Holy Trinity Church, Coventry

Holy Trinity Church, Coventry, is a parish church of the Church of England in Coventry, West Midlands, England. Above the chancel arch is an impressive doom wall-painting. History The church dates from the 12th century and is the only medieval church in Coventry that is still complete. It is 59 metres (194 ft) long and has a spire 72 metres (236 ft) high, one of the tallest non-cathedral spires in the UK. The church was restored in 1665–1668, and the tower was recased in 1826 by Thomas Rickman. The east end was rebuilt in 1786 and the west front by Richard Charles Hussey in 1843. The inside of the church was restored by George Gilbert Scott in 1854. Doom painting The doom wall-painting was painted above the tower arch in 1430s. It was discovered in 1831, covered by a lime wash, and was then restored and varnished over by David Gee. In the years following, the varnish darkened and hid the painting from view again. In 1995 conservation and restoration work was begun and the painting was revealed in 2004. Organ The church had a pipe organ which had evolved over a long period of time with work by many builders, the last by Henry Willis & Sons. A specification of the organ can be found on the National Pipe Organ Register. Timeline 1526: This is the earliest recorded organ, built by John Howe and John Clynmowe of London for £30. In the late 16th century it was dismantled as the Puritan clergy at Holy Trinity disapproved of organs 1631: Samuel Buggs (Vicar), "procured" a replacement instrument 1640s: Puritans back in charge, organ sold for £30 1732: German Thomas Swarbrick, who also supplied a new organ for Coventry Cathedral (Old Cathedral), built one for Holy Trinity for £600. It was placed upon a gallery erected for it across the Nave and had two manuals 1829: Swell and pedal added 1855–1861: As part of the George Gilbert Scott restoration of the church, a new organ chamber was built in the westernmost bay of the south chancel aisle. This instrument of three manuals plus pedals, was built by Forster and Andrews for £800 1900: Rebuilt by W. Hill & Sons with some of the old work incorporated; four manuals 1923: Electric blowing chest added 1933: J. Charles Lee of Coventry added pneumatic pistons 1961: Rebuilt for £12,200 by the firm of Henry Willis, the organ contained 59 speaking stops, each with 61 pipes, along with 30 couplers and 3 tremolos 2007: Organ was dismantled, due to it being beyond repair. A funding appeal has been launched for a new organ, which was to cost approximately £600,000. List of organists List of assistant organists Sullivan D.T. Mortimer ???? – ca.1900 (afterwards organist of St. Mary's Church, Atherstone) Norman Coke-Jephcott 1909–1911 Harold Carpenter c.1950–60 Peter Bourton c.1954–64. Afterwards Organist at St Marks, Bilton, Rugby. Notable clergy Rob Budd, curate 2013–2016 Tony Burford, curate Hennie Johnston, curate 2003–2007 James Hill, curate 2011–2013 Anthony Francis Williams, curate 1950–1962 Roy Windmill, curate 1967–1971 List of Vicars Dates listed are of appointment, unless otherwise noted. Stained glass windows See also Grade I listed buildings in Coventry The Lutterworth Doom Painting References