Coventry Old Cathedral

The Ruins

A reminder of the folly and waste of war

On the night of 14th November 1940, the city of Coventry was devastated by bombs dropped by the Luftwaffe. Hit directly by several incendiary bombs, the Cathedral burned with the city. The Ruins are the remains of a medieval parish church, consecrated to be the Cathedral of the new Diocese of Coventry just 22 years earlier, in 1918.

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.

Yet, rather than sweeping away the ruins or rebuilding a replica of the former church, it was decided to preserve the remains of the old Cathedral as a moving reminder of the folly and waste of war. 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 led to the cathedral’s Ministry of Peace and Reconciliation, which has provided spiritual and practical support, in areas of conflict throughout the world.Read more