Birmingham -Some History | Boulton, Watt and Murdoch monument |
Birmingham is considered to be the UK's second largest city (with close competition from Manchester) and is the capital city of the West Midlands.
Birmingham means home (ham) of the people of Beormingas (people of Beroma).
(Apparently there have been a 144 recorded different ways of spelling Birmingham!)
The citizens of this West Midland city are known as Brummies and the city is known as Brum or Brumagem.
There is evidence of habitation dating back to The Bronze age. The first official mention of the city is in the Domesday Book, where the Manor of Bremingeham is recorded as being worth 20 shillings
In 1154, Peter de Bermingham, the Lord of the Manor of Berm, was granted a charter, enabling weekly markets to be held on Thursdays. (This was the origin of The Bullring markets)
The manor was sited near the River Rea, and the only crossing place in this area, so this was where all the different tracks converged, which enabled trading to prosper. Craftsmen and traders settled in the area.
As Bermingham was still a manor, it wasn't subjected to the same rules and regulations as townspeople were. This meant that the craftsmen and traders arriving from around the area were allowed to work and trade unhindered.
In 1251, the Manor was granted the privilege of holding a 4 day fair, commencing on Holy Thursdays.
Tanners, metalsmiths, nailers, and lorimers (A maker of bits, spurs and other small metal accessories for horses), were some of the main tradesmen
Birmingham was known for its metalworking. In 1511 it provided horseshoes and weaponry for the Royal Army. The population had reached 1,000!
Around 1765 a group of Midlands intellectuals formed the Lunar Society bringing geologists, chemists, scientists, engineers and theorists together to discuss inventions and ideas. They gathered at the house of Matthew Bolton, and were instrumental in initiating the Industrial Revolution
Boulton's business empire grew from toymaking to buckles and buttons. In 1765, the Soho manufactory was built. Using modern techniques to produce his goods - the age of mass production had begun. This was the first factory to be lit by gas.
Boulton started producing silver plate and he was instrumental in campaigning for an assay office in Birmingham . This was granted in 1773.
Though further from the sea than any other UK city, its assay mark is the anchor!
In 1776 Boulton and James Watt produced the first two Watt steam engines, William Murdoch around the same time had produced steam driven transport, while James Brindley formed canals to transport goods by water . The need for more water was solved by Thomas Telford, creating the Edgbaston Reservoir.
The first Rail terminal at Curzon Street was opened in 1839. The London and Birmingham Railway began operation, with New Street Station opening in 1854.
By the late 19th Century, the skyline of Birmingham (and now many miles beyond) was dominated by hundreds of factory chimneys spewing out choking smoke. This is how the area became known as 'The Black Country'
This prosperous town attracted refugees fleeing oppression and famine many arrived from Poland, Russia, Ireland, Italy and Germany. A Jewish quarter was soon established.
The population was now over 112,000. In 1889 Birmingham achieved City Status.
Birmingham was able to flaunt its prosperity and status through the building of The Council House, The Museum and Art Gallery, new University Buildings, through the work of Joseph Chamberlain. Swimming Baths, Parks, Theatres and Concert Halls also sprung up around the city
During WW1, Birmingham suffered the loss or injury of thousands of men who had fought for their country.
The factories produced guns, ammunition and vehicles.
Birmingham was heavily bombed during WW2, in an effort to destroy the factories producing aircraft (Spitfires and Hurricanes), armoured vehicles, amphibian craft, trucks, engine parts, motor cycles, shells and other ammunition.
Over 5,000 residents lost their lives or were seriously injured, and over 6,000 houses were destroyed.
to be continued.. |
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