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St. Mary's Row, Gun Quarter
- Thread starter brummy-lad
- Start date
Thanks John, no I can't find an existing thread either. I've added this to our short words search links.
Photo is expecially interesting in that it shows several business plaques, possibly indicating a number of small workshops housed in one building. Very typical of the gun and jewellery quarter.
brummy-lad
master brummie
brummy-lad
master brummie
brummy-lad
master brummie
brummy-lad
master brummie
Excellent photos Brummy-lad and Pete. Some very dark and cramped working conditions. Can't have been healthy.
Interesting that the Brazilian Vice-Consulate was in amongst all those gun-makers. It's highly likely my ancestors would have known Charles Reeves - they were Brazilian merchants (operating out of Liverpool and Brazil, one of their sons married my grandmother from Newtown !).
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Might this drawing depict St Mary's Row (albeit quite possibly not an entirely accurate depiction) ? Or could it be Whittall or Weaman Street ?
mw0njm.
A Brummie Dude
The Gunmakers Arch at gosta green
This arch is an iconic piece of Birmingham's industrial heritage, as the Gun Quarter was historically the heart of the city's gunmaking industry.
The arch itself, built in the late 19th century, was a gateway marking the entrance to the area where many of Birmingham's gun factories
This arch is an iconic piece of Birmingham's industrial heritage, as the Gun Quarter was historically the heart of the city's gunmaking industry.
The arch itself, built in the late 19th century, was a gateway marking the entrance to the area where many of Birmingham's gun factories
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mw0njm.
A Brummie Dude
weaman st i think
mw0njm.
A Brummie Dude
The Birmingham Gunmakers' Trophy
The Birmingham Gunmakers’ Trophy was awarded as part of a competition in Birmingham, England, celebrating the craftsmanship and innovation of gunmakers in the region. Birmingham became a center for gun production in the 19th and early 20th centuries, and it was home to some of the most prominent gunmaking firms in the world.
Key Facts about the Trophy:
- Location: The award was associated with the Birmingham Gun Trade, which has historically been one of the largest in the world, particularly in shotgun and rifle production. The trophy itself was often awarded during trade shows, exhibitions, or industry gatherings in Birmingham.
- Historical Significance: The trophy was part of a wider effort to promote Birmingham’s reputation as the global capital of gun manufacturing during the Industrial Revolution. The city produced an estimated 70% of the world's firearms in the 19th century, and many famous gunmaking families and companies operated from here.
- Judging: The trophy was given to the best example of gunmaking craftsmanship, often looking at both aesthetic and functional quality. Gunmakers like Webley, BSA (Birmingham Small Arms Company), W. & C. Scott & Son, and John Rigby & Co. (though Rigby is more often associated with London) competed for this prestigious recognition.
- Birmingham's Role in Gunmaking:
- Birmingham was home to some of the world’s leading gunmakers, especially during the Victorian era and the early 20th century.
- The city's gun trade was integral to its economy, with many smaller, independent gunmakers working alongside larger companies.
- Legacy: While the Birmingham Gunmakers' Trophy itself may not be as well-known today, Birmingham’s influence on the firearms industry is still felt. The Birmingham Proof House, established in 1813, is one of the oldest proofing houses in the world, and it continues to certify the quality and safety of firearms manufactured globally.
Modern Context:
Though the trophy itself might not be as prominent today, Birmingham remains a key location for high-end gunmaking, and some of the old gunmakers' workshops are still active. In recent years, there has been a resurgence in interest in heritage and custom gunmaking, and modern Birmingham-based gunmakers still hold events to showcase their craftsmanship.
BrummieGeoff
Sparkhill Lad
Possibly Aston Street at its junction with Duke Street ....
The picture shows a shop on a corner on the right with signs saying "Gilman" and "Oils Paints". Directories of the time show Thomas Gilman "druggist, grocer, tea dealer and oil & colour merchant" at 54 Aston Street, on the corner of Duke Street. However, I can't see a church in that area to match the one in the background of the picture .... but maybe it's there for artistic/moral impact?
1855 map below.
The picture shows a shop on a corner on the right with signs saying "Gilman" and "Oils Paints". Directories of the time show Thomas Gilman "druggist, grocer, tea dealer and oil & colour merchant" at 54 Aston Street, on the corner of Duke Street. However, I can't see a church in that area to match the one in the background of the picture .... but maybe it's there for artistic/moral impact?
1855 map below.
