Showell's Dictionary of Birmingham A History and Guide, Arranged Alphabetically

An alphabetically arranged portrait of Birmingham unfolds in vivid snapshots, from the murky shadows of pre‑Roman tribes to the modest Domesday settlement recorded in 1086. Each entry pulls together deeds, tax rolls and antiquarian observations, revealing a town of a few dozen residents, modest cultivated acres and a handful of woods, yet already hinting at the iron‑working spirit that would define it. The early chapters trace the manor’s passage through Saxon, Norman and Tudor hands, punctuated by anecdotes about landholders, feudal duties and the occasional treason‑driven reversal of fortune.

Moving forward, the guide captures the bustling growth of smithies, cutlery makers and lorimers that turned a single‑street “pretty” settlement into a renowned center of steel craftsmanship. Quotations from Leland, Camden and other early travellers illustrate how Birmingham’s anvils rang louder than many cities, and a 1690 ordinance marks the first official gun‑making payments. Listeners will find the blend of statistical detail and colorful narrative a compelling way to explore how a modest market town forged its way into industrial prominence.