The Definitive Guide to the History of
Pubs and Beerhouses in Coventry

Drinking in an Old English Town

City, 1 Cow Lane (Graham)

Address:	1 Cow Lane
Became:	Hare and Squirrel
Alternative Addresses:	Greyfriars Lane, Union Street
In 1835 this was the BEERHOUSE, Cow Lane. In early 1765 Thomas Edawrd and John Green, both of Stoneleigh, were in the pub after attending market day in Coventry. They entered at 10 o'clock and they spent about two hours in the company of two dragoons, John Floor of Stoneleigh and the innkeeper's servants, Richard and John Spencer. When they left they walked back towards Stoneleigh, but having reached Canley were set upon and robbed. Edwards was killed. The two dragoons, along with a wever, Thomas Moses, were found guilty of the murder and later hanged on Gibbett Hill. The original Hare and Squirrel stood in the midst of what was mediaeval Coventry, an ancient timbered building surrounded by orchards and with plenty of stabling to the rear. In the late 1920s the original pub was demolished and on doing so sandstone walls were found. These were interpreted as a part of a chapel belonging to Greyfriars Monastery. The new pub opened in 1931.
LICENSEES: 1822 - 1823 J. Graham
Street plan of 1851