The church dates from the 12th century and is the only Medieval church in Coventry that is still complete.[1][2] 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 doom 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.[1] 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.[3]
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 and Sons. A specification of the organ can be found on the National Pipe Organ Register.[4]
History
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: The 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 2 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 3 manuals plus pedals, was built by Forster and Andrews for £800.
1900: Rebuilt by W. Hill & Sons with some of the old work incorporated; 4 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 will cost approximately £600,000.
^Thornsby, Frederick W., ed. (1912) Dictionary of Organs and Organists. Bournemouth: Logan
^Coventry Evening Telegraph – Saturday 13 July 1918
^Exeter and Plymouth Gazette – Saturday 31 October 1931
^Names and dates taken from the carved wooden plaque in the Archdeacon's Court. The plaque was dedicated to the memory of Francis M. Beaumont and installed sometime in the early 20th century. Early dates may be approximate.
