Coaching Days at Coventry
Chris and I are both great fans of the Coaching Age and have made it, where appropriate, an integral part of ths project. Chris has built a number of fabulous models of coaching types while I have researched both the stage coach and mail networks, particularly focusing on the transition and period of impact of the coming of the railways between 1830 and 1850.For those of you who are fans also here are some offerings of interest around Coventry.
My first look was at the long distance coaches on what is generally called the Holyhead road, significant particularly due to its role in providing mail to Ireland.In the 1800s, Coventry was still an important city in its own right between the capitol, the growing importance of Birmingham and placed on an important route.
Coventry had more than a few coaching inns and when the railway arrived several inns changed their business models. As the London-Birmingham long distance coach travel declined they saught to tap the new influx of travellers who came by train. Perhaps in the interest of fair competition the railway 'authorised' at least two inns to provide omnibuses to the station, however such services were also advertised by other inns. The competition would become fierce and bitter...
