12 historic churches in Dudley and Worcestershire to visit during September heritage days

The town of Dudley itself can trace its origins from the establishment of St Thomas's  and St Edmund's churches - 'Top Church'  and 'Bottom Church' - in the 12th century. The Baron of Dudley Castle then established a market between the two, and the town grew from there.

This year’s Heritage Open Days take place between September 12 and 21. and are an opportunity to celebrate our heritage, community and history; exploring hidden places and trying new experiences. The events are all free to attend.

St Laurence Church, Alvechurch – September 13, 11am–2pm

Visit this Grade II listed church, designed in part by William Butterfield and one of Worcestershire's largest enclosed churchyards. The programme of events will include a video of the recent church tower restoration, portrait competition, the village school choir, dancing demonstrations, morris dancers, classic cars, as well as a display by Bournville sailing and boating club, along with children's craft activities, face painting and refreshments.

 All Saints Church, Bromsgrove – September13, 10am–4pm, and September 14, 2–4pm

Another chance to see the material collected for the church’s 150th anniversary. Explore the windows and Bromsgrove Guild features inside the church along with an exhibit about the Bromsgrove button factory. There will be a book stall and refreshments will be available, as well as information and pictures about the church building, its history and personalities.

Christ Church, Catshill, Bromsgrove -  September 13, 10am–4pm, and September 14, 11am–4pm

This 185-year-old country church has historic links to the poet A E Housman, writer of A Shropshire Lad, and the scientist Alan Turing. Visit beautiful stained-glass windows and the church’s war graves. Memorial books will be on display.

St Peter’s Church, Cradley  - September 13, 10am-2pm, and September 14, 11am–3pm

See inside this church originally built in 1789 as a non-conformist chapel, before the minister converted to the Church of England in 1798. Local history experts will help visitors trace their Cradley ancestors and a selection of books will be available to purchase. Refreshments will be available throughout the day. There will also be a blacksmith demonstrating the art of forging and chainmaking in the churchyard as well as a display of wedding dresses from the past 100 years in the church. 

At 2.30pm there will be a free concert with the Rev Victoria Barlow playing favourite wedding music on organ and piano.

St Thomas and St Luke's Church (Top Church), Dudley – September 13, 1.30–3.30pm

Step into the story of Top Church and discover how its striking features reflect the rich cultural and historical backdrop of the community. Children can embark on an engaging trail to uncover secrets of the building while enjoying fun facts and clues along the way. An immersive digital tour brings the past to life with interactive insights, perfect for curious minds of all ages. Take part in a Lego architecture challenge and build your own masterpiece inspired by the church’s famous features.  

St Edmund’s Church (Bottom Church), Dudley – September 13, 11am–2pm

These is lots to see in this church standing on a site dating back 1,000 years; partly destroyed in the Civil War and rebuilt in 1724. There will be knowledgeable guides sharing interesting information and refreshments will be served.

St Mary and All Saints Church, Hampton Lovett, near Droitwich - September 13, 10am–4pm, and September 14, 10am-2pm

Celebrating 200 years of the railways, you will see a stunning, working 00 gauge model (built by two local experts) which reveals Hampton Lovett's railway heritage. Then wander around this Grade I listed church and discover its historic features, including 'mysterious markings' recently discovered in and around the church and a guided tour of the 14th century tower. There will be a photo-quiz for children and a display of Morgan cars in the area adjacent to the churchyard. Parking, toilets plus light refreshments and a book sale are all available in the nearby Hampton Lovett parish rooms.

St Stephen’s Church, Redditch – September 13, 10am-2pm. Church also open September 14-20, 10am–2pm

Explore St Stephen's church in Redditch and share your story of the church. Climb the tower and see the bells or visit the vestry to see tiles from the original St Stephen's chapel. Explore the stories woven into the building, the bells, and the people.

St Mary’s Church, Ripple - September 13 and 14, 10am–4pm

St Mary's Church, Ripple is the largest medieval church in Worcestershire and is host to one of Britain's finest collections of misericords: 16 intricately carved seats from the 15th century. A rare 1613 "She" bible will be on display - other known copies are in Exeter, Salisbury and Durham Cathedrals and Oxford and Cambridge universities. See early Victorian Chamberlain tiles, six bells by John Rudhall from 1807 and a Victorian stained-glass window by Ernest Heasman, a pupil of Kempe.

St Mary, Hanley Castle, Worcester - September 13-21, 2–5pm

Enjoy an exhibition illustrating the wonderful creation of the natural world. Explore the story of creation and discover how the architects and builders of the natural world have inspired architecture and the built environment.

Little Malvern Priory - September 17, 2–4.30pm and September 20, 10.30am–4.30pm

The history of the priory can be traced back to the 12th century when it was established as a small Benedictine community of about 15 monks under the control of Worcester Cathedral. Bishop Alcock visited in 1480 who was the tutor to Edward V, with his brother the Duke of York, one of the Princes in the Tower. The east window of the priory portrays Edward V and other members of his family, one of only two portrayals of him.

St John’s Church, Bromsgrove – September 20, 10.30am–3pm

A day of music, heritage craft skills and architecture starting with an uplifting cake and coffee concert with the orchestra of St John. Enjoy homemade cakes and then explore the building and churchyard, learn about the Spire Project to restore Worcestershire's tallest church spire, meet the stonemasons and heritage restoration team and have a go at carving a piece of stone or doing some lime pointing.

St Michael and All Angels, Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove – September 20 and 21, 9am–6pm

Two local historians will be on hand, and refreshments available. See historical details, plans and artifacts from the area, and discover the history around the architecture of the building.