The Cross Keys (Handsworth Road, S13 9BZ) is rated by CAMRA as a pub with an interior of regional importance.
It is a three-roomed pub with lots of vintage fitting and low ceilings supported by oak beams. The back parts are the main interest, with the snug a particular delight. This little room, refitted probably in the 1920s and largely untouched since, has all its original seating, panelling and Art Deco fire surround. There is more old seating in the other rooms and a (disused) corridor hatch near the entrance.
The servery and bar-fittings are all modern.
The Cross Keys is one only three pubs in the UK built on holy ground. There is a cemetery on the grounds of the pub. Originally a mid-13th century house for chaplains and then a schoolroom, It became a pub in in 1804. It is an old vernacular building that stands virtually within the churchyard.
The other two UK pubs situated on holy ground are:
The Mug House, Claines Lane, Claines, Worcester WR3 7RN
Ring o’ Bells, 39 Kirkland, Kendal, Cumbria LA9 5AF
– Dave Pickersgill, Pub Heritage Officer
My grandfather George Smith and my father Cyril Smith use to drink in the Cross Keys.Both lived on Hendon Street where I was born in 1952.We left in about 1961/1962 after my Grandmother died. The landlord and landlady at that time was Wilf and Connie Francis.Prior to this Wilf’s farther Tommy was the landlord,a wee bit before my time.
There was always talk of a secret tunnel leading from the X Keys to Manor Castle.