St Mary's Church, Handsworth

Imagine a super old building, even older than your grandparents' grandparents! That's St Mary's Church in Handsworth. It's also called Handsworth Old Church. It's a special building made of stone and has been around for a very, very long time. It sits right next to a big park called Handsworth Park, so it's a peaceful place. Think of it as a quiet spot where history happened a long time ago.

This church is super special because it's the resting place for some really important people. These weren't just any people; they were like the superheroes of making things! They helped invent amazing machines that changed the world, like those used in factories.

Because so many clever inventors are buried here, people sometimes call this church the 'Cathedral of the Industrial Revolution'. It's like a hall of fame for inventors!

St Mary's Church has a huge grassy area around it, like a giant backyard! It's about ten acres, which is bigger than many football fields put together. This big space means there's lots of room for trees and quiet spots. It’s also near a place where trains used to stop, called Handsworth Wood railway station. So, it’s a place that’s seen lots of people come and go over the years.

This church is important because it’s a link to the past. It reminds us of the people who invented amazing things that made life different. It’s a Grade II* listed building, which means it’s super important and needs to be looked after.

It’s like a treasure chest of history, holding stories of innovation and change. It’s a place where you can feel the echoes of the past and imagine what life was like when these inventors were busy changing the world.