The Ruins and Resilience of Coventry’s Medieval Cathedral

When I think of Coventry, two symbols instantly come to mind: the legendary Lady Godiva and the awe-inspiring Coventry Cathedral. A visit to this iconic Cathedral is essential to truly grasp the city’s layered history. But here's the surprise: Coventry isn’t home to just one Cathedral. In fact, it boasts three, each representing a distinct era. The earliest dates back to the 11th century, the second rose during the late 14th and early 15th centuries, and the third was built in the 20th century. Rather than delving into all three at once, I’ve decided to dedicate individual articles to each, exploring their unique stories and associated structures. In my previous post, I wrote about the oldest Cathedral, which you can check out here. Today, let’s dive into the history of the second Cathedral, built during the late medieval period.

St Michael's Cathedral is a Gothic marvel, constructed between the late 14th and early 15th centuries, using Coventry’s characteristic red sandstone. Initially, it was one of the largest Parish churches in England, and in 1918, it was elevated to Cathedral status with the creation of the Diocese of Coventry. Tragically, it now stands as a hauntingly beautiful ruin, having been almost completely destroyed during the Coventry Blitz of World War II. On the night of 14th November 1940, German Luftwaffe bombers reduced the Cathedral to a skeletal shell, leaving behind only the tower, spire, outer walls, and the bronze effigy of the Cathedral’s first bishop, Huyshe Yeatman-Biggs.

Yet, even in its ruin, St Michael’s Cathedral remains sacred ground. After the bombing, Provost Richard Howard had the words "Father Forgive" inscribed on the wall behind the altar, a poignant reminder of the tragedy and a powerful symbol of reconciliation. The spire, standing tall at 284 feet (87 meters) up to the base of the weathervane, is now the tallest structure in Coventry and the third tallest Cathedral spire in England, only surpassed by Salisbury and Norwich Cathedrals.

The remnants of this Cathedral hint at its former grandeur. Tall, ornate arched windows with intricate stonework and pointed arches exemplify the Gothic architectural style. The large windows, with detailed tracery and towering facades, once showcased the medieval craftsmanship. Niches on the outer walls contain figures of saints, while the dark wooden door is adorned with intricate floral and geometric carvings. Sculpted faces, possibly grotesques, flank the arched doorway, adding a unique, eerie touch. The reddish-brown sandstone contrasts beautifully with the dark wood, highlighting the Cathedral’s ancient elegance. Despite its roofless state, the Cathedral’s pointed arches, ribbed vaulting, and decorative stonework evoke the splendor of its 15th-century reconstruction, offering visitors a glimpse into its rich architectural past.

What’s left today is a moving tribute to resilience. The West Tower and its spire still dominate the skyline, while two medieval roof timbers, charred during the bombing, have fallen in the shape of a cross and now rest on an altar. Visitors can walk among the ancient walls and admire the burnt cross made from the remnants of that fateful night. 

Among the artistic treasures within the ruins is Jacob Epstein's striking sculpture of Christ, Ecce Homo, in chains before the Roman Official Pontius Pilate, which was controversial when it was unveiled in 1934. Initially mocked and rejected by the public and media alike, it’s now seen as a visionary piece, ahead of its time, drawing on ancient South American influences. In 1934, Epstein struggled to carve a large block of marble for his sculpture Ecce Homo, frequently breaking his tools and requiring a new set. The work depicted a Christ figure with a large head, symbolizing humanity's suffering and pity for the world. Unfinished when first shown at Leicester Galleries in 1935, it faced heavy criticism, including accusations of blasphemy. Despite a positive review from Anthony Blunt (a leading British Art historian), Epstein never sold it. In 1958, Selby Abbey requested the piece, but local opposition blocked the donation. Finally, in 1969, Epstein’s widow donated Ecce Homo to Coventry Cathedral.

In 1994, the cathedral received a copy of Reconciliation, a statue by Josefina de Vasconcellos originally titled Reunion and created in 1977 for the University of Bradford's Peace Studies department. After being repaired and renamed, a bronze cast of the statue was gifted to the Cathedral in 1995 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II. Other copies of the statue are located at Hiroshima Peace Park in Japan, the Stormont Estate in Northern Ireland, and the Chapel of Reconciliation in Berlin. This statue adorns the Cathedral ruins today.

Huyshe Wolcott Yeatman-Biggs (1845–1922) was a prominent Church of England clergyman. He served as the only suffragan Bishop of Southwark in the Diocese of Rochester, the 105th Bishop of Worcester, and the first bishop of the restored Diocese of Coventry. In 1918, he took on the task of reviving the Coventry diocese. After his death, a bronze effigy of him by Hamo Thornycroft was created, and it was the only artifact to survive the 1940 bombing of Coventry Cathedral.

The Statue of Christ was created by 18-year-old Alain John, who later became an RAF navigator. After his death at age 23 in 1943, the statue was recast for Coventry as a memorial to those who lost their lives in the war. Depicting Christ blessing the multitude, the statue remains one of the surviving artworks in the Cathedral ruins.

A few tablets still remain on the walls of the cathedral ruins, including one dedicated by comrades after World War I and others commemorating citizens from the 1800s. Several tombs located outside the Cathedral compound date mostly to the 1700s.

The ruins of St Michael’s Cathedral stand as a powerful reminder of both destruction and renewal. Once a medieval Parish church consecrated as a Cathedral in 1918, it now invites us to reflect on history, resilience, and the enduring spirit of Coventry.

Happy travelling.