St. Martin's Church, Birmingham

Saint Martin's is the original parish church of Birmingham. Although most of the church was rebuilt between 1873 and 1875 by architect J. A. Chatwin, the older tower and spire were retained and incorporated into the new building. The spire had already been rebuilt and repaired several times over the centuries and, by 1808, had been struck by lightning three times. The exterior is faced with Grinshill stone.

Once inside, stand in the central nave and look up. One of the most impressive features is the high open timber roof, with its decorative tracery and carved angels. As you move through the church, also look down for the Victorian Minton floor tiles displaying the arms of the de Bermingham family, the medieval lords of Birmingham.

Now turn toward the south transept, on your right when facing the altar. Here you will find the church's greatest artistic treasure: the large stained-glass window designed by Birmingham-born Edward Burne-Jones and made by William Morris & Co. in 1875. The window survived World War II only because it had been removed for safekeeping shortly before a bomb exploded outside the church in April 1941.

From here, look toward the east end of the church, behind the altar. The large postwar East Window replaced glass lost in the Blitz and incorporates surviving fragments from the earlier window. Beneath it is an elaborate alabaster reredos illustrating scenes from Holy Week. Cross to the north transept, on the left when facing the altar, to see the large Harrison & Harrison pipe organ. It dates from 1906 and was rebuilt and moved here in 1955 by John Compton.

Finally, look back toward the tower. High above are Saint Martin's 16 bells-the largest ring in any church or cathedral in the United Kingdom. Visitors cannot normally climb the tower or see the bells themselves, but they are still regularly rung.