Visit St Paul’s in the Jewellery Quarter

St Paul’s is the iconic church of the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham, set in a beautiful square that includes a number of restaurants and cafes on the edge of the city centre. Built between 1777 and 1779 as a chapel of ease of St Martin in the Bullring, it is the only survivor of the town’s 18th century churches and stands in the city’s only surviving Georgian square. It is a neo classical building with a rectangular nave with aisles and galleries. The design is clearly influenced by St Martin in the Fields, though without the portico. It is an excellent example of a Georgian church with round arched windows, galleries and apsidal chancel. It is the only 18th century survival in the city centre and one of the few in Birmingham to retain box pews with enamel plaques.In 1785 Francis Eginton was commissioned to make a window depicting the conversion of St Paul, from a painting by Benjamin West. It is considered to be his best work. There are several 19th century monuments and in the south aisle memorials of members of the Hollins family, including a bust of the architect William Hollins. The chapel was consecrated in 1779, but it was not until 1841 that a parish was formed. By 1810 the church was surrounded by expensive housing, but even in the early days owners were letting out their plots for workshops. By the mid 19th century the population was 11,000 and was a mix of housing and small industries, notably jewellery manufacture. Gradually workers moved out of the district and the church gradually became run down building. It had been damaged by German bombs which chipped masonry and broke windows. However, with 1500 factories in the parish, it became the focus of the church’s industrial mission and survived. With the regeneration of Jewellery Quarter the church has also seen a revival. The Millennium Window was designed and made Rachel Thomas. It was sponsored by the Birmingham Assay Office and incorporates their hallmarks for gold, silver and platinum. In the centre of the window is the special assay mark for the Millennium showing angels pouring molten metal from a crucible. Come to experience this sacred space with it captivating architecture, its enchanting atmosphere, its history, and its beauty.Additional information – There is a car park by the church and parking in the square. Organised by St Paul’s Church PCC