Medieval Keresley

The three maps below show some of the land holdings within Keresley during the Middle Ages. These were produced by Anna Wilson, Archaeology Officer for the City.

Medieval Keresley - North

At this time, most of the land was owned either by Queens College Oxford (as it still is), or by St. Mary's Priory. The road names have changed, but the names of the woods are the same, and most of the field layout is unaltered. Thompson's Lane was le Carterlane. le Haynelane is by the side of Keresley Rugby Club, and has almost disappeared. Coventry Colliery was on Leighton's Field

Medieval Keresley - South

Sadler Road was le Ledegatelane. By the side of Long Lane was Herneiswast (waste = cut down woodland which will re-grow) and then Herneyscroft (croft = a small holding as in crofting). Coundulne waste is the current Coundon Park. Scotteshull' waste is near modern Scotchill. Next to Keresley roundabout was le Galowtrefeld - so there was a gallows there.

Medieval Land Holdings

The Priory held much of the land until the Dissolution, when Henry VIII deprived them of it. Queens College Oxford retained this land to the present day.

A document detailing some of the medieval Keresley families may be found here. The sources are “Calendar of Deeds and Documents of Queen’s College Oxford” Vol. II, compiled in 1931 by N. Denholm-Young, and deeds in the Coventry City Council, recording land transactions.