Difference between revisions of "Birmingham"
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| − | '''Birmingham''' is a large city in central [[England]], with about one million inhabitants of the city itself and about 3 million in the metropolitan area. It is the second largest city in the [[United Kingdom]] after [[London]]. Birmingham has more miles of canal than Venice, and more trees per head of population that any other city in [[Europe]]. It was the birthplace of the industrial revolution and the home of the [[Lunar Society]]. The city has a distinctive local dialect known as 'Brummie' which is thought by linguists to be similar to how [[William Shakespeare]] spoke, as Stratford-on-Avon is very close to Birmingham. The people of Birmingham are called 'Brummies'. It also has its own local cuisine, a curry dish known as a 'balti'. | + | '''Birmingham''' is a large city in central [[England]], with about one million inhabitants of the city itself and about 3 million in the metropolitan area. It is the second largest city in the [[United Kingdom]] after [[London]]. Birmingham has more miles of canal than Venice, and more trees per head of population that any other city in [[Europe]]. It was the birthplace of the industrial revolution and the home of the [[Lunar Society]]. It grew rapidly in the late 19th century, particularly with the urban development supported by its most famous resident, [[Joseph Chamberlain]]. The city has a distinctive local dialect known as 'Brummie' which is thought by linguists to be similar to how [[William Shakespeare]] spoke, as Stratford-on-Avon is very close to Birmingham. The people of Birmingham are called 'Brummies'. It also has its own local cuisine, a curry dish known as a 'balti'. |
Neighbouring towns to Birmingham, which all form part of its conurbation, include [[Solihull]], [[Wolverhampton]], [[Dudley]], [[West Bromwich]], and [[Sandwell]]. | Neighbouring towns to Birmingham, which all form part of its conurbation, include [[Solihull]], [[Wolverhampton]], [[Dudley]], [[West Bromwich]], and [[Sandwell]]. | ||
Revision as of 12:51, November 15, 2008
Birmingham is a large city in central England, with about one million inhabitants of the city itself and about 3 million in the metropolitan area. It is the second largest city in the United Kingdom after London. Birmingham has more miles of canal than Venice, and more trees per head of population that any other city in Europe. It was the birthplace of the industrial revolution and the home of the Lunar Society. It grew rapidly in the late 19th century, particularly with the urban development supported by its most famous resident, Joseph Chamberlain. The city has a distinctive local dialect known as 'Brummie' which is thought by linguists to be similar to how William Shakespeare spoke, as Stratford-on-Avon is very close to Birmingham. The people of Birmingham are called 'Brummies'. It also has its own local cuisine, a curry dish known as a 'balti'.
Neighbouring towns to Birmingham, which all form part of its conurbation, include Solihull, Wolverhampton, Dudley, West Bromwich, and Sandwell.
History
Birmingham was a small village at the time of the Doomsday Book. Then Birmingham was in the area that is now the Bull Ring in the City Cerntre. Birmingham grew over the centuries. Matthew Boulton was important as an industrialist who helped develop Birmingham.
Other towns
Many other cities and towns around the world have been proud to name themselves after Birmingham (not to mention a crater on the moon). The largest of these namesakes is situated in Alabama, USA.
Famous Brummies
- John Cadbury (Quaker, philanthropist and founder of Cadbury's chocolate company)
- Neville Chamberlain (prime minister)
- Francis Galton (founder of eugenics)
- Nigel Mansell (Former Formula 1 driver)
- Bill Oddie (naturalist)
- Ozzy Osbourne (rock musician)
- J.R.R. Tolkien (writer)
