Mega 2013 - A Bit of History in Coventry Traditional Cache

A cache placed by Geocache Hound for the Coventry Cathedral flashmob event.

The old Coventry Cathedral was built in the 12th century and the ruins of St Michael’s are the consequence of violence in our own time. On the night of 14 November 1940, the city of Coventry was devastated by bombs. The Cathedral burned with the city, having been hit by several incendiary devices. The decision to rebuild the cathedral was taken the morning after its destruction. Rebuilding would not be an act of defiance, but rather a sign of faith, trust and hope for the future of the world. Shortly after the destruction, the cathedral stonemason, Jock Forbes, noticed that two of the charred medieval roof timbers had fallen in the shape of a cross. He set them up in the ruins where they were later placed on an altar of rubble with the moving words ‘Father Forgive’ inscribed on the Sanctuary wall. Her Majesty the Queen laid the foundation stone of the new cathedral on 23 March 1956 and the building was consecrated on 25 May 1962, in her presence. The ruins remain hallowed ground and together the two create one living Cathedral.

If you wish to visit the modern cathedral it is open from 10 am until 4pm at a charge of £8 for adults. Alternatively, you may wish to visit the Blitz museum experience or climb the tower of the ruined cathedral at a charge of £2.50 each. Please note both cathedrals close at 5pm.

The cache is placed outside the Cathedral but the nearest car park is a short stroll away on Fairfax Street.

This cache was placed by Geocache Hound (2013 UK Mega Team)