Return to historic street brings back childhood memories

A RETURN to one of Coventry’s most historical streets has stirred sweet childhood memories for a family who once called it home.

Ruth Conway, aged 78, revisited Priory Row to make the most of its reopening as luxury accommodation which is being operated by No Ordinary Hospitality Management, in partnership with Historic Coventry Trust.

5 Priory Row is one of six treasured buildings that have been restored and re-established as unique city centre visitor accommodation. The other newly refurbished properties are 3, 4 and 6 Priory Row and two of Coventry’s medieval gates at Cook Street and Swanswell.

Ruth was a frequent visitor to 5 Priory Row during the late 1950s and early 1960s, as her aunty Kit Ingram and uncle William “Bill” Ingram occupied the house for over 30 years due to Bill’s role of Verger at the neighbouring Holy Trinity Church, which still stands proudly in Coventry city centre.

Her trip marked the first time she had returned to the property for over 60 years. She was joined by her cousin Roy Ingram, who was also a regular visitor to Priory Row all those years ago, for the occasion.

Ruth said: “It was fantastic to take a trip down memory lane and stay at Priory Row, albeit this time in a temporary capacity. I have very happy recollections of my aunt and uncle’s old home and of Coventry.

“For many years after my uncle Bill’s death, I used to ring the doorbell to see who lived there and how it had changed in the intervening years, but sadly nobody answered back then!

“I’m delighted that the original building as I remember it has received a modern-day makeover but still retains its old feel. Complete respect has been given to its past, with the original beams in particular continuing to add authenticity and character to the property.

“It’s been great to come back to a city I know so well, and to reunite with my cousin Roy, who I spent many an hour with at our beloved number five all those years ago. I’m already looking forward to returning in the not-too-distant future.”

Historic Coventry Trust’s £1.5m partnership project with Coventry City Council to restore and convert the city’s two medieval gates and the three Lychgate Cottages in Priory Row has brought new life to ancient buildings that have lain under-used for decades.

The buildings were originally built between 1385 and 1440 and are rare survivors of the city’s medieval heyday.

Richard Harrison, Managing Director of No Ordinary Hospitality Management, said: “Reconnecting Priory Row and the other unique properties with Coventrians both past and present was incredibly important to us when we took this initiative on with our partners at Historic Coventry Trust and Coventry City Council.

“Some of the locations have been a fundamental part of the city for nearly 640 years, and it seems fitting that as Coventry approaches the end of its time as UK City of Culture, these six historical buildings now once again sit pride of place in its beating heart, this time welcoming new generations through their doors.

“It’s been an incredible privilege for us to be involved with the project to this point, and we’re excited to welcome locals and guests from further afield to our six destinations, where you can get a personal flavour of Coventry’s past - with modern day touches aplenty.”

To stay at one of these unique homes, which are now taking bookings of between two and six people, please visit www.historiccoventrytrust.org. uk/stay-with-us/ .