Warwickshire

the high road-is of great antiquity and of very considerable interest to the arch?ologist. Seen from a distance, on account of its many church spires, it presents a wonderfully pictu

eady explained. At any rate the town is of great antiquity, and is generally supposed to have been founded by the Britons, although it is agreed that its history cannot be traced with any great degree of accuracy prior to about 1016, when, according to Rous the historian, Canute, King of Denmark, during his invasion of Mercia amongst other ravages destroyed a nunnery, whi

our other towns in the county of Warwick and elsewhere. Leofric's lady, Godiva, also enriched this foundation with much treasure, searching throughout the country f

ly became the Cathedral of the diocese, a proud position it held until the bishopric was removed to Lichfield. His Countess su

ittle doubt that it had less foundation in fact than the romantic desire, it was certainly an accepted legen

the twelfth century; that is to say of a date about one hundred years after the time when the event is said to have taken place. The account

Jesus Christ and His mother, he would free the town from that service, and from all other heavy burdens; and when the Earl sharply rebuked her for foolishly asking what was so much to his damage he always f

, through the market of the town from one end to the o

Godiva

me permission if I

l," sa

two knights she rode through the market–place without being seen, except her fair legs; and having completed the journey, she returned with gladness to her astonished husband,

tentions all remained indoors behind closed shutters, out of respect for her and her desire to serve them; and in consequence she rode unobserved except by one inquisitive tailor, whose Christian name was Tom. It is he who h

e criticism regarding its authenticity. Indeed, most authorities are inclined to believe that at all events the part relating to "Peeping Tom" is of no greater antiquity than the r

, make no mention of Godiva's ride. Another fact is that the population of Coventry was so small at that period that there was scarcely likely to have been in existence a market of the size suggested by Roger of Wendover, and, indeed, hardly a town at all through which Godiva could have ridden. Yet another circumstance is that with so small a place a mere toll would have been a matter of such small consequence, when th

ofric founded, as little more than a small agricultural village, with a population probably of not more than three hundred to three hundred and fifty souls. Most of the ho

on with this fair in 1677, that the legend of Countess Godiva's ride took form as a pageant and procession, the last of which took place on August 2, 1892. On that occasion the r?le of the self–sacr

letters patent, and for the better security of Coventry the inhabitants obtained from the same King permission to levy a toll towards the expense of fortifying and enclosing the town, to be commenced twenty–seven years after the grant was obtained. It appears, however, that the fortifications were commenced in 1355, and the walls and gates were finished in

o be fought on this spot, arose from a quarrel between the ducal combatants, Hereford having accused Norfolk of speaking disrespectfully of his Sovereign. Richard and a great number of the nobility had gathered in the brilliant sunshine of that September day on the triangular piece of greensward where two of the

f the county, and that the same coroner should preside over both. Edward IV. confirmed the charter, and in the agricultural survey of Warwickshire, it is mentioned that the county and city of Coventry, situated in the north–east part of Warwicksh

form the county of Coventry. The Quarter Sessions were, prior to 1842, held with the same full powers as counties

amentum Diabolicum," this name being given to the assembly on account of the large number of attainders which were

th the intention of winning over the citizens to the Yorkist side; but it is recorded that even the pre

ORTH C

entions to the inhabitants. On hearing of the Earl of Warwick's presence King Edward, who lay at Leicester with his forces, marched thence, and after resting at Coombe Abbey, proceeded to Gosford Green, and then approaching Coventry demanded admission; but this being refused, he continued his march to Warwick. Later on, when he had won the decisive battles of Barnet and Tewkesbury, and had regained power, Edward, in revenge for the action

his son stood as godfather to the Mayor's child, and was presented with a cup and a hun

me and lodged at the Mayor's immediately after the d

uished visitors, for, like Prince Edward of York a few years previously, Henry VII. was presented with a cup and a hundred guineas, and seems to have made so favourable an impres

, it was stated by one John Hales, Esq., to the Protector Somerset, "that in consequence of the Dissolution trade grew so low, and there was such a dispersion of people from this city, that there were not even 3000 inhabitants, whereas there had been formerly 15,000." Although this picture of the desolation wrought by the suppression of the religious houses is probably pai

ramatic performances, which partook of much of the character of that most interesting and popular survival of the present day "Everyman," took place on movable platforms which were drawn through the principal streets and open places. The subjects of these plays were generally Scriptural or semi–Scriptural in character, and the di

irection of Wolvey, and each of the young men presented to the Queen a white rod, which she receiving delivered to them again, and they then rode before her until they came near the city, when the Mayor and Aldermen in their scarlet cloaks came out to receive her. As was the custom in

, replied: "If it please your Grace

that?"

eplied, "of all yo

Mr. Mayor," s

another writer, by whom the Mayor is said to have made the following rhyming address to the Quee

n of C

ry gla

acious

, how fai

remark the Queen is stated t

racious

y glad

of Co

what fool

ad fallen of the sickness in the streets." Thus with the clothing business falling to decay without any substitute being introduced to fill its place, and suffering from the suppression of the religious houses, Coventry was in but a poor state at the time of Elizabeth's visit.

dence of the Hales family, and was, notwithstanding the reputed de

the coming of her royal cousin. Again, three years later, in 1569, she was brought to Coventry and incarcerated in the Bull Inn (the site of which is now occupied by the Barracks), and kept under the charge of the Earls of Shrewsbu

l of their charter the King refused to grant it until he had been satisfied that his command regarding their kneeling when receiving of the sacrament had been obeyed. A few years later the King visited Coventry and was pres

er, finally repulsed with considerable loss, and obliged to abandon his attempt to take the town. For this act of contumacy and the fact that it was garrisoned by Parliamentary troops until the Restoration it was destined to suffer later on. Charles II., notwithstanding the enthusiastic demonstrations of the inhabitants at his restoration and the surrender of possessions which the city had originally purchased from the Crown, did not forget the part Coventry had played during the Ci

e Crown, paid the King the greatest marks of attention and respect. They presented him with a gold cup and cover, and even went the length of smoothing the rough surfaces of their streets with sand, white–washi

church became so rich in later years from the gifts bestowed upon it by various benefactors that the historian William of Malmesbury writes of it: "It was enriched and beautified with so much gold and silver that the walls seemed too narrow to contain it; insomuch that Robert de Limesie, Bishop of this diocese in the time of King Wi

and Corporation, and, as was the case with many other similar buildings, the partially ruined church served for a

LEIGH

y. In the early years of the last century the idea of building on a new church to the old tower presented itself to the minds of some Coventry people, and the Corporation released their rights to the tower for the purpose. The work, which was commenced in 1829, was finished three year

remarkably beautiful example of Perpendicular architect

he original building, which was of Norman design, only a few fragments have from time to time been discovered, and the first church was superseded in the thirteent

iam and Adam Botoner were not only prosperous merchants and notable citizens of Coventry, but had each of them the unusual distinction of filling the office of Mayor thre

Adam built

ary built

Adam built

ary built

have mentioned, who made yearly payments for the purpose of ￡100. Thirty–eight years later the spire was commenced by the sisters Ann and Mary, but th

tion, made up chiefly of saints, but also comprising statuettes of members of the Botoner family we have before referred to, Lady Godiva, her husband, and several English kings and their wives. The flying buttresses supporting the tower are of very great

of the original ornamentation has unfortunately disappeared,

umns in the nave, and the number of large windows and the fine timbered roof, has a very beautiful effect. The chapels of the various Guilds now form the north a

d to the same Guild, and known as St. Thomas', on the east side. The Mercers' Chapel, near by, also contains some interesting monuments of the sixteenth century, worthy of attention as marking, both in their style and the inscriptions they bear, the florid spirit of the times. F

t note save the fragments of ancient stained glass collected from various wind

which have finely carved standards and misereres or folding seats, the under portions of which are ornamented with humorous designs. On the north wall of the chapel is an ancient brass, dating about 1506, to the memory of Thomas Bond, Mayor of Coventry i

all probability the one given by John Cross, then Mayor of Coventry, to the church in 1394;

he same spot. The present church, which is 178 feet long and 67 feet broad, probably dates from a short time before that of St. Michael's, and differs very much from it both as regards its form and construction. In shape it is cruciform, and consists of a nave with north and south aisles, a chancel with chapels, and transepts. The tower and spire are situated in the centre, and are supported on four arches, springing from massive bu

nt church, is situated a domus or priest's chamber, the east side wi

ercers' Chapel to the east of the transept; the chapel of Our Lady, now forming the choir vestry, anciently a continuation of the south chan

nguishable. The picture when discovered depicted the Saviour in the centre, seated on a rainbow, and flanked on either side by six apostles; at a slightly lower position were figures of the Virgin Mary and St. John the Baptist; two angels with tr

being a fine specimen of stone–work in the Perpendicular style. The font, which stands on its original base of two steps, has sunk panels painted and gilt in the Decorated style. The brass eagle

lth, for we find an entry in the vestry book of the date of July 13, 1654, which states "that Mr. Abraham Watts made a motion, that whereas he was informed that this House had an intention to sell the brass Eagle standing in the vestrie, that he might have the refusall thereof when such shall be mede." An additional entry running, "Agreed, that if it b

G. Scott, R.A., and represents the Crucifixion in the

the register, of Sarah Kemble-afterwards the famous Mrs. Siddons-with William Siddons, an actor in

ecially by students of architecture and archaeology. It possesses a fine lantern tower with b

ess notable for its buildings of a purely domestic or municipal character, and happily not a few of these hav

ssesses a somewhat heavy and decayed appearance from the outside, and is too closely surrounded by other buildings for a good general view to be obtained, was commenced towards the end of the fourteenth century, and completed in 1414 by the united Guilds o

ADE, LE

d lies beyond this, and on the western side of it is the entrance to the crypt beneath the Great Hall. Near the windows of the crypt are the ancient lockers, used for the safe custody of documents and other valuables belonging to members of the Guild. In the smaller chamber next the street are several relics, not the least interesting of which is the knave's post, a figure six feet high, having arm openings, which was removed from a wall in Much Park Street in 1886. It came originally from one of the reli

erations. It contains four great chimneys, with an opening in the roof to allow of the escape of steam. In the lobby on the eastern side of the courtyard is an interesting statue, which, however, has been considerably restored and is generally believed to represent Henry VI.

ular windows, three on either side, each containing four lights, and mullioned and transomed, and a fine nine–light window set in the northern end. This latter is filled with ancient stained glass, the upper portion with nineteen coats of arms, and the lower containing a number of full length representations of kings, amongst whom are William I., Richard I., Henry III., Henry IV., Henry V., Henry VI., Constantine the Great, King Arthur, and one unidentified

rly supposed to represent incidents of the visit paid by Henry VI. and his Queen Margaret to Coventry on September 21, 1451, on which occasion they were the guests of the Prior of the Benedictines. Not only is this tapestry of great antiquarian interest, but it is also valuable as representing some of the famous people of Henry VI.'s reign and the costumes of that and of other days. Especially to be noted are the subjects occupying the centre compartment, which relate to the connection of the building with t

t of the Trinity or Christ. Mr. Scharf, who has made a close study of this particular work, is of the opinion that the remains of the handsome throne and part of a beautiful embroidered mantle which are depicted, may have belonged to a seated figure of Christ clad in flowing robes, often the subject of paintings at that particular period. His argument, which is as f

re, one cannot feel other than satisfaction that the mutilation of the tap

George III. and George IV. by Sir Thomas Lawrence; and on the walls are also some Latin inscriptions, includi

granted in the reign of Charles II., has additional interest from the fact that it contains a fine miniature portrait of the King. In addition to more important documents relative to Coventry affairs are many most interesting and unique letters, some of them of a more or les

hat month, from Ann Boleyn, announcing to him the birth of her daughter Elizabeth, afterwards Queen. There is also one

chard III., Henry VII., James I., Charles II., James II., and from Archbishops Laud and Cranmer, and Richard Baxter. In addition to all these memorials of the past, valuable alike for their historical and antiquarian interest, is a remarkable miscellaneous

fine picture, the "Bacchanali," by Luca Giordano, and at the back of these apartments is another room

cess. The elaborately carved state chair of oak undoubtedly dates from the early part of the sixteenth century, and possibly even earlier. On one side is the figure of the Virgin and Child, whilst the other is simply panelled. The back is surmounted on one side by an elephant and castle-the town arms; and on the other side, which formerly

ndowed by one Thomas Bond in 1506. "For"-as it is quaintly phrased-"ten poore men, so long as the world shall endure, with a woman

s civic history. Of the many founded in the city the oldest of all having a religious character was that of St. Mary, which used to hold its annual meetin

equently enrolled as members. Amongst those who became members of the Guild of Holy Trinity were Henry VI. and his Queen, Margaret of Anjou; Henry VII. and his Queen, Elizab

ll receive us to be brethren of this place with you." And the latter runs, "Ye shall be good and true, and each of you shall be good and true to the Master of the Gild of the Holy Trinity, Our Lady, St. John and St. Catherine of Coventre, and to all th

'S CHURCH,

in the reign of Edward III., which rendered assistance to the churches of St. Michael and

s of their privileges, and resented promptly any infringement upon their prerogative. An interesting instance of their action in this respect was afforded by a combination of the Guilds for t

e, which occasioned the Mayor and his brethren in the 3rd year of Henry VI. to complain thereof to the King; alledging, that the said Journeymen in their unlawful meetings called themselves St. George his Gild, to the intent that they might maintain and abet one another in quarrels; and for their better conjunction had made choyce of

people of the Middle Ages to emulate the gaiety and j

nowadays their raison d'être is somewhat far to seek, and one is forced to the conclusion that the chief excuse for their continued existence is the feel

day. The Guild of Fullers or Tailors and Sheremen, one of the most ancient, had at one time only one surviving brother, who nominated a

uncommon than the inhabitants could have wished. Opposite the old Black Bull Inn, where Henry VI. stayed after the Battle of Bosworth Field, and where Mary Queen of Scots was confined for several months in 1569 (now the site of the Barracks), one Thomas Harrington of Oxford was beheaded in 148

containing, however, somewhat of the philosophy of ancient civic life, though chiefly

and its rapid growth, and the wide extension of its bound

n can be devoted to it in a book like the present; but many of the most essential element

skilled mechanics were drawn off from industry to play a more active part in the war overseas, but the older men, women,

gainst the pale lemon evening sky its spires are sharply silhouetted, and the lofty chimneys of its restless factories trail diaphanous veils of smoke across the vault of heaven. Even at a distance one hears a murmurous hum of machine

burden, did its share

world charm, and the more modern elements of its present–day life seem to fade away, leaving a pic