The territory that was to become Warwick was given by the Province of Massachusetts of soldiers who died during the disastrous expedition to Canada in 1690, when war broke out between England and France. The towns of Roxbury and Brookline had sent 60 men under the command of Captain Andrew Gardner, and it was their descendents and one survivor, Samuel Newell, who petitioned for recompense. In 1735, four tracts were laid out and awarded, establishing four townships (places that were to become Warwick, Ashburnham, Winchendon, and Guilford, VT).

It is generally believed that the town was named after Guy, Earl of Warwick, who played a prominent role in the early colonization on New England.

The Chamber gratefully acknowledges Royalston-resident and author Allen Young, who has allowed the Chamber to use copyrighted material throughout this website from his remarkable regional guidebook North of Quabbin, published in 1983. Pick up his 2003 update, North of Quabbin Revisited, which includes new maps and photos, for a fascinating, in-depth guide to this nine-town region.