Coventry

From World travel guide

Coventry is a large and important city in the West Midlands region of England, part of the United Kingdom. Coventry is both an industrial centre and a cathedral city, combining industry with culture in an interesting combination.

Understand

Heavily bombed by the German Luftwaffe during World War II, Coventry is not the most attractive of cities, much of its pre-war appeal having been replaced by questionable re-building in the post-war period. However, major regeneration projects such as the Stirling Prize shortlisted 'Phoenix Initiative' are beginning to make the city a more attractive place.

See

• Coventry Cathedral [1] - the medieval Gothic Cathedral of St Michael was built in the late 14th-early 15th century, but largely destroyed by the German Luftwaffe on the night of 14 November 1940 in an incendiary bombing raid - only the tower, spire and outer walls remained... A new cathedral was built 1956-1962 next to the old (which now forms a memorial garden) to a design by Basil Spence. The cathedral is noted for its striking post-war modern design, the large tapestry of Christ enthroned, its innovative stained glass windows and various items of sculpture. These include (on the facade) the striking sculpture of St Michael's Victory over the Devil by Sir Jacob Epstein.
• Lunt Roman Fort [2], Coventry Road, Baginton, near Coventry, tel 02476 303567, admission adults £2, concessions £1 - a partial reconstruction of a Roman fort that stood on the site from c. 60 - 80 CE, erected in response to Boudicca's revolt. Exhibits include a museum of Roman period life (based on finds excavated at the site between 1965 and 1973), a model of the fort and occasional full costume re-enactments of Roman military manoeuvres
• Coventry Transport Museum [3], Millennium Place, Hales Street, tel 024 7623 4270, fax 024 7623 4284, mailto:museum@transport-museum.com, open daily except 24-26 December 10am-5pm, last admission 4.30pm, admission free - the largest collection of British road transport in the world with over 230 cars and commercial vehicles, 250 cycles and 90 motorcycles
• Lady Godiva Statue, Broadgate, beneath a large pavilion

External links

• Visit Coventry - the Official Visitor's Guide to Coventry and Warwickshire
• Coventry City Council - official municipal web site

WikiPedia:Coventry

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