Earlsdon, Coventry
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  Map sources for Earlsdon, Coventry at grid reference SP3177
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Earlsdon is a suburb of Coventry, England. It is the birth place of aviation pioneer Frank Whittle.
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[edit] History
In the mid-1800's Earlsdon was a hub of activity for the rising watch-making trade. Even as this industry began to decline, Earlsdon continued to grow, and was incorporated into the city of Coventry in 1890. The watch-making trade is represented by the clock on the roundabout at the bottom of the suburb's high street, where Earlsdon Avenue North and South join.
In 1897 the opening of Albany Road, named after HRH the Duchess of Albany who visited Coventry in November the following year, allowed for far greater access to and from the rest of the city and development in Earlsdon quickly increased. By 1918 the area was fully developed as it is today and has seen little redevelopment since.
Today, Earlsdon is a popular residential area. It also houses the biggest 'student village' in Coventry, with many students from both Coventry University and the University of Warwick living in the area. Earlsdon also has a lot of small shops and pubs, popular with both students and locals.
Author Jonathon Coe wrote about Earlsdon in one of his novels.
In recent years, the former factory on Warwick Street has been demolished to make way for a large block of luxury apartments. The popularity of the area is reflected in the value of property.
[edit] Places of Interest
The hub of Earlsdon is what is locally referred to as the "High Street", in reality Earlsdon Street. This is a strip of commercial units that includes a number of restaurants and pubs. The streets off the high street contain a number of cottages and a few shops, and this contributes to the area's "village feel". The suburb is almost entirely surrounded by green space. To the South is the War Memorial Park, the North is Hearsall Common, and West is Canley Ford.
Canley Ford is a small piece of countryside in the city; there a narrow lane leading from Kenilworth Road down to a wooded stream and a small group of meadows. It's a pleasant place for a walk, and the council have erected a number of pieces of artwork in the meadows.
Frank Whittle, the jet pioneer, was born in Earlsdon, and his house on Newcombe Road has a blue plaque on it. He attended the school in Earlsdon and was apparently inspired to pursue a career in engineering after seeing aircraft land on Hearsall Common. The story goes that a plane came into land and blew his hat off, and this gave him the idea for the jet engine.
[edit] Arts and Culture
Earlsdon has its own theatre, the Criterion, that puts on about seven shows a year. Its patron was the actor Sir Nigel Hawthorne, who was born in Coventry.
The high street has become a centre for nightlife, revolving around the Gallery restaurant, the City Arms pub, the Albany Club and the Royal Oak. In addition, the high street also boasts an Italian restaurant and three Indian restaurants, and a European style cafe. The Earlsdon Cottage, behind the high street, is now being converted into a bar/restaurant. There's also an organic food shop with a cafe.
The Albany Club has regular live shows. At the bottom of the high street is Earlsdon Library, one of many branches in Coventry suburbs.
There is also an annual "Earlsdon Show", that takes place on Hearsall Common during the May bank holiday. You've got a good chance of seeing the Earlsdon Morris men perform at the show, alongside other local bands.
For the sporty folk, there's Earlsdon Rugby Club, a Golf Club, and a Tennis club.
A ladies singing group, the Silver Lining Barbershop chorus, is based in Earlsdon.
