Venue
The Annual Meeting of the ESR spectroscopy; RSC interest group will take place at the University of Warwick 9-11 April 2024.
All conference presentations will take place in an Auditorium, a large well equipped lecture theatre on campus.
Registration, refreshments, lunches, the poster and supplier exhibition will take place nearby.
Warwick History
Warwick is a historic town located in the West Midlands region of England, approximately 11 km southwest of Coventry. Its history dates back to the 6th century when it was founded by the Anglo-Saxons. The town’s name is derived from the Old English words “wering” meaning weir and “wic” meaning settlement or trading place. Warwick has a rich and varied history, with evidence of Roman and Anglo-Saxon settlements found in the area.
In the Middle Ages, Warwick grew in importance as a strategic location due to its proximity to the River Avon and its position on a major trade route. The town was granted a royal charter by King Henry II in 1153, allowing it to hold its own market and establish a castle. The castle, which was built by William the Conqueror, became the residence of the Earls of Warwick and played an important role in many historical events, including the Wars of the Roses.
During the 17th and 18th centuries, Warwick continued to prosper as a centre of the wool trade and also became known for its hat-making industry. The town played a role in the English Civil War, with the castle being held by both Royalist and Parliamentary forces at different times.
In the 19th century, Warwick underwent significant changes with the arrival of the railway, which led to the development of new industries and the growth of the town’s population. Today, Warwick is a popular tourist destination, known for its historic buildings, including the castle, St Mary’s Church and the Lord Leycester Hospital. The town also has a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous festivals and events taking place throughout the year.
Activities in Warwick
Explore Warwick Castle: The castle is a must-visit attraction in Warwick, offering a glimpse into the town’s medieval history. You can take a guided tour, attend one of the many events held throughout the year, or even try your hand at archery.
Take a stroll in St Nicholas Park: This park is located on the banks of the River Avon and offers plenty of green space for picnics, as well as a mini-golf course and a splash park for kids. There’s also a cafe on site.
Go on a brewery tour: Purity Brewing Company is located just a short drive from Warwick and offers guided tours of their brewery, as well as beer tastings.
Visit the Market Hall Museum: This museum is located in Warwick’s town centre and features exhibits on the town’s history and heritage, including its role in the wool trade.
Take a canal boat ride: The Grand Union Canal runs through Warwick and offers scenic views of the town and the surrounding countryside. You can hire a narrowboat and take a leisurely ride along the canal, stopping off at local pubs and restaurants along the way.
Enjoy live music at The Copper Rooms: This music venue is located on the campus of the University of Warwick and hosts a variety of live music acts throughout the year.
Go shopping: Warwick’s town centre is home to a variety of independent shops and boutiques, as well as high street stores. You can spend an afternoon browsing the shops and picking up some unique souvenirs.
For those wishing to explore further from the city there is also several scenic walks suggested.
Fun Facts
Warwick has a ghost named “Old Jeff”: This ghost is said to haunt Warwick Castle and is believed to be the spirit of a former caretaker who died in the castle’s dungeons.
Warwick was the birthplace of the 18th-century philosopher, Francis Hutcheson: Hutcheson is credited with coining the term “the greatest happiness of the greatest number,” which became a key idea in the development of utilitarianism.
Warwick was the site of one of the first recorded UFO sightings in the UK: In November 1944, an RAF pilot reported seeing a strange object in the sky over Warwick. The incident was investigated by the Ministry of Defence but was never explained.
Warwick has a tradition of “Pancake Races”: Every Shrove Tuesday, a race is held through the streets of Warwick where participants must flip pancakes as they run.
Warwick was the location of a major battle during the English Civil War: In 1642, the Battle of Edgehill was fought just outside Warwick between the Royalist and Parliamentary forces. The battle was inconclusive but was significant in that it marked the start of the English Civil War.