Bombs in Coventry: The 1939 IRA Attack & The 1940 Blitz

Join historians Adam Wood and Adam Neale at the John Laing Centre, Coventry Cathedral for illustrated talks on two of the most notorious incidents from the city's past.

The 1939 Bombing of Broadgate - Adam Wood
On 25 August 1939 a bicycle was parked up against the kerb outside Astley's shop on Broadgate, with a deadly cargo in its carrier basket. It was a Friday lunchtime, and the street was packed with people. At 2.30pm a huge explosion threw passers-by to the floor and blew the glass from the windows of shops and offices the length of the street. More than sixty people were injured, a dozen seriously, and five people lost their lives. Hear the human stories of those involved, and how the families of the dead attempted to rebuild their shattered lives.

The Coventry Blitz of 1940 - Adam Neale
On the night of 14 November 1940 the biggest air raid in history began. Bombs began to fall on one of the oldest cities in England. Learn what really happened: whether it was preventable, the heroic struggles, and real life testimonies of people who were there as the city burned.

Doors open 1:30pm.
Ticket price includes refreshments.
Proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Coventry Cathedral.