On leaving Kenilworth for Coventry a stretch of moorland extends upon the right hand, on which are two mounds with the usual fosses around the summits, denoting British hill-forts. Beyond this the road begins to assume that characteristic which has made the way from Kenilworth to Coventry renowned as 'one of the two finest roads in England'—needless to say, the other road is from Coventry to Kenilworth—a magnificent avenue with broad strips of greensward lying on either side, and glimpses of splendid Warwickshire scenery between the boles, justify the foregoing descriptions.
Two miles from Kenilworth is Gibbet Hill, the erection upon which has now gone, but was used last in 1765 for the execution of two murderers. Crossing Stivichall Common, with its triple array of oak-trees on either side the road, the Coventry Grammar School buildings are passed upon the left, and the 'City of the Three Spires' is entered.
Town Plan No. 15—Coventry.
COVENTRY
The city derives its name from Conventre, or Convent Town, in recognition of the Benedictine monastery erected by Leofric and Godiva in 1043. The well-known legend connected with these famous personages need only be referred to here. Gosford Green, outside the town, was the scene of the historical encounter between the Dukes of Hereford and Norfolk in the reign of Richard II., which had such momentous results. Many Parliaments have been held in the town, and it was famous for the great number of religious communities which during the medieval period were lodged in the town. The ancient fortifications were dismantled in the time of Charles II. as a punishment for the Commonwealth tendencies of the citizens.
St. Michael's Church, a 'masterpiece of art,' and one of the finest parish churches in England, stands in the centre of the city. It is in the Perpendicular style, and has been recently restored. The spire is 303 feet high, and was begun in 1372; flying buttresses of great elegance support the tower. The oldest part of the church is the south porch, with a parvise over it. The chapels belonging to the various guilds in the town still retain their old names. There are many effigies, but none of great antiquity.
Holy Trinity Church is adjacent to St. Michael's. The date of foundation is unknown; the style is late Early English, and the work by the north porch dates from c. 1259. The porch has a domus, or priest's chamber, over it. There are several chapels in the church devoted to the city guilds. The foundations and remains noticed on the north side of the church are those of the west front of the cathedral, built about 1260 upon a preceding Norman foundation. It was the Priory Church of the monastery founded by Leofric, and was demolished at the Reformation.