St John the Baptist
Coventry, West Midlands
Grotesque beasts, a medieval alabastar carving, impressive Gilbert Scott restorations and a relic of St Valentine give many reasons to visit.
Foundations for the church were laid in May 1843 and the church was dedicated in September 1845. The spire to the church was added in 1851-2.
After bomb damage in 1940, the chancel, the side chapels and the roof were sympathetically rebuilt by GB Cox, with some small alterations such as the shape of the east windows of the side chapels, and a new flat roofed sacristy. The most recent reordering of the church was undertaken in 2010-11 and included a new floor, sanctuary furnishings, glass screen at the west end and WCs in the link building.
The church stands to the north west of the city and the isle copper roofs can be seen as you approach the church from both directions. The church is situated just off the busy ring road in the heart of its community along with the presbytery and parish hall.