There are lots of reasons to love Coventry, not least for its post modern Cathedral, thriving cultural scene and the statue of the lady Godiva on the horse.
But there is far more to say and love about this medieval city than that!
Sitting on the River Sherbourne, Coventry is steeped in history, having been a large settlement for centuries, although it was not founded and given its city status until the Middle Ages.
Coventry became an important and wealthy city of national importance during the Middle Ages. Later it became an important industrial centre, becoming home to a large bicycle industry in the 19th century and the motor industry in the 20th century. This made it a target during the Second World War, and in November 1940, much of its historic centre – including its old cathedral – was destroyed by a large German air raid.
The city was rebuilt after the war, with a new cathedral designed by Sir Basil Spence, constructed next to the old one, and the motor industry thrived until the 1970s. However, by the 1980s its fortunes had changed, and Coventry was in an economic crisis with high unemployment.
Thankfully its fortunes have reversed again and it is home to three universities, has seen somewhat of a transformation over recent years with the regeneration of the city centre and was awarded the UK City of Culture in 2021.
And culturally rich it certainly is. In the 1970s it was the birthplace of the Two-Tone movement, a fusion of Jamaican ska and punk, which saw Coventry bands such as The Specials and The Selector storm the charts and the 2-Tone Village complex created.
We love music and love that it is still important to this city. It regularly hosts a range of music events and festivals including the Coventry Jazz Festival and the Godiva Festival which features a carnival parade.
Coventry also is blessed with three theatres – the Belgrade Theatre, which features a multitude of touring stage productions alongside comedy nights and shows for children, the Albany, which is the city’s main community theatre and the Criterion Theatre in Earlsdon.
Elsewhere the city has the wonderful Herbert Art Gallery and Museum, the Coventry Music Museum, the Transport Museum and the Warwick Arts Centre, a major complex within Warwick University on the outskirts of the city.
It also has a thriving nightlife, an award-winning restaurant scene, excellent schools and lots of green spaces such as The Memorial Park.
Sport plays an important part in the life of the city and is home to Coventry City FC, Wasps RFC, Coventry Blaze ice hockey team, Coventry Bees (speedway) and Coventry Jets American Football team to name but a few. Cricket, athletics and stock car racing are also enjoyed and a little further afield, there are horse racing events in Warwick and Stratford and Bowls in Leamington.
We at Sheldon Bosley Knight love Coventry so much we are proud to have added it to our list of sales and lettings offices!