History of Birmingham

Birmingham was always a great industrial centre. Metal work was a great skill that was carried down through the generations of Birmingham's sons. The fact also that the area has lots of coal and iron deposits, helped to launch this city into an important industrial centre. All the great craftsmen found work in Birmingham. In recent times, the motor industry has taken precedence in the area.

Way back, Birmingham was known as the cradle of the Industrial Revolution. The Ironbridge Gorge Museums and the Black Country Museum will tell you the story of the great industrial era in this part of Britain.The canals of Birmingham were constructed at the end of the 18th century. These were used to transport all the finished goods from the foundries, and the narrow boats
would be filled to capacity with guns, screws, jewellery, buckles, etc.

The population of Birmingham was huge in those days. Robert Stephenson engineered the Birmingham - London railway line, which took precedence over the canal trade link. Bournville is the home of the famous Cadburys Chocolate World. The children will love Cadbury World, and you can take one of the organised tours, where you will learn about the history of the famous Cadbury chocolate bars.

The village is a real Quaker style village and the exhibitions will mention the social reforms and the big part that Cadburys played in helping this great city survive throughout the years.
Hockley has a reputation as a jewellery district, with lots of jewellers trading in the area. There is also a jewellery museum in the area that houses some great sapphires and diamonds.