Wyken Slough

I think the boats are still up there through the gate with the long lane but not on the slough itself, its a part of Coventry nature walk around the city, I take my grandchildren there to see the nesting swans which are at the side of the little bridge that crosses over the water to the little woodland that lays beside the swans.

The long lane goes to the canal basin used by the Coventry Canal Society.

Thank you Greg for that, I asked a chap what was up there, he said it's where they keep the boats, so now I know, thanks again

Hi Greg, I live in Courthouse Green and I'm fascinated with the slough history, I'm trying to get any information on the coal, mineral mine at the top of the slough, I think it was called Victoria Farm mine, thanks.

There were also two larger motor boats on The Slough one called Three Spires the other Lady Godiva, they both seated about 10 people. I used to skipper one at weekends. One and a half trips around the pool for sixpence a head. That was in the early 50s. Earlier than that, as has been mentioned, there was power boat racing at weekends. These boats were light weight hydroplanes. I started fishing The Slough about 1943 but the fishing was never really good there as it was over stocked with small fish. Later it became polluted, I have no idea if the fish stock ever recovered. Les

There are still some very big fish in there and, occasionally, they are taken out and left on the bank. I am fascinated by the two boats you mention as this was just before my time (I lived at Purcell Road in the mid 50`s). Was the houseboat, mentioned in my earlier thread, still there then? Regarding the Victoria mine it was named after Victoria Farm (NE of the Slough pool) and the basin now used by Coventry Canal society was originally built to transport the coal. At some time, a branch rail line was built from the Coventry to Nuneaton line and crossed Sutton Stop and the Aldermans Green Road (about where the M6 now crosses it). A branch off this line went across the top of the Slough and crossed Deedmore Road (a level crossing gate still stands on Deedmore Road) and went across to what is now Henley Green.

I was born in 1933 and after being bombed out of our home in Holbrooks we went to to live in Hall Green Road so I remember the Slough from the early 40s. I have no recollection of a houseboat there and I thought the quay heading was installed by the council to provide a safe place for people hiring rowing boats to board in safety There was also another colliery near by, the Craven Colliery that was to the right of Henley Road. Victoria and Craven were joined by rail and a conveyor belt that crossed high above Henley Road, Walsgrave side of Purcell Road. This conveyor carried the spoil to the clod banks off Deedmoor Rd. As for the size of fish in The Slough a friend and I introduced pike into the pool in the early 50s hoping to increase the size of the existing stock. A bit naughty now I know but in those days quite legal. Les.

I have been trying all day to put some coal pit research sheets on here to show where the railway ran. I have failed about five times. Will try again.

Hi. Look at the Coventry Walks Web site. Go on to the all maps page. Most of it is marked out. Start from the railway bridge, at Sutton Stop (now a walkway). Trace it passed the power station then across to travel the far side of the Wyken Slough. Eventually crossing the present Henley Rd, near to the big tool store. Hope that helps. ps. The embankment is still there where it crossed the Henley Rd.

That is a fabulous piece of history, Heritage. Bril!

Agreed 100% - excellent

I remember the Slough and going on the hand-cranked paddle boats in the smaller posted section and then the rowing boats in the larger section. I went to Aldermans Green Infants School in 1957 and left Aldermans Green Junior School in 1963. Then I went to Foxford School in 1963 and left in 1968. I think the Infants and Juniors were two separate schools and the Infants school might have been demolished? Ms Gladys Mann was the head teacher for the Infants School and Mr Bourne was the head teacher for the Junior School. I lived in Fulbrook Road, Wood End then moved to Silverdale Close, Aldermans Green. The teachers I remember are: Miss Turner, Mrs Oakley and Mrs Davis.

Hi & hello I too remember the boats, but my most vivid or worst memory, as was my custom when near water as a child, was to fall in. The people that I knew from Foxford were all a liitle older than you Redpie. Best wishes.

Hi Redpie, I too went to Alderman's Green School and later Foxford, but I was maybe three years ahead of you. We must have walked across The Slough together on many occasions but never knew each other! I lived in Milverton Rd (my house is long gone and just bare ground now) until I married in 1969. What a small world eh. Hope you weren't one of the boys who regularly stole my cakes that I made in Home Economics as I walked home on a Monday!! Do you remember how cold it was in the winter crossing the Slough in the snow and in thick fog we were always worried about falling in the water. Gilly.