History West Midlands On Air: Recent Episodes
History West Midlands
HWM On Air - the audio channel of History West Midlands – tells the enthralling stories of the people who shaped the heart of England and the world beyond. These programmes introduce you to fascinating people and events - from Anglo Saxon warrior kings; to radical thinkers driving forward the Industrial Revolution; and, the great political orators of the 19th and 20th centuries, in the historic counties of Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire. Let us take you on a journey onto battlefields; into cathedrals; and, through the forests where Shakespeare walked as well as those cradles of modern industry Birmingham. Stoke-on-Trent and the Ironbridge Gorge.
No character in Worcester’s long history is so immediately and so intimately linked with the city as is Edward Elgar. Music lovers all over the world associate him with the Malvern Hills and his beloved Worcestershire. He was a complex figure in whom a craving for social success and recognition vied with a resentment that he would always be considered a provincial outsider. But however famous he became, however many honours were bestowed on him, and however much he was lauded as a society darling, he nevertheless always returned to the well-spring of his creativity, Worcestershire, Worcester and its splendid cathedral.The bronze statue opposite the Cathedral, and the stained-glass window in the Cathedral itself, memorialise one of Worcester’s favourite and most famous sons, the local man who led the renaissance of English music in the twentieth century and whose compositions to this day, more than those of any other musician, popularly embody the emotions of patriotic pride and fervour.
In the mud and blood of the Western Front, military chaplains fought to bring solace and hope, amongst the most famous of them was Worcester vicar the Reverend Geoffrey Studdert Kennedy - known as Woodbine Willie. Volunteering in 1914 as a zealous fighting man, he told his congregation 'there can be no shirking'. But he soon saw the futility of the conflict writing: ' Waste of blood, waste of tears: waste on youths most precious years".As the conflict progressed, he focussed all his energy on bringing help and comfort and his trademark became his 'box of fags', as he distributed cigarettes with reckless bravery which won him a military cross.Surviving the war, Woodbine Willy returned to Worcester to become a popular vicar crusading for social justice. Historian and author of 'Worcester Moments', Andrew Reekes tell his story.
The burial of Prince Arthur in Worcester Cathedral in 1502 changed British history forever.The eldest son of Henry VII, educated as a renaissance Prince and married to Catherine of Aragon, he seemed destined to lead England into a new era. But soon after his marriage he died of fever and historians are left to ponder what if...?What is Arthur had lived and his younger brother Henry had not become Henry VIII?Historian and author of Worcester moments explored this story.
Birmingham was transformed between 1850 and 1900. Though in 1850 a fast-growing, prosperous manufacturing centre, it was an unplanned, insanitary muddle of a town; by the end of the nineteenth century however it was renowned both as ‘the best governed town in the country’ and as ‘the most artistic town in England.’ An environmental revolution enacted by Mayor Joseph Chamberlain in the early 1870s ensured Birmingham was ‘parked, paved, assized, marketed, gas and watered and improved.’ He and his supporters on the town council were inspired to act to improve the living conditions of Birmingham people by George Dawson, influential minister at the Church of the Saviour, who preached the mission of the ‘civic gospel’. But Dawson also taught that it was the duty of the wealthy, talented businessmen to civilise citizens, to educate, to promote intellectual opportunities, and to cultivate aesthetic appreciation. This talk by Andrew Reekes is concerned with those Dawson disciples – men largely ignored in standard accounts of the civic gospel in Birmingham - who set about providing schools, adult learning opportunities, libraries, a unique Shakespeare Memorial Library, a museum and art gallery, as well as the foremost art and design schools in the land. More than in any other British city, this cultural and intellectual efflorescence was administered by the town council and its councillors; many of them were the same men who had campaigned for new educational and aesthetic initiatives and who generously gave to the cause. It is a story that deserves to be recorded. Keywords: George Dawson, civic gospel, Andrew Reekes, Birmingham
Wyre Piddle, Dag Tail End, Cofton Hackett, Finstall and Inkberrow. Just a few of the strangely intriguing names found on the signposts pointing along the lanes leading to the hamlets, villages and towns of Worcestershire in the rural heart of England. Each name is special. Every one of them hints at stories of people and events which shaped this quintessentially English county centuries ago. But what do they all mean? What mysteries lie here? Who named these hills and rivers? These voices form the past have been painstakingly unlocked in a new book by retired medical doctor, Mike Jenkins, in his new book The History of Place Names in England and Worcestershire which is now available from bookshops and Amazon. Keywords: Worcestershire; Mike Jenkins; places
As Britain emerged into the mid-twentieth century, change is everywhere. Cities were shifting from smog-filled industrial hubs to more efficient centres of commerce and, despite the country once again being blighted by war, society was shifting towards a more modern, forward-thinking era. But change was not limited to these ordinary men and women; under the surface, the criminal underbelly, too, was evolving, anxious to exploit new opportunities. And so, in the third instalment of his best-selling series, historian Carl Chinn examines this new era in the landscape of Britain's gangs. After the violent reign of the Peaky Blinders, the intimidation of the Birmingham gang and frequent gang wars up and down the country, from the wreckage new groups are emerging with new ways of making money and causing trouble, and, like those who came before them, they left havoc and destruction in their wake. In our new podcast Birmingham social historian and author Carl Chinn reveals this violent and murky world and its social consequences. Keywords: Peaky Blinders, Carl Chinn
As Britain emerged into the mid-twentieth century, change is everywhere. Cities were shifting from smog-filled industrial hubs to more efficient centres of commerce and, despite the country once again being blighted by war, society was shifting towards a more modern, forward-thinking era. But change was not limited to these ordinary men and women; under the surface, the criminal underbelly, too, was evolving, anxious to exploit new opportunities. And so, in the third instalment of his best-selling series, historian Carl Chinn examines this new era in the landscape of Britain's gangs. After the violent reign of the Peaky Blinders, the intimidation of the Birmingham gang and frequent gang wars up and down the country, from the wreckage new groups are emerging with new ways of making money and causing trouble, and, like those who came before them, they left havoc and destruction in their wake. In our new podcast Birmingham social historian and author Carl Chinn reveals this violent and murky world and its social consequences. Keywords: Peaky Blinders, Carl Chinn
Women's lives were transformed in the Black Country between 1945-1968. During these years of prosperity and full employment new appliances relieved some of the domestic drudgery that had dominated domestic life in earlier years. For the first time many working class families had the income to buy new cookers and other appliances - many of which were made in Black Country factories. At the same time the landscape was changing for the better. Derelict land was being reclaimed and most importantly the region's notoriously poor housing was being systematically swept away. And for young people there were new schools and plenty of well paid jobs for both girls and boys with many companies keen to hire apprentices. In these post-war years the Black Country was truly forging ahead. Simon Briercliffe, a historian and author based at the Black Country Living Museum (BCLM) discusses this vibrant period and describes how it will be celebrated in the exciting new extension to the BCLM currently under construction. Keywords: Black Country, Women, Smethwick, Wolverhampton
Women's lives were transformed in the Black Country between 1945-1968. During these years of prosperity and full employment new appliances relieved some of the domestic drudgery that had dominated domestic life in earlier years. For the first time many working class families had the income to buy new cookers and other appliances - many of which were made in Black Country factories. At the same time the landscape was changing for the better. Derelict land was being reclaimed and most importantly the region's notoriously poor housing was being systematically swept away. And for young people there were new schools and plenty of well paid jobs for both girls and boys with many companies keen to hire apprentices. In these post-war years the Black Country was truly forging ahead. Simon Briercliffe, a historian and author based at the Black Country Living Museum (BCLM) discusses this vibrant period and describes how it will be celebrated in the exciting new extension to the BCLM currently under construction. Keywords: Black Country, Women, Smethwick, Wolverhampton
The Black Country (1945-1966) The post-war years transformed the Black Country of the English Midlands. The region was a driving force in the country's industrial recovery and this was a golden era of working class prosperity with full employment and high wages. But it was also a time of social tension. The region's industry desperately needed labour to satisfy continuing demand. Attracted by the promise of high wages, an increasing number of men came to the Black Country towns like Smethwick and Wolverhampton from the Caribbean and the Indian Sub-Continent to fill these jobs. Racial tensions grew, fuelled and encouraged by some local politicians. Simon Briercliffe, a historian of the Black Country based at the Black Country Living Museum (BCLM) discusses the causes of these tensions with our publisher, Mike Gibbs. Keywords: Black Country, Race Relations, Enoch Powell, Smethwick, Wolverhampton
The Black Country (1945-1966) The post-war years transformed the Black Country of the English Midlands. The region was a driving force in the country's industrial recovery and this was a golden era of working class prosperity with full employment and high wages. But it was also a time of social tension. The region's industry desperately needed labour to satisfy continuing demand. Attracted by the promise of high wages, an increasing number of men came to the Black Country towns like Smethwick and Wolverhampton from the Caribbean and the Indian Sub-Continent to fill these jobs. Racial tensions grew, fuelled and encouraged by some local politicians. Simon Briercliffe, a historian of the Black Country based at the Black Country Living Museum (BCLM) discusses the causes of these tensions with our publisher, Mike Gibbs. Keywords: Black Country, Race Relations, Enoch Powell, Smethwick, Wolverhampton
The end of the Second World War ushered in a period of great prosperity in the Black Country of the English Midlands. It began two decades of full employment and high wages, widespread urban regeneration with thousands of new homes being built and new labour saving appliances changing the domestic lives of men, women and children forever. Many of the products in these homes came from Black Country companies which were now known around the world for their innovations and it was in these towns that the vital components for the cars which furled so much of Britain’s post-war recovery were made. Wherever you looked, the region – Britain’s industrial heartland – was changing. But prosperity had to be maintained and jobs had to be filled. So families came - first from Europe and Ireland and then from the Caribbean and the Indian subcontinent to help the Black Country continue to forge ahead. In this programme, the first of three podcasts, historian and author, Simon Briercliffe, of The Black Country Living Museum, explores this post-war story with History West Midlands publisher, Mike Gibbs. Keywords: Black Country, Black Country Living Museum, Industry, World War Two
The end of the Second World War ushered in a period of great prosperity in the Black Country of the English Midlands. It began two decades of full employment and high wages, widespread urban regeneration with thousands of new homes being built and new labour saving appliances changing the domestic lives of men, women and children forever. Many of the products in these homes came from Black Country companies which were now known around the world for their innovations and it was in these towns that the vital components for the cars which furled so much of Britain’s post-war recovery were made. Wherever you looked, the region – Britain’s industrial heartland – was changing. But prosperity had to be maintained and jobs had to be filled. So families came - first from Europe and Ireland and then from the Caribbean and the Indian subcontinent to help the Black Country continue to forge ahead. In this programme, the first of three podcasts, historian and author, Simon Briercliffe, of The Black Country Living Museum, explores this post-war story with History West Midlands publisher, Mike Gibbs. Keywords: Black Country, Black Country Living Museum, Industry, World War Two
Historically, widows have often been portrayed as pitiful figures dressed in black who required charity to survive. This was certainly true of the lives of many working class women over the centuries for whom day-to-day existence was already marginal. But for others, widowhood released them from a domestic life where they could own nothing and in which they were totally subjugated to their husband’s will. Now, as widows they found themselves suddenly empowered and free to conduct themselves as they wished with an independence of thought and action and a defined role in society. In their new book Widows: Poverty, Power and Politics West Midlands historians Professor Maggie Andrews and Dr Janis Lomas explore the lives of these women – famous and unknown. LISTEN to Professor Andrews talk to the publisher of History West Midlands, Mike Gibbs, about some of the stories which the book reveals. Keywords: Women, widows, Maggie Andrews
Historically, widows have often been portrayed as pitiful figures dressed in black who required charity to survive. This was certainly true of the lives of many working class women over the centuries for whom day-to-day existence was already marginal. But for others, widowhood released them from a domestic life where they could own nothing and in which they were totally subjugated to their husband’s will. Now, as widows they found themselves suddenly empowered and free to conduct themselves as they wished with an independence of thought and action and a defined role in society. In their new book Widows: Poverty, Power and Politics West Midlands historians Professor Maggie Andrews and Dr Janis Lomas explore the lives of these women – famous and unknown. LISTEN to Professor Andrews talk to the publisher of History West Midlands, Mike Gibbs, about some of the stories which the book reveals. Keywords: Women, widows, Maggie Andrews
For almost 150 years, the Worcestershire village of Powick was home to the county’s hospital for mental illness. It reached the height of its importance during the First World War, as the trauma, anxiety and grief resulting from the War affected large numbers of people at home. As part of the “Worcestershire World War 100” project, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, historian Sarah Ganderton discusses the stories revealed in the archive of the George Marshall and Worcestershire Archive and Archeology Service of the people who lived, and sometimes died, in the Powick Hospital. She spoke to History West Midlands publisher, Mike Gibbs.
For almost 150 years, the Worcestershire village of Powick was home to the county’s hospital for mental illness. It reached the height of its importance during the First World War, as the trauma, anxiety and grief resulting from the War affected large numbers of people at home. As part of the “Worcestershire World War 100” project, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, historian Sarah Ganderton discusses the stories revealed in the archive of the George Marshall and Worcestershire Archive and Archeology Service of the people who lived, and sometimes died, in the Powick Hospital. She spoke to History West Midlands publisher, Mike Gibbs.
The Chamberlains - Joseph, Austen and Neville - are unique in British political history in which they were prominent - and sometimes dominant - for nearly a century. Unlike previous political dynasties, they did not come from hereditary wealth but from the industrial enterprise of provincial Birmingham. From 1876 to 1940, Joseph and then his sons, Austen and Neville, were at the herat of British public life. During this time there were family triumphs and tragedies as well as great political successes and abject failures. Listen as author and historian Andrew Reekes story of the family who 'made the political weather'.
The Chamberlains - Joseph, Austen and Neville - are unique in British political history in which they were prominent - and sometimes dominant - for nearly a century. Unlike previous political dynasties, they did not come from hereditary wealth but from the industrial enterprise of provincial Birmingham. From 1876 to 1940, Joseph and then his sons, Austen and Neville, were at the herat of British public life. During this time there were family triumphs and tragedies as well as great political successes and abject failures. Listen as author and historian Andrew Reekes story of the family who 'made the political weather'.
The ‘Everything to Everybody’ Project is recovering Birmingham’s unique heritage as home to the largest and oldest Shakespeare collection in any public library in the world. Recently, it has also begun to uncover the truly global influence and reach of this historic people’s Shakespeare library, which has holdings in some 93 languages. In a special History West Midlands film and two associated podcasts, the Project Director, Professor Ewan Fernie, and its American International Champion, Professor Katherine Scheil, share some of the excitement of re-establishing the links between Birmingham’s nineteenth-century Shakespeare heritage and the development of Shakespeare in America. In The Tempest, when she is faced with human society for the first time, Shakespeare’s cast-away Miranda says, “O brave new world / That has such people in’t!” Her father, Prospero, wearily replies, “’Tis new to thee.” But in the middle of the nineteenth century, George Dawson and the other founders of Birmingham’s pioneering Shakespeare library really believed Shakespeare could play a role in regenerating culture. Dawson regarded Shakespeare’s plays as “the newest Bible, the sweetest, truest teachings of the truths of the future that the world ever had.” When he crossed the Atlantic to visit America in 1874, he cemented relationships between British and American Shakespeareans which had lasting effects on America’s cultural institutions and landscape. While Fernie and Scheil’s new article on Shakespeare, Birmingham and America uncovers much of this lost history, it also shows that Dawson’s visit to the States exposed serious limitations to his “everything to everybody” ethos – limitations it is vitally important we acknowledge and move beyond today in favour of making culture more equal and inclusive.
The ‘Everything to Everybody’ Project is recovering Birmingham’s unique heritage as home to the largest and oldest Shakespeare collection in any public library in the world. Recently, it has also begun to uncover the truly global influence and reach of this historic people’s Shakespeare library, which has holdings in some 93 languages. In a special History West Midlands film and two associated podcasts, the Project Director, Professor Ewan Fernie, and its American International Champion, Professor Katherine Scheil, share some of the excitement of re-establishing the links between Birmingham’s nineteenth-century Shakespeare heritage and the development of Shakespeare in America. In The Tempest, when she is faced with human society for the first time, Shakespeare’s cast-away Miranda says, “O brave new world / That has such people in’t!” Her father, Prospero, wearily replies, “’Tis new to thee.” But in the middle of the nineteenth century, George Dawson and the other founders of Birmingham’s pioneering Shakespeare library really believed Shakespeare could play a role in regenerating culture. Dawson regarded Shakespeare’s plays as “the newest Bible, the sweetest, truest teachings of the truths of the future that the world ever had.” When he crossed the Atlantic to visit America in 1874, he cemented relationships between British and American Shakespeareans which had lasting effects on America’s cultural institutions and landscape. While Fernie and Scheil’s new article on Shakespeare, Birmingham and America uncovers much of this lost history, it also shows that Dawson’s visit to the States exposed serious limitations to his “everything to everybody” ethos – limitations it is vitally important we acknowledge and move beyond today in favour of making culture more equal and inclusive.
The ‘Everything to Everybody’ Project is recovering Birmingham’s unique heritage as home to the largest and oldest Shakespeare collection in any public library in the world. Recently, it has also begun to uncover the truly global influence and reach of this historic people’s Shakespeare library, which has holdings in some 93 languages. In a special History West Midlands film and two associated podcasts, the Project Director, Professor Ewan Fernie, and its American International Champion, Professor Katherine Scheil, share some of the excitement of re-establishing the links between Birmingham’s nineteenth-century Shakespeare heritage and the development of Shakespeare in America. In The Tempest, when she is faced with human society for the first time, Shakespeare’s cast-away Miranda says, “O brave new world / That has such people in’t!” Her father, Prospero, wearily replies, “’Tis new to thee.” But in the middle of the nineteenth century, George Dawson and the other founders of Birmingham’s pioneering Shakespeare library really believed Shakespeare could play a role in regenerating culture. Dawson regarded Shakespeare’s plays as “the newest Bible, the sweetest, truest teachings of the truths of the future that the world ever had.” When he crossed the Atlantic to visit America in 1874, he cemented relationships between British and American Shakespeareans which had lasting effects on America’s cultural institutions and landscape. While Fernie and Scheil’s new article on Shakespeare, Birmingham and America uncovers much of this lost history, it also shows that Dawson’s visit to the States exposed serious limitations to his “everything to everybody” ethos – limitations it is vitally important we acknowledge and move beyond today in favour of making culture more equal and inclusive.
The ‘Everything to Everybody’ Project is recovering Birmingham’s unique heritage as home to the largest and oldest Shakespeare collection in any public library in the world. Recently, it has also begun to uncover the truly global influence and reach of this historic people’s Shakespeare library, which has holdings in some 93 languages. In a special History West Midlands film and two associated podcasts, the Project Director, Professor Ewan Fernie, and its American International Champion, Professor Katherine Scheil, share some of the excitement of re-establishing the links between Birmingham’s nineteenth-century Shakespeare heritage and the development of Shakespeare in America. In The Tempest, when she is faced with human society for the first time, Shakespeare’s cast-away Miranda says, “O brave new world / That has such people in’t!” Her father, Prospero, wearily replies, “’Tis new to thee.” But in the middle of the nineteenth century, George Dawson and the other founders of Birmingham’s pioneering Shakespeare library really believed Shakespeare could play a role in regenerating culture. Dawson regarded Shakespeare’s plays as “the newest Bible, the sweetest, truest teachings of the truths of the future that the world ever had.” When he crossed the Atlantic to visit America in 1874, he cemented relationships between British and American Shakespeareans which had lasting effects on America’s cultural institutions and landscape. While Fernie and Scheil’s new article on Shakespeare, Birmingham and America uncovers much of this lost history, it also shows that Dawson’s visit to the States exposed serious limitations to his “everything to everybody” ethos – limitations it is vitally important we acknowledge and move beyond today in favour of making culture more equal and inclusive.
Dr Roger White, Senior Lecturer at the University of Birmingham who specialises in the Roman period and has been researching Wroxeter for the last 40 years, introduces this series of podcasts which will explore the significance and influence of the Romans on the development of the region and the country as a whole. Keywords: Romans, Wroxeter, Dr Roger White, University of Birmingham
Dr Roger White, Senior Lecturer at the University of Birmingham who specialises in the Roman period and has been researching Wroxeter for the last 40 years, introduces this series of podcasts which will explore the significance and influence of the Romans on the development of the region and the country as a whole. Keywords: Romans, Wroxeter, Dr Roger White, University of Birmingham
Visitors to the ruins of Wroxeter in the heart of Shropshire are surprised to hear archaeologists compare it to Pompeii - the Roman town famously buried in the ashes of Mount Vesuvius. But the analogy is real. Both towns were a similar size and neither was destroyed by later development. So each provides a fascinating window into Roman town life. For decades Dr Roger White of the University of Birmingham has revealed the secrets of Wroxeter and the people who lived there. Keywords: Romans, Dr Roger White, Wroxeter, Pompeii
Visitors to the ruins of Wroxeter in the heart of Shropshire are surprised to hear archaeologists compare it to Pompeii - the Roman town famously buried in the ashes of Mount Vesuvius. But the analogy is real. Both towns were a similar size and neither was destroyed by later development. So each provides a fascinating window into Roman town life. For decades Dr Roger White of the University of Birmingham has revealed the secrets of Wroxeter and the people who lived there. Keywords: Romans, Dr Roger White, Wroxeter, Pompeii
The arrival of the Roman army in the West Midlands was shocking for the native communities who were occupied. Then came a profound change in life and society revealed by modern archaeology. In programme 1 of a series of podcasts about the Roman West Midlands Dr Roger White of the University of Birmingham tells the story of the early years of Roman rule in central England. Dr White explains that the legions and auxiliaries were active in the Midlands for about two generations after the invasion before moving to the Northern and Western frontiers of the province but their economic impact was felt throughout the Roman occupation. Keywords: Romans, Dr Roger White, Roman invasion, West Midlands
The arrival of the Roman army in the West Midlands was shocking for the native communities who were occupied. Then came a profound change in life and society revealed by modern archaeology. In programme 1 of a series of podcasts about the Roman West Midlands Dr Roger White of the University of Birmingham tells the story of the early years of Roman rule in central England. Dr White explains that the legions and auxiliaries were active in the Midlands for about two generations after the invasion before moving to the Northern and Western frontiers of the province but their economic impact was felt throughout the Roman occupation. Keywords: Romans, Dr Roger White, Roman invasion, West Midlands
In 1910 - eight years before women won the right to vote in parliamentary elections - the Black Country got its first woman councillor, when Ada Newman was elected to Walsall Borough Council. Between then and the outbreak of the Second World War, a further 49 women were elected to local councils across the Black Country. In total, these 50 women represented a vast swathe of political opinion in the area – as well as Conservatives, Liberals and Labour Party candidates, many were Independents, standing outside of the party system. Many were often the only woman councillor in their town, or one of only a tiny minority of women elected to represent their local area. Yet, through their work in local government, these pioneering women made a huge difference to the lives of local men, women and children in the Black Country. In this podcast Anna Muggeridge looks at the experiences of some of the first women councillors here. Keywords: Women, councillors, Anna Muggeridge, Black Country
In 1910 - eight years before women won the right to vote in parliamentary elections - the Black Country got its first woman councillor, when Ada Newman was elected to Walsall Borough Council. Between then and the outbreak of the Second World War, a further 49 women were elected to local councils across the Black Country. In total, these 50 women represented a vast swathe of political opinion in the area – as well as Conservatives, Liberals and Labour Party candidates, many were Independents, standing outside of the party system. Many were often the only woman councillor in their town, or one of only a tiny minority of women elected to represent their local area. Yet, through their work in local government, these pioneering women made a huge difference to the lives of local men, women and children in the Black Country. In this podcast Anna Muggeridge looks at the experiences of some of the first women councillors here. Keywords: Women, councillors, Anna Muggeridge, Black Country
In this programme, Andrew reveals how Worcester gained notoriety for electoral malpractice which led to Worcester being without a sitting MP for two years, and how the campaign to rid the constituency of this fraud backfired on the Liberal Party. He talks to History West Midlands publisher Mike Gibbs. Keywords: Worcester, electoral fraud, River Severn, Worcester Cathedral, Andrew Reekes, George Williamson
In this programme, Andrew reveals how Worcester gained notoriety for electoral malpractice which led to Worcester being without a sitting MP for two years, and how the campaign to rid the constituency of this fraud backfired on the Liberal Party. He talks to History West Midlands publisher Mike Gibbs. Keywords: Worcester, electoral fraud, River Severn, Worcester Cathedral, Andrew Reekes, George Williamson
In this programme, Andrew discusses how the two famous battles of Worcester in 1642 and 1651 highlight the strategic importance of the city to king and Parliament during bloody English Civil war and beyond. He talks to the publisher of History West Midlands, Mike Gibbs. Keywords: Andrew Reekes, Worcester, The Battle of Worcester, River Severn, Worcester Cathedral
In this programme, Andrew discusses how the two famous battles of Worcester in 1642 and 1651 highlight the strategic importance of the city to king and Parliament during bloody English Civil war and beyond. He talks to the publisher of History West Midlands, Mike Gibbs. Keywords: Andrew Reekes, Worcester, The Battle of Worcester, River Severn, Worcester Cathedral
In this programme, Andrew explains how the Dissolution of the monastaries at the hands of Henry VIII and Thomas Cromwell had a profound impact on the religious life of the city and the welfare of its residents and led directly to the foundation of the Kings School. He talks to the publisher of History West Midlands, Mike Gibbs. Keywords: Worcester, Dissolution, River Severn, Henry VIII, Thomas Cromwell, Andrew Reekes
In this programme, Andrew explains how the Dissolution of the monastaries at the hands of Henry VIII and Thomas Cromwell had a profound impact on the religious life of the city and the welfare of its residents and led directly to the foundation of the Kings School. He talks to the publisher of History West Midlands, Mike Gibbs. Keywords: Worcester, Dissolution, River Severn, Henry VIII, Thomas Cromwell, Andrew Reekes
Historians have extensively studied the achievements of the Scottish engineer James Watt Jr, seen by many as the father of the steam engines that powered the Industrial Revolution. However, despite their efforts Watt the man often remains a mysterious figure. Now researcher Eleanor Beestin has explored Watt’s personal notebooks and correspondence, preserved in the Wolfson Centre for archival research at the Library of Birmingham, to reveal Watt’s state of mind, his relationships with family and friends and his unspoken fears. She talked to History West Midlands publisher Mike Gibbs. Keywords: James Watt, Eleanor Beestin, Industrial Revolution, Library of Birmingham
Historians have extensively studied the achievements of the Scottish engineer James Watt Jr, seen by many as the father of the steam engines that powered the Industrial Revolution. However, despite their efforts Watt the man often remains a mysterious figure. Now researcher Eleanor Beestin has explored Watt’s personal notebooks and correspondence, preserved in the Wolfson Centre for archival research at the Library of Birmingham, to reveal Watt’s state of mind, his relationships with family and friends and his unspoken fears. She talked to History West Midlands publisher Mike Gibbs. Keywords: James Watt, Eleanor Beestin, Industrial Revolution, Library of Birmingham
Groups of young evacuees, standing on railway stations with gas masks and cardboard suitcases have become an iconic image of wartime Britain, but their histories have eclipsed those of women whose domestic lives were affected. In her new book, “Women and Evacuation in the Second World War”, University of Worcester Historian and Author, Professor Maggie Andrews, explores the effects of this unparalleled interference in the lives of women, looking at the impact on their everyday experience, and on ideas of femininity and domesticity. She shows that evacuation changed views of motherhood forever. In this programme, Professor Andrews tells History West Midlands Publisher, Mike Gibbs, the stories of some of these women. In other programmes in this series, Professor Andrews reveals the experiences of mothers who waved goodbye to their children as they were evacuated; those who left their homes and families to travel with their young children; and of the women who became foster mothers, sometimes for years. Professor Maggie Andrews book “Women and Evacuation in the Second World War”, published by Bloomsbury Academic, is available in bookshops and from Amazon. Keywords: Maggie Andrews, Evacuees, University of Worcester, Women
Groups of young evacuees, standing on railway stations with gas masks and cardboard suitcases have become an iconic image of wartime Britain, but their histories have eclipsed those of women whose domestic lives were affected. In her new book, “Women and Evacuation in the Second World War”, University of Worcester Historian and Author, Professor Maggie Andrews, explores the effects of this unparalleled interference in the lives of women, looking at the impact on their everyday experience, and on ideas of femininity and domesticity. She shows that evacuation changed views of motherhood forever. In this programme, Professor Andrews tells History West Midlands Publisher, Mike Gibbs, the stories of some of these women. In other programmes in this series, Professor Andrews reveals the experiences of mothers who waved goodbye to their children as they were evacuated; those who left their homes and families to travel with their young children; and of the women who became foster mothers, sometimes for years. Professor Maggie Andrews book “Women and Evacuation in the Second World War”, published by Bloomsbury Academic, is available in bookshops and from Amazon. Keywords: Maggie Andrews, Evacuees, University of Worcester, Women
Groups of young evacuees, standing on railway stations with gas masks and cardboard suitcases have become an iconic image of wartime Britain, but their histories have eclipsed those of women whose domestic lives were affected. In her new book, “Women and Evacuation in the Second World War”, University of Worcester Historian and Author, Professor Maggie Andrews, explores the effects of this unparalleled interference in the lives of women, looking at the impact on their everyday experience, and on ideas of femininity and domesticity. She shows that evacuation changed views of motherhood forever. In this programme, Professor Andrews tells History West Midlands Publisher, Mike Gibbs, the stories of some of these women. In other programmes in this series, Professor Andrews reveals the experiences of mothers who waved goodbye to their children as they were evacuated; those who left their homes and families to travel with their young children; and of the women who became foster mothers, sometimes for years. Professor Maggie Andrews book “Women and Evacuation in the Second World War”, published by Bloomsbury Academic, is available in bookshops and from Amazon. Keywords: Maggie Andrews, Evacuees, University of Worcester, Women
Groups of young evacuees, standing on railway stations with gas masks and cardboard suitcases have become an iconic image of wartime Britain, but their histories have eclipsed those of women whose domestic lives were affected. In her new book, “Women and Evacuation in the Second World War”, University of Worcester Historian and Author, Professor Maggie Andrews, explores the effects of this unparalleled interference in the lives of women, looking at the impact on their everyday experience, and on ideas of femininity and domesticity. She shows that evacuation changed views of motherhood forever. In this programme, Professor Andrews tells History West Midlands Publisher, Mike Gibbs, the stories of some of these women. In other programmes in this series, Professor Andrews reveals the experiences of mothers who waved goodbye to their children as they were evacuated; those who left their homes and families to travel with their young children; and of the women who became foster mothers, sometimes for years. Professor Maggie Andrews book “Women and Evacuation in the Second World War”, published by Bloomsbury Academic, is available in bookshops and from Amazon. Keywords: Maggie Andrews, Evacuees, University of Worcester, Women
Groups of young evacuees, standing on railway stations with gas masks and cardboard suitcases have become an iconic image of wartime Britain, but their histories have eclipsed those of women whose domestic lives were affected. In her new book, “Women and Evacuation in the Second World War”, University of Worcester Historian and Author, Professor Maggie Andrews, explores the effects of this unparalleled interference in the lives of women, looking at the impact on their everyday experience, and on ideas of femininity and domesticity. She shows that evacuation changed views of motherhood forever. In this programme, Professor Andrews tells History West Midlands Publisher, Mike Gibbs, the stories of some of these women. In other programmes in this series, Professor Andrews reveals the experiences of mothers who waved goodbye to their children as they were evacuated; those who left their homes and families to travel with their young children; and of the women who became foster mothers, sometimes for years. Professor Maggie Andrews book “Women and Evacuation in the Second World War”, published by Bloomsbury Academic, is available in bookshops and from Amazon. Keywords: Maggie Andrews, Evacuees, University of Worcester, Women
Groups of young evacuees, standing on railway stations with gas masks and cardboard suitcases have become an iconic image of wartime Britain, but their histories have eclipsed those of women whose domestic lives were affected. In her new book, “Women and Evacuation in the Second World War”, University of Worcester Historian and Author, Professor Maggie Andrews, explores the effects of this unparalleled interference in the lives of women, looking at the impact on their everyday experience, and on ideas of femininity and domesticity. She shows that evacuation changed views of motherhood forever. In this programme, Professor Andrews tells History West Midlands Publisher, Mike Gibbs, the stories of some of these women. In other programmes in this series, Professor Andrews reveals the experiences of mothers who waved goodbye to their children as they were evacuated; those who left their homes and families to travel with their young children; and of the women who became foster mothers, sometimes for years. Professor Maggie Andrews book “Women and Evacuation in the Second World War”, published by Bloomsbury Academic, is available in bookshops and from Amazon. Keywords: Maggie Andrews, Evacuees, University of Worcester, Women
Groups of young evacuees, standing on railway stations with gas masks and cardboard suitcases have become an iconic image of wartime Britain, but their histories have eclipsed those of women whose domestic lives were affected. In her new book, “Women and Evacuation in the Second World War”, University of Worcester Historian and Author, Professor Maggie Andrews, explores the effects of this unparalleled interference in the lives of women, looking at the impact on their everyday experience, and on ideas of femininity and domesticity. She shows that evacuation changed views of motherhood forever. In this programme, Professor Andrews tells History West Midlands Publisher, Mike Gibbs, the stories of some of these women. In other programmes in this series, Professor Andrews reveals the experiences of mothers who waved goodbye to their children as they were evacuated; those who left their homes and families to travel with their young children; and of the women who became foster mothers, sometimes for years. Professor Maggie Andrews book “Women and Evacuation in the Second World War”, published by Bloomsbury Academic, is available in bookshops and from Amazon. Keywords: Maggie Andrews, Evacuees, University of Worcester, Women
Groups of young evacuees, standing on railway stations with gas masks and cardboard suitcases have become an iconic image of wartime Britain, but their histories have eclipsed those of women whose domestic lives were affected. In her new book, “Women and Evacuation in the Second World War”, University of Worcester Historian and Author, Professor Maggie Andrews, explores the effects of this unparalleled interference in the lives of women, looking at the impact on their everyday experience, and on ideas of femininity and domesticity. She shows that evacuation changed views of motherhood forever. In this programme, Professor Andrews tells History West Midlands Publisher, Mike Gibbs, the stories of some of these women. In other programmes in this series, Professor Andrews reveals the experiences of mothers who waved goodbye to their children as they were evacuated; those who left their homes and families to travel with their young children; and of the women who became foster mothers, sometimes for years. Professor Maggie Andrews book “Women and Evacuation in the Second World War”, published by Bloomsbury Academic, is available in bookshops and from Amazon. Keywords: Maggie Andrews, Evacuees, University of Worcester, Women
In 1921, the brilliant and charismatic Trade Union leader Mary MacArthur died aged 40. In her short life, her activism and leadership had been responsible for raising the awareness of women’s poor working conditions, and encouraging them to speak out against injustice and inequality. Mary MacArthur is perhaps best known for the prominent part she played in the women chainmaker’s strike in Cradley Heath Staffordshire in 1910. The dispute, which lasted two months, ended in success with the women receiving the country’s first minimum wage. As the leader of the country’s first all-female general trade union, the National Federation of Women Workers, MacArthur travelled the length and breadth of the country, ensuring that women received better pay and working conditions, and the right to Union membership. In this programme, the publisher of History West Midlands, Mike Gibbs, talks to Cathy Hunt, whose new biography of Mary MacArthur explores the life of this fascinating campaigner. The songs in this programme were written by John KirkPatrick and are taken from Townsend Theatre Productions’ “Rouse Ye Women” by Neil Gore. Keywords: Mary Macarthur, Trade Union, TUC, Women Chainmakers, Cathy Hunt
Joseph Chamberlain was one of the dominant figures of political life in Britain and its Empire in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, famously described by a young Winston Churchill as ‘the man who made the political weather’. But less attention has been given to Chamberlain’s personal life which was scarred by tragedy when his first two wives died in childbirth. Then, after more than a decade, Joe surprised everyone when he met and proposed to the beautiful American Mary Endicott, the much younger daughter of a member of the US cabinet. Mary became Joe’s third wife and the step mother of his children including Austen and Neville who would later become Chancellor of the Exchequer and Prime Minster respectively. At Chamberlain’s homes at Highbury in Birmingham and in London, Mary was a famous hostess who, for more than two decades, was at the very centre of the country’s political and social life. Then after Joe suffered a stroke in 1906 she remained at his side until he died in 1914. Intrigued by Mary, historian Justine Pick spent more than a year researching her voluminous correspondence to uncover the life this charismatic woman and her marriage to Chamberlain. In this programme Justine talks to History West Midlands publisher Mike Gibbs. Keywords: Mary Endicott, Justine Pick, Joseph Chamberlain, Highbury, Birmingham
Picture courtesy of: CCO – Birmingham Museums Trust
Joseph Chamberlain was one of the dominant figures of political life in Britain and its Empire in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, famously described by a young Winston Churchill as ‘the man who made the political weather’. But less attention has been given to Chamberlain’s personal life which was scarred by tragedy when his first two wives died in childbirth. Then, after more than a decade, Joe surprised everyone when he met and proposed to the beautiful American Mary Endicott, the much younger daughter of a member of the US cabinet. Mary became Joe’s third wife and the step mother of his children including Austen and Neville who would later become Chancellor of the Exchequer and Prime Minster respectively. At Chamberlain’s homes at Highbury in Birmingham and in London, Mary was a famous hostess who, for more than two decades, was at the very centre of the country’s political and social life. Then after Joe suffered a stroke in 1906 she remained at his side until he died in 1914. Intrigued by Mary, historian Justine Pick spent more than a year researching her voluminous correspondence to uncover the life this charismatic woman and her marriage to Chamberlain. In this programme Justine talks to History West Midlands publisher Mike Gibbs. Keywords: Mary Endicott, Justine Pick, Joseph Chamberlain, Highbury, Birmingham
Picture courtesy of: CCO – Birmingham Museums Trust
The author Cathy Hunt talks to publisher of History West Midlands, Mike Gibbs about Mary Macarthur and what she achieved in such a short life, dying at the age of 40 in 1921. Mary's incredible activism and leadership was responsible for raising awareness of women’s poor working conditions and encouraging them to speak out against injustice and inequality. Mary Macarthur is perhaps best known for the prominent part she played in the women chain makers’ strike in Cradley Heath, Staffordshire in 1910. The dispute, which lasted two months, ended in success with the women receiving the country’s first minimum wage. It was a triumph but it was by no means an isolated event and Mary Macarthur, as leader of the country’s first all-female general trade union, the National Federation of Women Workers, travelled the length and breadth of the country making sure that women were strengthened by better pay and working conditions and union membership. Cathy explores Mary Macarthur, who was such an extraordinary individual and why she chose the path that she did at a time when it was far from common for middle-class women to appear on public platforms. Keywords: Mary Macarthur, Cathy Hunt, Women Chainmaker's, Cradley Heath, Women, Trade Union
The author Cathy Hunt talks to publisher of History West Midlands, Mike Gibbs about Mary Macarthur and what she achieved in such a short life, dying at the age of 40 in 1921. Mary's incredible activism and leadership was responsible for raising awareness of women’s poor working conditions and encouraging them to speak out against injustice and inequality. Mary Macarthur is perhaps best known for the prominent part she played in the women chain makers’ strike in Cradley Heath, Staffordshire in 1910. The dispute, which lasted two months, ended in success with the women receiving the country’s first minimum wage. It was a triumph but it was by no means an isolated event and Mary Macarthur, as leader of the country’s first all-female general trade union, the National Federation of Women Workers, travelled the length and breadth of the country making sure that women were strengthened by better pay and working conditions and union membership. Cathy explores Mary Macarthur, who was such an extraordinary individual and why she chose the path that she did at a time when it was far from common for middle-class women to appear on public platforms. Keywords: Mary Macarthur, Cathy Hunt, Women Chainmaker's, Cradley Heath, Women, Trade Union
The latest series of the highly acclaimed BBC One drama “Peaky Blinders” introduces us to a new “villain” – Oswald Mosely - one of Britain’s most enigmatic and controversial figures of the 20th century who played prominent role in the political life of Birmingham and the West Midlands between the first and second world wars. He began conventionally as a Conservative MP but became disillusioned by their lack of action to reduce unemployment so moved to the Labour Party but gave up the established party system entirely to form the British Fascist Union – the Blackshirts - where he abandoned democracy for demagoguery and street violence. Like the “hero” of a classical Greek tragedy, Mosley’s glittering career of great promise ended in shame. He and his wife were interred in Holloway prison throughout the war, and in the post-war years they were widely reviled and marginalised. Andrew Reekes, historian and author looks back at Mosley’s most constructive years were spent in Birmingham in the 1920s when, as a brilliant platform orator, deeply sympathetic to the working-man, he successfully laid siege to this Chamberlain citadel for the Labour Party. Listen to more about Mosley and Birmingham at this History West Midlands podcast. Keywords: Oswald Mosley, Blackshirts, Peaky Blinders, Andrew Reekes
The latest series of the highly acclaimed BBC One drama “Peaky Blinders” introduces us to a new “villain” – Oswald Mosely - one of Britain’s most enigmatic and controversial figures of the 20th century who played prominent role in the political life of Birmingham and the West Midlands between the first and second world wars. He began conventionally as a Conservative MP but became disillusioned by their lack of action to reduce unemployment so moved to the Labour Party but gave up the established party system entirely to form the British Fascist Union – the Blackshirts - where he abandoned democracy for demagoguery and street violence. Like the “hero” of a classical Greek tragedy, Mosley’s glittering career of great promise ended in shame. He and his wife were interred in Holloway prison throughout the war, and in the post-war years they were widely reviled and marginalised. Andrew Reekes, historian and author looks back at Mosley’s most constructive years were spent in Birmingham in the 1920s when, as a brilliant platform orator, deeply sympathetic to the working-man, he successfully laid siege to this Chamberlain citadel for the Labour Party. Listen to more about Mosley and Birmingham at this History West Midlands podcast. Keywords: Oswald Mosley, Blackshirts, Peaky Blinders, Andrew Reekes
In 1918, amidst the turmoil of the First World War, a new deadly threat swept through Europe and beyond. Spanish Flu, infected and killed tens of millions over the next two years. In Birmingham, three separate waves of the disease hit the city, causing massive disruption to the life of the city which was in Italy still at war and then trying to recover. This was a time of additional grief as returning servicemen who had survived years of war suddenly died soon after getting home while others returned to find loved ones dead or dying. Now Justine Pick from the University of Birmingham has investigated the records to discover how Spanish Flu affected the people of Birmingham. Here she talks to History West Midlands publisher Mike Gibbs. Keywords: Spanish Flu, First World War, Birmingham, Justine Pick, University of Birmingham
In 1918, amidst the turmoil of the First World War, a new deadly threat swept through Europe and beyond. Spanish Flu, infected and killed tens of millions over the next two years. In Birmingham, three separate waves of the disease hit the city, causing massive disruption to the life of the city which was in Italy still at war and then trying to recover. This was a time of additional grief as returning servicemen who had survived years of war suddenly died soon after getting home while others returned to find loved ones dead or dying. Now Justine Pick from the University of Birmingham has investigated the records to discover how Spanish Flu affected the people of Birmingham. Here she talks to History West Midlands publisher Mike Gibbs. Keywords: Spanish Flu, First World War, Birmingham, Justine Pick, University of Birmingham
More than six million people watched the first episode of series five of the BBC’s Peaky Blinders – the mesmerising drama of violence, moody characters and intrigue. Among them was internationally recognised Shakespeare expert Professor Ewan Fernie of the Shakespeare Institute of the University of Birmingham, Director of the high profile ‘Everything to Everybody’ project to unlock the city’s Shakespeare Memorial Library. Professor Fernie tells the publisher of History West Midlands he found himself seeing strong parallels with Shakespeare’s masterpiece – Macbeth. Keywords: Shakespeare, Peaky Blinders, Macbeth, Professor Ewan Fernie
More than six million people watched the first episode of series five of the BBC’s Peaky Blinders – the mesmerising drama of violence, moody characters and intrigue. Among them was internationally recognised Shakespeare expert Professor Ewan Fernie of the Shakespeare Institute of the University of Birmingham, Director of the high profile ‘Everything to Everybody’ project to unlock the city’s Shakespeare Memorial Library. Professor Fernie tells the publisher of History West Midlands he found himself seeing strong parallels with Shakespeare’s masterpiece – Macbeth. Keywords: Shakespeare, Peaky Blinders, Macbeth, Professor Ewan Fernie
Recently History West Midlands has sponsored researchers led by Dr Malcolm Dick of the University of Birmingham, in an exploration of different, and previously unreported facets of the complex life and personality of James Watt; the Scottish engineer who became an icon of the Industrial Revolution. Searching voluminous archives at the Library of Birmingham one of them, Dr Stephen Mullen of Glasgow University, went beyond the “heroic figure” of Watt the engineer and developer of the steam engine, to investigate the time before Watt moved to Birmingham to join Mathew Boulton in their historic partnership. Dr Mullen spent months delving into more than 50 years of little-studied correspondence from Watt; his father James Watt Senior; and his brother, John, about their extensive involvement in transatlantic mercantile trade with the North American colonies and the sugar plantations of the Caribbean. Dr Mullen's research reveals a dark side to the story of the Watt family. For the fist time it provides evidence that Watt's family and Watt himself were not only complicit in the slave trade - they participated directly and benefited extensively from the profits that slavery generated. On our sister initiative Revolutionary Players, www.revolutionaryplayers.org.uk you will find a unique digitised resource of prints, drawings, paintings, letters and much more. Keywords: James Watt, Slavery, Library of Birmingham, Scotland, James Watt, Dr Stephen Mullen
Recently History West Midlands has sponsored researchers led by Dr Malcolm Dick of the University of Birmingham, in an exploration of different, and previously unreported facets of the complex life and personality of James Watt; the Scottish engineer who became an icon of the Industrial Revolution. Searching voluminous archives at the Library of Birmingham one of them, Dr Stephen Mullen of Glasgow University, went beyond the “heroic figure” of Watt the engineer and developer of the steam engine, to investigate the time before Watt moved to Birmingham to join Mathew Boulton in their historic partnership. Dr Mullen spent months delving into more than 50 years of little-studied correspondence from Watt; his father James Watt Senior; and his brother, John, about their extensive involvement in transatlantic mercantile trade with the North American colonies and the sugar plantations of the Caribbean. Dr Mullen's research reveals a dark side to the story of the Watt family. For the fist time it provides evidence that Watt's family and Watt himself were not only complicit in the slave trade - they participated directly and benefited extensively from the profits that slavery generated. On our sister initiative Revolutionary Players, www.revolutionaryplayers.org.uk you will find a unique digitised resource of prints, drawings, paintings, letters and much more. Keywords: James Watt, Slavery, Library of Birmingham, Scotland, James Watt, Dr Stephen Mullen
Professor Holbrook of the University of Queensland formerly President of the International Shakespeare Association, recently visited Birmingham to explore the Birmingham Shakespeare Memorial Library: the first great Shakespeare Library in the world, and the only great Shakespeare Library which truly belongs to all the people of the city. In this podcast he discusses the global impact and legacy of the Library’s founder, George Dawson, who pioneered a visionary new civic culture in Birmingham. It reveals an extraordinary connection between Dawson’s Birmingham and the only Australian copy of the historic 1623 First Folio of Shakespeare’s collected works which was donated to Sydney’s Free Public Library in 1884 by Richard and George Tangye from Birmingham. He also discusses connections between Dawson’s ‘civic gospel’ and nineteenth-century Australian politics. Professor Holbrook talks with Professor Ewan Fernie, Director of the ‘Everything to Everybody’ Project, a pioneering collaboration between Birmingham City Council and the University of Birmingham to unlock the first great people’s Shakespeare Library for all. The project has a development grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to develop a three-year programme which will culminate in 2022 when the Commonwealth Games come to Birmingham.
Keywords: Shakespeare, Birmingham Shakespeare Memorial Library, Ewan Fernie, Philip Holbrook, Library of Birmingham, Civic Gospel, George Dawson
Professor Holbrook of the University of Queensland formerly President of the International Shakespeare Association, recently visited Birmingham to explore the Birmingham Shakespeare Memorial Library: the first great Shakespeare Library in the world, and the only great Shakespeare Library which truly belongs to all the people of the city. In this podcast he discusses the global impact and legacy of the Library’s founder, George Dawson, who pioneered a visionary new civic culture in Birmingham. It reveals an extraordinary connection between Dawson’s Birmingham and the only Australian copy of the historic 1623 First Folio of Shakespeare’s collected works which was donated to Sydney’s Free Public Library in 1884 by Richard and George Tangye from Birmingham. He also discusses connections between Dawson’s ‘civic gospel’ and nineteenth-century Australian politics. Professor Holbrook talks with Professor Ewan Fernie, Director of the ‘Everything to Everybody’ Project, a pioneering collaboration between Birmingham City Council and the University of Birmingham to unlock the first great people’s Shakespeare Library for all. The project has a development grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to develop a three-year programme which will culminate in 2022 when the Commonwealth Games come to Birmingham.
Keywords: Shakespeare, Birmingham Shakespeare Memorial Library, Ewan Fernie, Philip Holbrook, Library of Birmingham, Civic Gospel, George Dawson
‘Spanish Flu,’ killed more than 50 million people and affected millions more, across the globe during 1918 and 1919. Soldiers, POWs and the workers in war-industries all fell victim to this pandemic which brought fear and death to villages, towns and cities on the home front, even after the guns of the First World War battlefields had fallen silent. A failure to recognise and deal with the magnitude and threat the virus posed was exasperated by a wartime shortage of trained doctors and nurses and led to an inadequate medical response to the crisis. There were long queues outside pharmacies and doctors’ surgeries. The despairing population turned to charlatans, patent medicines, food supplements even alcohol to prevent or cure any symptoms of the flu. Keywords: Spanish Flu, Worcester, Pandemic
‘Spanish Flu,’ killed more than 50 million people and affected millions more, across the globe during 1918 and 1919. Soldiers, POWs and the workers in war-industries all fell victim to this pandemic which brought fear and death to villages, towns and cities on the home front, even after the guns of the First World War battlefields had fallen silent. A failure to recognise and deal with the magnitude and threat the virus posed was exasperated by a wartime shortage of trained doctors and nurses and led to an inadequate medical response to the crisis. There were long queues outside pharmacies and doctors’ surgeries. The despairing population turned to charlatans, patent medicines, food supplements even alcohol to prevent or cure any symptoms of the flu. Keywords: Spanish Flu, Worcester, Pandemic
Just a few yards from the Chamberlain Clock at the heart of the Jewellery Quarter is a street that encapsulates the social and economic history of this distinctive and important district. It is Vittoria Street. Seemingly a quiet backwater in the midst of this busy area, yet does Vittoria Street have an intriguing history that tells us much about the stages of development of the Jewellery Quarter, its historical buildings, its manufacturers and the lives of its residents, poor as well as wealthy. Keywords: Vittoria Street, Carl Chinn, Birmingham, Jewellery Quarter
Just a few yards from the Chamberlain Clock at the heart of the Jewellery Quarter is a street that encapsulates the social and economic history of this distinctive and important district. It is Vittoria Street. Seemingly a quiet backwater in the midst of this busy area, yet does Vittoria Street have an intriguing history that tells us much about the stages of development of the Jewellery Quarter, its historical buildings, its manufacturers and the lives of its residents, poor as well as wealthy. Keywords: Vittoria Street, Carl Chinn, Birmingham, Jewellery Quarter
Birmingham’s Shakespeare Library has always held more materials in German than in any language other than English. There are now thousands of German holdings, including some utterly unique treasures. In this film, Professor Tobias Döring of Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, presents perhaps the most extraordinary and iconic German book in Birmingham’s Shakespeare Library and reflects on the important relationships between Birmingham, Shakespeare and Germany. Keywords: Professor Tobias Döring, Shakespeare Library, Everything to Everybody, Shakespeare, Birmingham
Birmingham’s Shakespeare Library has always held more materials in German than in any language other than English. There are now thousands of German holdings, including some utterly unique treasures. In this film, Professor Tobias Döring of Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, presents perhaps the most extraordinary and iconic German book in Birmingham’s Shakespeare Library and reflects on the important relationships between Birmingham, Shakespeare and Germany. Keywords: Professor Tobias Döring, Shakespeare Library, Everything to Everybody, Shakespeare, Birmingham
Listen to stories of women’s everyday lives in Coventry between 1850 and 1950. This was an extraordinary century of change and women, as always, were strong, resilient and resourceful. Here we glimpse aspects of their lives at close quarters, drawing on their experiences of growing up in this industrial city as they went to school, started work and grew into womanhood. Dr Cathy Hunt is the author of ‘A History of Women’s Lives in Coventry’, published by Pen and Sword. Keywords: Coventry, Women, Cathy Hunt
Listen to stories of women’s everyday lives in Coventry between 1850 and 1950. This was an extraordinary century of change and women, as always, were strong, resilient and resourceful. Here we glimpse aspects of their lives at close quarters, drawing on their experiences of growing up in this industrial city as they went to school, started work and grew into womanhood. Dr Cathy Hunt is the author of ‘A History of Women’s Lives in Coventry’, published by Pen and Sword. Keywords: Coventry, Women, Cathy Hunt
The world of the brass makers of the industrial revolution Birmingham is as a world or powerful elites, industrial espionage, propaganda, deceit and political influence to create cartels and monopolies. Keywords: Brass, Industrial Revolution, Watt, Boulton, Birmingham
The world of the brass makers of the industrial revolution Birmingham is as a world or powerful elites, industrial espionage, propaganda, deceit and political influence to create cartels and monopolies. Keywords: Brass, Industrial Revolution, Watt, Boulton, Birmingham
Learn more about the little known story of Beatrice Cadbury who was born in 1884 and heiress to the Cadbury fortune. She grew up with all the privileges that money could buy, but her life was shaped by her families Quaker beliefs and philosophy. She was an anti-war campaigner and Christian Socialist who believed that war was a symptom of the problems inherent in the Capitalist system, but as the daughter of a Capitalist she was inextricably bound up within this system. In 1920 Beatrice decided to give all of her inherited shares to the Cadbury workers, not everyone held her high ideals but Beatrice pursued her vision of a fairer and more equal society. Keywords: Cadbury, Beatrice Cadbury, Bourneville, Birmingham, Christian Socialism, Quaker, Capitalism
Learn more about the little known story of Beatrice Cadbury who was born in 1884 and heiress to the Cadbury fortune. She grew up with all the privileges that money could buy, but her life was shaped by her families Quaker beliefs and philosophy. She was an anti-war campaigner and Christian Socialist who believed that war was a symptom of the problems inherent in the Capitalist system, but as the daughter of a Capitalist she was inextricably bound up within this system. In 1920 Beatrice decided to give all of her inherited shares to the Cadbury workers, not everyone held her high ideals but Beatrice pursued her vision of a fairer and more equal society. Keywords: Cadbury, Beatrice Cadbury, Bourneville, Birmingham, Christian Socialism, Quaker, Capitalism
Well–known broadcaster and author, Professor Carl Chinn discusses how the communities of Birmingham came together to remember and honour the more than 12,000 men and women killed in the First World War. He takes us from the horror of the Western Front, the Royal visits to the city and the inauguration of the iconic Hall of Memory by the then Prince of Wales. Keywords: Carl Chinn, William Bloye, First World War, Second World War, Hall of Memory, Birmingham
Well–known broadcaster and author, Professor Carl Chinn discusses how the communities of Birmingham came together to remember and honour the more than 12,000 men and women killed in the First World War. He takes us from the horror of the Western Front, the Royal visits to the city and the inauguration of the iconic Hall of Memory by the then Prince of Wales. Keywords: Carl Chinn, William Bloye, First World War, Second World War, Hall of Memory, Birmingham
Birmingham in the 1890s meeting the real gangs The dramatic BBC series 'Peaky Blinders' has captivated audiences all over the world who have followed the criminal gangs of Birmingham. Now well-known historian and author, Carl Chinn, tells the story of some of his ancestors who were among the petty criminals who were found in Birmingham's back streets. It is not a story of fashionable mythology but a fascinating insight into the poverty and degradation of one of the Empire's great cities. Keywords: Peaky Blinders, Birmingham, poverty, gangs, Carl Chinn
Birmingham in the 1890s meeting the real gangs The dramatic BBC series 'Peaky Blinders' has captivated audiences all over the world who have followed the criminal gangs of Birmingham. Now well-known historian and author, Carl Chinn, tells the story of some of his ancestors who were among the petty criminals who were found in Birmingham's back streets. It is not a story of fashionable mythology but a fascinating insight into the poverty and degradation of one of the Empire's great cities. Keywords: Peaky Blinders, Birmingham, poverty, gangs, Carl Chinn
From the 1820s onwards the Irish have come to the region in search of work. This flow of migrants has ebbed and flowed but throughout they have played a significant part in the development of the West Midlands. In the beginning the lives of Irish migrants in Wolverhampton and Birmingham was hard. The slums in which they lived were often some of the poorest. But today we recognise that their work in fields, factories and foundries provide the sweats and muscle on which the industrial might of the Black Country was built. Then again after the Second World War Irish voices were prominent on the major construction sites of the region as the housing, roads and hospitals were rebuilt. Social historian and broadcaster, Professor Carl Chinn examines how the Irish came to the West Midlands. Keywords: Irish, navvies, Birmingham, immigration, labour
From the 1820s onwards the Irish have come to the region in search of work. This flow of migrants has ebbed and flowed but throughout they have played a significant part in the development of the West Midlands. In the beginning the lives of Irish migrants in Wolverhampton and Birmingham was hard. The slums in which they lived were often some of the poorest. But today we recognise that their work in fields, factories and foundries provide the sweats and muscle on which the industrial might of the Black Country was built. Then again after the Second World War Irish voices were prominent on the major construction sites of the region as the housing, roads and hospitals were rebuilt. Social historian and broadcaster, Professor Carl Chinn examines how the Irish came to the West Midlands. Keywords: Irish, navvies, Birmingham, immigration, labour
A unique research project is seeking to uncover the stories of the men, women and even children who were employed by Matthew Boulton and James Watt at the revolutionary manufacturing site in Soho, Birmingham. Researchers are discovering new information about the relationship between these two icons of the English industrial revolution and their employees and revealing new insights into the lives of these forgotten revolutionary players. Keywords: Soho, Industrial Revolution, Revolutionary Player, Birmingham, Matthew Boulton, James Watt
A unique research project is seeking to uncover the stories of the men, women and even children who were employed by Matthew Boulton and James Watt at the revolutionary manufacturing site in Soho, Birmingham. Researchers are discovering new information about the relationship between these two icons of the English industrial revolution and their employees and revealing new insights into the lives of these forgotten revolutionary players. Keywords: Soho, Industrial Revolution, Revolutionary Player, Birmingham, Matthew Boulton, James Watt
Hidden away and forgotten by most of the people of Birmingham is the world's first great Shakespeare library. It is one of the city’s best kept secrets, known only to a few academics, here and overseas. But when it first opened its doors to the people of Birmingham in 1868, the Shakespeare Memorial Library was the envy of the world, which looked to Birmingham as the home of a comprehensive ‘Civic Gospel’. This was the concrete expression of the vision of George Dawson (1821-1876) – Birmingham’s forgotten philosopher-prophet. And the Birmingham Shakespeare Memorial Library is one of its most important surviving legacies. Dawson conceived of a library where the Bard and his works would belong to every citizen, not just a cultured elite or academia. Paid for by public subscription, this world-class collection includes more than 40,000 volumes – among them the only Shakespeare First Folio in the world bought as part of a vision of comprehensive (including working-class) education. And it still belongs to the people of Birmingham. Hear more about this wonderful fruit of George Dawson’s vision for Birmingham as a world-leading modern city in this second of two podcasts by Shakespeare scholar, Professor Ewan Fernie of the University of Birmingham, in discussion with Mike Gibbs, publisher of History West Midlands. In partnership with Tom Epps of Birmingham City Council and institutions across and beyond Birmingham, Fernie is now developing a Heritage Lottery Fund project to revive Birmingham's forgotten Shakespeare Library with people and communities across the city. To learn more about the 'Everything to Everybody' Project please click below:
Keywords: Shakespeare, George Dawson, Library, Civic Gospel, The Bard, Birmingham, Professor Ewan Fernie
Hidden away and forgotten by most of the people of Birmingham is the world's first great Shakespeare library. It is one of the city’s best kept secrets, known only to a few academics, here and overseas. But when it first opened its doors to the people of Birmingham in 1868, the Shakespeare Memorial Library was the envy of the world, which looked to Birmingham as the home of a comprehensive ‘Civic Gospel’. This was the concrete expression of the vision of George Dawson (1821-1876) – Birmingham’s forgotten philosopher-prophet. And the Birmingham Shakespeare Memorial Library is one of its most important surviving legacies. Dawson conceived of a library where the Bard and his works would belong to every citizen, not just a cultured elite or academia. Paid for by public subscription, this world-class collection includes more than 40,000 volumes – among them the only Shakespeare First Folio in the world bought as part of a vision of comprehensive (including working-class) education. And it still belongs to the people of Birmingham. Hear more about this wonderful fruit of George Dawson’s vision for Birmingham as a world-leading modern city in this second of two podcasts by Shakespeare scholar, Professor Ewan Fernie of the University of Birmingham, in discussion with Mike Gibbs, publisher of History West Midlands. In partnership with Tom Epps of Birmingham City Council and institutions across and beyond Birmingham, Fernie is now developing a Heritage Lottery Fund project to revive Birmingham's forgotten Shakespeare Library with people and communities across the city. To learn more about the 'Everything to Everybody' Project please click below:
Keywords: Shakespeare, George Dawson, Library, Civic Gospel, The Bard, Birmingham, Professor Ewan Fernie
Birmingham‘s Jewellery Quarter is famed nationally and internationally but locally its importance can be taken for granted or even overlooked as can that of the jewellery trade itself which has a long-standing connection with our city. That lack of attention is not a new phenomenon. By the mid-nineteenth century, jewellery making was regarded as one of the four main Birmingham trades. Along with the brass trade and the manufacture of guns and buttons it flourished above the rest but very little was written about it. That is surprising for such an important industry which remains prominent in modern Birmingham and which has such a fascinating history covering more than 200 years. Well-known historian of Birmingham, Carl Chinn click to collection explores the stories of the Quarter and the lives of the men and women whose history is created the area is unique heritage. Keywords: Jewellery Quarter, Victorian, Carl Chinn, Industry
Birmingham‘s Jewellery Quarter is famed nationally and internationally but locally its importance can be taken for granted or even overlooked as can that of the jewellery trade itself which has a long-standing connection with our city. That lack of attention is not a new phenomenon. By the mid-nineteenth century, jewellery making was regarded as one of the four main Birmingham trades. Along with the brass trade and the manufacture of guns and buttons it flourished above the rest but very little was written about it. That is surprising for such an important industry which remains prominent in modern Birmingham and which has such a fascinating history covering more than 200 years. Well-known historian of Birmingham, Carl Chinn click to collection explores the stories of the Quarter and the lives of the men and women whose history is created the area is unique heritage. Keywords: Jewellery Quarter, Victorian, Carl Chinn, Industry
At the heart of the city stands the famous Town Hall – a symbol of Birmingham since 1834. For all these years its history has been interwoven with the story of the city’s rise, fall and renaissance. The venue for great cultural events including premieres of works by Mendelssohn and Elgar and the first public reading of the Pickwick Papers. It also witnessed some of the great and sometimes violent political gatherings. But like the city itself the Town Hall fell on hard times in the mid-20th century. Unbelievably there was even talk of demolishing this Victorian Gem. Today it has been restored to its rightful place at the heart of the vibrant city. Keywords: Birmingham, Charles Dickens, Music, Arts, Carl Chinn
At the heart of the city stands the famous Town Hall – a symbol of Birmingham since 1834. For all these years its history has been interwoven with the story of the city’s rise, fall and renaissance. The venue for great cultural events including premieres of works by Mendelssohn and Elgar and the first public reading of the Pickwick Papers. It also witnessed some of the great and sometimes violent political gatherings. But like the city itself the Town Hall fell on hard times in the mid-20th century. Unbelievably there was even talk of demolishing this Victorian Gem. Today it has been restored to its rightful place at the heart of the vibrant city. Keywords: Birmingham, Charles Dickens, Music, Arts, Carl Chinn
Amongst the three million men from the British Army who fought and died in the bloody Battle of the Somme some were from the South Staffs Regiment. In this programme, well known author and community historian Professor Carl Chinn follows many of these men from the poverty-stricken homes of the Black Country towns such as Darlaston. He describes their progress through the battle and for some of them, how they died. Keywords: First World War, Black Country, Darlaston, South Staffs, Battle of the Somme, Carl Chinn
Amongst the three million men from the British Army who fought and died in the bloody Battle of the Somme some were from the South Staffs Regiment. In this programme, well known author and community historian Professor Carl Chinn follows many of these men from the poverty-stricken homes of the Black Country towns such as Darlaston. He describes their progress through the battle and for some of them, how they died. Keywords: First World War, Black Country, Darlaston, South Staffs, Battle of the Somme, Carl Chinn
In this podcast Birmingham historian and author traces the links between the West Indies and the city. The story begins with Carl's vivid memories of the people, food and music which became part of his family's experiences of post-war Birmingham. But he also remembers that Birmingham merchants and industrialists profited from the slave trade through businesses such as the gun trade. However, as Carl explains the town was also at the centre of the abolition of slavery and the subsequent emancipation of slaves. Indeed, one of the country's most important abolitionists the radical businessman and Quaker, Joseph Sturge (1793-1859) is still commemorated by a statue at Five Ways. Keywords: Birmingham, West Indies, slave trade, abolition of slavery, Joseph Sturge, Carl Chinn
In this podcast Birmingham historian and author traces the links between the West Indies and the city. The story begins with Carl's vivid memories of the people, food and music which became part of his family's experiences of post-war Birmingham. But he also remembers that Birmingham merchants and industrialists profited from the slave trade through businesses such as the gun trade. However, as Carl explains the town was also at the centre of the abolition of slavery and the subsequent emancipation of slaves. Indeed, one of the country's most important abolitionists the radical businessman and Quaker, Joseph Sturge (1793-1859) is still commemorated by a statue at Five Ways. Keywords: Birmingham, West Indies, slave trade, abolition of slavery, Joseph Sturge, Carl Chinn
In the first of two podcasts Professor Ewan Fernie tells the thrilling but almost totally forgotten story of George Dawson - preacher, activist and father of the Civic Gospel - who shaped the world's image of Birmingham in the 19th century. Described as 'Brummagem Dawson' by fellow philosopher Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881), he was the individual who changed Birmingham from the town which Jane Austen described as 'not a place to promise much' into 'the chief centre of civilisation, the chief town of democracy, the town from which Liberty radiates to all the world', in only 50 years. Today the modern city, which owes him so much, has utterly forgotten this global figure. Listen to this extraordinary story as Professor Fernie talks to Mike Gibbs of History West Midlands. To learn more about the 'Everything to Everybody' Project please click below:
Keywords: Brummagem, George Dawson, Professor Ewan Fernie, Civic Gospel, 19th Century
In the first of two podcasts Professor Ewan Fernie tells the thrilling but almost totally forgotten story of George Dawson - preacher, activist and father of the Civic Gospel - who shaped the world's image of Birmingham in the 19th century. Described as 'Brummagem Dawson' by fellow philosopher Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881), he was the individual who changed Birmingham from the town which Jane Austen described as 'not a place to promise much' into 'the chief centre of civilisation, the chief town of democracy, the town from which Liberty radiates to all the world', in only 50 years. Today the modern city, which owes him so much, has utterly forgotten this global figure. Listen to this extraordinary story as Professor Fernie talks to Mike Gibbs of History West Midlands. To learn more about the 'Everything to Everybody' Project please click below:
Keywords: Brummagem, George Dawson, Professor Ewan Fernie, Civic Gospel, 19th Century
For decades the women of the Black Country - particularly around Cradley Heath - sweated in dark, cramped outhouses making thousands of links of chain. In return they were paid pence. This programme tells the story of how, lead by iconic women such as Mary Macarthur they fought for a better life in one of the most important episodes in Britain's labour history. Listen to well known and respected social historian, Professor Carl Chinn. Keywords: Chain making, women, trade union, labour, Black Country, Mary Macarthur, Cradley
For decades the women of the Black Country - particularly around Cradley Heath - sweated in dark, cramped outhouses making thousands of links of chain. In return they were paid pence. This programme tells the story of how, lead by iconic women such as Mary Macarthur they fought for a better life in one of the most important episodes in Britain's labour history. Listen to well known and respected social historian, Professor Carl Chinn. Keywords: Chain making, women, trade union, labour, Black Country, Mary Macarthur, Cradley
Around the circle of the famous Lunar men of the Industrial Enlightenment are the shadowy figures of other important players. Now, thanks to a Canadian researcher, Kristen Schranz, one of these men is emerging from the shadows. Kristen has been searching archives and attics to uncover the life of James Keir (1735-1820), a prominent chemist and industrialist, who created significant businesses in Tipton and the West Midlands. His achievements were widely acknowledged by his famous contemporaries but Keir is largely 'lost' to history. History West Midlands publisher, Mike Gibbs, hears more about this Enlightenment Man. Keywords: Keir, Lunar Society, Glass, Metal, Tipton, Black Country, Boulton, Watt, Darwin, Priestley, Day, Chemical, Dudley
Around the circle of the famous Lunar men of the Industrial Enlightenment are the shadowy figures of other important players. Now, thanks to a Canadian researcher, Kristen Schranz, one of these men is emerging from the shadows. Kristen has been searching archives and attics to uncover the life of James Keir (1735-1820), a prominent chemist and industrialist, who created significant businesses in Tipton and the West Midlands. His achievements were widely acknowledged by his famous contemporaries but Keir is largely 'lost' to history. History West Midlands publisher, Mike Gibbs, hears more about this Enlightenment Man. Keywords: Keir, Lunar Society, Glass, Metal, Tipton, Black Country, Boulton, Watt, Darwin, Priestley, Day, Chemical, Dudley
For too long the importance of Birmingham and the West Midlands in the story of women’s struggle for the vote has been forgotten. Now we have turned a spotlight on the stories of the women who as suffragists devoted their lives to the cause and the suffragettes whose militant acts resulted in imprisonment and, often, force feeding. Dr Nicola Gauld author and historian reveals the stories of these women in conversation with Mike Gibbs, Publisher, History West Midlands. Keywords: Women, Suffragettes, Suffragists, West Midlands, women's right to vote
For too long the importance of Birmingham and the West Midlands in the story of women’s struggle for the vote has been forgotten. Now we have turned a spotlight on the stories of the women who as suffragists devoted their lives to the cause and the suffragettes whose militant acts resulted in imprisonment and, often, force feeding. Dr Nicola Gauld author and historian reveals the stories of these women in conversation with Mike Gibbs, Publisher, History West Midlands. Keywords: Women, Suffragettes, Suffragists, West Midlands, women's right to vote
Birmingham's Gun Trade Did war shape the Industrial Revolution? Was the transformation of Britain from an agricultural economy to the first global industrial superpower driven by conflict? This is the question adress in a fascinating new book Empire of Guns: The violent making of the Industrial Revolution by award-winning author, Priya Satia.
Birmingham's Gun Trade Did war shape the Industrial Revolution? Was the transformation of Britain from an agricultural economy to the first global industrial superpower driven by conflict? This is the question adress in a fascinating new book Empire of Guns: The violent making of the Industrial Revolution by award-winning author, Priya Satia.
Was the transformation of Britain from an agricultural economy to the first global industrial superpower driven by conflict? This is the question addressed in a fascinating new book Empire of Guns: The violent making of the Industrial Revolution by award-winning author, Priya Satia. She examines the all-pervading economic and social effects of Britain's almost constant conflicts during the 18th and early 19th centuries. At the epicentre of this 'war economy' is the arms trade in which the prominent Birmingham gun maker - Samuel Galton Junior was the dominant figure. Having to defend his role in the industry to his fellow Quakers, Galton argued that every aspect of British economic life was inextricably linked to the economy. Was he correct? Priya Satia answers this question in a discussion with Mike Gibbs, the Publisher of History West Midlands. Keywords: Guns, Birmingham, Galton, Quakers, Industrial Revolution
Was the transformation of Britain from an agricultural economy to the first global industrial superpower driven by conflict? This is the question addressed in a fascinating new book Empire of Guns: The violent making of the Industrial Revolution by award-winning author, Priya Satia. She examines the all-pervading economic and social effects of Britain's almost constant conflicts during the 18th and early 19th centuries. At the epicentre of this 'war economy' is the arms trade in which the prominent Birmingham gun maker - Samuel Galton Junior was the dominant figure. Having to defend his role in the industry to his fellow Quakers, Galton argued that every aspect of British economic life was inextricably linked to the economy. Was he correct? Priya Satia answers this question in a discussion with Mike Gibbs, the Publisher of History West Midlands. Keywords: Guns, Birmingham, Galton, Quakers, Industrial Revolution
Zeppelins, hunger, strikes and women at work The First World War changed the Black Country forever. Industry boosted by the demand for munitions and other war materials, grew but the social cost was high. The demand for munitions created opportunities for women workers for the first time. As they joined the workforce in large numbers home-life was disrupted and older children had to care for younger sisters and brothers. Shortages of food resulted in rising prices undermining morale with food riots in the Black Country in 1917 and 1918 while strikes threatened to paralyse the engineering industry. Upheaval increased when the region was attacked from the air by Zeppelins in January 1916 with loss of life. The World War had really come to the Black Country. Graham Fisher discusses these experiences with Black Country author Dr Terry Daniels and historian Dr Paul Fantom. Keywords: Black Country, WWI, munitions, hunger, strikes, women
Zeppelins, hunger, strikes and women at work The First World War changed the Black Country forever. Industry boosted by the demand for munitions and other war materials, grew but the social cost was high. The demand for munitions created opportunities for women workers for the first time. As they joined the workforce in large numbers home-life was disrupted and older children had to care for younger sisters and brothers. Shortages of food resulted in rising prices undermining morale with food riots in the Black Country in 1917 and 1918 while strikes threatened to paralyse the engineering industry. Upheaval increased when the region was attacked from the air by Zeppelins in January 1916 with loss of life. The World War had really come to the Black Country. Graham Fisher discusses these experiences with Black Country author Dr Terry Daniels and historian Dr Paul Fantom. Keywords: Black Country, WWI, munitions, hunger, strikes, women
For the first time author and historian Andrew Reekes has laid bare how Joseph Chamberlain with his relations, colleagues and friends turned Birmingham and the West Midlands into his personal political fortress. His domination lasted for more than 30 years - A political feat never been repeated before or since. In this fascinating new book The Birmingham Political Machine: Winning Elections for Joseph Chamberlain Andrew reveals how the organisation they created changed British politics forever. In this programme he talks to our publisher Mike Gibbs. Keywords: Highbury, Joseph Chamberlain, Birmingham Politics, Tariff Reform, Political Machine
For the first time author and historian Andrew Reekes has laid bare how Joseph Chamberlain with his relations, colleagues and friends turned Birmingham and the West Midlands into his personal political fortress. His domination lasted for more than 30 years - A political feat never been repeated before or since. In this fascinating new book The Birmingham Political Machine: Winning Elections for Joseph Chamberlain Andrew reveals how the organisation they created changed British politics forever. In this programme he talks to our publisher Mike Gibbs. Keywords: Highbury, Joseph Chamberlain, Birmingham Politics, Tariff Reform, Political Machine
Well known Birmingham author and historian, Carl Chinn tells the story. Aston Hall is a magnificent example of Jacobean architecture on the periphery of central Birmingham built between 1618 and 1635. The house was damaged in the English Civil War during an attack by the Parliamentary army in 1643. Subsequently, Aston Hall and the surrounding park were rented by James Watt Jnr, son of the pioneer of steam power, James Watt Snr. As Birmingham's population grew massively in the early nineteenth century, much of the parkland was built upon and there was a real danger that this architectural gem might be knocked down and lost forever, whilst the remainder of its park would be developed. But the working people of Birmingham were not prepared to lose their treasured asset. This is the story of how the 'Peoples Park Company' saved Aston Hall and its grounds. Keywords: Aston Hall, Parks, Open Spaces, Victorian, Civil War, James Watt
Well known Birmingham author and historian, Carl Chinn tells the story. Aston Hall is a magnificent example of Jacobean architecture on the periphery of central Birmingham built between 1618 and 1635. The house was damaged in the English Civil War during an attack by the Parliamentary army in 1643. Subsequently, Aston Hall and the surrounding park were rented by James Watt Jnr, son of the pioneer of steam power, James Watt Snr. As Birmingham's population grew massively in the early nineteenth century, much of the parkland was built upon and there was a real danger that this architectural gem might be knocked down and lost forever, whilst the remainder of its park would be developed. But the working people of Birmingham were not prepared to lose their treasured asset. This is the story of how the 'Peoples Park Company' saved Aston Hall and its grounds. Keywords: Aston Hall, Parks, Open Spaces, Victorian, Civil War, James Watt
Many of the billions of letters flowing backwards and forwards across the Channel between the trenches and the Home Front reveal hopes and dreams of life after the war's end. These are the voices of ordinary men and women from Worcestershire and the surrounding counties. In the last of her series of three programmes University of Worcester historian, Hayley Carter reveals their aspirations. Acknowledgements: Extracts from Dispatches Worcestershire Archive and Archaeological Society. Imperial War Museum Archive. The Dillen. Memories of a man of Stratford Upon Avon. Oxford University Press. The Trustees of the Mercian Regimental Museum (Worcestershire). British Newspaper archive. Evesham Journal Archive.
Keywords: World War 1, Worcestershire, Women
Many of the billions of letters flowing backwards and forwards across the Channel between the trenches and the Home Front reveal hopes and dreams of life after the war's end. These are the voices of ordinary men and women from Worcestershire and the surrounding counties. In the last of her series of three programmes University of Worcester historian, Hayley Carter reveals their aspirations. Acknowledgements: Extracts from Dispatches Worcestershire Archive and Archaeological Society. Imperial War Museum Archive. The Dillen. Memories of a man of Stratford Upon Avon. Oxford University Press. The Trustees of the Mercian Regimental Museum (Worcestershire). British Newspaper archive. Evesham Journal Archive.
Keywords: World War 1, Worcestershire, Women
The First World War turned many marriages upside down. Couples were separated for extended periods for months or even years. Letters and cards provided the only way of maintaining relationships. Historian Hayley Carter of the University of Worcester follows correspondence between two married couples as they work to maintain their relationships. Acknowledgements: Worcestershire Archive and Archaeology Service. Full of hope and Fear. The Great war letters of an Oxford family. Oxford University Press.
Keywords: Worcestershire, Women, World War I
The First World War turned many marriages upside down. Couples were separated for extended periods for months or even years. Letters and cards provided the only way of maintaining relationships. Historian Hayley Carter of the University of Worcester follows correspondence between two married couples as they work to maintain their relationships. Acknowledgements: Worcestershire Archive and Archaeology Service. Full of hope and Fear. The Great war letters of an Oxford family. Oxford University Press.
Keywords: Worcestershire, Women, World War I
During the First World War about 2 billion letters were delivered by the British army postal service and in 1917 alone 19,000 mailbags crossed the Channel every day. This correspondence was a vital means of reassuring sweethearts, wives and mothers of continuing love and care. Historian, Hayley Louise, of the University of Worcester, has studied archives of letters and cards between men at the Front to women from Worcestershire and the surrounding counties. In the first of a series of three audio podcasts she explores how mothers, wives and soldiers at the Front sought and gained reassurance from this intimate exchange of news and feelings. Acknowledgements: The private collection of Sean Brown. Monica Parker daughter of Arthur Chaytor Pepper. Letters archived within the RAF Museum, Cosford.
Keywords: Women, World War I, Worcestershire
During the First World War about 2 billion letters were delivered by the British army postal service and in 1917 alone 19,000 mailbags crossed the Channel every day. This correspondence was a vital means of reassuring sweethearts, wives and mothers of continuing love and care. Historian, Hayley Louise, of the University of Worcester, has studied archives of letters and cards between men at the Front to women from Worcestershire and the surrounding counties. In the first of a series of three audio podcasts she explores how mothers, wives and soldiers at the Front sought and gained reassurance from this intimate exchange of news and feelings. Acknowledgements: The private collection of Sean Brown. Monica Parker daughter of Arthur Chaytor Pepper. Letters archived within the RAF Museum, Cosford.
Keywords: Women, World War I, Worcestershire
Well-known Birmingham historian and author Carl Chinn takes a walk in the Broad Street area of the city where the notorious back-to-back communities once stood. He describes how these impoverished communities lived on the edge of starvation in some of the poorest housing in Britain. Carl also discovers how faced with riots because of the price of bread some of the town's leaders including Matthew Boulton created a cooperative to provide cheap flour. He visits the new Union Mill in Grosvenor Street West off Sheepcote Street which was powered by a Boulton and Watt steam engine and stood in farmland which was swallowed up in the back-to-back houses and factories of 19th century Birmingham. Join Carl Chinn on his exploration of the hard lives of many Brummies.
Well-known Birmingham historian and author Carl Chinn takes a walk in the Broad Street area of the city where the notorious back-to-back communities once stood. He describes how these impoverished communities lived on the edge of starvation in some of the poorest housing in Britain. Carl also discovers how faced with riots because of the price of bread some of the town's leaders including Matthew Boulton created a cooperative to provide cheap flour. He visits the new Union Mill in Grosvenor Street West off Sheepcote Street which was powered by a Boulton and Watt steam engine and stood in farmland which was swallowed up in the back-to-back houses and factories of 19th century Birmingham. Join Carl Chinn on his exploration of the hard lives of many Brummies.
This beautifully preserved enameled bronze pan is probably a souvenir of Hadrian’s Wall possibly made for a soldier who served there or a visitor. The Staffordshire Moorlands pan found in Ilam in 2003. Its engraved description names forts on the wall – Bowness, Drumburgh, Stanwick and Castlesteads as well as the name Aelius Draco. Was he the man presented with the dish as a memento of his time on the wall? We will never know but this is a very rare artefact which is now in the collection of the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, Stoke-On-Trent. KEYWORDS: Roman, Hadrian's Wall, Staffordshire, Potteries Museum and Art Gallery
This beautifully preserved enameled bronze pan is probably a souvenir of Hadrian’s Wall possibly made for a soldier who served there or a visitor. The Staffordshire Moorlands pan found in Ilam in 2003. Its engraved description names forts on the wall – Bowness, Drumburgh, Stanwick and Castlesteads as well as the name Aelius Draco. Was he the man presented with the dish as a memento of his time on the wall? We will never know but this is a very rare artefact which is now in the collection of the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, Stoke-On-Trent. KEYWORDS: Roman, Hadrian's Wall, Staffordshire, Potteries Museum and Art Gallery
Unless you are very old (and I mean really, really old) you probably didn’t get to the 1851 Exhibition. But you can change that, by joining David de Haan (formally of Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust) & Malcolm Dick (Birmingham University), when they talk to Mike Gibbs from History West Midlands. ‘The Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations, 1851’ - to give it its full title - was held in Hyde Park that year and over 6 million people visited. That’s about 1 in 3 of the entire population. When the design for the building was first published in June 1850, Punch dubbed the architectural style ‘Early English Shed’, but by 2nd November had been won over as the light and airy building grew, and changed the description to ‘Crystal Palace’. The name stuck. It was a temporary exhibition which ran six days a week from Thursday 1st May until Wednesday 15th October 1851. With days lost for Sundays, private views for exhibitors, plus the Opening and Closing ceremonies, the public had access on 141 days between 9am and 6pm. Queen Victoria visited 41 times! From plans, catalogues and prints, the layout and content of the 1851 Exhibition has been reconstructed, making it possible to visit stand after stand in the order the Victorians would have seen them. Individual exhibits have been identified, foreign products marvelled at, and the whole atmosphere of the original Crystal Palace will be brought to life. KEYWORDS: Great Exhibition, Crystal Palace, Glass, Chances, Chance Brothers, Iron, Joseph Paxton, Victorian, Prince Albert
Unless you are very old (and I mean really, really old) you probably didn’t get to the 1851 Exhibition. But you can change that, by joining David de Haan (formally of Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust) & Malcolm Dick (Birmingham University), when they talk to Mike Gibbs from History West Midlands. ‘The Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations, 1851’ - to give it its full title - was held in Hyde Park that year and over 6 million people visited. That’s about 1 in 3 of the entire population. When the design for the building was first published in June 1850, Punch dubbed the architectural style ‘Early English Shed’, but by 2nd November had been won over as the light and airy building grew, and changed the description to ‘Crystal Palace’. The name stuck. It was a temporary exhibition which ran six days a week from Thursday 1st May until Wednesday 15th October 1851. With days lost for Sundays, private views for exhibitors, plus the Opening and Closing ceremonies, the public had access on 141 days between 9am and 6pm. Queen Victoria visited 41 times! From plans, catalogues and prints, the layout and content of the 1851 Exhibition has been reconstructed, making it possible to visit stand after stand in the order the Victorians would have seen them. Individual exhibits have been identified, foreign products marvelled at, and the whole atmosphere of the original Crystal Palace will be brought to life. KEYWORDS: Great Exhibition, Crystal Palace, Glass, Chances, Chance Brothers, Iron, Joseph Paxton, Victorian, Prince Albert
The Iron Bridge in Shropshire, UK was the world’s first iron bridge in the world. Constructed in 1779 its single span has become one of the worlds best known industrial monuments. It symbolises one of the earliest developments in the Industrial Revolution. In this podcast, David de Haan, Director of the Ironbridge Trust 1998-2012 tells the story of the birth of the bridge. KEYWORDS: Ironbridge, Coalbrookdale, Iron, Abraham Darby, UNESCO, World Heritage, River Severn, Shropshire Industry, Engineering
The Iron Bridge in Shropshire, UK was the world’s first iron bridge in the world. Constructed in 1779 its single span has become one of the worlds best known industrial monuments. It symbolises one of the earliest developments in the Industrial Revolution. In this podcast, David de Haan, Director of the Ironbridge Trust 1998-2012 tells the story of the birth of the bridge. KEYWORDS: Ironbridge, Coalbrookdale, Iron, Abraham Darby, UNESCO, World Heritage, River Severn, Shropshire Industry, Engineering
The Iron Bridge in Shropshire, UK was the world’s first iron bridge in the world. Constructed in 1779 its single span has become one of the worlds best known industrial monuments. It symbolises one of the earliest developments in the Industrial Revolution. In this podcast, David de Haan, Director of the Ironbridge Trust 1998-2012 tells the story of the birth of the bridge. KEYWORDS: Ironbridge, Coalbrookdale, Iron, Abraham Darby, UNESCO, World Heritage, River Severn, Shropshire Industry, Engineering
The Iron Bridge in Shropshire, UK was the world’s first iron bridge in the world. Constructed in 1779 its single span has become one of the worlds best known industrial monuments. It symbolises one of the earliest developments in the Industrial Revolution. In this podcast, David de Haan, Director of the Ironbridge Trust 1998-2012 tells the story of the birth of the bridge. KEYWORDS: Ironbridge, Coalbrookdale, Iron, Abraham Darby, UNESCO, World Heritage, River Severn, Shropshire Industry, Engineering
Birmingham: The Workshop of the World is the first substantial history of the city to be published for decades. It coincides with 850th anniversary of the granting of Birmingham’s market charter by Henry II in 1166. This very readable book presents a fascinating picture of Birmingham’s evolution from an insignificant Anglo Saxon hamlet into one of the world’s greatest commercial cities. Experts explore Birmingham's story from its prehistoric and historic roots into the 16th and 17th century town and a series of distinguished authors show how Birmingham became the "City of a Thousand Trades" and a global model of civic government with a worldwide reputation for scientific discovery, technological innovation and advances in education and the arts. From early the 20th Century, Birmingham like so many great British cities, faced the challenges of industrial decline, poor housing and significant social problems. Birmingham: The Workshop of the World describes how the city and its people have responded with urban regeneration and redevelopment as well the creation of a post-industrial economy. Birmingham: The Workshop of the World is published at an exciting time of the city. The cityscape is changing before our eyes; the population is one of the most youthful and dynamic in Europe; and the economy is increasingly global. So, this is the right moment to explore Birmingham’s story so far... and remember its motto "Forward into the Future". KEYWORDS: Birmingham, Book, Coty of 1000 Trades, Industry, Carl Chinn, Malcolm Dick
Birmingham: The Workshop of the World is the first substantial history of the city to be published for decades. It coincides with 850th anniversary of the granting of Birmingham’s market charter by Henry II in 1166. This very readable book presents a fascinating picture of Birmingham’s evolution from an insignificant Anglo Saxon hamlet into one of the world’s greatest commercial cities. Experts explore Birmingham's story from its prehistoric and historic roots into the 16th and 17th century town and a series of distinguished authors show how Birmingham became the "City of a Thousand Trades" and a global model of civic government with a worldwide reputation for scientific discovery, technological innovation and advances in education and the arts. From early the 20th Century, Birmingham like so many great British cities, faced the challenges of industrial decline, poor housing and significant social problems. Birmingham: The Workshop of the World describes how the city and its people have responded with urban regeneration and redevelopment as well the creation of a post-industrial economy. Birmingham: The Workshop of the World is published at an exciting time of the city. The cityscape is changing before our eyes; the population is one of the most youthful and dynamic in Europe; and the economy is increasingly global. So, this is the right moment to explore Birmingham’s story so far... and remember its motto "Forward into the Future". KEYWORDS: Birmingham, Book, Coty of 1000 Trades, Industry, Carl Chinn, Malcolm Dick
Reginald (RJ) Mitchell was one of the great designers and engineers of the 20th Century. Born and educated in the Potteries, RJ created the revolutionary designs which made air races - particularly the Schneider Trophy - the pinnacle of aeronautical engineering and a huge public spectacle exceeding today’s Formula 1 Championship. From these beautiful seaplanes, the Spitfire was born. But RJ never saw it fly in anger. He died of cancer in 1937 aged only 42. Learn more about RJ’s life in this audio podcast with: Julian Mitchell RJ’s Great Nephew Mark Harris Director, Supermarine Aero Engineering, Stoke-on-Trent Jo Perry Formerly Assistant Curator of the Spitfire Gallery, Potteries Museum & Art Gallery
They discuss this remarcable Midlander with Mike Gibbs, Publisher of History West Midlands KEYWORDS: Reginald Mitchell, Spitfire, World War 2, Potteries, Stoke, Potteries Museum and Art Gallery
Reginald (RJ) Mitchell was one of the great designers and engineers of the 20th Century. Born and educated in the Potteries, RJ created the revolutionary designs which made air races - particularly the Schneider Trophy - the pinnacle of aeronautical engineering and a huge public spectacle exceeding today’s Formula 1 Championship. From these beautiful seaplanes, the Spitfire was born. But RJ never saw it fly in anger. He died of cancer in 1937 aged only 42. Learn more about RJ’s life in this audio podcast with: Julian Mitchell RJ’s Great Nephew Mark Harris Director, Supermarine Aero Engineering, Stoke-on-Trent Jo Perry Formerly Assistant Curator of the Spitfire Gallery, Potteries Museum & Art Gallery
They discuss this remarcable Midlander with Mike Gibbs, Publisher of History West Midlands KEYWORDS: Reginald Mitchell, Spitfire, World War 2, Potteries, Stoke, Potteries Museum and Art Gallery
Broadcaster Graham Fisher explores glassmaking in Stourbridge then and now. Graham talks to Charles R Hajdamach a leading authority on British glass and a Fellow of the Society of Glass Technology about the rise, fall and renaissance of the industry. KEYNOTES: Glass, Stourbridge, Black Country, Ruskin College, Graham Fisher
Broadcaster Graham Fisher explores glassmaking in Stourbridge then and now. Graham talks to Charles R Hajdamach a leading authority on British glass and a Fellow of the Society of Glass Technology about the rise, fall and renaissance of the industry. KEYNOTES: Glass, Stourbridge, Black Country, Ruskin College, Graham Fisher
Graham Fisher talks to participants in the International Festival of Glass at the Ruskin Centre and Glasshouse College to discuss glassmaking in the Stourbridge area today.
Graham Fisher talks to participants in the International Festival of Glass at the Ruskin Centre and Glasshouse College to discuss glassmaking in the Stourbridge area today.
Recent archaeology has revealed important new insights into the early roots of the glass industry in the late 17th century.
Recent archaeology has revealed important new insights into the early roots of the glass industry in the late 17th century.
Join author and historian Carl Chinn as he uncovers forgotten traces of the Lloyds in the city and tells their story. KEYWORDS: Banks, Banking, Birmingham, LLoyds, Welsh, Industry, Carl Chinn, Walks, Books
Join author and historian Carl Chinn as he uncovers forgotten traces of the Lloyds in the city and tells their story. KEYWORDS: Banks, Banking, Birmingham, LLoyds, Welsh, Industry, Carl Chinn, Walks, Books
During the 19th and 20th centuries, Birmingham provided the platform for many of the most important political speeches made outside Parliament. In this fascinating new book, historian Andrew Reekes discusses the impact of some of these speeches, the charismatic orators who delivered them and the mercurial relationship between orator and audience. Reekes also explores the importance of Birmingham as a platform at times of great social and economic change when the town - and later the city - was a centre of radicalism which challenged the establishment thinking of London. To set the scene, Jenni Butterworth of History West Midlands, talks to author Andrew Reekes and historian Professor Peter Marsh, about the new book - to explore evidence of how Birmingham acquired the reputation of espousing radical politics and causes. KEYWORDS: Birmingham, Joseph Chamberlain, Neville Chamberlain, Austen Chamberlain, John Bright, Thomas Attwood, Oswald Mosley, Enoch Powell, Town Hall, Reform, Non-Conformism, Radicals, Andrew Reekes, Book
During the 19th and 20th centuries, Birmingham provided the platform for many of the most important political speeches made outside Parliament. In this fascinating new book, historian Andrew Reekes discusses the impact of some of these speeches, the charismatic orators who delivered them and the mercurial relationship between orator and audience. Reekes also explores the importance of Birmingham as a platform at times of great social and economic change when the town - and later the city - was a centre of radicalism which challenged the establishment thinking of London. To set the scene, Jenni Butterworth of History West Midlands, talks to author Andrew Reekes and historian Professor Peter Marsh, about the new book - to explore evidence of how Birmingham acquired the reputation of espousing radical politics and causes. KEYWORDS: Birmingham, Joseph Chamberlain, Neville Chamberlain, Austen Chamberlain, John Bright, Thomas Attwood, Oswald Mosley, Enoch Powell, Town Hall, Reform, Non-Conformism, Radicals, Andrew Reekes, Book
Chance Brothers were one of the most significant employers in the town where they played a critically important role in the community. Smethwick-born Ray Drury, formerly Chief Engineer, discusses his personal experiences with Graham Fisher. KEYWORDS: Glass, Chances, Chance Brothers, Smethwick, Lighthouses, Crystal Palace, Black Country, Chances Glassworks Heritage Trust, Graham Fisher
Chance Brothers were one of the most significant employers in the town where they played a critically important role in the community. Smethwick-born Ray Drury, formerly Chief Engineer, discusses his personal experiences with Graham Fisher. KEYWORDS: Glass, Chances, Chance Brothers, Smethwick, Lighthouses, Crystal Palace, Black Country, Chances Glassworks Heritage Trust, Graham Fisher
Lighthouses, Crystal Palace and more Story of Chance Brother glass works For more than a century one Black Country company - Chance Brothers of Smethwick - dominated glassmaking in Britain. The family were consistently at the innovative edge of glassmaking technology and developed products which shaped its use around the world. It was patented glass from Chances which made the dream of crystal palace a reality. Chance Brothers mastered the sophisticated lews technology which revolutionised lighthouses along the sea routes of the world. In this podcast, Toby Chance - author of 'Lighthouses: The Race to Illuminate the World' - tells broadcaster Graham Fisher, how the business rose to prominence and eventually declined. KEYWORDS: Glass, Chances, Chance Brothers, Smethwick, Lighthouses, Crystal Palace, Black Country, Chances Glassworks Heritage Trust, Graham Fisher
Lighthouses, Crystal Palace and more Story of Chance Brother glass works For more than a century one Black Country company - Chance Brothers of Smethwick - dominated glassmaking in Britain. The family were consistently at the innovative edge of glassmaking technology and developed products which shaped its use around the world. It was patented glass from Chances which made the dream of crystal palace a reality. Chance Brothers mastered the sophisticated lews technology which revolutionised lighthouses along the sea routes of the world. In this podcast, Toby Chance - author of 'Lighthouses: The Race to Illuminate the World' - tells broadcaster Graham Fisher, how the business rose to prominence and eventually declined. KEYWORDS: Glass, Chances, Chance Brothers, Smethwick, Lighthouses, Crystal Palace, Black Country, Chances Glassworks Heritage Trust, Graham Fisher
Historian and author, Carl Chinn reaches back into the early history of Cadburys – an iconic name which is synonymous with Birmingham. Carl reveals that the company originated not in the leafy suburb of Bourneville, but in the very heart of the rapidly expanding industrial town. The story is one of significant challenges and near-disaster as well as perseverance and innovation. But the family’s devotion to quality products which were “absolutely pure” combined with their entrepreneurial skills, saw them succeed. KEYWORDS: Cadbury's, Bournville, Birmingham, Chocolate, Philanthropy, Women, Quakers, Carl Chinn, Walks, Books
Historian and author, Carl Chinn reaches back into the early history of Cadburys – an iconic name which is synonymous with Birmingham. Carl reveals that the company originated not in the leafy suburb of Bourneville, but in the very heart of the rapidly expanding industrial town. The story is one of significant challenges and near-disaster as well as perseverance and innovation. But the family’s devotion to quality products which were “absolutely pure” combined with their entrepreneurial skills, saw them succeed. KEYWORDS: Cadbury's, Bournville, Birmingham, Chocolate, Philanthropy, Women, Quakers, Carl Chinn, Walks, Books
One author captured the vivid life of the Black Country - Francis Brett Young. The pages of his novels bring to life nailmakers noisily shaping red hot iron on their anvils, their families constant struggle to survive; and the passions of young lovers. Local historian Dr Michael Hall, Chairman of the Francis Brett Young Society and former President of the Black Country Society discusses this often-forgotten author and his writings with broadcaster, Graham Fisher. KEYWORDS: Francis Brett Young, Author, Poet, Black Country, Nail Making, Iron, Mercian Novels, Graham Fisher
One author captured the vivid life of the Black Country - Francis Brett Young. The pages of his novels bring to life nailmakers noisily shaping red hot iron on their anvils, their families constant struggle to survive; and the passions of young lovers. Local historian Dr Michael Hall, Chairman of the Francis Brett Young Society and former President of the Black Country Society discusses this often-forgotten author and his writings with broadcaster, Graham Fisher. KEYWORDS: Francis Brett Young, Author, Poet, Black Country, Nail Making, Iron, Mercian Novels, Graham Fisher
Well known Birmingham historian, broadcaster and author, Carl Chinn, takes us on a walk along Deritend High Street. It’s a short in distance but long in history. Here Carl is at the medieval crossroads of thriving market town of early Birmingham where the half-timbered black and white Old Crown pub has somehow survived the spread of the industrial city. And, beneath our feet, hidden from view and forgotten is the River Rea alongside which Deritend grew up in the shadow of the Bullring the parish church of St Marin. Today, this is a vibrant part of the city’s culture and business centred around the iconic Custard Factory. Join Carl on this fascinating walk and listen to the podcast KEYWORDS: Deritend, Birmingham, Medieval Market, River Rea, Charter, Old Crown, Digbeth, Carl Chinn, Walks, Books
Well known Birmingham historian, broadcaster and author, Carl Chinn, takes us on a walk along Deritend High Street. It’s a short in distance but long in history. Here Carl is at the medieval crossroads of thriving market town of early Birmingham where the half-timbered black and white Old Crown pub has somehow survived the spread of the industrial city. And, beneath our feet, hidden from view and forgotten is the River Rea alongside which Deritend grew up in the shadow of the Bullring the parish church of St Marin. Today, this is a vibrant part of the city’s culture and business centred around the iconic Custard Factory. Join Carl on this fascinating walk and listen to the podcast KEYWORDS: Deritend, Birmingham, Medieval Market, River Rea, Charter, Old Crown, Digbeth, Carl Chinn, Walks, Books
Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries the non-conformist churches played a pivotal part in the lives of thousands of people in the rapidly expanding Black Country. Their influence reached well beyond the religious life of the region. In every community, non-conformist chapels provided social support, schools and, in times of epidemics, hope. They also offered working men the chance to hold office and take decisions about their social conditions at a time when many other institutions denied them these opportunities. University of Birmingham researcher Dr Janet Sullivan has studied these communities in which she has a special interest – her great, great, great, great grandfather was one of the founders of the first Methodist community in Oldbury. Dr Sullivan discusses the importance of the non-conformist churches on the social history of the Black Country with well-known broadcaster, Graham Fisher. KEYWORDS: Non-Conformism, Black Country Health, Education, Oldbury, Graham Fisher
Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries the non-conformist churches played a pivotal part in the lives of thousands of people in the rapidly expanding Black Country. Their influence reached well beyond the religious life of the region. In every community, non-conformist chapels provided social support, schools and, in times of epidemics, hope. They also offered working men the chance to hold office and take decisions about their social conditions at a time when many other institutions denied them these opportunities. University of Birmingham researcher Dr Janet Sullivan has studied these communities in which she has a special interest – her great, great, great, great grandfather was one of the founders of the first Methodist community in Oldbury. Dr Sullivan discusses the importance of the non-conformist churches on the social history of the Black Country with well-known broadcaster, Graham Fisher. KEYWORDS: Non-Conformism, Black Country Health, Education, Oldbury, Graham Fisher
Well-known Black Country broadcaster, Graham Fisher explores the true human cost of pollution caused by rapid expansion of 19th century industry in the Black Country. He talks to Dr Janet Sullivan, Honorary Research Fellow at The University of Birmingham who has made a unique study of the impact of the industrial revolution on the health of the people of Oldbury. She has revealed how what we now know as “acid rain” regularly fell on the town and how the water supply was poisoned by 150 000 cubic yards of toxic waste in “Blue Billy” next to the river. While many employers recognised some of the implications of pollution, no-one really understood its consequences or how it could be controlled. Some believed that toxic fumes could effectively be stopped by paling fences and others argued that taller chimneys would overcome the problem of pollution; not realising that it just moved it to the next town. Meanwhile, for decades children died while workers were disfigured and crippled by handling the toxic chemicals used in industries such as glassmaking. KEYWORDS: Pollution, Health, Black Country, Industry, Children, Chemicals, Oldbury, Smethwick, Graham Fisher
Well-known Black Country broadcaster, Graham Fisher explores the true human cost of pollution caused by rapid expansion of 19th century industry in the Black Country. He talks to Dr Janet Sullivan, Honorary Research Fellow at The University of Birmingham who has made a unique study of the impact of the industrial revolution on the health of the people of Oldbury. She has revealed how what we now know as “acid rain” regularly fell on the town and how the water supply was poisoned by 150 000 cubic yards of toxic waste in “Blue Billy” next to the river. While many employers recognised some of the implications of pollution, no-one really understood its consequences or how it could be controlled. Some believed that toxic fumes could effectively be stopped by paling fences and others argued that taller chimneys would overcome the problem of pollution; not realising that it just moved it to the next town. Meanwhile, for decades children died while workers were disfigured and crippled by handling the toxic chemicals used in industries such as glassmaking. KEYWORDS: Pollution, Health, Black Country, Industry, Children, Chemicals, Oldbury, Smethwick, Graham Fisher
Historian and broadcaster Carl Chinn visits Centennial Square at the centre of the city. Now a cultural hub bordered by the iconic Library of Birmingham, Birmingham Repertory Theatre and Symphony Hall, this is the largest urban public square built in Europe since 1945. But, as Carl explains, its history was very different. In previous centuries this was the location of many of the industries which made Birmingham famous. Criss-crossed by canals branching out from Gas Street basin, there were large glassworks and metal manufacturers who, by the middle of the 19th century, were using 60 steam engines. John Baskerville - The Beauty of Letters Here was the home of John Baskerville whose love of letters reshaped the world of printing and brought typography into the modern era. While Baskerville made Birmingham famous for the excellence of its printing he courted controversy in his personal life. Carl tells his story and reveals how Baskerville’s fame was recognised in the emerging United States of America. Finally, Carl visits another iconic building on Centenary Square - The Hall of Memory - which sadly many walk by but few visit. KEYWORDS: Library of Birmingham, Hall of Memory, John Baskerville, Bingley Hall, International Conference Centre, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Rep, Canals, Carl Chinn, Walks, Books
Historian and broadcaster Carl Chinn visits Centennial Square at the centre of the city. Now a cultural hub bordered by the iconic Library of Birmingham, Birmingham Repertory Theatre and Symphony Hall, this is the largest urban public square built in Europe since 1945. But, as Carl explains, its history was very different. In previous centuries this was the location of many of the industries which made Birmingham famous. Criss-crossed by canals branching out from Gas Street basin, there were large glassworks and metal manufacturers who, by the middle of the 19th century, were using 60 steam engines. John Baskerville - The Beauty of Letters Here was the home of John Baskerville whose love of letters reshaped the world of printing and brought typography into the modern era. While Baskerville made Birmingham famous for the excellence of its printing he courted controversy in his personal life. Carl tells his story and reveals how Baskerville’s fame was recognised in the emerging United States of America. Finally, Carl visits another iconic building on Centenary Square - The Hall of Memory - which sadly many walk by but few visit. KEYWORDS: Library of Birmingham, Hall of Memory, John Baskerville, Bingley Hall, International Conference Centre, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Rep, Canals, Carl Chinn, Walks, Books
So wrote the Black Country novelist Francis Brett Young and history shows that he did not exaggerate the perpetually harsh life that these men, women and children lived. Once described as the “most immoral” men and women in England, by the mid-19th century about 50,000 nailmakers were living precariously despite their skills and the long hours of incessant toil. Such were the pressures on women nailmakers, who had to work or starve, that pregnancy was a curse and child mortality was high due to neglect. Indeed, according to one contemporary report many babies were “let die.” In the second half of the 19th century the price paid to the “sweated” nailmakers fell as machine-made nails became increasingly available. Consequently social unrest grew and attacks on property increased. The authorities responded with force and pitched battles were fought in the streets of Black Country towns between nailmakers and the mounted yeomanry brought in to keep order. Eventually, the handmade nail industry was swept aside by the mass produced, low-cost machine-made nails. This programme traces the story of the nailmakers through contemporary government reports and newspapers as well as the novels of Francis Brett Young. KEYWORDS: Nail Making, Health, Children, Women, Black Country, Francis Brett Young, Graham Fisher
So wrote the Black Country novelist Francis Brett Young and history shows that he did not exaggerate the perpetually harsh life that these men, women and children lived. Once described as the “most immoral” men and women in England, by the mid-19th century about 50,000 nailmakers were living precariously despite their skills and the long hours of incessant toil. Such were the pressures on women nailmakers, who had to work or starve, that pregnancy was a curse and child mortality was high due to neglect. Indeed, according to one contemporary report many babies were “let die.” In the second half of the 19th century the price paid to the “sweated” nailmakers fell as machine-made nails became increasingly available. Consequently social unrest grew and attacks on property increased. The authorities responded with force and pitched battles were fought in the streets of Black Country towns between nailmakers and the mounted yeomanry brought in to keep order. Eventually, the handmade nail industry was swept aside by the mass produced, low-cost machine-made nails. This programme traces the story of the nailmakers through contemporary government reports and newspapers as well as the novels of Francis Brett Young. KEYWORDS: Nail Making, Health, Children, Women, Black Country, Francis Brett Young, Graham Fisher
Graham Fisher visits Kevin Lowe from Tipton who demonstrates how nails made using the forge at at the Black Country Living Museum where he regularly introduces visitors to the craft. KEYWORDS: Nail Making, Black Country, Black Country Living Museum, BCLM, Graham Fisher
Graham Fisher visits Kevin Lowe from Tipton who demonstrates how nails made using the forge at at the Black Country Living Museum where he regularly introduces visitors to the craft. KEYWORDS: Nail Making, Black Country, Black Country Living Museum, BCLM, Graham Fisher
One of Birmingham’s best known historians and broadcasters, Carl Chinn, follows the story of his family’s move from the lives of prosperous tenant farmers in Warwickshire to the industrial poverty of the back-to-backs of Birmingham. Carl takes us into rural Warwickshire to trace the Chinns’ lives in the Forest of Arden where their roots may be Anglo-Saxon and where they lived in the village of Rowington. It was from here that they migrated to the rapidly growing town of Birmingham and particularly the adjacent village of Kings Norton. Carl takes listeners on a sound journey across the centuries. Along the way we meet yeoman farmers, cordwainers and illegal bookies as well as sharing his early memories of growing up in Moseley. The story is told in Carl’s unique style which vividly brings the characters of his family to life. KEYWORDS: Migration, Immigrants, Birmingham, Carl Chinn, Walks, Books
One of Birmingham’s best known historians and broadcasters, Carl Chinn, follows the story of his family’s move from the lives of prosperous tenant farmers in Warwickshire to the industrial poverty of the back-to-backs of Birmingham. Carl takes us into rural Warwickshire to trace the Chinns’ lives in the Forest of Arden where their roots may be Anglo-Saxon and where they lived in the village of Rowington. It was from here that they migrated to the rapidly growing town of Birmingham and particularly the adjacent village of Kings Norton. Carl takes listeners on a sound journey across the centuries. Along the way we meet yeoman farmers, cordwainers and illegal bookies as well as sharing his early memories of growing up in Moseley. The story is told in Carl’s unique style which vividly brings the characters of his family to life. KEYWORDS: Migration, Immigrants, Birmingham, Carl Chinn, Walks, Books
Geology shaped the history of the Black Country. The very name comes from the thick coal – the “thirty foot” or “ten yard” seam – that created the rich source of energy that fuelled the industrial wealth of the region. Added to this were easily accessible outcrops of ironstone, limestone and fireclay. Together they underpinned the metalworking industries whose products were forged and cast in the furnaces which “poured out their plague of (which) smoke obscured the light, and made foul the melancholy air” according to one 19th century visitor, Charles Dickens. This programme discusses the fascinating geology of the Black Country, describes the growth of the coal mining industry and reveals the lives of the coal miners. KEYWORDS: Black Country, Industry, Economy, Geology, Coal Mining, Iron, Limestone, Nail Making, Chains, Engineering, Black Country Living Museum, BCLM, Graham Fisher
Geology shaped the history of the Black Country. The very name comes from the thick coal – the “thirty foot” or “ten yard” seam – that created the rich source of energy that fuelled the industrial wealth of the region. Added to this were easily accessible outcrops of ironstone, limestone and fireclay. Together they underpinned the metalworking industries whose products were forged and cast in the furnaces which “poured out their plague of (which) smoke obscured the light, and made foul the melancholy air” according to one 19th century visitor, Charles Dickens. This programme discusses the fascinating geology of the Black Country, describes the growth of the coal mining industry and reveals the lives of the coal miners. KEYWORDS: Black Country, Industry, Economy, Geology, Coal Mining, Iron, Limestone, Nail Making, Chains, Engineering, Black Country Living Museum, BCLM, Graham Fisher
Dr David Eveleigh, Director of Collections, Learning and Research, describes how the Black Country Living Museum offers visitors opportunities to explore the heritage of coalmining in the Black Country. KEYWORDS: Coal Mining, Black Country, Black Country Living Museum, BCLM, Graham Fisher
Dr David Eveleigh, Director of Collections, Learning and Research, describes how the Black Country Living Museum offers visitors opportunities to explore the heritage of coalmining in the Black Country. KEYWORDS: Coal Mining, Black Country, Black Country Living Museum, BCLM, Graham Fisher
Chris Fern, Staffordshire Hoard Research Project, and Pieta Greaves and Eleanor Blakelock, Birmingham Museums Trust, talk to Jenni Butterworth about their quest to understand the extraordinary craftsmen who created the Staffordshire Hoard treasure. They discuss: The scientific and archaeological techniques that are being used to understand the hoard at a microscopic level and work out how it was made. How the craftsmen who made the hoard might have worked, and what their workshops may have been like. Where the material and skills used in the hoard came from.
KEYWORDS: Staffordshire Hoard, Anglo Saxons, Mercia, Art, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, BMAG, Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, Books
Chris Fern, Staffordshire Hoard Research Project, and Pieta Greaves and Eleanor Blakelock, Birmingham Museums Trust, talk to Jenni Butterworth about their quest to understand the extraordinary craftsmen who created the Staffordshire Hoard treasure. They discuss: The scientific and archaeological techniques that are being used to understand the hoard at a microscopic level and work out how it was made. How the craftsmen who made the hoard might have worked, and what their workshops may have been like. Where the material and skills used in the hoard came from.
KEYWORDS: Staffordshire Hoard, Anglo Saxons, Mercia, Art, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, BMAG, Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, Books
Chris Fern and George Speake, Staffordshire Hoard Research Project and Cathy Shingler, The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, talk to Jenni Butterworth about what the hoard tells us about Anglo-Saxon warriors and their beliefs. They discuss: How the intricate designs and high level of artistic achievement of the hoard pieces are shedding new light on the people who owned them, their beliefs and lifestyles. What the weapons in the hoard tell us about Anglo-Saxon warfare. Their work to understand why and how the hoard might have been buried.
KEYWORDS: Staffordshire Hoard, Anglo Saxons, Mercia, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, BMAG, Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, Books, Warriors, Beowulf
Chris Fern and George Speake, Staffordshire Hoard Research Project and Cathy Shingler, The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, talk to Jenni Butterworth about what the hoard tells us about Anglo-Saxon warriors and their beliefs. They discuss: How the intricate designs and high level of artistic achievement of the hoard pieces are shedding new light on the people who owned them, their beliefs and lifestyles. What the weapons in the hoard tell us about Anglo-Saxon warfare. Their work to understand why and how the hoard might have been buried.
KEYWORDS: Staffordshire Hoard, Anglo Saxons, Mercia, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, BMAG, Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, Books, Warriors, Beowulf
This new series of three audio podcasts explores the Staffordshire Hoard, the exceptional collection of Anglo-Saxon gold and silver treasure discovered in 2009, currently undergoing one of the UK’s largest archaeological research projects. Deb Klemperer, The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, David Symons, Birmingham Museums Trust, and Chris Fern, Staffordshire Hoard Research Project, talk to Jenni Butterworth about their journey to unlock the secrets of the treasure so far. They discuss: How unexpected the discovery of the hoard was, and the significance of where it was found. How the hoard is shedding new light on what we know about the ancient kingdom of Mercia and its people. Where the artefacts in the hoard might have come from.
KEYWORDS: Staffordshire Hoard, Discovery, Detectorists, Anglo Saxons, Mercia, Gold, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, BMAG, Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, Books
This new series of three audio podcasts explores the Staffordshire Hoard, the exceptional collection of Anglo-Saxon gold and silver treasure discovered in 2009, currently undergoing one of the UK’s largest archaeological research projects. Deb Klemperer, The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, David Symons, Birmingham Museums Trust, and Chris Fern, Staffordshire Hoard Research Project, talk to Jenni Butterworth about their journey to unlock the secrets of the treasure so far. They discuss: How unexpected the discovery of the hoard was, and the significance of where it was found. How the hoard is shedding new light on what we know about the ancient kingdom of Mercia and its people. Where the artefacts in the hoard might have come from.
KEYWORDS: Staffordshire Hoard, Discovery, Detectorists, Anglo Saxons, Mercia, Gold, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, BMAG, Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, Books
Secrets unravelled - Fortunes of War Commemorating 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo On the eve of the battle which brought the Napoleonic Wars to an end, the West Midlands had been changed forever. In our beautifully new illustrated new book – Fortunes of War – historians tell stories of the West Midlands and its people and uncovering fascinating secrets. KEYWORDS: Napoleonic Wars, Waterloo, Napoleon Bonaparte, Lucien Bonaparte, Shropshire, Worcestershire, Gun-making, Birmingham, British Army
Secrets unravelled - Fortunes of War Commemorating 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo On the eve of the battle which brought the Napoleonic Wars to an end, the West Midlands had been changed forever. In our beautifully new illustrated new book – Fortunes of War – historians tell stories of the West Midlands and its people and uncovering fascinating secrets. KEYWORDS: Napoleonic Wars, Waterloo, Napoleon Bonaparte, Lucien Bonaparte, Shropshire, Worcestershire, Gun-making, Birmingham, British Army
Audio tour of St Phillips Cathedral in Birmingham For 300 years St Phillips has been at the heart of faith in Birmingham. This year the Cathedral is celebrating its tercentenary with a Programme of Events exploring the heritage of this Baroque gem. Now you can follow an audio tour of the Cathedral with accompanying images. KEYWORDS: Birmingham Cathedral, Cathedrals, St Phillips, Edward Burne Jones, Churches City of 1000 Trades, Places to visit, Georgian
Audio tour of St Phillips Cathedral in Birmingham For 300 years St Phillips has been at the heart of faith in Birmingham. This year the Cathedral is celebrating its tercentenary with a Programme of Events exploring the heritage of this Baroque gem. Now you can follow an audio tour of the Cathedral with accompanying images. KEYWORDS: Birmingham Cathedral, Cathedrals, St Phillips, Edward Burne Jones, Churches City of 1000 Trades, Places to visit, Georgian
In this inaugural programme well-known broadcaster and Black Countryman, Graham Fisher, sets the scene for a series of audio podcasts telling the story of the region from its early industrial beginnings to its renaissance today.With a panel of experts, he asks: Where is the Black Country? What defines the region? What shaped its history? Who are its people? Why do they so fiercely love their region?
KEYWORDS: Black Country, Size, History, Geology, Geography, People, Black Country Living Museum, BCLM, Graham Fisher
In this inaugural programme well-known broadcaster and Black Countryman, Graham Fisher, sets the scene for a series of audio podcasts telling the story of the region from its early industrial beginnings to its renaissance today.With a panel of experts, he asks: Where is the Black Country? What defines the region? What shaped its history? Who are its people? Why do they so fiercely love their region?
KEYWORDS: Black Country, Size, History, Geology, Geography, People, Black Country Living Museum, BCLM, Graham Fisher
Carl Chinn takes us on a walk along Frederick Street in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter of Birmingham. We start at the foot of the clock tower erected by local people to celebrate one of Birmingham’s heroes, Joseph Chamberlain, on his return from South Africa in 1904. As we move along the street, Carl introduces us to the men and women whose lives were lived in the Quarter and who made it globally famous. Here are the Fattorini’s, famed makers of medals, badges and insignia and the silver factory of J.W. Evans whose workshops have remained unchanged for over a century. The short journey ends among the fascinating exhibits of the Pen Museum where Carl meets Bob Stanyard and Colin Giles. They discuss how Birmingham’s makers produced more than 20 million pens every week in the 1870s and how these cheap but precisely engineered nibs spread writing and the written word around the world. KEYWORDS: Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham, Speeches, Pen Industry, Pen Museum, Medal Making, Joseph Chamberlain, Carl Chinn, Walks, Books
Carl Chinn takes us on a walk along Frederick Street in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter of Birmingham. We start at the foot of the clock tower erected by local people to celebrate one of Birmingham’s heroes, Joseph Chamberlain, on his return from South Africa in 1904. As we move along the street, Carl introduces us to the men and women whose lives were lived in the Quarter and who made it globally famous. Here are the Fattorini’s, famed makers of medals, badges and insignia and the silver factory of J.W. Evans whose workshops have remained unchanged for over a century. The short journey ends among the fascinating exhibits of the Pen Museum where Carl meets Bob Stanyard and Colin Giles. They discuss how Birmingham’s makers produced more than 20 million pens every week in the 1870s and how these cheap but precisely engineered nibs spread writing and the written word around the world. KEYWORDS: Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham, Speeches, Pen Industry, Pen Museum, Medal Making, Joseph Chamberlain, Carl Chinn, Walks, Books
The collection of Pre-Raphaelite artworks at Birmingham Museums Trust is renowned throughout the world. It includes more than 3000 paintings, drawings and prints as well as unique examples of decorative art and design.Victoria Osborne, Curator of Fine Art, faced a major challenge when she was asked by Mike Gibbs, Publisher of History West Midlands to choose a favourite piece.Surprisingly, Victoria did not select one of the collection’s iconic works. Instead, she presents a small but very fine work by Dante Gabriel Rossetti (1783-1854) of Saint Cecilia designed to illustrate Alfred Tennyson’s poem The Palace of Art. KETWORDS: Pre-Raphaelites, Art, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, BMAG
The collection of Pre-Raphaelite artworks at Birmingham Museums Trust is renowned throughout the world. It includes more than 3000 paintings, drawings and prints as well as unique examples of decorative art and design.Victoria Osborne, Curator of Fine Art, faced a major challenge when she was asked by Mike Gibbs, Publisher of History West Midlands to choose a favourite piece.Surprisingly, Victoria did not select one of the collection’s iconic works. Instead, she presents a small but very fine work by Dante Gabriel Rossetti (1783-1854) of Saint Cecilia designed to illustrate Alfred Tennyson’s poem The Palace of Art. KETWORDS: Pre-Raphaelites, Art, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, BMAG
Amongst Birmingham Museums Trust collection of more than 800 000 objects, its collection of Baroque fine art attracts visitors and researchers from all over the world. Helen Hillyard, a National Gallery Curatorial Trainee supported by the Art Fund, is researching this exciting collection.She talks with Mike Gibbs, Publisher of History West Midlands, about one of her favourite works - Saint Andrew Praying Before his Martyrdom by the Florentine Artist Carlo Dolci (1616-1686). KEYWORDS: Art, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, BMAG
Amongst Birmingham Museums Trust collection of more than 800 000 objects, its collection of Baroque fine art attracts visitors and researchers from all over the world. Helen Hillyard, a National Gallery Curatorial Trainee supported by the Art Fund, is researching this exciting collection.She talks with Mike Gibbs, Publisher of History West Midlands, about one of her favourite works - Saint Andrew Praying Before his Martyrdom by the Florentine Artist Carlo Dolci (1616-1686). KEYWORDS: Art, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, BMAG
The discovery of the Staffordshire Hoard – now jointly owned by Birmingham and Stoke on Trent Councils – began new and exciting research into the so-called “Dark Ages.” Including more than 4 000 objects – many of them gold or silver – has brought to life the kings, warriors and craftsmen portrayed in the epic poem “Beowulf”. Pieta Greaves, the Conservation Co-ordinator of the Hoard, chose a beautiful gold seax handle from all of these treasures. She tells Mike Gibbs, Publisher of History West Midlands, how this object reveals new insights into the world of the Anglo Saxon warrior. KEYWORDS: Staffordshire Hoard, Anglo Saxons, Mercia, Warriors, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, BMAG, Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, Books
The discovery of the Staffordshire Hoard – now jointly owned by Birmingham and Stoke on Trent Councils – began new and exciting research into the so-called “Dark Ages.” Including more than 4 000 objects – many of them gold or silver – has brought to life the kings, warriors and craftsmen portrayed in the epic poem “Beowulf”. Pieta Greaves, the Conservation Co-ordinator of the Hoard, chose a beautiful gold seax handle from all of these treasures. She tells Mike Gibbs, Publisher of History West Midlands, how this object reveals new insights into the world of the Anglo Saxon warrior. KEYWORDS: Staffordshire Hoard, Anglo Saxons, Mercia, Warriors, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, BMAG, Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, Books
Within its collection of more than 800 000 objects Birmingham Museums Trust is the guardian of many treasures of Islamic art. The significance of some of these objects has only recently been recognised. Rebecca Bridgman is the recently appointed curator who is mapping the collection for the first time. She tells Mike Gibbs, Publisher of History West Midlands, about the museum’s exciting plans and selects a recently acquired work – “Calliope” by Halima Cassell – to introduce this unique collection. KEYWORDS: Art, Islamic, South Asian, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, BMAG
Within its collection of more than 800 000 objects Birmingham Museums Trust is the guardian of many treasures of Islamic art. The significance of some of these objects has only recently been recognised. Rebecca Bridgman is the recently appointed curator who is mapping the collection for the first time. She tells Mike Gibbs, Publisher of History West Midlands, about the museum’s exciting plans and selects a recently acquired work – “Calliope” by Halima Cassell – to introduce this unique collection. KEYWORDS: Art, Islamic, South Asian, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, BMAG
Carl Chinn, well-known broadcaster and author, tells the story of Christmas in Birmingham from the mid-19th century to the 1950’s. He takes us to the Town Hall to meet Charles Dickens and Scrooge; to the back-to-backs where children sing carols outside pubs; and, to the poverty of Sheepcote Street where Father Christmas still manages to half-fill children’s stockings. Finally, we queue with other excited children for what seems an eternity on the stairs of Lewis’s store to see the “real” Father Christmas in his Grotto. With students and the choir from Perry Beeches II School, Christmas comes alive in this 30 minute podcast. KEYWORDS: Christmas, Birmingham, Charles Dickens, Back-to-Backs, Poverty, Children, Lewis's, Carl Chinn, Books
Carl Chinn, well-known broadcaster and author, tells the story of Christmas in Birmingham from the mid-19th century to the 1950’s. He takes us to the Town Hall to meet Charles Dickens and Scrooge; to the back-to-backs where children sing carols outside pubs; and, to the poverty of Sheepcote Street where Father Christmas still manages to half-fill children’s stockings. Finally, we queue with other excited children for what seems an eternity on the stairs of Lewis’s store to see the “real” Father Christmas in his Grotto. With students and the choir from Perry Beeches II School, Christmas comes alive in this 30 minute podcast. KEYWORDS: Christmas, Birmingham, Charles Dickens, Back-to-Backs, Poverty, Children, Lewis's, Carl Chinn, Books