Coventry

Wednesday 11 June 2014 – Coventry, Coventry Canal Basin

Started out at 08:30 and headed for Hawkesbury Junction then decided to head south towards Coventry.  It’s only five miles, no locks and a pleasant run.  There were trees along the canal almost into the City centre and no problems until I reached the entrance to the canal Basin.  Back in the days when it was a working terminus it was secured by a board across the entrance and no boats were allowed to remain overnight.  The entrance is a narrow, low bridge where I misjudged the height and in spite of going into reverse I managed gently touch the bridge – honest! - and managed to snap the flagstaff.  I have replaced it with a length of tube so I can continue to fly the England flag.  Once safely winded (facing the exit ready for tomorrow) and moored I then took a short walk to do an afternoon of sightseeing.

Without exploring too far the City seems to have all the retail facilities needed close to the Cathedral which was helpful – although my feet hurt by the time I returned to the boat.  St Michael’s Cathedral was destroyed in November 1940 and the ruins have been left as a ‘memorial to all civilians injured, killed or traumatised in conflict’.  The new part was opened in 1962 and has decorations and artworks by the leading artists of the 50s and 60s.  Touring the two parts of the Cathedral was awe inspiring and very restful.  The “gallery” (downstairs) holds vestments, glass from the old cathedral Regimental ‘Colours’ and pictures (including one by Terrence Cuneo and I managed to find his trademark ‘mouse’).

A warm and sunny day .