St Matthew's - The Story of Walsall

Tours of the 850 year old church with displays and guides to answer questions. See Civil War damage in the chancel; the early 19th century ceiling; the medieval crypt; the bell ringing chamber and a rare external archway.

Visitors will be greeted and guided around our church. Like an art gallery, visitors can dwell in areas of interest and move on as suits their interest and time available. Tours will help visitors understand how evidence of stories and events from centuries ago can still be seen today. Refreshments are available.

Inside see our early 19th century nave where a huge gas explosion occurred, and a 15th century chancel with a set of 18 finely carved misericords or choir stalls. The medieval crypt is by far Walsall’s oldest building. The 14th century font shows coats of arms of local families. A monument to the 14th century knight Sir Roger Hillary of Bescot. There are stained glass windows - notably the East Window dedicated to Sister Dora - and impressive monuments, including one to a survivor of the Charge of the Light Brigade and another commemorating the Walsall Mayor who drowned in the arboretum lake.
Admire the church tower with its tall spire, a rare 15th century archway under the chancel built to allow access around the churchyard; and a fine view - and great for photographs - across Walsall town centre to the New Art Gallery, and, beyond, to the surrounding hills.

Timings & Tours

Friday 06 September:

6.00pm - 9.00pm (Last entry 8.30 pm)

Saturday 07 September:

10.00 am - 4.00pm (Last entry 3.30pm)

Location & directions

St Matthew's Church, St. Matthews Close, Walsall, West Midlands, WS1 3DG

Contact on day:

John Edlin

Telephone number:

+447546504904

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

A few areas are not safely accessible for those with limited mobility, though much of heritage interest is accessible to wheelchair users.

Additional information

Much of Walsall's heritage and history is rooted in St Matthew's - the first meeting place of the Town Council, the first meeting place of the town's Guilds, its oldest building, the first schools, the first fire station, the first police station, the first workhouse and Alms houses. Many features are of regional importance, some significant nationally - notably the clock face, the bells, the chancel arch and the Paupers Gallery.

Max no of people per tour:

100

Est. tour duration:

1 hour(s) 30 minute(s)

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