31 Interesting Facts About Birmingham Nobody Told You Before

Right in the middle of the West Midlands region, Birmingham is a city that mixes old and new in a special way. Birmingham is fun, diverse, and the UK’s second-largest city. While you have read about Birmingham playing a role in the Industrial Revolution, the city has its unique character. From its iconic libraries to chocolates and Mini Cooper, The Steel City can surprise you in many ways. To help you figure out how it’s even possible, we will delve into some amazing facts about Birmingham. From cultural treasures to historical facts about Birmingham, there are so many things you wish you had known before. So, put on your reading glasses and unearth the top facts about Birmingham! ‍

Top 21 Facts about Birmingham City

Did you know Birmingham gets its name from the Old English word “Bremuningham,” meaning “home of Beormingas?” The city’s history dates back more than 10,000 years, and a lot shaped the Birmingham we see today. To help you dig up more interesting facts about Birmingham, let’s take a look below. 

1. Musings for Tolkien’s LOTR 

The brilliant mind behind Lord of the Rings, J.R.R. Tolkien, moved to Birmingham with his parents when he was three. One of the pretty wild facts about Birmingham is that Tolkien’s architectural muses for Gondorian cities resemble the towering medieval revivals at the University of Birmingham. 

2. First Exhibition Hall in Great Britain 

Constructed with red and blue bricks and steel leftover from the Euston railway station project, Bingley Hall came to life in 1850. The hall was not only for dry displays but also for agricultural shows, circuses, boxing matches, and more. One of the special facts about Birmingham and Bingley Hall is that the hall is a tangible reminder of the city’s industrial greatness during the Victorian era. 

3. Feast at a 200-year Old Restaurant  

One of the well-known facts about Birmingham is that the city boasts a mouthwatering culinary scene. While you have already been to some of the best restaurants in Birmingham to satisfy your cravings, a pint at The Bright Star is a must. However, the real star is its dining room, where you can dig into juicy ribs, British classics like bangers and mash, fish and chips, and steak. 

4. The Birthplace of Heavy Metal

From Judas Priest to Black Sabbath, all the popular heavy metal bands emerged from Birmingham’s music scene in the late 1960s and early 1970s. While it may be one of the quirky facts about Birmingham City, it surely says how the sounds of factories and clanging metal in the Black Country region inspired the genre. 

5. The Titanic Connection

The anchor for the Titanic was not manufactured in the core of Birmingham but in the nearby Black Country region, an industrial area west of Birmingham. The company, Noah Hingley & Sons Ltd, had previously created an anchor for the Titanic's sister ship, RMS Olympic. 

6. Third Largest Paddies Day Celebrations 

Birmingham is crowned with the largest St Patrick’s Day celebrations in Britain, and around 100,000 people join the parties in Digbeth. The city comes alive with dragons, dancers, and musicians taking over the streets. Such a sight not only celebrates the Irish heritage but also leads an inclusive party. 

7. Bournville to Cadbury   

Birmingham was the launchpad for Cadbury, the renowned chocolate factory introducing drinking chocolate. John Cadbury opened a shop to sell cocoa and drinking chocolate but moved to a factory on Bridge Street with a focus on production. His business boomed, and he established a factory in Bournville – now you know where the chocolate gets its name from!

8. Original Home of Mini Cooper 

The production of the iconic Mini Cooper started in the Longbridge Plant in Birmingham in 1959. Over two decades, the factory produced more than 2.5 million Minis! Not only is it one of the best facts about Birmingham, but the city also became the house of the Mini Clubman and Mini Cooper S. 

9. More Canals than Venice 

One of the surprising facts about Birmingham takes the lead when compared to Venice! With its 35 miles of canals snaking through the city, Birmingham has a long, interconnected network. These canals were built during the Industrial Revolution for transporting coal, iron, and other heavy goods. 

10. The Discovery of Oxygen in 1774

Yes, we were still inhaling oxygen in the pre-1700s era, but Joseph Priestley discovered oxygen. In Birmingham, he discovered how the colourless gas was necessary for a mouse to live longer than in normal air. Also, Priestley's discovery showed scientists the way for combustion and the role of oxygen in respiration.

11. Every Jeweller’s Haven since 1700s 

Jeweller Quarter, one of the best places to live in Birmingham, has been the bling central for over 200 years. Today, over 100 traditional jewellers and factories line the Quarter's narrow, time-warp streets amid 18th-century buildings. You can visit the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter to learn facts about Birmingham and its artisans.  

12. The Famed Gun Quarter 

The Gun Quarter, located north of Birmingham City Centre, thrived in the 18th century. During the World War I, gunsmiths mushroomed in this area. However, the demand for guns fell after the war, yet the buildings are still there. Of course, the list of interesting facts about Birmingham city remains incomplete without the mention of the Birmingham Proof House, which still stands strong. 

13. The First Civic University 

Before 1900, Oxford and Cambridge dominated England’s university landscape. These universities were expensive and out of reach for the working class. In 1900, The University of Birmingham came into play as a civic or “red brick” university with its royal charter. From the development of the Murphy Meter to many other discoveries, the university ranks  84th in the QS University Rankings. 

14. City that Breathes Football

Birmingham City and Aston Villa, two strong Premier League giants, are rooted in Birmingham. These clubs have also added another layer to the city’s football fervour with their passionate rivalry. While this is one of the well-known facts about Birmingham, what you might not know is that the city is thriving with a grassroots football scene. 

15. Largest Collection of Pre-Raphaelite Art 

Located in the heart of the city, The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is a jewel, safeguarding paintings, sculptures, and prints from the Pre-Raphaelite era. Here, you will not only learn some alluring facts about Birmingham but also understand an area’s culture through artefacts.

16. The Silent Disco Fever 

There are countless clubs in Birmingham, but the Custard Factory set a Guinness World Record in 2014 for silent disco. Over 5,000 participants picked up their headphones and danced to their favourite beats — such a scene made silent party experiences popular in the city. 

17. UK’s First Indoor Shopping Mall 

One of the cool facts about Birmingham is that the Bullring Centre, which opened in 1964, was the first indoor city centre shopping mall in the UK. Inside the mall, you will find more than 240 stores, from high-end designer brands to high-street fashion stores. Moreover, the mall welcomes around 36 million visitors a year. 

18. First Hole-in-the-Heart Surgery 

One of the Birmingham interesting facts is that the city has a remarkable history in medicine. In 1950, Dr. Russel Brock performed the first hole-in-the-heart surgery at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. He developed a technique to close atrial septal defects. 

19. The Backdrop of Peaky Blinders 

While Peaky Blinders shows Birmingham’s rough sides, it also focuses on the city’s cultural heritage. One of the facts about Birmingham City is that the series took inspiration from a real-life Birmingham street gang of the same name. As the story entirely takes place in the city, going on Peaky Blinders-themed tours is one of the best things to do in Birmingham. 

20. Largest Public Library in Europe 

The Library of Birmingham, opened in 2013, houses over a million printed volumes, from classic novels to academic journals. One of the interesting facts about Birmingham is that the library holds treasures like a First Folio (1623) edition of Shakespeare’s plays. 

21. The Big Ben Connection 

St Chad's Cathedral stands as a testament to the genius of Augustus Welby Pugin. This Gothic Revival architect not only designed the Birmingham landmark but also left his mark on some of London's most iconic structures, including Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.  ‍

10 Lesser-known Facts about Birmingham 

1. Birmingham was the first "manufacturing town" in the world. 

2. Balti curry originated in Birmingham’s Balti Triangle. 

3. Birmingham has Europe's largest urban park outside a capital city.

4. A crater on the moon is named Birmingham. 

5. Birmingham is popular among paranormal enthusiasts. 

6. Black Country Living Museum exhibits Birmingham’s history. 

7. Spitfire aircraft was produced at the Castle Bromwich Factory in Birmingham. 

8. Birmingham was the last city to host Eurovision in 1998. 

9. During the 19th century, Birmingham produced 75% of all pen nibs. 

10. Birmingham is famous for its Christmas Markets and International Film Festivals. 

One of the important facts about Birmingham is that the city is home to a large international student population. The dynamic student life in Birmingham can change how you see the world. As one of the youngest big cities in Europe, Birmingham is full of energy and hope. If you want to study in Birmingham and experience the city in its glory, amber is there for you. Find your home away from home and add wings to your dreams!