www.tourguidescoventry.co.uk
BRIEF
HISTORY
Coventry has a long and
interesting history ranging from the Roman Fort at Baginton to
the spectacular new Cathedral designed by Sir Basil Spence,
consecrated in 1962. The Benedictine Priory of St Mary’s was
founded by the city’s famous Lady Godiva in 1043 and later
became the first of three cathedrals, only to be pulled down on
the orders of Henry VIII in 1534. The second cathedral was
destroyed in the 1940
Blitz on Coventry, the ruins of which are now attached to
the present one.
COVENTRY TOUR GUIDES
IN HISTORICAL COSTUME
St
Mary’s Guildhall, one of the finest in the country, dates
back to 1342. Here kings and queens were entertained, mayors
inaugurated, bread handed to the poor and Mary Queen of Scots
imprisoned. Princess Elizabeth, daughter of King James I and
grandaughter of Mary, held court here when aged eight, while
living at nearby Coombe Abbey and was hidden here during the Gun
Powder Plot. Cheylesmore Manor House, still partially standing,
was once part of the estate of the Black Prince and is the
location of the city’s Registry Office.
During Medieval times, Coventry
was renowned for its cloth industry, later replaced by silk,
watches, sewing machines, cycles and eventually cars. The city
is the birthplace of Sir
Frank Whittle, inventor of the jet engine, while George
Eliot, the authoress, was educated here and her book ‘Middlemarch’
was based in Coventry.
So next time you visit Coventry,
come on a guided tour with a member of the Coventry Guild of
Tour Guides and discover the real city.
COVENTRY
TOURIST GUIDES
The Coventry Guild of Tour Guides
has been in existence since 1990. All members have passed an
examination with The Heart of England Tourist Board and have
been awarded a Green Badge which entitles wearers to guide in
the Coventry area. All guides have a good knowledge of history,
while understanding how to look after groups of visitors and
cater for their needs.
COVENTRY TOUR GUIDES
SERVICES
Many of the fourteen members own
costumes, allowing them to dress as famous characters associated
with the city. These include Lady Godiva, Queen Isabella, St
George, Black Prince, Henry VI & VIII, Nell Gwynn, John Hale
and many others. Costumes are not normally worn for day to day
guiding, but are usually kept for special occasions such as the
Godiva parade in June.
On offer to the visitor are a
variety of guided walks and coach tours, usually lasting about
1½ hours but can be extended if requested. The guides are also
available to support local conferences and functions and have
also been known to play a part in the odd medieval banquet and
murder mystery! Prices are very reasonable and reflect services
outside London. If you are interested in a quote or require
further information, please feel free to contact us.
CONTACT
For information on tours or
support services only, please contact Roger Bailey, chairperson
of the Coventry Guild of Tour Guides: covtourist@aol.com
COPYRIGHT (1999)
- THE COVENTRY GUILD OF TOURIST GUIDES / ROGER BAILEY
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