Coventry’s little-known attraction that receives very few visitors

There are many iconic visitor attractions in Coventry, such as the Coventry Music Museum, the Coventry Transport Museum and the cultural district of Fargo Village, all of which have a rich history. However, there is a “hidden gem” attraction in the city that receives very few visitors.

That place is Weaver’s House, located on Spon Street, one of the most historic streets in the city. The street has a terrace of six cottages built in 1455, now known as the Terrace of the Black Swans. These buildings were homes and workplaces for farm workers, weavers, watchmakers and car workers and were also used as pubs, shops and workshops.

The house was listed as one of the least visited attractions in the VisitEngland survey of visitor attractions. In 2022, it had 623 visits, which decreased to 616 in 2023. Overall, there was an 11% increase in UK attraction visits compared to 2022, but at a slower growth rate.

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The Weaver House is the only cottage on the street restored to look like it did in the 15th century. The house shows how John Croke, a town narrowloom weaver, and his family would have lived and worked. Guests can also see a replica of the war he would have used.

The cottages were built as a single structure by Coventry Priory, where people would have come from further afield. The construction of the city wall was built in 1510, but the stretch from Gosford Street to Spon Street extended beyond the wall.

After the dissolution of the priory, the cottages were sold and owned by Mercer’s Company. The buildings continued to be used as shops and housing until the late 1970s and 80s, after which they were condemned as unfit for habitation. They were bought by Coventry City Council, who considered plans to dismantle them and rebuild them as part of the medieval Spon Street.

Weaver’s House still stands proudly on Spon Street and is managed by the Spon End Building Preservation Trust. It ensures that there are regular opportunities for the public to see them. They continue to recruit volunteers who can take care of Weaver’s House and make sure the operation is financially viable.

Today at Weaver’s House

Weaver’s House is a two-storey building with the rear including a medieval garden showing plants that would have been grown for medicine, food, flavoring and domestic use. Open Days are held on one Saturday each month and the following tomorrow, Saturday 13th July and Saturday 10th August. There will be two open days on Saturday 14 September and Sunday 15 September for Heritage Open Days.

The open day includes talks about Croke’s life and the history of the buildings, as well as demonstrations of spinning, weaving, embroidery and other activities relating to medieval life. Despite having the fewest visitor attractions, the historic building has an impressive five-star rating on Tripadvisor, with 29 out of 36 reviews rated ‘excellent’.

Michelle said: “Rare opportunity to see a working person’s house from the Middle Ages. Knowledgeable and helpful guides. The museum is located in Coventry’s historic quarter with other historic buildings. Toilet and a small medieval cottage on site.”

Lizzy B said: “Where else can you get the feel and vibe of a medieval dwelling for ordinary people. It was wonderful and had an impact on the 15th century dwelling. From a house to a garden with admirable guides.”

Diane H added: “Like a step back in time. The gardens were very interesting, it seems raised beds were a thing of the past and not so new after all. the wars in the weaver’s cottage.

“The cottage itself was very atmospheric, the way they survived and worked in such surroundings brings the luxury of living today into perspective.”

Weaver’s House is located at 121 Upper Spon St, Coventry CV1 3BQ. Open days are usually between 10am and 4pm. For more information on Weaver’s House, visit the website.

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