Where is the former Father Lopes' Chapel?

The former Father Lopes' Chapel is at 165 High Street Deritend, Digbeth Birmingham, B12 0LD

 

In brief

Built as a chapel for Father Lopes between 1912 and 1914, and at the time used as the St Edmunds' Boy's Home. But he left for Rome in 1915, and the small Basilican church was never used for services. A variety of others uses during the rest of the 20th century, such as a car wash or tyre place, but hasn't been used as anything else for years. It can now be seen from Digbeth Court Car Park.

Former Father Lopes' Chapel, Digbeth (July 2014). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

 

Father Lopes' Chapel - history

The former St Edmunds' Boy's Home was designed by Mansell & Mansell.

Former Father Lopes' Chapel, Digbeth (October 2009). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Two simple brick bays of 1912 fronting Deritend, then a bedroom extension with a wooden casement window, and a five-bay block of 1913 - 14 with hipped roof.

Former Father Lopes' Chapel, Digbeth (October 2009). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Set back, the chapel of 1913 in Early Christian style, above a ground-floor workshop. Not quite as impressive as Dixon's or Ball's work (e.g. St Basil) but with an impressive campanile, closely based on that of S Giorgio in Velabro in Rome.

Former Father Lopes' Chapel, Digbeth (October 2009). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The interior has an inserted floor, but retains a rich painted timber roof with king-post trusses on big consoles.

Former Father Lopes' Chapel, Digbeth (October 2009). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

During the 2000s, the building / site was used by Digbeth Tyres, where you could get car washes.

Former Father Lopes' Chapel, Digbeth (October 2009). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The former chapel can be seen from the train crossing over the Bordesley Viaduct between Bordesley Station and Birmingham Moor Street Station.

Former Father Lopes' Chapel, Digbeth (July 2010). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

As of late 2022, the building and nearby land is for sale.

Former Father Lopes' Chapel, Digbeth (December 2022). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Nice view to the former Father Lopes' Chapel in Digbeth from Staying Cool at the Rotunda.

Former Father Lopes' Chapel, Digbeth (October 2023). Photography by Elliott Brown