Footsteps of WWII · Britain
Coventry Cathedral ruins
Ruins · 14–15 Nov 1940
The story
On the night of 14–15 November 1940 the Luftwaffe attacked Coventry, a centre of aircraft and engineering factories, in one of the heaviest raids of the Blitz. The medieval cathedral of St Michael burned; only the tower, spire, outer walls and one tomb survived. Provost Richard Howard had 'Father Forgive' inscribed behind the ruined altar, stonemason Jock Forbes bound two charred roof beams into a cross, and a cross was made from three medieval nails. Rather than rebuild, the city kept the ruins and Basil Spence built a new cathedral beside them, consecrated on 25 May 1962. The cathedral became a worldwide centre for reconciliation, linked with Dresden among others.
What to look for
Walk through the roofless shell to the altar with the Charred Cross (a 1964 replica; the original is inside) and the 'Father Forgive' words. Look for Josefina de Vasconcellos's 'Reconciliation' statue, then climb the 87-metre spire tower if open, and enter the new cathedral through its glass screen.
Plan your visit
Cathedral and ruins usually open Monday–Saturday 10:00–16:00, Sunday 12:00–15:30, subject to services. Entry is free with donations welcome; the tower climb is charged. Check the website before you go.
Things change, so check opening times before you travel.
Nearby sites
- Bletchley Park · 69 km
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Footsteps of WWII: Europe 1939–1945
A free field guide for your phone: the route, the maps and the stories built in, even with no signal. The whole Second World War in Europe, from the first shots at Westerplatte on 1 September 1939 to the German surrender in May 1945: Dunkirk, the Battle of Britain, Normandy, Arnhem, Bastogne, Stalingrad, Berlin and the camps, in 15 areas from Britain to Russia.
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