John Gulson 1813 – 1904
coventrysociety CovSoc member and historian Peter James, tells us the story of John Gulson, one of Coventry’s best known philanthropists. Peter writes….. John Gulson Senior was a leather worker who lived…
Heritage and History
National Trust Takeover Charterhouse
On 10th January 2025, the National Trust (NT) took over management of Coventry’s historic Charterhouse, which will re-open in the Spring. The Historic Coventry Trust was responsible for the restoration…
The Bishop with Swastikas on his Hat
CovSoc founder member Paul Maddocks tells us the story of Coventry’s second cathedral and its first bishop since the reformation, now memorialised in its ruins. Paul writes…. The bronze sculpture…
Gone in an Instant, but not Forgotten …
Anyone who has visited Earlsdon recently will be fully aware that a number of properties on Earlsdon Street have stood empty for several or in some cases many months awaiting…
New Government and more new Coventry – 1950/51
Historian and CovSoc Committee member, David Fry, has been studying past editions of the Alfred Herbert Newsletter. These newsletters are much more than just a works newsletter and reveal a…
The World’s largest manufacturer of cycles
In this second article about Coventry’s cycle heritage, Peter James tells us about William Hillman. Peter writes…. William Hillman was born in Lewisham on 30th December 1847 the son of…
Whatever happened to Stoke’s chapel on the hill?
John Marshall of Stoke Local History Group tells the story of a former congregational chapel. In the 19th century the area we now call Ball Hill was little more than…
Father of the British Bicycle Industry
Historian and CovSoc member, Peter James, tells us the first part of a story about the development of the cycle industry in Coventry. Peter writes….. Born on 21st April 1830…
More History of Allesley Hall
In August 2024, we told you about the Iliff family and their home in Allesley Hall. For a fuller history of the hall we turn to the website of the…
More of the History of the Town Wall Tavern
Following the two recent blogs about the Town Wall Tavern, CovSoc member Malvern Carvell has sent us a comprehensive history of this much-loved pub. Malvern writes….. The Land along the…