It was a time when Birmingham led the world with its pioneering spirit developing global inventions that led to the shaping of modern life.
With factories and manufacturing, Birmingham had become the greatest industrial city in the world by the 1700s.
And in the 1800s the city’s factories continued to develop with the use of steam along with James Watt and Matthew Boulton railway engines. But the strain of industrialisation took its toll on Birmingham during this time with some housing being declared slums.
Other turbulent times were seen amid a dynamite plot by Irish Republicans being hatched in the city. There was no internet or summer festivals, but people gathered together at Onion Fairs and there was much excitement for a Royal visit.
Some of the buildings of the time are still standing today, like the Birmingham Town Hall, and you may recognise others in our gallery.
This isn’t a definitive history of Birmingham in the 1800s, but a fascinating glimpse into the life and times of Brummies in the 19th century. Let’s take a look at 47 incredible images from those times:
1. Queen's Head Yard in Birmingham
The area is pictured badly run-down. The photograph was possibly taken in the nineteenth century as there is a cart further down the alley and no signs of modernisation. The ground is cobbled with no tarmac visible anywhere. The Queen's head appears in the 'penny black' sign above the doorway to a public house on the right hand side. (Photo by English Heritage/Heritage Images/Getty Images) | Heritage Images/Getty Images
![From Pictorial England and Wales. [Cassell and Company, Limited, London, Paris & Melbourne, circa 1896]. Artist Poulton & Co. (Photo by The Print Collector/Getty Images)](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2024/02/07/16/21/GettyImages-1020533620.jpg?crop=4:3&trim=&width=800)
2. New Street, Birmingham', circa 1896
From Pictorial England and Wales. [Cassell and Company, Limited, London, Paris & Melbourne, circa 1896]. Artist Poulton & Co. (Photo by The Print Collector/Getty Images) | Getty Images
3. New Street, Birmingham, 1887
A print from The Illustrated London News, 26th March 1887. (Photo by The Print Collector/Print Collector/Getty Images) | Print Collector/Getty Images
4. Royal opening of Birmingham General Hospital, Small Heath, 1897
Princess Christian of Schleswig-Holstein (formerly Princess Helena, daughter of Queen Victoria) arriving by carriage at the hospital during the opening ceremony. Princess Christian became president of the Royal British Nurses' Association and undertook an extensive programme of royal engagements including the opening of William Henman's General Hospital. Artist Bedford Lemere and Company. (Photo by English Heritage/Heritage Images/Getty Images) | Getty Images