10 facts about Birmingham you didn't know

Uncover Birmingham's hidden gems: 10 surprising facts you never knew about the UK's underrated city

Buckle up, folks! We're about to take you on a wild ride through the hidden gems and jaw-dropping secrets of Birmingham, England's second-largest city. Sure, you might know about the Bullring shopping center or the city's famous canals, but trust us - there's so much more to this vibrant metropolis than meets the eye.

Birmingham isn't just a bustling urban center; it's a treasure trove of fascinating history, groundbreaking innovations, and quirky trivia that'll make your head spin. From unexpected world records to surprising celebrity connections, this city has it all. And we're here to spill the beans on some of the most mind-blowing facts that even born-and-bred Brummies might not know.

Did you know, for example, that Birmingham is home to the world's oldest working cinema? Or that it played a crucial role in the creation of one of the most beloved fantasy worlds in literature? How about the fact that it boasts a connection to the moon that goes beyond just gazing at it from Earth? Intrigued yet? Well, that's just the tip of the iceberg!

Get ready to have your mind blown as we dive into ten incredible facts about Birmingham that will make you see this city in a whole new light. Whether you're a local looking to impress your mates at the pub or a visitor eager to uncover the city's hidden wonders, these tidbits are guaranteed to make you fall head over heels for the UK's most underrated metropolis. So, without further ado, let's jump right in and explore the secrets that make Birmingham truly extraordinary!

1. Birmingham: The Birthplace of the Balti

Hold onto your taste buds, folks, because we're about to spice things up! Did you know that Birmingham is the undisputed birthplace of the beloved Balti curry? That's right - this mouthwatering dish that's become a staple of British Indian cuisine was born right here in the heart of the Midlands!

The story goes that the Balti was invented in Birmingham's Balti Triangle area in the 1970s by Pakistani and Kashmiri immigrants. They created this unique style of curry, cooked and served in a thin, pressed-steel wok called a "balti," which means "bucket" in Urdu. The best part? This isn't just some local legend - it's a officially recognized fact. In 2009, the Birmingham Balti Association even tried to get Protected Designation of Origin status for the dish, just like Champagne or Parma ham!

Today, Birmingham boasts over 100 Balti houses, and the dish has spread far beyond the city limits. But true Balti aficionados know that for the real deal, you've got to head to Brum. So next time you're tucking into a delicious Balti, remember - you're not just eating a curry, you're savoring a piece of Birmingham's culinary history!

2. The World's Oldest Working Cinema

Lights, camera, action! Get ready for a blockbuster fact that'll blow your cinephile minds. Birmingham is home to the oldest working cinema in the world. Yes, you read that right - the world!

The Electric Cinema, located on Station Street, first opened its doors in 1909, making it older than Hollywood itself! This cinematic gem has been showing films continuously for over 110 years, surviving two world wars, the Great Depression, and countless changes in the movie industry. Talk about staying power!

But don't think for a second that this cinema is stuck in the past. The Electric has kept up with the times, offering a perfect blend of vintage charm and modern amenities. You can enjoy the latest blockbusters or indie flicks while sinking into plush leather seats, sipping on a cocktail from the bar. They even have "sofas for two" if you're feeling romantic!

So next time you're debating where to catch the latest flick, why not make it a truly historic experience? The Electric Cinema isn't just a place to watch movies - it's a living, breathing piece of film history right in the heart of Birmingham. Now that's what we call a Hollywood ending!

3. The Inspiration Behind Middle-earth

Fantasy fans, hold onto your wizards' hats because this next fact is about to transport you to a whole new world - or should we say, Middle-earth? Believe it or not, Birmingham played a crucial role in inspiring one of the most beloved fantasy realms of all time: J.R.R. Tolkien's world of "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit"!

Tolkien spent much of his childhood in and around Birmingham, and the city's landscapes left an indelible mark on his imagination. The idyllic countryside of Sarehole (now part of Birmingham) is said to have inspired the Shire, home of the hobbits. Meanwhile, the imposing structures of Perrott's Folly and the Edgbaston Waterworks tower are thought to be the real-life models for the Two Towers of Gondor.

But it doesn't stop there. The industrial heart of Birmingham, with its furnaces and factories, is believed to have influenced Tolkien's descriptions of Mordor. And Moseley Bog, a local nature reserve, is often cited as the inspiration for the Old Forest.

So next time you're wandering through Birmingham's streets or parks, take a moment to look around. You might just spot a glimpse of Middle-earth hiding in plain sight. Who needs New Zealand when you've got Birmingham, right?

4. A Lunar Connection

Get ready for a fact that's truly out of this world! Did you know that Birmingham has a connection to the moon that goes beyond just gazing at it from Earth? That's right - there's actually a crater on the moon named Birmingham!

The Birmingham Crater, as it's officially known, is located on the far side of the moon. It was named in honor of the University of Birmingham and its contributions to lunar mapping. The university played a crucial role in creating detailed maps of the moon's surface, which were used by NASA during the Apollo missions.

But the lunar connection doesn't stop there. Birmingham has also played a significant role in space exploration closer to home. The city's industrial expertise was put to use in manufacturing components for satellites and space probes. In fact, parts made in Birmingham have traveled to Mars and beyond!

So next time you're looking up at the night sky, remember - a little piece of Birmingham is up there among the stars. It just goes to show that this city's influence truly knows no bounds - not even the Earth's atmosphere can hold it back!

5. The Chocolate Capital of the UK

Chocoholics, rejoice! We're about to unwrap a deliciously sweet fact about Birmingham that'll make your mouth water. Did you know that Birmingham is often referred to as the Chocolate Capital of the UK? And no, we're not just making this up to satisfy our sweet tooth!

This title is largely thanks to one name: Cadbury. The world-famous chocolate brand was founded right here in Birmingham by John Cadbury in 1824. What started as a small shop selling cocoa and drinking chocolate grew into a chocolate empire that's loved worldwide. The Cadbury World attraction in Bournville, a model village built by the Cadbury family for their workers, attracts over 500,000 visitors each year!

But Cadbury isn't Birmingham's only claim to chocolate fame. The city was also home to other confectionery pioneers like Major's, Kunzle, and Tavener's. At one point, Birmingham was producing a whopping 40% of all the chocolate consumed in Britain!

Today, the chocolate legacy lives on in Birmingham's thriving artisanal chocolate scene. From bean-to-bar producers to luxury chocolatiers, the city is still very much in love with the sweet stuff. So next time you're in Birmingham, don't forget to indulge in a chocolatey treat - it's practically a civic duty!

6. The Pen is Mightier Than the Sword

Hold onto your notebooks, stationery lovers, because this next fact is going to make you want to write home about Birmingham - literally! Did you know that at one point in history, Birmingham was producing 75% of everything written in the entire world? Now that's what we call making your mark!

In the 19th century, Birmingham was the undisputed center of the world's pen trade. The city's metalworking expertise led to the development of mass-produced steel pen nibs, revolutionizing writing as we know it. At the industry's peak in the 1860s, Birmingham had over 100 pen factories, churning out an estimated 1.5 billion pen nibs per year!

The most famous name in Birmingham's pen industry was Joseph Gillott, whose company dominated the market. Gillott's pens were used by everyone from Charles Dickens to Vincent van Gogh. Talk about a claim to fame!

While the advent of fountain pens and later ballpoint pens eventually led to the decline of the steel nib industry, Birmingham's legacy as the world's writing capital lives on. The city's Pen Museum celebrates this often-overlooked aspect of industrial history, showcasing the craftsmanship and innovation that put Birmingham's pens in the hands of writers around the globe.

So next time you jot down a quick note, spare a thought for Birmingham - the city that quite literally helped the world put pen to paper!

7. The Youngest City in Europe

Alright, time to inject some youthful energy into our list! Brace yourselves for a fact that'll make you feel young at heart (or maybe just a bit old, depending on your perspective). Did you know that Birmingham is officially the youngest city in Europe? Now that's something to shout about!

We're not talking about the city's founding date here - we mean the age of its population. Nearly 40% of Birmingham's residents are under the age of 25, giving it the highest proportion of young people of any major European city. That's right, Birmingham is basically one big college campus!

This youthful demographic has a huge impact on the city's vibe. It's a major reason why Birmingham's cultural scene is so vibrant and ever-changing. From cutting-edge music venues to innovative start-ups, the city pulses with the energy and creativity of its young population.

But it's not just about having fun. Birmingham's young workforce is a major draw for businesses, making the city a hotbed for innovation and entrepreneurship. And with five universities calling Birmingham home, there's no shortage of fresh talent and ideas flowing into the city.

So if you're looking for a city that's always on the cutting edge, always evolving, and never gets old (pun intended), Birmingham is the place to be. Just don't expect to get much sleep - this city never stops!

8. The Real Peaky Blinders

By order of the Peaky Blinders! If you're a fan of the hit TV show, get ready for a fact that'll have you reaching for your flat cap. The infamous gang from the series wasn't just a figment of some writer's imagination - they were real, and they originated right here in Birmingham!

The real Peaky Blinders were a criminal gang active in Birmingham in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. While the TV show takes some creative liberties, many elements of the Peaky Blinders' story are rooted in historical fact. The gang really did sew razor blades into the peaks of their caps (hence the name), and they were known for their distinctive style of dress.

The real gang's activities were centered around Small Heath and Bordesley - areas that feature prominently in the TV series. While they weren't quite as powerful or widespread as their fictional counterparts, they were still a force to be reckoned with in Birmingham's criminal underworld.

Today, you can take Peaky Blinders-themed tours of Birmingham, visiting locations associated with the real gang and those used in filming the show. It's a great way to dive into a gritty chapter of Birmingham's history - just leave the razor-bladed cap at home, yeah?

9. The Venice of the North

Gondolas in Birmingham? Not quite, but we've got a watery fact that'll make you do a double-take. Believe it or not, Birmingham has more miles of canals than Venice! That's right, this landlocked city in the heart of England gives the famous Italian city a run for its money when it comes to waterways.

Birmingham boasts around 35 miles of canals within the city limits, compared to Venice's 26 miles. These canals were the arteries of Birmingham during the Industrial Revolution, transporting goods and fueling the city's rapid growth. Today, they've been transformed into picturesque waterways that offer a unique perspective on the city.

But it's not just about quantity - Birmingham's canals are a world unto themselves. The area around Gas Street Basin, once a hub of industrial activity, is now a trendy spot filled with bars, restaurants, and music venues. You can take a narrowboat tour, enjoy a waterside pint, or simply stroll along the towpaths and soak in the atmosphere.

So next time someone mentions Venice, you can casually drop the fact that Birmingham's got it beat in the canal department. Who needs gondolas when you've got narrowboats, right?

10. The Birthplace of Heavy Metal

Get ready to bang your heads, music lovers, because our final fact is about to rock your world! Did you know that Birmingham is widely considered the birthplace of heavy metal music? That's right, this city isn't just about canals and chocolate - it's got a serious rock 'n' roll pedigree!

The godfathers of heavy metal, Black Sabbath, formed in Birmingham in 1968. Led by the iconic Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath's dark, heavy sound laid the foundation for the entire genre. But they weren't alone - fellow Birmingham bands Judas Priest and Led Zeppelin (whose lead singer Robert Plant is from the area) were also instrumental in shaping the sound of heavy metal.

Many attribute Birmingham's industrial landscape and working-class roots to the development of heavy metal's distinctive sound. The clanging of factory machines and the gritty reality of industrial life found their way into the music, creating something entirely new and revolutionary.

Today, Birmingham continues to honor its heavy metal heritage. You can visit the "Heavy Metal Bench" in the city center, which pays tribute to Black Sabbath, or check out the Home of Metal exhibition at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. And if you're lucky, you might catch a gig by one of the many metal bands still emerging from the city's vibrant music scene.

So there you have it - ten mind-blowing facts about Birmingham that prove this city is far more than meets the eye. From its culinary innovations to its literary inspirations, from its industrial heritage to its musical revolutions, Birmingham is a city of surprises, always ready to astonish and delight.

Whether you're a local who thought you knew everything about your hometown, or a visitor looking to explore beyond the usual tourist spots, we hope these facts have given you a new appreciation for the wonders of Birmingham. This city may not always shout about its achievements, but as we've seen, it's got plenty to boast about!

So next time you find yourself in Birmingham, take a moment to look beyond the surface. Who knows what other secrets you might uncover in this fascinating city? After all, if there's one thing we've learned, it's that in Birmingham, there's always more than meets the eye!