St Laurence's Church, Northfield - Culture, history and faith

St Laurence's Church is a Grade I listed parish church in Northfield that dates to the 12th Century. Located in a conservation area near the Great Stone Inn and Village Pound.


Where is St Laurence's Church?

St Laurence's Church is on Church Hill, Northfield, Birmingham, B31 2LX. Also on Rectory Road and near Church Road in Northfield.

 

In  brief

The parish church of Northfield with origins in the 12th Century. With elements dating from the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries. Plus the north aisle added in 1900 by G F Bodley.

St Laurence's Church, NorthfieldSt Laurence's Church, Northfield (May 2018). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

St Laurence's Church, Northfield - history

There has been a church on this site at Church Hill since at least the 12th Century. Further additions were built during the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries. The last major change took place in the year 1900, when G F Bodley built the north aisle in the 14th century style. The church was built of sandstone. The major 13th century feature is the chancel. The south chancel and lower stage of the west tower also dates to the 13th Century. A 4 bay octagonal pier arcade at the south chancel dates to the 14th Century. The upper tower was built during the 15th Century. The roof is probably a 15th century replacement of an earlier 13th century nave roof. The church has Royal Arms from the Hanoverian period.

The church has been a Grade I listed building since 1952, and is now a part of a conservation area which includes the Great Stone Inn, Village Pound and nail makers cottages.

The church was presented with a new organ by Herbert Austin, 1st Baron Austin and Lady Austin, in memory of 2nd Lieutenant Vernon James Austin who died in 1915. It was built by Compton Organ Company and opened in 1937.

The church has beautiful stained glass windows, which are masterpieces made by Hardman & Co.

This was previously the site of an Anglo-Saxon church, as it was mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, it was replaced by a Norman church.

St Laurence's Church, Northfield

St Laurence's Church, Northfield

St Laurence's Church, Northfield

St Laurence's Church, NorthfieldSt Laurence's Church, Northfield (June 2010). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Contact details

The Parish Administrator is working at home.

0121 475 1518

stlaurence@btconnect.com

Contacting St Laurence Church

Project dates

09 Jun 2021 - On-going

Passions

History & heritage, Civic pride, Classic Architecture
Faith

Contact

Your Place Your Space

Jonathan Bostock

0121 410 5520
jonathan.bostock@ yourplaceyourspace.com