Jubilee Gardens: Rugby’s Literary Heritage

Staying in the Midlands have a number of pros and cons. It’s been months since I last went on a beach trip, but I am not complaining. Not at all.

My stay in Rugby enlightened me to walk around especially on a sunny day. I can say that I’m lucky because according to the locals, I arrived at the right time and this year’s summer season is much more better compared to the previous years. Talk about right timing!

Jubilee Gardens - Rugby

One of the nearby parks I frequently visit is the Jubilee Gardens. I often spot a number of senior citizens walking at chatting with their friends while seated on the bench and eating their takeaway snacks. Sometimes, you’d see a number of couples holding hands while walking. There are some soloist who are enjoying reading a book outdoors.

Jubilee Gardens - Rugby

The Jubilee Gardens became accessible to the public sometime in 1977 in order to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II on the site of the former Town Baths. It was also a former location of a British Fort.

Jubilee Gardens - Rugby
Rupert Brooke

The most prominent statue in Jubilee Gardens is the one created for the memory of Rupert Brooke, who is said to be the most famous literary icon born in Rugby. Looking at his statue will give you an idea how good-looking he was during his prime.

Jubilee Gardens - Rugby

Jubilee Gardens - Rugby

He passed away at the young age of 27, but his collection of poems and short stories about the World War I is still being read up to this day. Add the fact that he is a good-looking man with a very colorful life story.

Jubilee Gardens - Rugby

Rugby’s well-renowned literary figures are being recognized via a unique stone-carved seating produced by artist Michael Scheuermann. Ready to read a story?

Jubilee Gardens - Rugby
Jubilee Gardens - Rugby

The writers, whose named and works are carved in the sofa-like sculpture includeRupert Brooke, Lewis Carroll, Matthew Arnold, Gillian Cross, Philip Toynbee, Arthur Ransome, Richard Grant (AKA Dreadlock Alien), Thomas Hughes, John Gillespie Magee, Anthony Horowitz, Isabel Wolff, Andrew Norman Wilson, Percy Wyndham Lewis, Denys Watkins Pitchford (BB), Salman Rushdie and Arthur Hugh Clough. Most of these writers studied in the famous Rugby School.

Jubilee Gardens - Rugby

Reading a book written by any of these writers while at Jubilee Gardens will make the experience a bit more special. Time to start a new chapter!

6 Comments

  1. Arianwen said:

    Another famous person to die at the age of 27! Crazy!

    September 6, 2013
    Reply
    • Senyorita said:

      I know! Such a shame, really. Add the fact that he is a good-looking guy too! I think his brother also died early because of the war 🙁

      September 6, 2013
      Reply
  2. Hogga said:

    that couch does not look comfy

    September 11, 2013
    Reply
  3. soloflightEd said:

    ngak! Just turned 27! *knocking on wood*

    I also miss the beaches sa Pinas! it’s going to be winter time here in Dubai soon.

    September 13, 2013
    Reply
  4. Nisha said:

    I loved the stone-carved couch & the books. Looks like it’s promoting leisurely reading. 🙂
    It’s sad that he died so young.

    September 26, 2013
    Reply

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