HISTORY OF COVENTRY. 295

east end of the city); but in 1849, a race course was formed at the west end of the city, between Radford village and Allesley road, and opened in March, in which month the races were held annually, until they were discontinued, some years ago, but it is in con· templation to revive them.

THE GREAT SHOW FAIR• . This fair, according to the charter granted by Henry ill., in 1218, takes place on the Friday in Trinity week, and con­ tinues for eight days, on the first of which the commemoration of Lady Godiva's procession is occasionally revived, by a representative obtained for that purpose. This procession originated from Leofric having granted to the inhabitants of Coventry a charter of "freedom from servitude, evil customs, and exactions," through his countess, Godiva, having com­ plied with his request to ride through the city naked, on horseback. More particulars of this event will be found recorded on page 251. Until the year 1823, the fair was held in the principal streets, when it was removed to the Grey Friars'-green, and held until 1858, when it was again removed to the Pool Meadow, where it is now annually held.

ENFRANCHISEMENT OF THE CITY. The city first received the elective franchise in the reign of Edward I., but there were partial intermissions until the 31st of Henry VI., since which time it has regularly returned two members to Par­ liament. The right of election is vested in the freemen not receiving alms, which freedom is obtained by seven years' servitude to one and the same trade within the city, together with all householders coming under the previsions of the Act of 1868.

THE LAMMAS AND MICHAELMAS LANDS. Among the privileges formerly enjoyed by the freemen was that of depasturing cattle upon the "Lammas Lands," which are of great antiquity; and there can be no doubt that at the time of their bestowal they were of great benefit to the inhabitants. The Lam­ mas and Michaelmas Lands occupied about 2000 acres; the