Christ Church, Birmingham

Christ Church was a parish church in Birmingham located at the intersection of Ann Street and New Street, marked by a western square tower featuring an octagonal belfry and gothic spire. The building could accommodate around 1500 worshippers and offered free ground floor seating open to the public.

Construction began in 1805 with support from King George III, with the foundation stone laid by George Legge, Third Earl of Dartmouth. The building gained independence from St Martin's and St Philip's parishes in 1865 before demolition in 1899.

The ground floor offered free seating to all visitors, earning the building the nickname "Free Church" among local people. This open approach made it a gathering place regardless of worshippers' financial circumstances.

The church was easy to locate, positioned prominently at a street intersection in the city center where its tower and spire stood visible from various angles. The open layout of the ground level made it accessible to visitors of all backgrounds.

The remains of John Baskerville, a renowned typographer and printing innovator, were buried inside the church before its demolition in 1899. This burial connected the building to one of printing's most influential figures.

Location: Birmingham

GPS coordinates: 52.47980,-1.90200

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:03