St Mary Magdalene Church is the oldest church in Coventry, and was built between 1110-1112AD. This mediaeval Norman building is the oldest surviving building in the city, and was built by Ranulf, Earl of Chester, for the monks of the priory in Coventry. The original building consisted of the existing nave and chancel.
In the thirteenth century, additional windows were added to the narrow slits of the Norman construction, to provide more light to the altar. The walls of the building are a metre thick, and are constructed of rubble and mortar faced with blocks of sandstone. The interior was lime washed to make it lighter.
In the 15th century, the tower and its bell were added, along with the large east window and a painting of St Christopher on the north wall of the nave, opposite the original entrance. During the reformation, in 1547, this fresco was covered, as such pictures were considered superstitious. It was only discovered again in 1956, when works were being done to install electricity into the church. It has been left uncovered.
In the 18th century, a stained glass design was installed to the east window, depicting the Marys commemorated in the Bible. At this time, the entrance to the church – the door, complete with mouldings, columns and arch – were moved into its present position in the tower. You can still see the original entrance position, at the south wall of the nave, and its surviving arch. The tower was added in the 19th century.
Still in use are the two oldest features of the church – a single bell, cast in 1400, which is used to call parishioners to worship, and the 800 year old Norman font, which was carved from a single block of stone. This font has been used to baptise three generations of the CO’s family.
Today the old church stands next to a large modern church, the Risen Christ, which was built in the 1960s, and shares services, facilities and ministry with it.
If you are interested in the history of the church and would like more information, you can visit the website www.risenchrist.co.uk. With thanks to Risen Christ for the information on the history of the church and to Rev. Linda Mudd for granting permission to place the cache.
The cache is a clip lock box containing a log book and pencil, there is room for TBs and a few small items. The cache itself is housed inside a home made camouflaged container at about head height, that you have to gain access to first before getting your hands on the cache. Please replace everything as found. Enjoy!