'Perry Barr Church, or chapel of ease, dedicated to St John, was consecrated in1833, and is in the decorated Gothic style, the exterior displaying much of the florid character, and forming a fine contrast with the chaste and simple style of the interior'. From History, Gazetteer and Directory of Staffordshire, William White, Sheffield, 1851, quoted http://www.genuki.org.uk/big/eng/STS/Handsworth/#ChurchHistory, accessed 15/5/05