Bromsgrove, St John the Baptist

The third church on the site, St John's is fascinating with its wide variety of styles, from Norman through to 20th century.

The south porch entrance is 15th century and the inside arch is a rebuilt Norman doorway. From the centre of the nave one has an overall view of the 138 foot long building, with a chancel, rebuilt in the 13th century, and north and south aisles, lit by a clerestory and east and west windows. The west tower was completed after 1400. In 1858 Sir Gilbert Scott did a major restoration.

In the sanctuary, the east window has five lancets and was built in the 13th century. The present glass was added in 1858 and shows various events in the life of Christ. Many other windows carry good Victorian glass.

The nave is best viewed from the east end, with its 14th century tower arch. The tower, which is asymetrical is of interest as it is not in line with the nave, and the great west window is not central. The glass depicts the parable of the Ten Virgins.

At the east end of the north aisle you will see the 15th century tomb of Sir Humphrey Stafford and his wife, and that of Sir John Talbot of Grafton and his two wives, from the 16th century. The first three windows on the north wall are 15th century and the next two are from about 1320.

In the south aisle is a fine organ screen (1969) with ten woodcarvings depicting historic events of the town. Its carver, Robert Pancheri, was the successor to the Bromgrove Guild, an early 20th century collective of craftsmen, whose work in bronze, wood and glass, can be seen in several parts of the church.

From outside, the church is impressive, of red sandstone finished with a battlemented parapet and crocketted pinnacles, mainly Perpendicular in style. The tower rises in three stages to a fine octagonal spire with a total height of 200 feet.

Opening Times
Saturday, 11am - 3.30pm

Telephone: 01527 872 948

Service Times

1st Sunday	8am	Holy Communion CW
	10.45am	Sung Eucharist
	6pm	Healing/Memorial
2nd Sunday	8am	Holy Communion BCP
	10.45am	Sung Eucharist
	6pm	Choral Evensong
3rd Sunday	8am	Holy Communion CW
	10.45am	Family Service
	6pm	Holy Communion
4th Sunday	8am	Holy Communion BCP
	10.45am	Sung Eucharist
	6pm	Music Worship
5th Sunday	10.45am	Morning Prayer
Wednesday	11am	Holy Communion