St Martin's Square, Bullring - A Birmingham Gem!

St Martin's Square opened at the new Bullring in 2003 near the Grade II* listed church known as St Martin in the Bullring. The Spiceal Street development was built and opened in 2011.


Where is St Martin's Square?

St Martin's Square is at the Bullring & Grand Central Birmingham near St Martin's Church. Edgbaston Street, Birmingham B5 5BB.

St Martin's SquareSt Martin's Square courtesy of Mac McCreery

 

In brief

St Martin's Square was opened in 2003, while the Spiceal Street development took place around 2011, which included restaurants at the Bullring.

St Martin's Square

St Martin's Square (Christmas 2019) courtesy of Daniel Sturley

 

It is the gateway to Digbeth, and near the Selfridges building.

St Martin's Church

St Martin's Church from Digbeth (October 2009) courtesy of Elliott Brown

 

History of St Martin's Church in the Bullring

The church dates back to at least the 13th century. The Guild of the Holy Cross was recorded as being responsible for the clock as early as 1547. The clock was next mentioned in 1613. In 1643 during the English Civil War, (according to legend), it is said that Prince Rupert fired three shots at the weathervane at St Martin's Church. The earliest clock makers arrived from London in 1667. By 1690, the church was dressed in brick by the church wardens. The spire was rebuilt in 1781 by John Cheshire and the church was demolished and rebuilt by the architect J. A. Chatwin in 1872, preserving the earlier tower and spire. It is a Grade II* listed building. It was the tallest building in Birmingham from 1855 to 1908 (when the Joseph Chamberlain Memorial Clock Tower was completed at the University of Birmingham).

St Martin's Church

St Martin's Church from Moor Street Car Park (March 2018) courtesy of Elliott Brown

 

Spiceal Street development

This development at the Bullring brought back the old name of Spiceal Street (lost after the 1960s Bull Ring was built). Constructed during 2011, it was open by Christmas 2011. Restaurants included: Chaophraya, Browns and Handmade Burger Co. There is also Nandos and Pizza Hut at the square level. Handmade Burger Co has since closed and will be replaced with Vietnamese Street Kitchen. There also used to be Jamie's Italian, but that too has closed down. They used to use the tables at the back of the building.

Spiceal Street St Martin's Square

Spiceal Street at St Martin's Square (December 2019) courtesy of Daniel Sturley

 

Tree Sculpture

The Tree Sculpture was made by Wolfgang Buttress using the reclaimed copper roof of the Spiral Cafe, which was removed ahead of the building of the restaurants at Spiceal Street. It is 44ft high and unveiled in late 2011.

St Martin's Square

Tree Sculpture at Spiceal Street, St Martin's Square (December 2019) courtesy of Daniel Sturley

 

Lost Structures of St Martin's Square

The following structures were removed in 2011 for the Spiceal Street development near St Martin's Square at the Bullring.

The Spiral Cafe was near the top of the steps at the Bullring from St Martin's Square. In it's later years it was occupied by Gloria Jean's Coffee.

Gloria Jean's Coffee

Gloria Jean's Coffee at the Bullring (May 2009) courtesy of Elliott Brown

 

There was also a Three Cubes water fountain sculpture that was removed in 2011.

Three Cubes St Martin's Square

Three Cubes water fountain sculpture at St Martin's Square (April 2009) courtesy of Elliott Brown

 

Model of St Martin's Square

If you are visiting inside of St Martin's Church, you will find a model of what St Martin's Square was proposed to look like. The model was probably made in the year 2000. It shows the steps in the square that were there from 2003 to 2011. That area was replaced by the restaurants of Spiceal Street.

Model of St Martin's Square

Model of St Martin's Square inside of St Martin's Church (February 2020) courtesy of Elliott Brown

 

Events at St Martin's Square over the years

There has been a lot of events that have taken place at St Martin's Square over the years, from the visit of the Coca Cola Christmas Truck, to various promotions. As well as the Floral Trail, The Big Hoot in 2015 and The Big Sleuth in 2017. There was also little owls and bears inside of St Martin's Church in each trail period.

 

Coca Cola Christmas Truck

The Coca Cola Christmas Truck visited St Martin's Square at least twice, in December 2014 and December 2016 (it later returned to Eastside City Park in 2017 and 2018). Holidays are coming!

Coca Cola Truck St Martin's Square

Coca Cola Christmas Truck in St Martin's Square (December 2014) courtesy of Elliott Brown

 

Coca Cola Truck

Coca Cola Christmas Truck at St Martin's Square (December 2016) courtesy of Elliott Brown

Go to this post for more on the Coca Cola Christmas Truck in Birmingham.

 

Promotional Buses and Vehicles

Former London Routemaster buses have visited St Martin's Square over the years from promoting a new movie to holidays and bingo. There has also been set ups for promoting a new drink, or even a Cadbury's Creme Egg lorry!

Minions on Tour was in St Martin's Square during May 2015 to promote the then release of the movie in cinemas on the 26th June 2015 (it's now available to stream on Netflix and rent on Amazon Prime Video).

Minions St Martin's Square

Minions bus in St Martin's Square (May 2015) courtesy of Elliott Brown

 

Vita Coco was in St Martin's Square during July 2016 to promote their tropical drink on 'Coconut Grove'.

Vita Coco St Martin's Square

Vita Coco at St Martin's Square (July 2016) courtesy of Elliott Brown

 

It was the Cadbury Creme Egg Hunt during February 2017 in St Martin's Square. It's hunting season!

Cadbury Creme Egg St Martin's Square

Cadbury Creme Egg Hunt in St Martin's Square (February 2017) courtesy of Elliott Brown

For more events with vehicles go to this post Customised buses and lorries seen in St Martin's Square over the years.

 

Birmingham City Centre Floral Trail

A variety of floral trail features have been in St Martin's Square over the years in front of the church.

Trafalgar Oct 21 1805 was in St Martin's Square during the summer of 2009. Commemorating the Battle of Trafalgar where Horatio Nelson died. Trafalgar Day is celebrated each year on the 21st October at the Bullring around the statue of Nelson.

Trafalgar St Martin's Square

Trafalgar Oct 21 1805 in St Martin's Square (August 2009) courtesy of Elliott Brown

 

The Best of Birmingham was part of Birmingham's 2012 Gold winning piece from the Chelsea Flower Show. It featured the Bullring Bull, Selfridges and the Birmingham Canals.

Best of Birmingham St Martin's Square

The Best of Birmingham in St Martin's Square (August 2012) courtesy of Elliott Brown

 

The Big Hoot Birmingham 2015

Trails of painted owls around Birmingham in the summer of 2015. It lasted for 10 weeks before being auctioned off for the Birmingham Children's Hospital Charity. There was one owl in front of St Martin's Church, while another was at the bottom of St Martin's Walk, and a third with a view of Selfridges behind it.

Beorma by the artist Jodie Silverman from a design by Betty Underwood – a pupil from Camp Hill School for Girls. The sponsor was The Schools of King Edward VI in Birmingham.

The Big Hoot St Martin's Square

Beorma (by artist Jodie Silverman from a design by Betty Underwood) in St Martin's Square (July 2015). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The Big Sleuth Birmingham 2017

A trail of painted bears around Birmingham and the West Midlands in the summer of 2017. It lasted for 10 weeks before being auctioned off for the Birmingham Children's Hospital Charity. There was one bear outside of St Martin's Church, while another could be found inside of Selfridges.

Bearmingham by the artist James Mustafa. The sponsor was The Schools of King Edward VI in Birmingham.

The Big Sleuth St Martin's Square

Bearmingham (by artist James Mustafa) in St Martin's Square (July 2017). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Christmas in St Martin's Square

Over the years there has been different Christmas Tree's outside of St Martin's Church. Sometimes the Fudge Bus has been down there, other years a carousel.

A traditional Christmas Tree could be found in St Martin's Square over the festive season of 2013. The lights behind were all lit up as well. Forever 21 occupied many of those retail spaces at the time.

Christmas St Martin's Square

Christmas tree and lights at night in St Martin's Square (December 2013) courtesy of Elliott Brown

 

In recent years the Bullring has reused an artificial Christmas Tree that they have placed outside of St Martin's Church in St Martin's Square. During the festive season of 2020 it was quiet, especially during the second lockdown. Most of the lights behind off as non essential retailers were closed, and some units were vacant.

Christmas St Martin's Square

Christmas Tree and lights in St Martin's Square after dark (November 2020) courtesy of Elliott Brown

Project dates

07 Oct 2019 - On-going

Passions

Photography, Shopping, Food & drink
Modern Architecture, Squares and public spaces, Classic Architecture

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Jonathan Bostock

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26 Aug 2024 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Island of Foam, part of the Birmingham Weekender at St Martin's Square

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The Birmingham Weekender held over the August Bank Holiday Weekend, 23rd to 26th August 2024. One highlight was the Island of Foam, held at St Martin's Square at Bullring & Grand Central Birmingham. Well down the steps that leads up to Central Street (St Martin's Walk). This was on the August Bank Holiday Monday 26th August 2024. At 12pm, but started half an hour later.

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Island of Foam, part of the Birmingham Weekender at St Martin's Square





The Birmingham Weekender held over the August Bank Holiday Weekend, 23rd to 26th August 2024. One highlight was the Island of Foam, held at St Martin's Square at Bullring & Grand Central Birmingham. Well down the steps that leads up to Central Street (St Martin's Walk). This was on the August Bank Holiday Monday 26th August 2024. At 12pm, but started half an hour later.


Island of Foam by Stephanie Lüning launched day four of the 2024 Birmingham Weekender programme. I found a spot near Selfridges on the upper blue balcony. And had to wait over half an hour before any foam was released. They also put various colours into it, asking kids "what's your favourite colour?". Was well worth the wait.

Was on the August Bank Holiday Monday 26th August 2024. The 12pm to 1pm session. But they started it before 12:30pm. 

 

Island of Foam by Stephanie Lüning invites audiences of all ages to play and move within a magical world of coloured foam, creating a sensory spectacle as the festival finale.

Outstanding artist Stephanie Lüning delves deep into the fascinating world of foam, unveiling a series of works that redefine the boundaries of art. Foam, often considered an everyday and overlooked material, is transformed by Lüning into a source of metaphysical insight. In Lüning’s works, foam is presented not only as a physical substance, but also as a carrier of a multitude of meanings. From urban landscapes to political movements and individual life stories, she skilfully interweaves the foam with complex themes to create a fascinating visual narrative.

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Photography by Elliott Brown

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19 Feb 2024 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

The Bullring presents Borealis by Dan Acher - 9th to 18th February 2024

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From the 9th to 18th February 2024 at the Bullring in Birmingham was an art installation by Dan Acher called Borealis. Based on the Northern Lights or the Aurora Borealis. It was on Central Street (St Martin's Walk) for 10 days from 5pm to 9pm each evening. Best seen after dark, as the effect didn't really work in daylight I found. Smoke machines and ambient music.

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The Bullring presents Borealis by Dan Acher - 9th to 18th February 2024





From the 9th to 18th February 2024 at the Bullring in Birmingham was an art installation by Dan Acher called Borealis. Based on the Northern Lights or the Aurora Borealis. It was on Central Street (St Martin's Walk) for 10 days from 5pm to 9pm each evening. Best seen after dark, as the effect didn't really work in daylight I found. Smoke machines and ambient music.


Borealis

BOREALIS THE NORTHERN LIGHTS - ANYTIME, ANYWHERE Borealis recreates one of nature’s most awe-inspiring phenomena over cities around the world. It shifts our emotional experience of familiar urban landmarks and awakens a shared conscience by creating something magical - something that shouldn’t naturally be there. Borealis is about our ancestral communion with nature and our more recent compulsion to control it. As our planet’s climate breaks down, the question arises: will technology one day replace everything that nature currently provides for us?

 

Dan Acher's Borealis was held at the Bullring on St Martin's Walk above St Martin's Square (aka Central Street) from the 9th to 18th February 2024. Time started each evening at 5pm, ended each night at 9pm. Every evening attracted a big crowd looking at the artificial Aurora Borealis, the Northern Lights. Personally I think they should have started it a month earlier, as between 5pm and 6pm, it's not that dark in February, although getting dark after sunset, which is getting a bit later each day now.

 

11th February 2024

First spotted one of the Borealis light towers from Edgbaston Street, after walking from Southside between buses.

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12th February 2024

Nice sunset down St Martin's Walk to St Martin in the Bullring, at approx 4:50pm, so 10 minutes before Borealis was due to start. This day I didn't wait for the lights to turn on.

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14th February 2024

This day, I waited the 5 minutes until 5pm for the multi-coloured lights to turn on, but was cloudy, and you don't really get the full Borealis effect at this time, but noticed the smoke machines going on.

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16th February 2024

That evening was when I hoped to catch Borealis after dark, I even popped to Costa Coffee in Grand Central beforehand after work, but I got there at 5:30pm and it wasn't dark yet, but got the full effect, and not much to see from St Martin's Square below.

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18th February 2024

The last evening, one more attempt, so got the bus up from home, then popped to Caffe Nero in Birmingham New Street Station (other coffee shops close at 5pm). Then got here for 6:30pm, and got a lot of photos of it, best I could, these are the best photos I took of Borealis.

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Borealis is next scheduled to go to Australia in Adelaide. It goes around the world.

 

Photography by Elliott Brown

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14 Mar 2022 - Elliott Brown
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Wizarding World Wand Installation at the Bullring & Grand Central Birmingham

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Harry Potter and Fantastic Beast fans, get yourself down to the Bullring on St Martin's Walk for the Wizarding World Wand  Installation. It started on the 11th and will end on the 17th March 2022. This is ahead of the release in cinemas of Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (April 2022).

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Wizarding World Wand Installation at the Bullring & Grand Central Birmingham





Harry Potter and Fantastic Beast fans, get yourself down to the Bullring on St Martin's Walk for the Wizarding World Wand  Installation. It started on the 11th and will end on the 17th March 2022. This is ahead of the release in cinemas of Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (April 2022).


Ahead of the release of the third Fantastic Beasts movie in cinemas - Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, on the 8th April 2022.

Wizarding World is having a tour of the UK of it's Wizarding World Wand Installation.

It is in Birmingham at the Bullring from the 11th to 17th March 2022.

You can find them on St Martin's Walk between the entrances of the East Mall and West Mall.

 

It was being advertised on the media eye facing the Bullring at Birmingham New Street Station (Moor Street Link Bridge view).

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Wizarding World Wand Installation on St Martin's Walk towards St Martin's Church and St Martin's Square.

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Side view of the Wizarding World Wand Installation towards the East Mall and Wing Stop.

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Bottom view of Wizarding World Wand Installation towards the Rotunda and Rotunda Square.

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Photos taken by Elliott Brown. Can be found on Twitter: ellrbrown

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18 Feb 2021 - Elliott Brown
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The Floral Trail, The Big Hoot & Sleuth at St Martin's Square

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There has been a couple of Birmingham City Centre Floral Trail pieces in St Martin's Square, but only in 2009 and 2013. In 2015 there was several Big Hoot owls around the Bullring, with at least one outside of St Martin's Church. Plus in 2017 there was one Big Sleuth bear outside of the church in the square (another bear was to be found inside Selfridges).

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The Floral Trail, The Big Hoot & Sleuth at St Martin's Square





There has been a couple of Birmingham City Centre Floral Trail pieces in St Martin's Square, but only in 2009 and 2013. In 2015 there was several Big Hoot owls around the Bullring, with at least one outside of St Martin's Church. Plus in 2017 there was one Big Sleuth bear outside of the church in the square (another bear was to be found inside Selfridges).


Birmingham City Centre Floral Trail

Birmingham Parks & Nurseries (aka Cofton Nursery) have over the years been making floral trail pieces to go on display in the City Centre every summer. But first they take the main display to the Chelsea Flower Show and Gardeners World Live, where they usually win the Gold prize. These are the floral trail features spotted over the years in St Martin's Square.

 

Trafalgar Medal, Summer 2009

I didn't really start exploring the Birmingham City Centre Floral Trail until August or September 2009. One of the first pieces I found was Trafalgar, Oct 21 1805 near St Martin's Church in August 2009. It is based on a medal that Matthew Boulton made, following the death of Lord Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. He approached the Admiralty and offered to commemorate the famous victory by presenting sailors who fought in the battle with a medal. Birmingham was the first place in the country to erect a statue of Horatio Nelson in 1809.

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The Best of Birmingham, Summer 2012

This is the second half of The Best of Birmingham. It won Gold at the Chelsea Flower Show, plus Gold and Best of Show at Gardeners World Live in 2012. Seen in St Martin's Square during August 2012. At the top is the Bullring Bull, then Selfridges in the middle and the Birmingham canals at the bottom with a narrowboat. The first half was in Centenary Square (with the Town Hall, Silver Spoon and a Mini).

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A look at the bottom half with Selfridges and the Narrowboat in the canal with a lock.

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View from the balcony near Selfridges looking down to St Martin's Square. It was very impressive looking. Must have been nice having the two halves together at Chelsea and at The NEC that year.

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The Big Hoot Birmingham 2015

Now onto The Big Hoot. In St Martin's Square there was about 3 Big Hoot painted owls from July 2015, for around 10 weeks. Before they were auctioned off for the Birmingham Children's Hospital Charity.

Beorma

This owl was located outside of St Martin's Church and was called Beorma (after the nearby Beorma Quarter in Digbeth). It was  painted by the artists Jodie Silverman from a design by Betty Underwood a pupil from Camp Hill School for Girls. The sponsor was The Schools of King Edward VI in Birmingham. Seen during July 2015.

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There was about 8 interlocking hands at the front.

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Plus flags of the world on a wing at the back. More little owls could be found inside of St Martin's Church at the time.

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Selfie

This Big Hoot owl resembled Selfridges (seen behind) and was called Selfie. The artist was Martin Band, and the sponsor was LDC. This was up the ramp around the back of the Spiceal Street development, not far from Jamie's Italian. Seen during July 2015. And yes I took a selfie with this one.

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Skyline 2015

This Big Hoot owl was located at the bottom of St Martin's Walk at the Bullring, with the spire of St Martin's Church and the statue of Horatio Nelson behind. Skyline 2015 was by the artist Nick Murley. The sponsor was Bullring. Seen during July 2015.

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The skyline was painted on the back of this owl as well.

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The Big Sleuth Birmingham 2017

Now onto The Big Sleuth. There was several Big Sleuth bears around the Bullring starting from July 2017, for around 10 weeks. Before they were auctioned off for the Birmingham Children's Hospital Charity.

Bearmingham

This Big Sleuth bear was located outside of St Martin's Church, and resembled the Birmingham Forward coat of arms. It was by the artist James Mustafa. The sponsor was The Schools of King Edward VI in Birmingham. Seen during July 2017. There was more little bears inside of St Martin's to find at the time.

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Brummie Bear

This Big Sleuth bear was to be found inside of Selfridges (and not in St Martin's Square, but adding for completion). It was by the artist Slobodan Topolović. The sponsor was Selfridges Birmingham. It resembled Selfridges, Rotunda, St Martin's Church, Bullring Bull and Birmingham New Street Station.

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The famous Selfridges discs at the back of the bear. Lasting longer than the real discs that need some TLC.

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Photos taken by Elliott Brown. Can be found on Twitter: ellrbrown

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History & heritage
16 Dec 2019 - Elliott Brown
Inspiration

Birmingham's Hidden Spaces: A look around St Martin's Church (September 2015)

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It was September 2015 and Birmingham Heritage Week. Mainly popped into St Martin's Church at the Bullring for The Big Hoot's Little Hoot, but also got these shots. May have also been to do with Birmingham's Hidden Spaces. The visit on the 12th September 2015. Stained glass windows, the Alabaster Tomb and more!

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Birmingham's Hidden Spaces: A look around St Martin's Church (September 2015)





It was September 2015 and Birmingham Heritage Week. Mainly popped into St Martin's Church at the Bullring for The Big Hoot's Little Hoot, but also got these shots. May have also been to do with Birmingham's Hidden Spaces. The visit on the 12th September 2015. Stained glass windows, the Alabaster Tomb and more!


The main reason for this visit was at the time there was various small painted owls inside of St Martin's Church that were part of The Big Hoot's Little Hoot. The trail accompanying The Big Hoot Birmingham 2015 trail. July to September 2015. So this was before the owls were removed and auctioned off for charity.

Here though we will look around the church from the inside.

First look at a pair of stained glass windows. One of these was designed by Edward Burne-Jones and made by William Morris (the window in the south transept).

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The next stained glass window close to several memorials on the wall.

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The walls around this stained glass window came out dark.

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This stained glass window above some stone scultural details.

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A bunch of pink flowers with a fan behind (elephant on it). Below is a weaved basket holding the flowers. With white flowers seen below.

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This is The Alabaster Tomb.

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This is an effigy of Sir John de Bermingham, probably early 15th century. Sir John was a knight who fought in the wars of France from 1373 until his death in 1393. Close inspection of this tomb reveals tiny patches of ancient colouring on the sword belt and on the coat of mail.

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Close up of Sir John de Birmingham. Still looking like a Knight after 630 years.

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The organ pipes.

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WW1 war memorial (1914 - 1918). For the fallen of The Royal Warwickshire Regiment. either side was a pair of Little Hoot owls. Tawney on the left (by King Edward VI Five Ways School), and When I Grow Up on the right (by King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys).

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Stone arches holding up the left side of the church.

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Interesting looking carved wooden details towards the wooden doors with glass windows.

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Plaque on the wall. On Wednesday 23rd March 1887 the St Martin's Society of Change Ringers rung the bells on the visit of Her Majesty Queen Victoria on the occasion of the laying of the foundation stone of the Victoria Law Courts (on Corporation Street). The Mayor of Birmingham at the time was Thomas Martineau.

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In this room was this centre table with lit candles. You can see that plaque behind.

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This wooden carved entrance ways leading to a modern revolving door.

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The wooden arched ceiling. Holding up both walls of the church.

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Some art on this wall. Looks like ghostly crosses to me.

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This leads to the churches cafe. Never been in myself. Was probably rebuilt in the early 2000s when the modern Bullring was built.

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A waterfall on these metal table things.

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Another bunch of flowers on a curvy yellow and orange base. Near the metal waterfall thing. And one of The Little Hoot owls.

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Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown.

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70 passion points
Art; Culture & creativity
09 Dec 2019 - Daniel Sturley
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Birmingham, the Amazing Stained Glass Windows in St Martin in the Bullring - December 2019

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I was lucky to visit the interior of St Martin in the Bullring during almost perfect conditions for photos of some the amazing stained glass windows, the low sun was shining directly through the south side windows and I got a few of the famous Burne-Jones window in the south transept.

Related

Birmingham, the Amazing Stained Glass Windows in St Martin in the Bullring - December 2019





I was lucky to visit the interior of St Martin in the Bullring during almost perfect conditions for photos of some the amazing stained glass windows, the low sun was shining directly through the south side windows and I got a few of the famous Burne-Jones window in the south transept.


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Photos by Daniel Sturley

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07 Dec 2019 - Daniel Sturley
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Birmingham, St Martin's Square in the Bullring - December 2019

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St Martin's Square is at the heart of the Bullring shopping centre hosting St Martin in the Bullring (St Martin's Church), the Selfridges Building, many restaurants, the south entrance to the Bullring shopping centre, and the gateway to the Birmingham Markets and Digbeth. Also there are the 'Copper Tree' and the Birmingham Blitz Memorial.

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Birmingham, St Martin's Square in the Bullring - December 2019





St Martin's Square is at the heart of the Bullring shopping centre hosting St Martin in the Bullring (St Martin's Church), the Selfridges Building, many restaurants, the south entrance to the Bullring shopping centre, and the gateway to the Birmingham Markets and Digbeth. Also there are the 'Copper Tree' and the Birmingham Blitz Memorial.


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Photos by Daniel Sturley

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