The High Altar

The High Alter The high altar and reredos were carved by Thomas Roddis, and they form the focal point of the entire church. On the front of the altar itself, Roddis carved figures of angels holding musical instruments. On the reredos the angels hold torches and censers, and the central panel shows the Coronation of Our Lady - the last of the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary and - significantly - the only one which takes place entirely in heaven.

Above the altar is the five light east window of the "Jesse" type, depicting the genealogy of Jesus, and on either side are the sculpted figures of St. Giles, the church's patron, and St. Chad, the first bishop of Lichfield and patron saint of the Central Apostolic District (later the Archdiocese of Birmingham).

The High Alter Within the sanctuary elaborate provision was made for the celebration of the liturgy according to the medieval (Sarum) Rite; notably the Easter Sepulchre, and the sedilia and sacrarium. Pugin's understanding of "revival" included liturgy and worship as well as architecture.