Cross Of Nails

This is probably one of the most important sights in Coventry along with the Cathedral that should not be missed. It’s in the centre on the town and based in the old cathedral ruins.
the place has a eerie feel to it but its an experience not to be missed.

I used to walk through here after school and even then I knew what Father Forgive meant. However that was when the original Cross of nails was on show and I was very shocked after several years away to return and find out that the original had to be placed elsewhere. it used to be right there on show but now due to vandals it had to be placed somewhere else and a replica made. Coventry was sacrificied for the greater good, the bigger picture in the war. The words Father Forgive must have been going through Churchills mind as he awaited news of Coventrys fate from the hundreds of bombers that due to the code being broken by the enigma machine he already knew were on their way to unlease their fire and fury on this medieval town.
After the war, in memory of those who died on all sides many peace intiatives were started by Coventry Cathedral and at the inaurguration of Dresden Cathedral, the city devastingly bombed in retaliation for Coventry, the son of one of the Royal Airforce Bombers who flew abombing mission on Dresden presented the Cathedral with a replica of The Cross of Nails. I thought when I was young I knew what that phrase meant. Now I really do. Take a moment out of your day, stand infront of the cross and think of those who gave their lives so that we might have this moment and as you walk away think of the bravery and total belief in humanity that led someone to write the words Father Forgive.

As previously written a must see part of coventry.
The cathedral itself holds a lot of history and is worth seeing. The cross is that little reminder to those not familiar with coventry as to what happened here.
Good bit of history for anyone to to view for free.
Worth the time to visit.

An awesome sight that nobody should visit Coventry without seeing. After the old Cathedral was bombed during the Blitz, a cross was formed from two of the charred beams. Smaller crosses were made from the nails that had fallen from the ceiling, and after these were presented to world leaders Coventry became known as a city of peace and reconciliation.
The cross is simple, stood behind the altar in the haunting setting of the roofless rubble of the old cathedral. Engraved behind it are the simple words ‘Father Forgive’. It doesn’t matter what your beliefs, or your spirituality, this simple sight will make you stop and think.
You can enter the Cathedral ruins free of charge and view the cross of nails there.