Changing the Face of Coventry
Seventy years after the bombing, the ruins of the former Cathedral Church of St Michael, Coventry have begun to crack open and urgent help is needed to repair the fabric. The loss of the ruins is inconceivable, which led to their inclusion on the 2012 World Monuments Watch of the world’s most imperilled historic sites.
The atmospheric medieval ruins have become a spiritual beacon for the nation and an important landmark for the community. World Monuments Fund is now working in partnership with Coventry Cathedral to safeguard and reinvigorate this evocative place.
The project will protect the ruins, open the crypts beneath and display the faces in beautiful salvaged stained glass. Repairing, replanning and optimising the ancient fabric of the Cathedral Quarter will see that its character is restored and enhanced for a better future.
Repairing the Crack
Phase 1 Target: £16,057
The need for conservation has been highlighted recently by a large crack which has appeared in the south-west corner of the ruins. Since then the results of the Cathedral’s five-yearly investigation into the condition of the ruins has confirmed that urgent repairs are needed in several areas to prevent further deterioration of the structure.
The first phase of these vital repairs is focussed on the area affected by the crack and the vaulted west porch entrance adjacent to the tower. The cost of doing this is £97,383. A grant of £77,383 has been received towards this, along with a generous response from the public however there is still a shortfall of £16,057.
A Vision for the Future
Phase 1 Target: £40,000
To realise our vision, wide consultation needs to take place on how the ruins can be best conserved and how the space can be transformed. This will lead to a comprehensive Conservation Management Plan. This is essential if future phases of the project are to happen.
The project has received the generous early support of an anonymous donor towards leaving an additional £40,000 to be raised.
Unveiling Hidden Treasures
Phase 1 Target: £32,500
Coventry Cathedral is home to an amazing collection of medieval glass dating from the 15th century. This rare collection is thought to be the work of the city’s renowned medieval glass artist John Thornton. It reveals the faces of Coventry’s medieval forebears and gives a stunning insight into the incredible skill used in the making of stained glass.
The collection has been hidden from view for generations. The dedication of Cathedral volunteer, Dr. Mike Stansbie, has ensured its preservation until now. We aim to bring this overlooked treasure into the light and share its secrets. To achieve this we need £37,500 of which a donation of £5,000 has already been received.
TOTAL PHASE 1 Target £88,557
The second phase of this scheme will focus on completing the programme of urgent repairs and revealing the hidden secrets of the crypt chapels beneath the ruins. Overall, we need £1million to complete these first two phases.
