The church of St John the Baptist in Coventry dates to 1344. It was founded by Isabella of France on land she gifted for a chapel. The church, which included a chantry, was consecrated in 1350. The church was a Guild chapel later a collegiate church. The church was desecrated in 1649 and became a prison during the Civil War. It is possible that this is the origin of the phrase "sent to Coventry"!
After the war the building was used for a variety of roles including a market. In 1734 it was restored to being a church. It holds a relic of St Valentine of Rome.
Most of the current church dates from 15th century work and is built from red sandstone.
