Pictures of Coventry

About Coventry

This town endured night after perilous night, of bombardment, during the traumatic days of the Second World War when it was almost raised to the ground and hardly a building left standing. Thus, very little remains of old Coventry and the Coventry we see today is a masterpiece of modernity and only ruins remain of Coventry's Cathedral, St. Michaels. The church was built during the 14th and 15th-centuries and was consecrated as a Cathedral in 1919. The ruins stand in stark contrast with the beautiful modern Cathedral, designed by Sir Basil Spence, which was completed and consecrated in 1962, after what Sir Basil described as ' Eleven years of toil, frustration, hope and ecstacy'. Amongst the Cathedral's finery is a magnificent alter tapestry of Christ in Glory, designed by Graham Sutherland. There are many wonderful aspects to this glorious church, it is well worth a visit.

There are fine examples of medieval building to be seen in the town. These have been taken from various parts of Coventry and reassembled in Spon Street. Other pre-war building that remain include the Tudor almshouses of Bond's Hospital and Ford's Hospital. The picturesque and historic 14th-century Guildhall has minstral galleries and tapestries that are well worth seeing. The Herbert Art Gallery and Whitefriars are of note and a 'must see' is Lady Godiva's Statue which stands in the centre of the town.

Coventry has been at the heart of industry for many decades and has a great industrial past. It is also a City of business and commerce which offers the visitor a wide cultural experience. There are restaurants, inns and public houses, cimema's and theatres, good sporting facilities and excellent shopping centres. The centre of Coventry is traffic free and has pleasant spacious parklands. It is indeed a City of note and well worth seeing.