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:
5. 'Birmingham', England, 19th century
View of smoking factory chimneys in the city of Birmingham. During the Industrial Revolution, Birmingham became an important centre of metal manufacturing, engineering and trade. (Photo by The Print Collector/Print Collector/Getty Images) | Print Collector/Getty Images
6. The orchid house at the home of Joseph Chamberlain in Birmingham
circa 1880 (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) | Getty Images
7. Examination of John F Egan at Birmingham police court, 1884
Court case involving 'the dynamite plot'. Illustration from the The Graphic, (3 May 1884). (Photo by The Print Collector/Print Collector/Getty Images) | Print Collector/Getty Images
8. The Bull Ring, with St Martin's Church, Birmingham, 1812
The Bull Ring in Birmingham began to host a market in 1154 when King Henry II granted a charter to a local landowner, Peter de Bermingham. It has been the commercial heart of the city ever since. The church was originally built in the 13th century, but was demolished and replaced by a new building in 1873 that retained the earlier tower and spire. A print from The Illustrated London News, 26th March 1887. (Photo by The Print Collector/Print Collector/Getty Images) | Print Collector/Getty Images