Stoke Green

The left hand side of Bray's Lane/Stoke Park side also had sandstone ashlar which may have come from the city wall or gates.

Does anybody know when the paddling pool Binley Road was closed down?

I don't know a year, but I recall paddling in it in the early 1970s - and by the 80s I'm pretty sure it was just left as it was, but empty. It would be interesting to learn when it was grassed over.

Thanks Rob. I was asking for my daughter in law, she says she used it in the 80s.

Greg, Yes, they are great photos but that granite trough - there was one similar quite close to you at one time at Main Farm, just above the 'Slough' - it was still there in 1950s, all grown over with nettles, brambles and such, near the old dutch barn. It had been replaced by a tin one similar to the old tin baths, with a small pipe that fed it from as far away as the canal - all would have disappeared with the highway I presume.

I recall using it when I was around 10 or 11 years old. That would have been in 1982-3.

It was full of water in 1970 because I ended up swimming in it after my stag party.

The Cressage, Stoke Green 23 May 1931. My parents' wedding reception. Pattison's Dancing Class, held there and later the daughter Betty Pattison had a pre-school creche my younger brother attended, aged 3. I believe the house still stands near Stoke National School.

Greg, the tree in your picture post #7 is Jabet's Ash, marking a boundary of the city where royalty and others of importance would be met by the Mayor and brought with ceremony into the city. This goes back to medieval times when Coventry was a city of much importance. The photo above it is of the stocks on Binley Road, near the Bull's Head by the former C & NW cricket ground.

Empress Buildings, Rob, far older than 1950 stated in the new Stoke website as I am sure you will know. All my lifetime (b.1938) and must have celebrated Queen Victoria as Empress of India!

Lindsey Stowe - 12/3/2018 "I was talking to a nice lady on the bus last year. Being in her 90's she had memories of Empress Buildings from her childhood which I found really interesting and would like to share with you, especially as my great grandfather was the Smithy in Binley Road. She remembers him, the Stables and the Blacksmiths which were situated by the big gates at the side of where the Building Society is now. They was set back from the road and had lovely gardens. There was a sweet shop nearby. The right of way entry leading into Beaconsfield Rd had old houses facing inwards and there were "top shop" houses and cottages where Lidl is now. To date I haven't been able to find many photo's of the Empress Buildings area only a postcard showing the Bulls Head side of the Binley Road. These were her recollections of that time." Must look for this which did not see! (Taken from Coventry Society)

My word, Prof, you're right - I had no idea! My postcard of Empress Building was from 1956, and in my experience so far, many similar specific shots tend to be taken to show off a new place, so I (very wrongly) assumed it was a post-war construction - the straight style of which seemed about right. However, I've just done some newspaper archive digging, and found plans for it from 1933, and the first place advertised as being open in late 1934. Cor blimey, I have some changes to make! Thank you for prompting me.

Rob, I am amazed that it is thirties so long after Queen Victoria (d.1901). King Edward Vll might have been King Emperor but this is the Empress Building and for why? Do we know who opened it? Something The Coventry Society should whittle out maybe?

Midland Daily Telegraph, 21 July 1933: