A journey around Birchfield, revealing hidden stories about how the area has changed over time and the connections between Birchfield and other parts of the world. The tour invites reflection on Britain’s colonial history, the impacts of which continue to the present day.  

The trail includes Grosvenor Road Studios – one of the UK’s oldest operating recording studios; the Calthorpe Arms – the first HQ of the Birchfield Harriers; Lea Hall – home of the Muntz family – a business and political dynasty; Birchfield’s link to the Slave Compensation Act 1837; Birchfield and the Windrush generation; St Mary’s Church – the last resting place of Boulton, Watt and Murdoch, and of Esau and Henty Smith – King and Queen of the Black Patch Romany Gypsies; and George Philip Lempriere – pioneering balloonist and aeronaut.

How to get there:
Secure car parking is available at Wilton Road URC. By bus: Number 11 to Wellington Road/Upper Grosvenor Road. Number 16 to Hamstead Road (St Mary’s Church/Handsworth Park). Numbers 33 & 51 to Perry Barr (One Stop Shopping Centre). By train: Birmingham New Street to Perry Barr Station

 Organised by Birchfield Community Association (Birchfield Big Local)