Lost scenes of Coventry Train Station over the years

VaselineJune 15, 2024

0 4 minutes read

Whether you’re a regular commuter or only use the trains for trips around the UK, most of us have passed through Coventry Station at some point in our lives. Like much of the city, it suffered substantial damage during World War II, but that’s not the only reason it’s barely recognizable as it once was.

Major refurbishment has taken place several times since it was first built in 1838 as part of the London and Birmingham Railway.

And there are more changes ahead, with the station being served by Coventry Very Light Rail (VLR) as early as 2025.

One thing is certain and that is that Coventry Station will continue to be a hub for travellers. It served nearly six million passengers last year.

We took a look through our archives for old photos of the station. Dating from the early 1900s to the present, it shows the incredible changes a building and service we all take so much for granted has undergone.

Take a look through the photos below and don’t forget to share your memories in the comments.

You can see more nostalgia content here.

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The Duke of Edinburgh leaving Coventry Station. With him are Mr Donald Campbell and the Station Master Mr RW Salt.15 July 1960

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Coventry railway station and the yard at Eaton Road showing the extensions. circa 1903

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1948 – Princess Elizabeth made her first visit to Coventry today and was greeted by huge crowds in glorious weather. She arrived at Coventry station at 10.59am and as she exited the station she was greeted by a brass band from the trumpeters and drummers of the Coventry School of Music. She then got into her waiting car – an open Humber Landau, carrying the Royal Standard and sitting next to the Mayor, Mr WH Malcolm, set off along Eaton Road and Warwick Road en route to Memorial Park. The Princess came to Coventry to open the new city centre, the rebuilt Broadgate with its magnificent garden island, and to lay the foundation stone of the new shopping precinct, which in the coming years will be built on the Smithford Street side of the city centre. She wore a lime green soft calf-length woolen coat, shaped in the front to look like a new two-piece, with quarter sleeves and a full, very full skirt, worn over a matching green and white print dress . Her white heeled shoes had the new ankle closure and her gloves were elbow length. The most striking feature of her outfit was its complete simplicity, which was matched by her almost complete absence of makeup. Her only piece of jewelry was a three-row pearl necklace. May 22, 1948

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Mr Jeff Vent, a French teacher at Coventry School, embarks on his 25th school trip to Paris with 33 students and 6 members of staff. March 24, 1978

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Claire Rayner, 54, at Coventry Train Station during her UK tour to promote the ‘Great References’ campaign. The Book Marketing Council asked him to serve on a panel of judges to help choose 16 essential reference books for the home.February 14, 1985

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New loading bays in use at Coventry Railway Station.22 February 1960

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We are glad to see you! Around 30 steam enthusiasts gathered at Coventry station to see the Truro City Locomotive. Former British worker Ray Reed, 72, from Earlsdon, said: “The atmosphere was great… it was there for three or four minutes so everyone was able to get lots of pictures.” . The train – believed to be the first to exceed 100mph, in 1904 – has been taken on lines across the country since its refurbishment was completed around a year ago. Keith Rogers, from Radford, who saw it at the level crossing in Barker Butts Lane, Coundon, during last Wednesday’s journey, described it as “an absolutely terrible scene”. December 29, 2004

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Coventry Station. Resurfacing work in front of the building. The cottage on the left is Finlay’s Tutungeri. circa 1958

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The administrative offices at Coventry Station being demolished as part of the station’s rebuilding scheme. 17 September 1959

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Trainspotters at Coventry station are going on a special exit. August 9, 1962

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1962 – Queen Elizabeth II visits Coventry for the consecration of the new cathedral. She is seen here with the Lord Mayor, Councilor Arthur Waugh, at Coventry Station. May 25, 1962

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Resurfacing outside Coventry station. Circa 1956

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The old administrative offices at Coventry Station being demolished in September 1959.

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Coventry Railway Station, Eaton Road, Coventry. Window ticket staff have walked out for the second of three strikes as Virgin Trains plans to ax ticket offices. Manjit Gill (Transport and Wage Staff Association) with angry staff.

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Coventry Station. Canceled trains to London Euston. Passengers must obtain a bus connection to Leamington.

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DJ020109TRAI_3.jpg Train fares to rise again by around 10% Coventry Station

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Jonathan Ross with his crew at Coventry station. He had filmed his One Hour With Jonathan Ross show on a Euston train that Channel 4 had specially hired. February 22, 1990.

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Mary Griffin, Coventry Telegraph environment reporter. Photographed at Coventry station on a Virgin train.

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Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh arrives at Coventry Station. March 6, 1987.

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MB190407PARK_5.JPGNEW COVENTRY STATION OPENING. (L-R) CHARLES BELCHER (DG VIRGIN TRAINS WEST COAST), LORD MAYOR SHABBIR AHMED, PETER STRACHAN (ROUTE DIRECTOR, NETWORK RAIL). SINEAD HAS WORDS.

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MB300507VIRG_2.JPGVIRGIN TRAINS OFFER FREE COVENTRY STATION TICKETS. STEVE KNIGHT (HEAD OF CAMPAIGN, VIRGIN TRAINS) WITH A WINNING TICKET.EMMA HAS WORDS.

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Trade and Industry Sectors Stephen Byers talks to Evening Mail reporter Shaun Connolly at Coventry train station about the rover crisis

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Coventry station GV which was closed today due to ASLEF strike 01 February 2023.

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Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh arrives at Coventry Station. March 6, 1987.

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Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh arrives at Coventry Station. The Duke is greeted by Mayor Winnie Lakin. March 6, 1987.

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Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh arrives at Coventry Station. March 6, 1987.

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Members of the ASLEF train drivers’ union outside Coventry station, which was closed due to union strike today, 01 February 2023.

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Demolition at Station House, near Coventry Station has begun in earnest

VaselineJune 15, 2024

0 4 minutes read

Vaseline

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