Appeal launched for volunteers to tidy and transform Coventry's Priory Gardens - The Coventry Observer

Appeal launched for volunteers to tidy and transform Coventry's Priory Gardens

Coventry Editorial 29th Sep, 2021   0

AN APPEAL has been launched for volunteers to help tidy up and improve Coventry’s Priory Gardens to make it a place of reflection.

The oldest part of the city has become blighted by anti-social behaviour.

Now Coventry’s Lady Godiva Pru Porretta and the Godiva Sisters have teamed up with Tim Fox, responsible for street cleaning and garden maintenance in the City Centre and War Memorial Park, for this drive. Mooted ideas include tidying up the shrubs and introducing new features.

They will meet on Saturday to discuss what needs doing and then on Monday, October 4, Pru and the Godiva Sisters hope people will join them at 12pm at the Priory Garden to start the clean-up.




October 4 marks the anniversary of the park’s consecration in 1043.

Since then it has had a very eventful history – over the centuries several kings and queens have been there, it has hosted two


Parliaments and was home to Coventry’s first cathedral before it was shut by Henry VIII.

The Priory was home to a group of monks for 500 years, a burial ground and St Osburg’s Convent.

When the Millennium Way was created, the graves – which had fallen in on each other – were exhumed with the remains relocated. The gravestones were left as a reminder of that important part of its past.

Pru said: “It’s such a special place – it’s so peaceful and provides a great view of the two spires Coventry is famous for.

“We hope the transformation will encourage more people to visit – as a place to reflect and – as it has plenty of benches – come and sit and have their lunch.

“As part of our legacy, myself and the Godiva Sisters want to improve the gardens for future generations and hope people will come and join us.”

Mr Fox said: “The Priory Gardens are a very popular place which receives great feedback from visitors. I would like to see more events held here as that would deter some of the anti-social behaviour we have.”

To find out more, email Pru at [email protected] or turn up at the Priory Gardens at midday on Monday.

It is hoped the transformation will be completed by March next year, in time for International Women’s Day.

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