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Coventry
Coventry's Hidden History: Jigsaw Walking Tour
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Overview
The Jigsaw of History Tour unlocks Coventry's past on foot. This city center walking tour avoids the usual tourist spots, revealing how Coventry has constantly reinvented itself. It's like piecing together a jigsaw puzzle of history. Come explore!
Walk past the Broadgate and Godiva Statue, into former ribbon weaving factories and St Mary's Wall. See the Sir Frank Whittle Statue, Lady Herbert's Garden, and parts of Coventry City Wall. Glimpse the Coventry Ring Road, Coventry Transport Museum Area, and hidden city center gems. Stop at the Old Grammar School Corner, Belgrade Theatre, Thomas Bond's Building (1505), and a private church linked to the phrase 'Sent to Coventry'. Explore Spon Street, Coventry Market, The Bull Yard, Shelton Square, Cheylesmore Manor House, Greyfriars Spire, Ford's Hospital, and Hertford Street. Discover the industrial booms that made Coventry a hub for weaving, watchmaking, bikes, and cars. See where the Civil War really started and the Royal Palace where the King and Queen stayed when Coventry was the capital. Hear about the inventors of the bicycle and the jet engine, plus different ideas about the origin of "Sent to Coventry." The tour also includes dozens of artworks and stories of the 'City of Tomorrow', risen from the Blitz ashes.
This guided historical walk is led by a local guide. It includes a deep dive into Coventry's cultural history. The tour excludes personal expenses. Come discover Coventry's phoenix-like story, where every corner has a tale to tell. Learn about the city's industrial past and its rise from the ashes of the Blitz. 
Highlights
Uncover Coventry's Hidden History: Explore the city beyond the cathedrals and discover its rich past.
Hear Tales of Innovation: Learn about the inventors who shaped Coventry's industrial booms.
See Coventry's City Wall: View the most complete part of the City Wall and learn about its Civil War connections.
Experience the Phoenix City: Hear stories of Coventry's resilience after the Blitz.
See Coventry's Key Landmarks: Visit sites like the Godiva Statue, Old Grammar School and Spon Street.
Get the 'Sent to Coventry' story: Find out all the different theories of the saying!
Sentiment Analysis
Customers rave about the tour guide's knowledge and humor, making it an enjoyable and informative experience. Visitors, even locals, learn new things about Coventry's history. There are no notable negative comments.
Tour guides are very knowledgeable and entertaining.
Visitors learn a lot of new information about Coventry's history.
The tour is described as funny and joyful, making it very enjoyable.
The tour highlights features that even locals haven't noticed.
No negative sentiments were found in the provided reviews.
The Journey
Broadgate and Godiva Statue
Begin your adventure in Broadgate, the heart of Coventry's post-war renaissance. Marvel at the iconic statue of Lady Godiva, a symbol of courage and defiance, and explore the vision of Donald Gibson's 'City of Tomorrow'. Broadgate serves as a vibrant reminder of Coventry's resilience and its commitment to modern urban planning.
Former Ribbon Weaving Factory & St Mary's Wall
Step back in time at the last surviving ribbon weaving factory, a testament to Coventry's once-thriving textile industry. Adjacent to the poignant remains of St Mary's, the original Coventry Cathedral, hear the story of the industry's rise and fall, interwoven with the city's spiritual heritage. This location provides a glimpse into Coventry's industrial past and its enduring architectural legacy.
Sir Frank Whittle Statue
Pay homage to Sir Frank Whittle, the Earlsdon-born engineer and RAF officer who revolutionized air travel with his invention of the jet engine. Standing next to his statue, learn about his groundbreaking contributions and the impact they had on the world. This is a tribute to Coventry's spirit of innovation and its role in shaping modern technology.
Lady Herbert's Garden and Coventry City Wall
Immerse yourself in the tranquility of Lady Herbert's Garden, where the story of the bicycle industry unfolds. Discover how Coventry became a hub for early bicycle innovation, and witness the birth of the modern bike. Then, turn your gaze to the best-preserved section of the Coventry City Wall, saved from destruction by Alfred Herbert. Hear tales of its construction and the dramatic events that marked the true beginning of the English Civil War. This blend of industrial history and ancient fortifications offers a unique perspective on Coventry's diverse heritage.
Coventry Ring Road
Take a moment to appreciate the engineering marvel that is the Coventry Ring Road, a bold piece of urban infrastructure that defines the city's landscape. This impressive feat of engineering, while often a point of discussion, exemplifies Coventry's forward-thinking approach to urban development.
Coventry Transport Museum Area
Delve into the story of Coventry's motor industry, a tale of remarkable growth and near-disappearance. Adjacent to the Coventry Transport Museum, discover how Coventry became the 'Motor City' of England, a global leader in car manufacturing, and the events that led to its decline. This poignant narrative highlights Coventry's pivotal role in automotive history and its struggle to adapt to changing times.
Hidden City Center Gems
Venture off the beaten path to uncover hidden gems in the heart of Coventry, places that even many locals don't know exist. These secluded spots offer a unique perspective on the city's hidden depths and its capacity to surprise and delight.
Old Grammar School Corner
At a single street corner, encounter a trio of iconic landmarks: the building we shouldn't call the Old Grammar School, an artwork celebrating Coventry's motor industry, and the building named after the city's most famous poet. This convergence of history, art, and literature encapsulates Coventry's multifaceted cultural identity.
Belgrade Theatre Exterior
Explore the exterior of the Belgrade Theatre, where various artworks serve as windows into the theatre's rich history. Learn about Coventry's long tradition of theatrical excellence, the groundbreaking performance of Ira Aldridge as Othello, and the contributions of three prominent women who shaped the city's artistic landscape. This exploration offers insight into Coventry's vibrant performing arts scene and its commitment to inclusivity and innovation.
Thomas Bond's Building (1505)
Spend a few minutes appreciating a building erected in 1505 by Thomas Bond, remarkably still serving its original purpose over 500 years later. This enduring structure offers a tangible link to Coventry's medieval past and the enduring legacy of its benefactors.
Private Church (Original 'Sent to Coventry'?)
Outside this church, originally a private sanctuary for the city's wealthiest residents, hear the fascinating tale of how it may have inspired the phrase 'Sent to Coventry'. This intriguing anecdote offers a glimpse into the social dynamics of Coventry's past and the origins of a well-known idiom.
Spon Street
Wander through Spon Street, a historic thoroughfare that was once a major artery in the country. Discover the stories of its industries, including dying, tanning, watchmaking, and bicycles, and uncover the hidden layers of its past. While the street may not always be what it seems at first glance, it reveals centuries of history and trade that shaped Coventry's identity.
Coventry Market
Take a quick detour into the bustling Coventry Market (excluding Sundays). This vibrant hub offers a taste of local life, showcasing the city's diverse offerings and the lively spirit of its community.
The Bull Yard and Shelton Square
Explore The Bull Yard and Shelton Square to delve deeper into the 'City of Tomorrow' concept. Uncover the stories behind the eclectic public artworks that adorn the area and discover its historical significance. This area represents Coventry's ambition to embrace modernity while honoring its heritage.
Cheylesmore Manor House
Discover one of Coventry's hidden gems, Cheylesmore Manor House, a 700-year-old Royal Palace nestled in the heart of the city. Unravel the fascinating history of this regal residence and its role in Coventry's past. This location reveals a surprising chapter in Coventry's royal connections and architectural heritage.
Greyfriars Spire
Hear the story of Coventry's great survivor: the Greyfriars Spire. This elegant structure stands as a resilient symbol of the city's ability to endure and rebuild throughout its history.
Ford's Hospital
Reflect on the words of a 1902 travel writer who described Ford's Hospital in Coventry as 'Perhaps there is nothing so exquisite in the whole Kingdom'. Discover the beauty and historical significance of this architectural gem, a testament to Coventry's artistic and cultural heritage.
Hertford Street
Conclude your journey with a leisurely stroll down Hertford Street, taking in a handful of sights as you meander back to the starting point. This final leg offers a chance to reflect on the rich tapestry of history, innovation, and art that defines Coventry.
Know Before You Go
This historical walking tour is led by a local guide who knows all about Coventry's past. The tour includes a guided walk through the city center. It does not include personal expenses. Please meet your guide at the designated meeting point to begin your historical adventure through Coventry.
Hot Tip
Many reviewers recommended this tour even if you already live in or near Coventry, because you will still learn a lot of interesting information that you didn't know before!
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