tudor periods Atherstone had become a thriving centre for
leatherworking, clothmaking, metalworking and ale brewing.
Atherstone was once an important hatting town. The industry began in the 17th century, and at its height there were seven firms employing over 3000 people. The trade ended completely in 1998.
An annual tradition in Atherstone is the Shrove Tuesday Football game which celebrated its 800th anniversary in 1999.
The game is a free-for-all played along the old Roman Road. The match starts at 3pm and continues until 5pm, at which point the person with the ball is declared the winner. There are no teams and no goals. The ball used is specially made each year and the game attracts a large crowd every year.
