Walking back to Georgian times

Saturday, 23 January 2010 21:26

Three ladies, a church and a long walk!

John went off to his NABO meeting this morning and I met up with a couple other "NABO widows" . Val, Hilary and I set out to explore Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter, which is a good 20 minute walk from the city centre. We walked down Farmer's Bridge Locks on the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal (BCN) and went up onto Newhall Street after Lock 8. Just before Lock 9 there are some steps up to the road.

Newhall Street Bridge, Lock 9 is under the bridge

Passing Cambrian Wharf I was interested to see a couple of new narrowboats moored against the lock side, but "our" pontoon was vacant still!

Walking up Newhall Street we came to St Paul's Square, the last Georgian square left in Birmingham. It is also an area that has links to Matthew Bolton and James Watt. Not far away is a new development, Newhall Square, on the site of the old Museum of Science and Industry. This building used to house the oldest working steam engine in the world.

We went into St Paul's Church. This church was built in the 1770s, originally as a "Chapel of Ease". The design is based on a famous London Church - St Martin's-in-the-Fields (by Trafalgar Square). However, fundraising was difficult and the steeple in the original build was omitted. It was finally built in 1823.

St Paul's in St Paul's Square, set in a "green" - from the west and from the south east

Upon entering we were immediately warmly welcomed (impressive!) and given a printed guide. The other immediate impression was of the dominant east window and the box pews.

Nave and chancel and box pews

Closer to the Eginton East Window we read that it was a copy of the painting by Benjamin West - "Conversion of St Paul". Benjamin West was once court painter of historical subjects to King George III. The original now hangs in Dallas Museum of Art. Francis Eginton was originally employed by Matthew Boulton.

Eginton East Window in detail

The box pews are in good condition and down to the left of choir pews under the organ is where the Matthew Boulton pew once stood.

Organ and choir stalls

Leaving St Paul's, we sought some lunch. The Rope Walk provided us with a pleasant lunch and time to rest before continuing to explore. Some of the other Georgian buildings in St Paul's Square contrast with the modern in the background.

The Rope Walk bar and restaurant, left of centre

A flavour of other buildings in the square

After lunch we walked to the shops! ... more to come