The Site

These buildings are two of the few surviving medieval timber framed structure which once crowded the ancient City of Coventry.

They are sited on the South side of Gosford Street which together with Spon Street once formed the main East West thoroughfare of the City, linking Birmingham and Leicester. Many travellers passed along this way, evidenced by the large number of Inns and Hostelries which once stood along this route to cater for their needs

They stand within what was once the Precinct boundary of the Carmelite Friary, founded in 1342 - now known as Whitefriars - and adjacent to a cobbled road, Whitefriars Lane, which once led to it.

No.115 - A Single Bay Two Storey Structure, 14th Century.

Though much altered over the years, the earliest surviving parts of this building date from the 14th Century and are therefore contemporary with the Friary. All that remains of the original purlin roof is the small block of wood located above the collar beam in the gable end truss with many of the rafters in this bay all these members are smoke blackened, indicating that this structure was once the Hall, open from the ground to roof with a hearth in the centre. The first floor structure, side purlins and chimney breasts were introduced in the 16th century, when standards of comfort had improved. The large stone fire places are themselves a rare survival, that on the ground floor only being discovered in building works. It has now been restored.

To the rear and set at right angles was a single bay service range. Largely rebuilt, but on the original Plan in the 18th Centruy, the roof structure has now been reinstated. This was linked to the Hall by an area which now contains the stairs, though badly fire damaged this area has now been fully restored including a 16th Century window found in the debris.

No.114 - A Single Bay Three Storey Structure, 17th Century

This building is indeed curious and unique. It is not a timber framed building in the true sense i.e. an independent structure. Rather it is a collection of second hand timbers re-used and gaining support from both 115 and the remains of a substantial gable end frame which once belonged to the building next door. There is none of the evidence of medieval craftsmanship which is exhibited in 115. Either this is a do-it-yourself rebuild of an earlier structure, possibly destroyed by fire, or a makeshift temporary building which has far outlasted the expectations of its builder. Whatever its origin every effort has been made to preserve it intact with its intrigue for future generations.

Recent History

The two buildings have long been combined into a single use as a Butchers Shop from 1850 until its closure in 1976. Poorly maintained and fire damaged, their future had become perilous, the structure was weak and had collapsed in several places. Michael Luke took over the premises and the building has been painstakingly renovated and refurbished to as near as original as possible. The premises was reopened as Whitefriars Olde Ale House on on 13th December 2000. In 2004 the pub changed hands to Matt Young. It is hoped that one and all will come and enjoy part of Coventry's heritage once more.