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The heritage-rich stretch of Spon Street in Coventry holds many architectural gems, but among them, The Old Windmill stands out as both Coventry’s oldest surviving pub and a functioning 15th-century building that has retained its historic charm. With a history stretching back to 1451 , this timber-framed public house at 22 Spon Street is more than just a place for ale—it is a living piece of Coventry’s medieval past. A Pub with Six Centuries of Legacy The earliest records date the Old Windmill back to the mid-15th century. Until the 1800s, the structure was divided into two separate premises. One half served as a shop selling assorted goods , while the other half operated as a public house. It wasn’t until the early 1980s that the structure was unified into a single space, expanding the pub to occupy the full ground floor. This transformation marked the evolution of the Old Windmill into the layout that survives today. The building housed its own on-site brewery until 1930 , a...

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 is the Green Dragon , a remarkable structure that continues to capture attention with its Tudor-style façade. While it now stands proudly on Spon Street, its story began elsewhere—and that makes it even more fascinating. 🐉 From Much Park Street to Spon Street What many visitors may not realize is that the Green Dragon building was originally located at 122 Much Park Street , not on Spon Street. The rear block of the building dates back to around 1450 , when it was constructed as a hall house . It featured a hearth and two upper floors used as chambers—typical of domestic architecture in the late medieval period. The front block was added later, forming an extended residential structure linked by a passage that led to a courtyard. After suffering damage and neglect—particularly due to bombing duri...

Among the many historical structures lining Coventry’s Spon Street, the building formerly numbered 142-3 stands as a testament to the city's architectural transition. Originally built around 1700 on the north side of the street, this structure embodies the gradual shift from traditional timber framing to the increasing use of brick in construction. Architecturally, 142-3 Spon Street illustrates the final phase of Coventry’s timber-framed tradition. The original design featured a rear range with two gables, an arrangement that was typical of late medieval structures. One of these gables had to be rebuilt during later restoration efforts. The building once had exposed timber framing on its façade, though much of the front wall frame has since been lost. Its internal layout originally included timber-framed partitions and staircases, but these too have disappeared over time. The structure’s construction reflects a transitional period, where the use of brick was beginning to replace th...

Coventry’s Spon Street is a remarkable showcase of the city's medieval and Tudor heritage. Among its well-preserved buildings stands an exquisite example of half-timbered architecture that offers a glimpse into the craftsmanship and aesthetics of centuries past. This award-winning structure, numbered Court 5, with its striking timber frame and gabled windows, reflects the essence of Tudor-era construction and the city’s effort to preserve its historical core. Architectural Features Half-Timbered Construction One of the most distinctive features of this building is its half-timbered construction, a hallmark of medieval architecture in England. The exposed wooden framework is filled with wattle and daub, an ancient building technique where a woven lattice of wooden strips (wattle) is coated with a mixture of clay, soil, straw, and dung (daub). This method provided insulation while keeping the structure lightweight and adaptable to seasonal changes. Also, it added an aesthetic appe...

Located in Coventry's historic Spon Street, the buildings at 181 and 182 stand as enduring testaments to the city's rich architectural heritage. These structures, with histories dating back to the 18th and early 20th centuries, have witnessed significant transformations, reflecting both the passage of time and the city's commitment to preservation. Originally established around 1750, 181 Spon Street has a storied past. Known as the Rising Sun, this establishment served as a public house for over two centuries. The current building, which replaced a two-story structure in January 1896, showcases architectural features typical of that era.  It exhibits the architectural charm of Tudor Revival style, a hallmark of Spon Street’s historical character. The exteriors are adorned with dark timber beams forming intricate patterns against white plaster, a signature of Tudor-inspired aesthetics. The steep, gabled roofs with brick chimneys crown the buildings, emphasizing their perio...

Spon Street, with its charming array of historic buildings, stands as a testament to Coventry’s commitment to preserving its rich architectural heritage. Among its many treasures, the building at 188–190 Spon Street offers a fascinating journey through time, showcasing layers of history from the medieval period to modern restoration efforts. This range of much-altered 18th-century houses, carefully restored in 1988 by Coventry City Council, is a striking example of adaptive reuse and historical preservation. Beneath its Georgian façade lie remnants of earlier structures, including parts of medieval buildings at the rear and an extraordinary relic of the 14th-century city wall embedded in the end wall of No. 190. These unique features earned the building a coveted Evening Telegraph Design Award in 1989, underscoring its significance as a piece of living history. Architecturally, 188–190 Spon Street captures the essence of Coventry’s evolution. While the front showcases a clean, symmetri...

Situated amidst the vibrant surroundings of Coventry’s historic Spon Street is another striking example of the city’s medieval architectural heritage. This half-timbered building, dating back to the 15th century originally and restored in the original style during 1970-71, tells a tale of resilience and adaptation, standing as a testament to the city’s rich history and commitment to preservation. Once part of a bustling medieval Coventry, this building showcases the craftsmanship and practicality of its era. The exposed timber framework, with its vertical and diagonal beams, creates a charming geometric pattern, typical of Tudor-style architecture. These beams are complemented by the whitewashed panels between them, creating a visual contrast that catches the eye of every passerby. The building’s jettying feature—where the upper floor projects over the ground floor—is a hallmark of medieval design. This technique not only expanded the living space above but also provided some protectio...

Situated in the heart of Coventry, Spon Street offers a unique window into the city's rich medieval history. Among the many historical gems lining this picturesque street stands a remarkable 15th-century timber-framed building that continues to captivate visitors with its charm and historical significance. Originally situated at 7 Much Park Street, this building was painstakingly dismantled and reconstructed on Spon Street during the 1970-71 restoration efforts, ensuring its preservation for future generations. This restoration project, backed by donations of materials and led by the City Corporation, has helped to maintain the building’s authenticity and allowed it to remain a striking example of Coventry's architectural heritage. The building’s design is quintessentially medieval, with a timber-framed structure that includes exposed wooden beams, a steeply pitched roof, and unique features that speak to its original purpose. Built atop a stone-vaulted cellar, the structure on...

Standing proudly between Fleet Street and Hill Street, St. John’s Church, also known as Bablake Church, stands as an enduring symbol of Coventry’s vibrant past. With its red sandstone structure and striking Gothic features, this historic church seamlessly combines architectural grandeur with a rich tapestry of historical significance. A Royal Beginning Founded in 1344 by Queen Isabella, widow of King Edward II, St. John’s Church was built on land known as Babblake and dedicated to the Guild of St. John the Baptist. The church was originally served by two chaplains from the College of Babblake, who conducted daily prayers for the souls of Queen Isabella’s family, including her husband King Edward II, her son King Edward III, and her grandson Edward the Black Prince. Consecrated in 1350, the church was expanded over the following century to achieve the grand form we see today. Gothic Splendor The architecture of St. John’s Church is a striking example of Gothic design. Its pointed arches...

In the heart of Coventry lies a symbol of forward-thinking urban design and resilience—the Precinct. This landmark space has not only redefined shopping experiences but also stands as a testament to Coventry's ability to adapt and thrive amidst change. From Medieval Origins to a Shopping Haven Long before the bustling shopping precincts of today, this area was Smithford Street, a historical pathway dating back to the 1300s. Stretching diagonally from Broadgate to Fleet Street and Spon Street, it was a lively hub for trade and commerce, anchored by establishments like the medieval Bull Inn. By the late 1800s, the street had evolved into a vibrant shopping destination, cementing its role as the commercial heart of Coventry. In March 1905, Smithford Street witnessed the introduction of tram lines, connecting Broadgate to Earlsdon and Allesley Road. This development not only enhanced accessibility but also underscored the area’s growing significance. However, the Blitz of World War II ...

At the corner of The Burges and Corporation Street in Coventry, you’ll find an architectural gem that draws the eyes of passersby—The Philip Larkin Pub. This building, rich in history and character, is a striking representation of Tudor Revival architecture, also known as mock Tudor. Embracing the heritage of 16th-century England, this style became immensely popular during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, allowing modern structures to echo the charm and elegance of bygone eras. The façade of The Philip Larkin showcases the quintessential half-timbering pattern: dark wooden beams crisscrossing against white-painted panels, forming a bold and elegant contrast. This hallmark of Tudor Revival immediately captivates with its nostalgic visuals. The upper stories feature classic gabled roofs and overhanging sections that extend outward, reminiscent of medieval jetties that once maximized space on narrow streets. Intricately detailed and multi-paned, the windows sit snugly within the ti...

The Old Grammar School in Coventry, England, stands as a testament to the city’s deep-rooted history, located prominently at the corner of Bishop Street and Hales Street, right next to the Coventry Transport Museum. This Grade I listed building, meticulously renovated and preserved, invites visitors to step back in time and appreciate its remarkable 12th-century origins. The story of the Old Grammar School begins with the founding of the Hospital of St John between 1154 and 1179 by Prior Lawrence of the Benedictine Monastery. Originally serving as a medieval hospital, this structure has witnessed centuries of transformation, embodying the resilient spirit of Coventry through ages of change. A significant turning point came in 1544 when King Henry VIII, in his sweeping closures of religious institutions, shut down the hospital. It was sold to John Hales with the royal condition that a Free Grammar School be established in its place. By 1557, the school was thriving, nurturing generation...

In the heart of Coventry’s Cathedral Quarter stands St. Mary’s Guildhall , a breathtaking medieval structure that has watched over the city’s history for nearly 700 years. This remarkable guildhall is one of the best-preserved in England, and its significance is matched by the stories it holds—tales of royalty, resilience, artistry, and intrigue. Brief History In the 14th century, Coventry rose to prominence as a center of trade and craftsmanship, outshining other towns in the Midlands. This prosperity was marked by the construction of St. Mary’s Guildhall in the 1340s by the wealthy merchant Guild of St. Mary. Initially built as a timber-framed structure, it was soon replaced by the magnificent stone Great Hall, which became a focal point of civic and social influence. By the late 1300s, four major guilds joined forces to create the powerful Guild of the Holy Trinity, establishing St. Mary’s Guildhall as their base of operations. King Edward III, recognizing Coventry’s importance, gra...