‘The Walls Came Tumbling Down' - Coventry in the 17th Century.
Our first talk of 2014 focuses on Coventry's 17th Century history. Stewart Fergusson, well known in the city as Chairman of the Belgrade Theatre's Board of Trustees and previously as Managing Director of Orbit Heart of England Housing Association. Few people know that Stewart's background ias as a research historian, specialing in urban history. Stewart is also a member of the Coventry Society.
Stewart writes: "In 1662 Coventry’s fine city walls were ceremoniously dismantled on the orders of Charles II. The restored government did not trust this former parliamentary stronghold at a time when the crown still did not feel secure. It was a symbolic event that marks a watershed in Coventry’s history.
"In telling Coventry’s story The Herbert Museum calls its fixed exhibition ‘Explore Coventry in Medieval, Victorian and Modern Times’. The 350 years from the early 16th century is given little attention.
"Yet the long 17th century was an important period of transition in Coventry’s history, from the prominent closed walled medieval town of monks, mystery plays, merchants and cloth workers; to one of the Midlands’ industrial hubs of specialist textile workers and makers of watches, machine tools, cycles, guns and cars.
"This talk will:
• Put Coventry in the national context of the crisis of the 17th century
• Give an overview of the 17th century city
• Tell a story of the City’s struggle to maintain its status, stability and influence through the eyes and experience of a handful of key figures
o Coventry’s Cromwell - the soldier, MP, alderman and mayor, Robert Beake
o A cultured cavalier - Warwickshire’s Lord Lieutenant and Coventry’s Recorder, James Compton, 3rd Earl of Northampton
o The crown’s correspondent - baker and postmaster Ralph Hope.
o Coventry’s conciliator - MP, lawyer and prominent city gent Richard Hopkins
o Coventry’s keeper of the records - city clerk Humphrey Burton.
Monday 13th January 2014 - 7.30 p.m. at the Shopfront Theatre, City Arcade.
The meeting is open to everyone, free to members and £1 to visitors (or join on the day).
