Coventry
Explore hidden histories, historic photos, and things you never knew about Coventry from the collections and archives of Historic England.
Discover your local listed buildings and places
Introducing some of Coventry's most historic sites, included in the National Heritage List for England. Some of these captions have been summarised by AI. Click through for the official List entry.
Coventry Central Baths (original part including sunbathin…
Coventry
Swimming Baths with attached sunbathing terraces.
Coventry Synagogue and Rabbi's House
Coventry
A synagogue and rabbi's house of 1870, designed by Thomas Naden of Birmingham, of red brick with blue brick and painted stone dressings and a plain tile roof in a simplified Romanesque style.
Coventry City Library building (former Locarno Dancehall)
Coventry
A former dance hall, now the Coventry central library.
Coventry Retail Market
Coventry
A market hall built in 1957 to designs by Douglas Beaton, Ralph Iredale and Ian Crawford of Coventry City Architect's Department.
The Register Office, formerly the Cheylesmore Manor gateh…
Coventry
Gatehouse and cross-wings to a C14 manor house, restored in the mid-C20 by FWB Charles.
Whitefriars Museum
Coventry
Originally founded as a Carmelite Priory circa 1342, the building served as a private residence, workhouse, and is now a museum, restored after WWII bombing.
Former Nurses' Home and Outpatients' Clinic at Coventry a…
Coventry
A former outpatients' clinic (1909) and nurses' home (1906) for Coventry and Warwickshire Hospital built to a design by Alfred Hessell Tiltman (1854-1910) and Herbert William Chattaway...
Broadgate House
Coventry
Office buildingDeveloped from a masterplan of 1941, built 1949-53 by Coventry City Architect's Department, Chief Architect Donald EE Gibson, assistant in charge Frank Moate, in succession to...
Church of St John the Baptist
Coventry
Newly constructed in 1842-43 by George Gilbert Scott and William Bonython Moffat.
Whitefriars Gate, 36-37 Much Park Street
Coventry
Postern gatehouse to the Carmelite friary, late C14 or C15, later converted to form two dwellings.
Former Leofric Hotel
Coventry
A student hall of residence, built as an hotel in 1953-1955 to the designs of WS Hattrell and Partners.
Cathedral of St Michael
Coventry
Cathedral of St Michael, designed by Sir Basil Spence (1951-62), is a significant architectural work, integrating modern design with historic elements from the bomb-damaged medieval church.
Draper's Hall
Coventry
Draper's Hall is an early 19th-century Neoclassical building in Coventry, designed by Rickman and Hutchinson, notable for its ornate interior and architectural significance.
The former Woolworth Building, Upper Precinct
Coventry
A department store and parade of shops, designed and built for Woolworth by their staff architect, Harold Winbourne in 1952-1954.
Whitley Abbey Bridge Whitley Bridge
Coventry
Whitley Abbey Bridge is a 16th-century stone arched bridge with buttressed piers.
War Memorial Park, Coventry
Coventry
A War Memorial Park, laid out by Coventry City Council between 1921 and 1935, which commemorates Coventry's soldiers and civilians who lost their lives in the First and Second World Wars.
Former British Home Stores Building and Carphone Warehouse
Coventry
Former department store, built 1951-1955 by George Coles of London for British Home Stores (BHS), and retail premises of 1955 for Dolcis by their staff architect, Ellis Somake.
Remains of the west front, nave and aisles of Coventry Pr…
Coventry
The remains of the west front, nave and aisles of the medieval cathedral of Coventry Priory.
Lady Godiva Statue
Coventry
The Lady Godiva statue by William Reid Dick symbolizes Coventry's regeneration post-bombing and was donated to boost morale, originally facing Broadgate House's clock tower.
Manor Farmhouse
Coventry
Manor Farmhouse is an early 17th-century structure featuring timber framing, a 1624 ashlar chimney, and notable elements like a 19th-century canted sash bay window.
Church of St Thomas
Coventry
Church designed in 1874 by John Cotton of Birmingham. Minor alteration with the enlargement of the vestry in 1880s.
War Memorial in Coventry War Memorial Park
Coventry
A War Memorial built in 1925-7 to a design by Thomas Francis Tickner (1864-1924).
The Charterhouse
Coventry
The Charterhouse incorporates key remnants of the Charterhouse of St Anne, founded in 1381 by Richard II, featuring 15th-century sandstone, tall chimneys, and original window tracery.
Church of St Mark and boundary walls to Stoney Stanton La…
Coventry
A former parish church, built in 1869 to the designs of Paull and Robinson, internally remodelled and converted to an outpatients department c.1973, reinstated as a church in 2017, and its...
Marks and Spencer and 4-10 Smithford Way
Coventry
A retail store designed and built for Marks and Spencer by Norman Jones Sons and Rigby, 1953-1955.
Upper Precinct, North and South Link Blocks and Piazza
Coventry
Two ranges of shops, placed on the north and south sides of a piazza and joined by aerial pedestrian walkways at first floor level.
Ernesford Grange moated site, Binley
Coventry
The Ernesford Grange moated site is a well-preserved medieval monument, historically linked to Combe Abbey, offering archaeological insights into 13th-century monastic life.
Church of St Lawrence
Coventry
Known phases from late middle ages with west tower and north aisle, although earlier building existed on site. Repairs and reconstruction of the north nave aisle roof occurred in 1614.
The Old Grammar School (St John's Hospital Chapel)
Coventry
Former hospital chapel, 1340s, used as a school from 1558 until 1885, with an early-C20 extension.
11, Priory Row
Coventry
11, Priory Row features an earlier 18th-century red brick facade with Greek-inspired architectural details, including fluted Roman Ionic pilasters and ornate window surrounds.
Swanswell Gate and City Wall to North of Swanswell Gate
Coventry
Swanswell Gate, dating from circa 1395, is one of two surviving city gates, featuring sandstone architecture and a converted gatehouse, forming part of Lady Herbert's Garden.
Sherbourne Viaduct
Coventry
A railway viaduct of 1838 by Robert Stephenson, for the London and Birmingham Railway.
Motte castle 150m SSW of Allesley Hall
Coventry
Motte castles are medieval fortifications introduced by the Normans. Positioned strategically, they played roles as forts, strongholds, and administrative centers.
Former Blue Coat School
Coventry
Former Blue Coat School building of 1856-1857 by James Murray, incorporating part of the remains of the medieval Coventry Priory.
Coventry through time
This timeline shows the first period of use for buildings and places on the National Heritage List for England, just one of the details recorded for every list entry. Click around to see how Coventry changes over time.
Early medieval AD 410 to AD 1066
This period, often associated in England with Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, saw a reduction in urban living from the Roman period and increased migration from northern Europe.
Traces of this period can be found in cemeteries, particularly in artefacts and in some of the very early churches, as this period also saw the growth of Christianity in Britain.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Catholic Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanently altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Early medieval AD 410 to AD 1066
This period, often associated in England with Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, saw a reduction in urban living from the Roman period and increased migration from northern Europe.
Traces of this period can be found in cemeteries, particularly in artefacts and in some of the very early churches, as this period also saw the growth of Christianity in Britain.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Catholic Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanently altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Aerial photos of Coventry
Aerial photography helps reveal secrets of England's changing landscapes that are impossible to see from the ground.
Coventry
The city centre, Coventry, 1920
Coventry
Ring road and city centre, Coventry, 1970
Stoke
Telephone works and environs, Stoke, 1924
Stoke
The Peel-Conner Telephone Works, Stoke, 1926
Coventry
The Hillman Motor Car Works, Coventry, 1924
Coventry
The Hillman Motor Car Works and Humber Road, Coventry, 1929
Canley
Thomas Bushill and Sons Ltd Burnsall Road Printing Works, Canley, 1951
Canley
Thomas Bushill and Sons Ltd Burnsall Road Printing Works, Canley, 1951
Canley
Coventry Radiator and Pressing Works and environs, Canley, 1931
Canley
Coventry Radiator and Pressing Works, the Standard Motor Car Works and environs, Canley, 1931
Coventry in the Historic England Archive
The Historic England Archive cares for over 15 million images, dating from the 1850s to the present day. Discover stunning images of Coventry's past.
Eric de Mare
Coventry
Date created: 1945 - 1980
Exterior perspective view of Ford's Hospital in Coventry showing the entrance front.
John Gay Collection: Miscellaneous
Coventry
Date created: 1955 - 1956
The foundation stone for Coventry Cathedral inscribed 'To the glory of GOD this Foundation Stone was laid by Queen Elizabeth the Second on the 23rd...
John Gay Collection: Counties
Coventry
Date created: 1954
Detail of a large vent at the Armstrong Siddeley car and aircraft engine works
John Laing Collection
Walsgrave On Sowe, Coventry
Date created: Jul 1969
Two physiotherapists in front of the Staff Quarters at Walsgrave Hospital, Coventry
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Greyfriars Green, Coventry, Coventry
Date created: 1908 - 1913
GENERAL VIEW LOOKING ACROSS TO THE THREE SPIRES
Eric de Mare
Coventry
Date created: 1945 - 1980
General view of Ford's Hospital looking towards the street from a narrow courtyard.
John Gay Collection: Miscellaneous
Coventry
Date created: 1955 - 1956
The foundation stone for Coventry Cathedral inscribed 'To the glory of GOD this Foundation Stone was laid by Queen Elizabeth the Second on the 23rd...
John Gay Collection: Counties
Coventry
Date created: 1954
Two men at working on aircraft engine parts in an extractor chamber at the Armstrong Siddeley car and aircraft engine works
John Laing Collection
Walsgrave On Sowe, Coventry
Date created: Jul 1969
A view, looking south, of the sloping driveway up to the main entrance of Walsgrave Hospital, Coventry
Alfred Newton and Sons
Coventry
Date created: 1929 - 1940
GENERAL VIEW FROM NEIGHBOURING STREET SHOWING CARS
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Greyfriars Green, Coventry, Coventry
Date created: 1900 - 1920
GENERAL VIEW LOOKING ACROSS GREYFRIARS GREEN TOWARDS THE "THREE SPIRES"
Stories about heritage in your local area
Historic England publishes news, blogs, research, videos, and podcasts celebrating England's rich heritage. Discover the stories we have about Coventry.
The History of Religious Wall Paintings in England: From the Middle Ages to the Victorian Era
Mentions The Charterhouse
Explore England's religious wall paintings, a blend of art and spirituality spanning the Middle Ages to the 19th century.
English High Street Architecture Through the Ages
Mentions Ruined Cathedral Church of St Michael, Broadgate House
Explore how the architecture of the English high street has evolved over the centuries.
The History of Ukrainians in England
Mentions Church of St Mark and boundary walls to Stoney Stanton Lane and Bird Street
Ukrainians have influenced several sites across England. Here is a small selection.
8 of England’s Most Beautiful Cathedrals to Visit
Mentions Cathedral of St Michael
From Norman to Modernist, there are many different architectural styles on show in England’s cathedrals.
Working from Home: England’s Domestic Textile Industry
Mentions 64 to 94, Cash's Lane
Explore the story of England’s domestic textile industry, the buildings that housed them and the people who worked within them.
Coventry: A Journey Through Time
Mentions Remains of the west front, nave and aisles of Coventry Priory, Coventry Retail Market, St Mary's Hall
From the ruins of St Michaels Cathedral to the Black Princes Manor, Coventry's walls are brimming with history.
Allotmentitis: How Britain Dug for Victory
Mentions Stoney Road Allotments
Allotmentswere born out of a national drive for self-sufficiency.
Mentions Coventry
Audio Description for Where Light Falls, a spectacular installation of light, history and poetry at Coventry Cathedral on 14-16 November 2019.
Where Light Falls Coventry Audio Description - Site 5
Audio Description for Where Light Falls, a spectacular installation of light, history and poetry at Coventry Cathedral on 14-16 November 2019.
Mentions Coventry
Audio Description for Where Light Falls, a spectacular installation of light, history and poetry at Coventry Cathedral on 14-16 November 2019.
Where Light Falls Coventry Audio Description - Site 4
Audio Description for Where Light Falls, a spectacular installation of light, history and poetry at Coventry Cathedral on 14-16 November 2019.
Mentions Coventry
Audio Description for Where Light Falls, a spectacular installation of light, history and poetry at Coventry Cathedral on 14-16 November 2019.
Where Light Falls Coventry Audio Description - Site 1
Audio Description for Where Light Falls, a spectacular installation of light, history and poetry at Coventry Cathedral on 14-16 November 2019.
Mentions Coventry
Audio Description for Where Light Falls, a spectacular installation of light, history and poetry at Coventry Cathedral on 14-16 November 2019.
Where Light Falls Coventry Audio Description - Site 3
Audio Description for Where Light Falls, a spectacular installation of light, history and poetry at Coventry Cathedral on 14-16 November 2019.
Mentions Coventry
Audio Description for Where Light Falls, a spectacular installation of light, history and poetry at Coventry Cathedral on 14-16 November 2019.
Where Light Falls Coventry Audio Description - Site 2
Audio Description for Where Light Falls, a spectacular installation of light, history and poetry at Coventry Cathedral on 14-16 November 2019.
Mentions Coventry
Audio Description for Where Light Falls, a spectacular installation of light, history and poetry at Coventry Cathedral on 14-16 November 2019.
Where Light Falls Coventry Audio Description - Scene Setting and Instructions
Audio Description for Where Light Falls, a spectacular installation of light, history and poetry at Coventry Cathedral on 14-16 November 2019.
Mentions Coventry
This episode looks at architecture for all and explores two fascinating Cathedrals.
St Paul's Cathedral and Coventry Cathedral
This episode looks at architecture for all and explores two fascinating Cathedrals. Join host Dr Suzannah Lipscomb as she learns more about St Paul’s Cathedral and Coventry Cathedral. The 100 places featured in this series have been nominated by the public and chosen by a panel of judges. Together they help tell England’s fascinating history. Irreplaceable: A History of England in 100 Places is a Historic England podcast, sponsored by specialist insurer Ecclesiastical ecclesiastical.com
Mentions Coventry
Picturing High Streets was a 3-year partnership between Historic England and photography champions @photoworks_uk, who worked with 9 regional partner...
How Photography Captured England’s Changing High Streets
Picturing High Streets was a 3-year partnership between Historic England and photography champions @photoworks_uk, who worked with 9 regional partner photography organisations to create a contemporary picture of England’s high streets.
Mentions Coventry
Using photographs from Historic England’s Archive, KS2 students learnt more about their local heritage.
Building Coventry Cathedral
Using photographs from Historic England’s Archive, KS2 students learnt more about their local heritage. The students carried out oral history interviews with people who constructed Coventry Cathedral and together they visited the building.
Researching High Street Heritage Action Zones
Mentions Coventry
Research by Historic England is adding value to the regeneration of historic high streets.
Southend-on-Sea Civic Fountain Listed
Mentions Mural at the Three Tuns Pub, Coventry
The Civic Fountain in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, has been listed at Grade II by DCMS on the advice of Historic England.
Historic England Supports University of Sussex Plans for Listed Library
Mentions Cathedral of St Michael, Coventry
Historic England supports plans to improve access to the University of Sussex’s Grade II* listed Library, designed by architect Sir Basil Spence.
Introduction to Issue 14
Mentions Coventry
Find out how Historic England's recent place-based research projects are contributing to understanding local heritage and sustsainable regeneration.
Picturing Construction, Constructing Identity
Mentions Coventry
Construction history researcher Tony Presland gives us a preview of his developing research into the John Laing Collection of photographs.
Picturing High Streets: Over 200 Images Taken by the Public Enter Historic England Archive
Mentions Coventry
Documenting a year in the life of the English high street, images taken by the public as part of 'Picturing High Streets' can be viewed online.
Research Reports Roundup November 2022
Mentions Coventry
An overview of additions to the Historic England Research Reports database from January to November 2022.
Grant Awarded to Rare Horticulture Heritage Site
Mentions Stoney Road Allotments, Coventry
The grant will help to repair three delightful summer houses in Coventry’s Victorian era Stoney Road Allotments.
Cambridge University’s Darwin College Protected
Mentions Houses For Visiting Mathematicians Warwick University
The Dining Hall and the Rayne Building at Darwin College, Cambridge have been listed at Grade II.
The Context for Researching High Streets Heritage Action Zones
Mentions Coventry
Senior Investigator Rebecca Lane explains the context of research work that is underway in support of the High Street Heritage Action Zones.
Picturing High Streets: Major National Photography Competition Launched
Mentions Coventry
Look at the high street as never before and share your photographs to a fortnightly challenge that will uncover the secret lives of our high streets.
Five New Historic England Commissioners Appointed (2022)
Mentions Coventry
Nairita Chakraborty, Jane, Lady Gibson,David Laing, Sir Jonathan Marsden KCVO, FSA andRobert Sackville-West are appointed for a four-year term.
Coventry's social history through photos
Over 10,000 images from the Historic England Archive have been specially selected and re-captioned for teachers, students, and anyone who wants to learn more about their local area.
Woodlands School, Coventry, West Midlands
Period: 1950s (1950 - 1959)
The Main Block at Woodlands School was built in 1952-57 by the City Architects Department with the Ministry of Education Development Group.
Woodlands School, Coventry, West Midlands
Whitley Abbey School, Whitley, Coventry, West Midlands
Period: 1950s (1950 - 1959)
Whitley Abbey School was built in 1955-7. Its landscaped grounds include a lake.
Whitley Abbey School, Whitley, Coventry, West Midlands
Wellington Street, Coventry, West Midlands
Period: 1950s (1950 - 1959)
A view of therear of a terrace of houses with former upper storey workshops.
Wellington Street, Coventry, West Midlands
Upper Precinct, Coventry, West Midlands
Period: 1960s (1960 - 1969)
General view of the shopping precinct with the spire of the medieval cathedral in the distance.
Upper Precinct, Coventry, West Midlands
Two men carving an inscription in Coventry Cathedral, Coventry, West Midlands
Period: 1960s (1960 - 1969)
Ralph Beyer with his assistant Michael Watson carving an inscription in Coventry Cathedral.
Two men carving an inscription in Coventry Cathedral, Coventry, West Midlands
The Old Grammar School, Coventry, West Midlands
Period: Medieval (Middle Ages) (1066 - 1484)
This building was originally a 12th century chapel and the Hospital of St John. It was used as a Grammar School from 1545.
The Old Grammar School, Coventry, West Midlands
The Cottage, 22 Bayley Lane, Coventry, West Midlands
Period: Medieval (Middle Ages) (1066 - 1484)
A motorcycle and sidecar parked outside 22 Bayley Lane. The Cottage has exposed timbers and was built around 1500.
The Cottage, 22 Bayley Lane, Coventry, West Midlands
Stoney Road Allotments, Coventry
Period: 2000s (2000 - 2009)
With a little care a wide variety of fruit, vegetables and flowering plants can be grown in city allotments.
Stoney Road Allotments, Coventry
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