Godiva's Cathedral Quarter Walk

Overview

Stroll the historical epicentre of Godiva's Coventry and learn about years of kings, queens, cathedrals, and castles on this walking tour. Highlights include: The legend of Godiva, her historical significance and why there may have been an agenda to whitewash her from history. The loss of St Marys Cathedral in the dissolution of the Monasteries and how that changed Coventry forever. Moonlight Sonata, the Blitz of the 14th of November 1940 and what authorities really knew before the attack. The crucial part that Coventry was meant to play in the Gunpowder Plot. The legacies of international peace and reconciliation which followed the destruction and rebuilding of St Michaels Cathedrals. Six different theories as to where the name ‘Coventry’ came from. Why Coventry has actually been a city forever, since “Time Immemorial”. The short-lived history of Coventry Castle. The story of the two time capsules of Coventry; St Marys Guildhall and Drapers Hall.

Itinerary

1. Lady Godiva Statue

   While you might know about the 1000 year old legend of Lady Godiva, the woman behind the most famous tax protest in history, what do you know about he woman herself?

   · 15 min

2. Golden Cross

   On Pepper Lane outside the Golden Cross your guide will explain the truth about the building which claims to be the oldest pub in Coventry, the literal treasure hunt which the streets are paved with and what sued to happen on those very cobbles. Nearby, a mural will help explain some of the theories as where the name 'Coventry' comes from.

   · 10 min· Admission not included

3. St. Mary's Guildhall

   See the outside of the Guildhall, a medieval time capsule and the last remaining part of Coventry Castle

   · 10 min· Admission not included

4. Council House

   In front of the gothic council house, hear why Coventry has been a city since the beginning of time!

   · 10 min· Admission not included

5. Drapers Hall

   Outside Drapers Hall, your guide will tell you about the 'Great Drapery' and why Coventry became an international trading centre as long ago as the twelfth century

   · 5 min· Admission not included

6. Coventry Cathedral

   See the ruined cathedral church of St Michael as your guide tells the tale of its' destruction in the 'Moonlight Sonata' air raid of Coventry during World War II. You'll also see Sir Basil Spences modern cathedral, with both structures being monuments to international peace and reconciliation. Tours normally include a quick look inside the modern cathedral building, with a longer while spend inside the ruins, but on occasion, events take place in the Cathedrals which will mean entry is not possible.

   · 25 min

7. Holy Trinity Church

   Your guide will talk briefly about the history of the 12th century church.

   · 5 min· Admission not included

8. Priory Visitor Centre

   Overlooking the ruins of Coventry's Original St Mary's Cathedral, you'll hear about it's beginnings with St Osburg, through the time of Godiva and Leofric and when it became a cathedral. Then downstairs on the floor of what was one of -if not the- richest cathedrals you'll be told about some of the times when it was this country's parliament, and of course why, due to Henry VIII, it's not there any more.

   · 15 min

How to use your ticket

Meeting point

What to know before you go

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• The walk is just under a miles and should take two hours and ten minutes. It is mostly flat with some inclines and ramps and several areas of cobbled streets.

Travelers

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

• From 1 days before : 100% refunded
• From 0 days before : 0% refunded

This activity can be canceled if there aren't enough participants.

Reviews

Product code: 309963P1

Activity offered by Sky Blue City Walks via Viator.