It should come as no surprise that Birmingham and the West Midlands have contributed several gifts and solutions to the world.
This includes making important contributions to the development of technology, banking, food, and music for us and the rest of the world.
Some, like Cadbury chocolate, are obviously well-known, but don't stop reading to learn about these everyday items that all started right here on your doorstep.
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1. Whistle
Joseph Hudson created the first modern police whistle in 1884 in Birmingham. This whistle replaced the less effective rattles used by police at the time. | West Midlands Police Museum, CC BY-SA 2.0
2. Balti curry
The balti curry, as we know it today, was invented in Birmingham in the mid-1970s. It is believed to have started in the Sparkbrook area. | Visit Birmingham
3. Mini Cooper
Beginning in 1959, the original Mini, including the Mini Cooper, was mostly produced in Longbridge in Birmingham. | BOTB
4. Electric kettle
While the concept of the electric kettle was invented in the USA. The electric kettle was significantly developed in Birmingham. Specifically, the Swan electric kettle, made by Bulpitt and Sons Ltd. between 1921 and 1922, was the first kettle in the UK with a fully immersed heating element.