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:
17. Traders and customers at the Onion Fair, Birmingham, September 1872
(Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) | Getty Images
18. Hewell Grange, Birmingham; The Great Hall and The Great Staircase, 1891
From "The Graphic. An Illustrated Weekly Newspaper", Volume 44. July to December, 1891. Creator: Unknown. (Photo by The Print Collector/Heritage Images via Getty Images) | Getty Images
19. The New Law Courts at Birmingham, 1891
Opened by TRH The Prince and Princess of Wales; The Great Hall of the New Law Courts', 1891. From "The Graphic. An Illustrated Weekly Newspaper", Volume 44. July to December, 1891. Creator: Unknown. (Photo by The Print Collector/Heritage Images via Getty Images) | Getty Images
20. The New Law Courts at Birmingham, 1891
Opened by TRH The Prince and Princess of Wales; The Exterior of the New Law Courts', 1891. From "The Graphic. An Illustrated Weekly Newspaper", Volume 44. July to December, 1891. Creator: Unknown. (Photo by The Print Collector/Heritage Images via Getty Images) | Getty Images