On 14 November 1940, the city of Coventry was subjected to a massive air raid. The medieval city centre was obliterated in a firestorm and the 15th century St. Michael’s Cathedral was gutted and reduced to rubble.

The day after, inspecting the smoking ruins, Provost Richard Howard, vowed to rebuild. The new cathedral, designed by Basil Spence and utilising the talents of the foremost British artists of the day, became a symbol of national post-war reconstruction.

Howard refused to give way to recrimination. The words “Father, Forgive”, inscribed on the wall behind the altar in the ruins, define the spirit of reconciliation at the heart of the cathedral’s mission.

Coventry Cathedral is a beautiful and resonant place, remembering the past with sorrow, living in the present with joy and looking forward in hope.

David Greenwood looks forward to telling the story of this inspirational building.