St Michael's Church in Boldmere experienced a significant fire in 1964 that devastated much of the original Victorian structure. The blaze destroyed most of the church, leaving only the tower and south aisle intact. The fire was reportedly started by a young man who set fire to choir robes in the vestry, leading to a rapid spread due to the wooden interior. The incident resulted in the loss of many original features, including stained glass windows and historical records
Following the fire, the church was rebuilt, blending elements of the original Early Decorated Style with modern architectural features of the 1960s. The new building was consecrated on 28th September 1967. Today, St Michael's Church continues to serve the Boldmere community, maintaining its role as a place of worship and local heritage.
For those interested in a detailed account of the church's history, including the fire and subsequent reconstruction, Peter Knight's book, 'Little church on the hill', offers an in-depth exploration with over 700 images and personal stories from the community. Click here for more information.
A good read for those interested in local history. A copy can be obtained by contacting the author direct at: boldmerechurchonthehill@gmail.com leaving name and contact details. The book costs £20, and can be delivered locally (at no extra charge). However, the print is a limited run. All proceeds will go to St Michael's Church.