Birmingham Cathedral (Cathedral Church of St Philip) - A Birmingham Gem!

Designed by Thomas Archer, St Philip's was built between 1711 and 1715 and is the seat of the Bishop of Birmingham. Take the link for more on this Birmingham Gem. 


Where is Birmingham Cathedral?

Birmingham Cathedral (also known as St Philip's Cathedral or the Cathedral Church of St Philip) is at Colmore Row, Birmingham, B3 2QB. At the heart of Cathedral Square (aka Pigeon Park).

 

In brief

St Philip's Cathedral aka Birmingham Cathedral is located at the centre of Cathedral Square in the Colmore Business District, opened in 1715. They celebrated it's 300th Anniversary in 2015.

103 Colmore Row with Birmingham Cathedral in Cathedral Square (December 2020). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

History of St Philip's Cathedral Birmingham

Built in 1715 as St Philip’s Church in the Baroque style by Thomas Archer, the Cathedral celebrated its 300 year birthday in 2015. It was granted Cathedral Status in 1905 for the then newly formed Diocese of Birmingham. Refaced in stone by J A Chatwin from 1864-9 features Edward Burne-Jones windows. The cathedral was bombed during WW2 in 1940 and restored in 1948 but the Burne-Jones windows were removed early on in the war and therefore saved.

St Philip's Cathedral

Interior of Birmingham Cathedral (January 2019). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Burne-Jones windows

There is at least four stained glass windows at Birmingham Cathedral designed by Edward Burne-Jones. They were made between 1885 and 1897. Burne-Jones designed them while William Morris made them.

Burne-Jones windows

Burne-Jones window at Birmingham Cathedral (January 2019). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Organ

The organ dates to 1715 and has been restored and re-gilded. It's sound replicates that of an orchestra.

OrganThe organ at Birmingham Cathedral (January 2019). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

High Alter Cross

It was made in the Jewellery Quarter by a jeweller and artist called John Donald. It is a stunning cross with a piece of quartz at the centre. It is seen below the trio of Burne-Jones windows.

High Alter CrossHigh Alter Cross at Birmingham Cathedral (January 2019). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Views from above

Birmingham Cathedral in Cathedral Square seen from the 18th floor balcony at 103 Colmore Row, during Key to the City in 2022.

Birmingham CathedralBirmingham Cathedral (June 2022). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

 

Birmingham Cathedral seen from the level 20 balcony at Staying Cool at the Rotunda in 2023.

Birmingham CathedralBirmingham Cathedral (October 2023). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Divine Beauty Project

The Divine Beauty Project started in 2023. For the cleaning and restoration of the four Edward Burne-Jones stained glass windows. Divine Beauty at Night has been held twice over January 2023 and January 2024.

Divine Beauty at NightBirmingham Cathedral, Divine Beauty at Night (January 2024). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Contact details

Birmingham Cathedral

Colmore Row

Birmingham

B3 2QB

0121 262 1840

What's On / Contact

Project dates

04 Jan 2019 - On-going

Passions

History & heritage, Civic pride, Classic Architecture
Faith

Contact

Your Place Your Space

Jonathan Bostock

0121 410 5520
jonathan.bostock@ yourplaceyourspace.com