St Bartholomew's Church, Edgbaston

History

Grave of church architect J. A. Chatwin

The Grade II listed church[1] is medieval, but was largely rebuilt in the 19th century.[2] The chancel, chapels and north arcade were added in 1885 by J. A. Chatwin, who is buried in the churchyard. His grave monument, along with those of William Hoddinott, Jane Bellis and Catherine Chavasse is Grade II listed.[3] Also in the churchyard is the war grave of a Loyal Regiment officer of World War I.[4]

A memorial to physician and botanist Dr. William Withering, who pioneered the medical use of digitalis (derived from the foxglove), is situated on the south wall of the Lady Chapel, and features carvings of foxgloves and Witheringia solanaceae, a plant named in his honour.

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Bells

The tower contains a ring of eight bells, with a tenor weight of 10 long cwt 0 qtr 14 lb (1,134 lb or 514 kg).[5] The earliest four date from 1685. The bells are rung by the Birmingham University Society of Change Ringers during term time.[6]

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Organ

The organ was built by Norman and Beard dating from 1956. A specification of the organ can be found on the National Pipe Organ Register.

List of organists

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References

  1. ^ Details from listed building database (216920) - Church - Grade II. Images of England. English Heritage.
  2. ^ The Buildings of England, Warwickshire. Nikolaus Pevsner
  3. ^ Details from listed building database (216921) - Grave monuments - Grade II. Images of England. English Heritage.
  4. ^ [1] CWGC Casualty Record.
  5. ^ Dove's Guide
  6. ^ BUSCR
  7. ^ Gloucester Citizen - Friday 30 November 1888
  8. ^ Dictionary of Organs and Organists. First Edition. 1912
  9. ^ Birmingham Post and Mail Yearbook 1964
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Last modified on 24 March 2013, at 12:13