Church of St Matthew

Church of St Matthew crowns Church Hill in the centre of Walsall, West Midlands. It is an active Anglican parish church, listed Grade II*, and one of the oldest sites in the town, with a history that reaches back to the early 13th century. Its look today is mostly the work of the 1820s, but older parts survive beneath and beside the later building.

What is the history of the church?

A church stood here by around 1200, and the first rector is recorded in 1211. For centuries it was dedicated to All Saints; the name St Matthew came into use later, around the time of the major rebuilding. From the mid-13th century the right to appoint the rector belonged to Halesowen Abbey, and it stayed there until the Dissolution in 1538. Afterwards the patronage passed through the Earl of Bradford and then to the Bishop of Lichfield.

What can you see inside and outside?

The building is a mix of periods. Key features include:

• The crypt, the oldest part of the church, with Early English lancet windows.
• The chancel, dating from the late 15th century, with carved misericords (the small ledges on the undersides of choir seats). It carries marks of damage from the English Civil War.
• The nave, rebuilt in 1820-21 to designs by Francis Goodwin in a Gothic Revival manner, together with a plaster ceiling from the same years.
• A 15th-century font.

In 1877-80 the architect Ewan Christian restored the chancel, so what you see there reflects both medieval work and Victorian care. A diocesan survey of 1830 described the new nave as pseudo-Gothic and criticised its plan, a reminder that opinions about the rebuild were mixed from the start.

Why does it matter to Walsall?

The church was more than a place of worship. It served as an early meeting place for Walsall's Town Council and its guilds, and over time the site was linked with schools, a workhouse and almshouses. Its hilltop position makes it a landmark visible across the old town centre, and the churchyard is a quiet spot above the shops and streets below.

Can you visit?

The church is still in use for services and takes part in events such as Heritage Open Days, when it is opened to visitors and its story is told. Opening times outside services vary, so check with the parish before a special trip. The church is on Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register, so it needs ongoing care and support from the community.

Practical tips

• The church stands on Church Hill, a short walk from the main shopping streets and public transport in Walsall town centre.
• Allow 30-45 minutes to look around the interior and walk around the churchyard.
• Architecture lovers should look for the contrast between the Georgian-era Gothic nave and the older medieval chancel and crypt.
• Combine the visit with other sights in the town centre for a half-day of local history.

Frequently asked questions

Is the church open to visitors? It is an active parish church. It welcomes people at services and on special open days; for other times, contact the parish.

How old is it? The site dates to about 1200, with the first rector recorded in 1211. The present nave is from 1820-21, the chancel from the late 15th century, and the crypt is older still.

Was it always called St Matthew's? No. It was originally dedicated to All Saints, and the current dedication came later.

Is it a listed building? Yes, it holds Grade II* status in the National Heritage List for England.

Who designed the nave? Francis Goodwin, who rebuilt it in 1820-21. Ewan Christian later restored the chancel.