The first of the monumental town halls that would come to characterise the cities of Victorian England, Birmingham Town Hall was also the first significant work of the 19th century revival of Roman architecture, a style chosen here in the context of the highly charged radicalism of 1830s Birmingham for its republican associations. The design was based on the proportions of the Temple of Castor and Pollux in the Roman Forum. "Perfect and aloof" on a tall, rusticated podium, it marked an entirely new concept in English architecture.
It was created as a home for the Birmingham Triennial Music Festival established in 1784, the purpose of which was to raise funds for the General Hospital, after St Philip's Church (later to become a Cathedral) became too small to hold the festival, and for public meetings.
The hall underwent a major renovation between 2002 and 2008. It now hosts a diverse programme of events including jazz, world, folk, rock, pop and classical concerts, organ recitals, spoken word, dance, family, educational and community performances, as well as annual general meetings, product launches, conferences, dinners, fashion shows, graduation ceremonies and broadcasts.
In local government, a city hall, town hall, civic centre, (in the UK or Australia) a guildhall, a Rathaus (German), or (more rarely) a municipal building, is the chief administrative building of a city, town, or other municipality. It usually houses the city or town council, its associated departments, and their employees. It also usually functions as the base of the mayor of a city, town, borough, or county / shire.
By convention, until the mid 19th-century, a single large open chamber (or 'hall') formed an integral part of the building housing the council. The hall may be used for council meetings and other significant events. This large chamber, the 'town hall', (and its later variant 'city hall') has become synonymous with the whole building, and with the administrative body housed in it. The terms 'council chambers', 'municipal building' or variants may be used locally in preference to 'town hall' if no such large hall is present within the building.
The local government may endeavor to use the town hall building to promote and enhance the quality of life of the community. In many cases, "'town halls' serve not only as buildings for government functions, but also have facilities for various civic and cultural activities. These may include art shows, stage performances, exhibits and festivals. Modern town halls or "civic centres" are often designed with a great variety and flexibility of purpose in mind.
The Mayor and corporation first proposed that they build a new town hall in 1847. They suggested it again in 1853 after the town had become a borough five years earlier but they still had no central offices. They proposed it again in 1856. The later proposals were prompted by the 1853 Improvement Act, which allowed the borough to borrow £15,000 to build a town hall, courthouse, and police station. The 1856 proposal was also prompted by John Crossley, who was at that time developing Princess Street and Crossley Street, using the architects Lockwood and Mawson who later designed Bradford City Hall. This may explain why the Town Hall blends in with several Crossley Street buildings, which are now listed as a group.
The Council, Edward Akroyd and John Crossley requested that Charles Barry judge the design entries; he disliked all three entries and was asked in turn to submit his own design. His design was accepted, but he died in 1860. His son, Edward Middleton Barry, completed the design which was erected on a 148 x 90ft plot on John Crossley's land. The foundation stone was laid in 1861. Whiteley Brothers were the builders. It was listed on 31 July 1963.
The foundation stone was laid on May 24, 1924, by Mayor of Colombo T. Reid, CCS, and the work was completed in 1927. Designed by S. J. Edwards, it was originally meant to house the office of the mayor and the council chamber, and as a venue for functions requiring a large ballroom.
Today it houses the administrative staff of the municipal council. Its garden is the venue for many events.
Birmingham (foaled 1827) was a British Thoroughbredracehorse and sire best known for winning the classicSt Leger Stakes in 1830. A cheaply bought foal, who almost died before he ever appeared on a racecourse, Birmingham developed into a "celebrated racer" finishing first in twenty-four races from thirty-nine starts between July 1829 and June 1833.
At a time when British horse racing was centred on a small number of major racecourses, Birmingham was campaigned at relatively minor courses in the English Midlands before defeating the Epsom Derby winner Priam to record a 15/1 upset in the St Leger. Birmingham remained in training for a further three seasons after his classic success, winning four times in 1831, six times in 1832, and once in 1833. At the end of his racing career, Birmingham was sold and exported to Russia, where he had limited success as a sire of winners.
Background
Birmingham was a large, powerful brown horse standing between 16.2 and 17.0 hands, bred by Mr Lacy. As a foal, he was sold for 45 guineas to William Beardsworth, who built up a reputation in the early 1830s for winning important races with cheaply bought horses. The horse was named after Beardsworth's home town of Birmingham.
Birmingham Motors was a United States based automobile company. Organized in 1920, it was tentatively in business only from 1921 through 1923.
The Birmingham offered a number of unusual features, including a type of swing axle suspension and exterior finishes of DuPont Fabrikoid instead of paint.
Failure to generate capital for factory investment hobbled Birmingham. A political scandal involving the mayor of Jamestown, New York who was the company's titular President resulted in Birmingham Motors going out of business. Only about 50 Birmingham autos were built; none are known to have survived to the 21st century.
A Time Travel Montage of Birmingham's Town Hall through the decades! Credit to the Image Owners Featured.
published: 02 Oct 2017
Town Hall Birmingham visitor guide
A short film designed to give you a preview of the historic concert hall, explore the facilities and help you to prepare for a visit.
Produced in December 2013 by 144 for Town Hall & Symphony Hall Birmingham.
www.thsh.co.uk
published: 20 Dec 2013
Inside Birmingham Town Hall
BBC WM's Cayte Walker went inside the newly renovated Birmingham Town Hall on Friday 14th September 2007.
See the full report and more about Birmingham's buildings at the BBC Birmingham website:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/birmingham/about_birmingham/buildings/
published: 17 Sep 2007
Historic Birmingham Town Hall painting ‘comes home’
Original artist’s impression of iconic Birmingham landmark to go on public display for first time
A painting of Town Hall Birmingham of national historical significance is to go on public display for the first time. The watercolour dates to 1831 and is the artist’s impression which accompanied the winning competition entry by architects Joseph Hansom (later the inventor of the Hansom Cab) and Edward Welch. It has been loaned to Town Hall Birmingham for permanent display by Assay Office Birmingham.
Town Hall Birmingham was built in 1834 and is believed to be the oldest surviving concert hall of its size in the world. It was intended as both a fitting venue for the renowned Triennial Musical Festivals as well as to serve ‘the general purposes of a Town Hall’.
An IDM Media Production
www...
published: 01 Dec 2014
Josh Pugh | Live From Birmingham Town Hall (Full Comedy Special)
Josh Pugh performs his award nominated stand up show in front of a sold out Birmingham Town Hall on the final night of his first nationwide tour. A show about the last two years of his life, trying for a baby and losing Captain Tom's Birthday Cards.
Follow Josh Pugh at…
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshpughcomic/?hl=en
Twitter: https://twitter.com/joshpughcomic?lang=en
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@joshpughcomic
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joshPughComic
#comedy #comedyvideo #standupcomedy
Subscribe to 800 Pound Gorilla’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@800pgm
Expand your comedy horizons and discover what the world has to offer with Comedy Exports. https://www.youtube.com/@ComedyExports
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Official Website: https://800poundgorillam...
published: 23 Jul 2023
John Shuttleworth | 06 Mar 2025 | Town Hall Birmingham
https://bmusic.co.uk/events/john-shuttleworth-2
Radio 4 favourite, comedy legend, and ‘the 42nd best reason to love Britain’ (The Telegraph) John Shuttleworth, is back with more hilarious stories and songs performed on his trusty Yamaha organ (with built-in auto accompaniment!) In Raise The Oof John celebrates 40 years in showbiz. Yes, it was 1985 when he met TV’s Clarinet Man - next door neighbour Ken Worthington who came last on New Faces in 73 (Tony Hatch crucified him!)
published: 05 Jun 2024
QSA2024: Behind the scenes at The Birmingham Town Hall
Take a tour of our iconic venue for 2024 with QSA Founder and Event Director, Steve Keith. Find out more and get your tickets at thequeerstudentawards.co.uk
published: 03 Jun 2024
Town Hall is a concert hall and venue for popular assemblies opened in 1834 Birmingham Uk
published: 08 Jan 2021
Symphony Hall Birmingham: The Next Stage build timelapse
Time lapse footage of overnight building transforming Birmingham's world-famous Symphony Hall from renowned concert hall to stunning new space for international conference, events and weddings space
published: 12 Jan 2015
Take a tour on a DRONE around Birmingham Symphony Hall
Take a tour on a drone around the home of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Birmingham Symphony Hall
FOLLOW ME:
Instagram: http://instagram.com/davidtaylor_uk
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DavidTaylor_uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidtaylorUK/
Website: https://david-taylor.org/
A short film designed to give you a preview of the historic concert hall, explore the facilities and help you to prepare for a visit.
Produced in December 201...
A short film designed to give you a preview of the historic concert hall, explore the facilities and help you to prepare for a visit.
Produced in December 2013 by 144 for Town Hall & Symphony Hall Birmingham.
www.thsh.co.uk
A short film designed to give you a preview of the historic concert hall, explore the facilities and help you to prepare for a visit.
Produced in December 2013 by 144 for Town Hall & Symphony Hall Birmingham.
www.thsh.co.uk
BBC WM's Cayte Walker went inside the newly renovated Birmingham Town Hall on Friday 14th September 2007.
See the full report and more about Birmingham's buil...
BBC WM's Cayte Walker went inside the newly renovated Birmingham Town Hall on Friday 14th September 2007.
See the full report and more about Birmingham's buildings at the BBC Birmingham website:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/birmingham/about_birmingham/buildings/
BBC WM's Cayte Walker went inside the newly renovated Birmingham Town Hall on Friday 14th September 2007.
See the full report and more about Birmingham's buildings at the BBC Birmingham website:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/birmingham/about_birmingham/buildings/
Original artist’s impression of iconic Birmingham landmark to go on public display for first time
A painting of Town Hall Birmingham of national historical sig...
Original artist’s impression of iconic Birmingham landmark to go on public display for first time
A painting of Town Hall Birmingham of national historical significance is to go on public display for the first time. The watercolour dates to 1831 and is the artist’s impression which accompanied the winning competition entry by architects Joseph Hansom (later the inventor of the Hansom Cab) and Edward Welch. It has been loaned to Town Hall Birmingham for permanent display by Assay Office Birmingham.
Town Hall Birmingham was built in 1834 and is believed to be the oldest surviving concert hall of its size in the world. It was intended as both a fitting venue for the renowned Triennial Musical Festivals as well as to serve ‘the general purposes of a Town Hall’.
An IDM Media Production
www.idm-media.com
Original artist’s impression of iconic Birmingham landmark to go on public display for first time
A painting of Town Hall Birmingham of national historical significance is to go on public display for the first time. The watercolour dates to 1831 and is the artist’s impression which accompanied the winning competition entry by architects Joseph Hansom (later the inventor of the Hansom Cab) and Edward Welch. It has been loaned to Town Hall Birmingham for permanent display by Assay Office Birmingham.
Town Hall Birmingham was built in 1834 and is believed to be the oldest surviving concert hall of its size in the world. It was intended as both a fitting venue for the renowned Triennial Musical Festivals as well as to serve ‘the general purposes of a Town Hall’.
An IDM Media Production
www.idm-media.com
Josh Pugh performs his award nominated stand up show in front of a sold out Birmingham Town Hall on the final night of his first nationwide tour. A show about t...
https://bmusic.co.uk/events/john-shuttleworth-2
Radio 4 favourite, comedy legend, and ‘the 42nd best reason to love Britain’ (The Telegraph) John Shuttleworth,...
https://bmusic.co.uk/events/john-shuttleworth-2
Radio 4 favourite, comedy legend, and ‘the 42nd best reason to love Britain’ (The Telegraph) John Shuttleworth, is back with more hilarious stories and songs performed on his trusty Yamaha organ (with built-in auto accompaniment!) In Raise The Oof John celebrates 40 years in showbiz. Yes, it was 1985 when he met TV’s Clarinet Man - next door neighbour Ken Worthington who came last on New Faces in 73 (Tony Hatch crucified him!)
https://bmusic.co.uk/events/john-shuttleworth-2
Radio 4 favourite, comedy legend, and ‘the 42nd best reason to love Britain’ (The Telegraph) John Shuttleworth, is back with more hilarious stories and songs performed on his trusty Yamaha organ (with built-in auto accompaniment!) In Raise The Oof John celebrates 40 years in showbiz. Yes, it was 1985 when he met TV’s Clarinet Man - next door neighbour Ken Worthington who came last on New Faces in 73 (Tony Hatch crucified him!)
Take a tour of our iconic venue for 2024 with QSA Founder and Event Director, Steve Keith. Find out more and get your tickets at thequeerstudentawards.co.uk
Take a tour of our iconic venue for 2024 with QSA Founder and Event Director, Steve Keith. Find out more and get your tickets at thequeerstudentawards.co.uk
Take a tour of our iconic venue for 2024 with QSA Founder and Event Director, Steve Keith. Find out more and get your tickets at thequeerstudentawards.co.uk
Time lapse footage of overnight building transforming Birmingham's world-famous Symphony Hall from renowned concert hall to stunning new space for international...
Time lapse footage of overnight building transforming Birmingham's world-famous Symphony Hall from renowned concert hall to stunning new space for international conference, events and weddings space
Time lapse footage of overnight building transforming Birmingham's world-famous Symphony Hall from renowned concert hall to stunning new space for international conference, events and weddings space
Take a tour on a drone around the home of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Birmingham Symphony Hall
FOLLOW ME:
Instagram: http://instagram.com/david...
Take a tour on a drone around the home of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Birmingham Symphony Hall
FOLLOW ME:
Instagram: http://instagram.com/davidtaylor_uk
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DavidTaylor_uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidtaylorUK/
Website: https://david-taylor.org/
Take a tour on a drone around the home of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Birmingham Symphony Hall
FOLLOW ME:
Instagram: http://instagram.com/davidtaylor_uk
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DavidTaylor_uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidtaylorUK/
Website: https://david-taylor.org/
A short film designed to give you a preview of the historic concert hall, explore the facilities and help you to prepare for a visit.
Produced in December 2013 by 144 for Town Hall & Symphony Hall Birmingham.
www.thsh.co.uk
BBC WM's Cayte Walker went inside the newly renovated Birmingham Town Hall on Friday 14th September 2007.
See the full report and more about Birmingham's buildings at the BBC Birmingham website:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/birmingham/about_birmingham/buildings/
Original artist’s impression of iconic Birmingham landmark to go on public display for first time
A painting of Town Hall Birmingham of national historical significance is to go on public display for the first time. The watercolour dates to 1831 and is the artist’s impression which accompanied the winning competition entry by architects Joseph Hansom (later the inventor of the Hansom Cab) and Edward Welch. It has been loaned to Town Hall Birmingham for permanent display by Assay Office Birmingham.
Town Hall Birmingham was built in 1834 and is believed to be the oldest surviving concert hall of its size in the world. It was intended as both a fitting venue for the renowned Triennial Musical Festivals as well as to serve ‘the general purposes of a Town Hall’.
An IDM Media Production
www.idm-media.com
https://bmusic.co.uk/events/john-shuttleworth-2
Radio 4 favourite, comedy legend, and ‘the 42nd best reason to love Britain’ (The Telegraph) John Shuttleworth, is back with more hilarious stories and songs performed on his trusty Yamaha organ (with built-in auto accompaniment!) In Raise The Oof John celebrates 40 years in showbiz. Yes, it was 1985 when he met TV’s Clarinet Man - next door neighbour Ken Worthington who came last on New Faces in 73 (Tony Hatch crucified him!)
Take a tour of our iconic venue for 2024 with QSA Founder and Event Director, Steve Keith. Find out more and get your tickets at thequeerstudentawards.co.uk
Time lapse footage of overnight building transforming Birmingham's world-famous Symphony Hall from renowned concert hall to stunning new space for international conference, events and weddings space
Take a tour on a drone around the home of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Birmingham Symphony Hall
FOLLOW ME:
Instagram: http://instagram.com/davidtaylor_uk
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DavidTaylor_uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidtaylorUK/
Website: https://david-taylor.org/
The first of the monumental town halls that would come to characterise the cities of Victorian England, Birmingham Town Hall was also the first significant work of the 19th century revival of Roman architecture, a style chosen here in the context of the highly charged radicalism of 1830s Birmingham for its republican associations. The design was based on the proportions of the Temple of Castor and Pollux in the Roman Forum. "Perfect and aloof" on a tall, rusticated podium, it marked an entirely new concept in English architecture.
It was created as a home for the Birmingham Triennial Music Festival established in 1784, the purpose of which was to raise funds for the General Hospital, after St Philip's Church (later to become a Cathedral) became too small to hold the festival, and for public meetings.
The hall underwent a major renovation between 2002 and 2008. It now hosts a diverse programme of events including jazz, world, folk, rock, pop and classical concerts, organ recitals, spoken word, dance, family, educational and community performances, as well as annual general meetings, product launches, conferences, dinners, fashion shows, graduation ceremonies and broadcasts.
Fabio & Grooverider, Micky Finn, and Baby D will headline a night of pure energy and nostalgia this March at BirminghamTownHall, as ravers of all ages can come together to relive the beats that defined an era ... Birmingham Town Hall.
Olly Alexander has released an “epic love song” called ‘When We Kiss’. Check it out below. READ MORE ... He continued ... Check it out below ... “It’s gone down pretty well ... March ... 21 – Cologne, Live MusicHall ... 2 – Birmingham, Town Hall ... .