Birmingham is often overlooked when it comes to beautiful buildings.
Its rapid expansion in the industrial age and quick decline meant many people now see only its steel and glass city centre, reminiscent of many other towns in the UK.
But dig deeper, and the city and its surroundings have some hidden architectural sites that are well worth your time and effort.
Selly Manor
There are plenty of buildings in and around Birmingham, Bromsgrove, and Worcestershire that are steeped in history. Yet few can claim to have been in two locations over their tenure. In fact, Selly Manor is probably the only one that can.
Original records date the building back to 1476 when it was rented to a local farmer. It was extended, but eventually fell out of fashion, into despair, and was broken into three separate cottages.
In 1907, the building was acquired by confectionery giant George Cadbury. By 1916, he had moved the building so it could be used as a museum. His aim was to make people think of bygone times in the rapidly evolving industrial era. It remains a museum today, filled with interesting objects from the 17th century.
The Rainbow Building
Standing at 1 Portland Rd is a curious building, part Bavarian castle, part mock Tudor. Built in 1859, this large mansion was built for a pen manufacturer named Mr Gillot, to be used as a gentleman’s club. At the beginning of the century, bay windows were installed, and it later became a hotel. It was then bought by British Rail as a hostel for their workers, before falling into disrepair.
The building has had a new lease of life as a casino. The sector has been buoyed by the advent of digital offerings, which have sparked a renewed interest in casino games. These online providers have a host of options, such as the Paddy Power Games offering, which includes everything from classic games like poker and blackjack, to new digital pursuits like live Spin a Win. This has led to increased demand and footfall for physical establishments. With this, it seems like the casino sector and the Rainbow Building have a solid future.
Perrots Folly
Photo by Olga Lioncat: https://www.pexels.com/photo/boat-moored-on-canal-between-buildings-7244476/
If this tower looks familiar to you, then you must be a big fan of The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien was said to have taken inspiration from it, though luckily, it does not have Sauron’s eye gazing down. He was educated at the nearby Oratory School, so he must have seen its tall spire puncturing the sky daily.
Built in 1758, the six-storey tower has served many purposes. It has been used as an observatory and weather station in its time. Unfortunately, the tower does need repair and was on a list of Birmingham’s most endangered buildings.
There are plenty more sights dotted around the city. They may take some work to find, and you may need to travel to get to them. However, each will show you a unique side to the city and area, letting you walk in the footsteps of its forefathers and see its past from a different perspective.
By Ben Spencer.
