Coventry Archives

Hi all, I would just like to take the opportunity to apologise for the sudden closure of Coventry Archives before Christmas. This was due to a heating issue in our Reading Room. We are still awaiting repairs so please see the full update of services we can offer on our website: https://www.theherbert.org/history-centre/default.aspx We hope that the closure period will not last too long and look forward to welcoming visitors back in the not too distant future. Kind regards, Paramjit Sehmi (Archives Manager)

The web site indicates that the archives are open again! Link.

Information for anyone planning to use the Coventry Archives in the next month or so. Archives Manager, Paramjit Sehmi, has let me know that they will be closed to the public for auditing from Saturday 29th July - 12th August, inclusive.

Thanks both of you for the update. It's just as well I didn't book for a week earlier. Let's hope they are back on time!

Apologies - I've been away. Are you coming to Coventry Helen? I'm planning on scanning the Board of Health documents you mentioned.

Hi folks, I'm pleased to say that we have a new Archives Manager at The Herbert, Mike Bevan, who has been in touch and kindly provided a short article (added to Members' articles) which can come under the umbrella of "Coventry Firsts". Mike is fairly new to our city, but quickly realised that Coventry has been "first" at several things, and this article, appropriately, is entitled First account of a witchcraft trial for black magic in England, 1325. I hope you find it interesting, and perhaps we can begin a new topic discussing some of the things our city has pioneered. A couple of things that spring to mind are our New Cathedral and Belgrade Theatre - both the first of their type to be built after WWII - I'm sure there are many other things.

Thanks for the article Mike. In an era where people died young and suddenly, I imagine it wasn't hard to believe in witchcraft. Both the accuser and the accused were fooled by co-incidence.

Just a quick note to mention Rob and I met Mike on Friday who seems a smashing chap and seems keen to develop a relationship with the forum and its members - welcome Mike!

Talking of which.... I've finally got round to starting the topic that Mike will like to see.... Coventry Firsts.