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    © Imperial War Museums 2026

    Memorial

    Coventry Cathedral Ruins WW2

    Coventry Cathedral - Roof Less Remains and Cross - WW2 (1)

    Source: Copyright David Austin

    1/5

    Current Location

    Coventry Cathedral, 1 Hill Top, Coventry, Coventry, West Midlands, CV1 5AB, England

    OS Grid Reference

    SP 33600 79000

    Denomination

    Church of England

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    Names listed on this memorial

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    © WMR-17718

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    Type of Memorial
    Other structure
    WMR Reference Number
    17718
    Description
    Roofless ruins of the bomb damaged Cathedral located directly next to the current Cathedral. Fallen roof timbers have been formed into the shape of a cross and mounted on top of an altar made of rubble. Inscription in gold lettering on sanctuary wall behind altar.
    Inscription
    Sanctuary Wall: FATHER FORGIVE
    War
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    War
    Second World War - civilians
    Maker(s)
    • Sir Basil Erwin Spence RA, Architect

    Maintenance History
    1964: Replica made and erected of the original altar cross which had been made of roof beams and mounted on the altar. The original cross is stored in St Michaels Hall.

    Ceremonies

    Foundation Stone

    23rd March 1956

    HM QUEEN ELIZABETH II

    Consecrated

    25th May 1962

    Bishop of Coventry

    Components

    Other structure

    Made from: Stone - Hollington


    Condition: Good


    Cross

    Made from: Wood


    Condition: Unknown


    Altar

    Made from: Brick


    Condition: Unknown


    • The Times 3rd Dec 1940, pg 7
    • Other website http://www.coventrycathedral.org.uk
    • http://www.ukniwm.org.uk/server/show/ConWebDoc.35