Priory Row Heritage Open Days

The Lychgate Cottages at 3-6 Priory Row is a row of timber-framed properties dating to around 1415. It is a remarkable survival of a pre-Dissolution building at the heart of Coventry’s city centre. 

The building’s location and date indicate that it originally formed part of the precinct of the 12th century St Mary’s Priory, and it is the only upstanding building which survives from the priory complex. Its close-studded timbers and jettied floor make it an evocative example of a timber-framed building of the early 15th century. The principal timbers throughout show little evidence of re-use and demonstrate that the original structure survives well. For these reasons, the building has been recently upgraded to listed grade II*, for its architectural and historical interest.  

Records from the 16th and 17th centuries mention these as cottages, but by the 19th century the cottages were in poor condition and were acquired by the adjacent Blue Coat School in 1855 when they were restored and extended. The internal fireplaces and chimneys date from this time, as does the external stair and rear room to the east end. 

 These buildings now have a new lease-of-life thanks to Historic Coventry Trust, who have completed a restoration of these much-loved buildings. These have been carefully restored and fitted out as four holiday cottages – visitors will be able to have some modern luxury in these 15th-century buildings; and the Trust will continue to open them to the public on open days such as Heritage Open Days.  

On Sunday 17 September, self-guided tours will be running during the afternoon.  

Visitors are advised that due to the historic nature of the buildings that ceilings are low, and footing is uneven in places. Those with reduced mobility are advised that multiple sets of steep steps are required to access these buildings.

Lychgate Cottages at 3-6 Priory Row are adjacent to The Flying Standard public house, and opposite Holy Trinity Church. They are visible from Broadgate.