This paper aims to provide a transferable methodology suitable for mapping the spatial development of medieval urban landscapes. Using the technique of ‘plan analysis’ the paper discusses some new evidence relating to the origins and development of Coventry, one of medieval England's more important provincial centres which rose to prominence during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. The case study provides an opportunity to show how the plan analysis technique works and how it is of benefit to urban historians, as well as archaeologists and geographers.