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Coventry to Leamington Spa

In Coventry, Michael recalls the destruction by the Luftwaffe of the city’s Gothic cathedral in November 1940, before heading to Leamington Spa to visit the Guide Dogs for the Blind National Centre.

In Coventry, Michael recalls the destruction by the German Luftwaffe of the city’s gothic cathedral in November 1940. He hears how architect Basil Spence won a competition to build it anew and tours the breathtakingly modernist concrete structure built alongside the medieval ruin. And from the city's recently redeveloped station, he heads to the factory of the London Electric Vehicle Company, manufacturers of the iconic London taxi.

Heading south to Royal Leamington Spa, Michael visits the Guide Dogs for the Blind National Centre, established in the town in 1941. Michael learns how the organisation was founded and how dogs are bred today.

28 minutes

Credits

RoleContributor
PresenterMichael Portillo
DirectorBeatrice Ni Bhroin
Series EditorAlison Kreps
Executive ProducerJohn Comerford
Production CompanyFremantle

Broadcasts

Steam railway programmes on BBC iPlayer

Steam railway programmes on BBC iPlayer

A collection of programmes from the BBC archives on the beauty of steam locomotives.