Holy Trinity Church, Sutton Coldfield

Holy Trinity Church stands in the heart of Royal Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands. It is a Grade I listed building and gives its name to the ward where it is found. The church’s origins go back to a 13th-century building linked to the nearby manor. The oldest part still standing is the west tower, built in the late 15th century. Bishop John Vesey enlarged the church in the 1530s by adding two side aisles and installing an organ. Later, in the 18th century, galleries, pews and bells were added. The church holds notable features from different periods. Inside, the tomb of Bishop Vesey can be seen alongside a font brought from St Lawrence’s Church in Nottinghamshire in the 19th century. Early 17th-century screens and panelling, removed from Worcester Cathedral in 1864, were fitted in 1875. The tower contains a peal of eight bells, with two dating from 1795 and the rest from 1884. The tenor bell alone weighs 1,189 kilograms. Visitors find a mix of medieval and later craftsmanship inside. The organ has been rebuilt several times, most recently in 1950 by Hill, Norman and Beard. The church now belongs to the Diocese of Birmingham after formerly being in Lichfield. A group called the Friends of Holy Trinity Parish Church organises events such as the Royal Town Gala Concert. The building remains a central place in the community, continuing its role as a parish church.