History
A small wooden Norman chapel was known on the site before 1175, probably built for one of the de Bromwich family. However, it is believed that a house of worship has existed here for more than 2000 years. The chapel was remade of stone in the 12th century, possibly earlier. In the 15th century the Norman chapel had a large half timbered structure and wooden tower added to the west end, probably by a member of the Devereux family.
The present church was extensively altered between 1726 and 1731 by Sir John Bridgeman II to give an English Renaissance, neo-classical, style. The new brick tower was built first in 1725, a little way away from the existing main church.
The Hall and Church were then rebuilt using bricks made of local Castle Bromwich clay, fired close by. It is thought that the architect was Thomas White of Worcester. The old timber church was now encased in brick and plaster. The massive oak timbers still carry the roof trusses, both of which can only be seen in the roof now as a flat ceiling was also built. It is therefore unusual and unique, as it is a "church within a church", a Norman and medieval church within a Georgian one. The circular plastered pillars inside the church cover 20 inch square 23 feet high solid oak timbers, which stand on stone piers. Until 1878, the church was a chapel to Castle Bromwich Hall, the adjacent Jacobean mansion, and part of the large Aston Parish. It then became the Parish Church of Castle Bromwich. Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens surround the Hall. The North Garden has double iron gates, which lead to the Church grounds.
Castle Bromwich was originally one parish but was split into two in 1967, when St Clement's Church was built in the east of the village.
Read more about this topic: St Mary And St Margaret's Church, Castle Bromwich
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