Atherstone was established as a market town during the late 11th Century,  but it wasn't until the 16th Century that it became famous for its thriving  trade of cloth, wool, and felt, which then became the basis for the 19th Century  hat trade. A felt hat producing town for 300 years, Atherstone prospered at a  time when it was fashionable for men to wear hats. As fashion became more casual  after the Second World War, trade declined, with the closure of the last factory  in 1999.

As well as the hatting industry, many residents of Atherstone  worked in the local coal mines.

* It is 22 miles from Birmingham and  16 miles from Coventry.
* The M6, M42 and A5(T) are all within easy distance  of Atherstone.
* Birmingham International Airport lies within 15 minutes  drive of the town. East Midlands and Coventry Airports are also within easy  reach.

Around 8,600 people live in Atherstone.

TNT UK  has its headquarters in Atherstone.

There are around 150 traders in the town centre who offer a wide  range of goods and services for local people and visitors.  Somerfield and the  Co-op are the main supermarkets.

For more information on Atherstone  visit:website