Red Brick Heart & Soul

Come and explore the University of Birmingham campus and surrounding area on a fun and entertaining tour with a few surprises along the way.

The walk starts by exploring the ancient origins of the site and the Metchley Roman fort. We look at the development of the University and Medical School from their origins as science and medical colleges in the centre of Birmingham to the development of the country’s first red brick University, with Josiah Mason and Joseph Chamberlain as two key figures taking this forward.

We discover public art all around as we walk, including the work of Birmingham sculptor William Bloye and others, and discuss and interpret these together.

We experience red brick and other architecture, but what goes on inside the buildings gives the heart and soul of our University. The tour gives an insight into today’s roles of the University, our hospitals and the exciting new Birmingham Healthcare Innovation Campus in our city.

The tour starts at the Faraday statue close to the University Station. Your guide is Jonathan Berg, retired Honorary Professor of the University and author of the book Positively Birmingham.

This tour is a ‘special’ for Birmingham Heritage Week and is not part of the regular Positively Birmingham tour offer.

Organised by Positively Birmingham Walking Tours