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Cathedral construction site JLP01_01_025_59
Filename: jlp01_01_025_59.jpg
Size: 8160 x 6032 (5.9MB)
Date: 15th October 2021
Source: Historic England
Credit: A© Historic England Archive. Joh
Copyright Status: Copyrighted Work
Source: Historic England Archive
Owner URL: https://images.historicenglandservices.org.uk/
© Historic England Archive. John Laing Photographic Collection
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Historic England
Cathedral construction site JLP01_01_025_59
COVENTRY CATHEDRAL, PRIORY STREET, COVENTRY. A view looking south across the construction site of Coventry Cathedral, showing the ruined Cathedral Church of St Michael in the background.
The photograph shows the construction of the new Coventry Cathedral, designed by Basil Spence in 1951 and constructed between the mid-1950s and 1962. It replaced the ruined Cathedral Church of St Michael which had been badly damaged by bombing in 1941.
The caption below the photograph in the album reads " Looking south across the New Cathedral Site showing in the foreground the circular excavation for the pile cap to the Guild Chapel and the Boiler House Area Pile Cap under construction. In the middle ground can be seen the Piling Rigs in operation and the old Georgian House. The background shows the three Spires of Coventry these are namely, the Spire of the Cathedral Church of St Michael, with the Spire of Christs Church just to the right, and the Spire of Trinity Church in the extreme right hand."
Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places
Media ID 23904795
© Historic England Archive. John Laing Photographic Collection
1950s Building Site Cathedral Construction
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph captures the historic moment of Coventry Cathedral's construction, a symbol of resilience rising from the ashes. In the foreground, we see a circular excavation for the pile cap to the Guild Chapel and the Boiler House Area Pile Cap under construction. The meticulous planning and attention to detail are evident in every aspect of this project. The middle ground showcases piling rigs in operation, showcasing the sheer magnitude of this undertaking. Amidst it all stands an old Georgian house, seemingly untouched by time as it watches over this monumental transformation. In the background, three majestic spires dominate the skyline. The tallest among them belongs to St Michael's Cathedral Church, its presence a reminder of both destruction and hope. To its right stands Christ's Church with its elegant spire reaching towards heaven. Lastly, Trinity Church completes this trio on the extreme right-hand side. Designed by Basil Spence in 1951 and constructed between the mid-1950s and 1962, Coventry Cathedral replaced its predecessor that had been ravaged by bombing during World War II in 1941. This print is not just a snapshot frozen in time but also serves as a testament to human resilience and determination to rebuild even amidst devastation. As we gaze upon this image captured by A© Historic England Archive, let us reflect on how architecture can transcend mere bricks and mortar; it can embody history itself while inspiring future generations with its indomitable spirit.
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