The interior is notable for its huge tapestry (once thought to be the world's largest) of Christ, designed by Graham Sutherland, the emotive sculpture of the Mater Dolorosa by John Bridgeman in the East end, and the Baptistry window designed by John Piper (made by Patrick Reyntiens), of abstract design that occupies the full height of the bowed baptistery, which comprises 195 panes, ranging from white to deep colours. The stained glass windows in the Nave, by Lawrence Lee, Keith New and Geoffrey Clarke, face away from the congregation. Spence's concept for these Nave windows was that the opposite pairs would represent a pattern of growth from birth to old age, culminating in heavenly glory nearest the altar — one side representing the Human, the other side, the the Divine.
The New Cathedral
Transformation and hope as architecture
Regarded by some as a supreme example of 'Brutalist Architecture', Sir Basil Spence’s 1962 masterpiece embodies both the stark and the beautiful, to powerful effect.
“"A pattern of growth from birth to old age"”
Also worthy of note is the Great West Window known as the Screen of Saints and Angels, engraved directly onto the screen in expressionist style by John Hutton. A pane of the Hutton window, depicting The Angel with the Eternal Gospel, was smashed during a burglary in January 2020. (Although referred to as the West Window, this is the 'liturgical west' opposite the altar which is traditionally at the east end. In this cathedral the altar is actually at the north end.) The foundation stone, the ten stone panels inset into the walls of the cathedral called the Tablets of the Word, and the baptismal font were designed and carved by the émigré German letter carver Ralph Beyer. The lectern has a bookrest in the form of an eagle, by the sculptor Elisabeth Frink.She also designed the canopy for the Bishop's throne.
There is level access to the New Cathedral via St. Michael's Avenue, parts of which are cobbled.
There is access into the New Cathedral via double doors which are locked open, except during inclement weather conditions when they are manned by a member of staff. There is wheelchair access to the New Cathedral from the Ruins via a wide path from the Tower entrance which leads onto St. Michael's Avenue.
Assistance dogs are welcome.
The Ruins
The Ruins are the remains of a medieval parish church. Hit directly by several incendiary bombs, the Cathedral burned with the city on the 14th November 1940.
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Chapel of Unity
The principle of a Chapel of Unity binding the Church of England and the Free Churches together for Christian service in Coventry was born out of the sufferings of war and the ecumenical enthusiasm of the church leaders.
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Chapel of Christ in Gethsemane
This quiet, small chapel serves as a reminder of suffering and a place of prayer and contemplation, away from the focal point of the Cathedral.
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Chapel of Christ the Servant
Also known as the Chapel of Industry, because the surrounding buildings used all to be industrial
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Cathedral Organ
We have a whole page dedicated to our amazing organ including its history and how and when to hear it played.
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Tower Climb and Shop
Soaring over 100 metres high, this Gothic masterpiece survived the bombing and is now the third-tallest in England.
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Baptistery Window
The masterpiece created by John Piper is made of 198 brightly coloured glass panels and measures 26 metres high.
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Tapestry of Christ in Glory
Designed by Graham Sutherland, this impressive tapestry was woven by hand on a 500 year old loom and was at one point the largest continuously woven tapestry in the world.
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West Screen
The impressive large glass ‘west’ screen was designed and hand engraved by John Hutton over the course of 10 years, and features 66 figures depicting saints and angels.
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The Nave
As well as housing the stunning Baptistery window, the Nave features five pairs of 25 metre high windows which reflect man's journey through life.
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