As a Grade II* listed building, St. Mary’s garners recognition for its structural and historical importance. The listing emphasizes its medieval origin, Victorian expansion, and cultural role as a witness to Handsworth’s transformation from countryside to industrial suburb .  

Studying All Saints’ Churches opens a window not only into English architectural history but also into social and cultural change. Each church reflects layers of building and rebuilding, of theological shifts, local politics, memorials of plagues and wars, even marks left by Victorian restorer

The dedication to All Saints is by no means confined to England. Across Europe, many churches bear the name Omnium Sanctorum (Latin for “All Saints”). In Catholic countries, the Feast of All Saints on November 1 is still a major holy day, often followed by All Souls’ Day on Novembe

Beyond their spiritual functions, All Saints’ Churches have long served as anchors of community life. The churchyard was where villagers gathered not just to bury the dead, but to hold fairs, markets, and even sports. The church porch was often a site for business transactions and local meetin