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

Drinking in an Old English Town

Syrcock's Tavern, Bayley Lane

Alternative Addresses:	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. The old Jail (gaol) in Cuckoo Lane next to Holy Trinity church in 1875.