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The city’s early history dates to the times of Roman occupation, when a massive fort and a network of military roads were built. It wasn’t until many centuries later, around the 11th century, that a small Anglo-Saxon settlement was established on the site of present-day Birmingham. Following soon afterward, a regional market was set up and trade flourished, turning the small settlement into a thriving market town. The market became known as the ‘Bull Ring’. By the 16th century, metalworking industries gained importance due to the local discovery of coal and iron ore. Not long afterward, Birmingham began to produce weaponry in the form of small arms, supplying Cromwell’s troops for the duration of the English Civil War. The area of the city where the weapons were produced was known as the ‘Gun Quarter’. Throughout the century, new railway lines were added, including the Grand Junction Railway and, somewhat later, the London/Birmingham Railway. By this point, much of Britain was linked to Birmingham by rail; and the city’s New Street station was opened to great fanfare in 1854. The city’s population grew exponentially in Victorian times, by that time being second only to London in size. The Queen granted city status to Birmingham in 1889. One decade later, the red brick buildings of the University of Birmingham were completed, becoming a prominent feature of the urban landscape. Recently, however, the city has re-invented itself, removing the pedestrian subways, refurbishing many of the concrete buildings, and turning decrepit warehouses along the canals into thriving shopping and entertainment venues. The largest project of all was the building of a major shopping complex at the Bull Ring, in the centre, following the demolition of the old structure. The newly-developed Bull Ring is unique in Europe, drawing large numbers of visitors – particularly to Selfridge’s stunning building. | |
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