Despite the attention of bombs and planners, Coventry still contains many fascinating buildings whose history in stone, brick and concrete has shaped the last thousand years. It is home to one of the world’s best-loved cathedrals and possibly the country’s best Guildhall. It changed the modern world with Europe’s first pedestrian precinct and has the country’s first post-war theatre. Coventry’s medieval Spon Street contains many timbered houses, including more Wealden Houses than any other street in England. Coventry in 50 Buildings examines the proud and distinctive history of the city through a selection of its greatest architectural treasures. From the city’s modern cathedral, built after the destruction by the Luftwaffe of the original fourteenth-century building, to the impressive new extension to the Herbert Gallery, this unique study celebrates the town’s architectural heritage in a new and accessible way. Local author and historian David McGrory guides the reader on a tour of the city’s remaining historic buildings and modern architectural marvels.

David McGrory is a local historian based in Coventry. He has written a number of local history books for Amberley and other publishers. David also wrote a popular column for Coventry Evening Telegraph for five years.