Coventry Cross of Nails Facts for Kids

Coventry Cross of Nails at St. Nikolai, Kiel

The Coventry Cross of Nails (in German, Nagelkreuz von Coventry) is a special Christian cross. It is made from iron nails. This cross is a powerful symbol of peace and forgiveness. The very first one was made from three old nails. These nails were found in the ruins of Coventry Cathedral. The cathedral was badly damaged by German bombs on November 14, 1940. This happened during the Second World War. Since then, hundreds of these crosses have been given as gifts. They go to churches, schools, and other groups around the world. The cross reminds people of the crucifixion of Christ.

How it Started in Coventry
Spreading the Message of Peace
- A Symbol on Ships
Images for kids
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How it Started in Coventry

Coventry Cathedral was hit very hard during the Coventry Blitz. Its roof was destroyed on November 14, 1940. The idea for the cross came from Reverend Arthur Philip Wales. He was walking through the cathedral's ruins the morning after the bombing. He found several large, old, handmade nails. These were used by carpenters long ago.

He used some wire to tie three nails together. He shaped them like a Latin cross. One nail stood up straight, and two others formed the cross-piece. He gave this first cross to the Bishop of Coventry, Mervyn Haigh. The Cathedral's leader, Richard Howard, had the words "Father Forgive" carved into a wall. This was behind the altar of the ruined building. Two burnt wooden beams had fallen into the shape of a cross. These were also set up among the rubble.

The original burnt cross is now in the new cathedral. This new building was built after the war. It stands next to the old ruins. A copy of the burnt cross is still in the old cathedral's ruins. The first nail cross is also kept in the new cathedral. It was shown in churches around the area in 1962. It returned to the new cathedral just before it officially opened. Now, the nails are welded together. The cross is often displayed at the main altar.

Spreading the Message of Peace

In September 1947, Richard Howard visited Kiel, a city in Germany. He gave a cross made from medieval nails to the church of St Nikolai. In return, he received a stone from the ruins of the German church. Over the years, hundreds of nail crosses have been given away. At first, they used old nails from the original cathedral. Now, modern copies are used. Many places display the Coventry Cross of Nails on a wall or altar.

In 1974, all the groups that received a cross came together. They formed an international group called the "Community of the Cross of Nails." This group was started by Bill Williams. He was the leader of Coventry Cathedral from 1958 to 1981. This network now includes over 200 groups in 45 countries. They all work for peace, fairness, and forgiveness.

Many churches in Germany are part of this group. These include the Dresden Frauenkirche and the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church in Berlin. Churches in the UK and other countries are also members. Many of them say the Coventry Litany of Reconciliation every Friday. This short prayer was written in 1958.

A Symbol on Ships

A Coventry Cross of Nails was even on board a warship. It was on the HMS Coventry (D118), a Type 42 destroyer. This ship was sunk during the Falklands War. Later, divers from the Royal Navy found the cross. It was returned to Coventry Cathedral. The next ship named HMS Coventry (a Type 22 frigate) kept the cross from 1988 to 2002. After that, it was given to the HMS Diamond (D34), a Type 45 destroyer. This ship has a special connection to the city of Coventry.