1 Broadgate - City Hotel

City Hotel, an ancient coaching inn situated at the corner of Smithford Street and Broadgate. It survived until 1929 when it was demolished to make way for Burtons Taylors. 

Here we tell the story from 1824 under the proprietor Mr Eli Wise Peters. 

Coach Routes

Coventry Day Coach to London THE ALBION E.W. Peters & Co. Impressed with a deep sense of gratitude to the inhabitants of Coventry and its Environs for the decided preference given to them in the Coaching Business, beg most respectfully to inform them that for their better accommodation a new and elegant light four-inside post Coach called THE ALBION will commence running from the Bull and Mouth London to the City Hotel Coventry on Saturday Oct 22nd and will leave Coventry every Sunday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at Seven o’clock and arrive at the Bull and Mouth Inn London the same evening at Six o’clock. Returns from London every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings at Ten o’clock arrives in Coventry at Nine o’clock the same evening. Only Two Coachmen all the way and No Guard. N.B. Maufactures, Tradesmen and the Public in general are most respectfully solicited to support the above coach there being no other direct coach from Coventry, by which Places can be booked certain. All parcels sent by the albion coach will be delivered in London the same evening. City Hotel, Covnetry Oct 13 1825 A breakfast will be provided at the City Hotel at Hlaf past Six o’clock each morning.

City Hotel Coventry. New & Expeditious light post coach to Worcester. The only direct conveyance. The public are most respectfully informed that the new elegant light post coach called THE MAGNET will commence running from the above hotel on the 7th of December and continue to do so every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings. At half-past eight o’clock. Through Leamington, Warwick, Stratford, Alcester, Feckenham and Droitwich. To the Unicorn Inn, Broad Street Worcester. Returns from Worcester Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at ten o’clock and arrives in Coventry at five o’clock. Performed by E.W. Peters & Co. The above coach meets,  at Worcester, Coaches to Gloucester, Bristol, Bath, Exeter, Plymouth and all the West of England; likewise to Leominster, Malvern, Hereford Ludlow, Brecon, Swansea, Carmarthen, Tenby and all parts of South Wales. Small parcels from Coventry to Worcester by the Magnet are charged only 1s 2d being 6d less than by any other conveyance.

The Eclipse Coach Removed. The proprietors of the above coach beg leave to inform their friends and the public in general, the above coach is Removed from Mr Amos Packwood Office of the Craven Arms to THE CITY HOTEL where they hope still to be favoured with the decided preference and support which have hitherto received assuring them that neither pains nor expense shall be spared to merit the same. The above coach leaves the city hotel every morning (Mondays excepted) ¼ before 10 o’clock through Dunchurch Daventry and Stony Stratford, to the Swan with two necks lad lane, London and returns from Coventry every evening (Mondays Excepted) to Birmingham ¼ before 7 o’clock. Proprietors – Waterhouse & Co London, E.W. Peters Coventry, Hart, Waddel & Co Birmingham.

City Hotel Coach Office – A new Manchester Coach. The public are most respectfully informed a new Manchester coach has commenced running from the above office every morning at 6 o’clock and arrives at Manchester the same evening. E. W. Peters N. Vyse & Co. proprietors.

General Coach Office, City Hotel Broadgate, Coventry. Royal mails and Post Coaches from the above hotel to London through Dunchurch, Daventry, Towcester, Stoney Stratford, Redburn, St. Alban’s and Barnet; PHOENIX new fast coach, every morning at half past seven to the Bull and Mouth Inn, Bull and Mouth Street, the same day. London Through daventy, weedon, Fenny Stratford, and Barnet ECLIPSE Favourite post coach every morning at ten to the Swan with Two Necks, Lad-Lane by 9 the same evening. London through Dunchchurch Towcester, Stoney Stratford and St Albans. Wonder Light post coach every morning at Half past eleven o’clock to the Bull and Mouth Inn, Bull and Mouth Street arrives at Ten the same Evening. London Through Dunchurch, Towcester, Stoney Stratford and St Albans. Albion post coach every morning at half past nine to the Bull and Mouth, Bull and Mouth Street and Spread Eagle, GraceChurch Street, by Nine the next morning. HOLYHEAD through Wolverhampton Shiffnal, Shrewsbury, Oswestry Crowen and Bagnor. Post Coach every morning at six and arrives at Spencer’s Hotel Holyhead the next day. Holyhead through Shrewsbury, Oswestry, Llangollen, Capel Cerrig, Bangor and over the new suspension bridge across the Menai Straits.

Coventry, Leicester & Warwick Coaches – It is most respectfully announced that a New Coach from Leicester to Warwick through Lutterworth, Pailton, Brinklow and Coventry leaves the George Inn Leicester at Six o’clock every Monday Wednesday and Friday morning arrives at the City Hotel Coventry at 10 the Royal Hotel Leamington at Half Past 11 and the Castle Hotel Warwick at 12 O’clock, returns from Warwick at half past 3 and leaves Coventry for Leicester at 5. Also the Old Established Warwick Coach which has run form more than half a century twice a week leaves the Castle Hotel Warwick every morning at 8 o’clock afternoon at 3 and the city hotel every morning at 10 and every evening at 6 for Kenilworth Warwick and Leamington performed by Robert Godfrey, Briggs, Marsh & Co.

A new Coventry and London Day Coach – The Eclipse. The proprietors of the above coach beg leave most respectfully to inform the inhabitants of Coventry, its vincity and the public in general that the above respectable fast light four inside coach leaves the city hotel coach office every morning (except Monday during the winter months) at half past eight o’clock where places can be secured to London at any time prior to its starting. The inhabitants of Coventry and its vicinity are most respectfully solicited to support the above coach, the proprietors having arranged the time of starting for the express purpose of accommodating the city of Coventry with a regular and steady day coach. E. W. Peters and Co. Proprietors.

A new Coventry and London Day Coach – The Eclipse. The proprietors of the above coach beg leave most respectfully to inform the inhabitants of Coventry, its vincity and the public in general that the above respectable fast light four inside coach leaves the city hotel coach office every morning (except Monday during the winter months) at half past eight o’clock where places can be secured to London at any time prior to its starting. The inhabitants of Coventry and its vicinity are most respectfully solicited to support the above coach, the proprietors having arranged the time of starting for the express purpose of accommodating the city of Coventry with a regular and steady day coach. E. W. Peters and Co. Proprietors.

Deception Exposed – A. Packwood. Observes his friend Mr. Peters advertising a new Coventry and London day coach – The Eclipse, setting forth to the inhabitants of Coventry and its vicinity, that the proprietors have arranged the timing of starting for the express purpose to accommodating the City of Covnetry with a regular and steady day coach leaving Coventry at Half Past eight in the morning. Many of A. Packwood’s friends expected the above was a complete new Coach and that it ended its journey from London and started from Mr. Peter’s Hot-el, but on enquiry, find it is the Birmingham and London Coach which left Coventry at Ten in the Morning (see friend Peter’s Advertisement, or his Multiplication, making 32 Coaches on of 6, for October last, where he calls the above, the Eclipse (farourite Coach at ten) but now altered expressly to oppose the Tally Ho, Day coach which leaves Packwood’s Office a quarter before nine every morning. As a proof of the Eclipse being a regular and steady travelling Coach, although it takes the lead from the Coventry and the Tally Ho and independent coach stop to breakfast at Dunchurch, nine times out of ten, they eclipse the regular and steady about half way the moment the Guards of the Tally-Ho give the view hallow away gallops the steady until all the spirits taken in the City Hotel are evaporated when it travels in regular time to supper in London. A packwood rerainned from noticing his friends Peter’s delusions until he found it was growing evil, which might by multiplication be disadvantageous to the Original Tally Ho Coach which as hitherto been as great an accomedaion as to time of starting and travelling as any Coach on the road, the propritors therefore solicit a comutance of the deceived preference they have already received which will be grafully acknowledged. N.B. Places secured at any time, upon application at Packwood’s Gneral Coach Office, High Street. Coventry 9th January 1828

The merchants, manufacturers and the public in general – The new Coach to Manchester THE HAWK E.W. Peters. Begs leave to inform the public tha the has started the above light coach which carries only four inside and five outside passengers to Manchester in 12 hours leaving covnetry at 8 o’cock in the evening through Nuneaton, Atherstone, Tamworth, Lichfield, Rugerly , Stone, Newcastle, Congelton, Maclesfieldn and Stockport and arrives at the Peacock Inn Manchester by Seven o’clcok the next morning where it meets several coaches from the North. The support of the Manfactures and the public in general particularly solicited to the above coach as it is arrange enteriley for the accommodation of Coventry and its Vicnity at very considerable expense. Also, the Hawk to London Every morning at Eight Oclock through Daventry Towcester Stoney Stratford and St Alans to the Blossom Inn, Lawrence Lane, by Seven o’clock in the evening.

Forom Birmingham through Coventry, Nuneaton Hinckley Leicester nottingmahm meleton and Stamford – for the better accommodation of the city and trade of covnetry the public are most respectfully informated that a new and elegant post coach called the LOADSTONE has commenced running form the city hotel coach office every morning at nine o clock through Nuneaton and Hinkley and arrives at the general coach office George in leciester by twelve oclock where there is immediate conveyance by post coaches to Melton, Wymondham, Market Overton, Cottesmore, Exton, Empingham and arrives at standwell’s hotel Stamford by Six oclock in the evening where there are post coaches every morning to stilton, huntingdon Cambridge, Newmarket and bury St Edmund’s also to Peterborough, Thorney, Wisbeach, Lynn, Swuffham, Dereham, Norwich and Yarmouth and also to Deeping, Spalding, Boston, Freeston Sore, Spilsby, Skegness, Lough and Grimsby. Leaving the Georage Inn Lecister on its return at one o’clock through EarlShilton Hinkley, Nuneaton and Coventry and arrives at Hart’s general coach office Birmigham at Seven oclock in the evening. No extra charge for transfer of Parcels to other Coaches – Perfomed by E. W. Peters and company. Coventry April 27 1829.

New day Coach to London in 10 Hours. The public are most respectfully informed tha ta new Day Coach has commenced running from the City Hotel Coach Office, to the Swan with two necks, Lad Lane, Bull and Mouth Bull and Mouth Street and Boar and Castle, Oxford Street, London Every morning at Half apast eight oclock precielty arrivies in London at Half Past Six  the same evening leaves the swan with two necks every mrinig at seven Bull and Mouth at a Quarter past seven and boar and castle at eight arrives at Coventry at six in the evening and proceeds on to Messrs Waddless the swan general coach office birnimgham where it arrives by eight o clock leaves Birmingham every morning at half past six E. W. Peters and Co. Properioter.s

Expeditius travellers – From Coventry Manchester the public are respefully informed that a new light post coach called – The morning Star has commenced running from the city hotel Coventry at half past four in the miorning by way of Nuneaton Atherstone, fazaely Tamworth, Lichfield Rugeley stone, stoke, Hadley green Brslem, Congleton Macclesfield stockport to the King’s Arms at Talbot Inns, Manchester where it arries at half past five the same evening. Leaves the above inns in the mirning at six oclock nd returns by the same route and arreives at Coventry by seven in the evening. Performed by G & J Booth, Hart, Gadsby, Ford, Page, Bates, Glover, Lees, Needham, Whitehead and Co. NB. The propriotors of the above coach pledge themselves that every attention shall be paid to passenges also to parcels entrusted to their care, they likewise wish to impress upon the minds of the public that this conveyance offers a decided preference as passengers may from their offices. Manchester proceed the same Evening to Liverpool and on the following morning they have coaches direct to Glasgow Edinburgh and all parts of the north.

New Coach To Manchester – The public are rectfully informed a new post coach called – Peeping Tom sets off from Packwoods Office Coventry at half past five o’clock every morning (Sunday’s excepted) to the Roayal Hotel and Peacock, Manchester the same evening, through Atherstone, tamworth Lichfield, Stafford, stone the potteries, congloton and macclesfiled return from there every morning (Sundays excepted) and arrives in Coventry the same evening. Only two coachmen throughout. Amos Packwood, Henry Charles Lacye J. Knowles & Co. Propritors.

John Gardner Respectfully informs the public that he has commenced running A new Cab called the Volunteer – from the city hotel general coach office Broadgate Coventry, at ten oclock every morning through Kenilworth and warwick to leamington returns from Warwick every afternoon at half past two o’clock and arrives Coventry in time fro Coaches to Nuneaton, Hinkley, Leciester Loughbourough, Nottingham Birmingham, London and all parts of the kingdom. All parcles forwarded by this cconveycance will be charged reasonable and delivered immeidatley.

London Tally-ho day coach removed. The public are respectfully informed that mountains tally ho starts from the City Hotel Broadgate Coventry every morning at eight oclock and arries a the sarcens head skinner street snow hill London within ten hours E. W. Peters, S. A. Mountain and Thomas Wallell & Co Propriotiers.

Deception Again Exposed! An adverisment and handbill having appeared from Mr All Wise saying London Tally-ho! Day coach removed and and respectufully informed the public that mountains tally-ho starts from the city hotel Coventry every moring at eight. The Truth is – This is the eclipse coach which has had many struggles to live and they try the last effort by borrowing the name tally ho and by working the old rumbles of coaches (which were refused by the original tally ho company) bearing an odious gread heat and the name of mountain upon it think to deceive the frends who travel by the REAL PAENT TALLY HO by saying removed (Mr Peters dare not say from Packwoods Office) This little minded man thus resources to deceit and trickery to obtain a trade which he cannot get by fair means. The original patent Safety Tally Ho sets off from Packwood’s Office every morning at Half Past Eight to the Belle Sauvage Ludgate Hill and Castle and Falcon London – Worked as good style as any coach in the Kingdom. Only two drivers to ask passengers throughout – Amous Packwood Coventry, Robert Nelson London Humphrey Evett &Co Birmingham propritors. N. B. The nuisance of Cigar Smoking is not suffered by Coachmen and Guards as pon other coaches Coventry, October 28 1829.

October Court Report: Joseph Benton was drinking at the City Hotel on the 30th of August.  A girl called Het Butler was there. He pulled out of his pocket two £1 notes and some silver, to pay for his liquor; he put the notes into his pocket again. He left the hotel about eleven o’clock at night. Miss Butler followed him out and asked him to go with her. They went down Hill-Top, when she unbuttoned his breeches pocket, and took out the two £1 notes, and ran away. He was quite drunk and did not know whether the street lamps were lighted or not. Constable W. Bateman remembers Benton coming to the watch house about half-past eleven on the night of the 30th August he said he had been robbed of two £1 notes by a girl; did not think he should know her again.  

City Hotel Great Reductions in Wines and Spirits – Government having reduced the Duty from Seven Shillings and Seven pence to Four Shillings per Gallon on Portugal and Spanish Wines and to Six Shillings on French Wines. E. W. Peters Respectfully solicits his friends attention to the annexed list of prices of wines and spirits and assures them every article sold by him will be of the first quality, as he spares no expense to procure the richest and finest flavoured wines that come to this country and considerable stock of which he has always in the London Docks in pipes and Hogsheads, Brandy and Rum, well matured by age Hodges Rich Cordial Gin, Compounds, Liquors et etc. Wholesale and Retail wines (See saved article re sales list).

Grandborough Estate – To be sold at Auction by J. Chambers At the City Hotel Coventry, on Friday the 2nd day of December next at three o’clock in the afternoon unless sooner disposal of by private contract.

To be sold by Auction by J Dickson – A the City Hotel Coventry on Friday 6th Day of January 1826 at five o’clock in the afternoon under such conditions as will be produced (by order of the assignees and creditors of George Whiting an insolvent debtor)

To be sold by Action by J Chambers at the City Hotel Coventry, on Thursday 9th Day of March at six o’clock in the afternoon. Dwelling house with out houses, offices, yard garden and appurtenances in Bishop Street o the late tenure of Mr Thomas Payne – Ribbon Manufacturer.

Moaning letter to the paper – I cannot omit to mentioning another issue, which has long called for the intervention of the proper authorities for its suppression – the collecting together of a number of vagabonds at each corner of Broadgate (but particularly that next to the City Hotel), by which the public thoroughfare is frequently impeded. Something must be done. 

Benjamin Sparkes was indicted for an assault on Henry Kent on the 12th March last. It appeared that the prosecutor was passing the City Hotel, about eight o’clock in the evening when the defendant who was standing at the corner put out his foot and threw him down and upon his remonstrating with him, he again knocked him down. The jury returned a verdict of Guilty and he was sentenced to be imprisoned in the House of Correction for one month.

Coach Accident – Yesterday morning. The inhabitants and passengers in High Street, in this City were thrown into the greatest consternation by a stage coach, loaded inside and out and without a coachman, being dashed whole course the vehicle was tottering and reeling on its wheels till it arrived at the corner of Much Park Street, when it was whirled over with a tremendous crash. The destruction of all of them seemd to the spectors to be invitable, yet only two were seriously injured. The coach proved to be the Wonder from Shrewsbury to London and the passengers consisted wholly of pupils of Dr Butler of the former place. It seems that immediately after the horses were changed and started the coach came in contact with a waggon loaded with linel the concussion threw the coachman from the box and the horses unrestrained and alarmed started off a the dangerous speed we have described. The invadlids are lying at the City Hotel under the care of Mr Colins. Surgeon. The guard with considerable presence of mind let himself down from the back of the coach so as to avoid danger, and yet so kept his hold as to enable him to recover his position if his services cold be useful in preventing the impending catastrophe. At the turning into Much Park Street the coach and horses came in contact with Mr Worcester’s house and broke in the window frame. It should be observed that the street is not 15 feet wide where the coach struck against the waggon and it is about this width for the space of 100 yards. The circumstance, we trust, will be an additional inducement to accelerate the proposed improvements of the Holyhead Road through this city. 

J Schwepp & Co Soda Water available at W. Peters – City Hotel, Coventry

The creditors who have proved their debts in Bankruptcy, awarded and issued against ELI WISE PETERS of the city of Coventry wine and Liquor merchant dealer and chapman are requested to meet the assignees of the estate and effccects of the said bankrupt on Monday the 6th day of August next at eleven Oclcok in the afternoon at the office of Merrs Carter and Dews solicitors situated in Little Park Street in the said city of Coventry in order to assent to or dissent from the said assignees carrying on the trade of the said Bankryp a the city hotel in Cross Chaeaping in the said city of Coventry for the benefit of the estate of the said Bakrup and also to assent to or dissent from the said assignees selling and sisposing of by public auction or private contrct to any person or persons whosoever certain shares in the covetnry Gas light Company and payin gout of the Purchase Money the equitable mortaggues thereof the amount of their claim theron and also to assent to or dissent from the said assgnees selling and disposing of the household furntitue and other effects in the dwelling house in the occupation of the bankrupt situate in the parish of Holy Trinity in the county of the said city of Coventry by Public Action or by Private contract to the Bankrupt or any other person or persons and also to assent to or dissent from the said assignees selling and disposing of or concurring with the mortagees in selling and sipsosing of the whole or any part or parts of the real and leashold estates of the said bankrupt situate in or near the aid city of Coventyr or elsewhere and expenses incurred in reference to a meeting of the creditors of the said bankrupt at Garraways Coffee House Cornhill London on the 30th day of May last or any matter o things relating thereto and also assent to or dissent from the said assignees commencing prosecoting or defending tany suit or suits at law or in equaity for the recorvery of or in relation to any part or parts o the said bakrupts estate and effects and as to the compromising submitting to arbitration or otherwise agreeing to any matter or thing relating therto and generally to authroise the said assignees to adot all such measures as they may deem proper for invesitigatin and settling the affairs of the said Bakrupt or in relation thereto and on other special affairs.

All the ellgible newly rerrect and compact leasehold estate call the city Hotel situate in the centre fo the City of Coventry in the occupation of Mr Peters comprising a retail Liquor shop, coffee room, bar, kitchen, back kitchen, two dinning rooms four chambers five attics, water closet, and most extensive wie and liquor vaults and cellarage. The situation commands the holyhead and Liverpool main roads the leciester and leamington roads and the corn maket and is an invaluable property for a coach proprietor for any person wishing to embark in the Wholesale and retail wine and liquor trade or for the capitalist and possession may be had on completion of the purchase. The estate is held under a lease from the corporation of Coventry for 21 years commencing on the 1st day of January 1821 at the annual rent of £15 and renewable for a second 21 years at the annual rent of £17 10s and for a third 21 years at £20 rent there being therefore 31 yearsunexperied on the 1st of January 1833. The Grates and house fixtures will be sold with the estate, the treade fixtures and utensils and the valuable stock of genuine Wines and liquors to be taken by the purchaser at a valuation in the ususlal manner and the purchaser my have the option of takin gth ehouse hold furniture and other effects on the premises on the same terms.

On the premises at the City Hotel by order of the assigness of Mr E W Peters on Wednesday Thursday and Friday the 13th 14th and 15th days of March. All the stock in trade neat and modern household furniture and effects connected with that establishment. The household furniture comprises lofty 4 post bedsteads with carved Mahogany Pillars Dimity Furniture and hangings, ball  fringe and painted cornices, tent bedsteads with dimity hangings, straw mattreseses, Mahogany framed easy chair stuffed with hair, prime goose feather beds, blankets, coverlets, linen, painted wash hand stands, and dressing tables to match painted wash hand stands, and dressing tables to match painted chairs and two sets of excellent mahogany dinning tables with loose leaves and circular ends, supported on turned legs and pillars and claws, Kidderminster and stair carpets handsome chimney class in gilt frame, with cirecular head, piers glass, mahogany chairs, hair seats, side board, veneered top, quality of glass china, earthenware a six gallon robins patenet filterer a variety of culinary requisites and numerous other effects. The stock consisting of about 100 gallons of fine Jamaca Rum, 70 Gallons of best London gin 20 gallons of fine coniac brandy 20 gallons of patent brandy, quantitiey of strong wiskey foreign hollands orange Beauvais, noyeau &c. best mint, shrub aniseed carraway lovage clothes etc. About 150 dozen of choice wines which comprise a quantity of fine port superior sherry hronti madeira old hock , bucellas, teneriffe, vidonia, marseillers, claret, champagine, Lisbon & c. Also 2 quantity of prime bottled cider, excellent porter in bottles several casks of reid and co best London porter a quantity of schappes and co leamonade and soda water a quantity of liquor and ale casks lot of ½ 1, 2 4 and 6 gallon stone jars several large copper measures and liquor crane brewing utensils quanty of wine bottles lot of old harnesses old lead chaff machine lot of hampers and effects which will be particularized in catalogue. The auctioneer avails himself of this opportunity most repcetfully to inform the public tha the wines, spirits and cordials, which will be sold on Friday are a very superior quality that they will be arranged in lots suited to the conieivence of purchasers and that the whole of theproperty myust be sold off without least reserve. Sale commencemtn at ten oclock each morning precieicely.

Under New Mangament

1832 was not a good year for the proprietor of the City Arms, Mr Eli Wise Peters. He was soon to go bankrupt and all his belongings auctioned off. By 1833 the hotel had a new proprietor Mr John Aston.

Commercial & City Hotel – Independent coach Office Broadgate Covetry – J Aston Respectfuly informs his friends and the public cthat he has taken and entered upon the above hotel which he has newly fitted up. Commerical gentlemen will find this establishment conducted in very respectable manner and every exertain made to combine domestic comfort with the strictest economy in the charges. JA has purchased an entire new stock of wines and liquors (the former stock having been sold out) from the best markets and which he can confidently recommend as bein the finest quantilty and which he will offer wholesale and retail for ready money on the very lowest terms. Ja aston with pleasure and gratitude acknolodges the kind supports he has received at the indepenentt coach office having conducted the business of the indepentnat Tally ho and Emeral Coaches since their commencement and rpesctully solictos a continuoance at the hotel where it will in future be carried on and reciev the utmost attention. Coach to London twice per day – Leicester, Birmingha, Warwick, Leamington, Wolverhampton, Shresbury, Manchester and Liverpool daily. JA cannot sufficiently express his feelings for the kidness received at the Dolphin Inn and fondly anticipates a portion of it will be extened to him at his new establishment.

Commerical & City Hotel – Independent Coach Office Broadgate Coventry – J Aston: Respectfully informs his friends and the public that he has taken and entered upon the above Hotel,, which he has newly fitted up. Commerical Gentlemen will find this establishment conducted in a very respectable manner and every exertion made to combine domestic comfort with the strictest economy in the charges. J A has purchased an entire new stock of Wines and Liquors (the former stock having been sold out) from the best Markets and which he can confidently recommends as being of the fines quality and which he will offer wholesale and retail for ready money on the very lowest terms.

J Aston with pleasure and gratitude acknowledges the kind support he has received at the Independent Coach Office, having conducted the business of the Indepenedat Tally Ho and Emeral Coaches since their commencement and resepctfull solicits a continuance at the Hotel where it will in future be carried on and receive the utmost attention.

Coaches to London twice per day lecicester, Birmingham Warwick Leamington Wolverhampton Shewsbury Manchester and Liverpool Daily. J A Cannot sufficiently express his feeling fo r the kindness received at the Dolphin Inn and fondly anticipates a prorption of it will be extended to him at his new Establishment.

Bablake School lists the lease for the City Hotel – Messrs Radenhurst 7 Gardner 63 year lease – expiring January 1 1883. Rent at £15

Reduced fares to London from the commercial and City Hotel. The public are repsectuflly informed tha the independent tally ho (the first day coach established between Coventry and london) leaves the above hotel as usual a quarter before nine and arrives in London at half past six six. The emerald night coach leaves at a quarter to nine and arrives a the cross keys woods treet nearly in the next morning where all parcels for the city are left, from there to the goldern cross, charing cross, passengers going to the west end will avoid the unpleasantness of removning their luggeage and a considerable expanse is avoided. The propritoes earnestly solicit a conitnuance of public favour, which they will endeavour to merit by rendering every accommodation in their power. Inside fares £1 10s outside 15s. Coahces to Birmigham Shrewsbury and Holyhead, chester Manchester and liverpool etc

Don Santiago De Los Santos

Positively Till Tomorrow Week only – Eighth Wonder of the World DON SANTIAGO DE LOS SANTOS From Phillippina Island Near china – King of all Dwarfs. Will dance the LARGE ROOM at the CITY HOTEL on Wednesday and Thursday next being the last weeks of his stay in Coventry. He will commence dancing at One O’clock and will dance the Spanish Fandango, Bolero and the Prussian March, and will sing in the Spanish and Indian Tongue.
Admittance on the above Days, Ladies and Gentlemen is the other classes and children, Half Price. This present Friday and Saturday he will exhibit at Mr E Palmers Bottom of Hertford Street and during the whole of next week the City Hotel. 6th June 1834

Read more about – Don Santiago de los Santos: The tiny Filipino who was a huge star in England here

1834 – Reduced fares to London from the commercial and City Hotel. The public are repsectuflly informed tha the independent tally ho (the first day coach established between Coventry and london) leaves the above hotel as usual a quarter before nine and arrives in London at half past six six. The emerald night coach leaves at a quarter to nine and arrives a the cross keys woods treet nearly in the next morning where all parcels for the city are left, from there to the goldern cross, charing cross, passengers going to the west end will avoid the unpleasantness of removning their luggeage and a considerable expanse is avoided. The propritoes earnestly solicit a conitnuance of public favour, which they will endeavour to merit by rendering every accommodation in their power. Inside fares £1 10s outside 15s. Coahces to Birmigham Shrewsbury and Holyhead, chester Manchester and liverpool etc

Railway Comes to Coventry

9th April 1838 - the railway comes to Covetnry. Coach travel stops almost immediately. End of the road for the coaching inns?

New Coach to Leicester – The public are rpecetfully informed of a New Coach called the comet has commenced running from the city Hotel Cross Cheaping Coventyr to the George Inn Leicester every morning at Nine Oclock through Nuneaton Kinckley and returns every afternoon four oclcok and arrives at the city hotel by seven. Passenrgers and aprcels by this coach conveyed to Ashby del la Zouch burton upon trent Nottingham and Derby loughbouriugh Melton Sheiffield

Removal – Fly Waggons to London in 30 hours: Removed form the late Mr Packwood’s Office to John Aston’s – City Hotel Cross Cheaping. The Inhabitants of Coventry are receptfully informed that the Waggons Lately going from the late Mr A Packwood’s Office are removed to the above Hotel from whence they will leave every Sunday Wednesday and Friday mornings at five oclock and arrive at the castle and falcon Aldergate street London in 30 hours. The above wagoons leave the castle and falcon Inn Aldersgate Street Lonodn every Tuesday Thursday and Saturday Evenings at 6pm and arrive at the city hotel in 30 hours. John Shakel, Thomas shepperd, Alexander & Clarke – Proprietors. John Aston being appointed agent for the above Waggons respectfully begs to state the inhabitants of Coventry the tread in parriulcar that all orders for the transfer of goods will be punctually attended to and all received will be immediately delivered City Hotel Coach Office October 6th 1836

The Sale by Auction by T & H Brown of the Port, Sherry and Moselle Wines, At Mr Aston’s City Hotel will recommence this afternoon at 4pm.

Sarah Barnett aged 15 Edward Bromfield aged 28 and Thomas Russell aged 22 were charged with uttering a £5 note, knowing it to be forged with the intent to defraud John Aston of the City Hotel. Mr Humphrey opened the case for the prosecution Mr Danaiel s was retained for Bromfield, Russell and Barneett were undefended. Martha Aston said her father keeps the City Hotel on Saturday evening 1st December the young woman came between 6 and 7 and asked for two bottles of port wine and offered in payment a £5 note; took it to her father asked prisoner where she came from she said from Mr Clark of Allesley witness gave the note to her father. John Aston keeps the city Hotel remembered his daughter bringing a £5 note had seen the two men about ten minutes before his daughter came to him; asked his daughter to inquire for whom it was wanted; he gave the note to Prosser; should know it again Barnett did not go out of his shop till Prosser apprehended her. Thomas Henry Prosser asked the girl where she came from and who the wine was for; she said she came from Birmingham and that a man with a long black coat on in the street pointed out Aston’s house to her and desired her to ask for a bottle of wine and presented the note; she was to have a shilling for her trouble; he told her to say his name was Clark of Allesley, she said she came to Coventry to get a situation; the man who had sent her was to talk up and down till she came out; witness was going to his house about eighty yards from the Hotel; when he saw two men between there and the hotel; they were walking towards the hotel and he followed them went ito a s hot to watch them came out and saw them looking in at the hotel; they were about two ayrds from it when in but did not stop when he came out they had gone a distance of thirty yards there were standing with their faces towards the Hotel went to them and asked whence they came they said they lived in West Orchard but did not tell their names witness said to Russell he did not know him but had some slight recollection of Bromfield they said they had slept there the night before he told them he wanted

Commerical and City Hotel Cross Cheaping – John Aston: Begs to return his sincere and grateful thanks for the kind of liberal support he has received since his residence at the City Hotel and respectfully informs his friends and the public that he has now added to his estatablishment for their better accommodation an extensive Yard comprising GIG HOUSES STABLING loose boxes & C also ample stable room is resrved for his agricultural friends, who are assured that a careful hostler will be in attendance. Commercial gentlemen will find cleanliness excellent beds, good wines spiritits and every domestic comfort. The hotel is pleasantly situated in the centre of the City withn a few minutes walk of the railway station and near the post office. Gig houses and loose boxes to let and bminbus to and from the station.

Under New Mangament

29th June 1841 John Aston if found DEAD! Verdict, suicide. His wife Ann Aston takes over.

Coroner’s Inquest – An inquest was held on Tuesday evening last at the Red Lion, Hertford Street before Alfred Carter Esq (deputy coroner for this City) on view of the body of Mr John Aston aged 53 who committed suicide on Tuesday morning [ 29th June 1841].

The first witness examined was Elizabeth Davies, who said she lived near to the stable in Grey Friar’s Lane, which was occupied by deceased. About five minutes before eight o’clock on Tuesday morning, she saw the deceased go up the yard leading to the stable; she followed him for the purpose of speaking to him, but not observing where he was, returned to her own house, about two minutes after she went gain up the yard, she saw him opposite to the stable window and heard him groan; she opened the window but did no tsee the deceased, she went to the top of the yard and returning went roud to the stable door; when she got in, she saw deceased on the ground doubled up; she went and laid hold of his right arm and said “Mr Aston don’t live here, what is the matter?” Upon moving his arm saw blood flowing; she ran out of th stable to the City Hotel (the residence of the deceased) and called the hostler who returned they saw that his throat had been cut.

Francis Welsh being sworn, said He lived with the deceased as hostler and boots; was called that morning by the bar-maid to go and look after his mater; he followed him; he went towards the stable; after having some conversation with him respecting the pigs left him, he returned and had not been in the house above a minute when the last witness came for him saying his master was weltering in his blood; he went to the stable and saw the deceased lying on the floor with his throat cut; he lifted him up and afterwards placed him on some straw in the stable, he had cut his throat nearly to the back of his neck. (The witness produced the razor, it was encrusted with blood). Two surgeons were called, and during the time they were sewing the wound up he groaned very much but did not attempt to speak. He died in about 20 minutes, witness found the razor on the floor where the deceased’s right hand was. The jury returned a verdict of “Temporary Insanity”.  The gentleman was unhappy for some time. [ This was just over three  years after long distance coaching ceased due to the railways. Maybe this was why he was so unhappy?] 

Notice to Debtors & Creditors – All persons who have any demands of the estate of the Late Mr John Aston of the City Hotel Coventry, are requested to send their accounts to me , in order that they may be examined and discharged. And all persons who stand inbebted to the said Estate are requested to pay the same to me immeiedatly. Ann Aston Excetior.

The Anti-Monopoly association – A meeting of the Young Mens’ Anti-monopoly association took place at the city Hotel on the enveing of the 16th for which upwards of 100 members were present.

Tradesmen’s Dinner on Monday evening last a company of tradesmen nearly seventy in number associated at the city chotel when an exceelent dinner was provided by the deserving hostess Mrs Aston. The room was tastefully decorated with evergreens.

Frederick Spencer and Sarah his wife were brought up on a charge of druken and siorderly conduct, and also of having committed a violent assault upon Mrs Aston of the City Hotel on the predding evening by throwing bottles at her, a number of which contained liquor. They had destroyed in the course of the outrage. Another charge of assultat against the same parties was also preferred by Charles Anderson.

Charles Anderson  an artist, said the femail prisoner threw a soda water bottle at Mrs Aston which struck her on the head and seriously wondered her. It appeared that the priosoners had called for some liquor which they refused to pay for, and the landlady insisting on payment the female threw a soda water bottle at her which struck her on the temple. Mr Anderson came to Mrs Astons protection when the man Spencer struck him a blow with his fist and his wife also struck him. He ten gavem them both a charge ofa policemena who was present and saw the assault. The woman was fined £3 and costs 10s 6d and the man £2 and 11s 6d costs and in default of payment they were committed to gaol the man for one month the woman for six weeks. 

1842 - Godiva Parade Meeting

Meeting held at the City Hotel to consider the prospect of commencing exertions to get up a procession of Lady Godiva at our approaching great fair. [Well I don’t know what kind of meeting went on here but someone came across Miss Massey…

The annual tradesmans Ball was held on Tuesday evening at the house of Mrs Ann Aston City Hotel. About 86 attended. Dancing commenced at 9 oclcok and continued till six the next morning. There was an excellent band and the refereshments with a cold collection were served up in the best style. The good attendance in waiting on the happy company afforded great satisfaction.

Robbery – One night last week some parties broke into a garden in the park, in the occupation of Mrs Aston of the City Hotel and stole therefrom a dozen bottles of port.

Ellen Foxall bar maid a tth eCity Hotel said that between twelve and one oclock on the Statntes night a fight took place in the front parlour of the hotel. Mr Clarridge and Mr Laut were in another room and Mrs Aston the landlandy requested them to go and remove the parties who were fighting. Willaim Lant corroroborated this testimony and added that Mr Clarridge advised Mrs Aston to let the parties go out side and fight if they wanted to fight. They did go out and fought a fiar fight. The little man had the best of it and Smith ran away. It was libel on the twenty people who stood by to say that anything unfair took place.

Ann Aston of the city Hotel was charged with permitting disorderly persons to remain in her house at a  late hour on Tuesday night last. Mr Jackson solicitor on the part of Mrs Aston said she was out of twon that night and had she been at home it would not have happened. Fined 20s and costs 13s 6d.

Jospeh Jones aged 18, John Welch aged 48 and John Wood aged 22 were charged with having on the 20th October last stolen a pair of trousers valued at 10s the property of Henry Earle of this city. James Cleaver servant to Mr Earle saw the prisoners standing together near his masters shop and shortly after he saw Jones take the trousers from the place where they were handging at the door and then went to the other prisoeners they all walked away together witness watched them into the City Hotel. He stood at the door to watch their movements and in the meantime hd sent for Police Constable Vice, who apprehended the prisoners in the parlour of the Hotel, with the trousers wrapped up in a handkerchief. The Jury returned a verdict of guilty against all three and they were sentenced to 6 months imprisonment each in the house of correction at Warkwcik with hard labour.

City Hotel, Coventry – Ann Aston – Respectully announces to her friends and the public in general of this city and neighbourhood tht she has Transferred the business of the above establishment to Mrs M A Fisher to whom she trusts they will extend the same patronage they have awarded for so long a period to herself.

Indorsement of Licnece – The City Hotel from Mrs Aston to Mrs Fisher Late of Northampton.

Wine and Spirit Stores City Hotel Cross Cheaping Coventry – Mary An Fisher – Having entered on the above premises venures respectfully to solicit the patronage of this city and neighborhood and from the many years experience she has had in the first rate Wholesale and Retail wine and spiriti establishment at Northampton, flatters herself that she understand the necessary requisites to deserve confidence and hopes to obtain the support of the public by giving aquanttity qualifity and strength at such prices as will give general satifsatio and in order to place her commoditites within the reach of all she will supply any quantity.

Month – Something Something Something

Summonses Against A Coventry city councillor

Case Ajourned at Wolverhampton – At Wolverhampton Police Court this morning the case was mentioned in which Frederick John Hibell of the Wheat Sheaf Hotel, Wolverhampton, the City Hotel and Restaurant Coventry and other places was summoned by William Whitfield, Secretary of the Wolverhampton and Dudley Breweries Ltd. For alleged embeezzlement. The case was an adjourned one. There were three summonses taken out. In the first mentioned were 4s 6d, 4s and 4s. In the second 2s 3d, 1s and 1s and in the third 10s 6d 2s and 9s 6d. For the complainant are Messrs Underhill and Thorneycroft, and for the defendant Messrs Willcock and Taylor.

At the conclusion of the School Board cases preceding the ordinary business of the court. Mr R A Willcock (Messrs Willcock and Taylor) mentioned the case and asked for an adjournment of seven days, saying that the prosection agreed. Mr N C A Neville (in the chair) agreed to the adjournment.

Coventry Council Convicted – At Wolverhampotn Police Court on Friday afternoon before Mr C. A. Neville Stipendairy the adjourned cases came on for hearing in which Frederick John Hibell of the City Hotel and Restaurant Coventry, Wheat Sheaf Hotel, Wolverhampton and other places was summoned by William Whitfield, secreatary of the Wolverhampton and Dudley Breweries Ltd for alleged embezzlement. There were three summonses, the sums mentioned being 4s 66d, 4s and 4s; 2s 8d, 7s and 1s; 10s 6d, 2s and 9s 6d. For complainants was Mr Laurence, instructed by Messrs Underhill and Thorneycroft and for the defence Mr R A Willcock of Messrs Willcock and Taylor. In opening the case for the procesuction Mr Laurence said it was a painful one and personally he regretted to have to appear against the defendant who had been for many years in the empoy of the prosecutors the WolverHampton and Dudley Breweries Ltd and who before the formation of that company some time about 1890 had been for some years in the employ of one of the firms whose business were brought and amalgamated, namely Messrs Banks and Co. of the Park Brewery. The first subject would be to inform the Stipendiary of the terms and conditions of the defendant’s service. They were contained in a written agreement dated the 17th of December 1891 to the effect that he should serve them as a brewer’s traveller and agent. He undoubtedly did a large business, so much so that he had been earning with £2 10s salary (which was subsequently increased to £3) and commission for some years past about £600 per annum. He had apparently his own circle of customers with whom he used to deal on behalf of the company, effecting sales to them receiving money from them for those sales and accounting for those moneys to the compmay and getting a commission. Fo the purposes of his collection he was suppplied with a receipt book in the usual form which had perforated counterfoils and receipt slips which were torn off and gummed on the customers accounts. As the magistrate might be aware in the brewing trade there were discounts and allowances which formed an important part of the business, ales were sold at a certain discount to customers and wines and spiritis also and in regard to malt there was a certain allowance made to customers for crushing and other matters of that kind so that when Mr Hibell had to give a receipt to a customer he had to take into consideration the amounts due for discount such as he had mentioned. His rendering of account was done to Mr W H Smith the cashier of the company and for conenincnece he seemd to have made a weekly return when he showed the amounts he had received from the customers etc. deductions for discounts and allowances and showed his counterfoils so that they could be checked. It was in connection with that method of business that the frauds were concerned with which the defendant was charged. He charged the company I his weekly account with having made greater alloances for dicounts to the customers than he had in fact made, and the difference he pocketed. When he gave the receipt to the customer he did not put upon the face of it both figures, the cash received and the discount allowed, he simply lumped them together on the customers receipt. There were three sperate customers and each of them referred to three sperperate embezzlements. The customers were Mrs Robers of the Royal Exchange, Bradley. Mrs Bill of the Forward Inn, and Joseph Smith, of the Swan Inn Wolverhampton. In regard to the first summons it was alleged that he received from Mrs Roberts on July 3rd, 10th and 17th last three sums of 4s 6d, 42 and 4s more than he accounted for to the company. In the first instance Mrs Roberts paid a gross bill of £9 12s. She paid to Mr Hibell £11 13s 6d in cash and was allowed a discount of £1 18s 6d or 20 percent. He receptied her bill “cash and discount, £9 12s” On his counterfoil and on his weekly sheet he put the matter in  this way cash £7 9s, discount £2 3s at the rate of 25 percent and so made up the bill of £9 12s. In other words he made Mrs Roberts a discount of 20 percent and satisfied her by giving her a receipt in full “cash and discount” giving her a receipt in full “Cash and discount” and represented to the Brewery Company that he and represented to the Brewery Company that he had allowed her £2 3s and pockted the balance of 4s 6d. The other items which he (counsel) would not go into detail on were practically all on the same basis. He desired to say that sad as it was in many respects that a man in defendant’s position should do these sort of things, this was a very ingenious fraud, calcutated to do an infinity of miecheif and only discoverable by accident when the customer got into direct communications with the Brewery Company. Defendant had the control fo theis particular set of customers and has gone on unchecked for a long for a long period and as the magistrate would see went through repetition after repetition of this matter. He would only add this, that when the matter began to be found out, Mr Hibell was called before the Board of Directors to account for this particular case of Mrs Robert’s and he was unable to give any explanation of it.

The first wintess called was Evelyn John Thompson managing director of the prosectution company who bore out counsel’s opening statement as to the terms of the defedant’s engagement and the amounts earned by him which he said averaged close on £600 per annum. Cross examined witness admitted that the amount defendant earned depended upon his own personal exertion and that it showed he must have been doing an excellent trade for the company and that he was considered a valued servant. Out of the amount received he would have to pay for his travelling expenses which were sometimes somewhat large. He had secured the company a number of tied houses, as well as a large “free” trade. Witness assented, when asked by defendant’s solicitor if he would join in asking the Stipendiary to deal with the case summarily. Formal evidence to the effect that on July 3rd  10th and 17th last defendant received sums of 4s 6d 4s and 4s from Mrs Rachel Roberts licensee of the Royal Exchange Bradley for which he did not subsequently account was given by Mrs Roberts and William Henry Smith cashier of the prosecuting Brewery Company and the necessary documentary evidence was produced, completing the case for the prosection in the regard to the first summons.

No evidence was offered for the defence and Mr R A Willcock addressing the Staipendiary on behalf f Mr Hibell said it was his painful duty to appear for a man who had built up a position for which he might be proud. He had known Mr Hibell as a man who had been connected with the licencsed trade for a period between wtenty and thirty years. He was looked upon amongst his friends and acquaintances and he (Mr Willcokc) did not esitate to say by the Brewery Company as being a man of excellent character and of excellent heart. It was quiet true his salary started with £2 10s and was raised to £3 but he was dependent upon his exertions for his commission. It was correct as he had been stated that the total amounted to £600 per annum but he thought Mr Thompson would be the first to admit there had been very large and heavy weekly expenses and he was sure the maginstrate would understand how the expenses of a successful brewers’ travller mounted up : in Mr Hibell’s case at times to over £6 per week and in some cases over £8. So so far as Mr Hibell was concerned no man could ever say that he had either gambled speculated or miscounted himself in any way. He had worked hard and had endeavoured to save. It was always a diffult matter to trace how it was that a man whose conduct had been excellent, whose honesty was not questioned should deviate from the path of rectitude. In this case he was entitled to allow a discount of 221/2 percent, apparently his customer was conent to accept 20 percent and thinking no doubt wrongly was he would willingly acknolweddge that this 21/2 percent would be usedful to him in the expenses he was daily incurring in  and abou the businss he did not account for it. He was not there to justify the defendant but he was going to ask the magistrate to ccede to the request to deal with the case and he hoped deal with it as leniently as he possibly could and in a manner that would enable a man to retain some little of the self respect which he had undoubtely lost. Since the time of the proceedings defenandt had lost his situation with the Brewery company. He had not attempted to put any diffucilties in the way of the company. He admitted he could not but admit what he was charged with. He had lost the position that he had occupoied and earned for himself in a neigbbouring town, where his conduct was such as to gain respect and esteem of those amongst whom he was living and they had refurned him to the City Council and where no doubt he was hoping to earn an hounderable position in the future. He had married a wife of whom any man could be proud, and no woman could have met a matter of this kind in a more womanly way. She was utterly incredulous till she heard it from him (the speaker) and he hoped he might never have such painful duty as having to break such news to a woman of her character and hr position. For such a man as the defendant the punishment did not lay merely in the payment of a fine or seving a term of impresionment, but in the loss of respect of his fellow men. That was the defendant’s punishement which he had to bear and which also to his sorrow extended to his wife and aged mother, who were present prostrated by the trouble which had come upon them. The law however assisted a man to live down a misktae, and he hoped his Workshp wold bring the law to bear upon this case. He asked considering defendant’s punishment was already severe he could never hold a license again and had already surrendered the one he held under the present compmay that his Workship would deal lenielty with the case. He gave the assurance that the prosecutors would not be the losers to the extent of so much as sixpence and he believed they already had in hand sufficient to cover what was owing to them. The Stipendiary asked what view the preocution were taking.

A disorderly Irishman – Michael murphy a labourer of no fixed aboved was charged with being drunk and disorderly in Broadagate on the 13th inst. Police Constable Ellis stated he saw the prisoner go into the city hotel in a drunken condition. He tried to persuade him to go home, but he became disorderly and had to be locked up. Prisoner had previous convictions and was committed for 14 days.

Young person required to make herself general useful in restaurant and relive in bar; good references – Apply city Hotel.

Waitress wanted smart appearance, good references apply City Hotel.

Youth Wanted at once for cellar work and make himself generally useful – Apply City Hotel.

An alarming vehicular accident occurred in Coventry this afternoon. A horse attached to a float belonging to Messrs Tuck and Blackemore and in charge of Frank Rowton 53, George Street was being driven through High Street when suddenly the animal took fright. The horse bolted and swerving round into Broadgate dashed into the one of the windows of the City Hotel which are on a level with the pavement. The window was smashed and the driver thrown out but lickliy he secapted injury as did the horse expect for a few cuts.

Wanted at once, respectable girl to mind baby only; sleep out; just leaving school preferred. Apply City Hotel, Coventry

Charwoman Wanted must be clean worker – good references, city hotel Coventry.

Cook wanted must be well up in soup, entrees pastry etc and have good references Apply city Hotel Coventry.

Barmaids wanted saloon and smoke room, good references City Hotel.

Pig  swill for sale must be cleared three times a day – City Hotel

Deaths – Clarke – March 5th Emma Clarke age 67 widow of late Joseph Porter Clarke of Northampton, Boot manufacturer and a number of years of the City Hotel Coventry. Funeral Tuesday, March 9th at Coventry. Friends, please accept as the only invitation.

Harold Weston, aged 33 years and 9 months hotel manager City Hotel Broadgate said he had been passed for garrison duty abroad. He applied for a renewal of his certificate. Applicant was employed by Mr F J Hibell who stated in support of the claim that Weston was the sole manager and that he found it impossible to replace him. There was no other male employed at the hotel. Mr Hibell said he had advertised in two papers with a view to replacing applications, but he found it impossible to get a suitable man to fill the position. Important features of the post were catering and the cellar work. Mr Mander for Mr Cleland appeared on behalf o the applicant who was allowed two months’ further exemption, which was stated to be final.

City Hotel and Restaurant Coventry – telephone 0680 Proprietor F. J Hibell. Open Monday, Sept 18th Luncheons and Dinners A LA Carte. 12.30 to 3 o’clock chops & Steaks from Silver Grills. Snacks at any hour. Popular Tarrif. Afternoon Teas Meat Teas till 7 o’clock. The Above hotel has been specially REMODELLED & FURNISHED and is MODERN THROUGHOUT and will recommend itself to the requirements and patronage of Tradesmen, Commercials, Visitors and Residents of the City. IT CONSISTS OF RESTAURANT & GRILL ROOM, FIRST CLAS GENTLEMEN’S MOKE ROOM, LOUNGE BAR, SALOON and PUBLIC BARS. Entirely free from Brewer and Spirit merchant.

 

The fransormation of the old City Hotel at the corner of Broadgate and Smithford Stree tinot a new and handsome City Hotel and Restaurant has been a complete one both as regards the interior and exterior of the building. The various departments are most conveniently arranged and the appointments are carried out thoroughly on modern lines and the decoration throughout are most effective. One of the principal features of the new hotel is the restaurant and grill room below the level of the ground floor, lighted by electric light and decorated in cream and gold, where lunches a la carte are provided at a popular tariff with chops and steaks from the silver grill. On the ground floor well arranged saloon and public bars are disposed. The smoke room tastefully decorated in crimson and white effects occupies the first floor while the kitchens are situated in the upper part of the building in order to avoid the smell of smoking through the house and communicate with the restaurant by a lift. On Friday evening the opening of the new restaurant and smoke room was celebrated by a dinner given by the proprietor, Councillor F. J. Hibell to a company of about thirty. The chari was taken by Councillor Loudon. During the evening asked the dinners to toast to the success of Mr Hibell. He was a very entertaining gentlemen and this was no mean undertaking he had carried out. They had to thank him by improving a prominent corner of the city and whished him every possible success. It had been a difficult undertakin for both the architect and the builder and he did not suppose it was  a small matter for a priortor. They were initialting the opening of tat restaurant and if the dinner of that evening represented the catering of the future its prospeirity was assured. Councillor Hibell in response said he was sure there would be nothing left on his part and on the part of his manager to do the best they could for the public and to give good value for money. It was a free house and in the wine list and catering everything appertaining to the house would be of the best and he hoped and believed his manager would be found of the best also. Mr B Dancer the manager was also asked to respond and in doing so said his instructions were that everything that was sold was to be of the pvery best and as far as he could see up to the present it had been. He thought in the end success must attend the venture at any rate they would try and deserve it. The health of the architect and builder Mr H W Chattaway and Mr J Isaac was afterwards proposed by Councillor Curzons who complimented them on the splendid place they had made of the new hotel and restuarnat for Mr Hibell and these geneltement suitably replied.

A smart iece of work in clearing away a block of the Smithford Street traffic was accomplished this afternoon. A horse attached to a cart loaded with brick ends fell on the wood paving outside the City Hotel building horarding stopping the passage of a tram. Two constables and four or five workmen from the building had the animal unharnessed and on its feet and the cart with its heavy load wheeled out of the way in exactly three minutes.

Charge of false pretences – Edwin Wragg fitter, 12 Charlton Boulevard Nottingham was charged with obtaining Luncheon, Wines, cigars and Cigarettes to the value of £2 0s 10d the property of Harold Weston from the City Hotel, Broadgate on March 7 by false pretences. Mr W. H. Cleland (Messrs Band Hatoon and Co.) who appeared to prosecute, asked ofr a remand for a week due to illness of the prisoner, and this was granted bail being allowed, prisionr in £10 and a surety of £10.

Prisoner and a Remand – Singular Scene in Coventry Police court – Edwin Wragg, fitter, 12 Charlton Boulevarde, Nottingham, appeared at Coventry Police Court this morning on a charge of obtaining by false pretences from the City Hotel, Broadgate on the 7st inst, luncheon, wines, cigars, and cigarettes, value £2 0s 10d, the property of Harlod Weston. Mr W. H. Cleland was for the prosection and he applied for a further remand in view of a letter that has received from the prison authorities at Warwick respecting prisone’s condition.

Dr Lynes asked if prisoner was represented and Wragg exclaimed excitedly: I have engaged Lawyer Young, my own lawyer of Nottingham, but he has not come. I wrote for him from the gaol and then wired for him. I wired to my parents but no one came to me.

 

Bursting into tears the accused then said: I am being punished for nothing. The Chairman: Don’t excite yourself. Prisoner, continuing, raised his voice and said: In the name of the Lord I never acknowledged it, I wanted to pay for it then and there; I had eighty or ninety pounds on me and more than that. I have suffered and have had —- hosepipe turned on me. I shall never forget it as long as I live. The chairman: I think that obvious it is wise to remand this prisoner for another week. Prisoner: I shan’t go back to Warwick. I will stay here or I will get bail. I have plenty of friends here. My brother wanted to bail me out last time.

The Magistrates’ Clerk: Don’t talk so much. Prisoner: I will have a say now, I have not this last fortnight.

Dectective-Sergeant Cox said prisoner submitted two names of men who would bail him out. Both were seen and both refused to have anything to do with it. The prisoner was remanded for a week.

Edwin Wragg, fitter, 12 Charlton Boulevarde, Nottingham. On remand charged with obtaining the 7th inst. By false pretences from the City Hotel, Broadgate, luncheon wines cigars and cigarettes to the value of £2 0s 10d the property of Harold Weston. It was reported that the man who behaved so strangely when in the dock last Saturday had been certified as insane.

“It was a joke” Charge of Theft from Hotel – Singular case: Beneit of the Doubt. A peculiar case was before the Coventry Maginstrates this morning when Bert Roff, Clerk 64 Radford Road and George Walker, fitter 15 Upper Well Street, were charged with stealing a plate fish knife and fork, a butter knife, four prongs, a dessert spoon and a table knife. Value 30s the property of FredErick Hilbell. Mr W H Cleland prosecuted and Mr R Hollick defended a plea of not guilty being tendered on behalf of both prisoners.

John Underwood waiter at the City Hotel said on Saturday about half past four o’clock the two prisoners came into the hotel with two ladies and went into the grill room. They ordered some food and when they had finished their meal they paid for it and left. Witness went to put the table straight and then discovered the articles mentioned in the charge and now produced were missing and he made a complaint to the manager. The articles were marked with the name of the hotel.

In reply to Mr Hollick witness stated that the men were perfectly sober when they came in. They were laughing and joking. When they were brought back to the hotel they said the whole thing was a joke and the manager said they would have to pay for it. There was no juggling with the articles while they were having tea.

Harold Weston, manager at the hotel said the last witness made a complaint to thim and in conseuqnece of that witness went out into the street and saw the prisoners in Broadgate where they were standing talking. Witness said to them “You have been having food in the restuarnant?” They said,, “Yes”, Witness then said “There are some knives and forks missing” To this they replied “Yes we are aware of it, we only took them for a joke” He told them they would have to pay for it. They then went back to the hotel, were they produced the articles from their pockets. The two men were perfectly sober. The value of the property – electro-plate- was about 30s. Witness had not seen them in the restuarnatn before this.

In reply to Mr Hollick witness stated that they said to him “It was a joke, we were just going to bring them back”.

P.C. W Norton said he found the prisoners detained at the hotel by the manager and witness received them into custody. On the way to the police office Walker said “We took them for joke, we were going to bring them back”. At the police office Roff said “I really did not know I had got them in my pocket. We had been conjuring”. Formally charged priosners made no reply. Mr Hollick addressed the Bench and said that it was altogether unlikely that the prisoners would take articles which were stamped win letters large enough “for a blind ma to read” The whole thing was a joke.

Walker first gave evidence and said while they were having tea they were larking with various articles and they said to one of the waiters “You don’t mind us having a bit of fun?” And he replied “No”. When they went to pay for their tea, a waiter with red hair said “I hope you won’t take all the spoons with you”. Witness said “No, nothing at all “ at the same time putting his hands in his saide pockets and taking them out again. When they were near the Market Hall, Roff started feeling for his handkerchief, and he said “Oh, look what I have got here” pointing to a knife and fork and a spoon and added, “We never left these” Wintess then looked into his owen pocket and found tha the had some of the articles there. He said to Roff, “We had better them these back or we shall get into trouble” Witness wife said “Shall I take them back?” and he replied “No we will take them back” They started walkng back and they were talking on the way as to what they should say when they got there. They stood near the hotel discussing what they should say to the waiter to get out of the difficulty. Weston thereupon appeared and they went back with him to the restaurant. Wintess had never been in a police court before.

In cross exampination witness said he ahd been in Coventry about eight weeks. He and his wife were in furnishd appartments. They came from leeds.

Roff was then called and stated that he was employed at the Coventry Ordnance Works. He stated that they had had a drink or two and that made them rather lively. He corroborated the evidence of Walker as to what occurred. They had not the slightest intention of keeping the things when they found they had got them. The trouble was to know how to get them back. He had never been in a police court before this.

Wintess in cross exampiantion said he had been in Coventry about nine months. On the day in question he had had several drinks and got “muddled”.

Mark Fletcher 42 Howard Street, waiter a the City Hotel said the prisoners wer ealrking about when in the hotel, including the putting of salt into their tea. He did not see them handling the spoons and forks. There was a screen between him and where they had sat about 15 yards away. He was not amused at what they were doing. One of the men had a spoon in his posseision when he came into the hotel but that did not belong to the city hotel. Roff explaine that when he was working at night he took a spoon with him for his eggs.

Hilda Walker wife of the prisoner Walker said that when the two men went into the hotel they were the worse for beer. When they got to market Street her husband found what he had in his pockets she said to them “Look sharp and take them back” she herself offered to take them as she through she could go quicker, but they said they would take them. While they were at tea they were joking all the time.

The Bench retried and on their return the chair man said the magistrates considered that there were substantial grounds for suspicion in regard to the conduct of the prisoners but at the same time that here is a doubt in the case and a bare possibility that their account of the matter may be true. Of that doubt they will have the benefit and the charge will be dismissed. But the magistrates wish to impress upon the priosners that they have had a narrow escape and that on any view they have been guilty of a great folly and indiscretion. I ought to add that this is the decision of the majority of the bench.

Coronation celebrations. The City Hotel is neatly draped from the roof to the first floor and is ornamented with coloured electric globes.

Lawrence Arthur Halliday 2 Freehold Street was summoned by Harold Weston for assaulting him and for being disorderly and refusing to quit the City Hotel, Broadgate. And Walter John Halliday 2 freehold Street was summoned for being disorderly and refusing to quit the City Hotel and assaulting John Underwood a Waiter.

Mr W H Cleland (Messrs Band Hatton and co) appeared on behalf o the licensee of the City Hotel. Lawrence Artheur Halliday pleaded guilty to both charges. The other defendant admitted refusing to quiet, but no the assault. Mary Roe (barmaid a the City Hotel) siad that on June 17 defendants cae into the hotel close on time and she refused to serve them. At 11 oclock closing time she switched out the lights and all the cusmoters but Walter John Halliday went out. He again asked to be served and she again refused. He then threaterened to trhow a glass half full of beer at her. She called the aiter (Underwood) and when he came in defendant went for him and struck him several times. Mr Weston the licensee came in during the scuffle and Lawrence Arthur Halliday the other defendant rushed in from outside and knocked him down. John Underwood the waiter at the hotel of 38 Grey Friars lane sai that on Saturday at about 1ppm he was called by the last wintess into the bar and there saw WalterJohn Halliday with a glass in his hand. He asked him to put it down and he threw it down went for him and struck him several times. During the struggle Mr Weston came in and the other defenandnt reentered the hotel went fro him and knocked him down. Harold Weston the licensee of the City Hotel said that hearing the scuffle in the bar he went in and saw the waiter wrestling with Walter John Halliday. He was going to his assistance when the other defenandtn came p and knocked him down. Walter John Halliday in evidence said that when underwood came into the bar he did not see him. Underwood came at the back of him took him by the troat and struck the first blow.

The bench found the cases against both defendantds proved. Mr Cleland asked the justices to take a serious view as offences of this kind were becoming very frequent. There were previous convisitictions against Lwrence Authur Halliday and he was fined 10s and costs on the first charge and 20s and costs on the second or 14 days and 28 days repectivley to run consecutively. Walter John Halliday was fined 10s and costs for being disorderly and refusing to quit and the same for assulitng underwood 14 days in each case in default.

Alfred Wilson machinist 5 Gordon Buildings, Spon End was charged with being drunk and disorderly in Broadgate, on Monday afternoon. P.C. McLean proved the case and said the accused was ejected from the City Hotel. He refused to go away and became very violent and had to be carried to the police station. Prisoner said he lost his job on Monday through slackness of work and this was the cause of his getting drunk. A fine of 2s 6d and costs was imposed.

Before the Covnetry magistrates today Mary Boulton City Hotel Coventry was summoned for travelling on the L and N W Railway without having paid her fare and with intent to avoid payment. Mr Mason (Euston) appeared fro the prosecution and said that cases fo this kind were on the increase. James Tranter ticket collector said defenandt gave up an out-of-date ticket on leaving the station after traevelling from Knilworth. She told witness that she booked another ticket that night and must have thrown the wrong one away. Witness procured the numbers of the tickets that had been issued that evening which were very few and he called her attention ot the consecutive numbers she subsequently admitted that hse had not taken out a ticket. Arthur Aiken booking clerk at Kenilworth produced his train book for February 22nd showing that the ticket given up by defendant was entered on the day it was issued and said it was only available on the day of issue. Detective Podmore stationed at Coventry, said his attention was drawn to defendant whom he questioned and she said she paid 5 ½ d for a ticket from Kenilworth that night. The witness Tranter telephoned to Kenilworth and ascertained that all the tickets issued threre that night had been entered. She afterwards confessed that she had not taken out a ticket. Defendant now told the Bench that she had the ticket three weeks ago and throught she could use it on the date in question. The bench found the case proved and expressed regret at seeing a person of defendant’s apparent respectability in this position. It was a mean kind of fraud and they were hesitating whether they should not impose a heavier fine than 10s and costs or seven days. They hoped it would be a warning to her.

Note of the Past: Amos Packwood –  The Coventry Standard pieced together a war of words between two of the city’s stagecoach operators, Packwoods and E. W. Peters.

The Amos Packwood whose name appears on the sword referred to in the previous article must have been the famous Coventry coaching proprietor whose quarrels and contests with his business rivals enlivened the tedium of things in this city a hundred years ago.

[The previous article – The second relic is a cavalry sword; a Solingen Blade in a Birmingham Sheath. On the back of the German portion is the inscription “Amos Packwood, Coventry volunteer Cavalry, May 1797. http://coventrycollections.org/search/details/collect/54793

Packwood’s office was in High Street whence he ran coaches to London, Bristol, Leicester Manchester, and other towns. His particular rival seems to have been one E. W. Peters who dispatched similar vehicles from the City Hotel. After a piece of enterprise on the part of this gentleman, Packwood would issue a manifesto in the “Coventry Mercury” (now the “Coventry Standard”) slating his opponent in terms which nowadays would be provocative of legal proceedings. For example, on October 28th 1829, he observed Peters’ conveyance that “The truth is, this is the Eclipse coach, which has had many struggles to ride, and they try the last effort by borrowing the name of Tally-Ho, and by working the old rumbles of coaches (which were refused by the original Tally-Ho Company). This little-minded man thus resorts to deceit and trickery to obtain a trade that he cannot get by fair means. After disposing of his opponents in these terms Packwood went on to observe that the original and patent safety Tally Ho sets off from Packwood’s office every morning at half-past eight to the Belle Sauvage, Ludgate Hill and Castle and Falcon London worked in as good a style as any coach in the kingdom; only two divers to ask passengers throughout. And he concludes by adding “ The nuisance of cigar smoking is not suffered by coachmen and guards as upon other coaches”. Petes on the other hand did not allow himself to be put out by these attacks by continuing to respectfully solicit patronage for his regular and steady day coaches.

The Coventry Fire Brigade received a call about 10:45 on Saturday morning of the City Hotel where an outbreak of fire had occurred. Upon their arrival it was found that the cooking range on the top storey had become alight through it is stated the upsetting of a pan of fat. The fire had been extinguished so far as the stove itself was concerned before the firemen’s arrival but the ventilator at the top was still burning. This was successfully dealt with by the use of a bucket of water. A full complement of men turned out with the first aid machine in charge of the assistant station officer. Great credit is due upon the excellent manner in which the young people engaged in the children’s procession acted during the progress of the brigade to the scene of the fire. There was no panic or commotion. They divided and so enabled the first aid machine and the Brigade to proceed with out the slightest interruption or obstruction direct to the scene of the outbreak. The conduct of the children remarked a member of the Brigade was deserving of the warmest praise.

Girl, Strong, Wanted for cleaning and assistant kitchen work, sleep in Apply City Hotel.

Barmaid wanted for public bar, use to quick trade, good references, apply city hotel, Broadgate.

Cook wanted, must be well up in soups, entrees, pastry etc. also girl for cleaning and assistant kitchen work. Good references – apply city hotel Broadgate.

Described as a man of “Extreme political views “ a tall and stalwart fitter named Arthur Padbury of 2 Godiva Street, appeared in the Coventry Police Court dock this morning and from the evidence, it was gleaned that he experienced a lively dinner hour yesterday. The prisoner was charged with refusing to quit licensed premises on Sept 30th and on the same occasion with assaulting and beating Harold Weston the licensee of the City Arms Smithford Street. The prisoner said he was drunk and knew nothing about it. “An Avowed Communist”

Mr S.F. Snape prosecutor and said at about midday yesterday prisoner entered the City Hotel Smithford Street. He was quiet at first and was served with two pints of beer. At about one o’clock he commenced to create a disturbance, said he was an avowed Communist shouted

“To Hell with the Capitalists, to hell with the king; we want to be in England as they are in Russia.”

It was not so much what the prisoner said but the manner in which he said it, said Mr Snape. He was shouting at the top of his voice throwing his arms about, and using bad language to the annoyance of people in the bar and in the restaurant downstairs. Mr Weston the license asked the prisoner to stop shouting prisoner refused and he was asked to out outside. The prisoner said he would go when he pleased. He went up to Mr Weston struck him a violent blow in the stomach and others in the face and nose knocking him down.

Padbury then went out and was followed by the licensee who reported the matter to P.C. Smith in Broadgate. In the presence of the constable, the prisoner again attacked the complainant striking him in the face. Padbury did you not say:

“ To hell with the trade unions and working classes; I hate them? No; on my oath I didn’t. “Do be a Sport”

Sara A Tucker the city hotel barmaid corroborated. Prisoner, Did I not say:

“To hell with the system and to the King? No”

Jonathan Keene of 68 Much Park Street who was in the bar at the time stated the assault was a very cruel one. P.C. Smith said the prisoner was very violent when arrested and condemned kind and country. P.C. Aspell corroorbated. Prisoner on oath protested vigorously against the evidence which accused him of saying “To hell with the Kind and Country” what he did say was “to hell with the system”. The chairman; What System?

Padbury

“The system going about at the present time, keeping us unemployed.”

The Chairman; but what about the assault?

Padbury:

“I don’t know anything about that I was drunk. I had had five pints. I don’t remember striking Weston or being arrested.”

The Chairman :

Then how do you remember what you said?

Prisoner :

That was earlier on, when I had only had two pints, I spent 5s in that house; I am very sorry this has happened.

Inspector Cox said the prisoner was known through there were no actual convictions against him. During the war, he was twice sent back to his regiment as an absentee. He was quiet like a madman yesterday – tremendously excited. The drink had something to do with his condition but the cause was not mainly drink. The chairman said the bench did not mind what Padbury’s pollical options were – they were obviously extreme. He would be fined 40s or 28 days for each offence. Time was allowed of repayment.

Coventry mans Stange Conduct – Before Coventry Bench on Monday Ricghard Gibson frame filer, 12 Mayfield Road, was charge with being cond at 9:10 pm on May 29 in an enclosed cellar for an unlawful purpose such cellar then in the occupation of Harold Weston, City Hotel Smithford Street. Mr S. F. Snape appeared fo the porceuction. Evidnec was given by Mr Harold Westonn license of the City Hotel that about 9 o’clock on May 29th he had occiaion to go to the beer cellar. He heard a slight noise in the wine cellar adjoinging. He unlocked the door and found the accused hiding behind a cask. Accused put up his hand and asked to be forgiven for the sake of his wife and child. Witness sent for the police. Prisioner was employed at the hotel for about two or three  years before the war. Since the war he had been employed temporarily for a short time and left a few weeks ago. Accused had no right to be in the cellar, by the knew where thing were kept. P.C. Elson stated that when formally charge dpriisomer said “I was not there with intent to seal” Sergent haune said that when priosnor was searched two skeleteon keys were found in his possession. Witness took posseison of these and went ot the City Hotel. On tryng the keys he found that the larger key unlocked the beer cellar door which led to he wine cellar. The small key unlocked the wine cellar door and it would also lock it. In a statement the prisoner said he knew that the larger key would unlock the beer cellar door ad the city hotel and that the smaller key was made to fit the wine cellar door. Prisoner now said he did not know what made him go into the cellar or have the keys in his procession. He did not steal anything out of the City Hotel at all. He added that he had always orene a good charaacter. A relative pleaded leniency on behalf of the accused who he stated had trive very hard to get work that he had suffered from poor health and severely from nerves, having servedin the army.

The bench found the charge proved. Gibson was also summoned for wilfully preventing on May 29 a gas meter from duly resigrating quatility of gas supplied. To this offence he pleaded guilty. Mr H. N. marks Town Clerk’s department appeared for the procesitution.

Sergt Haime stated that prisoner made a statement in which he admitted removing the gas meter because he said he was out of work. Replyhing to the chariman Mr T. B . Bethethan prisoner said he had been out of work and had not the money to put in the gas meter for lighting purposes. Whilst serving in the army he as wounded five times.

For prevening the gas meter from duly reigstrating the quaitlity of gas supplied prisoner was fined £4 or 28 days improsionment and for being found in the cellar at the City Hotel for an unlwayful purpose he was bond over to be of good behaviour for a period of twelve months.

Obstructing Broadgate – A warning from the bench. Before the Covnetry Bench on Monday Maud Clarke, Rose and Cron, bell Green, Annie Rollinson, 28 Lythall’s lane, Albert Hartopp, 30 Lower Wellington Street and Reginald Johnson 38 Lower Wellington Street, were summonded for wilfully obstructing Broadgate on January 9th by Standing there and refusing to move on being requested to do so. All four defendants pleased “not guilty” Evidence was given by P.C. Bingham that at 7.30pm on the 9th inst he was on patrol duty in Broadge. He saw the four defendants standning in the centre of the pavement. There ware a lot of people about at a time and considerable obstruction was caused. Witness asked defendants to move. They went about four yards and stood again. He asked them a second time to move and the same thing was repeated. At 7.45pm witness saw them standing in the centre of the pavement at the coner of Broadgate outside the “city Hotel”. He again asked them to move on, and also cautioned them. They then stood again on the pavement for fifteen minutes. During this time there was great constriction to the passengers coming along smithofrd street and broadgate. In company with another constable, witness took the mnames of defendants and reported them ot the chief constable. Allo four defendants densied that they were asked to move on. The chairman (Mr. T. B Bethall, poined out the great inconvencneice and danager caused by people standing about the pavements in thenarrow throughtfaers. People, he said, must clearly understand that they could not be allowed to stand gosipping for an indenifate or an unreasonable time. The defenants would each be fined 10s and the Bench hoped that this would be a leson to them and to others not be do this.

Waitress, quick, must have good refences – city hotel Coventry.

1922 - Under New Management

Albert William Greatrex

Amos Fisher, Swanswell Terrace Summoned for using Broadgate for the purpose of selling daffodils from a truck on February 28th Pleased “not Guilty”. Evidence given by two constables was that defendant had a hand truck on which were boxes containing daffodils that he went into the City Hotel with three bunches and came out without them. It was also stated that he went into the other shops in Broadgate. In reply to the defendant, the witness admitted that they did not see him selling the flowers nor did they see him receiving any money. Defendant said he went into the City Hotel for refreshment and into the boot shop to purchase a pair of boots. The bench dismissed the case.

After a long hearing Coventry licensing justice this afternoon approve the transfer of the licence of the City Hotel Broadgate to premises at Foleshill. This is a break from the past, formerly an old coaching house the City Hotel usually figured in old prints of Lady Govirva processions> it has a long and interesting history.

Licence applications before the justice today were opposed by the Coventry and District Free church council. The vicar of St Pauls Church opposed the transfer of the City Hotel transfer on the grounds the new premises would be opposite the mission church of St Luke’s. The licence was transferred. 

Frederick Pickering labourer 8 White friars lane, was charged with frequenting Broadgate for the purpose of betting. Inspector Whitmill said at 1 pm yesterday he saw a prisoner standing outside the City Hotel selling printing papers. A man came up to him, bought a paper and handed the prisoner a paper. The latter walked away and the inspector confronted him and asked him what he had in his hand. He replied “Only some money which I have made selling papers” On the other hand he had 1s 6d and a slip relating to horse racing with the name of a horse running that day. In his pocket, he had another betting slip. The prisoner now expressed regret and said he did not do it as a regular thing. Fined 20s.

1929 9th April - Closed!

The City Hotel becomes vacant today - closed for good, but hopefully not forgotten.

The Governors of Bablake School Coventry, propose to grant a 99 years building lease of the premises known as the city hotel Broadgate. Rent £800 for the lease to take down the present building and rebuild in accordance with plans approved by the Governors.

The City Hotel was held on a lease from the Governors of the Babalake School on behalf o the Wheatley’s charity Trustees. By a clause in the lease, £2,000 would be paid to the trustees upon removal of the license for the benefit of the city of Coventry. 

Further development in Coventry’s fast-changing central streets is foreshadowed by the announcement made today by the governors of Bablake school that it is intended to offer the site of the “The City Hotel” on the corner of Broadgate and Smithofrd Street on a 99 years building lease. The announcement comes as a sequel to the decision to transfer the licence of “The city hotel” to new premises in Holbrook lane. When this was approved by the licencing justice the governors of Bablake school who own the site, received several applications from persons interested in its development and eventually decided to attempt to dispose of it on it on building lease, the lessee to take down the present building and build another in accordance with plans approved by the Governors. Retail shops are indicated as the most probable form of the new building. The site itself has had a long history in the hands of successive governing bodies of Bablake School. It was a part of the original endowment, made between 1560 and 16000 and has thus contributed to the charity out of which the present secondary school has grown for som e350 years. The present building was once famous as a coaching inn and appears adorned with a balcony, which has since been taken down in photographs of Broadgate as it was in the “sixties” in spite of its age it is stated to be less solid than it appears from the outside since the walls are built of old bricks taken from a previous building.

City Hotel Broadgate, Coventry – Frank Mason FAI – Having received instructions from the governors of Bablkae school (owing to the expiration of lease) will sell by Auction on Tuesday Next at 11 am the superior.

Hotel Fittings and Fixtures, including – kitchen dressers and cupboards, well-made tables, hot water hot plate with 4 partitions and all accessories. 8 ft by 3ft meat safe. Useful ice chest, six dining tables, several “Briton” and other Air Door Springs, upright Grand Over Strung Concert Pianoforte in Ebonised Case, about 50ft Leather Upholstered Seating, Two massive Mahogany Bar Cabinets about 40 feet, handsome moulded partition with Brass handles and coloured leaded lights, hot water boiler with pipes 29 ft 3 in. Pannelled front mahogany top counter, lift as fitted to five floors, several heavy moulded doors and numerous other items.

July 1929 Burtons reveal their designs for their new store. 

Plans approved for the rebuilding of Nos 1,2 and 3 Broadgate for Messrs Montague Burton Ltd, the architect being Mr H Wilson of Leeds. A start will be made with the construction of a new shop front but the general scheme is not likely to be proceeded with for some time.

Demolition of the City Hotel – Messrs W. H. Jones and Sons commenced the demolition o the City Hotel at the corner of Broadgate and Smithford Street on Monday. The existing building will be in the hands of the housebreaker for about three weeks and a handsome new building will then be erected by the Coventry building firm on behalf of Messrs Montague Burton. Although the whole of the existing site will be retained for the new building, thus making no widening possible, the alteration will continue a great improvement in the general appearance of Broadgate. We understand that Messrs Burtons’s New premises will be fronted with artificial stone and will be in keeping with the façade of the new National Provincial Bank on the opposite corner. Local antiquaries will hear with regret that there is a possibility of very old cellars which exist under the City Hotel stretching out under the pavement and even under the Broadgate tram track, will in all probability be filled in, though some of those which are under the site may be preserved for storage purposes. The cost of removing the centuries-old Pillars and stonework and replacing them with other means of permanent support for the roadway would be very considerable and it is feared that access to them will be closed.

Frederick John Hibell of Brighton formerly of “Uplands”, Rochester Road, Earlsdon died at the age of 76. Former proprietor of the City Hotel, Coventry.