Birmingham

A Victorian building in Birmingham, faced with terracotta tiles

This article is about the city in England. For the city in Alabama, see Birmingham, Alabama.

Birmingham is a city and metropolitan borough in the West Midlands, England. More than one million people live in Birmingham, making it the United Kingdom's second most populated city.

History

Birmingham began as a small town in 1166. Many industries were developed in Birmingham during the 18th and 19th centuries. These included making weapons and food. Queen Victoria gave city status to Birmingham in 1889. It played a big role in the war effort in the First and Second World Wars. However, there is now a far lower amount of industry than at the end of the war.

Places to visit

• Cadbury's World
• The 'Bull-Ring' shopping centre
• The ICC
• The National Sea-Life Centre
• The NIA
• The NEC
• The Cathedrals
  • St Chads (Catholic Basilica)
  • St Philips (Anglican)

Famous people from Birmingham

• Jeff Lynne, musician and record producer, co-founder of Electric Light Orchestra
• Ozzy Osbourne, singer, and former Black Sabbath member
• Judas Priest, rock group
• Bill Oddie, television personality
• Geoff Bunn, artist
• UB40, pop group
• Duran Duran, pop group
• Moody Blues, pop group
• The Move, pop group
• Wizzard, pop group
• Steve Winwood, pop musician
• Dexys Midnight Runners, rock group
• Tolkien, author
• James and Oliver Phelps, actors, famous for playing Fred and George Weasley in the Harry Potter film series

Other websites

• Birmingham City Council
• Birmingham tourism site