Summer visit to St Mary’s Guildhall and Coventry Cathedrals
on Tuesday 4th June 2024
Welford and Weston Local History Society
(www.welfordandweston.org.uk)
Newsletter 92 – Feb 14th 2024
Dear members,
I am pleased to announce that bookings are now open for our summer visit this year, on Tuesday 4th June, to St Mary’s Guildhall and Coventry Cathedrals.
St Mary’s Guildhall has acted as the centre of power in England during the War of the Roses, housed the crown jewels, been the prison of Mary Queen of Scots and hosted famous literary figures, such as George Eliot. Visitors can also see the newly unveiled medieval kitchen, one of the best preserved in the country uncovered for the first time in 100 years. In the stunning Great Hall, the famous Coventry Tapestry still hangs in its original spot after 500 years. Follow the threads of the medieval wool trade, which made Coventry an important centre of commerce and power.
Coventry Cathedral: The original Cathedral of St Michael was built between the late 14th and 15th centuries and was destroyed in the 1940 blitz on Coventry. Our tour will take in the ancient ruins before moving to the iconic new Cathedral, designed by Basil Spence in the 1960s. The interior is notable for its huge tapestry 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.
This trip includes a tour around both of these historic venues and will start at 1 pm and finish at 4 pm.
We will break our tour in the middle of the afternoon for a cream tea, in the beautiful Undercroft of St Mary’s Guildhall.
Accessibility
Both venues are largely accessible for wheelchairs and mobility scooters and benefit from lifts and ramps, however, the spiral staircase at the Guildhall is not accessible. There is an accessible route from the Old Ruins at the Cathedral to the newer area. There are accessible toilets at both venues. For more information please read the extensive accessibility statements for both venues: Guildhall Coventry Cathedral
Parking and toilets
Please note that this is a self-drive event. City Centre parking is available nearby. There is also the option of park and ride (from the suburbs of Coventry). Further details will be available shortly. Both venues have toilets.
Price and how to book
The price for this trip will be £35.00 for members, and £40.00 for non-members. This includes entry to both venues and a guided tour of each venue as well as a delicious cream tea.
There are 40 places available on this trip. Please book early to avoid disappointment.
If you would like to join us for this trip, please complete the booking form attached to this Newsletter. Please indicate whether you have spare capacity in your car for others to join you. Alternatively indicate whether you would like a lift.
If you have any questions or concerns, please get in touch,
With best wishes,
Brad Plimmer
PS Should you be wanting to see more of historic Coventry before the Main Event, the following are said to be worth a visit, although I have not visited either. The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, on Jordan Well, and the Coventry Transport Museum, on Hales Street. Both are located within walking distance of the Guildhall and the Cathedrals, and are open from 10:00 am.
Please complete this form to reserve your place
** Please make cheques payable to Welford & Weston Local History Society
and return to our Treasurer, Mike Banning-Lover at Willow Vale, Church Lane, Welford.
