Coventry Cross has been un-veiled in the city centre.
The newly re-built Coventry Cross was officially unveiled yesterday (Thursday 13 July) at its new location in the city centre.
Councillor George Duggins, Leader of Coventry City Council; Councillor Jim O’Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change; Cllr David Welsh, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities; and Cllr Patricia Hetherton, Cabinet Member for City Services, were present alongside local artist and sculptor George Wagstaffe.
The cross is based on the 1976 replica of the 16th century monument, and links the history of Coventry to King Henry VI, when it served as an important market town in the medieval era.
The cross has been rebuilt with several new features. It showcases stained glass windows which tell the history of the medieval cross in Coventry and King Henry VI.
It stands 60 feet tall and features 33 statues of animals, angels, saints and kings; and has the original crown from the 1976 cross placed at the top.
The monument also includes a new 3D-printed sculpture of King Henry VI, which was manufactured locally by HPL. It is accurate to the original sculpture of King Henry VI, which is now on display in the Herbert Museum.
Councillor Jim O’Boyle, said: “It’s fantastic that we can celebrate the rich history of our great city by re-building this important landmark and getting it close to its original location.
“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.”
Councillor David Welsh, 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 original sculptural 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 accurate to the time of the original cross was also present at the opening.