The Green Dragon – Restored Legacy of Spon Street

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Spon Street in Coventry, renowned for its row of historic timber-framed buildings, is home to many architectural treasures dating back to the medieval and early modern periods. Among them stands The Green Dragon, a remarkable structure that today proudly displays its Tudor heritage even as it embraces a contemporary role.



A Pub with Deep Roots

Located at 183 Spon Street, The Green Dragon was originally a well-known public house that operated for over two centuries. Its records date back to the 18th century, and it continued in service until the early 1930s, after which it ceased to function as a pub. However, unlike some of the other lost taverns of Coventry, this building was not demolished; instead, it was preserved and stands today as a fine example of restoration architecture.

Though it no longer serves as a pub, the signage bearing the name “Green Dragon” remains in the front window, paying homage to its past.



Architectural Features

The Green Dragon is a two-storeyed half-timbered building, clearly showcasing its Tudor character. The timber framing is prominently visible on the façade, with dark oak beams contrasting against the pale lime plaster infill. The building features an overhanging upper storey, or jetty, supported by exposed wooden brackets, a hallmark of medieval urban architecture.

One of the striking features of the structure is the steeply pitched tiled roof, consistent with the Tudor style. The gables at the side are deeply set, and the building appears to have been constructed as a double-bayed hall house, now subdivided into shop fronts and private use.

The front entrance is marked by a large arched wooden door, flanked by large glazed panels, possibly modern additions inserted in place of earlier smaller window openings. The timber lintels and upright posts still show signs of age, some gently warped by time, adding to the building’s authentic charm.

The rear and side of the property are enclosed by a modern fence, and adjacent modern developments in the area sharply contrast with the medieval appearance of The Green Dragon, reinforcing its status as a surviving vestige of Old Coventry.



Part of a Living Heritage

Unlike some buildings that were moved to Spon Street from elsewhere, The Green Dragon is believed to have stood on the same site for centuries, making it a rare example of continuity in Coventry’s architectural timeline.

Its immediate neighbor, the Old Windmill pub, still functions as a traditional English alehouse, offering a juxtaposition of active historic function and historic preservation.

Though The Green Dragon no longer serves its original role, it remains a celebrated part of Coventry’s medieval streetscape, representing the city's efforts to conserve and reinterpret its rich past.

Happy travelling.

Other Structures of Spon Street




Location: Spon St, Coventry CV1, UK

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