Coventry Cathedrals

Coventry Cathedrals, Coventry

Jake Davies

The new Coventry Cathedral of St. Michael, consecrated 1962. — The new Coventry Cathedral of St. Michael, consecrated in 1962

A few medieval buildings alongside the cathedral survived the Blitz of 1940. — A few medieval buildings alongside the cathedral survived the Blitz of 1940

Coventry has two cathedrals, both called St. Michael's, located adjacent to each other, the Old Cathedral and the New Cathedral.

History

What is known as the Old Cathedral was built in the late 14th and early 15th centuries and was one of the biggest parish churches in the country.

In 1918 it was made a cathedral. All that remains now are the exterior walls and the impressive spire. 245 feet tall, the third-highest spire in the country, visitors can climb the 180 steps and get fantastic views out across the city from about halfway up.

On the 14th November 1940 Coventry was firebombed by the German Luftwaffe in what is known as the Coventry Blitz, and the cathedral received multiple direct hits that reduced the structure to its current state.

The ruined Old Cathedral of Coventry with the spire of Holy Trinity Church behind it. — The ruined Old Cathedral of Coventry with the spire of Holy Trinity Church behind it

Architecture

After the war a competition was held for designs of a new cathedral. Won by Basil Spense, his idea was that the ruins should remain and be linked to a new structure. Both constructed out of the same type of sandstone, a huge canopy physically connects the two cathedral structures.

At the time Spence's design was controversial, but has stood the test of time and is now considered elegant and beautiful. As with traditional cathedrals, the building contains and is composed of numerous artworks.

The Great West Screen, through which you enter the cathedral, is a huge facade of clear glass stretching to the roof and panels are engraved with expressionistic designs of saints and angels by John Hutton.

At the opposite end, the wall behind the nave is completely covered by a huge tapestry. "Christ in Glory" by Graham Sutherland measures 23 by 12 meters and weighs over one tonne and was woven on a 500-year-old loom in France. It is claimed to be the largest tapestry made in a single piece in the world.

The interior of the cathedral is flooded by colored light supplied by stained glass windows, the most impressive being the Baptistry Window. Designed by John Piper and composed of 195 colorful glass panels, the abstract design literally blazes.

The huge rock front in front was caved out of a boulder brought from Bethlehem. A series of floor to ceiling narrow stained glass windows line the two sides of the cathedral and add to the ethereal ambiance.

There are several attached chapels that also feature stunning modern designs and art.

The interior is certainly awe-inspiring, especially when the massive pipe organ is being played. Lunchtime organ concerts are played most lunchtimes during the summer.

The 245 feet high spire of the Old Cathedral can be climbed via 180 steps. — The 245 feet high spire of the Old Cathedral can be climbed via 180 steps

Goods From Japan delivered to your home or business. — Goods From Japan delivered to your home or business

The vast interior of the New Cathedral in Coventry, designed by Basil Spence. — The vast interior of the New Cathedral in Coventry, designed by Basil Spence

Symbol of Reconciliation

The cathedral is ecumenical and promotes links to other religions.

After the bombing in 1940, some of the huge iron nails that were used in the roof construction were fashioned into a "Cross of Nails" copies of which were sent to various churches and sites in Germany as a symbol of reconciliation. The cathedral is very active in peace outreach worldwide and holds many events, exhibitions, and concerts.