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Birmingham, the second largest city of England - about 1 million people live there - is not only one of the most important industrial cities of England, but also a great shopping centre and an ideal starting point for tourists to travel to the area. There is always something to see or do in Birmingham. Theatres, cinemas, galleries, museums, concert halls, and much more.
So Birmingham got a very modern city in the past years. Even though, it's not just a city of steel and glas. There are still a few old buildings, which are interesting to look at. Birmingham is said to have more trees than Paris and more canal miles than Venice. In the past, there were also some important events. For example: the invention of the steam engine. So you can see, it is always a good choice to have a look at Birmingham.

History:

It was found out, that in the time of the Romans Birmingham had been an important military camp. During the time, trade got more and more important, and finally, in 1160, Birmingham got the right to have market, that means, they were allowed to trade with the other cities. In the 16th century, Birmingham was famous for its craftsman's working up of wool and metal. In the 18th century it was well-known as a centre of craft and trade. From the 18th century on the population increased quickly. In 1851, for example, there were already about 100.000 people more, than 100 years before.
Among the inhabitants, there were also some of the most important inventors - Dave Watt and Matthew Boulton invented and built the steam engine. So in 1837 Birmingham was connected to Liverpool and London with one of the first railway lines. In the 1950s, Birmingham was built up again and became a very modern city, before that it had been bombed heavily in the World War II.

Industry:

Birmingham has got one of the most important industries of England - especially the metal industry. Already in the 18th century, Birmingham was well-known for this, and one learned using the coal and iron ore resources in the area. So in Birmingham everything made of metal has always been produced. To mention just a few of the sectors of industry: car industry, engineering, production of electric devices, foundry of brass, production of gold- and silver products,…

Sights for tourists:

If you drive to Birmingham, at the first sight, there will be just so many streets, crossroads, tunnels and bridges. It shows that Birmingham is a big city. In fact, you will see, there are many things to see and do, like the Bull Ring Centre, which is one of the biggest shopping centres of Europe. You will have fun there like in other big cities and it will never be boring.
But behind this facade, all the real sights of Birmingham are hidden. There are many old Victorian buildings, which are interesting to look at. For example, one of the sights is the Town Hall. In 1834 it was constructed by Joseph Hansom. Inside the house, there are many meeting rooms and a concert hall, where the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra plays. Opposite to the Town Hall is the Council House, which was built from 1874 till 1881 in the Renaissance style. Its bell-tower "Big Brum" is 52 metres high and one of the signs of Birmingham. In the centre of the place there's a statue of Queen Victoria. There are also some other interesting buildings like the Central Library, the City Museum and Art Gallery, the Aston Hall, St. Philip Cathedral and many more…

So you can see, it is worthwhile to take a look around in Birmingham, because there are many interesting things to see and do.

Unknown words:

- Venice: Venedig
- military camp: Militärlager
- craftsman's working up: handwerkliche Verarbeitung
- craft: Handwerk
- (to) increase: zunehmen, wachsen
- steam engine: Dampfmaschine
- ore: Erz
- foundry of brass: Messinggießerei
- to be worthwhile: sich lohnen
- sector of industry: Industriezweig

Produced by Manuel and Tobias

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