Oh my, I am surprised that I've never heard about this before. This should be up there on a "must visit" list with the other great European cathedrals, age notwithstanding, Notre Dame, Cologne, Sagrada Familia. Beautiful photographs, thank you for bringing it to my attention.
I was born in Coventry, a few years before the cathedral was consecrated, and grew up there. Into my teens I went there often and so, although I have not visited for quite some time (I no longer have any family connections in the city) I still feel I know it, and the work of the other the artists (too many to mention here) who were involved in the project, very well. I still think it is one of the greatest post-war buildings in this country, not least because of its fusion of architecture and a whole range of other art forms. It is sadly hard to imagine anything of similar scope ever being built now. Seeing it again now makes me want to go back! A small cavil though. About 500 tons of high explosives are estimated to have been dropped that night in November, about 200 bombs. But for an Anderson shelter in the back garden, one of them might have carried off my grandmother, in which case, no me! (She got away with just some shrapnel in her hip.). But there were an estimated 36,000 (!) incendiaries, and they were what did for the roof of St Michael’s, leaving only the walls and spire standing, not to mention most of the rest of the medieval city. But what we have now is sublime, so thank you for reminding us!
Thanks for this Andrew. I'm a Coventry lad and spent more than a few occasions at the cathedral when I was younger. I moved down to Dorset when I was 19 and even now think that I just didn't appreciate how beautiful a building and space it is.
Thanks for your lovely photos. They've bought back some great memories of my youth.
I am not a Christian, either, but I enter their magnificent edifices whenever I can for the sheer beauty. I will never get to see this beautiful place, so I thank you for the magnificent photos. They give a perfect feel of the size, scale and silence.
Wow - what an incredible building...and beautiful photographs Andrew. I am up that way usually once a year and now I think I'll need to take a detour to visit!
Oh! And Coventry Cathedral remains for me a beacon of profound hope.
It still is!
Breathtaking establishment. Plus that welcome message? *chef kiss* thank you for sharing!
It’s a wonderful welcome message. Glad it resonated.
Oh my, I am surprised that I've never heard about this before. This should be up there on a "must visit" list with the other great European cathedrals, age notwithstanding, Notre Dame, Cologne, Sagrada Familia. Beautiful photographs, thank you for bringing it to my attention.
Glad it resonated with you, John. It’s a wonderful cathedral.
The message they wrote as an invitation is absolutely beautiful! Thanks for sharing!
It is beautiful - glad you liked it.
Definitely a place to visit - and I love the message of welcome! Thank you for the story and images Andrew.
Thank you for reading, James
Wow, what a building. I don't think I've seen this much indoor space in architecture over here. Fantastic photos Andrew, congratulations!
Thank you, Xavi. It’s a lovely space.
Love the story and the pictures.
Thanks for reading, Deborah
I am in awe at your photos your observations and the Carthedral. Thank you for bringing this special place into my life today.
Thank you very much, Peter. I’m glad you enjoyed the post.
Love these shots. Really well done.
Thank you!
I was born in Coventry, a few years before the cathedral was consecrated, and grew up there. Into my teens I went there often and so, although I have not visited for quite some time (I no longer have any family connections in the city) I still feel I know it, and the work of the other the artists (too many to mention here) who were involved in the project, very well. I still think it is one of the greatest post-war buildings in this country, not least because of its fusion of architecture and a whole range of other art forms. It is sadly hard to imagine anything of similar scope ever being built now. Seeing it again now makes me want to go back! A small cavil though. About 500 tons of high explosives are estimated to have been dropped that night in November, about 200 bombs. But for an Anderson shelter in the back garden, one of them might have carried off my grandmother, in which case, no me! (She got away with just some shrapnel in her hip.). But there were an estimated 36,000 (!) incendiaries, and they were what did for the roof of St Michael’s, leaving only the walls and spire standing, not to mention most of the rest of the medieval city. But what we have now is sublime, so thank you for reminding us!
Thank goodness for the Anderson shelter! Yes, it’s certainly one of the best post-war buildings in this country, if not one of the best of all time.
Wow. I'm visiting The Cotswolds this summer, so I think this is worth the 1-hour drive up north.
Yes, I hope you get a chance to go? Where are you visiting in the Cotswolds?
We stay in Stow-on-the-Wolds and from there scouting the area.
Very nice place to stay. It’s a nice drive along the Fosse Way to Coventry.
Terrific post! Thank you, Andrew. Super photographs. I love the welcome message.....
Thank you, Søren. It’s a brilliant welcome message. So well written.
Thanks for this Andrew. I'm a Coventry lad and spent more than a few occasions at the cathedral when I was younger. I moved down to Dorset when I was 19 and even now think that I just didn't appreciate how beautiful a building and space it is.
Thanks for your lovely photos. They've bought back some great memories of my youth.
I’m glad it brought back some good memories. It’s a wonderful building.
Just wow! What an impressive building! I would love to visit. For now I will admire your photos and visit the link you provided. Thank you!
Thank you, Susanne. It’s an amazing building. I hope you get a chance to visit some day.
I am not a Christian, either, but I enter their magnificent edifices whenever I can for the sheer beauty. I will never get to see this beautiful place, so I thank you for the magnificent photos. They give a perfect feel of the size, scale and silence.
Thank you very much, Sharron. It’s a wonderful space.
Wow - what an incredible building...and beautiful photographs Andrew. I am up that way usually once a year and now I think I'll need to take a detour to visit!
Thank you, Lin. It’s definitely worth a detour!