Randolph Adolphus Turpin 1928-1966

Standing in the shadow of Warwick's medieval castle, a modest memorial marks the spot where one of Britain's greatest boxers was born. Randolph Turpin's story reads like something from a film - the Leamington lad who shocked the world in 1951 by beating the legendary Sugar Ray Robinson at Earl's Court, becoming only the second Briton to win a world middleweight title.

Boxing enthusiasts will find this a proper pilgrimage site, though don't expect anything grand. The memorial itself is understated, befitting a man whose life was marked by both triumph and tragedy. Turpin's victory over Robinson remains one of the sport's greatest upsets, yet his story ended sadly when he took his own life in 1966, aged just 37.

Families staying at the nearby Knight's Village or Warwick Racecourse sites will find this easily combined with a castle visit - it's literally a stone's throw away. The location puts Turpin's humble beginnings into sharp contrast with the grandeur surrounding his birthplace. While kids might not grasp the boxing significance, older visitors who remember the sport's golden age will appreciate the tribute to a fighter who briefly held the world in his glove. Worth a quick stop if you're exploring Warwick's historical layers beyond the obvious tourist trail.