Books on Coventry

I think you'll like it Keith, it's a lovely story. Although I do have that book, I haven't listed in my bibliography because it's only a fictional novel and I only wanted to list books that are useable for factual information. But even so, the writer has kept quite true to the sort of things that happened that on the night of the blitz - she has a very nice descriptive style of writing.

Tried to read 'Coventry' by Helen Humphries but it seemed to me to be written by someone who did not know the city, and locations and descriptions were taken from something read not visited.

I have acquired a book called "The Christchurch Fusee Chain Gang" by Sue Newman - the history of watch fusee chain making (which was centred in Christchurch, Hampshire). One of the sources of information for it is Coventry City Archives. Looks a very interesting and well produced book, lots of photographs and drawings, and a bargain - should be £17, on sale for £4.97, from Amberley Publishers. It is relevant to the Workhouse topic as well as Coventry watchmaking (they must have used miles of fusee chain!) So if you didn't know what you wanted for Christmas, you do now!! This is a fusee chain in a Coventry made, (scrap) early 19th century movement:

Apologies if someone else owns the rights to this but this page has some excellent photos of St Michaels interior that I had not seen before : The Churches of Coventry, by Frederic W. Woodhouse

What a fantastic find - thanks for that it will take some reading though! I like the entry "Payed to George Aster for poyntynge ye steple £7-2-8" -- Wow, just over seven quid for repointing the steeple. I know it's been asked before (not sure if it was on this forum) but can anyone explain why the two long walls of St Michaels were not "straight". It can be seen in the floor plan at the end of this document, and also in the stumps of the pillars left in the ruins, that they don't actually line up.

I am sure I have read about the walls not being straight before a while back on this forum somewhere, when you mentioned it it rang a bell TonyS. It is a fantastic article and a great read at one's leisure. Thank you NeilsYard

You probably saw it here.... https://www.historiccoventry.co.uk/cathedrals/oldcathedral.php?pg=bent-arcade

You are a gem Rob, thank you, I think I was having a 'senior moment' for a while.

I don't know if this has been posted before, but there is a nice read here, Walks through Coventry.

Just started reading "Godiva" by Nerys Jones. The following is a review on Amazon: 'A tale of sex, spies, chastity and power, this is a romantic, sexy, gritty and, or course, revelatory book.' -- Lancashire Evening Post 'Gripping drama with a wealth of historical details and a truly inspiring heroine.' -- My Weekly `The reader is swept along with the events taking place and made to want to believe in it.' -- Historical Novel Society magazine Book Description Britain, 1045. The Normans are circling, waiting their turn to pounce on the English throne and wrest it away from the Anglo-Saxon barons. King Edward the Confessor, the childless, half Norman 'Virgin King' does his Machiavellian best to aid them. Everything centres on the succession. Earl Lovric of Mercia and his powerful wife, Godiva - two of the most powerful of his Anglo-Saxon vassals are inevitably drawn into the machinations at Court. When Edward manipulates their son into a treasonable act and makes him a pawn in his power play, Godiva's maternal instincts rise to the fore. Intrigue and powerplay undermine her own trust in her husband... and the stage is set for one of the most powerful mythological stories of British history. This is the story of an independent, resourceful and intelligent noble woman tested to the limits of her endurance, which illuminates one of the great myths of British history.

Evening all, just had a rummage through my bookshelves and found a great book, it was published to commemorate the centenary of the Coventry Telegraph, 1891-1991 It's called 'Coventry; A Century of News' by Alton Douglas and Jo Douglas. Packed full of photo's and advertisements for commerce and entertainment, ALAS no internal images of the Coliseum but you can't have everything. Far too much to send over here but have checked and there are loads of reasonable priced publications on the web. You'd all love it. Thought it might be a good reference for some of the old shops, ever so clear photos. Hope it's alright to say.

It's been mentioned a few times here and is especially good for its views of the new city centre being constructed alongside the old.

Agreed Foxcote, I have a copy of that edition signed by the man himself. Great photos and news items, often look through it.

Oh lucky you, a signed edition, mine isn't unfortunately On page 86 there is a good, unusual angled shot of Jordan Well showing the Gaumont, Coliseum rooftops and Lynes' Store opposite (well I think it say Lynes), 1961 but as you say, it's all great and a good 'dipper'.

Yes it was Lynes on the corner of Cox St and Gosford Street. You can't tell from B&W photos but Lynes' windows were lined with yellow cellophane which made everything look like a Lucozade bottle!