ST MICHAEL`S CATHEDRAL. (Coventry part 2 ).

The new St Michael`s Cathedral, built next to the remains of the old, was designed by Basil Spence and Arup, built by John Laing and is a grade I listed building. The selection of Spence for the work was a result of a competition held in 1950 to find an architect for the new Coventry Cathedral, his design was chosen from over two hundred submitted. Spence (later knighted for this work ) insisted that instead of rebuilding the old cathedral it should be kept in ruins as a garden of  remembrance and that the new cathedral should be built alongside, the two buildings together effectively forming one church. The foundation stone of the new cathedral was laid by the Queen on 23 March 1956. It was consecrated on 25th May 1962.

 

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On the front of the new St Michael`s Cathedral is a sculpture depicting St Michael`s victory over the devil, sculptured by Sir Jacob Epstein.

 

 

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HOLY TRINITY CHURCH.

 



Holy Trinity Church, Coventry is a Parish Church in the Church of England located in Coventry City Centre, West Midlands, England. The church dates from the 12th century. It is 59 metres (194 feet ) long, and has a spire 72 metres (237 feet ) high. The church was restored in 1965 - 1968, and the tower was recased in 1826 by Thomas Rickman. The east end was rebuilt in 1786 and the west front by Richard Charles Hussey in 1843. The inside of the church was restored by George Gilbert Scott in 1854.

 

 

 

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COVENTRY CROSS.

 

 

This is the modern version of the Coventry Cross standing between Cuckoo Lane and Holy Trinity Church. It was first proposed to build a replica in 1930, but with so many unforeseen circumstances it finally was erected in the 1960`s.

 

 

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22 BAYLEY LANE.

 

 

 

No 22 the Cottage built about 1500 is the only remaining example of numerous medieval timber framed houses which stood in this area. Notable for it`s original carved and traceried woodwork. Chimney`s were added in the 17th century and the shop window is early 19th century.

 

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GOLDEN CROSS PUB, COVENTRY.

 

 

First mentioned as an Inn in 1661, the Golden Cross is dated to 1583. The structure of the building is typical Tudor style with three vaulted or jettied upper floors. Today, the Golden Cross stands much modified. In February 1955, the Golden Cross was listed as a grade II listed building of special interest. Over the years the Golden Cross was an important meeting place for city companies. The poet Philip Larkin was a regular visitor. Since the 1970`s, the club room has been associated with live music. This pub stands in the medieval heart of the city close to several other ancient buildings. Unfortunately I did not go in for a pint.

 

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St MARY`S HALL.

 

 

St Mary`s Hall is a guildhall, which served as the combined headquarters of the United Guilds of the Holy Trinity, St Mary, St John the Baptist and St Katherine. After the suppression of guilds in 1547, it served as the city`s armoury and (until 1822 ) it`s treasury as well as headquarters for administration for the city council until a new council house   was opened in 1920. Today the building which has a vaulted undercroft is currently a restaurant.





 

 

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COVENTRY BOY.

 

 

The plaque at the bottom of this statue reads :-- This boy has no name but represents all boys of all time who are proud to belong here reaching out as always from rough spun to close weave for family and for city.

 

 

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