On the night of November 14, 1940, the Fourteenth-century Coventry Cathedral was destroyed by enemy action. This morning Her Majesty the Queen, accompanied by His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, visits the ruins with the Provost, the Very Rev. R.T. Howard, before the Service on the site of the new Cathedral.

Order of Ceremony
The National Anthem
Exhortation to Thanksgiving by the Provost of Coventry
Hymn: Through all the changing scenes of life
Lesson: Isaiah 6, vv. 1,4.10; Ephesians 2, vv. 19-22: read by the Vice-chairman of the Joint Council responsible for the Chapel of Unity
Prayers of Blessing by the Lord Bishop of Coventry
Hymn: Christ is made the sure foundation (vv. 1,3,5.)
The laying of the Foundation Stone by Her Majesty the Queen
The Blessing of the Stone by His Grace the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury
The Doxology
Hymn: Christ is our corner stone
Prayers of Dedication and Supplication
Hymn: Praise to the holiest
Benediction by His Grace the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury

Combined Church Choirs selected from the Diocese of Coventry City of Coventry Band and Coventry Salvation Army Band conducted by Leonard Tanner

The scene described by Richard Dimbleby.

(to 12.30)