Indian Columbus

Located between Coventry University buildings and a short walk from the city centre, The Squirrel stands out with its distinctive architecture and lively spirit. This traditional British pub, instantly recognisable by its Tudor-style gabled façade and red squirrel emblem, is more than just a watering hole; it’s a familiar landmark for locals, students, and visitors alike. The exterior reflects early 20th-century pub architecture with its mock Tudor timberwork, red brick base, and elegant bay windows. The triangular gables and tall chimneys give the building a storybook charm, while the bold signage and open red umbrellas outside add a contemporary vibrancy. The Squirrel - Coventry Inside, The Squirrel maintains a casual and welcoming atmosphere. From match-day gatherings to student socials and weekday lunches, it offers a variety of experiences. The pub frequently screens live sports and hosts private events, and its function spaces are often used for celebrations and meetings. Whil...

Located just a few steps away from Coventry's bustling city centre lies a historic complex that quietly preserves the memory of medieval royalty, Cheylesmore Manor and its surviving Manor Yard. The site is a rare survivor, a place where the city's civic life and royal past intersect. Cheylesmore Manor was once a grand royal residence. It was originally built in the 13th century and expanded by successive owners, most notably by Edward, the Black Prince, who received it from his grandmother Queen Isabella.  (The  Black Prince  refers to  Edward of Woodstock  (1330–1376), the eldest son of  King Edward III of England  and father of  King Richard II . The nickname  “Black Prince”  was  not used during his lifetime . It first appeared about 150 years later.) The manor served as a hunting lodge and administrative base during his time, and his personal association gives the site a lasting royal connection. In fact, the Black Prince’s her...

Amid Coventry’s modern skyline, the slender spire rising beside the glass curves of The Wave leisure centre may surprise passers-by. This is Greyfriars Spire, the last remaining remnant of a once-grand medieval Franciscan friary that shaped Coventry’s spiritual landscape centuries ago. (For the benefit of beginners - The  Franciscans  are members of a Roman Catholic religious order founded by  St. Francis of Assisi  in the early 13th century (around 1209). A  friary  is a residence or community space for  friars  (male members of certain religious orders, like Franciscans or Dominicans). It differs from a monastery. A  Franciscan friary  is a type of Christian religious house or monastery where  Franciscan friars  live and worship. "Greyfriars"  refers to a  Franciscan friary  belonging to the  Franciscan Order  and the term comes from the grey-colored habits (robes) that Franciscan monks tradition...

Tucked away in the heart of Coventry, Ford’s Hospital stands as one of the city's most evocative examples of Tudor architecture and civic benevolence. Built in 1509, this beautiful half-timbered structure was originally founded by local merchant William Ford to serve as an almshouse for elderly people. Its legacy as a charitable institution has survived centuries, war, and reconstruction, earning it recognition as one of Coventry’s most treasured historical sites. Ford's Hospital - Coventry The architecture of Ford’s Hospital is a classic representation of early 16th-century design. Its timber-framed façade, complete with carved wooden beams and lattice windows, instantly transports visitors to the Tudor era. The layout is modest yet elegant, arranged around a peaceful courtyard that offers a moment of quiet amidst the bustle of the city. Despite its age, much of the original craftsmanship remains intact, including the wooden details that define its character. Ford’s Hospital...

The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, located in the heart of Coventry, is not just a museum; it's a cultural anchor that weaves together the city's vibrant past, creative present and aspirational future. Opened in 1960 and named after the local philanthropist Sir Alfred Herbert, this museum is an essential stop for anyone interested in history, art, architecture and social narratives that shaped the city. Origins and Architecture The museum was made possible by the generosity of Sir Alfred Herbert, a successful industrialist who gave £100,000 in 1938 and again after World War II to help establish a cultural institution in his city. Although the original plan was delayed due to the war, the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum opened in 1960 and remains one of the most visited attractions in Coventry. The building features a harmonious blend of mid-20th-century modernism and contemporary extensions, including the stunning timber-and-glass structure housing the famous dinosaur sk...

At the corner of Hay Lane and Bayley Lane , a seemingly ordinary SPAR convenience store operates out of an extraordinary piece of Coventry’s industrial past. This three-storey red-brick building is a classic example of a “topshop” , a building type unique to Coventry, Bedworth, and Nuneaton. SPAR Hay Lane - TopShop - Coventry Built in the 19th century, topshops were used in the silk ribbon weaving trade. The layout was simple but clever: Ground and first floors served as homes or commercial premises The top floor , fitted with large windows, was a workshop for weaving looms, using natural light to maximize efficiency The one on Hay Lane retains that typical form: Curved corner façade with three visible levels Elegant arched windows on the top floor Brick banding and stone dressings consistent with the period While modernized with a shopfront and signage, the building’s structure remains intact, preserving the story of Coventry’s skilled artisans. Today, as shopp...