St George in the Fields, Hockley

St George in the Fields was a Church of England parish church in Birmingham. Designed by Thomas Rickman in the Decorated Gothic style, it opened in 1822. The building was enlarged in the late 19th century with a new chancel and organ chamber. Benjamin Nowell and Sons built the church under Rickman’s direction. Part of its parish later became St Matthias’ Church in Farm Street. The church was demolished in 1961 after standing for nearly 140 years. The tomb of Thomas Rickman remains on the site. Rickman, the church’s architect, was buried there in 1841. His tomb is now a listed structure, recognised for its historical importance. The church also housed a pipe organ by Elliott, rebuilt in 1883. Nicholson and Ward of Walsall carried out the work in the new organ chamber. The organ’s specification can be found in the National Pipe Organ Register. Visitors to the site find Rickman’s listed tomb surrounded by the former churchyard. The open space marks where the church once stood. No other structures from the building survive. The area is quiet, with only the tomb and a few gravestones remaining. It offers a place to reflect on Birmingham’s 19th-century church architecture. The tomb stands as the last reminder of a once-prominent parish church.