History West Midlands On Air

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

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

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 pe

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

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 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

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

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

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

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