The name Brummagem

[Ladywoodite]

I don't know if this has been covered before, but I have a theory as to why Birmingham is called Brummagem. Nothing to do with the mispronunciation of the name Birmingham. Brummagem is an old word, no longer used, to describe poor quality or shoddy goods, mostly metal products. I read a book recently, set in the nineteenth century, where a character came across "... a chest full of all sorts of brummagem, Buckles, buttons, trinkets and the like...". As Birmingham produced such goods in great quantity, it is quite feasible that it acquired the nickname of "brummagem town". This would later be abbreviated to Brummagem and then Brum. Not really a compliment, but there you are. That's my theory. and I'm sticking to it.

 

[mikejee]

I think the term Brummagem ware came about because, at that time, though not later, the town had a reputation for cheap goods and Brummagem was an alternative to Birmingham. This reference certainly agrees with me

So What Happened to Brummagem?

In his latest book, “Lucky Joe”, Stanley McShane referred to Birmingham, England, (as the locals called it), “Brummagem”. Finding the word irresistibly magnetic, I’ve been drawn repeate…

rosepointpublishing.com

 

[Morturn]

The historian Bill Dargue gives what I think is a fair and reasonable explanation of the origins of the name here; https://billdargue.jimdofree.com/placenames-gazetteer-a-to-y/places-b/birmingham-the-city-centre/

 

[Pedrocut]

Some say the term “Brummagem” has been used since the Middle Ages,