Coventry

The City of Coventry, famous for its Lady Godiva legend. Whether or not this actual story is a myth or whether it is true is the subject of some dispute but historical records do show that there was a Lady Godiva who died in 1067.

Many people will be familiar with the phrase 'Sent to Coventry'. This is thought to have originated from industrial disputes of the twentieth century where workers were shunned and shut off from communication through disagreements over striking and other issues that put them in an unfavourable situation with their work colleagues. 

Trade in the 1700's records blanket weaving and ribbon making and the textile industry was originally the main trade for Coventry. This was superceded by watch and clock makers. Coventry and its industry was given a major boost by the arrival of the canals and steam engines. 

Coventry is famous for sewing machines and bicycles and the famous Penny Farthing bicycle was invented by James Starley. The production of bicycles led to motorbikes and cars for which Coventry is well known for. Coventry and its contribution to the war effort in both world wars, along with its neighbour Birmingham, was essential to the armed forces and consequently this made it a target for enemy air raids. Severe bombing during the second world war severely damaged the city and evidence of this exists today with the ruins of the old Cathedral. 

The new Cathedral in Coventry is certainly different from traditional Cathedral buildings. It was designed by Basil Spence and is situated alongside the old ruins. Coventry is now twinned with Dresden in Germany. Dresden was also heavily bombed during the war. Coventry has now developed into a modern bustling city with its magnificent cathedral and museums which include the National Motorcycle Museum and the Air Museum. 

Other notable museums and attractions include The Herbert Museum and Art Gallery, The Toy Museum and St Mary's Guildhall which dates back from 1342. In recent years Coventry has benefited from European Funding and the arrival of large modern business parks and science parks. 

The retail sector has expanded dramatically and Coventry's excellent road and rail network have encouraged many large companies to move their centres of operations to the city of Coventry. This in turn has created new leisure opportunities and Coventry hosts a fine selection of cinemas, restaurants and clubs. 

The name Coventry is thought to come from the Old English 'Cofa's tree' but a more recent survey suggests that the first part 'Cofa' (modern cove) perhaps refers to the pool by the river Sherbourne on which Coventry stands. The cove by the tree perhaps? Places were often given names after landmarks.

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Ragley Hall

Ragley Hall is the home of the Marquess & Marchioness of Hertford & the seat of the Conway-Seymour family since 1680. The Stately Home and Gardens include extensive parkland, a large lake with a picnic and play area, an Adventure Wood, Maze, Woodland Walk, Stables and the Jerwood Sculpture Park.

Refreshments of food and drink can be obtained from Bodgers cabin near the Adventure Park as well as in a dedicated Tea Room in the house. There is also a gift shop. This is an ideal location for a family day out. Take a picnic and let the kids enjoy themselves in the Adventure Wood. There are climbing frames, trampoline, swings, wooden walkways and rope climbs and plenty of places to run and hide. The 3D maze is also very popular.

Ragley Hall Gardens contain some fascinating sculptures with some very lifelike human figures and unusual stone and metal ones with various themes. Ragley Hall itself was designed n 1680 by Robert Hooke, a friend of Sir Christopher Wren. Of particular note is the Baroque plasterwork by James Gibbs which is dated 1750 and the collection of 18th century paintings, china and furniture.

The gardens and lakeside of Ragley are set in 400 acres of parkland which was landscaped by 'Capability' Brown. There are also some 18th century carriages and equestrian memorabilia with an ice house and game larder.

Many events take place at Ragley Hall throughout the year. Check their website on a regular basis for up to date details.

Website: http://www.ragleyhall.com

For more photographs of Ragley Hall click here or view on You Tube

Severn Valley Railway

The Severn Valley Railway has done well in its preservation over recent years. Railway enthusiast around the country will recognise the SVR and many people from around the Midlands will have been fortunate enough to take a trip on one of its trains or take part in one of its many events. The Severn Valley Railway operates its trains on full standard guage railway track. The services run every weekend throughout the year and daily during the school holiday periods and designated holiday times. The existing track runs through beautiful countryside and passes over six viaducts.

Passengers can take a train ride from any of the stations along route but a popular choice is the Kidderminster to Bridgnorth route which takes in some 16 miles of countryside and passes through or stops at the stations of Bewdley, Arley, Highley, Hampton Loade and finally Bridgnorth.

Running the Severn Valley Railway requires a certain degree of dedication and volunteers as well as membership and shareholders help to keep the spirit of the railways alive. The track and the signalling has to be maintained and the SVR have their own workshops and an impressive array of rolling stock which consists of some twenty seven steam locomotives, eighteen deisel locomotives, sixty passenger coaches and over one hundred goods wagons of various descriptions. More information about the Severn Valley Railway can be found at www.svr.co.uk

Severn Valley, Railway, Railway Station, Bewdley, Worcestershire. DY12 1BG.
Tel: 01299 403816

Kingmaker - Warwick Castle

The Wars of the Roses which began in the 1450's have a lot to do with Warwick Castle. Warwick Castle under Richard Neville, supported the Yorkists and when the Yorkists won in 1461, Henry VI conferred the title of Earl of Warwick on Richard Neville in recognition of his services to the King.

As fortunes changed and allegiances proved difficult to maintain the Earl of Warwick sided against Henry VI and took the King prisoner at Warwick Castle. The Kingmaker at Warwick Castle beautifully demonstrates the preparations for battle, the life of everyday men and women. This is as realistic as it gets. Waxworks by Madame Tussaud provide realistic settings and as the story unfolds you can almost imagine yourself there among the people, people unaware of the destiny of the Earl of Warwick and the King of England.

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Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle is one of England's finest examples of a mediaeval Castle. With over a thousand years of history, this castle was first fortified by William the Conqueror in 1068. This is one of the UK's most visited attractions.

The visitor will be impressed by the heavy fortifications. For centuries the castle was the home of some of the most powerful Earls in England. The Earl of Warwick influenced the battles between the houses of York and Lancaster in the famous Wars of the Roses.

The grounds were landscaped by 'Capability Brown' and over the years the estate and residence were tranformed into a grand Stately Home. George IV, Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and Edward VII were very familiar with Warwick Castle and its hospitality.

The collections of furniture, tapestries, painting and armour make this a memorable attraction. No wonder the Castle attracts over 800,000 visitors a year.

More information about the castle can be found at the Warwick Castle Official website:

www.warwick-castle.co.uk

For more photos of Warwick Castle click here or view on You Tube