Historic Coventry has a 'brand new' landmark to celebrate. A 60ft remodelled replica of The Coventry Cross has been unveiled in Broadgate, close to its original location, after months of behind-closed-doors restoration work.
The cross is based on a 1976 copy of the 16th Century monument and links the history of King Henry VI to Coventry when it served as an important market town in the medieval era. The cross has been rebuilt with several new features including stained glass windows which tell the history of the medieval cross in Coventry.
Councillor Jim O’Boyle, the city council's jobs, regeneration and climate change chief, was at the unveiling and said: "It’s fantastic that we can celebrate the rich history of our great city by rebuilding this important landmark and getting it close to its original location.
READ MORE: Cov shopper finds receipt from 1993 when lamb chops cost just 86p
"We are an ambitious city and I was pleased that we could use the skills of local people at a local company to combine the best of the old and the best of the new into the Coventry Cross."
The modern-day version unveiled on Thursday features 33 statues of animals, angels, saints and kings; and has the original crown from the 1976 cross placed at the top. It also includes a new 3D printed sculpture of King Henry VI, manufactured locally by HPL.
It is accurate to the original sculpture of King Henry VI, now on display in the Herbert Museum. Councillor David Welsh, the city's housing and communities boss, said: "It’s always great to see the culture of Coventry celebrated, and by having these landmarks brought back to life we are reminded of the historical importance of our city.
"By incorporating George Wagstaffe's designs we have kept the heart of the original sculpture and created a true Coventry monument which I hope everyone will enjoy having in the heart of the city centre." A medieval performer like those that were around at the time of the original cross was present at the opening alongside Mr Wagstaffe and several civic dignitaries.
According to the Coventry Society early records suggest a cross was first seen in the city in the 1300s. "It was probably a simple cross carved out of the local red sandstone," the Society's website says.
"In 1423 the court-leet records show that there was a order for a new cross which lasted for a hundred years. Unfortunately part of the upper section had to be taken down for safety reasons.
"In 1441 work started on building a new cross from money left by Sir William Hollies in his will. Sir William had been born in the Stoke area of Coventry. He made his money in London and had been Mayor of London."
The website adds: "The new cross was brightly painted, and picked out with gilding. It stood for two hundred years but by 1771 it was taken down after part had been removed to avoid its collapse.
"Parts of the cross were saved and one sculpture of King Henry VI was put by the stairs to St. Mary’s Hall and is now on display in the Herbert Museum. There are said to be pieces of the original cross in a garden on Tamworth Road, Keresley."
It's claimed the idea of a replica was first suggested in the 1930s, but it was not until 1971 that discussions and plans were shown to the Coventry Civic Amenities Society (now the Coventry Society) and Church authorities. Funded by The Coventry Boy Foundation, the replica stood next to Holy Trinity Church, 100 metres way from the original site of the old cross.
It was designed by Rolf Hellberg and the individual sculptors were George Wagstaff, Philip Bentham, Wilfred Dudeney and George Ford. It was cast in concrete in Scotland to resemble Coventry stone.
The panels were bolted to a central structure and it was unveiled on St Georges Day, April 23, 1976. However, the replica was taken down two years ago to create a more attractive entrance for one of the restaurants in Cathedral Lanes.
For all the latest Coventry news, sign up to our daily newsletter.
