Coombe Abbey Hotel, Coventry

[Bruce Everiss]

Coombe Abbey Hotel, Coventry
Brinklow Road, Binley, Coventry, CV3 2AB

Coombe Abbey Hotel, Coventry - Hotel Description
Originally a 12th century Cistercian abbey, this hotel nestles in England's historic heartland.
Coombe Abbey has been restored to its former glory and combines a taste of history with a sense of luxury.
Set within 500 acres of breathtaking parkland, it is the perfect backdrop for all occasions.
The dress code for the restaurant is smart/casual. No denim or trainers please.

Website: www.CoombeAbbey.com

Our History
1150 Cistercian monks founded Coombe Abbey (then known as The Abbey of Cumbe)

1539 The stone-built Cloisters, which exist today, were constructed.

1540 During the dissolution of the monasteries, Coombe Abbey and its lands were surrendered to Dr. London who was sent by Thomas Cromwell. The Abbey and its possessions then belonged to King Henry VIII.

1581 John Harrington acquired Coombe and built a new house, incorporating parts of the Abbey building.

1603 Princess Elizabeth, daughter of James I, came to live and be educated at Coombe Abbey.

1622 Elizabeth Craven, widow of Sir William Craven, (Lord Mayor of London from 1610 - 1611, one of the richest men in his day), purchased Coombe Abbey and the Craven family remained as owners of Coombe Abbey for 300 years.

1634 William, son of Sir William Craven became Baron Craven of Hampstead Marshall, Berkshire and obtained a license from Charles I to enclose 650 acres of land at Coombe to Make a Park, this is thought to be the origin of Coombe Abbey Park.

1682 A West Wing (overlooking the gardens today) was added to the house, the architect being Captain William Winde, who also designed Buckingham House which later became Buckingham Palace.

1771 Lancelot 'Capability' Brown was employed to re-design the gardens and surrounding land at Coombe.

1817 The indoor 'Real' Tennis Court was built, know today as the Courthouse.

1861-5 William Eden Nesfield was emplyed to make alterations to the house in 'Gothic Revival' style. The east wing and part of the north wing of the Abbey were demolished and rebuilt in the new style (a picture of alterations to the east wing today can be seen on the wall opposite the guest lift). Servants accommodation, a stable block and a new coach house were also built during this time.

William Andrew Nesfield (father of Eden Nesfield) landscaped the gardens on the south and west side of the abbey constructing the moat and canal leading to the lake. During this time William Miller, Head Gardener to Lord Craven was given the responsibility of designing and planting the north and east gardens and the kitchen garden was created which became renowned locally for the exotic fruits grown in its hot houses. Today sadly we can only see the outer walls.

1907 Countess Cornelia Craven instigated the introduction of electric lighting to Coombe Abbey.

1923 The auction of the Coombe Esate resulted in a Coventry builder, John Grat buying the Abbey and its grounds.

1939-45 The conifer plantations known as the Wrautums were removed to provide pit-propts during the war, leaving the large field area as we see it today.

1950 John Gray leased Coombe Abbey to the General Electric Company as a residential training centre.

1964 Coventry City Council purchased Coombe Abbey and its estate of 150 acres.

1992 The development to restore Coombe Abbey into a 'No Ordinary' hotel began. Building work also began on a new visitor centre facility, children's adventure playground and a themed dining venue.

1993 Coombe Abbey's Visitor Centre opened, followed by the opening of the Abbeygate - the new venue for Coombe Abbey's award winning Mediaeval banquets.

1994 Coombe Abbey - No Ordinary Hotel opened with 63 bedrooms, Cloisters Restaurant, Chapter House Bar, Private Dining Room, Conference and Banqueting facilities on the 17th February 1995.

1999 Coombe Abbey opened a further 20 bedrooms on the East Wing in July.

Present Day Coombe Abbey goes from strength to strength and is well established within the 'No Ordinary Hotels' portfolio. So why not join us in becoming a part of our proud history ?

[Bruce Everiss]

http://www.coombeabbey.com/events/mediaevalbanquets.htm

Mediaeval Banquets
Come live like Lordes and Ladyes and experience a night out you will never forget at an award winning Mediaeval Banquet, renowned throughout Warwickshire.

The year is 1539 and you are invited to a Mediaeval Banquet Feast of the Baron of Coombe. Before the banquet commences, the doors are opened to the Drinking Chamber where wine, ale and mead can be purchased. You will be greeted like a friend but be sure to behave or the Abbot will deal with you!

The arrival of the Monastic Order signals the commencement of the banquet. Lit only by candlelight you will be welcomed into the Baronial Hall for the evening's entertainment to commence.

Armed only with a dagger and a bib you will be served four courses of delicious food. Throughout the feasting banquet maids will fill your goblets with mead and wine while entertaining you with song, dance and sketches.

After you have been well fed and watered the Ladyes of Coombe take to the stage and present a show which includes song, dance and comedy.

At the end of the banquet the Court Chamberlain will guide you back into the Drinking Chamber.

Menu

The Baron's Broth - A hearty broth of vegetables, pearl barley and herbs served with stoneground bread.

The Royal Rib - Marinated rib of swine with sage, cider and honey.

My Lorde's Chicken - Quarter roasted fowl, rolled in mace, tarragon and crushed black pepper in a sharp lemon and mead sauce.

The Court Crumble - Apple and apricot crumble with elderflower cream.

Vegetarian options are available.

All served with three goblets of red wine and three beakers of mead
£37.50 per person
Mediaeval Banquets are held most Fridays and Saturdays, and can be booked exclusively for private parties, weddings or corporate events.
To enquire about availability or to make a booking please contact the Banquets Sales Office 02476 430 539 or email banquets@coombeabbey.com

Why not stay over?
Enjoy a Mediaeval Banquet then complete your experience with an overnight stay in the luxurious Coombe Abbey Hotel.
Available on Friday Evenings only
Only £180 per couple (subject to availability)
Mediaeval Costume Hire
Why not enhance your evening by hiring traditional Mediaeval costumes from Costumes 2 U.

http://www.coombeabbey.com/accommodation/

Accommodation
Every room is filled with historical artefacts and special touches, where you may even find a bathroom hidden behind a bookcase. We have 119 rooms, including Feature and Grand Feature rooms. Our Crown rooms are elegantly designed and very comfortable, or you can treat yourself with one of our Feature rooms, many of which have four poster beds.

For a really special stay, we have 8 Grand Feature rooms, including the stunning Lady Craven and the truly elegant Chinoiserie. All of our rooms have full en suite facilities, satellite TV, direct-dial telephone, trouser press, tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryer, 24 hour room service and are non-smoking. An iron and ironing board can also be provided upon request.

Come discover the wonder and intrigue at Coombe Abbey Hotel and request a tour of the venue during your visit.

Enjoy free, unlimited wireless internet access during your stay