Medieval Ruins and Remnants of the Old Cathedral, Coventry

Located between the modern buildings of Coventry and just behind the understated beauty of Trinity House and Lychgate Cottages lies one of the most atmospheric remnants of the city's medieval past. These scattered ruins, partial arches, and red sandstone walls are all that remain of the original cathedral complex, a structure with roots deep in the early 13th century.

At the heart of the site is what survives of the North West Tower, constructed in the early 1200s. While most of the cathedral’s structure is lost, this tower remains the only room to have survived in its original form. Interpretive signage explains how the chapel that once adjoined it was accessed via a pointed arch from the north aisle. Visitors can still see the vertical shafts at the base of this arch and the spiral staircase that once climbed the interior wall. The modern floor has been laid deliberately to reveal the original chamfered plinth, angled stonework that formed the base of the wall.

Old Cathedral Remains, Coventry

Nearby stands the South West Tower, of which only the west wall and part of a spiral staircase remain. Excavations in 1999 revealed the 13th-century footprint of this area, and a small chamber at the base may once have served as a private chapel. A single pointed Gothic arch from the south chapel has been preserved in the paving stones, an architectural ghost that still evokes the ecclesiastical grandeur of the past.

The West Front is arguably the best-preserved part of the old cathedral. Built during the early 13th century, it once housed a magnificent entrance and a large stained-glass window above. The space would have led down into the cathedral nave via a dramatic arc of steps. The rediscovery of this wall segment in 1856, when the adjacent Blue Coat School was being rebuilt, was a turning point in our understanding of Coventry’s medieval landscape.

Old Cathedral Remains, Coventry

Overlaying this archaeology is the 19th-century Trinity House, a grand structure built in Gothic Revival style. Its arched doorways and gables are festooned with whimsical and curious stone carvings. Look closely, and you'll spot a crouching man peering over an arch or multiple stone heads that seem to watch you as you move. Above the main entrance, a relief dated 1873 features heraldic symbols, further blending medieval inspiration with Victorian embellishment.

The Lychgate Cottages, with their half-timbered facade, overlook the ruins and add to the layered historical character of the site. Though they appear much older, these cottages were rebuilt in the 20th century in traditional Tudor style and now form part of the setting that enhances the interpretive experience of the ruins.

In the green space behind these buildings, a sculpture of Our Lady of Coventry quietly rests within a garden-like patch. This modern statue references Coventry’s ecclesiastical identity, a subtle continuation of the spiritual presence that once filled this site. Surrounding the lawn are glass cases showcasing artefacts unearthed during the excavations, further reminding visitors that this peaceful zone was once filled with prayer, processions, and cathedral life.

What makes this site particularly remarkable is the interplay of past and present. A modern walkway allows visitors to traverse the site without disturbing the ruins, while giving aerial views of excavated walls and floorplans. Yet from almost any angle, you are always in dialogue with Coventry’s medieval and Victorian chapters, blended through stone, sculpture, and subtle storytelling.

Happy travelling.