Broadgate

The whole 'flow' of the road from Broadgate north to Cross Cheaping seemed to change dramatically when they decided to build the 'original' Owens store/Trinity Street. Obviously the war intervened but it's difficult now to picture that the road from Burges-Cross Cheaping-Broadgate-Hertford Street was once the main north-south route through the city. That's why around 1930 would be my favourite 'Back to the Future' time period to go back to and walk those streets.

Neilsyard, I'm sure I've seen an old plan where they would have built something where Ironmonger Square now stands which mean we wouldn't have that weird dog leg and Owen Owen would have fit in better (I think the Burges would have vanished as well). As the new plans did not fit in with the city's existing urban grid, the interface between the two is poorly defined, such as the way the Burges ends with a blank wall, and the plans were only for small areas. Outside of the Precinct and civic centre, there was no real idea of what to do and the ring road effectively rendered much of the area economically unviable (until now - good plots of land to put student flats).

Wearethemods. I really have a job to believe that, not even a bugler, no flag at half mast, no hymn sheets, no uniforms, no old soldiers, no church dignitary - the mind bogles.

I've found it on t'internet: "Armistice Day. Inspector Langford and PC 150 Smith are standing in the road to halt the traffic while the two minutes silence takes place in Broadgate, Coventry. 11th November 1929"

Kaga, I have found an article in the Telegraph for the same year and there was also a gathering in the Memorial Park at the War Memorial. There were representatives of the British Legion and other businesses there. The mayor gave a moving speech. One of the things they did say was it was not a day for martial display. The religious services were held on the day before, Sunday 10th.

Thanks everyone - so they did have two parades, and the army were present despite no martial display. Do they still have two parades? I was very pleased to see (Beerbottle) Bill Speakman, now a Chelsea pensioner, at this year's Cenotaph parade. I used to think Broadgate was a figure of eight, traffic coming from the Burges, and traffic crossing down Trinity Street - there was always a policeman on the crossroads, but not outside Owen Owen.

No.11 Glendower Avenue bus - and a variety of cars - in Broadgate

That is the Rover BRM gas turbine racing car in the foreground, the one that raced at the 24 hours Le Mans in 1965. It has a trade plate fitted on the front so that it can be driven on the road, looks like the old white letters on a red background plate.

This is the Broadgate I loved. Gilly

Hi all As well as the folks enjoying a nosh in the Bridge Restaurant. Fabulous pic. Thank you. Greetings to you Gilly & family.

And me Gilly, never did understand why they (whoever) had to change it at all. Christmas cheer to you and yours.

I concur about Broadgate!

The devil himself has changed it... And we have to do something to get that back. I do not intend to live in that soulless concrete or scandalous lunapark ! you can help me by posting #MakeBroadgateGreenAgain on Twitter, Facebook anywhere. We deserve greenery not that disgusting vulgarity. It is shameful !

Many on this forum will share your feelings 101% - the loss of the island, the encroachment of Cathedral Lanes, the placement of Lady Godiva, all contribute to them (Sorry, don't do Twitter or Facebook, but wish you well!)