The now closed cattle market, photo by Ian Robinson in May 2008The cattle market was originally held in Sheep Street, and was then moved to Whitehall Recreation Ground for five years before moving to the site on Craven Road near to the Midland Railway Station in 1878 . It was closed in May 2008, and a new market operated by the same company (Rugby Farmers Mart) opened at Stoneleigh Park near Leamington the same month.

March 2007: RUGBY Cattle Market worker Andrew Truelove suffered serious head injuries after being butted by a runaway cow. The animal escaped from its market pen ran into Mr. Truelove, before going on to platforms at Rugby Station in front of stunned commuters. The station was closed and police and farmers eventually herded the animal up. Mr. Truelove has now recovered. Rugby Advertiser Review of the Year, December 2007.

The site is now due to be redeveloped. The latest plans, approved by the Borough Council in June 2009, include housing (houses, flats, sheltered accomodation and a nursing home), commercial units, a hotel with a retail unit (likely to be a Tesco) and some green space. A parcel of land has also been allocated for community use, and Rugby CAVA are aiming to build a centre.