The history of the diocese of Coventry dates back to 1100 when the monastic church of St. Mary provided one of the episcopal seats.
Centuries later, on the night of 14th November 1940 the church was destroyed by firebombs. It was during the longest German air raid of any night on any English city during the war. However, the resilience and defiance of the English were demonstrated by the decision made the very next day to rebuild the cathedral. However, it took 16 years before the foundation stone was laid.
The new cathedral was designed to incorporate the ruins to become one unit. It was consecrated on May 25th 1962, followed by three weeks of festivities and special services.