Coventry Cathedral, Coventry

Coventry seems to specialize in the construction of ugly buildings.
The new cathedral is no exception. Viewed from the front as a minister you can see the stained glass windows along the sides and perhaps percieve some of the bulding’s majesty, but trying to worship there is like trying to worship in a cross between an air craft hanger and a concrete nuclear bunker. Probably the most awful (in the popular sense) cathedral in the UK.

Coventry Cathedral was burnt down in German air raids on 14/15th November 1940 and a new cathedral reconstructed beside the shell in the 1950s. It was consecrated by the Queen in 1962, a service I was fortunate enough to attend.

The new cathedral was designed by Basil Spence, and the Queen laid the foundation stone in March 1956. Graham Sutherland’s tapestry of Christ in Glory in the Tetramorph dominates the East End, while John Hutton’s screen of Saints and Angels allows the light from the fomer cathedral ruins into the Lady Chapel. John Piper’s Baptistry window is said to be 'probably the greatest piece of stained glass since the Reformation’. Epstein’s St Michael and the Devil guards the cathedral steps. Other contributors include Elizabeth Frink (for the lectern) and Ralph Beyer (for the stone lettering) and the whole is extraordinarily moving and beautiful.

The whole area inside what I grew up calling the old cathedral is evocative of peace and harmony and love for humanity. An ethos born of the fire and fury rained upon it one night in the second world war. Its always amazing to me that just a short stroll from the hubbub and mayhem of the precint shopping area, you can find this oasis of thought provoking tranquility.
This true enshrinement of Coventry, a phoenix that indeed rise from the ashes. Gaze on the cross of nails and ponder the feelings behind the words “Father Forgive”. Look upon the Richard Branson sponsered Statue of Reconciiation a copy of which resides in the peace garden in Hiroshima donated by the people of Coventry.
As you leave to complete your day think about the meaning of the CS Lewis words that the provost quoted in the first service after the bombing raid “And the angels of God hold their breath to see which way we choose to go”. The answer is found in the words scratched into the cathedral wall” Father Forgive”.

Coventry cathedral has a lot of history relating to it especially the war. The city has been recognised for this.
The cathedral although part ruined is absolutely great to look at. It survived from being completley destroyed from bombs during the war. Its roof although destroyed was the only real damage done. The walls and spire are still in great condition.
No wnext to this old cathedral rises a new one, not by any means taking the old one’s place but merley taking over its role. This houses the tapestry which is massive and also worth a visit.

Coventry cathedral is bursting with history. You can learn a lot about the blitz and the world war here. There is plenty to photograph and a lot of pictures to capture. The ruins invite you to look around. You can look at the remains of the old blown up cathedral or the new well old but second cathedral. This is a landmaerk for Coventry. You can enjoy a tour with very factual tour guides. They answer every and any questions you may have. They live for the cathedral. My favourite part is the stain glass windows. They are beautiful and you can see the hard work thats gone into them. It’s definately worth a visit to the cathedral. Although kids can get bored.

The cathdral in Coventry are a must see when visiting the city, they hold so much history and interesting facts.

There are often concerts and talks held in the new cathedral on interesting topics.

The old cathedral is very interesting and almost erie. the atmosphere is great.

The cathedral is absolutely beautiful and religious or not you should definitely visit if you’re in the area. The stain glass windows don’t look like much on the outside but if you go in to look, they are breath taking. The older side of the cathedral, which was bombed in WWII is still open to visit and is worth having a look at.

A historic place within the City! Great place to see some of the old Coventry. Regardless of being religious or not a nice piece of architecture and remnance of the war.