Birmingham is mentioned in the Doomsday Book in 1085 as "having enough land for 6 ploughs" and being worth 6 shillings. it grew gradually over the

centuries but really took off with the industrial revolution. it's central location and nearby reserves of coal meant it was ideally placed to capitalise on the new technology. A network of canals (purportedly greater than Venice's) sprang up, and later the rail connections. In 1889, when Birmingham was granted city status, over a thousand trades were practised within the city. In the early 20th century factories replaced most of these, and heavy industry became more important. Well-known industries from here are Leyland / Austin Rover / Rover cars and Cadbury's chocolate. Over the past 10 years or so big industry has declined, being replaced by hi-tec businesses.

• 1850 - 1914 • Worcester and Birmingham Canal • Museum of Transport • Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery • Historic Birmingham

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