The Star and Raven

I have found details of the sale of The Star and Raven in 1837 with other properties being sold at the same time in the city, I like reading such details because it gives descriptions of the interiors and rental terms etc. There are various points relating to the linked article that I can't seem to fathom and hoped someone could help. The sale was the 'life interest' of Thomas Grimes Roberts, aged twenty six years? Misprint or what? I can't find much detail for him at all in the BMD's, obits in the papers, obviously not the census if he had died before 1837. I did find a marriage at St. Michael, 30th November 1836 to a Sarah Smart? Being a 'man of substance', I thought he would be easy to trace and just thought he would be an interesting person to learn about and his business interests in the City. It mentions a 'Grimes Court' as well. I wondered if anyone has heard of him before or could fill in some more information of him and buildings he owned.

Almost nothing is known about the exact location of the "Star and Raven", we can only assume it was renamed at some time? Am unable to find "Grime's Court" on any map either. The "Sign of the Harp" is almost certainly a reference to the Welch Harp at 24 Market Street. Few people could read in those days so pubs were identified by painted signs or unusual objects.

Thanks Dutchman, the Star and Raven seemed to be the 'Old Star' in the 1841 census and the 'Old Star' yard. The article states that Grimes Court was opposite the Star and Raven. I'll have a look at some more articles concerning licensees and see what comes up.

That one was in Earl Street Foxcote and is well documented.

I found a reference to the Grimes/Smithford Street interest of mine in an article. In 1819, one of the chief Coaching Offices was Grimes Liquor Shop in Smithford Street. One of the coaches, 'The Retaliator' stopped there at 6pm every evening. Mr Grimes would have had a good business.

The estate of Thomas Grimes Roberts mentions 'The Leopard' at 64 Smithford Street, I wonder if that had been the Star and Raven?

It's extremely likely Foxcote given that a) The Welsh (Welch) Harp is also mentioned as part of the same estate and b) The only wine & spirits merchants I could find in Smithford Street was directly opposite the Leopard at 8a and had a yard attached to it! (Most likely the eponymous "Grimes' Yard"). Good find Foxcote

There's a bit more Dutchman and it's mentioning an 'Ensor Yard' and I am getting a bit confused. The Herbert has some papers referring to the Star and Raven but they can't be accessed online. I've seen Thomas Grimes, Auctioneer, in the old papers, and discounted it but it is indeed him. According to a newpaper cutting, his auctioneer's office was next door to The Leopard in 1827.

It all points to it being the Leopard, it even mentions the malt house being at the back

Here I am back on harping on about my obsession with the mysterious 1835 City plan. I think Morgana started me off because I was looking for details of an artist regarding a Leper House, anyhow I ended up on an article from 'The Historical Atlas of Britain', (which sounds a good buy), the search opened up a really good thirteen page, quite detailed history of the City. However, on the last page at the bottom, a reference caught my eye. Plan of the City of Coventry, 1837. (MS in Coventry City Library). It ties up with the Dutchman's knowledge that it took ages to get such maps into print and very likely this is the 1835 one advertised in an earlier thread on here. I wonder if anyone on here would be able to access it from the Library or has it been moved to the Herbert. I only have a Warwickshire Library Membership, could anyone help to locate it? I have linked to the 13 page article anyway because I thought it may be interesting. Short History of Coventry

Hi Foxcote I`ve only just read this topic. I`ve looked up the Star and Raven on the Real Ale Rambles site which does list its address as Smithford Street and lists the licensee in 1835 as Richard Redgrave

Thanks mickw I had forgotten about Mr. Grimes and the Star and Raven! I have just re-read the lot and quite a tale unfolded, it had the lot didn't it! The plot would have made a good novel, magic old pubs, his private life, reading the links there was the shock of the will concerning dubious marriages and the voyage to America. I wish all the sleuthing I do would turn out as exciting as that! A death was noted in the newspaper archive, James Redgrave, second son of Richard Redgrave of the Star and Raven, July 1834. The son was only 15 years of age. Sad times at the pub. Thanks again

Drawing of the Leopard Inn

Thanks for sharing that Annewiggy. I just checked on the landlords of the Leopard and I spotted a 'Yardley'. I guess that's another story on the 'Yardley topic' The Leopard

Yes I did not mention that as I keep getting into trouble for introducing different subjects but Henry Yardley was my great grandfather's brother.