Bedworth and Nuneaton

Rather late but a couple of images from Heritage Open Days in Bedworth. Over 200 visitors to the almshouses. Nice to meet Normk.

Very nice photos Heritage, thank you for sharing. I love those chairs, wonder how old they are?

Good question, I'll try and find out but don't hold your breath. It's a new carpet and the Coats of Arms have had some light restoration. Every retiring Chairman has their family arms placed on the walls. The trustees of the almshouses have held their meetings in the wood panelled Hall since it was built in 1840.

Thanks for that Heritage. I have a yen for fine furniture. I never notice the people. Just as on the TV I am too busy looking at the furniture, it's an annoying habit of mine so I could not help noticing those lovely chairs. Also great to know the building is still being used and not wasting away.

Heritage thanks for sharing what a wonderful room. Thought you might like these links, Bedworth and Nuneaton of old, it also mentions and shows one of the ribbon factories, Nuneaton one has the great flood, lovely to see that has kept its lovely shops, not altered like they have done here and Bedworth, if you go to the photo part more photos on pop out to these links Not sure if you've seen these links Bedworth Nuneaton

This is the end of the Governor's Hall showing the minstrel Gallery and more chairs

Another little snippet of history I heard of the other day from an old lady is that back in the 1930's/40's, there were young lads that worked the mines in this area called Bevin Boys. The young lads of 18 years old from the south/London area were either called up for the army, or sent down the mines under the orders of an MP named Bevin. Its the first I have ever heard of this, so may need to confirm with the history books. But still a piece of local history.

Morning Baz, Yes, I only remember him as Nye Bevin, he was the son of a coalminer I believe.

Hi Baz, The 'Bevin Boys' are now recognised as a fundamental part of the war effort and as such have been allowed to march as a contingent of the Remembrance Day parade at the Cenotaph in London for the last few years. They wear distinctive helmets.

That was Aneurin (Nye) Bevan who introduced the NHS Bevin Boys were named after Ernest Bevin, Minister of Labour and National Service in WWII

Thanks for all the info. I do come across little bits of history from time to time, when talking to people. Like the old BT advert (it's good to talk). Another little known fact is that Nuneaton had an area called Virgin's End. It was the corner of Coventry Road and College Street. There stood a shrine to the Virgin Mary. This was probably for the benefit of a few Catholics which inhabited the village at that time. Close by stood the Virgin's Inn. Both shrine and Inn disappeared about 1850-60. Also there is Scrivener's Yard. Two rows of court cottages at the back of the George & Dragon public house in Wash Lane (now Queens Road). Built by Joseph Scrivener the rope maker, hence the name, Rope Walk, which stretched a long distance from the back of these cottages. A great deal of information on Nuneaton and its history can be found here Note - The George & Dragon, stood in Wash Lane/Queens Road on the Chilvers Coton side. Closed 1965

Bevin Boys (not Aneurin Bevan) Look at Tonypandy riots orders to shoot if they didn't return to work, so the woman did their work to save the men, the starvation of these families at the time, old footage of women and children picking the slack to keep warm, starving I've seen and memories of relations who were there.

Having spent several hours today sitting on one of the chairs, I'm assured that they and the tables date from when the almshouses were built in 1840. The chairs were re upholstered some years ago. The new website for the almshouses.

Thank you for the new website. What lovely wood around the walls. Hope the chair was comfortable for you. I wonder what the chairs material looked like prior to the reupholstery.

History of Nuneaton photos and information - link Also some of Bedworth - link