Fountain, Bayley Lane
| Alternative Addresses: | Gaol, Next To St. Mary's Guildhall | ||
| These premises have been known by different names during their history: | FROM | TO | NAME |
| 1716 | ? | FOUNTAIN | |
In 1523 this property was given to Thomas White by William Cook or Coke, Cole, Cole). Cook was a merchant of this city and also of the Staple of Calais.
In a rental of Guilds and Charities of 1716 reference is made to the Fountain by the gaol, formerly Syrcock's Tavern
From "An Account of the Many and Great Loans, Benefactions & Charities, Belonging to the City of Coventry:
To which is Annexed a Copy of the Decretal Order of the Court of Chancery, Relating to the Memorable Charity of Sir Thomas White" by Dr. Edward Jackson, the head master of the Free Grammar School.
Sir Thomas White was elected Lord Mayor of London in 1553. He was knighted in the same year by Queen Mary I. He was a member of the commission for the trial of Lady Jane Grey. He was the founder of St. John's College, Oxford, and used his prosperity as a clothworker to benefit nearly thirty cities and towns throughout England in at least some of which his trade had probably been particularly extensive. One such town was Coventry which, to rescue it from its 'great ruin and decay', he enabled by a gift of £1,400 to buy in 1542 a large amount of former priory property in and near the town.
 An 1875 photo showing Coventry Jail (gaol) between County Hall and Holy Trinity church. This sign can be heraldic, referring to the Crest of the Plumber's Company and also the badge of the Master Mariners, or it can refer to a nearby spring or well. Before piped water was a part of everyday life such natural sources of water were of great importance. In Coventry this may well refer to the city's conduits. | |||
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