St Thomas, Brightside

St Thomas is a Gothic Revival church in Brightside with a distinctive tall tower and spire positioned at its south-western corner. The structure comprises a nave and a single south aisle, following the typical design of religious buildings from its era.

The church was built in 1853 under the design of architect William Flockton and served as an important religious center for the growing Brightside community. Recognition as a Grade II listed building came in 1973, protecting its architectural significance for future generations.

The building was converted into a circus training facility in 1995 and now operates as home to Greentop Circus. This transformation shows how a historic space found a new purpose for contemporary performers and artists.

The building is located in Brightside and can be easily spotted from a distance thanks to its tall tower and spire. Visitors should check ahead about access since the space now functions as a circus facility and visitor policies may vary depending on performances or events.

The church was made possible by a generous donation of land from Earl Fitzwilliam, who provided an acre for its construction. This aristocratic patronage was crucial in establishing a major community institution for Brightside in the 19th century.

Location: Sheffield

Inception: 1853

Architects: Flockton

Architectural style: Gothic Revival

Capacity: 400

GPS coordinates: 53.40667,-1.43207

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:06