Coventry City Details
Coventry is situated in the centre of the country
and was a scattered settlement when Earl of Mercia, and his wife Godiva founded
a church here in 1043, by the end of the 14th century Coventry was the fourth
most powerful city in England.
Coventry's royal charter of 1345 was the first of
its kind in England.
In Medieval times the city had a two-mile town
wall to rival London's. During the English Civil War the city supported the
parliamentary cause and the city walls helped guard Royalist prisoners hence
the term 'Sent to Coventry'. Because of its parliamentary leaning the city fell
out of favour with the monarchy and Charles II ordered its town wall and
defences to be destroyed.
From the 16th century the fortunes of the city
began a cycle of boom and slump which has characterised the city’s history
right up to the present day. In
the 1860’s the city became to home of the cycle industry in Britain and in 1896
the Daimler Company began building cars there. As cycle manufacturers turned
towards the newfangled 'horseless carriage' the old city was already bulging at
the seams, its ancient street pattern and quiet suburbs increasingly under
pressure from the newcomers arriving in the city like the Whittle family. Frank
Whittle the inventor of the jet engine came from a terraced street in Coventry
to a place in history. The industrial explosion caused the city to out grow
itself and something had to give. As late as 1920 the city was being described
as one of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe, but within a dozen years
the ancient streets were beginning to be cleared as the city could no longer
support a medieval street pattern.
The city now has two universities. The city’s
business and science parks are some of the most successful in the Midlands and
links with Europe are thriving. In August 2001 the Priory Visitor Centre, part
of Coventry’s Millennium project, and the new Priory Gardens are laid out over
the remains of the 12th century priory (some of which remain exposed). The
Visitor Centre houses some amazing finds and tells the story of the old priory.
Coventry is a city with a living heart – and it
extends a warm welcome to all.
There’s plenty to experience and at its focal point – the city centre –
a whole variety of changes have made it vibrant and attractive for visitors and
local people alike. It’s a city alive by day and buzzing by night!
A diverse mix of shops with something for
everyone, safe pedestrianised areas make the very latest fashions accessible to
all The Lower Precinct offers the highest quality shopping on two levels under
a glass canopy.
There are Museums and Art Galleries including the
Museum of British Road Transport which houses the largest collection of British
Road Transport including 250 motor vehicles, 250 cycles and 90 motorcycles
entrance is free. For more information on these and numerous other attractions
see http://www.visitcoventry.co.uk/
Other near by Attractions
Birmingham – is England’s 3rd city
after London and Manchester and it has undergone a dramatic transformation in
recent years and offers a diverse range of activities, catering for the needs
of its many visitors. From ballet to Balti houses, clubbing to chocolate
tasting (Cadbury World); you will discover everything you could ever want from
a city. Experience the endless
shopping facilities, marvel at extensive artwork or simply relax in beautiful
parkland. For more information see the web site http://www.beinbirmingham.com. It is just under 30 minutes by train
and a return ticket costs less than £5.
Stratford upon Avon - situated on the river Avon
it has a wealth of black and white timber framed buildings and was the
birthplace of William Shakespeare. It is only 50 minutes way by coach and a
return ticket will cost less than £5. For further information see http://www.aboutbritain.com/towns/StratforduponAvon.asp
Warwick – offers
visitors the opportunity of exploring within a relatively small area many
buildings of historic interest, including Warwick Castle one of the most
dramatic and complete medieval castles in the country. It has been inhabited
continuously since the Middle Ages, and was the home of the Earls of Warwick
until recently. It is 40 minutes by train at a cost of £5. For more information
see http://www.warwick-uk.co.uk