Mermaid Tavern, Broadgate
| Alternative Addresses: | High Street | ||
| In 1690 the pub appears in a record of the bounds of St Michael's Parish, spelt 'The Maremaid Taverne'. In 1696 there was a dispute between the mayor, Mr Palmer, and a Mr. Brownel over the ownership of part of the Mermaid. Then in 1729 it is said to have stained glass windows and lead pipes and gutters. I suppose these were status symbols at the time. In 1772 the 'Queens Ass', in fact a zebra, was exhibited at the Mermaid Tavern.
In 1755, following Coventry Races, ordinaries were held at the Mermaid: that is a set meal at the same price for all-comers. In 1756 ten soldiers were billeted.
In 1871 the Coventry Standard reported; "Coventry, Dec. 23, 1769. To be sold, a large dwelling house, situate in Broadgate, in this city, with a yard and garden ; and all that new-erected brick building, with coach-house thereto adjoining, fronting to Darby-lane, and were late in the tenure of Mr. Francis Beaufoy, grocer, deceased ; and also the Mermaid Tavern, in the occupation of Mr. Rew and Mrs. Parker, with the appurtenances thereto belonging, and is adjoining to the aforesaid premises. The whole to be sold together." Historically the Mermaid Tavern was a famous pub in Cheapside in London. It was frequented by Raleigh, Beaumont, Fletcher, Donne, Ben Johnson and Shakespeare. But why such a nautical name in Coventry? | |||
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