The 'hidden gem' building in Coventry that shows what life was like in the 1500s![Image](https://i2-prod.coventrytelegraph.net/incoming/article28531314.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/0_Screenshot-320.png)
Many visitors to Coventry will flock to the vibrant cultural quarter of Fargo Village, Coventry Music Museum and the 2-Tone Cafe. But there are plenty of hidden gems to explore right that offer a fascinating insight into the city's history.
One such place is Weaver's House on Spon Street. One of the most historic areas of the city, the street has a row of six terraced cottages built in 1455 - with one cottage lovingly restored for visitors to see what life in Coventry would have been like in the 1500s.
Weaver's House was once the home of John Croke, a narrow-loom weaver. Visitors can see how he and his family would have lived and worked on one of its regular open days or as part of a group by appointment.
The house is part of Black Swan Terrace, where people would have come down Spon Street towards the city from further afield such as Chester or Lichfield. The city wall construction was completed in 1510, but the stretch from Gosford Street to Spon Street extended beyond the wall.
The six cottages were built as one structure by Coventry Priory and residents both worked and lived there. After the monastery's dissolution, the cottages were sold off and were owned by Mercer's Company.
Between the 19th and 20th centuries, the terrace was converted into shop fronts and the properties continued to be retail units until the late 1970s and 80s as they were classed as unfit for living purposes. Coventry City Council bought the cottages and there were plans to dismantle them.
But Weaver's House is still standing and is now cared for by the Spon End Building Preservation Trust. It underwent a £1.4m restoration project at the end of 2007.
The Weaver's House is a two-storey building, with the upper floor containing the loom accessed by a ladder that would have been used by John Croke. The rear of Weaver's House includes a medieval garden showing the plants that would have been grown for food, medicine, flavouring, and household use.
The attraction has an impressive 4.5 star rating on Tripadvisor. One reviewer, Michelle said it was a 'very enjoyable learning experience': "Rare opportunity to see an actual working person house from the middle ages. Knowledgeable and helpful guides."
Lizzy added that it was a "gem": "Where else can you get the feel and vibe of a medieval dwelling house for ordinary people. It was wonderful - and had an impact on the dwelling house in the fifteenth century. From house to garden plot - with admirable guides."
Another visitor added: "I discovered this extraordinary building by chance. A guide kindly invited me inside to look around. He was very knowledgeable about the history of this beautifully restored cottage, which gives a rare insight into how people lived in the fifteenth century. Fascinating and a credit to everyone involved in the project."
The open days are free and are usually held every month on Saturdays, and twice a month in September for Heritage Open Days. The next open day is on Saturday, April 6, and runs from 10am to 4pm.
Location: 121 Upper Spon St, Coventry CV1 3BQ. For more information about Weaver's House, visit the
website.
![Image](https://i.imgur.com/KdvYPLV.png)