A Victorian mansion which is part of Coventry’s industrial heritage faces demolition after it was ravaged by a blaze in a suspected arson attack.
Copsewood Grange house was engulfed by flames and huge plumes of smoke billowed from the building yesterday.
Last used as a social club, the empty building dates back to the 1870s when it was the home of the wealthy ribbon manufacturer James Hart.
The GEC bought the house and its parkland as part of its huge telephone works factory in 1921 and used the Grange as a staff clubhouse, which was once recognised as one of the finest staff clubs in the entire country.
Unfortunately its proud history has been overshadowed by its reputation as a target for arsonists in recent years.
Four fire engines from Binley, Radford and Foleshill were sent to the three-storey building near Brindle Avenue, off the Binley Road, at about 8.30am.
It was the latest incident in a catalogue of suspected arsons at the site, and it was last ablaze in September last year.Fire chiefs are now calling for the Victorian manor house to be demolished and are planning talks with the current owners.
They say it is a regular target for arsonists and it is time the building was pulled down.
Photos taken from outside the perimeter fence today:
This is how it looked when I first photographed it four years ago :
Very sad that this fine old building has been allowed to end up in this condition
