High Street

Spot on, thanks Heathite. Number 22 it is. I've been trying to locate all the crypt/cellar photos I've got and many of them are of the massive cellar under 21-22. The space is divided into 3 irregular shapes. The ones of the Royal Insurance/Assurance almost complete the space.

I think insurance was for a definite single thing that would happen, assurance was for what might happen, all legal stuff in small print. 1935, no Martins Bank. 1937, bingo! Martins Bank. If we look at Prof's picture, under the flag the first iron pole standing, between that and the Martins Bank was Pepper Lane, the pole standing but the bollards gone with the bomb. Helen. Most of those buildings in the High Street before 1935 were like the old pictures of Pepper Lane, which survived longer. High Street became the first to become banks, building societies, lawyers etc. Coventry in the thirties was changing from Victorian to more modern in all different ways - music, laws, etc. In fact England was - flying across to USA, radio to USA and Oz. For grown ups it was a very exciting time, and I watched it, but not really understanding as a child. Now I can read or see pictures and be in both, and this forum is a godsend to me for it shows both that I can bring to mind (sometimes!).

You're absolutely right, the High Street was one of the earliest streets to modernise, over and over. The wealth of the banks allowed them to keep up to date with the latest styles/security, whereas most of the city lagged behind. The brick replacements meant that the High Street was better able to withstand the war than some of the older ones. Broadgate and Smithford Street looked similarly prosperous but had quit a lot of fake Georgian buildings with timbered backs.

A long view to the Council House of High St with some detail.

Prof, it's a long time since people have stopped to watch tarmacing

Soon Argon, we hope, the ubiquitous pot-holes may be filled - supposed to be money for it!

High Street and Pepper Lane

Great shot from 1932 which really shows the line of Smithford Street to High Street in comparison with today (thank goodness for the National Provincial!)

Gilbert's Jewellers when they were in the High Street, a few doors up from Martin's Bank. I see this image has been posted before but this one is better quality, lots of detail and interesting words too.

More of that fantastic curved glass.

Argon The reason people stopped to watch tarmacing in the old days was because there was always a chance of being offered a job. You could be sacked and replaced on the spot those days. Prof's post 169 shows clearly the three-shop width that Broadgate gained after the bombing. Martins Bank stood alone after the raid.

Does anyone know when the old Midland Bank/Earl of Mercia Building was constructed?

Hi Neil. Just checked Pevsner's "Buildings of England - Warwickshire" - no mention I'm afraid. Pevsner seems very irrational in his choices for inclusion in his books - he describes the National (Provincial) Westminster Bank (1930) and Lloyd's Bank (1932), but not the Midland.

Was there when this photo was taken, not sure of the age of the car.