the Blitz destroyed the city centre, there was virtually no building left standing, so Gibson took this as an opportunity to rebuild, the new Coventry at the time was heralded as a success - it was the 1960s and 1970s that ruined Coventry, Gibson's plan was inspired, but it now itself in ruins.
@gwrrob It's bit hard to get lost on a circa 1 mile stretch of road. I will admit it's incredibly easy to miss the one junction out of 8 that you wanted before you realise that you're going around again. That can be disorientating!