CITY PUBS No. 65 - By JIMMY TAYLOR

New Home for 'Peeping Tom'

It is strange that a public house situated in sylvan surroundings, The Peeping Tom, at Burton Green, should hear this name. The reason is that 75 years ago when it received a full licence the owners were the Midland Brewery in Much Park Street, Coventry, and they held the view that to name this house in Cromwell Lane "The Peeping Tom," would help bring it nearer the city. It is now owned by Messrs. Mann, Grossman and Paulin, and for the last three years has been managed by Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Humphries. On December 6 it is being replaced by a modern "Peeping Tom." Soon afterwards a start will be made on the demolition of the existing building. Both the builders and architect of the new pub are from Coventry. The builders are Messrs. Bratby's, Ltd., and Mr. Barnard Reyner the architect.

Off Licence

The new building is alongside the old pub. At one time the original building consisted of several cottages, which must have been built in the early part of the last century. In the first place the premises received a licence to sell beer off the premises, later it became a sweet shop and it was when navvies were employed on the construction of the new Kenilworth and Berkswell branch railway line 75 years ago that it was opened as a public house.

72 Years

"The Peeping Tom" is a cosy pub. The bar and lounge are both snug places and in the bar there is an abundance of brassware which Mrs. Humphries has been proud to collect over the years. The place has been altered many times. At that time it was in the heart of the country but nowadays there are houses being built in the area. The oldest customer is 77 years old Mr. Fred Cobley, who still lives in the district. He has been using the place since he was five years of age and told me it was the original headquarters of the old Churchwardens' Club, which used to be attended by many notables from Coventry. Another interesting character, also 77, was Mr. Fred Stockley, who lives next door to Mr. Cobley. He claims to be the sixth oldest member of the Berkswell British Legion branch and in the First World War served in the Royal Garrison Artillery and abroad fought in the principal theatres of war in France. Following a severe illness he was invalided out of the Army in 1917. Another interesting personality I met was Mr. Herbert Walker, who worked at Rudge Whitworth's in Spon Street, Coventry. He was instrumental in helping to make the rims and spokes for the first speed car made for the late Sir Malcolm Campbell and in those early days they were the only firm making racing car wheels and accessories for speed cars.