Whitefriars Street (inc. Whitefriars Lane)

I recently came across the story of Rev Everard Digby who ran St Michael's Mission in Whitefriars Lane between 1907 and 1910. To raise money for new seating he organised an exhibition wrestling match in the church at which Zbysco, the world champion wrestler from Poland, fought Zorro, an opponent who allegedly trained by lifting horses. The match lasted 7 minutes and the champion won. It was a sell-out and raised enough money to equip a gym in the church. St Michael's Mission was still there at the second major bombing of Coventry on Maundy Thursday 1941 when Christ Church was destroyed, and Provost Howard from St Michael's Cathedral allowed the Christ Church congregation to use it until the new Christ Church was built in Cheylesmore. Three days later they held Easter services there. I cannot find much information about St Michael's Mission and I wondered if anyone knows more about it? Martin

Hi Martin, there are quite a few references to St Michael’s Mission in the online British newspaper archive. One I found interesting was that in 1961 a brick lined well with a 6ft opening was discovered beneath what was the vestry. The land then belonged to W Brandish and Sons who were extending the showrooms of the garage next door.

Lolipop, you are correct in your assumption re Mrs Colledge being the head teacher at St Michael’s School in Much Park Street. Her husband also had a butchers shop. Like yourself I am unsure as to its exact locality. I attended St Michael’s between 1945 and 1952, before moving on to Cheylesmore School in Mile Lane. I can recall from my time at St Michael’s a Mrs Norris, a Mr Bishop and then Mrs Riley who would scare the pants off you with a withering look.