Everything you need to know about Birmingham Cathedral
Birmingham Cathedral is an Anglican Cathedral right at the heart of the city, that began its life as a church to cope with the ever increasing population in the area. It celebrated its 300th anniversary in 2015, having been a place of worship since 1715. The work of Thomas Archer, it’s a stunning example of English Baroque architecture.
The diocese
The Birmingham diocese, which changed the church into a cathedral, was created in 1905, as the leaders of the city thought that it would benefit from having a Bishop and a Cathedral to provide it with a higher status nationally, to compete with other industrialised cities throughout the country.
The architecture
St Philips Cathedral may not have the grandeur of other cathedrals, due to its smaller stature, as it is, according to the Christ Church Cathedral Miscellany, the third smallest Cathedral in the United Kingdom. It is nevertheless a beautiful example of Baroque architecture. It is Italianate in style, and its interior is typical of English Baroque churches, as its wooden galleries between fluted pillars frame the nave.
The Cathedral is adorned by four beautiful stained glass windows which were created in the famed workshops of William Morris. They are said to be masterpieces of pre-Raphaelite art.
The setting
The diminutive cathedral is framed by a small green oasis of grass and trees in the heart of the city, and it offers a welcome relief from the twentieth and twenty-first century architecture that abounds in Birmingham city centre. It offers a warmer side of Birmingham that is not always evidenced by the abundance of modern architecture.
Surrounding accommodation
Birmingham offers a wealth of hotels and guest houses for visitors, but for those who prefer a little more space and perhaps some independence, Birmingham serviced apartments may provide the answer. These provide self-catering apartments located in the heart of the city. Just a stone’s throw from the cathedral itself are the serviced apartments at http://birminghamservicedapartments.co.uk/, which offer luxurious accommodation for the most discerning of travellers.
The history
The cathedral is said to have been Thomas Archer’s first church. It was bombed heavily in 1940, but its stained glass windows had been earlier removed, ensuring their survival. Whilst modern Birmingham may be unrecognisable to previous generations, the cathedral has remained steadfast.
