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:
13. A glass-roofed shopping arcade in Birmingham
circa 1890 (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) | Getty Images
14. St Philip's Cathedral, Birmingham, circa 1890
With the memorial obelisk to English soldier Frederick Gustavus Burnaby in the foreground, circa 1890. (Photo by London Stereoscopic Company/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) | Getty Images
15. The interior of Birmingham Town Hall, circa 1890
Showing the concert pipe organ (centre) by William Hill, (Photo by London Stereoscopic Company/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) | Getty Images
16. Smithfield Market, Birmingham, circa 1890s
A steam tram travels down Moat Row towards Smithfield Street. Moat Lane is to the left with the Drovers Arms to the right on the corner of Bradford Street. Artist Unknown. (Photo by English Heritage/Heritage Images/Getty Images) | Getty Images