St Mary's Church

St Mary's Church is a sandstone building in Handsworth that stands on spacious grounds next to a park and features a Norman tower along with other architectural details. The interior displays various building elements from different periods and contains monuments to significant engineers.

Construction of the church began in 1160 and shaped the development of this neighborhood over centuries. Major rebuilding work took place in the 1820s and 1870s, with efforts to preserve the original Norman features at the tower base.

The church serves as a gathering place for the local community and attracts visitors interested in how religious life intersected with industrial innovation. The monuments within reflect how the community honored those who shaped both engineering and society.

The church is easy to reach on foot and has spacious outdoor areas that invite exploration. Visitors should note that opening times may vary depending on events, and it is helpful to check ahead about the best times to visit.

Some of the bells in the tower date back to the early 1700s and have been cared for over the centuries. Extensive restoration work in the 1950s brought them back to life, and they continue to ring today.