Coventry Cathedral with the third tallest spire in England
Also known as St. Michael’s Cathedral, Coventry Cathedral is located in Coventry, West Midland, England. Constructed in the late 14th and early 15th centuries, Coventry Cathedral began at St. Michael’s Church that was later elevated to Cathedral status in 1918. The very first bishop for this amazing cathedral was Hyshe Wolcott Yeatman-Biggs.
Unfortunately on November 14, 1940, the German Luftwaffe bombed the cathedral, remaining in its stead was a only spire, tower, outer wall, bronze effigy, and tomb to the first bishop.
Basil Spence was the architect for the new Coventry Cathedral and instructed that the ruins not be removed; but to honour the cathedral, the ruins were left with the new St. Michael’s Cathedral connecting to the old church.
Basil Spence was later knighted for his work on the cathedral. John Laing had the honour of building this grand structure and implemented Hollington sandstone to bring unity to the two structures.
March 23, 1056 marked the day that the Queen laid the very first stone for the foundation, and on May 25, 1962 the new Coventry Cathedral was consecrated with Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem as the premier composition.
On this day, John Dowling lowered the spire of the old church onto the roof by helicopter, marking the moment in history when the old and new became one.
The modern symbolism of the church brought on a lot of discussion when it first was built, but once opened all agreed that it was truly a symbol of reconciliation with post-war Britain.
Once inside the church’s architecture and design spoke for itself, complimented by a large tapestry of Christ by Graham Sutherlnd, the Mater Dolorosa by John Bridgeman, the Baptistry window by John Piper and comprised of 195 panes, and finally the stained glass window by Lawerence Lee, Geoffrey Clarke, and Keith New.
Some interesting facts regarding the Coventry Cathedral was that Provost Howard instructed the words “Father Forgive” to be inscribed behind the still standing alter after the bombing.
Also, the spire that survived the bombing is the tallest building in the city and the third tallest spire in England (90m / 295 ft). There are just two spires that are higher in England – those at Salisbury and Norwich cathedrals.
