Tour explores Coventry WW2 raids that killed 450

A tour exploring part of Coventry's wartime history, in which more than 450 people died, will take place at one of the city's most historic buildings.

In a raid on 8 April 1941, about 230 German bombers attacked and over 280 were killed, while 170 died two days later, St Mary's Guildhall said.

Visitors to the 85th anniversary event on Sunday morning can discover how the 14th Century venue was damaged and survived during World War Two.

The tour will also highlight how the building "played a vital role in distributing over 250,000 ration books during and after the war".

The venue pointed out the "November 1940 bombing of nearby Coventry Cathedral during the Blitz when the Guildhall amazingly survived is well documented".

It said the tour hosted by the city centre site would explore a "pivotal yet lesser-known chapter" in Coventry's wartime history.

More than 700 were seriously injured in the 8 April attack that lasted nearly seven hours, with the Coventry and Warwickshire Hospital on Stoney Standon Road severely affected, the Guildhall said.

It added there was a three hour raid on 10 April, Christ Church was destroyed and King Henry VIII School and St Mary's Hall were among the damaged buildings.

The tour would provide an opportunity to find out how the Guildhall "later became a centre for resistance through anti-war talks and exhibitions".

Photographs, documents and newspaper reports will be on display as part of the event, which is nearly sold out and has been organised for 11:00 BST.

Abi Moore, heritage and venue manager at No Ordinary Hospitality, which manages the site, said items collected "highlight personal stories, reactions and the resilience of the community".

"The Guildhall was left largely unscathed by the German bombing raids in 1940 and 1941 although the roof of the Great Hall was destroyed and the historic Caesar's Tower was reduced to rubble."

She added it was vital stories were told "so that we continue to inspire understanding, reflection and connection across generations".

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