| Popis: |
MOLA (Museum of London Archaeology) was commissioned by Chroma Consulting, on behalf of the Historic Coventry Trust, to undertake a programme of historic building recording at Cook Street and Swanswell Gate, Coventry. This was required prior to works being undertaken on the building for alterations inline with regeneration into bespoke visitor accommodation. Both gates represent part of a former medieval defence system for the city of Coventry. Documentary sources suggest Cook Street Gate was started in 1440 and Swanswell in 1385. Both suffered after the Civil War, but have fared better than their ten other counterparts which were gradually demolished in the subsequent centuries. Without other comparisons it is difficult to make many assumptions about the format of the city walls and gatehouses as a whole. But these two remaining Gates are good evidence of the changing needs of the city during the post-medieval period. Cook Street Gate retains its original medieval form in better condition, although there is evidence of pre-1930s repair phases and documentary evidence which suggests the Gate was in poor condition in the early 19th century. Swanswell Gate's original medieval format can still be read to some degree, and would have been similar to Cook Street Gate. However, the conversion of the Gate to a house, and then subsequent changes of use, has disfigured some of its medieval features. Both gates underwent extensive repairs during the 19230s, including replacement of floor, and roofs. |
