Welcome to the 20th Heritage Open Days in Coventry. Coventry is proud to be part of this national event which is co-ordinated nationally by the Heritage Open Days partnership and locally by Coventry City Council. The event celebrates England’s architecture, culture and local and social history, enabling visitors free access to participating properties that are not usually open to the public or would normally charge an entrance fee. Also included are tours and activities put on especially for the event. I would like to acknowledge the support of the hundreds of volunteers who give their time freely, without whom the events in this brochure would not happen. The Coventry Guild of Tour Guides, who all hold Coventry Green Badges, also play a key role in ensuring a successful weekend for visitors. Appreciation should also go to go to the Heritage Open Days committee, which is made up of representatives from all aspects of history including local historians, history societies, historical writers and some of the key venues in the city, for their guidance and support. I wish everyone who attends an enjoyable and rewarding visit and encourage you to come back to Coventry again in the future to discover more about our great city. Councillor Abdul Khan, Cabinet Member, Culture, Leisure, Sports, Parks and Events For further event information, please contact: Karen Aspin, Events Team, Coventry City Council, on 024 7683 2479 or email karen.aspin@coventry.gov.uk www.coventry.co.uk/hod
Win a meal for two and an overnight stay Please fill in the Heritage Open Days questionnaire in the middle of the brochure, detach and give in to any participating venue or return to Floor 7, CC4, Much Park Street, Coventry CV1 2PY. An online form can be completed if preferred on www.coventry.gov/ HODsurvey2014. Your feedback is important to us so we can continue to improve your visitor experience. The questionnaire will be entered into a prize draw to win overnight accommodation, with dinner and breakfast, for two people at the Ramada Hotel and Suites, Coventry.
Venue facilities symbols key Toilets
Disabled toilets
Partial disabled access Parking available onsite Refreshments available Hearing loop
Full disabled access Disabled parking Baby changing
Assistant dogs welcome
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Correct at time of printing - August 2014.
Dame Goodyver’s Day - Godiva Sisters Procession Procession starts at Coventry Cathedral Ruins to Broadgate, Coventry, CV1 5FB Friday 12 September: 11am - 2pm Come and watch a celebration of Lady Godiva and her Godiva Sisters ‘Heroes of the World’. The procession with banners, umbrellas, music and dance will move from Coventry Cathedral Ruins past Priory Gardens, through to Broadgate. The procession will include Lady Godiva surrounded by her Godiva Sisters in their traditional dress and schoolchildren and community groups will also perform. This event brings together different cultures, ethnic and religious traditions. Families and children are encouraged to bring a picnic. Traditional foods and cakes from each Godiva Sister’s community will be shared.
Broadgate Clock/Civic Centre 2 Crypt Tours Saturday and Sunday: 11am, 12.30pm, 1.45pm and 3pm A chance to see behind the scenes of Coventry’s iconic Godiva clock followed by a look in Civic Centre 2’s underground crypt. Meet at the Godiva statue in Broadgate.
City Centre Walking Tours Saturday and Sunday 11am and 2.30pm Lasting 1 to 1.5 hours max. Start from the Tourist Information Centre in the Cathedral Ruins. Booking in advance is recommended. The guided tour will explore Coventry’s history, especially its links to the writer George Eliot and how she might have been influenced by the city. It will also cover local history in general, including the origins of its friendship across the world by creating the concept of twin cities.
The Coventrian Narrowboat Tours Sunday only - moored at Hawkesbury junction (located in the Longford area of the city, next to the Greyhound public house – CV6 6DF – bus route 8a from city centre) – enjoy an opportunity to take a cruise along the canal. Tour times: 2.30pm – 3.30pm and 4pm – 5pm (maximum 24 per tour) Optional – strawberries and fizz available at £8 per person Must pre-book on 024 7682 4022 or email Mark Cooke on coventrian@covsf.com
Other Tours The venues below will be offering additional tours throughout the event. Please check individual venues for details. Whitefriars Monastery Building (must pre-book) Council House Priory Undercroft BBC Coventry and Warwickshire Radio Belgrade Theatre St John the Baptist Church, Coventry Coventry Artspace Weaver’s Cottage Coombe Abbey Country Park – Saturday only Coventry Cathedral Charterhouse Priory of St Anne FARGO (Far Gosford Street Creative Village) Radio Plus Queens Road Baptist Church London Road Cemetery Coombe Abbey Hotel (must pre-book) Albany Theatre Coventry University Engineering and Computing Building (must pre-book)
Coventry Cathedral
History Fair at The Herbert
1 Coventry Cathedral Priory Street, Coventry CV1 5FB Saturday 10am – 4pm (last entry) Sunday 12noon – 3pm (last entry) www.coventrycathedral.org.uk Walk through a 1,000 years of history in just one day. On the night of the 14 November, the city of Coventry and its medieval Cathedral was devastated during the Blitz. The next day, the words ‘Father Forgive’ were written on the charred walls and Coventry’s reputation as a city of peace and reconciliation began. Today the Ruins and the new Cathedral, are recognised across the world. The new Cathedral, with its collection of 1950s and 60s artwork, is described as a ‘casket of jewels’ and includes the tapestry ‘Christ in Glory’ by Graham Sutherland, the Baptistery Window by John Piper and Patrick Reyntiens and the collection of contemporary stained glass windows and sculptures by leading artists of the day. Heritage activities: • Guided tours up to the Cappers’ room (Saturday only) in the Ruins • Children’s trail investigating the history of Hill Top
2 History Fair Covered Court, Herbert Art Gallery and Museum, Coventry CV1 5QP Saturday 10am – 4pm, Sunday 11am – 4pm Participating groups: CADAS, Coventry Family History Society, Earlsdon Research Group, Guild of One Name Studies, Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers, Titanic Heritage Trust, Western Front Association and Women Research Group.
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St Mary’s Guildhall
3 St Mary’s Guildhall Bayley Lane, Coventry CV1 5RN Saturday 10am – 4pm, Sunday 10am – 4pm www.stmarysguildhall.co.uk St Mary’s Guildhall is one of the finest surviving medieval guildhalls in England. First built in the 1340s for the merchant guild of St Mary, it was enlarged between 1394 and 1414 and extensively embellished at the end of the fifteenth century. Soon after it was built, it was also adopted as the headquarters for the Mayor and city leaders, and the corporation of Coventry remained here until the early twentieth century, when Coventry’s present Council House was built. Inside, a series of rooms offer an insight into Coventry’s past, with collections of early arms and armour, furniture and artworks providing a suitable backdrop to the fascinating stories shared by our knowledgeable guides. The main attraction is the magnificent Great Hall, with its medieval stained glass, a ceiling of carved angels and, dominating an entire wall, one of the rarest and most important tapestries in the country. Heritage activities: • Metal detecting exhibition in the Great Hall • Period music from Blast from the Past • Children’s Trail
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Freemen’s Guild
History Centre
4 Freemen’s Guildroom Bayley Lane, Coventry CV1 5RN Saturday and Sunday 10am – 4pm www.coventryfreemensguild.wordpress.com The City of Coventry Freemen’s Guild was reformed in 1946, with the assistance of the City of London Freemen’s Guild. However, the original guild was created in the 14th century, but was disbanded by Henry VIII for the religious connections it then held. The Guild has civic, moral, charitable and social responsibilities and is non-political, non-sectarian and religiously impartial. Since 1956 the City Council have allowed the Freemen’s Guild to occupy a chamber at the north end of the medieval undercroft beneath St Mary’s Guildhall for their meetings. This atmospheric room, with some interesting stone carvings, dates from the 15th century when a row of shops on the site was demolished to make way for an extension to the Guildhall’s Great Hall and Undercroft. Heritage activity: • History for the Guild on display and opportunity to speak to some of its members
5 History Centre Herbert Art Gallery and Museum, Jordan Well, Coventry CV1 5QP Saturday 10.30am – 3.30pm www.theherbert.org The History Centre is housed within the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum. It consists of the Coventry Archives and Local Records Office and is a treasure trove of information on the history of the city and its citizens from medieval times to the present. The huge range of original documents includes books, maps, newspapers, electoral registers, photographs and building plans. Heritage activity: • A rare opportunity to see some key documents first hand supported by discussion with members of the History Centre team
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Council House
The Drapers’ Hall
6 Council House Earl Street, Coventry CV1 5RR Saturday and Sunday 10am – 4pm www.coventry.gov.uk The Council House is a grade II early Tudor-style listed building with rich heraldic decoration built between 1913–17. Due to the intervention of World War 1, the building was not officially opened till 1920 by the Duke of York. Come along and view the Council chambers, Lord Mayor’s hospitality suite and Lady Mayoress’ parlour. Heritage activities: • Guides available to talk you through the history • Pictures on display of behind the scene mechanisms of the original clock and aerial views from the rooftop • Opportunity to view the ornate tiled courtyard which is normally hidden from the public • Greyfriars/Christchurch Tower: Take this rare opportunity to view a photographic and history display. Current internal photographs of how it is today will be on show
7 The Drapers’ Hall Bayley Lane, Coventry CV1 5RN Thursday to Sunday 11am – 4pm Originally built in 1832 by the Drapers’ Guild, the Grade II* listed suite of social rooms had few windows with only elegant roof lanterns to light the ballroom, card and tea rooms. The Drapers’ Hall Trust has recently received planning permission to renovate it as a music performance venue, with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Come and see our plans to bring this historic gem back to life.
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Heritage activities: • Display of original grand ‘gasolier’ • Images, plans and CGI’s showing the plans for the building’s renovation • Musical performances
Holy Trinity Church
Old Blue Coat School
8 Holy Trinity Church 5a Priory Row, Coventry CV1 5EX Thursday 9.30am – 4pm, Sunday 8am – 5pm www.holytrinitycoventry.org.uk Founded in the 12th century and first recorded in 1113, Holy Trinity is one of the largest medieval churches in England. One feature is the famous ‘Doom’ painting of the Last Judgement. This extraordinary building has survived fire, reformation and the Blitz. Heritage activities: • Display of Bishops Bible dating from 1568 • Children’s activities • Musical performances
9 Old Blue Coat School Priory Place, Coventry CV1 5EX Thursday to Saturday 10am – 4pm www.oldbluecoatschool.com The current building dates from 1856, but the actual school was founded as the first charity school for girls in Coventry in 1714. Having not been in use for many years, it was completely re-furbished as part of the Phoenix Initiative development in celebration of 2,000 years since Christ’s birth. The building itself was constructed over one corner of the original St Mary’s Cathedral. The evidence of this can be seen today in the cellars of the building which are actually inside one of the original pillars of the Cathedral, dating from around 1150AD.
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Establishment Bar & Grill
Priory Undercroft
10 Establishment Bar & Grill The Old County Hall, Bayley Lane, Coventry, CV1 5RN Thursday to Sunday 11am – 11pm www.establishmentbars.co.uk The Establishment Bar & Grill was previously known as The County Hall and was formerly part of The Coventry Gaol and Governor’s House. It is famed locally as the last place in Coventry where a public hanging took place. Mary Ball the last woman to be publicly hung, was executed in 1849 for the murder of her husband Thomas. The building was used up till 1988 as the Crown & Magistrates courts for Coventry. After a major investment and refurbishment it became The Establishment Bar & Grill and opened in May 2012. Heritage activity: • Opportunity to view the many original features such as, The Cells, Public Gallery, The Dock, Royal Crest and The Judges’ area
11 Priory Undercroft/Visitors’ Centre Priory Row, Coventry, CV1 5EX Saturday 10am – 4pm, Sunday 12noon – 4pm www.prioryvisitorscentre.org Built on the site of the Benedictine Priory of St Mary’s, the Priory tells the story of Coventry’s first Cathedral, founded in the 11th century by Lady Godiva and Earl Leofric. Home to a community of monks for 500 years until it was closed down on the orders of King Henry VIII. Archaeological finds discovered during the excavation of the site are on display. Buried for centuries beneath redevelopment, this extraordinary area of cellars was originally part of the city’s original cathedral. Unearthed by Channel Four’s Time Team in 2002, this is a wonderful glimpse in to Coventry’s medieval past.
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Heritage activities: • Free guided tours • Activities in the Visitors’ Centre
Multi-Faith Centre
BBC Coventry and Warwickshire
12 Multi-Faith Centre Top Floor, Priory Visitors Centre, Priory Row, Coventry CV1 5EX Saturday 11am – 3pm www.coventrymultifaithforum.org Coventry Multi-Faith Forum is a charitable initiative representing people from major faith traditions found in and around Coventry. The forum was formed in 1996. Heritage activities: • Wedding exhibition celebrating different cultures • Mehndi (henna designs) • Children’s activities
13 BBC Coventry & Warwickshire Priory Place, Coventry CV1 5SQ Saturday and Sunday 9am – 5pm www.bbc.co.uk/coventry BBC Coventry and Warwickshire radio has been on-air at this location since September 2005. Broadcasting seven days a week from state-of-the-art studios in Priory Place, the station combines a local radio station with a home for journalists from BBC Midlands Today and BBC News Online. Heritage activity: • Behind the scenes tours of the studios throughout the day – maximum of 10 people per tour. Book in advance on 024 7655 1000 or just turn up
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Former St Mark’s Church
Belgrade Theatre
14 Mural at the former St Mark’s Church Stoney Stanton Road, Coventry CV1 5FX Saturday and Sunday 10am – 4pm www.coventrysociety.org.uk The former St Mark’s Church is a Grade II listed building which houses a remarkable mural by the artist Hans Feibusch. The Jewish German artist Hans Feibusch (1898-1998), was awarded the German Grant State Prize for painters in 1930. A few years later he had to flee the Nazi regime when his name was included on Goebel’s list of “degenerate artists”. He moved to Britain and built a reputation painting murals in Anglican churches and public buildings around the country. The mural at St Mark’s was painted in 1963. The mural has been hidden from public view for many years since the closure of the church for worship in 1973. The church is currently used for the storage of furniture by the Carriers of Hope, a local charity. The mural is now recognised as a significant art work of the 20th century. Heritage activities: • Opportunity to view the hidden mural • Display by the Coventry Society
15 Belgrade Theatre Belgrade Square, Coventry CV1 1GS Saturday 9am – 4pm www.belgrade.co.uk The Belgrade Theatre was built in 1958 as part of the reconstruction of Coventry after World War II. Seating 858 in its two-tier main auditorium and 250-300 in the flexible, new second space, B2, it remains one of the largest regional producing theatres in Britain. Heritage activities: • 9am backstage tour to celebrate the new production of Propaganda Swing (including the history of the buildings • Heritage Craft Fair 10am - 4pm
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St John the Baptist Church, Coventry
Bonds Hospital
16 St John the Baptist Church Fleet Street, Coventry CV1 3AY Thursday and Friday 10am – 4pm Saturday 10am – 4.30pm Sunday 11.30am – 4.30pm www.stjohthebaptistcoventry.org.uk Built in 1344/5 during the Black Death, this magnificent medieval collegiate church boasts a striking history with links to Queen Isabella, the Black Prince, English Civil War, Sir Gilbert Scott, Francis Skidmore and Sir John Betjeman. St John’s has been a guild church, royal chantry and a prison dye works before finally becoming a parish church in 1734. As a prison it was used to incarcerate Royalist soldiers captured at the battle of Preston. This led to the expression ‘Sent to Coventry.’ The church boasts ‘green men’, gargoyles, grotesques, exquisite stained glass windows, Victorian brass work and a magnificent war memorial. Heritage activities: • Photographic exhibition • Guided tours • Concerts throughout the weekend – see website
17 Bonds Hospital Quadrangle, rear of St John the Baptist Church, Hill Street, Coventry CV1 4AX Saturday 10am – 4pm www.bondshospital.org Thomas Bond, in his will of 1506, left a considerable endowment to build and maintain an almshouse for 10 poor men who were members of the Trinity Guild and a woman as housekeeper. A copy of the strict rules residents were bound by from 1613, is on display in the boardroom. By the 1830s the building had become almost ruinous. It had been managed by the City Council which had misappropriated the funds of the charity and seriously neglected the building. In 1836, the boardroom and prayer room were completely renovated but the structural timbers of the original building remain. Heritage activity: • View the boardroom and prayer room (Old Wing)
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Coventry Watch Museum
Coventry Artspace
18 Coventry Watch Museum Court 7, rear of Shakespeare Public House, Spon St, Coventry CV1 3BA Saturday and Sunday 10am – 4pm www.coventrywatchmuseum.com The museum is based at the three 19th century cottages (built in 1820) in medieval Spon Street and along with surrounding land constitutes to what is known as a ‘court’. There is also a WWII brick air raid shelter which adjoins the building. Heritage activities: • Exhibition of WWI watches as well as tools, photographs and maps. Also items issued to a member of the Coventry home guard will be on show • Tombola • Test of dexterity
19 Coventry Artspace 16 Lower Holyhead Road, Coventry CV1 3AU Saturday and Sunday 11am - 4pm www.coventry-artspace.co.uk Coventry’s leading visual arts organisation opens the doors of its intriguing heritage building to showcase the art works of resident artists and associates and offer an introduction to the building’s many historical uses. Formerly used as part of the original Friends’ Meeting House, it has also been used as a police social club and the Holyhead Youth Club. Heritage activities: • Tours available but the venue will also be open for the public to explore; including the basement (one time 2-Tone music rehearsal space and ‘Holyhead Music Workshop), artist studios and community garden • Meet Artspace’s resident artists • Exhibitions and art activity throughout the building
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Weaver’s Cottage
Coventrian Narrowboat
20 Weaver’s Cottage 119–123 Upper Spon Street, Coventry CV1 3BQ Saturday and Sunday 10am - 4pm www.theweavershouse.org A terrace of six timber framed artisan cottages built in 1455 known as the Black Swan Terrace. Saved from demolition and restored by Spon End Building Preservation Trust, the project was completed in 2008. One of the cottages has been restored to reflect the life and times of the 16th century weavers. At the rear of the property a garden has been created to show the range of plants that would have been grown in early Tudor times. Heritage activities: • Tours and talks of the house and garden • Replica of weavers loom • Spinning, dyeing, weaving demonstrations and workshop • Children’s activities
21 The Coventrian Narrowboat Operated by the Living Environment Trust Saturday 9am – 5pm at the Canal Basin Sunday 11.30am – 4pm at Hawkesbury Junction www.livingenvironmenttrust.co.uk The Coventrian narrow boat is owned and operated by the Living Environmental Trust, a registered charity that seeks to work with communities to demonstrate a positive interaction between built and natural environments. All funding obtained from the hire of the of the boat is directed into the development of ‘The Living Canals Project’, an educational scheme aimed at introducing schoolchildren to concepts of water ecology, canal history and heritage, travel and transport and environmental impact. Heritage activities: • Saturday - moored at the Canal Basin. Opportunity to view free of charge • Sunday - moored at Hawkesbury Junction CV6 6DF opportunity to take a trip along the canal
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1. Coventry Cathedral 2. History Fair 3. St Mary’s Guildhall 4. Freemen’s Guild Room 5. History Centre 6. Council House 7. Drapers’ Hall 8. Holy Trinity Church 9. Old Blue Coat School 10. Establishment Bar & Grill 11. Priory Undercroft 12. Multi-Faith Centre 13. BBC Coventry & Warks
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38. Coventry Music Museum A429 to 39. Caludon Castle Leamington Stratford and 40. St Bartholomew’s Kenilworth Church 41. Coombe Country Park 42. Coombe Abbey A46 Hotel to Leamington Spa Warwick 43. Electric Train Stratford-upon-Avon Museum 44. Lunt Roman Fort 45. Bagot’s Castle 32 46. St John’s Church 47. St Leonard’s Church
Coventry Heritage Open Days 2014
Have your say!
Coventry City Council is asking visitors to Coventry Heritage Weekend 2014 for their feedback in order to evaluate this year’s events and to inform future event planning. Complete and return our short survey for the chance to WIN an overnight stay in an executive apartment suite, with dinner and breakfast for two, at the Ramada Hotel and Suites, Coventry. If you prefer, you can fill in your responses online at www.coventry.gov.uk/HODsurvey2014 To be entered in the prize draw, completed forms must arrive no later than midnight on the 21 September 2014. (Prize to be claimed by the 30 November 2014). The data controller is Coventry City Council. The information from this survey will be used to improve our services, the information may be shared with partners to improve service delivery across the city. Your response will be temporarily stored on SurveyMonkey’s secure servers based in the USA. SurveyMonkey undertakes not to disclose responses to others without lawful grounds.
Q1. Which participating venues are you planning to visit this weekend? (tick all that apply)
The Council House Coventry Cathedral St Mary’s Guildhall Freemen’s Guild Room Belgrade Theatre Old Blue Coat School Holy Trinity Church Priory Undercroft/ Visitor Centre
Coventry Multi-Faith Centre Coventry Artspace Coventry Music Museum Establishment Bar & Grill St John the Baptist Church, Coventry
Coventry Watch Museum Mural at former St Mark’s Church
Fargo Weaver’s Cottage Drapers’ Hall
BBC Cov and Warwickshire Coventry Masonic Heritage Centre
Methodist Central Hall London Road Cemetery Ramada Hotel and Suites Albany Theatre Koco Community Resource Centre
Lunt Roman Fort Bagot’s Castle, Baginton St John the Baptist Church, Baginton
Electric Railway Museum Coombe Country Park Coombe Hotel Caludon Castle St Leonard’s Church, Ryton St Bartholomew’s Church, Binley
Queens Road Baptist Church
Charterhouse Priory of St Anne Warwick Road United Reformed Church Whitefriars Bond’s Hospital Cheylesmore Manor Premier Inn
Allesley Park Walled Garden Faculty of Engineering and Computing, Coventry University
History Centre History Fair The Coventrian Narrowboat
Q2. What is your overall impression of Coventry Heritage Open Days 2014?
Excellent Quite poor
Good
Average
Very poor
Q3. Have you ever attended Heritage Open Days in Coventry before?
Yes
No
Q4. Are you a Coventry resident? Yes (go to Q6)
No
Q5. If a non-resident, how are visiting this year’s Heritage Open Day events in Coventry? Day visit, no overnight stay
Overnight stay as guest of friends/family in or near the
city Overnight stay in paid accommodation, in or near the
city (hotel, B&B etc.)
Other (please specify)
Q6. Have you/ do you intend to use the free bus service that operates between some of the participating venues?
Yes
No
Q7. Have you/do you plan to go on any of the guided tours on offer during the weekend?
City centre walking tour Other tour (please state) Not been or planning to go on any of these Q8. Have you seen a copy of the Coventry Heritage Open Days 2014 programme? (If yes, please specify how/ where you obtained your copy)
Yes, obtained from No
Q9. How did you find out about Coventry Heritage Open Days 2014 and where else have you seen/heard this year’s events advertised? (tick all that apply)
Details received via mailing list Banners/ posters around town Leaflet/ brochure Heritage Open Days website Coventry City Council website Other internet (specify website) Coventry Telegraph Local free press Local radio Word of mouth Regular attendee (know when it’s due/look out for it) Other (specify)
Q10. Do you have any other comments/suggestions regarding Heritage Open Days in Coventry?
About you: Q11. What is your postcode? (or country of origin if non-UK resident) (this information helps us to see how far people have travelled) Q12. Are you: Female
Male
Q13. Which age group are you in?
Under 16 35-44 years 65-74 years 16-24 years 45-54 years 75-84 years 25-34 years 55-64 years 85 or over Q14. Do you consider yourself to be a disabled person? Yes
No
Q15. Which of these best describes your ethnic background? White
British (English/Scottish/Welsh/NI) Irish Gypsy/Irish Traveller Other white (specify)
Mixed
White/Black Caribbean White/Black African White/Asian Mixed other (specify)
Asian/Asian British
Indian Pakistani Bangladeshi Chinese Other please (specify)
Black/Black British
African Caribbean Other mixed background (specify)
Arab or Other
Arab Any other group (specify)
If you would like to enter the prize draw, please supply details of how we may contact you should you win (you will not receive any further marketing information from Coventry City Council unless you request it):
Name Address Mobile E-mail Would you like to receive information about events, activities and things to do in the local area from Coventry City Council? (Your personal details will NOT be passed to any third parties)
Yes
No
If you have indicated an interest in further information, how would you prefer to be contacted?
By email
By text/ SMS
By post
Thank you for your time Completed forms can be deposited during Heritage weekend in collection boxes at the Council House and St Mary’s Guildhall, handed to venue staff or you may post your entry, to arrive no later than 21 September, to: Heritage Survey 2014, Events Team, 7th floor, Civic Centre 4, Much Park St, Coventry CV1 2PY
22. Allesley Park Walled Garden 23. Koko Community Resource Centre 24. Ramada Hotel and Suites 25. Albany Theatre 26. Radio Plus 27. Queens Road Church 28. Premier Inn 29. Cheylesmore Manor 30. Central Hall 31. WRUR Church 32. Masonic Heritage Centre 33. FARGO 34. Whitefriars 35. Charterhouse Priory of St Anne 36. London Road Cemetery 37. Faculty of Engineering and Computing, Coventry University
14. Mural at the former St Mark’s Church 15. Belgrade Theatre 16. St John the Baptist Church 17. Bonds Hospital 18. Coventry Watch Museum 19. Coventry Artspace 20. Weaver’s Cottage 21. Coventarian Narrowboat
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Lady Herbert’s Garden
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© Crown Copyright and database right 2014 Ordnance Survey 100026294.
Allesley Park Walled Garden
Koco Community Centre
22 Allesley Park Walled Garden Allesley Hall Drive, Allesley Park, Coventry CV5 9RD Saturday and Sunday 11am – 4pm www.allesleyparkwalledgarden.org Allesley Park Walled Garden was constructed in Georgian times to provide food for the nearby country house. Set in 52 acres of historic parkland, it holds a quarter plot in the style of a Georgian kitchen garden with flowers, fruit, vegetables and herbs of the era. The vegetables are all grown organically. Heritage activities: • Saturday: Garden market selling chemical-free produce from the garden, home-baked cakes, crafts, children’s workshop • Sunday: cookery demonstrations, children’s workshop, natural art, adventure trail
23 Koco Community Resource Centre 15 The Arches, Coventry CV1 3JQ Friday 12noon – 4pm Saturday 10am – 3pm www.kococommunity.org.uk The centre is a multi-use building which is currently home to a number of organisations. It is based at what was the main administration office for the former Renold Chain factory and many of the original features remain. Heritage activity: • Exhibition of the former Renold Chain factory with photographs of the old site and some oral histories of people who worked there
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Ramada Hotel and Suites
Albany Theatre
24 Ramada Hotel and Suites The Butts, Earlsdon, Coventry CV1 3GG Friday to Sunday 11am – 4pm www.ramadacoventry.co.uk Towering 17 storeys high and with panoramic views of Coventry, the award winning Ramada was originally built as the BT HQ offices and the conversion to a 4* hotel was completed and opened in 2005. Heritage activity: • Come along to the top floor suite where a guide will be available to point out the landmarks and to see the spectacular views. Free prize draw
25 Albany Theatre 53 The Butts, Coventry CV1 3BH Friday and Saturday 10am – 4pm Sunday 10am – 2pm www.albanytheatre.co.uk The Albany Theatre is an impressive Art-Deco style theatre residing behind the superb façade of the old Coventry Technical College building. The building was designed in 1919, and the theatre opened in 1935. It closed in 2009 then reopened on 1 February 2013 supported by Coventry City Council and a huge amount of volunteers. Heritage activities: • Backstage tours • Photographic display • Variety acts • Art works
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Radio Plus
Queens Rd Baptist Church
Premier Inn
26 Radio Plus - 101.5FM Hertford Place, Coventry CV1 3JZ Thursday to Saturday 11am – 4pm www.radioplus.org.uk Hertford Place has been Coventry’s home of radio for the last 30 years from Mercia Sound to Radio Plus. It is the hub for creative vibrant broadcasting and media production. Heritage activities: • Tours of the building • A special show with interviews from presenters past and present will be broadcast throughout Thursday evening
27 Queens Road Baptist Church Queens Road, Coventry CV1 3EG Thursday to Saturday 11am – 2pm www.qrbc.co.uk The church congregation has been meeting since the middle of the 17th century but the present chapel was opened in 1884. Retaining many original features, it can now seat 500 in pine pews and includes a gallery. The Baptistery, which is covered by the front platform when not in use, will be on display along with the communion table and pulpit. Heritage activities: • Guided tours • Organ music (Saturday)
• History display • Original baptistery
28 Premier Inn Coventry City Centre South 53 Butts Road, Coventry CV1 3BH Friday 12noon – 5pm Saturday and Sunday 8am – 5pm www.premierinn.com The Butts Technical College was opened in 1935 by the Duke of York, who later became King George VI, and provided high quality training and qualifications for a wide variety of trades for both genders. Premier Inn developed the building, after the college closure, retaining the main structure and many original features. The stunning central atrium area is now protected.
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Heritage activity • Access to the top floors for panoramic views of the city
Cheylesmore Manor
Central Hall
29 Cheylesmore Manor Manor House Drive, Coventry CV1 2ND Thursday and Friday 11am – 3pm Saturday 9.15am – 10.30am www.coventry.gov.uk/registeroffice The remnants of a medieval royal palace, the gatehouse of Cheylesmore Manor is at the heart of the city. The magnificent timber building is one of the few left of Coventry’s rich and important history. The building is now known as the Register Office and is the oldest building in the country to hold that function. It is thought that it was built for the Earl of Arundel in 1237. By 1320 it had passed to Queen Isabella, wife of Edward II along with the lavish Cheylesmore Park that surrounded it. Her son Edward the Black Prince, took possession of it after her. It was described as ‘somewhat in ruin’ in the 16th century and suffered from Coventry’s lack of royal support in the Civil War period. Heritage activity: • Opportunity to look around the old part of the building. Staff will be on hand to answer questions
30 Central Hall Warwick Lane, Coventry CV1 2HA Thursday and Friday 10am – 4pm www.coventrycentralhall.co.uk Coventry Central Methodist Hall opened over 80 years ago on the site of the former Wesleyan chapel. From the very beginning it was the home to both secular and sacred activities. It functions as both a Methodist church and as a venue for a variety of events. Heritage activities: • Come along and view the venue comprising of the Main Hall, Lower Hall, Eadon Hall, Parsons Suite, Minshull Lounge, along with the church area and other rooms and a restaurant • Children’s activities
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Warwick Road United Reformed Church
Masonic Heritage Centre
31 Warwick Road United Reformed Church 10 Warwick Row, Coventry CV1 1EX Saturday 10am – 4pm www.wrurc.co.uk The present Warwick Road United Reformed Church was originally a congregational chapel. The congregational chapel replaced the chapel in Vicar Lane and seats 900. It was built between 1889 and 1891 with the aid of a legacy of £1,000 under the will (proved 1888) of David Spencer. The chapel was designed by G & I Steane of Coventry and is a large building of red brick with stone dressings, having an impressive front in the Renaissance style flanked by domed octagonal turrets. Internally there are galleries and an apse for an organ and choir. Heritage activities: • Archive exhibition • Photographic exhibition
32 Masonic Heritage Centre 165 Warwick Road, Coventry CV3 6AU Saturday and Sunday 10.30am – 4pm (last entry 3.30pm) www.coventrysquared.com Built in 1878 as a private house for the Jones family the building later transferred to the ‘Coventry Fellowship of Drapers Guild’ following the closure and sale of the Drapers’ Hall in the 1960s. The guild’s usage was limited and agreement was made with Coventry Freemasons to share the premises A new masonic temple was built on the rear and the first masonic meeting was held in October 1975. Heritage activities: • Regalia display - Freemasons available to answer questions • 11am and 2.30pm (Saturday and Sunday) there will be a 20 minute pageant telling the story of Jack the stonemason from London who came to Coventry in Tudor times. It will tell the tale of the start of Freemasonry in the area, its development and input to Coventry from its humble beginnings to the present day
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Fargo
Whitefriars
33 FARGO 121 – 124 Far Gosford Street, Coventry CV1 5EA Friday 10am – 4pm Saturday and Sunday 11am – 4pm www.fargovillage.co.uk Far Gosford Street is a conservation area containing statutory and locally listed properties. The street has experienced major investment delivering a programme to restore the buildings and reinstate lost architectural details. FARGO Village a new creative quarter for the city, shows how unloved and unused buildings can be given new uses. Heritage activities: • Display of materials, plans and photographs • Guided tours of the street, no pre-booking just turn up at the Regeneration Office, 121 Far Gosford Street • Friday - every half hour from 10.30am • Saturday and Sunday – every half hour from 11.30am Last tour at 3.30pm
34 Whitefriars Gulson Road, Coventry CV1 2JP Saturday and Sunday 10am – 3pm www.theherbert.org The buildings known as Whitefriars are the surviving fragments of a Carmelite friary founded in 1342 in Coventry. All that remains are the eastern cloister walk with a dormitory above. It was initially home to a friary until the dissolution of the Monasteries. During the 1500s it was owned by John Hales and served as King Henry VIII School before the school moved to St John’s Hospital in Coventry. It was home to a workhouse during the 1800s. Heritage activity: • Access by guided tours only (maximum 10 people per tour). Pre-booking is required at the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum, or via website on www.theherbert.org
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Charterhouse Priory of St Anne
London Road Cemetery
35 Charterhouse Priory of St Anne The Charterhouse, off London Road, Coventry CV1 2JR Saturday and Sunday 12noon – 4pm www.coventrycharterhouseassociation.org.uk The Charterhouse of St Anne, founded in 1381 is a Grade I listed building of national and international importance. The present buildings include the remains of the original priory and 15th century extensions in sandstone. The cluster of buildings also includes the Prior’s Lodging, and a coach house. Inside the building there are 15th and 16th century wall paintings including some important early Renaissance motifs. Heritage activities: • Opportunity to view the building and gardens • Conducted tours are available (see website for details) • Children’s activities Visitors to the Charterhouse by car should use Blue Coat School Car Park entering via Terry Road (CV1 2BA). The back of the car park leads straight to the Charterhouse along a short pathway
36 London Road Cemetery London Road, Coventry CV1 2JT Saturday and Sunday 10am – 4pm www.lrcemetery.co.uk London Road Cemetery is one of the finest Victorian cemeteries in the country. It was designed by Joseph Paxton and opened in 1847. Many of the city’s Lord Mayors are buried here. It still has its two original chapels plus a Jewish one added later.
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Heritage activities: • Self-guided tours of the cemetery. Pick up a guidance sheet at the entrance • History display by the Friends’ Group • Opportunity to view the Anglican chapel which is not normally open to the public
Coventry University - Faculty of Engineering and Computing
37 Faculty of Engineering and Computing Building (Coventry University) Coventry University, Gulson Road, Coventry CV1 2JH Friday 10am – 4pm www.coventry.ac.uk The building is ideally situated in the birthplace of the British motor industry and the historical heart of UK manufacturing. The faculty is home to over 4000 Bachelor, Master and Doctoral degree students with 300 academic staff and 30 technician instructors. The new Engineering and Computing building has provided the faculty with the perfect opportunity to bring state of the art equipment together under one roof. This facility within the new building has been named the High Performance Engineering Centre (HPEC). It provides students with a rare opportunity to use an unusually extensive range of industry standard equipment. HPEC also contains research laboratories which include an air flow facility containing laser flow measurement instruments. Heritage activity: • Specially arranged tours of the building running at 10.30am, 12.30pm, 2pm and 3pm Maximum of 10 persons per tour Pre-booking is required via email business.ec@coventry.as.uk
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Coventry Music Museum
Caludon Castle
38 Coventry Music Museum The 2-Tone Village, Unit 7, rear of 74-80 Walsgrave Road, Coventry CV2 4ED Saturday and Sunday 10am – 4pm www.covmm.co.uk This museum tells the story of Coventry music from Frank Ifield to The Enemy stopping at the famous 2-Tone record label on the way. The Specials and The Selecter rub shoulders with King, Delia Derbyshire and Hazel O’Connor. Heritage activity: • Here you will find a reconstruction of a Rude Boys bedroom, John Lennon’s bench and the 60s style listening booth - only open this weekend for the perfect photo opportunity
39 Caludon Castle Farren Road, Wyken, Coventry CV2 5EH Sunday 11am – 5pm www.caludoncastlepark.org.uk Caludon Castle is one of only 20 ancient scheduled monuments in Coventry. It was originally a 12th century fortified Manor House founded by Ranulf Blundeville, Earl of Chester. In 1580, the house was remodelled by Lord Berkley and in the 17th century the castle received structural alterations, only to be abandoned after the Civil War. The remaining wall is over 800 years old. Heritage activities: • Exhibition by the Friends’ Group with photographs and drawings • City of Coventry Brass Band performing 2pm – 3.30pm
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St Bartholomew’s Church Coombe Country Park
40 St Bartholomew’s Church Brinklow Road, Coventry CV3 2DT Saturday 11am – 4.30pm www.stbartholomew-binley.org.uk The present building was brought at the expense of Lord Craven and was dedicated in 1773, although the original site dates back to the Middle Ages where there is evidence that a chapel was established here. The art of glass painting and firing was lost for many years but was revived with much interest in 1752. A fine example of this can be seen in the east window of the church which was the work of a local craftsman William Peckitt of York. Other examples of his work can be seen in York Minister, Lincoln and Exeter Cathedrals. Heritage activities: • Afternoon summer fete in hall and grounds • Exhibition of the history of the church • Paintings display in the church by the local school
41 Coombe Country Park Brinklow Road, Coventry CV3 2AB Thursday to Sunday 10am – 5pm www.coombeabbeywoodturners.webeden.co.uk The site is steeped in history dating back to 1150 when the Abbey was founded by Cistercian monks. It offers 500 acres of beautiful gardens, woodland and lakeside walks. The Craven family lived at Coombe in the 18th century creating the lake and sightlines of the deer park. Heritage activities: • Self-guided heritage trail around the park 10am - 5pm Thursday to Sunday. Free trail leaflet at the Visitors’ Centre • Coombe Abbey Woodturners Festival of Crafts - Saturday only 10am - 4.30pm – traditional woodturning and crafts • Guided history walks, Saturday only - must be prebooked via website 10am – 11.30am – Historic Deer Park walk 1pm – 3pm – Medieval Coombe walk
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Coombe Abbey Hotel
42 Coombe Abbey Hotel Brinklow Road, Binley, Coventry CV3 2AB Sunday 12.30 – 2pm and 3.30pm – 5pm www.coombeabbey.com Originally a Cistercian Abbey dating back to the 12th century, Coombe Abbey stands in 500 acres of parkland surrounded by a moat and overlooking formal gardens and lake designed by the renowned 18th century landscape architect Capability Brown. The abbey is now a hotel which was restored to its formal glory in 1995 by its current owners ‘No Ordinary Hotels’ and certainly lives up to its name. Heritage activity: • Renowned for its medieval banquets there is an opportunity to enjoy a mini medieval banquet taster experience taking place in the Abbeygate Baronial Hall 12.30pm – 2pm or 3.30pm – 5pm. You will receive a monastic welcome where you will learn the history of the Abbey. You will be served a bowl of hearty broth followed by marinated rib of swine whilst being entertained with medieval music. Pre-booking only via www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/heritageopen-day-medieval-banquet-taster-tickets-12062377897
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Electric Train Museum
Lunt Roman Fort
43 Electric Train Museum Rowley Road, Baginton, Coventry CV3 4LE Saturday and Sunday 10am – 4.30pm www.electricrailwaymuseum.co.uk The museum is a charity which aims to promote the heritage of the electric train. On the site you will find the largest collection of preserved electric trains in the UK ranging from; industrial locomotives, suburban multiple units and Edwardian underground carriages. The museum also has on site the ‘Little Bowden Junction’ signal box built by the Midland Railway Company along with lots of other original delights. Heritage activities: • Opportunities to view the interiors of many trains plus the chance to view a miniature railway • Shunting demonstrations of vintage locomotives • Museum, shop and café also open
44 Lunt Roman Fort Coventry Road, Baginton, Coventry CV8 3AJ Saturday and Sunday 11am – 4pm www.luntromanfort.org The Lunt Roman Fort is the archaeological site of a Roman fort of unknown name in the Roman province of Britannia. It is open to the public and located in the village of Baginton on the outskirts of Coventry. The fort has now been fully excavated and partially reconstructed; the wooden gateway was rebuilt by the Royal Engineers using the same tools and techniques that the military engineers of the Roman Army would have used. The fort contains a gyrus, a circular palisade enclosure probably used for training horses. It is the only one remaining from the Roman Empire. Heritage activities: • Make and take activities for children • Opportunity to view the fort and gyrus
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Bagot’s Castle
St John the Baptist Church, Baginton
45 Bagot’s Castle Church Road, Baginton, Coventry CV8 3AR Thursday and Friday 12noon – 4.30pm Saturday and Sunday 10am – 5pm www.bagotscastle.org.uk The original castle was probably the work of Geoffrey Savage in the time of Henry I (1100-35). The remains of Bagot’s Castle, a medieval fortified house is thought to have been rebuilt sometime in the 1380s by Sir William Bagot who was a distinguished nobleman of the time. There appears to have been a moat surrounding the castle as there is evidence of a drawbridge. Also there is a buried medieval Saxon settlement village and former tank testing area used in World War II. Heritage activities: • Come along and view the site and also the remains of a summer house and medieval fish ponds which have been restored as a nature habitat • The newly constructed Education Visitor Centre will be displaying artefacts from the site along with the history and photographs • Woodland walks and picnic area • Children’s colouring competition • Tombola
46 St John the Baptist Church Church Road, Baginton, Coventry CV3 3AR Saturday 10am – 5pm, Sunday – 12noon – 5pm www.baginton-village.org.uk/church Built in the 13th century, the first parish priest Thomas de Dunton was appointed by the Prior of Kenilworth in 1285. Built of sandstone the interior has a 15th century brass dedicated to Sir William and Margaret Bagot together with 17th and 18th century mural tablets and 18th century panelling. Heritage activity: • Guides on hand to explain the venue history
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St Leonard’s Church
47 St Leonard’s Church Church Road, Ryton on Dunsmore, Coventry CV8 3ET Friday to Sunday 11am – 4.30pm www.ryton-on-dunsmore.org.uk/church Built of red sandstone in the 11th century the tower was added in the 15th century. St Leonard’s is one of the county’s oldest Norman churches in Warwickshire. The land was given to the Coventry Priory in 1043 by Lord Leofric (of Lady Godiva fame). Heritage activities: • Children of Provost William’s school will be displaying an art exhibition on the theme of Ryton in 1914 • The church will display a flower festival decorated by the ladies of Ryton dedicated to the young servicemen that lost their lives in the Great War • In the field next door there will be a display of agricultural machinery and farm yard animals • Bell ringing demonstrations • Guild and church choirs • Saturday at 3pm – Ryton’s re-enactment of ‘The Christmas Truce’ on Ryton’s recreational park
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The route the buses will be travelling along is: Coventry Transport Museum, London Road, A444, Festival Island, Howes Lane, Mill Hill, Baginton, Rowley Road, Toll Bar Island, A46, Brandon Road, Brinklow Road, Coombe Abbey, Brinklow Road, Binley Road, Sky Blue Way, Ring Road to Junction 7, Butts Road, Gordon Street, Butts Road, Croft Road, St Johns Church (request stop), Corporation Street, Coventry Transport Museum. Special thanks to Roger Burdett, for the loan of his heritage buses for 2014. A pool of five buses will be in use over the two days, with two running at any one time. Coventry Transport Museum (Dep)
10.30 11.00 11.50 12.20 13.45 14.15
Charterhouse (Dep)
10.35 11.05 11.55 12.25 13.50 14.20
Lunt Fort and for Castle (Dep)
10.45 11.15 12.05 12.35 14.00 14.30
Electric Railway Museum (Dep)
10.50 11.20 12.10 12.40 14.05 14.35
Coombe Abbey (Arr)
11.10 11.40 12.30 13.00 14.25 15.15
Coombe Abbey (Dep) 11.15 11.50 13.15 13.45 14.35 15.15 The Butts (Dep)
11.35 12.10 13.35 14.05 14.55 15.35
Coventry Transport Museum (Arrive)
11.40 12.15 13.40 14.10 15.00 15.40
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