St Anne's Church listed building in Deritend Birmingham

St Anne'S Church, Birmingham

St Anne’s Church Birmingham: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide

Date: 15/06/2025

Introduction

St Anne’s Church Birmingham, located in the heart of Digbeth, stands as a beacon of the city’s religious, cultural, and architectural legacy. Established in the mid-19th century by Saint John Henry Newman, the church has evolved from a sanctuary for Irish Catholic migrants into a vibrant community hub and architectural landmark. Whether you’re interested in exploring historical sites, admiring Gothic Revival architecture, or experiencing the lively Irish Quarter, this guide delivers comprehensive visitor information, including opening hours, accessibility, ticketing, tours, and nearby attractions (Wikipedia; BirminghamWorld; Historic England; Experiwise; St Anne’s Parish Church – Official Website).

St Anne's Church, a historic listed building in Alcester Street, Deritend, Birmingham

Exterior view of St Anne's Church, a listed building at Alcester Street, Deritend, Birmingham with historic architecture

Exterior view of St Anne's Church, a listed building in Birmingham, showing historic architectural details

St Anne's Church, Alcester Street, Deritend, Birmingham - Listed Building 1473053 in August 2024

Exterior view of St Anne's Church, a listed building on Alcester Street in Deritend, Birmingham, showcasing its historic architecture

Exterior view of St Anne's Church, a listed building in Alcester Street, Deritend, Birmingham

Doorway of St Anne's Church, a listed building in Deritend, Birmingham

Introduction
Historical Overview
Visiting St Anne’s Church
Community and Cultural Life
Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Conclusion
References

Historical Overview

Origins and Early Development

Founded in 1849 by Saint John Henry Newman, St Anne’s Church initially served as a spiritual refuge for Irish Catholic migrants during Birmingham’s industrial expansion. The original church, housed in a converted gin distillery in Deritend, quickly became a cornerstone for Irish immigrants facing economic and social challenges. After the Oratorian community moved to Edgbaston in 1852, St Anne’s continued to serve its parish under the Archdiocese of Birmingham (Wikipedia; Kiddle).

Architectural Significance

The present church, constructed between 1883–1884 on Alcester Street, was designed by Albert Vicars and John O’Neill. It is a distinguished example of Early English Gothic Revival, with red and blue brickwork, limestone detailing, and intricate stained glass windows. The Grade II listed building features:

A prominent gabled façade with pinnacles and a central stained-glass window
Red brick body with blue brick accents and limestone dressings
Spacious nave flanked by aisles, leading to a raised sanctuary
Original 19th-century interior elements, including confessional booths and reredos
Ornate side chapels and a pipe organ that supports the church’s musical heritage (Historic England; Experiwise)

Notable Events and Figures

The current church was inaugurated in 1884 by Cardinal Manning.
Famed author J.R.R. Tolkien worshipped at St Anne’s after his conversion to Catholicism in 1900.
Since 1952, St Anne’s has played a central role in Birmingham’s St Patrick’s Day Parade, which draws tens of thousands annually (Wikipedia; BirminghamWorld).

Visiting St Anne’s Church

Visiting Hours & Tickets

Opening Times: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am–5:00 pm; Saturday, 10:00 am–4:00 pm. Sunday visits are limited due to services.
Entry Fee: Admission is free; donations are welcome to support church upkeep and community activities.

Accessibility

St Anne’s Church is committed to inclusivity:

Step-free main entrance and accessible restrooms
Assistance for visitors with disabilities available upon request (contact the parish office in advance)
Hearing assistance devices offered for services (AccessAble)

Getting There

Address: Alcester Street, Digbeth, Birmingham B12 0XB
Public Transport: Served by Birmingham’s bus network, with stops on Alcester Street and Digbeth; close to Digbeth Coach Station and Birmingham New Street station
Parking: Limited street parking nearby; public car parks available in Digbeth and the city centre

Guided Tours & Photography

Guided Tours: Available by appointment and during Heritage Open Days; contact the parish office for details
Photography: Permitted for personal use outside of services; respect the privacy of worshippers and avoid flash during Mass

Community and Cultural Life

Parish Life and Events

St Anne’s is an active parish offering a full schedule of worship, including three Sunday Masses and daily services (St Anne’s Parish Church – Official Website). The church hosts a diverse range of events throughout the year:

Parish dinners and seasonal socials
Concerts and art exhibitions
Heritage Open Days and craft fairs
Annual St Patrick’s Day Parade, the largest outside New York and Dublin

Cultural Anchor

St Anne’s functions as a vital hub for Birmingham’s Irish community, fostering cultural identity through music, social gatherings, and partnership with the Birmingham Irish Association (BirminghamWorld; Birmingham Irish Association). The church and its adjacent social club have hosted concerts, dances, and community support services for generations.

Charitable Outreach

The church, in partnership with local organizations, supports initiatives addressing social care, health, and integration for both long-standing residents and new arrivals.

Nearby Attractions

Complement your visit to St Anne’s with these Digbeth highlights:

Birmingham Oratory: Founded by John Henry Newman
Digbeth Cultural Quarter: Renowned for street art, creative spaces, and independent eateries
The Custard Factory: Arts and media complex
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery: Extensive city history and art collections
Cleary’s and Nortons: Classic Irish pubs reflecting local heritage

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the visiting hours at St Anne’s Church?
A: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am–5:00 pm; Saturday, 10:00 am–4:00 pm. Sunday visiting is limited due to services.

Q: Is there an entry fee or are tickets required?
A: No, admission is free; donations are appreciated.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, by appointment or during events such as Heritage Open Days.

Q: Is the church accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: Yes, with step-free access, accessible restrooms, and hearing assistance.

Q: Can I take photos inside the church?
A: Photography is allowed outside of liturgical services; please check with staff for special permissions.

Q: How do I get there by public transport?
A: The church is accessible via multiple bus routes and is near Digbeth Coach Station and Birmingham New Street station.

Conclusion

St Anne’s Church Birmingham stands at the intersection of history, architecture, and vibrant community life. From its roots as a haven for Irish immigrants to its present role as a cultural anchor and Grade II listed landmark, the church welcomes all to experience its spiritual, architectural, and communal riches. Plan your visit to explore this unique facet of Birmingham’s heritage—whether for worship, a guided tour, a major festival, or simply to appreciate the artistry of its design.

Stay updated on special events and visitor information through the official parish website and consider downloading the Audiala app for real-time tips and event notifications. Follow St Anne’s Church on social media to stay connected with community news and celebrations.