St Alban the Martyr

St Alban the Martyr is an Anglican parish church in Highgate with distinctive red brick walls and a characteristic saddle-back tower. The interior features stone vaulting that creates an unexpected contrast with the solid brick exterior structure.

The foundation stone was laid in 1880 by Frederick Lygon, and the building designed by John Loughborough Pearson opened for worship in May 1881. The distinctive tower was added much later in 1938 by architect E.F. Reynolds, completing the structure as it appears today.

The interior contains artwork by Kate Bunce showing five tempera panels with religious and natural themes, while her sister Myra created the copper frame surrounding them. This artistic collaboration by two sisters shapes the visual character of the chapel space and demonstrates their contribution to the church's artistic legacy.

The church can be entered through a step-free side entrance, and adapted toilets are available for visitors. Self-guided cards help you explore the interior at your own pace.

The church interior contains a striking architectural feature where solid brick walls support delicate stone vaulting inside, an unusual design choice for its Victorian period. This contrast between exterior and interior construction methods gives the space its distinctive character.

Location: Birmingham

Architects: John Loughborough Pearson

Website: http://saintalban.co.uk

GPS coordinates: 52.46583,-1.88833

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:53