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The land on which the convent was built in 1841 was given by John Hardman senior, who lived in the house opposite.
The building and the furniture within cost about five thousand pounds. The Earl of Shrewsbury also gave two thousand pounds for the project.
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When the convent was built the surrounding area was one of private houses and cottages in a rural setting. Now it is in a rundown suburb of Birmingham.
This does not alter the feeling of peace and tranquility within the convent walls. We had a warm reception from the nuns and felt priviliged to have been invited into their lovely home. | 
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Right from the beginning to the present day the Sisters of Mercy have dispensed succour, kindness and food to those who come to their doors.
The original church and the House of Mercy, which was built in the grounds were both destroyed by bombs in 1942. The choir stalls and one window by Hardman were rescued. | 
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| The building is made of red brick two stories high with roof rooms. Pugin thought that these establishments should be strictly built with few windows and high walls but the founder of the Sisters of Mercy Catherine McAuley said she was not frightened of Pugin and his ideas and she wanted the convent to have plenty of daylight. She was delighted with the outcome. | 
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