Coome Abbey, or the Abbey of Cumbe as it was known at the time, dates back to the 12th century and is now considered a Grade I listed building.
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1150
1150 - Abbey of Cumbe
Abbey of Cumbe
During the 12th century, the hotel was known as the Abbey of Cumbe, and was the largest and most influential monastery in Warwickshire.
1509 - Cloisters
Cloisters
This was the year the stone cloisters were constructed. These majestically crafted cloisters still stand proudly today.
1539 - King Henry VII
King Henry VII
The abbey remained in the hands of the monks up until the dissolution of the monasteries in 1539. From then, the land was appropriated by King Henry VIII.
1581 - John Harrington
John Harrington
Throughout the years, ownership of the abbey became very fickle. In 1581, John Harrington bought the abbey and incorporated much of the original structure into his home.
1603 - Princess Elizabeth
Princess Elizabeth
In this year, Princess Elizabeth, daughter of James I, came to the abbey to live and be educated amongst the picturesque Warwickshire countryside.
1605 - Gunpowder Plot
Gunpowder Plot
Gunpowder, treason and plot. In 1605, the infamous Guy Fawkes planned to kidnap Princess Elizabeth from Coombe Abbey, and put her on her father’s throne following his assassination. Thankfully, Fawkes’ plan was foiled.
1622 - The Craven Family
The Craven Family
This was the year the Craven family acquired Coombe Abbey, and it remained with them for an impressive 300 years. During the Craven ownership, the abbey was extensively developed, with various buildings added, such as the west wing in 1677.
1771 - Capability Brown
Capability Brown
During the Craven family reign, Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown was asked to redesign the surrounding gardens and land. By damming Smite Brook, he created the main lake and top pool. His brilliant work can still be admired today.
1849 - Gothic Revival
Gothic Revival
William Eden Nesfield was asked to make alterations to the house, making sure he incorporated a Gothic Revival style. With this brief, the east wing and parts of the north wing were demolished and rebuilt.
1923 - John Gray
John Gray
Following the tragic death of Lord Craven in 1921, the Countess made the difficult decision to sell the estate. In 1923, the house and its grounds were bought by a builder named John Gray.
1966 - City Council
City Council
Coventry City Council took ownership of the abbey in 1964, along with its extensive estate of 150-acres. After a series of vital restorations, in 1966 the breathtaking 'regional park' was opened to the public.
1992 - No Ordinary Hotel
No Ordinary Hotel
In 1992, development took place to restore Coombe Abbey into 'No Ordinary Hotel', and on 17 February 1995, Coombe Abbey Hotel officially opened its doors for the first time.
Now - Better Than Ever
Better Than Ever
Coombe Abbey Hotel has been operation for well over 20 years and still receives rave reviews from guests that return time and time again. There is no better time than the present to experience first-hand just how extraordinary the Coombe really is!
