Coventry

Old bombed cathedral	Old cathedral		Old and new cathedrals
New cathedral next to old	Once the largest tapestry in world behind altar	Altar of new cathedral	Close-up of the Great Tapestry
Baptistry Window		Monument behind cathedrals	Trinity Church behind the cathedrals
Lady Godiva depicted by Pre-Raphaelite artist John Collier, circa 1898 Herbert Art Gallery and Museum	Statue of Lady Godiva, in Cathedral Lanes	Picture taken from our 8th floor window of the Coventry Tree Hotel	Looking back toward town

The Great Tapestry

The tapestry is by Graham Sutherland and depicts Christ in Glory. The tapestry is 74 feet by 38 feet (23m x 12m) and it weighs over a ton. It was woven in France by Pinton Frères at Felletin. When first hung it was the largest tapestry in the world.

The great tapestry is hung behind the simple concrete high altar which was hand finished with a hammer. This 21 foot alter is flanked by six pottery candlesticks each thrown and fired by Hans Coper.

The Legend of Lady Godiva

Lady Godiva lived in the 11th Century and her charity and power is well documented. She was married to Leofric, the Earl of Mercia and Lord of Coventry and together they founded a number of religious buildings.

The story tells how Lady Godiva was upset with Leofric for crippling the development of Coventry with taxes. She persistently pleaded with her husband, who eventually said he would reduce the taxes if she rode naked on a horse across the town. Of course he never imagined she would complete the challenge.

Everyone showed their respect by staying indoors and with only her long hair to cover her, Lady Godiva rode through the deserted streets. Only one person looked - the character we now know as Peeping Tom - but as he gave in to the temptation he was struck blind.

Amazed by her compassionate deed, Leofric fulfilled his promise and reduced the taxes immediately.

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