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Boulder from Bethlehem JLP01_08_058911a
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Boulder from Bethlehem JLP01_08_058911a
COVENTRY CATHEDRAL, PRIORY STREET, COVENTRY. The Provost of Coventry Cathedral with Henry Sumner at the unveiling ceremony of the Boulder from Bethlehem.
The boulder which was brought from a hillside in Bethlehem was transported to Coventry Cathedral to be used as its new font. Weighing three tons, it was transported to Manchester Docks in the SS Norman Prince and then on to Coventry. The unveiling ceremony took place on 22nd December 1960 and the boulder was unveiled by 7-year-old Henry Sumner, son of the foreman carpenter at Coventry Cathedral. The boulder was later moved to its current position in front of the baptistery window
Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places
Media ID 23993717
© Historic England Archive. John Laing Photographic Collection
1960s Building Site Cathedral Ceremony Construction
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a significant moment in history - the unveiling ceremony of the Boulder from Bethlehem at Coventry Cathedral. The Provost of Coventry Cathedral stands alongside Henry Sumner, a 7-year-old boy who had the honor of revealing this monumental boulder to the world. Weighing an impressive three tons, this ancient rock was carefully transported all the way from Bethlehem to serve as the cathedral's new font. Its journey began on Manchester Docks aboard the SS Norman Prince before it finally found its resting place in front of the baptistery window. The date was December 22nd, 1960, when anticipation filled the air as onlookers gathered for this momentous occasion. The young Henry Sumner, son of a skilled carpenter working at Coventry Cathedral, stepped forward with excitement and pride to unveil this symbol of faith and unity. This photograph not only showcases an architectural marvel but also represents a powerful connection between two distant lands. It serves as a reminder that even amidst construction sites and bustling cities, moments like these can bring people together in celebration. Preserved by Historic England Archive, this image immortalizes an unforgettable event that forever shaped Coventry Cathedral's legacy.
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