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St Thomas Church Birminghma, 1941 a42_00588
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St Thomas Church Birminghma, 1941 a42_00588
St Thomass Church, Bath Row, Lee Bank, Birmingham. The tower and portico of St Thomass Church viewed from the north showing bomb damage. In Decemeber 1940 all but the tower and west portico were destroyed during an air raid. The church was never rebuilt but in 1953 the grounds were laid out to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. In 1995, fifty years after the end of the Second World War, the gardens were redesignated as St Thomas Peace Garden where the remains of the church now form a focal point
Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places
Media ID 21166525
© Historic England Archive
Blitz Bomb Damage Church Destruction Georgian Incendiary Portico Second World War Shell Tower Wwii
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the haunting beauty of St Thomas Church in Birmingham, during a time of great turmoil. Taken in 1941, the image showcases the tower and portico of this Georgian masterpiece, which miraculously survived a devastating air raid just a year earlier. The visible bomb damage serves as a poignant reminder of the destruction inflicted upon this historic place of worship. In December 1940, all but the tower and west portico were reduced to ruins by enemy bombs during one fateful night. The church itself was never rebuilt; however, its remains have found new purpose over time. In 1953, on the occasion of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation, these grounds were transformed into a beautiful memorial garden. Fifty years later, in 1995, they were officially designated as St Thomas Peace Garden – an oasis where tranquility prevails amidst remnants that once echoed with prayers and hymns. George Bernard Mason skillfully captured not only the architectural grandeur but also the resilience embedded within these stone walls. This photograph stands as a testament to both human determination and nature's ability to heal wounds inflicted by war. As we gaze upon this image today, it reminds us that even amid destruction and chaos, there is always hope for peace to blossom anew – just like delicate flowers now flourishing where once stood St Thomas Church.
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