Indian Columbus

Tucked away along one of the quieter paths in London Road Cemetery , Coventry, stands a modest yet historically significant structure, the Bier Store . Often overlooked by casual visitors, this unassuming building played a vital role in the cemetery’s day-to-day operations during the 19th century , embodying the meticulous planning and reverence that defined Victorian burial practices. What Is a Bier Store? A bier is a wheeled frame or stand used to transport coffins during funeral processions. In the Victorian era, when funerals were formal and processional, such biers were commonly used to carry the deceased from a chapel to the graveside with dignity. The Bier Store was the designated storage facility for these essential pieces of equipment. Far from being just a shed, the Bier Store was part of the carefully designed logistical ecosystem of London Road Cemetery, supporting smooth and respectful ceremonies within a landscape intended for both mourning and quiet contemplation. T...

Beneath the peaceful canopy of trees in Coventry’s London Road Cemetery lies a little-known but fascinating remnant of the city’s Victorian ingenuity and wartime resilience, the Mortuary Room and Carriageway Tunnel . Concealed under grassy terraces and framed by weathered stone walls, these subterranean structures tell two parallel stories: one of solemnity and order in the 19th century, and one of shelter and survival in the 20th. The Mortuary Room (Constructed in 1871) Built under the cemetery’s terrace walk in 1871 , the Mortuary Room was a functional yet discreet part of the cemetery’s infrastructure. In the 19th century, mortuary rooms served as secure spaces for temporary storage of the deceased, particularly when funerals were delayed or autopsies were required to establish the cause of death. In keeping with Victorian values, even practical necessities like this were given careful consideration. The room would have been equipped with ventilation and lined in a way that kept...

Hidden just southeast of Coventry city centre, Charterhouse Heritage Park is one of the city’s most evocative and historically rich green spaces. Blending tranquil woodland paths with centuries-old monastic ruins, this heritage park offers more than scenic walks; it offers a journey back to the medieval and Tudor past of Coventry. A Park with Monastic Roots At the heart of this park lies the Charterhouse of St Anne , a Carthusian monastery founded in 1381 by King Richard II. The Carthusians were a silent and secluded order, only conversing during religious rituals or with their prior. Unlike many other monastic orders, they lived in individual cells, small detached houses, designed for solitude and contemplation. The site once housed a substantial church, cloisters and a courtyard surrounded by cells. Today, much of the outer structures are lost, but the surviving stone building contains the monks’ refectory and the priory’s lodging. Remarkably, part of a 15th-century wall painting ...

Walk down Much Park Street in Coventry and you might just pass by a building that quietly carries the weight of centuries. Modest in size and easy to overlook, this structure with its pitched gabled roof, red sandstone archway, and stone façade is one of the few surviving fragments of Coventry’s medieval past, the Whitefriars Gatehouse . This gateway once formed part of the Whitefriars Carmelite Priory, a major religious complex founded in the 14th century. Back then, the priory was a bustling hub of monastic life. But like many religious houses across England, it met its end during Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1538 . Today, the gatehouse is one of the last physical reminders of that lost world. Whitefriars Gatehouse Step closer, and the details begin to speak. The red sandstone arch likely served as a secondary entrance,  a “postern” gate, used by monks or visitors going about their daily routines. Peek inside, and you'll notice the timber ceiling, where heavy ...

Whitefriars, located on the edge of Coventry city centre, is a lesser-known yet historically rich site that preserves remnants of a medieval Carmelite friary. Built in 1342, this structure has survived nearly seven centuries of transformation from a monastery to a workhouse, a hostel, and eventually a museum store. Today, amidst modern buildings like Arundel House, Whitefriars stands as a silent witness to Coventry’s layered past. Origins: A 14th-Century Carmelite Friary The Carmelite Order, commonly referred to as the "White Friars" due to their white cloaks, established this friary in 1342. The site once featured a large church, a cloister, dormitories, and other domestic ranges forming a complete monastic complex. The friars focused on preaching and lived a life of poverty, which was a defining trait of mendicant orders. Dissolution and Post-Monastic Use The Whitefriars Friary was dissolved in 1538 during Henry VIII’s Reformation. While the church was eventually demolished...

Standing tall at the entrance of Broadgate, the Lloyds Bank building is one of Coventry’s most distinguished examples of interwar classical architecture. Completed around 1930, this prominent structure continues to serve as a functioning bank while also holding listed status as a Grade II heritage building. What is Interwar Classical Architecture? Interwar Classical architecture , also known as Stripped Classicism , emerged between World War I and World War II. It featured a simplified version of classical design, with symmetry, columns, and pediments, but with minimal ornamentation. Commonly used in civic and institutional buildings, it blended traditional motifs with modern materials and abstract forms. This style reflected the era’s desire for order, stability, and national identity. The building was designed by the architectural firm Buckland and Haywood, whose work on this project reflected a strong neoclassical influence. The most striking feature is its monumenta...

At the corner where Cuckoo Lane meets Bayley Lane , right in the heart of Coventry city centre, stands a quiet red-brick building that many pass by without a second glance. But this modest-looking structure has a long history; it was once the Governor’s House and County Court , a key part of Coventry’s civic life in the 19th century. Back then, this building served as the residence of the prison governor or superintendent , linked to the nearby prison that no longer exists. Later, it became part of the County Court , where civil disputes, family matters, and local legal issues were handled. Governor's House and Old County Court - Coventry The building itself still shows traces of its formal past. Its red brick walls are detailed with stone corner blocks , sash windows , and a classic-style doorway with a triangular pediment on top. Although not grand like some other courts, it had a quiet authority and its location said it all. It stood near important places like the medieval gu...

Located right at the corner of Cuckoo Lane and Bayley Lane in Coventry, stands an understated yet remarkable piece of British heritage, a cast-iron post box from the Victorian era. Bearing the initials "V R" and a crown insignia, this pillar of communication dates back to the reign of Queen Victoria, who ruled from 1837 to 1901. Unlike the freestanding pillar boxes that are commonly seen across the UK, this one is set into the brick wall, painted in matte black, and has the words “POST OFFICE” embossed beneath the royal initials. It evokes a time when written correspondence was the primary mode of long-distance communication, and Royal Mail was expanding across the nation. Victorian Post Box, Coventry What makes this box even more fascinating is its survival amid the changing face of Coventry. This section of the city centre, has undergone numerous transformations, from medieval trade to wartime destruction to post-war regeneration. Yet this box, still maintained by Royal M...

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...

The Golden Cross Inn , located at the corner of Hay Lane and Pepper Lane, is one of Coventry’s oldest pubs. Dating back to 1583 , it’s a fine example of post-medieval timber-framed public house architecture, still retaining much of its original character. The pub’s iconic features include: Exposed timber framing with jettied upper floors A corner entrance and multi-paned casement windows Decorative gables and brackets Interior timber beams and leaded glass still visible today The Golden Cross - Coventry Once serving the many traders and visitors who moved through Coventry’s bustling market streets, the Golden Cross is today a Grade II* listed building. It has hosted literary figures, musicians, and tourists, all while retaining its authentic charm. Inside, low ceilings and wooden interiors lend an inviting ambiance, while its proximity to St Mary’s Guildhall makes it an ideal stop for those tracing Coventry’s medieval heritage trail. Whether for a pint, a photo, or ...