St Mary's Convent, Handsworth facts for kids
St Mary's Convent entrance
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 Location in West Midlands county
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| Monastery information | |
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| Full name | St Mary's Convent, Sisters of Mercy, Handsworth |
| Order | Sisters of Mercy |
| Established | 1840 |
| Dedicated to | Blessed Virgin Mary |
| Diocese | Birmingham |
| People | |
| Important associated figures | John Hardman |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade II* listed |
| Architect | Augustus Pugin |
| Site | |
| Location | Lozells, Birmingham, England |
| Coordinates | 52°29′53″N 1°54′54″W / 52.4980°N 1.9150°W |
| Grid reference | SP0586488903 |
| Public access | Yes |
St Mary's Convent is a special building in Birmingham, England. It is home to a group of Catholic nuns called the Sisters of Mercy. The convent is located between the Lozells and Hockley areas of the city. The Sisters also help the local church community in Handsworth.
The convent was started in 1840. A famous architect named Augustus Pugin designed it. It is considered a very important historical building. Since 1952, it has been listed as a Grade II* building by English Heritage.
Contents
History of St Mary's Convent
How the Convent Started
In 1840, the Sisters of Mercy came to Birmingham. They were invited by Nicholas Wiseman. At that time, he was a special helper to the main Catholic leader, Thomas Walsh. Walsh was in charge of the Catholic Church in the Midland District.
Many people helped the Sisters set up their convent. John Hardman of Hardman & Co. lived across the street. He gave the land for the building. John Hardman and the Earl of Shrewsbury paid for the convent. They gave £2000, which was a lot of money back then. They then asked Augustus Pugin to design the building.
The convent had a small chapel inside. This chapel was dedicated to Saint Mary. It served as the local parish church until 1847.
St Mary's Church Building
By 1845, more and more Catholic people were living in the area. The convent chapel was no longer big enough for everyone. So, they decided to build a larger church right next to the convent.
In July 1847, the new St Mary's Church was opened. Bishop William Wareing officially blessed it. Later, in 1894, St Francis of Assisi Church was built across from the convent. After that, the larger St Mary's Church became the convent's private chapel.
Sadly, St Mary's Church was destroyed during World War II. It was never rebuilt. Today, a school called St Francis Catholic Primary School stands where the church used to be. The school and the convent work closely together. A Sister from the convent is even on the school's board of governors.
Exterior Views
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View along Hunters Road
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Side of the convent
See also
