St John the Baptist Church

Great collection there! I briefly went round the back but didn't take any photos. The graveyard is another of those areas that used to be something else. It was the Bridewell or prison and was the 4th wing of the Bablake School/hospital/prison. Funny grouping.

Hi, I went in and asked today, the answer = 120 feet and 132 steps. I then measured it with a laser (Leica Disto), answer = 115 feet, from floor to top of castellations. Take your pick.

You're a complete hero, saving me from Spon Gate depression. I've been worrying about the height of the gate and how to estimate it and then I realised that I've got two images from a distance (the north and south prospects) and could see how tall it was in relation to St John's tower. I'd guessed the height of the gate but it looked too tall against the church. Given either of your measurements, I'd guessed St John's too short so now the gate looks right, maybe a little short, which wouldn't be a problem.

Hi, . . good news then and thank you for letting us know. When I asked about the height, I first asked if access to the tower was allowed. Answer, "No", . . reasons . . it's not safe and a visitor would need a guide. Today's guide was in poor health so not available. I asked "Was the tower in good repair?" Answer, "No". I suggested that in order to get an accurate measurement, all I need do was to point the laser to the ground whilst on the roof. I was told "Not possible, nowhere around the tower is completely obstruction free". I didn't know that, but from a previous post I see it's true. See the aerial image supplied in a previous post. I was also informed that to gain access to the roof one needs to climb many steps and then cross a roof and then climb more stairs. So I'm glad I had the laser with me. I tried measuring a few times and ways and settled on taking a measurement from near the green across from Hill Street. I aimed at the lowest point on the tower before it was obstructed by the (buttresses?) and then for the second data point I aimed at the stonework directly in line with the top of the castellations. With the Leica laser there is a video utility/function that allows the user to monitor the target area. When both data points are entered, the calculated result is displayed. Part of the calculation involves the use of the device's inclinometer. A 'good gadget' methinks.

I might have to get one of those. Most of the buildings I need to construct have no record of vertical measurement so I need to work away from existing buildings like Ford's Hospital.

Another nice view of St John's c. 1900.

I do like that one Prof, with the nannies swapping gossip.

A very nice picture of that end of St John's

St John's 1946 with Leigh Mills in the background (Weir archive).

Alluding to the ruined church of Greyfriars but still a steeple and the tower of St John's, there was a rhyme: Coventry is a place with most ungodly people. They have a spire without a church. And a tower without a steeple. Back in the 19 century it was said, if you listen to St John's bells as they ring out sharp and clear in the air at Christmas, you will find they say: Old tin kettle, pot and pan. Two old women and one old man.

This brutalist student accommodation in relation to St John's, one of Coventry's most important buildings, beggars belief. I thought the Whittle arches were bad, placed where they are, but this is far worse. I'm shattered!

Is it a planning department or a vandals department in the council offices. What happens to those monstrosities when all the students have stopped coming to Coventry. I suppose that they can be used for the homeless.

Prof, just to see it from here is heartbreaking. Imagine 20 more years ahead.

I doubt the homeless or the council could afford the rents.