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Things you probably didn't know about Birmingham

The workshop of the world, where the Industrial Revolution found its engine.

  1. 1776 — fact 1 of 5

    James Watt improved the steam engine here

    Watt’s separate condenser, developed with Matthew Boulton in Birmingham, helped power the Industrial Revolution.

  2. Fact 2 of 5

    More canals than Venice

    Birmingham’s canal network runs to around 35 miles — by most counts more than Venice itself.

  3. Fact 3 of 5

    The Jewellery Quarter makes much of the UK’s jewellery

    This small district has produced a large share of Britain’s jewellery for over 250 years, with 500 firms at its peak.

  4. 1959 — fact 4 of 5

    The original Mini was built at Longbridge

    The classic Mini, designed by Alec Issigonis, rolled out of the Longbridge works in 1959.

    See what 1959 was like →

  5. 1879 — fact 5 of 5

    Cadbury built a village for its workers

    The Cadbury family opened their Bournville factory with gardens, housing and schools — a model village, not just a plant.

Our Birmingham collection is part of a growing local-history library — more cities and facts are being added.

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