Unicorn, 15-16 Spon End
| These premises have been known by different names during their history: | FROM | TO | NAME |
| 1636 | 1756 | COCK | |
| 1636 | ? | UNICORN | |
| 1822 | 1850 | PEACOCK | |
| In 1636 we learn of a messuage called the COCK or the sign of the UNICORN in Coventry County, Spon End or Coundon in Urchinfield, owned by the Browne family. This address gave us some puzzlement until we read in the Victoria County History that in 1410-11 Coundon's south-western boundary followed the Sherbourne as far as Richard Burton's mill on Spon Bridge, and in the 1570s the name Coundon in Urchinfield was given as the location of property said to be 'near the city' and 'on the south side of the street there', which in 1700 was described simply as in 'Urchin Field adjoining Spon End'. This all sealed the association with this pub. The unicorn is a legendary animal, which has a horse's body with a single long horn, supposedly possessing magical powers. The pub name has heraldic origins. The unicorn supported the Scottish Royal Arms, and when James IV of Scotland became James I of England he brought the unicorn into the English Royal Arms, replacing the Welsh Dragon. The unicorn is also in the arms of the Wax Chandlers, the Goldsmiths and the Apothecaries. | |||
OWNERS:1636 - 1637 Abraham Browne | |||
 Street plan of 1851 | |||
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