Coventry has such an interesting history that many books have been written about various aspects of it. But this is the first account of the city's past since Poole's in 1869! It goes much further than Poole too, from before recorded time and the laying down of rocks to discoveries in the city of prehistoric man. Since the Victorian was writing the city has changed almost beyond recognition of course. Poole had never heard of a motor car, or an air raid ...
In a researched text, the author argues for Coventry's Roman past, long doubted, and explores its Saxon roots as home to the monastic houses of St. Osburg. He throws new light on Leofric and Godiva, including their involvement in the foundation or endowment of St. Mary's Priory, and using recent excavation work he reveals the most up-to-date ideas on its appearance and its destruction. The city's later medieval past is explained in detail, including its rise to power in the Wars of the Roses, when the royal court moved to the city, and the connection with Henry VI and his cult. Details of the imprisonment of Mary, Queen of Scots, are given for the first time, while previously unused documents are used to tell the real story of life in Parliamentary Coventry and its famous Siege.
Every aspect of daily life in the city is described in the well-illustrated narrative - how Coventry folk earned their living, from weaving to motor-cars, their health, education, religious life, entertainments and crime and punishment. No one who knows the city can fail to be intrigued by this important new book. A good read, it is a fund of fascinating information and destined to become the standard work on Coventry for decades to come.
