Britain's What's On Event Guide
St John the Baptist Church
Heritage Open Day: This striking Grade I collegiate church was described by Sir Gilbert Scott, the eminent Victorian architect as possibly the most beautiful church in the Country. St John's Church was founded by Queen Isabella, widow of King Edward II, in 1344 and served as a guild chapel until the reformation. It was then used for various uses, including as a dyer’s stretch yard and a market place. During the Civil War it housed Scottish Royalist soldiers imprisoned after the Battle of Preston. Coventrians were Parliamentarians, so treated the soldiers coldly, hence the saying ‘sent to Coventry’. In 1734 the church was restored to use as a place of worship, and has been restored and lovngly cared for since. It survived the blitz, but lost much of its glass, and so has stunning post-war windows. During times when the church is open guided tours will be available on request, and refreshments will be available on the Saturday mornings.
Fri 8 Sep:1100-1400. Sat 9 Sep:1000-1400. Sun 10 Sep:1215-1400. Tues 12 Sep:1100-1400. Fri 15 Sep:1100-1400. Sat 16 Sep:1000-1400. Sun 17 Sep:1215-1400. Free Entry.
St. John the Baptist Church, Fleet Street, Coventry, West Midlands CV1 3AY
Fri 8 Sep to Sun 17 Sep 2023