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,

 

[Stokkie]

The OED (Oxford English Dictionary) records written usage. Of course oral usage may be considerably earlier.
I was delighted to discover that Worcestershire Libraries have digital access from anywhere!
Brummagem 1679–


Designating counterfeit coins manufactured in the English city of Birmingham; (hence) counterfeit, sham, not genuine. Later also: characteristic of plated and lacquered goods of a type manufactured in Birmingham; (hence) cheap, showy, imitation. Chiefly U.S. in later use.

1679
Stamping Adulterated Mettals..and after Guilding, put it off to the full vallue of the true and lawful Coin, bearing the proportionable, as Mill'd half-Crowns, Crowns, Brummijum Groats, Broad Gold and Guinnies.
True Narr. Confession & Execution of Seven Prisoners at Tyburn 2
OED.

 

[Stokkie]

The first surviving documentary record of Birmingham is in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it is recorded as the small manor of Bermingeham, worth 20 shillings. (Wikipedia)


Text is Medieval Latin with the place name presumably rendered phonetically.

 

[Stokkie]

Extracts from the Account Rolls of the Abbey of Durham …, ed. C. Fowler, vol. 1, Surtees Society Publications 99 (1898). This is a Victorian transcript.

• (1324-5) : Pro vxx et viij ulnis panni de Berm' pro ix robis [etc.].
• (1342-3) Acc.R.Dur.in Sur.Soc. 99171 : vxx uln. de albo Bermegeham pr. 70 s.

The definition is given as: A kind of cloth made in Birmingham.

[Source: Bermegeham - Middle English Companion]

So medieval sources for 'Birmingham' from 1324 & 1342
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