The Church of St John the Baptist on Fleet Street, Coventry, is a striking Grade 1 listed building that was described by Sir Gilbert Scott, the eminent Victorian architect, as possibly the most beautiful church in the country.
Its history is unique with many points of interest including a Royal foundation dating from 1342. Renowned for being the origin of the phrase ‘Sent to Coventry’ it also boasts the relic of St Valentine, and a rare memento of the period in the 15th century when Coventry promoted the idea that St George was born in the city!
The church also possesses a remarkable World War I memorial window.
Visitors can also delight in its stained glass, carvings, altar pieces, green men, grotesques and the spectacular east window that fill this jewel in Coventry’s medieval crown.
The church will be open as part of the Heritage Open Days in September.
Guided tours inside and outside the venue are available throughout the two Heritage Open Day weekends.
Meet Queen Isabella at certain times during the weekend and walk on one of the few raised graveyards in the country.
There will also be musical Interludes throughout the weekends.
On Saturday 11 September, the Church will be taking part in the City of Culture Faith event, with prayer stations and opportunities for people to discover more about the Christian faith. The play ‘The Arrival’ will be performed in different parts of the city centre that day as part of that event, and will be staged near the church at 10.30am and 3.30pm, and those who are following the play will be welcome to come into church before or after that.
The Church Hall will be open on Saturdays 11th and 18th September for tea, coffee and light refreshments from 10am until 2pm.
Opening times for these weekends are:
Friday 10 September: 10am – 2pm.
Saturday 11 September: 10am – 4pm.
Sunday 12 September: 11.15am – 2pm.
Friday 17 September: 10am – 2pm
Saturday 18 September: 10am – 2pm
Sunday 19 September: 11.15am – 2pm.
Private tours can be organised during the week by arrangement. Contact:
Mike Polanyk, Communications and Visitor Liaison Officer, St John the Baptist Church, Fleet St, Coventry. Tel: 07757 942420
The Church is also open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday during the other weeks of September and beyond closing at 1pm, with the Hall closed.