On arrival in Coventry we explored the Cathedral and then sauntered down to the pedestrian free shopping precinct.
There we happened upon an older gentleman who was taking his rest on a bench. He was sweet, kind and gentle. His name was Mr. Shakespeare - that’s the truth!
Eric and I, being good Plymouth Brethren gave witness to our faith. It transpired that Mr. Shakespeare was a member of an evangelically minded Church of England parish in Coventry. He invited us to attend a “house group” meeting that evening, and so we did. Indeed we not only attended the house group, but were also given lodging for the night.
My memory is a bit imperfect but I think that the Vicar of the Church was our overnight host. What I remember clearly is that this evangelical parson had a minor obsession with the so-called “Shroud of Turin”. He believed it to be authentic.
Even then it seemed odd to me that an evangelical parson (evangelicals base their faith on the Bible alone) – should be an advocate for the authenticity of a Roman Catholic relic.
Even then I was sceptical about the “Shroud”, as I am to this day!
Pictured: The old Coventry Cathedral destroyed during bombing raids in 1940 and preserved as a garden of prayer and remembrance and the new cathedral built adjacent.