For anyone searching for photos of St Martins to put in family information it might be worth noting the following dates as the church has changed over the years.
1290 -The de Bermingham family built a medieval church in red sandstone on the site
1690 - the church was adapted - the tower was encased in brick to protect the sandstone, the stained glass windows were removed and side chapels
destroyed and new galleries built.
1855 - The tower and spire were restored. Prince Albert was there when the top stone was placed on the spire.
1873 - The whole building - apart from the tower and spire - was demolished and rebuilt in high Gothic style - designed by Architect Alfred Chatwin.
1941 - Birmingham was bombed - stone work and masonry from the west wall and gable fell down. The only window to survive was the Burne Jones window - it had been taken down and packed away earlier that day.
1957 - Following the war damage a parish hall was added to the church - designed by Anthony Chatwin, the grandson of the original architect.
1987 - The hammer-beam roof was restored.
2000 - The church interior was refurbished, keeping Victorian features.
2003 - The outside was cleaned and restored. A cafe, health and healing centre and learning service were added
I hope this information helps you find the right picture for the year you are looking for - it has helped me -and if you have managed to get your family back to 1290 - WELL DONE!