Coventry War Memorial

Coventry War Memorial is a tall, tapering tower at the heart of War Memorial Park, just south of the city centre of Coventry in the West Midlands. It honours the people of the city who died in war and is one of the most prominent memorials of its kind in the region.

Who designed it and when was it opened?

The design came from local architect Thomas Francis Tickner, who died in 1924, before the work was finished. Construction ran from 1925 to 1927. The tower stands roughly 27 metres tall (sources quote between 87 and 90 feet) and dominates the park. Field Marshal Douglas Haig unveiled it on 8 October 1927.

The park itself is a little older. Coventry's council opened it in July 1921 as the city's tribute to the soldiers lost in the First World War, and landscaping continued into the mid-1930s.

Why is it a listed monument?

In January 2013 the memorial was listed at Grade II* on Historic England's National Heritage List for England, a high grade reserved for particularly important buildings. At the same time the park received a Grade II listing, and the entrance gates and gate piers were listed separately at Grade II.

The tower was restored in 2011 with Heritage Lottery Fund support. The work rebuilt the platform at its base, replacing the original octagonal one. The large decorative bronze doors had been restored earlier, in 2004.

What will you see?

Walk around the tower to take in its stonework and the bronze doors on the east and west sides. Behind them lies the Chamber of Silence. The interior is not open every day; one source says it opens on Remembrance Sunday. Check Coventry City Council's website for current access details before you go.

The park is public and free to enter, so you can view the memorial from outside whenever the park is open. It makes a quiet spot for a walk.

How do you get there?

The park lies about 2-3 km south of the city centre, between the Earlsdon and Cheylesmore areas. From central Coventry you can take a local bus or taxi, or walk in a few dozen minutes. The memorial sits at roughly 52.394 N, 1.519 W.

When should you visit?

Daytime in dry weather is best, when it is easy to walk around the tower and through the park. The Remembrance Sunday ceremonies have a particular atmosphere, drawing residents and veterans.

Frequently asked questions

Who designed Coventry War Memorial? Local architect Thomas Francis Tickner, who died in 1924 before construction was complete.

When was it unveiled? On 8 October 1927, by Field Marshal Douglas Haig.

Is there an entrance fee? No. War Memorial Park is a public park with free entry.

Can you go inside the tower? The Chamber of Silence is not open daily. It is opened on occasion, for example on Remembrance Sunday. Check Coventry City Council's website before travelling.