Corporation Cottages, Holbrooks

There were munitions cottages off Holbrook Lane, Jackson Road leading to St Paul's cemetery.

I did find some information concerning the use of ground near to St. Paul's for the housing of the workers but have lost it In the searching though, I did find out that there was a temporary church built for the munition workers on the corner of Lythalls Lane/Holbrook Lane for about 400 people in 1916.

I wonder if that was St Luke's Church, it was a hut building, I can just remember something on that bit of ground on the corner when I was a child.

I'm still looking, it was still being built July 1916 and it said it the structure will be the same material as that used on the construction of the munition huts 'the patent black slabs' which are familiar in the area. Wonder what that was and where it was made?

Yes, it was St. Luke's temporary church, dedicated in October 1916, separate to St Paul's, the Church was so filled on Sunday's they were talking about enlarging it in 1918. I remember opposite 'The Holbrook Pub, there was a piece of land that could be it.

Thats where the hut was, I can just about remember it, I think I went to some kind of church Christmas party in there in the sixties when I was a child. If you look on St Luke's Church web page, Our History, there's a photo.

I was looking forward to seeing the photo and I can't find the relevant site to bring the picture up. In my search for it, I did find a booklet that has been published by them on the history of the church and Holbrooks, which has details about the war years. It is £3.95 and I hope to purchase one. In the meantime, I shall keep trying to find the photo you mention.

Hi Foxcote, sorry you couldn't find it, try google St Luke's Church Holbrooks Coventry, then scan down, you should see Our History St Luke's Church. Good luck

Got it thanks, saw the 1916 Church and the answer about my 'patent black slabs' were mentioned on the site as 'cinder blocks' so that was what they were, being used all over Coventry for temporary accomodation. Wonder what company made the 'blocks'?

I believe that Corporation Cottages were actually the munitions cottages in Holbrooks, I have also heard the expression shanty town used. My parents and I lived in the cottages 1927-30 and I believe I was born there, but to date have been unable to confirm this, is there anyway that I can do this.

Obtaining a copy of your birth certificate would be the first step

In a book "We re-invented the Wheel" stories of Dunlop Aviation in Coventry there is a very good aerial view showing the munitions cottages and information about the factory.