Located in West Midlands, Birmingham is the largest and most populous British city outside London. A medium-sized market town in the medieval period, it grew to international prominence in the 18th century at the heart of the Midlands Enlightenment and subsequent Industrial Revolution, which saw the town at the forefront of worldwide advances in science, technology and economic development. By 1791 it was being hailed as "the first manufacturing town in the world".
Perhaps the most important invention in British history, the industrial steam engine, was invented in Birmingham. The high level of social mobility also fostered a culture of broad-based political radicalism, that was to give it a political influence unparalleled in Britain outside London, and a pivotal role in the development of British democracy. Between 1940 and 1943, the city was bombed heavily by the Luftwaffe, and the damage done led to extensive demolition and redevelopment in subsequent decades.
Birmingham is home to five universities, and in 2011 had 78,259 full-time students resident in the city, more than any other city in the UK outside London. University of Birmingham received its royal charter in 1900 as a successor to Queen's College and Mason Science College, making it the first red brick university to receive its own royal charter. Gas Street Basin is a canal basin in the centre of the city, where the Worcester and Birmingham Canal meets the BCN Main Line.
Yardley is an area in east Birmingham, which has a Tudor hall called Blakesley Hall and an old church, St Edburgha's, that dates back to the 13th century, with the church tower and spire dating to the 15th century. The Botanical Gardens, designed in 1829 by J. C. Loudon, are four glasshouses which range from the exotic Tropical glasshouse, through to the Subtropical, Mediterranean and Arid houses. Overall, the character is that of a Victorian public park.
Bournville is a model village on the south side of Birmingham, best known for its connections with the Cadbury family and chocolate. Bournville Rest House was built to celebrate the Silver Wedding Anniversary of George and Elizabeth Cadbury, and was paid for by the employees of Cadbury Brothers Ltd. The design is by William Alexander Harvey, and is based on the 17th century Yarn Market in Dunster, Somerset. Currently, the building houses the Visitors Centre for the Carillon.
Selly Manor is a timber cruck-framed, dating back to at least 1327. Originally the manor house of the village off Bournbrook in Worcestershire, it was relocated to the nearby Bournville district in the early 20th century. Together with the adjacent Minworth Greaves, it is operated as a museum and venue for functions including weddings. It houses the Laurence Cadbury furniture collection. The building was much altered during its history, and the three gabled bays are each from a different date.
About the stamp
The stamp is part of the definitive series issued in 2011, about which I wrote here.
References
Birmingham - Wikipedia
Sender: Jeni & George Dragoman
Sent from Birmingham (England / United Kingdom), on 09.12.2011
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