About Coventry

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Coventry had a booming motor industry during the 1950s and 1960s and Coventry enjoyed a 'golden age'. However, in the 1970s, there was a decline in the British motor industry and Coventry suffered particularly badly, especially towards the end of that decade. Some 30 years later, Coventry is now considered as one of the UK's safer major cities and has gradually recovered economically with newer industries locating there.

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Coventry was badly bombed during the Blitz in 1940. Aside from London, Hull and Plymouth, Coventry suffered more damage than any other British city during the attacks, leaving it’s famous 14th century Coventry Cathedral in ruins. The ruins of old Cathedral are now open to the public for free and are preserved as a memorial and sacred space for the City. They also provide a fantastic backdrop to open air events and film recording on occasions.

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Another well know site in Coventry is the status of Lady Godiva. It is believed that in the eleventh century, Lady Godiva rode a horse completely naked through the streets of Coventry on Market Day. According to legend, her husband, Leofric, demanded an oppressive tax from Coventry citizens. Lady Godiva, aiming to help the citizens, pleaded for him to stop and Leofric supposedly said, “You will have to ride naked through Coventry before I change my ways.” Coventry now holds the Godive festival in her name which is a three-day event offers great live music, family entertainment, international food and drink and craft village.

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Coventry is also home to three universities, Coventry University in the city centre, the University of Warwick on the outskirts of the city and the smaller Arden University. It also has its own airport and was awarded UK City of Culture 2021

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