The cathedral is one of the few examples of English Baroque architecture in the country, predating the Victorian neo-Gothic trend in Birmingham.
The stained-glass windows were removed and hidden in a limestone quarry in Wales during World War II to protect them from aerial bombing.
Sir Edward Burne-Jones was baptized in the building in 1833, long before he achieved fame as an artist.
The central tower was added in 1725, but was originally built with poor-quality sandstone that required major repairs and re-casing in the late 19th century.
It is one of the smallest cathedrals in England, originally designed to serve a burgeoning 18th-century town rather than a massive city.
Birmingham Cathedral, formally the Cathedral Church of Saint Philip, is an 18th-century English Baroque place of worship designed by Thomas Archer. Completed in 1715, it was originally built as a parish church and elevated to cathedral status in 1905 when the Diocese of Birmingham was created. The building is renowned for its four significant stained-glass windows designed by Sir Edward Burne-Jones, a leader of the Pre-Raphaelite movement. These windows, depicting the Ascension, the Nativity, the Crucifixion, and the Last Judgment, were crafted by the William Morris studio. The interior features a grand altarpiece and a distinct lack of side aisles, which is characteristic of Archer's design. The building underwent extensive conservation work on the roof and stonework, finishing in 2023. It sits in the center of Cathedral Square, a small green space amidst the city's business district. It serves as an active Anglican parish church and a venue for civic events and concerts.
The interior view looking eastward toward the Burne-Jones 'Ascension' window.
Visit on a sunny day to see the sunlight pass through the vibrant blues and deep ambers of the Burne-Jones windows.
Look for the smaller plaques and memorials near the pews to learn about notable historical figures connected to Birmingham's industrial growth.
Take time to walk through the surrounding churchyard gardens which feature mature trees and pathways used by local office workers.
Do not mistake it for the Roman Catholic St Chad's Cathedral located in a different part of the city.
Occasionally closed to the public for private functions or major civic services; check the website noticeboard before traveling.
Maintain a quiet tone, remove hats when inside, and avoid photography during ongoing religious services.
