3-004-029 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

St. Michael's Church, Coventry, 1861. 'St. Michael's Church, which has been lately undergoing repair...is one of the three most ancient churches of Coventry: it is very remarkable for its beauty and richness of ornament. It was originally founded in 1133, in the reign of Henry I., and was given to the Benedictine monks of Coventry by Ranulph, Earl of Chester, in the reign of Stephen. It was commenced in its present style (the Perpendicular) in 1373, and finished in 1395...the glory of the church is the magnificent steeple, the first among its class. It rises to an elevation of 303ft. from the ground, and its grandeur and beauty can hardly be surpassed. The spire rises from an octagonal base upon a square tower - perhaps the arrangement of flying buttresses between the square and the octagon is more singular than pleasing...The tower itself displays a great variety of sculptured decoration - niches, canopies, and statues...In the tower is a fine peal of bells...On the right in the Engraving appears a part of that most interesting building, St. Mary's Hall, erected in the reign of Henry VI...It is now used as a council chamber and civic festal hall'. From "Illustrated London News", 1861.