Sir Frank Whittle Statue in Rugby, Warwickshire

A nation’s ability to fight a modern war is as good as its technological ability. – Sir Frank Whittle

 

 

Trees at Chestnut Fields
Clean and Green Chestnut Fields

I love walking around Rugby. While most residents would rather stay at home or go to pubs on winter season, you will find most of them strolling around particularly in the public parks.

Rugby players and fans would visit this side of Shakespeare County to know more about the much-loved sport, but did you know that Rugby has a lot of interesting facts to offer as far as history is concerned.

Sir Frank Whittle Statue in Rugby, Warwickshire
Sir Frank Whittle Statue in Rugby, Warwickshire

A large bronze statue caught my attention when I was walking along Chestnut Fields. I later found out that it is a tribute to Sir Frank Whittle, the father/inventor of the jet engine. The details of the sculpture is quite fascinating. It was installed in autumn 2005 and Sir Frank Whittle’s son attended the unveiling ceremony.

Sir Frank Whittle - Rugby Statue

Sir Frank Whittle: Father of Jet Engine Historical Facts
Sir Frank Whittle: Father of Jet Engine Historical Facts

Sir Frank Whittle was born and raised in Coventry, Warwickshire. Employed in a company called Power Jets Limited, Whittle was part of the design team that rented an office space at Brownsover Hall, Rugby. Experiments were conducted continiously at British Thomson-Houston in Rugby and the first jet engine was tested on the 12th of April, 1937. Boom, the first jet engine based on Whittle’s design was a success!

Sir Frank Whittle - Rugby Statue

One of Warwickshire’s pride, Whittle has a number of memorials scattered around England. Most are found in Coventry. I might just do a ‘Whittle Trail’ when I get to Coventry one of these days!

Sir Frank Whittle - Rugby Statue
Chestnut Fields in Rugby, Warwickshire

I appreciate the fact that residents of a particular town recognizes some important people from the past. The history is an important part of our present and future. The more I get to know Rugby and its people, the more I fall in love with this quaint town.

* This is part of my Enjoy Rugby Series.

4 Comments

  1. nadia said:

    Very interesting history lesson, Mica! Also, it somehow never occurred to me that there was a father of jet engine, haha.

    July 18, 2013
    Reply
    • Senyorita said:

      Now you know! 😀

      July 18, 2013
      Reply
  2. Dylan said:

    Is it hot in Rugby now Mica? Summer. 😀
    Glad to read articles about your hometown in UK.
    More Rugby posts ha. That way, I’ll know where to go when I visit the place.

    July 20, 2013
    Reply
    • Senyorita said:

      The whole week hot and sunny, but today is cold and gloomy. Crazy weather 😛

      That reminds me to visit your UK hometown too! Wish we can explore some parts of UK together din hehe 😀

      July 21, 2013
      Reply

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