St Matthew

Christians have worshipped on this site for at least the last 800 years during which time the parish church has dominated the view of the High Street and the town. The church is first mentioned in 1200 and the crypt contains Early English lancet windows. In 1258 the patronage of the living was granted to the Abbey of Halesowen which the Abbot exercised until the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1538. Although dedicated to All Saints as early as 1391, the church has been known as St. Matthew’s since the 18th century. This may have been linked to the Annual Fair Day which operated from the 12th century.

Try to visit on one of our Heritage Open Days for a free tour. These are always around the second weekend in September and on other days noted on the church website calendar. These visits offer a trip up the tower and down into the crypt, areas not normally open to the public. You will see medieval carvings and extravagant Georgian decoration. You'll hear stories about the mayor who drowned in a local lake, the man who survived the Charge of the Light Brigade and the gas explosion which blew out the west window. You will probably be given a free cup of tea and a cake! Come on, make the effort to see us.