Birmingham

Britain’s second largest city may have made its mark as an 18th-century industrial powerhouse, but this “Middle Earth” is booming with history and culture

- Zara Gaspar

Once known as “the workshop of the world” and “the city of 1,000 trades”, Birmingham was at the heart of the Industrial Revolution. It developed from a small Anglo-Saxon hamlet to a market town in the 12th century. By 1791 it was the world’s first manufacturing town and by the time it was granted city status in 1889 it had become the fastest-growing city of the 19th century.

Birmingham played a leading role in almost every type of industry, from metalwork and engineering to the manufacture of pens and motor vehicles. The city became synonymous with innovation, with pioneers such as William Murdoch (who invented gas lighting), James Watt and Matthew Boulton (famous for developing steam engine technology) leading the way.

Its industrial heritage is second to none, but the city has so much more to offer. These days, it’s known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, as well as its incredible shopping, food and entertainment.