Coventry's Markets

Answered my own question ! In 1932 it was moved to Barras Heath when Pool Meadow, which held part of the fair, was turned into a car park. In 1940 it was moved to the Memorial Park and in 1943 moved to Hearsall Common, which is where I remember going to the fair.

I must have sobered up a bit, Anne. Your research skills are absolutely amazing.

Some time ago (post#43!) Baz posted a cut of this image. My Mum dug out some old Telegraph pullouts and the same image is included in a special they did on Albert Fern who was a Blitz hero and George Medal recipient. I hadn't realised what it actually was before without the full shot. It's actually the Market Hall (not City Arcade) in Market Street - taken at what I think would've been a service access off West Orchard - at the Hall's western end. You could not see the Clock Tower in Baz's image but it's clear here. I'm not sure if the image is flipped though? The angle of what would be Market Place in the distance looks right but I'm trying to place the Hall/Arches with the Tower? In most other images I've seen of it the Tower is to the left of the main Hall building? (looking from the other side which is where most photos of it are taken from). What does everyone think?

I've still got the Albert Fearn Booklet as well Neil, published for a £1 in January 1996. His Son, George, was forced to sell Albert's George Medal (who had been left it by his Father), as part of a Divorce settlement which I don't really understand. It was bought at Auction by another Coventry man, Michael Logan, who at the age of 6 had been dug from the rubble of his House in Henry Street on October 12th 1940 by Albert Fearn. He was rescued along with his Brother Patrick, after their pregnant Mother, Father, and 5 year old brother had all been killed. Albert had been warned not to enter the demolished building. Michael bid his life savings of £2,850 in 1995 to purchase the Medal and pledged the item to the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum. This was 6 years after Albert's death in April 1989.

Market Square circa 1920 - Again Thanks to David Fry

I like the little building tucked in next to the Dolphin.

With the exception of the children, everyone in this picture is wearing a hat of some description. That must of been the trade to be in !!

Hi Wearethemods We had a Dolphin Pub in Canley up to 2016. It was originally a green wooden hut that was ran by the Benn family in the 50's and then re-built on the same site. During the 60' s & 70's we had a successful Sunday League football team that was ran by Jim Cotteril. Roger Murray was the landlord. Sadly closed in 2016 and is now housing.

Very few women in this photo - unusual for a shopping opportunity.

There's a petition online regarding the barriers and hoarding around Coventry market. Can't see many businesses in the market surviving at this rate. {Petition to improve access to the Coventry market due to the construction barriers as the market traders and businesses are struggling 🚧 🚧 🚧 🚧 🚧 🚧 🚧 🚧 🚧} Will drop link below if you're interested edemocracy.coventry.gov.uk

Hello, Too true. Several have closed since Christmas. Just think! The circular market has a protection order upon it, so if you were the owner & wanted rid of it for whatever reason, how would you go about it? Make it difficult to access? Make it unattractive? To traders as well as public? They are doing all of the right things hey I'm not fooled.

Coincidentally, I was saying this to my much better half only last week when we popped into the market for the best value bacon butties & coffee you can find around here! I was concerned, even before it had begun, that the forthcoming construction work might deprive the market traders of many potential customers by blocking its routes. Needless to say, I've signed the petition, and will encourage anyone I know to do the same.

Yes... a sceptical person (of which I am) would certainly think this is a possible train of thought of those who wish the market to be gone. I'd like to think not but they're definitely doing all the right things to make it close. Thanks Phil ♡ Fantastic thanks Rob that's really appreciated! Yes fully agree, it needs a rethink (especially as certain areas fenced off are apparently not going to be developed yet!)... Thanks to the Forum for your support. You guys rock!