Name | Famous for... | Notes | |
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Alexander, Graham | Footballer | (b.1971) Scottish international full-back who made over 1,000 professional appearances, becoming only the 2nd in the history of English football. Wiki entry | |
Armstrong, Robert | Guitar maker | (b.1947) Internationally renowned guitar maker. Article | |
Arthur, Robert "Bobby" | Boxer | (b.1945) Coventry-born boxer who won the British Welterweight Championship in 1972 with a victory over John H. Stracey, Career record. Wiki entry | |
Ash, John | Physician | (1723-1798) Coventry born physician who influenced the founding of Birmingham General Hospital. Wiki entry | |
Ashby, Graham Clive | Bowls champion | (b.1966) Eight-times Warwickshire Singles champion. Has appeared in four National Championship finals, winning Pairs (1998), runner-up in Singles (1999 & 2011) and Triples (1999). Elected National Bowler of the Year 1999. England International 2003. Former member of Stoke, Rugby and Avenue (Coventry) bowling clubs. The Free Library | |
Atkins, John F. | Professional cyclist | (b.1942) 12 times National Cyclo-cross champion. Wiki entry | |
Back, Neil Antony, MBE | England rugby international | (b.1969) Educated at Woodlands School. England and British & Irish Lions flanker, playing his club rugby for Leicester Tigers. Wiki entry | |
Barratt, Keren P.J. | Football referee | (b.1946) Football League referee who took charge of the 1993 FA Cup Final and replay between Arsenal and Sheffield Wednesday. Wiki entry | |
Barrowcliffe, Mark D. | Novelist | (b.1964) Also writes under the pen-name "M.D. Lachlan". Wiki entry | |
Beaton, Stephen "Steve" | Professional darts player | (b.1964) He won the British Darts Organisation (BDO) version of the World Professional Darts Championship in 1996, having won the World Masters in 1993. Wiki entry | |
Bell, Ian Ronald, MBE | England cricketer | (b.1982) Warwickshire and England cricketer. ICC Emerging Cricketer of the Year 2006. Man of Series, England v Australia Ashes 2013. 100th test and 150th ODI appearances, 2014. Wiki entry | |
Blakemore, John | Photography | (b.1936) Photographer working in landscape photography and still life. Wiki entry | |
Boddington, Peter James | Boxer | (b.1942) ABA Heavyweight Champion in 1967. Silver medallist in European Championship 1967. Wiki entry | |
Bray, Charles | Social reformer, philanthropist | (1811-1884) Wealthy ribbon manufacturer and local newspaper owner who helped to found The Coventry Labourers & Artisans Co-operative Society mid-19th century. Wiki entry | |
Bunney, Sydney John | Artist | (1877-1928) Locally-born artist famous for early 20th century paintings of Coventry. Wiki entry | |
Cadman, Elijah (aka "Fiery Elijah") | Evangelist | (1843-1927) From humble beginnings became a leading Salvationist. Wiki entry | |
Carey (née Taylor), Sheila Janet, MBE | Athlete | (b.1946) Olympic athlete who finished 4th in Women's 800m Final (1968) and 5th in 1500m Final (1972). Wiki entry | |
Cartwright, Thomas William "Tom", MBE | England cricketer | (1935-2007) Classy Warwickshire all-rounder who found it hard to break into the England side, winning only 5 caps. Wiki entry | |
Cash, John | Ribbon maker and philanthropist | (1822-1880) Founded J & J Cash Ltd with his brother Joseph. Wiki entry | |
Cash, Joseph | Ribbon maker and philanthropist | (1827-1880) Founded J & J Cash Ltd with his brother John. Wiki entry | |
Child, Lee (James Grant), CBE | Author | (b.1954) Writer of a series of novels following the adventures of Jack Reacher, a former US Military Policeman. CBE 2019 Queen's Birthday Honours. Website. Wiki entry. 2013 news article | |
Cole, George | Rugby player | (b.1933) Coventry and Warwickshire scrum-half. Prolific goal-kicker, nicknamed "The Boot". Made a record 452 appearances for Coventry, scoring 2,856 points; also 87 games for Warwickshire and 539 points | |
Connew, Paul Norman | Newspaper editor | (b.1946) Former pupil of King Henry VIII Grammar School, grew up in Tile Hill. Moved from local to national newspapers, becoming editor of Sunday Mirror. Wiki entry | |
Connolly, Cyril | Literary critic and author | (1903-1974) Literary critic and author. Co-founder and editor of the literary magazine Horizon. Wiki entry | |
Crutchlow, Cal | Motorcycle racer | (b.1985) MotoGP rider, winner of 2016 Czech and Australian GPs and 2018 Argentine GP. Supersport World Champion 2009. Wiki entry | |
Dale, Christopher John (Dominic Dale) | Professional snooker Player | (b.1971) Former Welsh amateur snooker champion, turned professional in 1972. Winner of two ranking tournaments. Career winnings exceed £1m. Wiki entry | |
Daszkiewicz (nee Underwood), Tracy Michelle | Director of Public Health and Safety for Wiltshire | (b.1973) Former health clinic receptionist in Coventry. Was Director of Public Health and Safety for the county of Wiltshire at the time of the Novichok poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal in Salisbury in 2018. Wiki entry | |
Davies, Dame Laura Jane, DBE | Professional golfer | (b.1963) The most accomplished female British golfer of modern times. Winner of four major championships. Made a Dame in 2014. Wiki entry | |
Derbyshire, Delia Ann | Musician | (1937-2001) Musician and composer of electronic music, most famously the theme to the "Doctor Who" tv series. Wiki entry | |
Devonish, Marlon Ronald, MBE | Olympic athlete | (b.1976) World Indoor 200m champion in 2003 and member of 2004 Olympic 4x100m gold medal-winning relay team. Wiki entry | |
Dewis, Norman, OBE | Jaguar test driver | (1920-2019) Chief test driver for Jaguar. When he retired he had driven more than 1,000,000 miles at speeds over 100 mph. Website. Tribute | |
Dixon, Reginald Arthur "Reg" | Variety star and comedian | (1915-1984) Popular radio comedian in the 1940s and 50s. The Free Library | |
Dredge, Allan Sydney, DSO DFC | WWII airman | (1918-1945) The most decorated airman from Coventry in the Second World War, who, having survived the conflict, died in a flying accident shortly after the German surrender. Article | |
Duckham, David John, MBE | England rugby international | (b.1946) A product of the King Henry VIII Grammar School production line of Coventry and England rugby players in the 1970s. Became one of the all-time great backs of the 20th century. British Lion. Wiki entry | |
Dunville, T.E. (Thomas Edward Wallen) | Music Hall performer | (1867-1924) One of the world's top paid entertainers of his day (late 1800s-early 1900s). Further information | |
Eaves (nee Wills), Mary Ann | 19th century midwife | (1806-1876) Prominent midwife in the Spon Street area during the 19th century. The Coventry FHS publication "The Midwife's Register" is a useful source of information for local researchers | |
Egan, Sir John | Industrialist | (b.1939) Educated at Bablake School. Rose to become Chief Executive of Jaguar Cars and later of British Airports Authority. Wiki entry | |
Elliott, Geoffrey, CBE | Newspaper editor | (b.1945) Former member of Holy Trinity Youth Club who went on to become editor of several regional newspapers, including Coventry Evening Telegraph and Kent Messenger. Article | |
Fardon, Donald Adrian "Don" (Donald Maughn) | Singer | (b.1940) Had a No.3 hit in 1970 with "Indian Reservation". Wiki entry. Interview
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Farndon, Thomas "Tom" | Speedway rider | (1910-1935) Pioneer rider at Lythalls Lane track in 1929. Died after a track crash at New Cross, London. Thought by many to be The Greatest Speedway Rider of Them All. Wiki entry. Gravestone. Photograph | |
Ferneyhough, Brian John Peter | Composer | (b.1943) Educated at Woodlands School. Considered to be the central figure of the New Complexity movement. Wiki entry | |
Fretton, William George | Historian and antiquarian | (1829-1900) Master of the Katherine Bayley (or Blue Gift) School. Best known as historian and antiquarian.Hide long description WILLIAM GEORGE FRETTON (1829-1900) was the only son of JOHN HENRY & SARAH FRETTON and followed in his father's footsteps, being his pupil and his assistant, until he was appointed as master in his own right at the National School at Southam.
It was there that he met his wife, ELIZABETH ANN INNOCENT, mistress of the Southam Girls' School. During his time at Southam, he was organist at the parish church and he helped to found the Warwickshire Teachers' Association.
After 7 years, he returned to Coventry when, on his father's death, he was invited to take over the role of master of the Katherine Bayley (or Blue Gift) School. He went on to hold this post until his retirement in 1889, when the school was amalgamated with the Bablake Boys' Hospital.
His interests were wide and he seems to have been very energetic in the pursuit of them. He became an influential member (and later Grand Provincial Master) of the Odd Fellows, put the affairs of the Church General Burial Society in order, supported the Dispensary and various mutual benefit societies and gave much of his time to the Coventry Church of England Young Men's Association.
It is, however, as an historian and antiquarian that he became best known in Coventry. Indeed, his writings on many aspects of the city - its archaeology, its architecture, its geology etc - are still important now. Indeed they have become prime sources for the study of the city's history today.
He published (in 1871) an updated and improved edition of Thomas Sharp's "History and Antiquities" and made a comprehensive and much respected study of the Coventry Fullers' Guild. He drew for the Anastatic Society and wrote on geology and natural features as well as on historical subjects. His architectural descriptions were meticulously and accurately recorded - often preserving information about buildings which have now partly or wholly disappeared. | |
Gardner, Fred Charles | Cricketer and footballer | (1922-1979) Warwickshire batsman who with Yorkshireman Norman Horner formed a formidable opening partnership in the 1950s and 60s. Coventry City footballer. Wiki entry | |
Gavin, Right Reverend Monsignor Canon Thomas Joseph, MA | Roman Catholic priest and international rugby player | (1922-2009) Ordained in 1946. Capped twice by Ireland in 1949. Parish priest, St. Thomas More, 1978-2004. Obituary | |
Gee, David | Oil painter | (1793-1872) Took his inspiration from the local area. Painted battle scenes and landscapes as well as pictures inspired by local legends such as Lady Godiva. In 1831, began restoration work on the Holy Trinity Doom. BBC Your Paintings. Wiki entryHide long description Coventry Standard - Friday 19 January 1872
THE LATE MR. DAVID GEE
Our obituary last week contained the death of this celebrated local artist, and we take the earliest opportunity of recording some particulars of the life of one who deserves to be numbered among Coventry worthies.
Mr. Gee was born on the 24th December, 1793, in the house adjoining the east side of the premises now occupied by Fairfax’s Charity, in which school he received his education (together with his brother, now living) under the late Mr. Barnes. He showed very early indications of a taste for drawing, which he was entirely self-taught, and when only 13 years old produced his first painting, the subject being “The Death of Nelson”; for this he received from a lady the magnificent sum of 5s. On leaving school he was apprenticed to his father, with whom he served his time as a watchmaker. He afterwards worked at the pendant making, but entirely relinquished his trade when about 25 years of age in favour of painting, in which had now acquired considerable skill. He removed about this period to a small house near Barras-lane, where he lived for over 40 years, and where the greater part of his most important labours were accomplished. At the Peace rejoicings in 1815 he was employed in painting the transparencies and mottoes which formed imposing features in the illuminations. His first important work was a painting in oil of the Battle Waterloo, in which he had introduced a portrait of Lord Paget, who led the spirited charge of Somerset’s Brigade in that engagement. This portrait was from a slight sketch privately taken by Mr. Gee on the occasion of his lordship’s stay at Coventry some time before with the regiment of Hussars, of which he was Colonel. The picture was exhibited at Combe on the visit of George IV., then Prince Regent, in 1816, who highly commended the painting, wherein he at once recognised the portrait of the then Marquis of Anglesea, exclaiming “There’s Paget.” The picture became the property Mr. J. Butterworth, who represented Coventry from 1812 to 1818.
Mr. Gee now received numerous commissions for the production of historical paintings, of which the chief were the taking of the Danish fleet at Copenhagen for Sir Graham Hammond, two large pictures for Lord Bridport, representative of his grandfather’s engagement with the French fleet, and the taking of the Compte de Grasse. Lord Bridport was generous patron of the rising artist, and prevailed upon him to spend some months in London, where his talents were recognised by West, then President to the Royal Academy. But London proving distasteful to him, he returned to his native city, where he soon acquired a large connexion as a portrait painter, in which department he was eminently successful, and received commissions from the families of the Hoods, Gregorys, Adderleys, Adamses, Ewarts, and many of the neighbouring gentry. His very striking portrait of the Rev. R. Simpson, now hanging in St. Michael’s vestry, with those of Dr. Phillips, and others, will be familiar to most of our readers. He was also skilful as a painter of animals, and was very frequently engaged by the cavalry officers and others, to represent on canvas their favourite chargers.
He was very successful as a restorer of pictures, and many collections in this neighbourhood are much indebted to his judicious care for their present condition. In 1831, the remarkable fresco painting in Trinity Church of the Last Judgment was discovered, during some repairs, after having been hidden with whitewash for centuries ; Mr. Gee was engaged to restore this work, which he satisfactorily performed ; and in 1833 painted the Reredos in the same church from a design furnished by Rickman and Hutchinson. As an heraldic painter he was in great request, and executed a large number of hatchments, armorial beatings for carriages, and other works of a similar character. The Roll of the Forest of Arden, and the diplomas of membership of the Woodmen, bear evidences of his ability. In the painting of banners and streamers Mr. Gee was at one time much occupied, more especially when the city companies were represented in the procession at the Great Fair. The flag of the Drapers’ Company and the City Banner are his work.
The late Mr. Thomas Sharp employed him to design and execute the engravings illustrating his great work on the Coventry Mysteries, and his estimation of the manner in which Mr. Gee performed the work may be best shown by the following extract from a note appended to the introduction, dated 1825 : — “It is a tribute justly due to the talents and modest ingenuity of the young artist of this city, who executed all the engravings on copper (with the exception of plates 4 and 5), to state that the designs for the woodcuts, as well as the elaborate frontispiece, are entirely of his composition. Such abilities entitle and will recommend him to notice.”
The folded plate representative of the procession at Coventry Fair, published in Lewis’s History of Coventry, was engraved by him. Other etchings also bear his name. Mr. Gee painted most of the meritorious emblematical public-house signs in the city and neighbourhood, many of which are much too good for out-door exposure. Some these are worthy of special mention : — White Horse, Toby’s Head, Craven Arms, George 4th, William 4th, Sampson and Lion, Black Prince, Bablake Boy, Cottage, Leopard ; White Lion, Allesley ; Craven Arms, Binley — the last sign he painted.
Among his miscellaneous paintings may be enumerated Christ on the Cross, The Hay makers, Boys Riding to School, Exterior and Interior St. Michael’s Church (several), Lammas Day, Godiva Procession starting from St. Mary’s Hall, View from Priory-street, various Landscapes and compositions.
His portfolio contains a large collection of original sketches of portraits, &c., remarkable for their spirit and effective rendering ; and they constitute an almost perfect index of his completed works. Mr. Gee was of a quiet and retired disposition, scarcely ever emerging from private life ; and retained his faculties to the Iast. He was much respected by all who knew him, and has departed in a good age, with unblemished reputation.
He died at his residence on the Stoney Stanton road on the 9th of January, aged 78, and was buried at the Cemetery on Saturday last.
He was twice married, surviving his last wife four years. He had several nephews and nieces. His namesake, Mr. David Gee, whose portrait was his last work, is a non-commissioned officer in the 3rd company of the Coventry Rifle Volunteers
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Gibberd, Sir Frederick Ernest | Architect | (1908-1994) Architect and landscape gardener, educated at King Henry VIII Grammar School. Designed Didcot A Power Station and Liverpool's Metropolitan Cathedral. Wiki entry | |
Giles, James Leonard "Jimmy" | England rugby international | (1910-1967) Coventry RFC scrum-half, capped by England and British Lions. Statistics | |
Gittings, William John "Bill" | England rugby international | (1938-2019) Diminutive scrum-half for "Cov" who won one England cap against New Zealand in 1967.
Obituary | |
Goode, Andrew James "Andy" | England rugby international | (b.1980) Educated at King Henry VIII Grammar School. Best known as fly-half for Leicester and England. Wiki entry | |
Goodison, John Kenneth | Musician | (1943-1988) Attended Woodlands School. Rock musician, songwriter and record producer, who appeared as Johnny B Great. Wiki entry | |
Gould, Robert Hewitt "Bobby" | Footballer | (b.1946) Well-travelled player and manager who started with Coventry City. Scored over 200 goals in career. Manager of FA Cup winners Wimbledon in 1988. Also managed Wales national team. Wiki entry | |
Gray, John N. "Johnnie" | Jazz musician and band leader | (1920-2014) Educated at Bablake School. Tenor saxophonist who started with Coventry Hippodrome Orchestra, moved on to play with Ted Heath Orchestra in 1940s and also played on The Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" recordings. Biography. Obituary | |
Grewcock, Daniel Jonathan "Danny", MBE | England rugby international | (b.1972) Former Coventry, Saracens and Bath forward, capped 69 times by England. Wiki entry | |
Gulson, John | Merchant and benefactor | (1813-1904) Silk merchant, founded Coventry's public library service, twice Mayor, 1867/69. Donated the site and most of the money for the building of the Gulson library adjacent to Holy Trinity church, opened in 1873. Also added a reference library in 1890. | |
Hall, Marcus Thomas Jackson | Footballer | (b.1976) England Under-21 International full-back who played over 250 games for Coventry City in two spells. Wiki entry | |
Hall, Terence Edward "Terry" | Singer | (b.1959) Lead singer with "The Specials". Wiki entry | |
Hawthorne, Sir Nigel Barnard, CBE | Actor | (1929-2001) Best remembered for TV role as Sir Humphrey Appleby in "Yes Minister" and "Yes Prime Minister", and for film role as King George III in "The Madness of King George". Wiki entry | |
Hegan, Kenneth Edward, OBE | England amateur soccer international | (1901-1989) Educated at Bablake School. English amateur footballer who played on the wing and made four appearances for England in 1923, scoring four goals. He was a member of the Corinthian amateur club, and a professional soldier. Wiki entry | |
Hill, Vincent B. "Vince" | Singer | (b.1934) Reached No.2 in the UK charts in 1962 with "Edelweiss". Wiki entry | |
Hollier, Thomas | Surgeon | (1609-1690) Worked at both Bart's and St Thomas’s Hospitals. Operated on Samuel Pepys in 1658, to remove a large bladder stone. Profile | |
Hutt, Arthur, VC | Soldier | (1889-1954) Enlisted in the Royal Warwickshire's 7th Battalion, Territorial Division. Awarded Victoria Cross for gallantry at Passchendaele in 1917. Wiki entry | |
Ifield, Francis Edward "Frank" | Singer | (b.1937) Emigrated to Australia as a child. Had four No.1 records in UK including three in succession. Wiki entry | |
Iliffe, Edward Mauger, 1st Baron Iliffe | Newspaper magnate and politician | (1877-1960) Former owner of "The Coventry Evening Telegraph". Conservative MP. Presented Allesley Hall and grounds to the city in 1937. Contributed to the cost of the new Cathedral. Wiki entry | |
Iliffe, William Coker | Businessman | (1874-1942) Director and chairman of Midland Newspapers Ltd. Brother of Edward Mauger Iliffe. Founder member of Coventry City Guild. Benefactor to St. Mary's Hall.Hide long description Coventry Evening Telegraph - Friday 2 October 1942
The Late Mr. W. Coker Iliffe
AS briefly reported in our editions yesterday, the death has occurred after a short illness, of Mr. William Coker Iliffe, of Moorcroft, Farleigh Common, Warlingham, Surrey, who, though of late he had appeared little in the public life of the city, was keenly interested in its welfare. He had extensive business interests locally, but always found time to concern himself with many varied aspects of the city’s life, including the care of ancient buildings and aiding charitable institutions.
Mr. Iliffe, who was within a few days of his 68th birthday, was director of The Midland Daily Telegraph, Ltd., and a former chairman. He failed to survive a recent operation, and leaves a widow and one son, the latter of whom had been associated with him in a number of his business connections, including the administration of a considerable amount of central property Coventry. PRINTING TRADE ASSOCIATIONS
Mr. Iliffe was the elder son of the late Mr. W. I. Iliffe, founder of the firm which, starting in Coventry, came to enjoy a place of wide importance among the leading printing and publishing houses in the country. He was born not far from the premises in Vicar Lane, where the business Iliffe and Sons was founded, and after the death of his father he and his brother, Lord Iliffe, moved the headquarters of the business to London, and issued and controlled a number of leading trade publications in a wide variety of subjects.
In his younger days, Mr. Iliffe was keenly interested in the mechanical side of the printing industry, and he paid several visits to America and to continental countries in search of the latest developments and Improvements in specialised machinery.
PRESERVATION OF CITY’S HISTORIC FEATURES
Mr. Iliffe will best be remembered in Coventry for the practical interest he took in movements for preserving valuable relics of the past. He was a founder member and active supporter of the Coventry City Guild, and his colleagues who were working to the same ends will recall his benefactions to 14th century St. Mary’s Hall. Outstanding among his work in this direction was his presentation in 1930 of stained glass windows for the greater beautification of the East and West walls of the hall. He went to extreme care, in collaboration with contemporary experts, to ensure the best possible arrangement of the heraldic and other features of the windows, and the most suitable retention of such of the old 15th century glass that remained.
He took a prominent part in the restoration of King James’ Room at the Old Palace Yard, a building which was destroyed in an enemy raid, and of more recent years had purchased lovely Georgian house in Priory Row and had it restored. This, too, has since been destroyed by fire, only the outer walls remaining as a reminder of one of the best examples of its period of architecture to be found in the Midlands. Mr. Iliffe, shortly before his death, was endeavouring to make arrangements for its restoration after the war.
For some years he had resided mainly in Surrey. Formerly his home was at Lion House, Allesley, and also at Coundon House, and in recent years he had a flat in the Priory Row house he loved so well. Mr. Iliffe will be buried in Allesley churchyard near to the grave of his father, at 3.15 tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon.
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Innocent, Harold Sidney | Actor | (1933-1993) Stage and screen actor who appeared in many popular TV series. Obituary. Wiki entry | |
Jacox, C.A. "Bert" | Bowls international | (b.1928) Renowned flat-green bowls player, for many years associated with Stoke BC. Gained outdoor international honours in 1968 and 1970-1975. Skipped one of Warwickshire's rinks to victory in their only Middleton Cup triumph in 1970. | |
Jones, Sarah M. "Sally" | Sportswoman and TV presenter | (b.1955) Multiple sporting Blue and World Champion real tennis player. TV and radio news and sports presenter. Wiki entry | |
Judd, John | Engine designer | (b.1942) Formula One engineer. Wiki entry | |
Judd, Philip Edward "Phil" | England rugby international | (1934-2015) Coventry and Warwickshire prop-forward who won five caps for England, including one as captain. Wiki entry | |
Jury, Christopher Byram "Chris" | Actor, writer, director | (b.1956) Actor best known for his role in BBC-TV series 'Lovejoy'. He has a long list of directing credits to his name, and has also moved into writing feature films. Website. Wiki entry | |
Kessell, James Everett | Artist | (1915-1977) Born in Coventry and studied at Coventry School of Art, 1928-34. Specialised in oils. He exhibited at numerous principal galleries including the Royal Academy, Royal Institute of Oil Painters, Royal Society of British Artists, Royal Society of Marine Artists etc. His work is held in a number of public collections. | |
Kilby, Brian Leonard | Olympic athlete | (b.1938) Part of Coventry Godiva's golden marathoning years in the 1960s. Finished 4th in the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Marathon, behind clubmate Basil Heatley. Wiki entry | |
Kimberley, Michael J. "Mike" | Motor industry executive | (b.1938) Former Chief Executive of Lotus Cars and President of Automobili Lamborghini.Hide long description Michael J. Kimberley ("Mike") C.Eng., F.I. Mech. E., F.R.S.A., F.I.E.D, F.I.M.I has had a remarkable career in the motor industry over the last 56 years, working with some of the great engineers, innovators and leaders of the worlds motor companies.
Mike started as an apprentice with Jaguar in 1953 before rapidly progressing to becoming in Section Leader, Special Projects at Jaguar in 1965 where he lead the team developing the Jaguar XJ13 Le Mans car, under such famous names as Jaguar founder Sir William Lyons and Jaguar race director Frank (Lofty) England.
In 1969, he joined Lotus as Manager of Continuous Engineering, with the Lotus Europa Twin Cam being one of his most notable projects. Mike rose steadily but rapidly through the Lotus ranks, joining the Board of Lotus aged 37, and becoming Managing Director of Lotus Cars in 1976 and Managing Director of Lotus Engineering by 1980, being responsible for such Lotus icons as the Esprit, Eclat and Elite.
During the 1970s and 80s, Mike had the unique experience of having worked closely with the company's founder Colin Chapman, with whom Mike set up the world class Lotus Engineering consultancy to enable Lotus to work for many other cars companies around the world. Lotus Engineering is now a globally recognised high technology engineering consultancy and serves many of the world's car companies.
After Colin Chapman's tragic and untimely death in 1982, Mike became C.E.O of Group Lotus plc, as well as holding board positions with a number of Lotus associated companies such as Chairman of Millbrook Proving Ground and President of Moog Systems Inc. With Lotus under General Motors ownership, Mike became Chairman of Group Lotus plc before leaving Lotus in 1992 to become Executive Vice President (General Motors Overseas Corporation) based in South East Asia. Two years later, Mike became director of the Vector Aeromotive Corporation, and in 1994, he became President & Managing Director of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A, being responsible for the rebuilding of Lamborghini after Chrysler's ownership and prior to its sale to Audi AG, as part of the VW Group.
In the mid 1990s, Mike left Lamborghini and worked directly for Tommy Suharto as a board member of Timor Putra Nasional (owners of Lamborghini) until retiring with an undiagnosed tropical fever.
Returning to the automotive industry a few months later, Mike worked in a consultancy role for a number of organisations including Tata Motors Ltd.
In August 2005 Mike was appointed to the Lotus Group International Limited and Group Lotus plc Boards as well as other Boards of Proton. He was appointed acting Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus plc in May 2006, confirmed as Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus plc in September 2006.
During his second tenure at Lotus, Mike was responsible for the creation and execution of a new 5 year strategic business plan, and the new, already award-winning Lotus Evora was the first of the range of new Lotus cars to be designed, developed, manufactured and sold by Britain's most iconic and innovative sportscar company. Lotus Engineering had expanded to become a world-class consultancy employing over 500 highly qualified engineers in five technical centres around the globe. It is revered for innovation, outstanding driving dynamics, exciting niche vehicles and efficient performance engineering.
Mike left Lotus in 2009 due to ill health. | |
Kirkpatrick, John Henry Alexander (otherwise John Miller-Kirkpatrick) | Computer pioneer | (1946-1978) Ran an electronics company in the 1970s selling home computer kits to enthusiasts, and also writing articles for magazines and lecturing about microprocessors. A pioneer of home computing in the UK, and probably way ahead of the likes of Sinclair and Acorn. Article | |
Kutner, Maureen Beverley (later Beverley Martyn) | Musician | (b.1947) Singer/songwriter. Formerly married to John Martyn. Coventry Solo Artists. Wiki entry | |
Lane, William Henry "Billy" | International angler | (1922-1980) One of the country's most famous and successful anglers. Wiki entry | |
Larkin, Philip Arthur, CH CBE FRSL | Poet | (1922-1985) Educated at King Henry VIII Grammar School. Declined the position of Poet Laureate in 1984. Wiki entry | |
Ledger, Jennifer Carole "Jen" | Musician | (b.1989) Drummer and backing vocalist for Christian rock/hard rock band "Skillet". Wiki entry | |
Lord, Sir Leonard Percy, 1st Baron Lambury, KBE | Motor engineer | (1896-1967) Worked for many motor manufacturers, becoming chairman of Austin and later president of British Motor Corporation. Wiki entry
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Maddison, James Daniel | International footballer | (b.1996) England international midfielder who started with Coventry City before moving to Premier League club Norwich City and then Leicester City. Wiki entry | |
Malkin, Colin Michael | Rally driver | (1942-2006) 1968 British Rally Champion. Article. Obituary | |
Mann, Thomas "Tom" | Trade unionist | (1856-1941) Renowned trade unionist and public speaker in the Labour movement. Wiki entry | |
Manners, Margery (Margery Miriam Gradner, née Jevon) | Singer | (1925-1997) Popular singer who made a career performing Music Hall songs as a child in the 1930s, and appearing in Variety Theatres in the post-war years. ObituaryHide long description Born at 40 Lythalls Lane, she married (at least) twice; in 1947 to Joseph Waxman, and 1982 to Walter Gradner, where her maiden name was shown as "Harris"
She died of cancer in St Mary's Hospital, Paddington on 27 April 1997 | |
Massey-Ellis, Sian Louise, MBE | Football referee | (b.1985) Football referee. Officiates as an assistant referee in English Premier and Football Leagues. Wiki entry | |
Matthew, Brian | Broadcaster | (1928-2017) Educated at Bablake. Veteran broadcaster, perhaps best remembered for "Thank Your Lucky Stars" on TV and "Saturday Club" on radio. At the age of 88 he presented his final "Sounds of the 60s" programme on Radio Two on 25 Feb 2017. Wiki entry | |
Matthews, Reginald Derrick "Reg" | England international footballer | (1933-2001) Most expensive goalkeeper when he joined Chelsea from Coventry City in 1957. England international whilst playing for "The Bantams" in Division 3 South. Obituary. Wiki entry | |
McGrory, David | Local author and historian | (b.1957) One of the foremost historians of Coventry, he has published many books and articles about the city and its past. In addition to his writing and research, he gives lectures on Coventry's history and leads tours of the city. | |
McSheffrey, Gary | Footballer | (b.1982) A prolific goalscorer as a youngster. Played over 240 times in two spells for Coventry City, scoring over 60 goals. Also played for Birmingham City. Wiki entry | |
Moorcroft, David Robert, MBE OBE | Olympic athlete | (b.1953) Former World 5,000 metres record holder. Served as Chief Executive of UK Athletics. Wiki entry | |
Mottram, Anthony John "Tony" | Tennis player | (1920-2016) Former GB No.1 player whose career took off after WWII. Won 36 of 56 Davis Cup matches for GB. Father of Christopher "Buster" Mottram. Tournament statistics. Wiki entry | |
Myers, Billie | Musician | (b.1971) Reached No.4 in UK charts in 1998 with "Kiss the Rain". Wiki entry | |
Newsome, Samuel Herbert | Garage and theatre owner | (1901-1970) Son of local watchmaker. Educated at Oundle School and apprenticed at Calthorpe Motor Co. Established garage business 1923. Later owned and managed Coventry Hippodrome. Grace’s Guide | |
O'Connor, Hazel | Actress and singer | (b.1955) Had three hit singles in 1980s. Starred in film "Breaking Glass". Wiki entry | |
Over, Ernest W. "Ernie" | Bowls champion | (1935-2016) One of Coventry's finest local sportsman, won a total of 17 Warwickshire CBA titles and appeared 150 times in Middleton Cup matches for the county. An England triallist who played for Stoke BC before moving to Wolvey. Article | |
Owen, Clive | Actor | (b.1964) Golden Globe and BAFTA award-winning actor. Wiki entry | |
Owen, Leslie Norman "Les" | Speedway rider | (1939-2004) England international who made 526 appearances for Coventry Bees between 1957-73 before a serious crash at Brandon left him with life-threatening injuries. He died after being hit by a train at Canley level crossing. Biography. Photograph | |
Parker, David Geoffrey | Olympic swimmer | (1959-2010) Educated at Bablake School. Won 1500m bronze medal in 1975 World Swimming Championships and competed in the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal. Obituary. Wiki entry | |
Parkes, Sir Henry, GCMG | Australian statesman | (1815-1896) Emigrated to Australia and went on to become the five-times premier and "Father of Federation". Wiki entry | |
Parkinson, Christopher Robin | Actor | (b.1929) Stage and TV actor whose career began at The Belgrade Theatre. Probably best known as Monsieur LeClerc in "'Allo 'Allo!". Father of Sarah Parkinson. Wiki entry | |
Paterson, Dame Vicki A, DBE | Educationalist | (b.1956) Grew up in Holbrooks, attended Holbooks Primary School & then Stoke Park. Moved to London where she is the Executive Head Teacher of three primary schools in the SE of the city. Wiki entry | |
Preece, Ivor | England rugby captain | (1920-1987) Coventry, England and British Lions fly-half and captain. Broad Street RFC ground named after him. Father of Peter Preece. Wiki entry | |
Price, Sandra, MBE | National netball coach and umpire | (1944-2021) Started out with Copsewood Diamonds. England Netball Umpire Tutor and Assessor, also County Manager and an England Senior Team Manager. 2013 Coventry Solihull & Warwickshire Sports "Unsung Hero". | |
Reason, John Francis William "Johnnie" | Speedway rider and businessman | (b.1930) 1950s Bees rider (nicknamed "The Cream Bun Kid"). Headed local haulage firm carrying the family name. Also served as a director of Coventry City FC. Newspaper article. Photograph | |
Regan, Julie Anne "Julianne" | Musician | (b.1962) Lead singer with "All About Eve". Wiki entry | |
Robbins, Peter George Derek | England rugby international | (1933-1987) Wing-forward who captained Coventry and Moseley, winning 19 caps for England. Wiki entry | |
Rossborough, Peter Alec | England rugby international | (b.1948) With David Duckham and Peter Preece, a product of King Henry VIII Grammar School who went on to play for Coventry and England in the 1970s. Wiki entry. Photograph | |
Rotherham, Alan | England rugby international | (1862-1898) Coventry half-back who captained England. Son of John Rotherham, watchmaker. Cousin of Arthur Rotherham. Inducted into the IRB Hall of Fame 2011. Wiki entry | |
Scott, Clive K. | Musician | (1945-2009) Songwriter and keyboard player with "Jigsaw". Co-wrote 1975 worldwide hit "Sky High". Wiki entry. Obituary | |
Sharp, Thomas | Antiquary | (1770-1841) Born in Smithford Street, son of a hatter. Devoted to study of local antiquities. Involved in founding the Coventry and Warwick hospital. Wiki entry | |
Shaw, George | Artist | (b.1966) Studied at Sheffield before later doing an MA at the Royal College of Art in London. His subject matter is the council estate in Coventry where he grew up, and often the mundane everyday objects within it. Wiki entry | |
Spencer, David | Businessman and philanthropist | (1805-1888) Ran successful fabric businesses and was renowned for donating assets (both financial and land gifts) to charities, churches and the people of Coventry. Best known for donating 4,000 guineas in 1852 which was used to create Spencer Park.
Biography. Friends of Spencer Park | |
Stevens, Thomas | Ribbon maker | (1828-1888) Inventor of the Stevengraph woven silk picture. Wiki entry | |
Sykes, Graham | Olympic swimmer | (1937-2008) Two-time Olympic competitor, also an Empire Games gold medallist at back-stroke. Obituary | |
Symonds, Graham Henry | Olympic swimmer | (1937-2006) Represented GB in the 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne, Australia. Obituary. Wiki entry | |
Tallon, William John Stephenson, RVM | Royal Household employee | (1935-2007) Page to HM Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. Nicknamed "Backstairs Billy". Wiki entry | |
Terry, Dame Alice Ellen, GBE | Stage actress | (1847-1928) Leading Shakespearian actress in Britain. Wiki entry | |
Thompson, Geoffrey M. "Geoff" | Writer | (b.1960) Writer and self-defence instructor, black belt in several disciplines. Website. Wiki entry | |
Turnbull, Sir George Henry, CEng FIMechE | Industrialist | (1926-1992) Employed by Standard Motor Co. Became board member of British Leyland and Managing Director of Austin-Morris. Wiki entry | |
Venn, Tom | Businessman | (1900-1976) Born in Red House PH, Stoney Stanton Road. Founded Red House Motor Services (RHMS) in 1919. Took over Bunty and merged with BTS and Godiva | |
Wagstaffe, George | Sculptor | (b.1939) Local sculptor and artist whose works include 'Phoenix' which stands in Hertford Street, and 'Naiad' which was in Lady Herbert's Garden. Website. Coventry Society article | |
Walker, Harry | Rugby union player and official | (1915-2018) Coventry RFC's patron, and former club president, coach, player, and a variety of other roles. A product of the local schools system, he was capped four times by England. Article. ObituaryHide long description BBC Sport - Thursday, 31 January 2008
They say the past is a foreign country - they do things differently there.
The 2008 England team prepared for the Six Nations by carbo-loading, anaerobically exercising and isotonically hydrating.
In 1947, the build-up to the Championship was a little different.
There were no week-long training camps - you would turn up the afternoon before an international, have a quick run out with your team-mates and then go and give it a lash.
And while modern-day England players pull up to their swish team hotel in their sleek saloons, in the post-war era you were supposed to take a bus while on England duty.
Former prop Harry Walker, one of England's oldest surviving internationals at 92, won nine caps in a career interrupted by the war.
He left school at 14, promptly founded his own old boys' team and went on to earn his living as a machine tool fitter while devoting a lifetime to Coventry RFC.
He was first called up by England two years after the Second World War, going on to be one of only two ever-presents in the 1947 and 1948 Five Nations.
Modern-day England stars would barely recognise Walker's Red Rose experience - he even had to buy his own white shorts.
"For a home game you got up to London on Friday. You'd have a run that afternoon at Rosslyn Park and that was it," Walker told BBC Sport.
"One day I was travelling down with (current Barbarians president) Mickey Steele-Bodger from the Midlands by train and we had been delayed, so we took a taxi from Euston station to Twickenham.
"The secretary of the Rugby Football Union (RFU) had us into his office and gave us a doing. He told us we weren't allowed to take a taxi and should have caught a bus."
Wales and Ireland were Walker's favourite opponents because of the intensity and passion and he says there was not the "same bite" facing Scotland, while France tended to get a "bit overheated".
Although England tried to tempt him back in 1952, Walker turned them down because he no longer felt his body was up to it.
He started his playing career at 17 as a flanker in Coventry's 2nd XV and ending up as club president after the best part of 20 years in the 1st XV.
He came out of a Coventry state school system that was a prolific rugby union nursery.
Like many working class lads in the pre-war years, Walker left school young but, showing the drive and fighting spirit that still burns brightly, he formed the John Gulson Old Boys so he could continue to play the game he loved.
From there he progressed to Coventry - a "working man's club" as he describes it.
He was converted from flanker to prop after two games for the 2nd XV and never looked back, breaking into the first team at 18.
"You knew you had made it when you were given a ticket to go down to the local sports shop, Tommy Pollard's, and buy yourself a pair of boots," Walker recalled.
"Training was on Tuesday and Thursday nights and we didn't have floodlights. You'd run round in the mud and the rain and then go home and have a bath.
"We didn't have a gym - we shared three skipping ropes."
Cardiff and neighbours Leicester were the most eagerly-contested rivalries.
Leicester away was "bloody murder", but it is the Cardiff encounters that stick most in Walker's mind.
Trips to the old Arms Park were special and the fact they had a clubhouse - Cov still used local pub The Coundon - marked them out as big time.
Walker can still clearly recall the very first time he faced the club from the Welsh capital.
"The first game I ever played against Cardiff was at Coundon Road (Coventry's home before their move to Butts Park Arena in 2004)," he said.
"I got down in the first scrum and, Christ, the opposition prop (then-Wales captain Archie Sykm) hit me - I didn't know whether I was coming or going.
"When the scrum broke up and the ball had gone Arthur Wheatley, my second row, said 'are you all right?'
"I couldn't bloody speak but he said 'at the next scrum don't put your head in so quickly'.
"At the next scrum I didn't want to go down but as I was packing down I felt the wind rushing past my ear as Arthur took a swing.
"A hand patted me on the shoulder and a voice said from behind me said 'you should be all right now. Put your head down and keep your back straight and you won't have any trouble'. And I didn't."
After a playing career which saw him also represent the Barbarians and be dropped by Coventry for scoring too many tries - he was told his job was to "put his head down and push" - he eventually retired at the age of 37.
He went on to hold every major role at Coventry, helping the club develop the likes of England internationals David Duckham and Peter Rossborough.
He was also match secretary for Warwickshire when they won four County Championships.
Walker remains closely connected to his beloved Coventry as club patron, but he has no doubt the game has changed for the worse since his days, on and off the field.
"You don't get the same spirit as you had in the amateur days," he said.
"After I stopped playing I would go to Twickenham for Wales games and when I saw some of my oppos the first thing they would do was embrace you - I don't think players of this generation still have that.
"And the game today is always a pile-up, it's not how the game should be played," added Walker, although he does rate Ireland fly-half Ronan O'Gara.
"He knows how to nurse his pack but it's all crash, bang, wallop in the midfield, there's no finesse, no room for players like (former Wales centre) Bleddyn Williams.
"In our day we had centres who were classy players who relied on sheer artistry rather than just crashing about."
You get the impression Walker was never overly fond of some of the blazers running the game during his playing days and well into his dotage he remains critical of the modern-day authorities.
"The RFU, although they've got all these millions, they don't look after us old guys. If I want two tickets for a game I have to pay full price for them," he said.
"I'm not happy about the way they treat us. And make sure you put that into your piece!"
The game may have changed radically from Walker's era, but England's current front row warriors could do worse than to take inspiration from one old prop who still refuses to take a backwards step. | |
Ward, John Joseph | Photographer, Naturalist | (1875-1947) Known as "The Coventry Naturalist", a renowned photographer, writer and lecturer. Co-founder and President of the Coventry Natural History Society. Buried in London Road Cemetery. CNHS article | |
Waterman, Peter Alan "Pete", OBE | Music entrepreneur | (b.1947) Record producer, songwriter, radio and club DJ, television presenter, railway enthusiast, entrepreneur. Wiki entry | |
Weston, Harry, MBE | Businessman and councillor | (1896-1989) Founded Modern Machine Tools in 1928. Became a Conservative City Council member in 1936, holding the post of alderman from 1955 to 1974. Elected mayor in 1951 and awarded the MBE in 1974 | |
Whitelaw, Billie Honor, CBE | Actress | (1932-2014) BAFTA-winning actress. Wiki entry. Obituary | |
Whittle, Sir Frank, OM KBE CB FRS | Jet engine inventor | (1907-1996) Inventor of the jet engine. Wiki entry | |
Wilson, Callum Eddie Graham | International footballer | (b.1992) Coventry City product who joined Premier League club AFC Bournemouth in 2014, before moving to Newcastle United in 2020 for £20m. One England Under 21 cap. Full England debut in 2018. Wiki entry | |
Wilson, William, DL | Solicitor and politician | (1913-2010) Former Coventry South MP and defence lawyer. Obituary | |
Wingrave, Vitruvius Harold Wyatt, MD MRCS LSA | Research Chemist and Archaeologist | (1858-1938) Son of Joseph Wingrave, the chemist and photographer. Biography | |
Wood, Thomas "Tom" | England rugby international | (b.1986) Educated at Woodlands School. Back row forward for Worcester, Northampton and England. Wiki entry | |
Woodward, Hilda | Musician | (1913-1999) Mother of Rob Woodward (founder of "Stavely Makepeace" with Nigel Fletcher). Played piano on the classic 'Mouldy Old Dough!', a No.1 hit in 1972 for "Lieutenant Pigeon" | |
Youell, Alfred Edward, MBE ONZM | Businessman and philanthropist | (1913-2012) Local builder and developer who funded many projects in the city and elsewhere. The Salvation Army Older Peoples Home at Binley bears the Youell name. Receiving his MBE, part 1. part 2. Obituary | |
A person who, while not Coventry born, has contributed to Coventry in a major way.
Name | Famous for... | Notes | |
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Adcocks, William A. "Bill" | Olympic athlete | (b.1941) Part of Coventry Godiva's golden marathoning years in the 1960s. Finished 5th in the 1968 "high altitude" Olympic Marathon in Mexico City. Interview | |
Barratt, Harold "Harry" | Footballer and crown green bowler | (1918-1989) Oxfordshire-born Coventry City footballer who went on to manage Gillingham. Crown green bowler and administrator who became National Coach. Wiki entry | |
Bean, Cyril J. | Walker | (1930-2012) Hiking enthusiast who founded "The Coventry Way Association". Obituary | |
Bernard, Barry J. "Barrie" | Musician | (b.1944) Bass guitarist with pop groups "Pinkerton's Assorted Colours" and "Jigsaw" | |
Bettmann, Siegfried | Industrialist | (1863-1951) German-born manufacturer of cycles and motor-cycles and cars who founded the Triumph Motorcycle Co. Wiki entry | |
Black, Pauline (Belinda Magnus) | Singer | (b.1953) Lead singer with "The Selecter". Wiki entry | |
Black, Sir John Paul | Industrialist | (1895-1965) Senior figure in British motor car industry, most notably Managing Director of Standard Motor Co (later Chairman, Standard-Triumph). Son-in-law of William Hillman. Wiki entry | |
Boocock, Nigel | Speedway rider | (1937-2015) Coventry and England's No 1 rider and captain for many years. Known as "Little Boy Blue" because of his distinctive blue leathers. Made 748 appearances for Coventry Bees between 1959-76.
Wiki entry. PhotographsHide long description Link to "A to Z of British League Riders", which includes year-by-year statistics
Link to National Speedway Museum rider profile
Link to a tribute on www.speedwayfirst.com - an excellent read! | |
Bourton, Clarence Frederick Thomas "Clarrie" | Footballer | (1908-1981) Coventry City's all-time leading goalscorer with 181 goals in 241 appearances between 1931-37. Scored 49 league goals and 1 FA Cup goal in his first season at Highfield Road. Wiki entry | |
Brazil, Angela | Children's writer | (1868-1947) Preston-born who moved to Coventry and became a well-known local figure for conservation and charity work. Wiki entry | |
Brown, Edwin | Artist | (1814-1891) Born in Mancetter, Victorian artist well-known for his animal paintings. Detailed article | |
Buchan, Eric Ancrum | Archdeacon of Coventry | (1907-2001) Bristol-born, became vicar of St Mark's Church, Coventry, in 1945, before holding a number of posts in the diocese. Domestic Chaplain to Bishop Bardsley, and later appointed Archdeacon of Coventry. Wiki entry. Obituary | |
Burton, Elaine Francis (Baroness Burton of Coventry) | Politician | (1904-1991) MP for Coventry (South) 1950-1959. Elevated to peerage 1952. ’Travel album’. Wiki entry | |
Camkin, William John, MA | Journalist and businessman | (1922-1998) Sports journalist and commentator. As director of Coventry City persuaded Jimmy Hill to become manager. Built travel agency business which he sold to Thomson's, becoming director of that company and Lunn Poly. Wiki entry. Obituary | |
Cantwell, Noel Euchuria Cornelius | Football manager | (1932-2005) Former West Ham United and Manchester United full-back who succeeded Jimmy Hill as Sky Blues manager. Took club into Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1970 after 6th place finish in Division One. Wiki entry | |
Carnegie, Andrew | Industrialist and philanthropist | (1835-1919) Gave £10,000 for the building of Stoke, Earlsdon and Foleshill Libraries which opened in 1913. Wiki entry | |
Christie, Errol G. | Boxer | (1963-2017) 1982 European amateur middleweight champion whose professional career failed to reach the expected heights. Wiki entry | |
Clitheroe, Canon Graham William | Vicar of Holy Trinity | (1884-1968) Vicar of Holy Trinity 1931-64 who helped to save his church during the Blitz of Coventry by extinguishing incendiaries falling from the sky and throwing them from the church roof. Still rode his motor-bike to church well into his 70s. Article | |
Coop, Michael Anthony "Mick" | Footballer | (b.1948) Grimsby-born defender who played over 400 games for the Sky Blues. Wiki entry | |
Cunningham, James Dolan "Jim", MP | Politician | (b.1941) Member of Parliament for Coventry South and former Leader of Coventry City Council. Wiki entry | |
Curtis, George W. | Footballer | (b.1939) Stalwart centre-half and captain who led Sky Blues into Division I under Jimmy Hill. Made 534 appearances for club, becoming manager in 1986, winning FA Cup in 1987. Wiki entry. Photograph | |
Dammers, Jeremy David Hounsell "Jerry" | Musician | (b.1955) Born in India, attended King Henry VIII School. Founded "The Specials" for whom he was keyboard player. Wiki entry | |
Deasy, Henry Hugh Peter | Automotive pioneer | (1866-1947) Founder of Deasy Motor Car Co, fore-runner of Armstrong-Siddeley. Wiki entry | |
Di Mascio, Dionisio | Ice cream manufacturer | (????-1969) Italian born "D Di" set up his first ice-cream business in Hillfields in the 1930s. The Free Library | |
Dix, Selina | Service to Coventry | (1859-1942) An extraordinary woman who made a major contribution to the welfare and education of girls and women in Hillfields during thirty-five years of working there and continued to work for their interests in the city at large right up until her death.Hide long description Selina Dix was the daughter of Edward Dix, a lace machine smith and his wife Emma, and was born in Beeston, Nottingham, on 15th March, 1859.
She took over the headship of the Girls department of South Street Board School (later Southfields Primary School) in 1889 and made huge improvements to the standard of education in the school and an enormous contribution to the improvement of the quality of life and opportunity for many children in the Hillfields area.
She was the first woman president of the Warwickshire County Teachers Association, a president of the Coventry Head Teachers Association, a member of the executive of the National Union of Teachers, a worker for its Benevolent and Orphans Fund (see below), a founder member of the local branch of the NSPCC, a worker for the Red Cross Society and a representative of the Prince of Wales Fund, visiting hard-pressed families in the Hillfields ward.
At South Street she began domestic science classes for the girls in 1890, correlating these with instruction in first aid and home nursing, and encouraged all the members of staff and older children to attend evening classes to broaden their knowledge, leading by example. She also introduced a lending library at the school. She was presented with the Bronze Medal from the Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce for the highest success in Great Britain in an examination in Domestic Economy.
She held views well in advance of her time on sanitation and personal hygiene and, working as she did in an area where deprivation was rife in the 1890’s, she introduced order, cleanliness, punctuality and regular attendance, along with an understanding of the importance of preparing nourishing food to improve the health of the next generation. She was elected, on attainments, to the Institute of Hygiene and she lectured in Hygiene and Physiology at the Technical Institute in the evenings whilst still working at the school.
In 1893, she was appointed head teacher of the girls' department of the newly-built Wheatley Street School, a showpiece in its day, which received visitors from across the world. She established many links with the ‘outside world’ (the RSPCA, the Children’s National Guild of Courtesy, the Young Helpers League, etc.) and expanded the curriculum to include French, school visits to places of interest, trips to lectures and concerts, fieldwork in geography, swimming, netball and gymnastics, all innovations at the time. Miss Dix even arranged cookery demonstrations for adults during the deprivations of the First World War to advise on the best and most economical use of food, which was in very short supply.
She received the MBE in 1918 in recognition of her labours in the cause of education and for the welfare of women and children, particularly during the war and, although she was not a suffragette, she was a strong proponent of the right of women to the vote.
She was the secretary of the Coventry Benevolent and Orphans fund for fifteen years from 1895, during which the membership grew from 11 to 373, and served on the National Committee of the Central Council, pioneering its work.
She founded the Coventry Society in 1900 and when women later became eligible for membership of the House of Commons she was offered support if she wished to become a parliamentary candidate but had to decline because of failing health.
She was an extraordinary woman who made a major contribution to the welfare and education of girls and women in Hillfields during thirty-five years of working there and continued to work for their interests in the city at large right up until her death in 1942. | |
Drinkwater, Alfred Henry | Watchmaker, Mayor | (1851-1934) Born in Gloucester. Mayor of Coventry 1903/04/05. Chairman of the Waterworks and Fire Brigade Committee. Benefactor to the city and local charities. Honorary Freeman, 1927 "for his long public service to the city". Mentioned on Joseph Levi Memorial Clock. Drinkwater Arcade, destroyed in blitz, named in his honour | |
Dublin, Dion | England international footballer | (b.1969) Centre-forward who scored 61 goals for Sky Blues in 145 appearances, during which time he was capped by England. Wiki entry | |
Dugdale, Sir William | Antiquary and herald | (1605-1686) Educated at King Henry VIII School, he was influential in the development of mediaeval history as an academic subject. Wiki entry | |
Eliot, George (Mary Anne Evans) | Novelist | (1819-1880) Attended school in Coventry and lived at Bird Grove, Foleshill until 1849. Wrote "Middlemarch", said to be based on Coventry. Wiki entry. Profile | |
Elliott, Joseph Warden "Joe", MBE | Businessman | (b.1943) Director of Elliott's car accessories, founder of AIMS (Association of Independent Motor Stores). Director of Jaguar-Daimler Trust, The Alan Higgs Centre Trust, Museum of British Road Transport Trust Ltd. Also former director and life-president of Coventry City FC.
Article | |
Ferguson, Henry George "Harry" | Industrialist | (1884-1960) Irish engineer and inventor noted for the development of the modern agricultural tractor and also the first four-wheel drive Formula One car. Wiki entry | |
Firth, Alan | Artist and teacher | (1935-2012) Waterways artist and art teacher at Tile Hill Wood School. Obituary | |
Francis, Gordon Inglesby | Automotive manufacturer | (1889-1972) Born in USA. Founded Francis-Barnett motor cycle manufacturing company and also Lea-Francis, which moved from motor cycle to car production. Grace's Guide entry | |
Garratt, Miriam Sabina | Poet | (1898-1970) Author of the wartime poem "The Coventry I Remember". Also a talented artist. Worked in the City Architects Department
Hide long description The Coventry I Remember, by M. S. Garratt
I shall remember the city I love
Her tall spires gleaming, gold tipped above.
Godiva processions, the ancient fair,
And where the centuries met in Broadgate square
With glittering windows of bright modern shops
And above on the skyline, old mossy rooftops,
Peeping Tom staring at all who passed by
The great market clock, n'er telling a lie.
I shall remember the beauty of dawn
That shone on the wreck that November morn.
Gone, the old buildings the pride of the city
And homes of the poor, Oh Lord have pity.
Yet brave were the smiles that shone through the tears
Though night must come with horror and fears,
And still the proud spires looked up to the sky
Godiva's fair city would never die.
I shall remember the dear friends I knew
Who gave up their lives "True Coventry Blue"
And the sirens that screamed as they laid them to rest
In one long grave forever blessed.
Our great Cathedral, dim and all holy
With quiet sanctuary and care for the lowly
Where the spirits of those from ages passed
Did join in our prayers until the last.
I must remember 'ere Christ was dead
In pain and anguish still he said
"Forgive them for they know not what they do"
And so on the day when our dreams come true,
When the last "All clear" has died away,
Let me remember lord that I may pray,
My life forever more shall worthier be
Of those who died for Coventry | |
Gibson, Michael, GC | Gallantry | (1906-1940) Killed whilst transporting an unexploded bomb away from a Coventry factory. Wiki entry | |
Glazier, William James "Bill" | Footballer | (b.1943) Nottingham-born goalkeeper, signed by the Sky Blues from Crystal Palace for £35,000, then a record fee. Played over 300 games for the club. An Under-23 England international, a broken leg probably cost him full honours. Wiki entry | |
Godiva | Noblewoman | (11th century) Legendary Anglo-Saxon noblewoman, wife of Leofric. Wiki entry | |
Godwin, Herbert "Bert; also H.O." | England rugby international | (1935-2006) Born in Wales. Coventry, Warwickshire, England and British Lions hooker. Obituary. Tributes | |
Gray, John Denis | Cricketer, international rugby player | (b.1948) Attended Woodlands School. Played first-class cricket for Warwickshire, also rugby union for Coventry and rugby league for Wigan, earning international honours at both codes before emigrating to Australia. Cricket stats. Wiki entry | |
Grey, John George | Builder | (1875-1958) Born in Louth, Lincolnshire. One-time owner of Coombe Abbey, he built Courtauld's Foleshill factory and many others in Coventry, the War Memorial, also a number of housing estates including Wyken and Stoke | |
Hales, John, MP | Writer and politician | (c1516-1571) Founded Coventry's Free Grammar School in the church of St John's Hospital. Wiki entry | |
Hamilton, James Leigh "Jim" | Scotland rugby international | (b.1982) Born in Swindon, educated at Coundon Court School. Played rugby for Barkers Butts RFC. Joined Leicester Tigers, the first of several senior clubs. Wiki entry | |
Hancock, Gregory Alan "Greg" | Speedway rider | (b.1970) American speedway rider who had five seasons with Coventry (1997-2001), winning the first of his four World Championship titles in 1997 as a Bees rider. Photograph. Wiki entry | |
Hanson, John (John Stanley Watts) | Singer | (1922-1998) Canadian-born tenor, famous for his role as the "Red Shadow" in the musical "The Desert Song". Free Library. Wiki entry | |
Harris, Christopher Calvin "Chris" | Speedway rider | (b.1982) Cornwall-born speedway rider who captained the Coventry and England teams. British GP winner 2007. Three-times British Champion. Nicknamed "Bomber". Wiki entry. Photograph | |
Harris, Mary Dormer | Local historian and author | (1867-1936) Carried out the complete translation of the Coventry Leet Books.Hide long description Mary Dormer Harris was born in 1867 at Dale House, Stoneleigh and educated in Kenilworth, Twickenham, France and Germany before going to Oxford University, where she took a first class honours degree in 1888. She then taught and researched many aspects of the history of Coventry, eventually producing an edition of the fifteenth century Leet Book. She published a number of articles and books, including the popular “Unknown Warwickshire” in 1924. She was connected with the Dugdale Society and the Birmingham Archaeological Society, lectured in local history at Birmingham University and was a Vice President of the Workers Educational Association. Before the first World War she had been active in the women's suffrage movement and she continued to encourage the involvement of women in public work. She was also as a member of the local League of Nations Union and In 1916 became the first lady to address the Leamington Literary Society and in 1917 she became one of the two first ladies elected as members.
A playwright herself, she was a founder of the Dramatic Study Club in 1922 and was much involved in the amateur productions of the Loft Theatre. She was well known for her parties at her home at 16 Gaveston Road, Leamington, which might start with earnest readings from Shakespeare or Shaw, but then develop into riotous charades. Her obituaries talk about “her zest for life, her sympathy with the joys and sorrows of everyone about her, here kindliness and humour and her unaffected sympathy”. Others mentioned “her wide circle of friends, young and old”, her tact and wise counsel, her love of the past “balanced by a perpetually fresh and gay enthusiasm which carried a touch of idealism”, her “gaiety and fun” and her “profound scholarship”. “Above all, she was a very good friend, and was most helpful to a number of young people who came into her circle”. Many of those “young people” still remember her kind deeds.
A fascinating biography, “Mary Dormer Harris: The Life and Works of a Warwickshire Historian”, by Jean Field, was published in 2002. This well illustrated book is of great interest to those wishing to learn more about Miss Harris's life and to local historians alike. | |
Hart Dyke, Capt. David, CBE LVO ADC RN | Royal Navy Officer | (b.1938) Former Commanding Officer of HMS Coventry during Falklands Conflict 1982. Author of "Four Weeks in May: the Loss of HMS Coventry - a Captain's Story". Father of actress Miranda Hart. Wiki entry | |
Heatley, Benjamin Basil | Olympic athlete | (1933-2019) Kenilworth born, the second of Coventry Godiva's amazing marathon runners during the 1960s. Silver medallist at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics behind the great Abebe Bikila in an epic race. Wiki entry | |
Herbert, Sir Alfred Edward, KBE | Industrialist and philanthropist | (1866-1957) Pioneer of machine tool production in the city. Generous benefactor, including the provision of Lady Herbert's Garden and Almshouses. Wiki entry | |
Higgs, Alan Edward | Businessman and philanthropist | (1912-1979) House builder who made provision for a charity to be created after his death to help deprived children from Coventry and nearby localities. Wiki entry | |
Higgs, Sir Derek Alan | Businessman | (1944-2008) Son of Alan Edward Higgs. One-time director of Coventry City FC. Trustee of Alan Edward Higgs Charity. Wiki entry | |
Hill, James William Thomas "Jimmy", OBE | Footballer, manager, broadcaster | (1928-2015) Former Fulham inside-forward who took over as manager of Coventry City in 1961 and led them to the 1st Division in six years, only to resign on the eve of their debut season. Obituary. Wiki entry | |
Hill, Susan, DBE CBE | Novelist | (b.1942) Educated at Barrs Hill School. Author of "The Woman in Black". Made a Dame in 2020. Wiki entry | |
Hillman, William | Industrialist | (1848-1921) Pioneer automotive manufacturer, founder of what was to become Hillman Motor Co. Father-in-law of Sir John Black. Wiki entry. Gravestone | |
Houchen, Keith Morton | Footballer | (b.1960) Scorer of Sky Blues most famous goal, for many the best FA Cup Final goal of all, in the 1987 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley. Wiki entry | |
Howard, Very Reverend Richard Thomas "Dick" | Wartime Provost of Coventry | (1884-1981) Ordained in 1908. Provost of Coventry 1938-1958. During the Blitz he organised and planned some of the Cathedral's defences against aerial attack. His voice was heard on the wireless the following day announcing that "Coventry Cathedral will rise again". Article | |
Hudson, George Anthony | Footballer | (1937-2020) Centre-forward, voted Sky Blues fans' all-time greatest player, scoring 75 goals in 129 appearances. Wiki entry | |
Hutchison, Thomas "Tommy" | Footballer | (b.1947) Scottish international winger, who made 353 appearances for Sky Blues. Wiki entry | |
Hyde, Pearl Marguerite, MBE JP | First lady Lord Mayor | (1904-1963) Enfield-born, leader of women's voluntary work and politician, became the city's first lady Lord Mayor in 1957. Died in a road accident in Scotland. Warwick University article | |
Ives, Michael F.J. "Mick" | Professional cyclist | (b.1939) Multi-times champion cyclist. Wiki entry | |
Jackson, Peter Barrie | England rugby international | (1930-2004) Coventry, Warwickshire, England and British Lions winger, notably remembered for match-winning try against Australia in 1958. Obituary | |
Kearns, Michael D. "Mick" | Footballer | (b.1938) Born in Nuneaton. Defender who came through the youth ranks to play in five divisions for Coventry City, totalling 382 competitive appearances. | |
King, Paul | Musician, TV presenter | (b.1960) Born in Galway, a graduate of Coventry Drama School. After music career in bands and as a solo artist, became a presenter and producer on MTV and VH1. Wiki entry | |
Kirkland, Christopher Edmund "Chris" | Footballer | (b.1981) Came through the ranks at Highfield Road before a £6m dream move to Liverpool. Injuries blighted his career which saw him move to Wigan Athletic and Sheffield Wednesday. He won one full England cap. Wiki entry | |
Lawson, Henry John "Harry" | Automotive pioneer | (1852-1925) Formed the Daimler Motor Co Ltd in 1896. Wiki entry | |
Leahy, Michael "Mick" | Boxer | (1935-2010) Irishman who won the British Middleweight Championship title in 1963 with victory over George Aldridge. In 1964 he beat an ageing Sugar Ray Robinson. Career record. Wiki entry | |
Lee, Henry Pelham | Engine pioneer | (1877-1953) Founder of Coventry Climax Engines. Wiki entry | |
Leofric | Earl of Mercia | (c1017-1057) Husband of Godiva. Wiki entry | |
Linnell, Stuart, MBE BA(Hons) HonMA | Broadcaster | (b.1947) Involved in the launch of Mercia Sound, becoming Managing Director. Website. Wiki entry | |
Loades, Edward "Ted" | Engineer | (1910-2002) Grimsby-born. Founder of Abbey Panels Ltd. The Edward Loades Story | |
Lyons, Sir William | Automotive pioneer | (1901-1985) Founder and owner of Swallow Sidecar Co which became Jaguar cars. Wiki entry | |
Maudslay, Reginald Walter | Automotive pioneer | (1871-1934) Managing Director of Maudslay Motor Co. He went on to found Standard Motor Co. Wiki entry | |
McAlinden, Danny | Boxer | (b.1947) Irish-born, educated in Coventry. British and Commonwealth heavyweight champion. Wiki entry | |
Moffitt, Ralph Lawson | Ryder Cup golfer | (1932-2003) Assistant professional at Hearsall GC who represented GB v USA in 1961 Ryder Cup. Later became club professional. Runner-up in Dunlop Masters tournament in 1962, 1963 and 1964. Obituary. Wiki entry | |
Mountford, Ronald George "Ron" | Speedway rider | (1927-1993) Rode in over 400 matches for Coventry Bees 1957-68 and 1970-72. Photograph.Hide long description He started his speedway career at Birmingham in 1950 and had his first first of many racing engagements in Australia in the1951/52 season and later also toured New Zealand. Ron was a part of the Birmingham team that toured South Africa in the 1954 close season and who were subsequently banned for racing on unlicenced tracks. Birmingham closed their doors and Ron moved over to Coventry where he scored almost 3000 points for the "Bees" in a long career. His spectacular style of racing was seriously affected when he lost the sight of an eye in a workshop accident. Ron formed a close bond with Rick France at Coventry and they opened a garage together in Walsall. They famously missed a meeting for Coventry at Long Eaton believing the race date was Wednesday and not Tuesday. They were notoriously late arrivals for matches. When Coventry promoter Charles Ochiltree telephoned their workshop when they had not arrived at 7.30pm, he was surprised to hear Ron answer the telephone and to say they were working on their machines ready for Long Eaton the next night. I was the Long Eaton promoter at the time and I thought the CO would explode. Long Eaton won the match, which I believe was the only time in their history against Coventry. | |
Mowlam, Marjorie "Mo", MP | Politician | (1949-2005) Labour politician who rose to become Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. Wiki entry | |
Nellist, David John "Dave" | Politician | (b.1952) Former Coventry South East Labour MP and Socialist Party City Councillor for St. Michael's Ward. Popular with many for his strong convictions in defence of working class people illustrated by the majority of his MP's salary being donated to charities or political causes. Wiki entry | |
Nicholls, Scott Karl | Speedway rider | (b.1978) Ipswich-born speedway rider who collected his 7th British Championship title in 2012. Regular England and Great Britain international who led Coventry to two Elite League Championships. Wiki entry | |
Ochiltree, Charles Edward | Sports promoter | (1919-1998) Appointed by Jack Parker in 1947 as co-promoter of the post-WWII Coventry Bees. With his wife Linda he built the club into one of the powerhouses of British speedway. Also promoted stock-car racing | |
Ogrizovic, Steven "Steve" | Footballer and cricketer | (b.1957) A member of Coventry City's 1987 FA Cup winning side. Made 601 appearances, the club record. Cricketer with Shropshire. Wiki entry. Photograph | |
Olsen, Ole | Speedway rider | (b.1946) Danish international speedway rider who won three World Individual Championship titles, including one in 1978 as a Coventry Bees rider. Appeared for the Brandon club between 1976 and 1983. Wiki entry. Photograph | |
Owen, John Ernest | England rugby international | (b.1939) Sutton Coldfield-born forward who won 14 caps for England between 1963 and 1967 whilst a member of the Coventry club | |
Parker, John "Jack" | Speedway rider | (1905-1990) Pioneer rider from 1929 at Lythalls Lane. Possibly robbed of his best years by World War II, finishing 2nd in 1949 World Championship Final. Connected with the promotion of speedway at Brandon post-WWII. Wiki entry | |
Paxton, Sir Joseph | Architect and politician | (1803-1865) Eminent designer, engaged by Coventry's councillors to draw up plans for one of the country's first municipal cemeteries. A well-respected Liberal MP for Coventry, he also designed the Crystal Palace. London Road Cemetery website. Wiki entry | |
Peake, Trevor | Footballer | (b.1957) Nuneaton-born defender who made 336 appearances for the Sky Blues, collecting an FA Cup winner's medal in 1987. Wiki entry | |
Phipps, Simon Wilton, MC | Chaplain | (1921-2001) Former Industrial Chaplain in Coventry. Friend of Princess Margaret. Went on to become Bishop of Lincoln. Wiki entry | |
Preece, Peter Stuart | England rugby international | (b.1949) Coventry and England centre. One of a trio of internationals from King Henry VIII Grammar School in the 1970s. Son of Ivor Preece. Wiki entry | |
Robins, Derrick Harold | Businessman and sportsman | (1914-2004) Founded Banbury Buildings. Played cricket for Warwickshire. As chairman of Coventry City, financed the Sky Blue Revolution under Jimmy Hill. Wiki entry. Profile | |
Robinson, Geoffrey, MP | Industrialist and politician | (b.1938) Chairman of Jaguar Cars 1973-1975. Labour MP for Coventry NW since 1976. Former Paymaster General and director of Coventry City FC. Wiki entry | |
Rouse, Andrew "Andy" | Racing driver | (b.1947) Gloucestershire-born, four-times British Saloon Car Champion. Established own company in the city, developing and preparing many winning cars. Wiki entry | |
Shaw, Harry | Businessman | (1930-2018) Started off delivering milk in jugs in the early 1950s with one milk float and two churns. Progressed to road haulage and then to coach travel and tourism. Website info | |
Shelton, John Bailey, MBE | Archaeologist and historian | (1900-1974) Coventry's famous archaeologist who spent many years excavating the centre of the city. Author of "A Night in Little Park Street". Became City Chamberlain, greeting visitors to St Mary's Hall. David McGrory remembers. Articles by J.B. Shelton. Wiki entry | |
Siddeley, Sir John Davenport,1st Baron Kenilworth | Automotive pioneer | (1866-1956) Founder of Siddeley Autocar Co. High Sheriff of Warwickshire 1937. Owned Kenilworth Castle. Wiki entry | |
Sillett, John Charles | Footballer | (b.1936) Former Chelsea full-back who joined Coventry City in 1962. Went on to become 1st team coach and manager of Sky Blues, winning FA Cup in 1987. Wiki entry | |
Silvera, Carmen Blanche | Actress | (1922-2002) Most well-known as "Edith" in TV series "'Allo! 'Allo!". Wiki entry | |
Singer, George | Industrialist | (1846-1909) Pioneer cycle manufacturer who founded Singer Co. Transport Museum Link. Wiki entry | |
Smith-Clarke, Capt. George Thomas, MIMechE FRAS | Automobile and medical engineer | (1884-1960) Chief Engineer, Alvis Cars, 1922-1950. Became chairman of Coventry & Warwickshire Hospitals 1935. Grace's Guide entry | |
Spence, Sir Basil Urwin, OM OBE RA | Architect | (1907-1976) Architect of many buildings world-wide, most famously including Coventry Cathedral. Wiki entry | |
Staple, Neville Eugenton | Singer | (b.1955) Vocalist with "The Specials". Wiki entry | |
Starley, James | Inventor | (1831-1881) "Father of bicycle industry". Wiki entry | |
Starley, John Kemp | Inventor | (1854-1901) Nephew of James Starley. Inventor of the modern bicycle and originator of the name "Rover". Wiki entry | |
Tandy, Henry (also Tandey), VC DCM MM | Soldier | (1891-1977) The most decorated British private in World War I, awards included the Victoria Cross. Wiki entry | |
Thomas, Trevor | Swimming coach | (1924-2004) Welshman, member of City of Coventry Swimming Club who went on to become England Team Manager. Obituary | |
Thornton, John | Master glazier and glass painter | (14/15th c.) Responsible for some of the finest mediaeval glass, including windows at York Minster and Coventry Cathedral. Wiki entry | |
Trelford, Donald G. | Newspaper editor | (b.1937) Former pupil of Bablake School who became editor of The Observer. Wiki entry | |
Webb, Rodney Edward | England rugby international | (b.1943) Flying winger for Coventry, Warwickshire and England, for whom he won 12 caps between 1967-72. Surprisingly never played for British Lions. Developed the modern Rugby ball. Wiki entry | |
Welby, Justin Portal, MA(Cantab) BA DipMin | Archbishop of Canterbury | (b.1956) Former oil company executive who rose from being Curate at Chilvers Coton (1992-95) to become Bishop of Durham in 2011, having also held posts at Coventry Cathedral between 2002 and 2007. In Feb 2013 he formally took office as Archbishop of Canterbury. Wiki entry | |
White, Sir Thomas | Businessman and philanthropist | (1492-1567) Cloth merchant who founded St John's College, Oxford. Lord Mayor of London 1553. Established scholarships for King Henry VIII School. Wiki entry | |
Wickman, Axel Charles (also von Wichmann) | Industrialist | (1894-1970) Founder of Wickman, for many years this machine-tool company was a large employer in Coventry. Grace's Guide entry | |
Wingrave, Joseph | Pioneering photographer | (1821-1897) Born in Luton, moved to Coventry in 1840. Opened chemists shop in High Street, becoming a commercial photographer, providing some of the earliest known images of Coventry. Gravestone. Short biography | |
Wood, Alfred Robert "Alf" | Footballer | (1915-2001) Born in Aldridge. Played over 200 games in goal for Coventry City between 1935 and 1951. After a spell with Northampton Town he returned to Highfield Road, and played a further 13 games, his final appearance in 1958 aged 43 years and 207 days. Went on to manage Walsall in the '60s. Wiki entry | |
Wyatt, Robert Elliott Storey "Bob; also R.E.S." | England cricket captain | (1901-1995) Educated at King Henry VIII School. Warwickshire and England cricketer, closely identified with the infamous "Bodyline" series in Australia in 1932-33. Wiki entry. Profile | |