Birmingham city centre has of course changed drastically over the years.
During the 1700s, Birmingham's population is said to have grown from 11,000 to 73,000 before the city centre began to expand.
The city’s pre-eminent city centre features include Chamberlain Square, Old Square, Victoria Square, Birmingham Town Hall, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, and Birmingham Central Library.
Birmingham’s primary shopping street, New Street, has also developed rapidly over the last 40 years.
Here are some old photos of the city showing how it has changed throughout the 1900s.
5. Circa 1840
Saint Martin's in the Bull Ring and High Street, Birmingham. Original Artwork: Engraved by A B Johnson | Getty Images
6. Smallbrook Queensway, 1971
Signs for 'The Mayfair' club and 'Bullring Shopping Centre' on the pedestrian bridge above traffic on the Smallbrook Queensway in the city centre of Birmingham, in Birmingham, West Midlands, England, 13th April 1971. | Getty Images
7. 1931
A view down New Street in central Birmingham, May 1931. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) | Getty Images
8. 5th September 1935
A man tests a new design of bicycle being developed in Birmingham. Claiming to be the world's fastest pedal cycle, capable of speeds up to 30 mph, it resembles the modern recumbent bicycle in the elevated position of the pedals. | Getty Images