An History of Birmingham (1783)

This comprehensive history takes listeners on a vivid tour of Birmingham as it stood in the late 18th century. From the bustling workshops of the Jewellery Quarter to the leafy promenades along the River Rea, the narrative stitches together maps, sketches, and contemporary anecdotes that bring the city's streets to life. The second edition expands the original work with fresh material, offering a richer picture of the town's rapid industrial growth and its social fabric. Listeners will hear about the merchants, inventors, and everyday citizens who shaped a community that was already earning its reputation as the “workshop of the world.”

The author writes with a modest, almost conversational tone, addressing the townspeople directly as friends and benefactors. His preface reveals a self‑effacing humor and a genuine affection for the city that fed and sheltered him, making the history feel less like a dry record and more like a personal tribute. This candid voice invites listeners to experience Birmingham not just as a collection of facts, but as a living community bustling with ambition and camaraderie.