Earl Street (inc. Palace Yard)

Sorry Neil, I made a mess of my sentences (again). The full picture in Rob's collection shows the clipping above * and a sketch of what was planned for the Council House (but wasn't built). To the right of that was St Mary Street and then a very early version of Wheelers before the glass display windows were put in. I could post the full picture but I hoped to tempt people into Rob's collection Perhaps you could do the honours? * Rob has kindly replaced my clipping with a sharp copy - hero that he is.

Gotcha Helen! Nice one Rob.

I much prefer the Council House as built.

Helen, Hope you have risen and now shining Now what a blessing they got rid of that stupid added 'walkway' eventually.

Morning Dreamtime They might have got away with the walkway if they'd built something beautiful, whether it was gothic or modern. I think that the abandoned design for the Council House looked interesting enough but in both designs I've never taken to the clock tower. It unbalances the whole appearance and looks clunky. I guess that they were trying to echo the missing castle, the churches or the old city gates, plus the organic way old palaces evolved but it looks forced. Also, not wanting to dis any part of the Council House as individually the items are well crafted, but the clock always reminds me of a giant bus stop, stuck on the edge of the tower. Sorry.

When was the Council House walkway built?

Helen, I have never thought much about the clock and took it as how it has always been but it's not the original, is it? Coventry has a 'thing' about clocks it seems. There is always one installed in many parts of the city or rather used to be. Iindatee, that's a good question for Helen, I am not certain when the eyesore was added.

Not my era of knowledge I'm afraid. It isn't on the 1960-1977 map but it is on the 1971-1981 map but the time accuracy of the maps isn't always that good.

In October 1959 the clock was taken down for repairs to damage caused by the bombing of 1941 (elsewhere on here I have posted a photo of the damaged clock). It was replaced during August 1960 with a few minor alterations. The former copper dials, each with a diameter of 7ft and weighing 3cwt, were replaced by white opaque glass, lit from the inside. The gilded angel was also renovated and the oak embellishments were removed.

Thanks Manor House, very informative. I get lost sometimes among the posts but do you know what year the modern walkway was added?

Prefer a dome, Helen?

Thank you, Manor House. Now knowing more about it I still didn't like it. I am sure I used to catch the Chapelfields bus there.

You are right, Dreamtime. The bus stop was just opposite the entrance. I have fond memories of helping in my dad's tobacco and confectionery shop opposite the Council House main entrance in the early 1950's. The workers and officers of the council used to frequent the shop. One mayor used to come in if there was a delegation for him to meet and ask my mother if his collar was clean. If she said no, he would go to Gibberds just above us and buy a new paper one to use. The police also were regular customers with the station being nearby and my mother was told that the same mayor had to be followed when he went out as he used to walk his dog while wearing his mayoral chain of office.