Places of Worship Heritage Trail - Smethwick
Welcome to the Smethwick Places of Worship Heritage Trail. We hope you’ll enjoy your walk learning about the rich variety of religious communities who live alongside one another.
The trail will take you through a culturally diverse area, so as well as the places of worship you will encounter people, shops, food and clothing from around the world that have all made their home in Smethwick. Whilst the trail is focussed on one small area it reflects the diversity that is found across the West Midlands.
Before you head out please take a few minutes to read these tips to keep you safe and help you to have an enjoyable walk.
- Check the route before you go so you don’t get lost
- Wear some comfortable shoes and take waterproofs if needed
- Be aware of your surroundings, particularly when crossing roads
- Always stop walking when reading the map
- Be considerate of other people if walking in a big group or stopping to read the information
- Make sure the leader is wearing a high-vis vest and knows the names of everyone in the group
- Stay together throughout the walk
- Make sure everyone is aware of this information
Enjoy yourselves and make the most of being in the area, why not stop for food or a drink at one of the many cafés you’ll pass on the way
If you click the image below and view on a mobile phone the various landmarks are clickable for more information.
The full route is just over 4 miles so allow about 3 hours for your walk, which will give you time to stop and take notice of what you are seeing. This route starts at Galton Bridge Station and ends at Rolfe St Station. To return to Galton Bridge you can either walk along the canal towpath (entrance on North Western Rd which is opposite Rolfe St Station), walk back along the road or take the train. Walking along the towpath should take about 15 minutes.
The shorter route starts and ends at Rolfe St station and is approximately 2.5 miles so it’s best to allow about 2 hours
At each place of worship, we will give you some information about the building, the community that worships there and a short story of one member of that faith community. Below there are links to their websites so you can find out more and arrange a visit if you should wish to.
The route also contains information about some of the history of the area, both industrial and social. You’ll discover that some remarkable and historically significant events have taken place here.
Download the map here. Feel free to print copies if you find that easier. If you view on a mobile phone the various landmarks are clickable for more information.
If you want to know the best way to fold your map, you can see instructions here
You can also view a detailed map of the SHORT route here:-
You can also view a detailed map of the LONGER route here:-
Why not check out more information on all of the places of worship in the trail.
Whilst you are on the trail also look out for the following landmarks:
Galton Bridge
Built in 1829 by Thomas Telford, this was the largest single-span bridge over the largest earthworks in the world.
Malcolm X Plaque on the corner of Mallin St and Marshall St
The Civil Rights Activist visited Smethwick in February 1965. He told a local paper that he came because he was "disturbed by reports that coloured people in Smethwick are being treated badly". He had been invited by Mr Avtar Singh Jouhl, from the Indian Workers' Association. Some residents on Marshall Street wanted the council to buy empty properties and make them available only for white families.
Toll House
This was built in 1818 replacing the original that was built in 1767. The large windows meant that the toll keeper could see the length of the High Street and charge companies a toll for using it. It made a considerable profit until the tolls ended in the 1860’s.
Lions of the Great War Statue
This was unveiled in 2018 and was organised by the committee of the Guru Nanak Gurdwara. It stands 3 metres tall and depicts a Sikh soldier form the 1st world War. It is dedicated to the memory of the Sikh soldiers who fought and died as part of the British Army, as well as all those from the Indian sub-continent whatever their faith or background. The statue was made by Luke Perry a local artist.
https://www.facebook.com/LionsoftheGreatWar
Boulton and Watt Governor
This is a (very large) depiction of a governor, or regulator, that was used to control the speed of steam engines. They were crucial in maintaining the correct speed of the canal pumping engines along the Galton valley.
Guru Nanak 550th Anniversary Tree
In the grounds of Holy Trinity Church, a tree was planted to commemorate the 550th anniversary of the birth of Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh faith. This was a joint event between the church and gurdwara to show the strong relationship between the two places of worship.
Smethwick Heritage Centre
The Museum is situated in the former Lodge in Victoria Park, where numerous pieces of memorabilia are housed and displayed. For over twenty five years they have collected artefacts, memorabilia and photographs connected to Smethwick’s heritage.
https://www.smethwick.org.uk
Victims Memorial
Victoria Park Memorial was unveiled in 2012 and commemorates Abdul Musavir, Shahzad Ali and Haroon Jahan who were killed during the Birmingham Riots of 2011. The memorial was designed in collaboration with local schools and consists of a bench and three lamp posts, one for each of the men who died.
The Canals
If you return to Galton Bridge Station along the canals, take time to notice the wildlife in a place as built up and industrial as Smethwick.
We hope you have enjoyed your walk around Smethwick seeing and learning about different places of worship and religious communities.
The trail was made possible by a generous grant from the Westhill Foundation in collaboration with The Feast www.thefeast.org.uk.
Illustration Onegraydot Ltd. Andrew Gray www.onegraydot.com 07/11/ 2022.