Coventry Cathedral

Coventry has had three Cathedrals in the past 1,000 years: the 12th century Priory Church of St Mary, the medieval Parish Church Cathedral of St Michael and the modern Coventry Cathedral, also named for St Michael. Coventry’s fortunes and story are closely associated to the story of its Cathedrals - a story of death and rebirth.

Coventry’s earliest cathedral, dedicated to St Mary, was founded as a Benedictine community by Leofric, Earl of Mercia, and his wife Godiva in 1043. Built on the site of a former religious house for nuns, its sheer size is some indication of the wealth which Coventry acquired in the middle ages. 

In 1539, with the dissolution of the monasteries, the See of Coventry and Lichfield was transferred to Lichfield and the former cathedral fell into decay. Only in 1918 was the modern diocese of Coventry created in its own right, and the church of St Michael designated as its cathedral. 

On the night of 14 November 1940, the city of Coventry was devastated by bombs dropped by the Luftwaffe. The Cathedral burned with the city, having been hit by several incendiary devices. 

The decision to rebuild the cathedral was taken the morning after its destruction. Rebuilding would not be an act of defiance, but rather a sign of faith, trust and hope for the future of the world. It was the vision of the Provost at the time, Richard Howard, which led the people of Coventry away from feelings of bitterness and hatred. This has led to the cathedral’s Ministry of Peace and Reconciliation, which has provided spiritual and practical support, in areas of conflict throughout the world. 

Shortly after the destruction, the cathedral stonemason, Jock Forbes, noticed that two of the charred medieval roof timbers had fallen in the shape of a cross. He set them up in the ruins where they were later placed on an altar of rubble with the moving words ‘Father Forgive’ inscribed on the Sanctuary wall. Another cross was fashioned from three medieval nails by local priest, the Revd Arthur Wales. The Cross of Nails has become the symbol of Coventry’s ministry of reconciliation. 

Her Majesty the Queen laid the foundation stone on 23 March 1956 and the building was consecrated on 25 May 1962, in her presence. The ruins remain hallowed ground and together the two create one living Cathedral.

Also enjoy the wonderful Peregrine Falcons soaring above Unity Green.

THE CRYPTS

Three medieval crypts at Coventry Cathedral are to be restored and opened to the public.

One of the crypts, currently filled with rubble from the Blitz, is thought to contain at least three tombs and human remains dating back to Tudor times.

The other two are waterlogged and will be dried out. The Chapel of Unity and the Wyley Chapel, although water-damaged over the past 10 years, are accessible to restorers. The archaeology project will be visible to visitors as the restoration takes place.

OPENING HOURS

We are open daily to the visiting public, all year round. 

Our Visitor Centre is closed on Sunday mornings, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Christmas Day.

NEW CATHEDRAL
Monday to Saturday - 10.00am to 5.00pm 
(Tickets for visitors are sold until 4.00pm. Everyone is welcome to come to the 5.15pm (4.00pm on Saturday) service of Evening Prayer or Choral Evensong, for which no charge is made.)
Sundays - 12 noon to 4.00pm
(Tickets for visitors are sold until 3.00pm. Everyone is welcome to come to the 4.00pm service of Choral Evensong, for which no charge is made.)

CATHEDRAL RUINS
Open daily - 9.00am to 5.00 pm

Please check the times of services on the Worship pages. You are welcome to join us for any services which take place during your visit.

PLANNING YOUR VISIT

We are a busy church and sometimes services and events mean that we have to restrict access to the New Cathedral and/or the Ruins. To avoid disappointment, please check the day you wish to visit on the Monthly Diary page of this website or telephone +44 (0)24 7652 1210. 

Visitors are always welcome at Coventry Cathedral and we have a trained team of Welcomers, Guides and Chaplains to help you. Following in the steps of our Benedictine tradition, hospitality to visitors is an important part of our ministry.

ADMISSION FEES

Maintaining this historic site costs hundreds of thousands of pounds each year - yet we receive no funding from the state. In order to keep the Cathedral open we need therefore to charge visitors for admission to the New Cathedral. Charges apply during the above opening hours.

Standard Adult: £6.00
Concessions: £5.00
Children under 18 in family groups: free
Students from UK universities: free
Passport for Leisure Holders: free
(for those on state benefits)

The Cathedral Tower Climb and the Blitz Museum Experience cost an additional £2.50 each per adult (£1.25 for students, free for children under 18 and ‘Passport for Leisure‘ holders).