Hidden Stories of Latin Verses in the Great Hall

Written by Volunteer Blogger, Stanislava Lisna

Imagine stepping into the Great Hall in the late 16th century. Angel musician carvings and
ceiling bosses painted in various hues look down on you from the ceiling, the floor is covered
with multicoloured patterned tiles, stained glass in the tall windows tints the sunlight, and on
the walls below the windows along the west and east sides are oak panels with bright coats of
arms and Latin and English verses. This magnificent space isn't just a feast for the eyes – it
was a carefully crafted statement about Coventry's power, history, and gratitude to its
benefactors.

The story of these inscriptions begins in 1581, when the city was preparing for a visit from
Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester. A remarkable collaboration took place: prominent translator
Philemon Holland, who would later become headmaster of the Free Grammar School,
composed elegant verses in both Latin and English, while a local craftsman named Durrant
brought them to life on oak panels.[1] This dual-language approach wasn't unusual for Tudor
England, where Latin and English poetry often existed side by side, reflecting the period's rich
literary culture.[2]

The inscriptions honoured monarchs and notable figures who had shaped the city's fortunes:
the kings Edwards and Henrys and Queen Isabella of England's past, the reigning Elizabeth I,
the legendary Lady Godiva and Earl Leofric, and also commemorated Robert Dudley and his
father the Duke of Northumberland. Two of these inscriptions can still be read today at the
northern end of the hall, preserved through careful restoration of later copies. To the left of
the Tapestry, Latin verses proclaim how Coventry flourished through royal support, praising
the Edwards and Henrys before celebrating Elizabeth I's reign, under whom peace shone
brighter than under any previous British monarch. To the right, another inscription celebrates
Edward, Prince of Wales (the Black Prince), explaining not only his connection to the hall but
also the origins of Coventry's Latin motto 'Camera Principis' (The Prince's Chamber) that you
can see today above the entrance to the Council House. Interestingly, while the modern motto
refers to a 'chamber', the original inscription speaks of the 'hall of the prince' (principis aula),
commemorating how the Black Prince made this his seat. The verses go on to tell how he
increased citizens' liberties and adorned the city with his gifts, with his feathers depicted
throughout Coventry as a testament of great love.
The bilingual nature of the inscriptions ensured their message reached all citizens. While the
verses shared the same general themes, they weren't simple translations of each other. The
English versions included additional details absent from the Latin text, such as references to
Queen Isabella and the Black Prince's motto. Both versions praised their subjects for specific
virtues: wisdom in governance, military prowess, and generous patronage. The English text,
for instance, described the Black Prince as "A President of Knyhthood rare, as well for warre
as peace".[3]

These remarkable texts left such an impression that several historical figures took the time to
document them. Humfrey Wanley (1672-1726), antiquarian and archivist who began his
career as a draper's apprentice in Coventry before moving to Oxford, made detailed notes
about the inscriptions. He carefully recorded that names and titles in the English verses were
painted in red, and noted how near Elizabeth I's inscription, the city's symbols of authority –
the sword, mace, and cap of maintenance – were displayed.[4] His personal opinions
occasionally shine through – he dismissively referred to the "ridiculous Legend of the Lady
Godeva's riding Naked through this City."[5] Little did he know that centuries later, Lady
Godiva would remain a central symbol of Coventry's identity, featured on the City Council's
logo and celebrated in numerous civic festivities.

The complete text of these historical inscriptions has been preserved through various sources.
The Latin verses can be found in William Stukeley's Itinerarium Curiosum[6], while both
Latin and English versions were documented in William Reader's The History and Antiquities
of the City of Coventry[7]. A comprehensive guide published in 1826 includes both versions
alongside a 'literal' translation of the Latin text.[8]
Time hasn't been entirely kind to these historical treasures. By 1826, the original oak panels
had deteriorated so badly they had to be removed.[9] An artist named William Finley
recreated the inscriptions as wall paintings, which remained for about 60 years until they too
were largely removed in the 1880s.[10] In the late 1930s, the story took an interesting turn
when tapestry panels were created to cover and preserve two remaining wall paintings. These
tapestries, made by Morris Art Weavers, attempted to reproduce the characteristics of the old
paintings as closely as possible.[11] The subsequent history of restoration work in the 20th
century remains somewhat unclear in historical records. What we do know is that fine art
restorers Alison and Graham Burton worked on the remaining Latin inscriptions after the
removal of the tapestry panels [12]. The most recent restoration was carried out between 2020
and 2022.
The Great Hall's Latin inscriptions remind us how medieval and Tudor cities used art and
language to express their civic identity and relationships with power. While most of the
original verses are now lost, their survival in historical records allows us to imagine the Great
Hall in its full glory, when Latin and English words worked together to tell Coventry's story.

If you’re fascinated by history and eager to delve into the rich heritage of St Mary’s Guildhall and Coventry, why not plan a visit? Step inside and uncover the intriguing stories and vibrant history that this iconic building holds. From its medieval origins to its role in the city’s cultural tapestry, St Mary’s Guildhall offers a captivating journey through time. Don’t miss the chance to explore this historic gem and immerse yourself in Coventry’s fascinating past.

Sources
A Guide to St. Mary's Hall, Coventry; with a description of its various antiquities, and recent
improvements, etc. (Coventry: J. Turner, 1826).
Coventry Herald, 15 July 1939.
Copy of notes from the Duke of Portland's manuscripts, Coventry Archives, JN 725.1.
Holl, Raymond G., The History of St Mary's Hall, Coventry (Coventry: Coventry City
Council, 1989).
Lancaster, Joan C., St Mary's Hall, Coventry: A Guide to the Building, its History and
Contents, 2nd edn (Coventry: City of Coventry, 1981).
Moul, Victoria, A Literary History of Latin & English Poetry: Bilingual Verse Culture in
Early Modern England (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2022).
Reader, William, The History and Antiquities of the City of Coventry: From the Earliest
Authentic Period to the Present Time: Comprehending, a Description of the Antiquities,
Public Buildings, Remarkable Occurrences, Etc. (Coventry: 1810).
Stukeley, William, Itinerarium Curiosum; Or, An Account of the Antiquities, and Remarkable
Curiosities in Nature Or Art, Observed in Travels Through Great Britain, I (London: 1776).
Footnotes
[1] Lancaster, St Mary's Hall, Coventry: A Guide to the Building, its History and Contents,
2nd edn (Coventry: City of Coventry, 1981), p. 8.
[2] Moul, Victoria, A Literary History of Latin & English Poetry: Bilingual Verse Culture in
Early Modern England (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2022), p. 1.
[3] A Guide to St. Mary's Hall, Coventry (Coventry: J. Turner, 1826), p. 37.
[4] Copy of notes from the Duke of Portland's manuscripts, Coventry Archives, JN 725.1, p.
2, 5.
[5] Copy of notes from the Duke of Portland's manuscripts, p. 8.
[6] Stukeley, William, Itinerarium Curiosum (London: 1776).
[7] Reader, William, The History and Antiquities of the City of Coventry (Coventry: 1810).
[8] A Guide to St. Mary's Hall, Coventry, pp. 35-38.
[9] Lancaster, St Mary's Hall, p. 10.
[10] Lancaster, St Mary's Hall, p. 11.
[11] Coventry Herald, 15 July 1939.
[12] Holl, The History of St Mary's Hall, p. 36

Interested in blogging? If you're someone who loves local history and has great attention to detail, then this volunteering opportunity as a remote historical blogger is ideal for you. You'll have the chance to develop your writing skills and enable us to share the beauty of the Guildhall with the public online.