St Margaret's Church, Ward End

St Margaret’s Church stands in Ward End, Birmingham, as a Grade II listed former parish church of the Church of England. The present building dates from 1834, replacing a medieval chapel erected in 1517 by John Bond. After falling into disrepair, the church was restored in 1833 and consecrated in 1841 by the Bishop of Worcester. In 1870 it became the head of a new parish, though later parts of its land were used to create other churches. The church closed in 2005 and was united with Christ Church, Ward End, before being restored in 2010 by the St Margaret’s Community Trust with the help of Rev Simon Cartwright. The church contains a Gothic memorial to William Hutton, a local historian who lived from 1723 to 1815. His bust was sculpted by Peter Hollins in 1848 and remains a notable feature inside. An organ by J C Bishop was installed in 1845, and John Heywood served as organist from 1865 to 1866. The building’s history reflects both its medieval origins and its role in the growth of Birmingham’s parishes. Visitors find a quiet, restored church with simple Gothic lines and a single prominent memorial. The interior retains the 1845 organ and the bust of William Hutton. The surrounding area is residential, offering a peaceful contrast to the city centre. The church’s modest scale and restored condition make it a place where history can be seen without distraction.