What happened on THIS day in Coventry's history?

7th Aug 1849 St. Thomas' church opened and consecrated by the Bishop of the Diocese. 7th Aug 1907 Actress Patsy Montague, using her stage name of 'La Milo', plays the part of Lady Godiva leading a huge 2-mile long procession watched by an estimated 100,000 people.

Telegraph photos taken on 7th August

Telegraph photos taken on 8th August

8th Aug 1940 The King and Queen visited Alfred Herbert's, Coventry Gauge and Tool, and Civil Defence stations, having long talks with men and women working at benches and lathes. 8th Aug 2008 Coventry Working Men's Club in Whitefriar's Street closed due to declining membership - a general UK trend.

On 8th August 1970, Warwickshire's West Indian star Rohan Kanhai hit a magnificent 187 against Derbyshire in a County Championship match at Courtaulds Ground. Unfortunately, wickets tumbled around him, and the Bear and Ragged Staff team could only amass 296, with England paceman Alan Ward taking 6-69. Derbyshire would go on to win the game by six wickets after dismissing the home side for 177 in their second innings.

On 8th August 1981, Coventry Bees suffered a humiliating home defeat by local rivals Cradley Heath in a British League fixture at Rugby Road, the visitors winning by 52-26. Heathens provided all 13 heat winners, with four of their team unbeaten by a home rider. COVENTRY 26 Ole Olsen (c) 8, Rob Hollingworth, Mitch Shirra 3, Alf Busk 4, Tommy Knudsen 7+1, Kevin Hawkins 2, Keith White 1 CRADLEY HEATH 52 Bruce Penhall (c) 12 (maximum), Bent Rasmussen 4, Erik Gundersen 12 (maximum), Alan Grahame 11+1 (paid maximum), Phil Collins 4+1, John McNeill 2+1, Dave Shields (paid maximum) Unsurprisingly, the visitors dominated the second half of the meeting, with Alan Grahame winning the Trophy Final, ahead of Bruce Penhall and Dave Shields, Erik Gundersen having suffered a puncture whilst leading. Cradley Heath would go on to be crowned British League champions, finishing seven points clear of Ipswich. Bees ended up in fifth position in the 16 team league.

On 8th August 1969 the area around Holy Trinity Church and the Cathedral was declared a Conservation Area - Hill Top Conservation Area

9th Aug 1849 Mary Ball became the last person to be publicly hanged in Coventry. 9th Aug 1922 Philip Larkin was born at 2 Poultney Road, Radford, Coventry. 9th Aug 1864 The foundation stone was laid for the Coventry & Warwickshire Hospital.

Telegraph photos taken on 9th August

10th Aug 1769 Coventry's first canal completed by James Brindley and on this day the city celebrated when two coal barges from Bedworth entered the canal basin. 10th Aug 1763 The 'Coventry Gang' were hanged on Whitley Common after robbing the Castle Inn. (Roll forward 250 years and I'll bet that 'gang' would've been wearing hoodies, too! )

Telegraph photos taken on 10th August

11th Aug 1831 Mary Ann Higgins was executed on Whitley Common for murdering her uncle by means of poison. 11th Aug 1835 Rev. Stephenson laid the foundation stone for the Methodist Hall. 11th Aug 1873 The legendary W. G. Grace played his first cricket match in Coventry at The Butts Ground. Grace's team, the 'United South of England Eleven' beat Coventry by just 2 runs.

Telegraph photos taken on 11th August

Telegraph photos taken on 12th August

12th Aug 1469 During the War of the Roses Queen Elizabeth's father and brother, Earl Rivers the Treasurer and Lord John Woodville, were captured and be-headed before thousands of spectators on Gosford Green. 12th Aug 1874 The last stage coach from Coventry to London left the city.