St Francis of Assisi Church, Handsworth

St Francis of Assisi Church in Handsworth is a Gothic Revival building featuring a distinctive triple-gabled front and red brick walls trimmed with pale stone. Inside, ribbed timber vaulting rises over five-bay arcades, creating a spacious and carefully crafted interior space.

The foundation stone was laid in May 1893 by Bishop Edward Ilsley, and Cardinal Herbert Vaughan opened the building officially just months later. The parish worked to clear financial obligations before the church was finally consecrated.

Craftspeople from Hardman & Co. created all the stained glass windows inside, including a special Annunciation window designed by William John Wainwright. These windows shape how light fills the interior space today.

The building opens for worship services throughout the week, with several Masses on Sundays and weekday mornings welcoming visitors. The adjacent St. Francis Centre with its hall and kitchen facilities serves the needs of the community and hosts gatherings.

The parish managed to repay all construction debts fully before the building was consecrated, which was a remarkable financial accomplishment for the community. This quick resolution of financial obligations shows the strength of support from the parishioners.