St Giles' Church, Sheldon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Giles' Church, Sheldon |
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![]() St Giles' Church, Sheldon in April 2025
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52°27′34.42″N 1°46′40.8″W / 52.4595611°N 1.778000°W | |
Location | Sheldon |
Country | England |
Denomination | Church of England |
History | |
Dedication | St Giles |
Architecture | |
Heritage designation | Grade II* listed |
Administration | |
Parish | Sheldon |
Deanery | Coleshill |
Archdeaconry | Aston |
Diocese | Anglican Diocese of Birmingham |
St Giles' Church in Sheldon, Birmingham, is a special old building. It is a parish church that belongs to the Church of England. The church has a "Grade II* listed" status, which means it is a very important historical building. This status helps protect it so it can be enjoyed for many years.
Contents
A Look at History
This church has a long and interesting past. It was first built around the year 1291. However, most of the building you see today was constructed in the 1300s, during the 14th century. Imagine how many people have walked through its doors over hundreds of years!
In 1867, the church was carefully repaired and updated. This work was done by architects named Slater and Carpenter. They helped make sure the old building stayed strong and beautiful.
Important People from the Past
One important person connected to St Giles' Church was Thomas Bray. He was the church's rector starting in 1690. A rector is like the main priest or leader of a church. Thomas Bray later played a big part in helping to set up the Church of England in Maryland, which is a state in the United States.
The Church Organ
Inside St Giles' Church, there is a beautiful pipe organ. This organ has two "manuals," which are like keyboards that the organist plays with their hands. It also has 14 "stops," which are controls that change the sound of the pipes.
The organ was put into the church by a person named Thomas Hewins. Pipe organs are very special musical instruments that can make many different sounds, from soft whispers to powerful roars.
Other Interesting Places Nearby
- Listed buildings in Birmingham
Other Old Churches in Birmingham
Birmingham has several other churches that are also very old, dating back to medieval times.