Historic England: Coventry

This illustrated history portrays one of England’s finest cities. It provides a nostalgic look at Coventry’s past and highlights the special character of some of its most important historic sites.


The photographs are taken from the Historic England Archive, a unique collection of over 12 million photographs, drawings, plans and documents covering England’s archaeology, architecture, social and local history. Pictures date from the earliest days of photography to the present and cover subjects from Bronze Age burials and medieval churches to cinemas and seaside resorts.


Historic England: Coventry shows the city as it once was, from its streets and alleys to its parks and squares. Despite the attention of bombs and planners, Coventry still contains many fascinating buildings and its medieval Spon Street contains many timbered houses, including more Wealden houses than any other street in England. It is also home to one of the world’s best-loved cathedrals and possibly the country’s best guildhall. It changed the modern world with Europe’s first pedestrian precinct and has the country’s first post-war theatre. Coventry has survived the devastation of the twentieth century and this book will help you discover its remarkable history.