The Church in Weoley Castle

A brief history of the church in Weoley Castle
Some pictures of the church

A brief history of the church in Weoley Castle

The church was designed by Adrian Gilbert Scott (1882–1963), a renowned architect, who also designed almost every internal aspect, including the furnishings and décor.

The foundation stone, located by the pulpit, was laid on 18th July 1959 by the Most Reverend Francis Grimshaw, fifth Archbishop of Birmingham.

The original High Altar is constructed in “Blue Horton Stone” quarried near Banbury, Oxfordshire, with an Italian Dove Grey Marble table-top and plinth upon which rests the Tabernacle. The surrounding stonework in the church is complemented with “Brown Horton Stone.”

The Lady Chapel Altar is constructed in Medium Purbeck Roman Cream Stone, with a Blue Lapis Panel. The main Crucifix above the High Altar, together with the reredos scene above the Lady Altar were carved in wood by Ferdinando Stuflesser, the eminent woodcarver of Ortisei, in Bolzano, Italy.

The Stations of the Cross are hand carved copies of the originals designed by Scott’s father, Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, for the Church of Saint Anthony of Padua, in Manchester, in 1904.

The Church Bell was cast by John Taylor Bellfounders of Loughborough and is designed to toll the Angelus and the normal clock chimes as well as on command. Local bye-laws prohibit any regular or frequent use.

The original drawings and plans of the Church, including all of its internal structures, furnishings and décor, are held in the Victoria & Albert Museum, London. No other copies are known to exist. Should you wish to view any of the Church’s extensive drawings and plans, please contact:

The Archivist
British Architectural Library
Drawings and Archives Collections
Victoria & Albert Museum
Cromwell Road
London SW7 2RL
Telephone: 0207 307 3615

or view the Library’s online catalogue at their website: www.architecture.com.

Viewings are only by appointment (on Tuesdays to Fridays) at the Library’s viewing offices, located at RIBA Enterprises, Discovery House (Basement), 28–42 Banner Street, London EC1Y 8QE.

Photographic copies of any drawings may be ordered at the time of viewing for an appropriate fee.

Article prepared by Bernard Cooper