Drapers' Hall, Coventry

Drapers' Hall
Drapers' Hall
General information
Address	Bayley Lane, Coventry
Coordinates	52°24′28″N1°30′26″W / 52.40764°N 1.50713°W / 52.40764; -1.50713
Construction started	1831
Completed	1832
Owner	Coventry City Council
Design and construction
Architect(s)	Thomas Rickman

Drapers' Hall is a historic building (Grade II* listed) ^[1] in the Cathedral Quarter of Coventry built in 1832 by the Drapers' Company, a large trading guild in Coventry. ^[2] The present building is believed to the third guildhall on the site. ^{[3] [4]}

History

Drapers' Hall was constructed 1831-32 to be the headquarters of the Coventry Drapers' Guild, ^[4] and an east wing was added in 1864. ^[5]

The basement of the building was used as an air raid shelter for 200 people during the Second World War. ^[6]

It was also used as a church centre. In 2012 it was reported that the building would be converted into a music centre. ^[6]

Architecture

The building is built in Greek Revival style and was designed by Thomas Rickman and Henry Hutchinson. ^[1]

Access

The building has been opened to the public under the auspices of the Heritage Open Days scheme. ^[3]

See also

• Grade II* listed buildings in Coventry
• St Mary's Guildhall

References

1. "Draper's Hall, Coventry". British Listed Buildings. Retrieved 28 September 2012.
2. "Drapers' Hall". Visit Heart of England. Archived from the original on 5 May 2013. Retrieved 28 September 2012.
3. "Drapes Lifted Off Historic Hall". Coventry and Warwickshire News. 15 September 2000. Retrieved 28 September 2012.
4. "Heritage and history". Coventry Society. Archived from the original on 15 October 2011. Retrieved 27 September 2012.
5. "Drapers' Hall". Heritage Open Days. Archived from the original on 25 January 2013. Retrieved 28 September 2012.
6. "Drapers Hall to become Coventry music centre". BBC News Online . BBC. 20 September 2012. Retrieved 28 September 2012.