County of the City of Coventry facts for kids
The County of the City of Coventry was a special type of county in England. It existed from 1451 to 1842. This unique county included the city of Coventry and about 20 surrounding villages. It covered an area of about 52 square kilometers (20 square miles).
The villages that were part of this county were Ansty, Asthill, Biggin, Binley, Caludon, Exhall, Foleshill, Harnell, Henley, Horwell, Keresley, Pinley, Radford, Stoke, Styvechale, Walsgrave, Wood End, Whitley, Whoberley, and Wyken.
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Coventry's Special Status
During the medieval period, Coventry grew into a very important city in Warwickshire. To reward Coventry for its strong support, King Henry VI gave it a special status in 1451. This made Coventry a "county corporate."
What a County Corporate Meant
Being a county corporate gave Coventry more control over its own affairs. It meant the city could:
- Have its own main court, called an assize.
- Manage its own prison, known as a gaol.
- Have its own officers, called bailiffs, who acted like sheriffs for the king.
This special status made Coventry separate from the rest of Warwickshire. It was like a small, independent area within the larger county.
Why the Special Status Ended
Coventry kept its special status for many years. However, over time, there were disagreements. The villages that were part of the county corporate had arguments about local taxes and fees. These disputes eventually led to a change.
In 1842, a new law called the Coventry Act was passed. This law officially ended Coventry's status as a separate county. From November 9, 1842, the City and County of the City of Coventry became fully part of Warwickshire. It was placed within an area called the Knightlow Hundred.
This law also helped to clearly define the exact borders of the city. This solved any confusion about where the city limits were.
Coventry's Modern Boundaries
Today, the area that was once the County of the City of Coventry is very similar to the modern city of Coventry. Most of the original villages, except for Ansty and Exhall, are now within Coventry's city boundaries.
