[10
JUN 00] HERITAGE OPEN DAYS NEWS
CWN Sponsors Heritage Open DaysCWN is
sponsoring this year's Heritage Open Days event, which will see many historic buildings
around Coventry open to the public.
The aim of the annual national event, on 16 and 17 September, is to give people the
chance to see buildings not normally open to the public and find out more about their
history, their uses and the characters that lived in them.
One of the new features open this year is the Lord Mayor's Parlour.
This year's Lord Mayor Sheila Collins will be on hand in full regalia during the
weekend to greet visitors.
Organisers Coventry and Warwickshire Promotions decided to try and expand the amount of
venues after the weekend was a huge success last year.
More information about the buildings will become available during the summer.
CWN Editor Chris Studman said:
"The heritage of this city is very important to both the people who live here and
tourists who visit.
"Coventry might have a reputation as a concrete city, but there are many
interesting buildings with centuries of history.
"CWN is delighted to be a part of this weekend and to help give people the chance
to explore these buildings."
BUILDINGS OPEN THIS YEAR:
DRAPERS HALL
Open Sat 11-5, Sun 11-5 / Full disabled access
Grade II* classical style Drapers Company headquarters
built 1831-2 by Rickman and Hutchinson. Gentleman's club for the guild, Ballroom,
Billiard, Reading and Dining rooms open.
Classical string quartet, The Clarendon Quartet from the
University of Warwick will be playing music from the time in the Ballroom, 2-4.30pm both
days.
Local history societies will be in the Billiard Room
promoting themselves and their work, including, Coventry Watch Makers, George Eliot
Fellowship, CWN, Coventry Photographic society and CADAS.
ST MARY'S HALL
Open Sat 11-5, Sun 11-5 / Partial disabled access
Grade I 14-15th century fine example of a medieval
guildhall. Mary Queen of Scots imprisoned here. Court scene in Adam Bede by George Eliot
set in Great Hall.
Tudor music from Richard York in the courtyard and a chance
for children to play the instruments Sat 11-5.
The Freemen's Guildroom in the undercroft will be open with
members of the guild on hand to explain more about freemen and the guild.
BLUE COAT SCHOOL
Open Sat 11-5, Sun 11-5 / Partial disabled access
Grade II* chateau-style girl's charity school, built
1856-57, architect John Murray. Incorporates fabric from 13-14th Century Benedictine
priory, Coventry's first cathedral. First opening since restoration.
SWANSWELL GATE
Open Sat 11-5, Sun 11-5 / No disabled access
One of two surviving town wall gates. Mid 15th century
Grade I listed building / ancient monument. Converted in 1820's into a dwelling and
workshop, restored 1931-2.
1½ hr tours of the town wall by Joe Davies will start from
the gate 11am and 2pm both days. Admission by free ticket from the Tourist Information
Centre.
CHEYLESMORE MANOR REGISTER OFFICE
Open Sun 11-5 / Full disabled access
Oldest building in Britain to be used as a register office.
Parts of the gatehouse date back to 1250. Famous inhabitants include the Black Prince and
Queen Isabella.
Queen Isabella (local tour guide Barbara Bickerton), will
be in residence to welcome people to her one-time home.
Medieval music from Richard York in the courtyard and a
chance for children to play the instruments Sun 11-5.
KIRBY HOUSE
Open Sat 11-5, Sun 11-5 / No disabled access
Grade II* early Georgian town house. Saved from demolition
and extensively restored 1981-2. Currently used as solicitors offices. Highlights include
a splendid wooden staircase and carved wood panelling.
THE VARSITY
Open Sat 11-5, Sun 11-5 / No disabled access
Grade II* Georgian town house. Built for prominent silk
ribbon manufacturer. Oddfellows branch headquarters for a century from 1881. Recently
restored / converted into a pub.
THE COUNCIL HOUSE
Open Sat 11-5, Sun 11-5 / Full disabled access
Grade II early Tudor style building with rich heraldic
decoration built 1913-17. Opened by future George VI. Lord Mayor's suites, Council Chamber
and Ante-chamber viewable.
The Lord Mayor, Cllr Sheila Collins will be in residence to
meet visitors Sat 11.30-1.30, Sun 2-4.
COVENTRY CATHEDRAL RUINS
Sat 11-5, Sun 11-5. / No disabled access
Bishop Haigh Memorial Chapel in late 13th century porch,
oldest part of church. Late 14th - early 15th century 295 ft high steeple, free access -
fantastic city views.
ST MARY MAGDALENE CHURCH + RISEN CHRIST
HALL, WYKEN
Open Sat 2-5, Sun 11-5 / Disabled access for Risen Christ
only
The oldest building in Coventry. Early 12th century, St
Mary Magdalene church boasts a Norman font and a medieval wall painting of St Christopher.
Church volunteers will be providing a tea room in Risen
Christ hall, next to church.
HERBERT ART GALLERY AND MUSEUM
Open Sat 10-5.30, Sun 11-5 / Full disabled access
Last chance to see 'Go To It!' exhibition which marks the
60th anniversary of the Blitz and the contribution of the Home Front. Also special events
to be arranged.
MUSEUM OF BRITISH ROAD TRANSPORT
Open Sat 10-5, Sun 10-5 / Full disabled access
Largest collection of British built cars, cycles and
motorcycles in the world. Proactive events on Sunday. Will provide a bus to tour the
Heritage Trail.
In addition to the buildings on view the Midlands Vehicle
Preservation Trust will be displaying a number of vintage and classic cars along Priory
Row.
Coventry Guild of Tour Guides will be in costume and on
hand to tour to buildings and answer questions.
Leaflets will be available in September from Coventry
Tourist Information Centre Bayley Lane tel 024 7683 2303.
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