The Missing Cathedral and the Diabetic Prior - Coventry, West Midlands

Coventry's modern cathedral replaced the old cathedral, bombed to destruction by the Luftwaffe in World War II. A third cathedral, St. Mary's, was also a Benedictine priory, demolished in the 16th century by Henry VIII. The west and east wings are still visible, but Time Team have been tasked to excavate what lies in between before the site gets re-developed. They want to create a 3D computer image, but the site is problematic for the geophysics team who are struggling to untangle all the conflicting signals. Their problems are compounded by rain and hail. Robin explains the reasons behind the building's destruction. Tony gets a guided tour of Coventry's sister cathedral at Lichfield, by historian Richard K. Morris. From a design by Victor, glass technician Colin Telford creates a stained glass panel, mixing authentic paint and firing the glass in a kiln. Meanwhile beautiful patterned floor tiles start to emerge, along with rose- and grape-shaped ceiling bosses. Phil uncovers a huge pier which would support the entire roof, though the spire would be wood rather than stone. And at the very end of day three, they uncover a stone-lined tomb, which has to be completely excavated; so uniquely the dig extends into a fourth day. They are joined by osteoarchaeologist Margaret Cox. For more information on the archeological findings by Time Team see the excavation chapter at St. Mary's Priory and Cathedral. A follow-up aired as Time Team (Specials) #6 in 2001.