Whitley, Coventry
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Whitley is a suburb of southern Coventry in the West Midlands of England, UK.
Whitley is the home of the Whitley plant, which is the Engineering Centre of Jaguar Cars Limited. The facility has a fully integrated design, research and development centre for all current and future Jaguar products.
Despite having a supermarket, Whitley has a number of small shops, takeaways and businesses including a hair salon and a car entertainment shop. Whitley also has an IBIS hotel and a large sports centre.
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[edit] Abbey Road Bridge
The bridge over the River Sherbourne at the bottom of Abbey Road is now blocked off to road vehicles, but before Thomas Telford built the current London Road, it formed part of the main London to Holyhead coaching route. The mill which stood next to the bridge had been unused since the 1880's, but remained occupied until it was demolished in the 1950's.
[edit] Whitley Abbey
Until the turn of the 19th century, Whitley had its own identity based around a principal grand house which was built in the 14th century. Contrary to popular belief, it was this house which bore the name "Whitley Abbey" and not a monastic residence. Several changes and additions to the house took place over the following centuries until the entire estate was sold in 1924, and the house fell into disrepair. Planning permission was granted during the 1950's to build Whitley Abbey Comprehensive (now Community) School on the site.
[edit] Schools
Whitley has three schools: Whitley Abbey Community School, Alice Stevens, and Whitley Primary. Whitley Abbey Community School is a secondary school and sixth form for boys and girls. The age range of the pupils is 11-18. Alice Stevens School is a special school (state sector) for boys and girls. The age range of the pupils is 11-19.
[edit] Coventry Zoo
Whitley was once home to Coventry Zoo, which was a popular visitor attraction. There was a huge fibreglass Zulu holding a spear at the zoo's entrance. The zoo was demolished in the 1979. The Warwickshire Racquet & Health Club (formally known as Esporta and the Coventry Racquet Centre), originally built in 1983, currently occupies the site.
[edit] References
- Albert Smith and David Fry: (1991). The Coventry We Have Lost. Vol 1. Simanda Press, Berkswell. ISBN 0951386719
- Albert Smith and David Fry: (1993). The Coventry We Have Lost. Vol 2. Simanda Press, Berkswell. ISBN 0951386727
[edit] External links
- Map sources for Whitley, Coventry
