Gardeners' World (1968)

S7E7 The Missing Cathedral and the Diabetic Prior - Coventry, West Midlands

Coventry's contemporary cathedral stands where the original was destroyed by Luftwaffe bombs during World War II. Additionally, a third cathedral, St. Mary's, was a Benedictine priory that fell victim to Henry VIII's demolitions in the 16th century. The reasons behind these demolitions are discussed. Tony receives a tour of Coventry's sister cathedral in Lichfield from historian Richard Morris. Meanwhile, glass technician Colin Telford works on a stained glass panel, and striking patterned floor tiles begin to appear, alongside ceiling bosses shaped like roses and grapes. Phil discovers a massive pier that will support the roof, though the spire will be wooden instead of stone. At the end of day three, they find a stone-lined tomb that requires full excavation, prompting the dig to extend into a fourth day, joined by osteoarchaeologist Margaret Cox.