Christ Church, Church building in Sparkbrook, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
Christ Church is a church building in Sparkbrook featuring Classical architecture with Doric columns and a western square tower. An octagonal belfry topped by a Gothic spire rises above the structure, creating a distinctive profile against the skyline.
Construction began in 1805 with support from King George III, who contributed 1,000 pounds, and the building was consecrated in 1813. It operated as a place of worship until 1897, when its closure led to the sale of the property and the proceeds funded the building of St Agatha's Church in the same area.
The church was known for offering free seating to everyone and became called the "Free Church" because of this practice. This made it a place where people from all walks of life could worship together without financial barriers.
The building is a listed historic monument and can be viewed from the outside, with the Classical architecture and Gothic spire clearly visible from street level. Visitors should note that this is a historic structure no longer in active use as a church.
John Baskerville, creator of the Baskerville typeface and a noted printer, was interred in the catacombs beneath the structure. This hidden burial chamber connects the building to a significant figure in the history of printing and typography.
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