New additions to the Archives

21 November 2017

A display related to these recent acquisitions can be seen in the Coventry Archives & Research Centre until February 24, 2018. Find out about the opening hours.

Humber Memories 1940s -1960s

An interesting collection of the photographs and memories of Reg Watkins spanning 65 years. The items illustrate his strong connection with many of the car companies in Coventry, mostly for Humber and Rootes.  Reg was part of the Rootes Fire Service [1938-46] and the Home Guard during the Second World War.  Within his written memoirs, there contains a detailed account of the bombing of Coventry on 14 November 1940. The photographs also reveal a great deal of detail about the Humber factory staff [c1950s-c1960s] as they detail numerous retirements, staff outings and conferences that Reg Watkins witnessed.  [Reference PA3206]

Pope John Paul II visit to Coventry 1982

Numerous photographs, pamphlets and press cuttings have been donated detailing the preparation and visit of Pope John Paul II to Coventry in 1982.  This was part of a nationwide visit around Britain undertaken by the Pope.  It was decided that a mass would be held at Baginton Airport in Coventry, as this was large enough to accommodate the considerable numbers of people who were expected to attend.  Coventry was sufficiently near enough to Birmingham, as this was one of only five dioceses that were asked to hold large open air masses within Britain.  The others were based at London, Manchester, Glasgow and Cardiff. On the day itself it is estimated that over 300,000 people attended the mass at Baginton Airport. [Reference PA3204]