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Elliott Brown History & heritage
18 Sep 2023 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Bell Ringing Chamber at St Martin in the Bullring for Birmingham Heritage Week

I went on the 1pm tour of the Bell Ringing Chamber, which is halfway up the spire in St Martin in the Bullring on the 14th September 2023. Was just me and another lady on the tour, plus the two bell ringer volunteer experts. This would be my last Birmingham Heritage Week visit of the 2023 season I think. I even got to try and ring some hand bells.

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Bell Ringing Chamber at St Martin in the Bullring for Birmingham Heritage Week





I went on the 1pm tour of the Bell Ringing Chamber, which is halfway up the spire in St Martin in the Bullring on the 14th September 2023. Was just me and another lady on the tour, plus the two bell ringer volunteer experts. This would be my last Birmingham Heritage Week visit of the 2023 season I think. I even got to try and ring some hand bells.


They were having tours of the Bell Ringing Chamber at St Martin in the Bullring for Birmingham Heritage Week, from Thursday 14th, Friday 15th and Saturday 16th September 2023, starting at 1pm, they should last around 45 minutes to 1 hour per tour.

I went on the 1pm tour on the 14th September 2023, I waited for around 20 minutes in the prayer chapel below the spire tower, and signed a form with my name while I waited.

Since 1991, there has been 16 bells in the spire, before that there was previously 12 bells. The current bells cast by Whitechapel Bell Foundry, London.

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The main guide was pointing to the two tablets, the first one marking the 81st birthday of Queen Victoria in May 1900, and the second one after her death, they rang bells in February 1901.

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There is tablets all around the room, recording when the rang the bells for over 3 hours for special occasions.

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The two ropes here, one of the guides showed us how he rings the bell, it starts in an upright position.

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Made a video of him bellring here.

 

Hand bells

These are the hand bells, we later had a go with. Got to try ringing two bells, which was easier said than done. We rang them in a loop, then Queens (right bell everyone, then left bell everyone).

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Model bell

A model of what a bell in the tower above would look like. They usually leave it in an up position. And there is wooden break at the bottom which stops it going all the way around. The wheel has a hole in it which is usually attached to the rope.

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The Taylor Trophy

Every year there is a bell ringing competition across the country, and since 2011, Birmingham has won it 8 times! Congratulations St Martin's bellringers!

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Some wall tablets of note

On the occasion of Queen Victoria's 81st birthday, 12 members of the  St Martin's Guild of Change Ringers rang a peal of Stedman Cinques for 3 hours and 41 minutes, on Thursday 24th May 1900.

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A year later, after Queen Victoria's death on the 22nd January 1901. St Martin's Guild of Change Ringers, on Tuesday 26th February 1901 rang a peal of Stedman Cinques for 3 hours and 50 minutes.

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On the occasion of the coronation of King George V & Queen Mary on 22nd June 1911, the St Martin's Guild of Church Bell Ringers rang a peal of Stedman Cinques for 3 hours and 57 minutes (a ladder was in the way).

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On the occasion of the coronation of King Georve VI & Queen Elizabeth on the 12th May 1937, St Martin's Guild of Church Bell Ringers rang a peal of Stedman Cinques for 3 hours and 40 minutes.

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Two blanks panels here, left to record the ringing of the bells in 2022 to mark the death of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

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16 new bells were installed in 1991, and the St Martin's Guild of Church Bell Ringers rang them for the first time on Tuesday 16th November 1993 for 3 hours and 44 minutes. It was the 5000th peal for the guild.

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In November 2008 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of St Martin's Band. The first peal was rung on 19th November 1758 for 3 hours & 22 minutes with 5040 Grandsire Caters. On the 19th November 2008 they rang the bells for 3 hours & 20 minutes with 5040 Grandsire Caters. Then on the 22nd November 2008, they rung the bells for 3 hours & 55 minutes with  5250 Bristol Surprise Sixteen.

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Other objects of note

Royal coat of arms looking golden.

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A clock in memory of George E Fearn (1906 - 1974). Secretary of St Martin's Guild of Bellringers from 1949 to 1968. Ringer at this tower for 45 years and tower master warden and ringing master from 1961 to 1874. Leading peal ringer with 2667 peals.

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A black and white photograph of Roderick W Pipe (1940 - 2011). A member of St Martin's Band, composer, conductor, innovator and visionary. A memorial peal of Stedman Cinques was rung here on Monday 11th April 2011. The room was renovated in his memory in 2013.

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Photos by Elliott Brown

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Elliott Brown History & heritage
13 Sep 2023 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

St Paul's Church in the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham Heritage Week visit

I popped into St Paul's Church in the Jewellery Quarter to see the interiors of the church during Birmingham Heritage Week on the 12th September 2023. Some seven years after I did the Belfry / bell tower climb (September 2016). But back then didn't look inside of the actual church. This time it was less busy, was one tour group in there. Found the Hollins memorial.

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St Paul's Church in the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham Heritage Week visit





I popped into St Paul's Church in the Jewellery Quarter to see the interiors of the church during Birmingham Heritage Week on the 12th September 2023. Some seven years after I did the Belfry / bell tower climb (September 2016). But back then didn't look inside of the actual church. This time it was less busy, was one tour group in there. Found the Hollins memorial.


St Paul's Belfry 2016 post from 2019.

St Paul's Church in the Jewellery Quarter was open most days of Birmingham Heritage Week during September 2023. This visit was on the 12th September 2023. Just a quick look around. Noticed a group on a guided tour.

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Royal Coat of Arms at the west end of the church, above the balcony.

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The east window was was made by Francis Eginton in 1791 and modelled on an altarpiece painted about 1786 by Benjamin West, representing the Conversion of Saint Paul.

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There is two stained glass windows on one side of the church. And one panel from the year 2000 on the other side.

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The stained glass window with angels on it, is near the bust and memorial of William Hollins, architect and sculptor.

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This more modern stained glass window from the year 2000, as we entered the new millennium.

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As you head into St Paul's Church, on your right is a sculpture of John B. Surman, architect of the restoration, from 1949 to 1951.

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This small chapel area on the far left of the east window, there is a cross inside, which they probably use at Easter to recreate the Crucifixion parade through the streets. Also candles to light.

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A golden eagle lectern and a piano.

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Near the organ was these flags from the regiments who served in various conflicts.

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The organ next to the flags and east window.

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Two brass floor plates / plaques. The first was in memory of the members of this Parish who fell in the First World War (then known as the Great War) 1914 - 1918, and later the Second World War 1939 - 1945.

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Another brass plaque in memory of a boy called Ralph Andrew Watkyn Stevens, who was born on the 22nd September 1944 and died aged almost 15 on the 25th August 1959. He was the son of Ralph Stevens (the then Vicar of this Parish) and of Gwen Stevens.

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Near a stained glass window is a marble bust of the architect and sculptor William Hollins (1763 - 1843). He remodelled St Paul's Church in 1820.

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As well as William Hollins, there is a memorial for his wife Catherine (1764 - 1831).

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As well as a memorial to Thomas Hollins (died in 1821), an artist, plus members of his family, who passed away during the 19th century. Many members of the Hollins family became artists. 

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Photos by Elliott Brown

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Elliott Brown History & heritage
11 Sep 2023 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

A Birmingham Heritage Week visit to St Alban's Church in Highgate

St Alban's Church in Highgate, Birmingham was open for free visits on Sunday 10th September 2023, as part of Birmingham Heritage Week / Heritage Open Days. The entrance was on Stanhope Street. The staff / volunteers were so welcoming, they gave you laminated information cards, including a map of the church. Plus you could have tea / coffee and biscuits in the church hall.

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A Birmingham Heritage Week visit to St Alban's Church in Highgate





St Alban's Church in Highgate, Birmingham was open for free visits on Sunday 10th September 2023, as part of Birmingham Heritage Week / Heritage Open Days. The entrance was on Stanhope Street. The staff / volunteers were so welcoming, they gave you laminated information cards, including a map of the church. Plus you could have tea / coffee and biscuits in the church hall.


I caught the 50 bus up to Moseley Road in Balsall Heath, getting off near Moseley Road Baths, before walking to Highgate via Balsall Heath Road, then crossing at the lights near Birmingham Central Mosque. St Alban's Church was not that far away.

You can compare and contrast the church tower completed in 1938 at St Alban's Church to the new domes at the Birmingham Central Mosque extension completed in 2022.

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History of St Alban's Church

The church located at Conybere Street and Stanhope Street in Highgate was built from 1879 to 1881, and was designed by  John Loughborough Pearson.

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Both this church and Ark St Alban's Academy grew from a religious and educational mission started by the brothers James and Thomas Pollock in 1865.

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This was a developing area on the edge of Birmingham of factories and poor housing.

A tower and spire was added in 1938 by Edwin Francis Reynolds.

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The interior features stained glass east window by Henry Payne.

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In the south chapel is a copper Arts and Crafts triptych with painted panels by local artists Kate and Myra Bunce, and donated by them in 1919 in memory of their sisters and parents.

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The roof was completely renewed in 2020.

It has been a Grade II* listed building since 1952.

The church is open for heritage visits during Birmingham Heritage Week every September.

 

Exteriors of St Alban's Church

The approach to St Alban's Church from Highgate Street, then walked up Thomas Benson Place and James Samuel Place (cul-de-sac's named after the Pollock brothers, bollarded in the middle), to Conybere Street.

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The Birmingham Civic Society blue plaque for Kate Elizabeth Bunce was unveiled on Conybere Street in 2015. She crafted fine reredos for a chapel in this church with her sister Myra.

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The bottom of the tower with blue plaque.

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Main entrance on Stanhope Street, just up the steps, then open the door in the porch on the left.

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There is a memorial cross outside in memory of the founders of this church,  James Samuel Pollock and Thomas Benson Pollock. Which started in 1865, and finished by 1897.

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From Stanhope Street. The church also known as Saint Alban and St. Patrick Anglican- Catholic Tradition. But usually just as St Alban's Church.

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The church hall is to the rear of the church. Some heritage lampposts down this path.

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Church interiors

Just after entering, first look at the Victorian gothic architecture. Volunteers were to the right of here, they give you laminated information cards to read as you go around.

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A statue of St Alban the Martyr, whom this church was named after.

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A golden eagle lecturn for the vicar to give sermons from. Currently that is Dr Gerald Sykes (from 2017 to present).

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The High Altar is to the east of the church.

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The organ to the north side of the church, and close to the door, that leads to the church hall at the back.

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Wooden pulpit.

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Stained glass rose window to the west side of the church.

dndimg alt="St Alban's Church" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Albans%20Ch%20Highgate%20int%2010092023%20(20).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Photos by Elliott Brown

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80 passion points
Elliott Brown History & heritage
10 Sep 2023 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

A visit to the West Midlands Police Museum on 999 Day

Thanks to Igers Birmingham UK organised a visit to the West Midlands Police Museum on 9am on the 9th September 2023. The former Victorian Lock-up on Steelhouse Lane. Three floors with former cells, and objects from the polices history, even going back to the Birmingham City Police days. Even as far back as Robert Peel in the late 1820s!

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A visit to the West Midlands Police Museum on 999 Day





Thanks to Igers Birmingham UK organised a visit to the West Midlands Police Museum on 9am on the 9th September 2023. The former Victorian Lock-up on Steelhouse Lane. Three floors with former cells, and objects from the polices history, even going back to the Birmingham City Police days. Even as far back as Robert Peel in the late 1820s!


The West Midlands Police Museum is located on Steelhouse Lane, next to Coleridge Passage in the former Victorian Lock-up, which opened in 1891. It was in use until 2016. Was between the now former Steelhouse Lane Police Station and the Victoria Law Courts. Prisoners would be kept here overnight before going on trial at the court next door.

The museum moved here in 2020, and was fully open by 2022.

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Entrance hallway

Just on the way into the museum was this mural next to the bars and gate that leads into the museum reception. Was also a flag up for Emergency Services Day aka 999 Day.

Igers Birmingham UK group photo on Instagram

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Visitor reception

On an ordinary visit, you would probably buy your tickets from the desk here. Various old Police Station objects in here including a sign formerly at Shard End Police Station!

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Cell blocks

The ground floor cell block. You can go into some of the cells, the staircase in the middle was out of use, but there was two sets of modern staircases to the left and right that you could use, as well as a new lift.

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The basement cell blocks. There was a Mounted Branch horse in front of the out of use stairs. You could get refreshments down here if you wanted them, just ask the staff.

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On the first floor cell blocks, there was a couple of old West Midlands Police Norton motorcycles, plus a Police Box.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Police Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cell%20block%20WMP%20Museum%2009092023%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Police transport

The Mounted Branch existed in Birmingham and parts of the wider West Midlands from 1923 to 1999, when the unit was disbanded. Police horses were used for ceremonial duties, but to also for crowd control.

The was horse seen on the basement floor.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Police Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Horse%20WMP%20Museum%2009092023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

When the West Midlands County Council existed, the West Midlands Police had these Norton motorcycles during the 1980s.

A couple of Norton Police motorcycles on the first floor.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Police Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Motorcycles%20WMP%20Museum%2009092023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Police Box

No The Doctor has not visited Steelhouse Lane in his TARDIS, anyway this Police Box is not bigger on the inside! There was a telephone inside, and a stool to sit on if you needed to call the police. They were used in the 1920s. They were phased out by the 1960s and 1970s following the introduction of personal radios.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Police Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/PB%20WMP%20Museum%2009092023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="West Midlands Police Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/PB%20WMP%20Museum%2009092023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

In the cells

Ground floor cells

The Birmingham Black List and a Day in the Life. 

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First Aid. 

dndimg alt="West Midlands Police Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cells%20A%20WMP%20Museum%2009092023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Birching and Capital Punishment. Death Mask, Birching Rod, Cat o Nine Tails an a Birching Stool.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Police Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cells%20A%20WMP%20Museum%2009092023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Basement floor cells

Police Dogs

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DNA Discovery is it human and DNA Sample matching.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Police Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cell%20B%20WMP%20Museum%2009092023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

CID Office. Evidence Board with a desk and typewriter. The map of the City of Birmingham as it was in 1899.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Police Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cell%20B%20WMP%20Museum%2009092023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

First floor cells

Roll of Honour. In memory of those police officers who lost their lives during the Second World War (1939 - 1945).

dndimg alt="West Midlands Police Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/RoO%20WMP%20Museum%2009092023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Locked up with the Peaky Blinders. Was a razer sharp peaky cap on the bench.

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Road safety in action

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Police history

Female office uniform 1930s and Traffic tunic 1930s

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Helmet plates from Birmingham City Police and Walsall Borough Police. A cap badge from Wolverhampton Borough Police. Also handcuffs and other objects.

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A top hat, police rattle and police whistle.

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A telegram from David Lloyd George MP, which he left in his coat which he switched with a police officer during the Birmingham Riots of 1901, following his speech at Birmingham Town Hall (more objects to this can be found at the David Lloyd George Museum in Wales). Also a tea cup and saucer, Birmingham Workhouse coin and Walsall anarchist bomb.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Police Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Pol%20Hist%20WMP%20Museum%2009092023%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

A stop sign, stopwatch and other objects.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Police Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Pol%20Hist%20WMP%20Museum%2009092023%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Marble bust of Robert Peel who founded the first Metropolitan Police force in 1829. He was MP for Tamworth, his statue is currently on the Pershore Road outside the Tally Ho! facility of West Midlands Police in Edgbaston.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Police Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Pol%20Hist%20WMP%20Museum%2009092023%20(8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Photos by Elliott Brown

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Elliott Brown Rivers, lakes & canals
06 Sep 2023 - Elliott Brown
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Soho Loop Part 2: Asylum Bridge to Winson Green Junction

On the 31st August 2023, I got the 82 bus to Dudley Road to complete the Soho Loop in Winson Green. Ended up returning via Norman Street Park and rejoining at the Asylum Bridge. Just a short walk to the end of the Soho Loop to Winson Green Junction. That towpath closed on the BCN Mainline to the Winson Green Bridge was open again, it's been tarmaced.

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Soho Loop Part 2: Asylum Bridge to Winson Green Junction





On the 31st August 2023, I got the 82 bus to Dudley Road to complete the Soho Loop in Winson Green. Ended up returning via Norman Street Park and rejoining at the Asylum Bridge. Just a short walk to the end of the Soho Loop to Winson Green Junction. That towpath closed on the BCN Mainline to the Winson Green Bridge was open again, it's been tarmaced.


For part 1 follow this link to the post Soho Loop walk on the BCN Old Mainline

From the Costa Coffee at Utilita Arena Birmingham, I walked to the bus stop on Summer Hill Road, waiting for an 87, bus an 82 came first, so caught it up Spring Hill to Dudley Road. Got off and crossed over near City Hospital, then walked up towards Norman Street Park, and got on at the Asylum Bridge, just over a month since I left the Soho Loop in July 2023.

 

The Asylum Bridge

The Asylum Bridge is on the Revolution Walk from the Canal & River Trust.
Nearby was a Madhouse, Badhouse and the Workhouse. The Birmingham Union Workhouse and Infirmary was there from 1834, but by 1889 had space for over 2000 inmates. This is now part of Birmingham City Hospital.
Also here was the Borough Lunatic Asylum and Fever Hospital, from the 19th century. This is now the site of Birmingham Prison.

dndimg alt="Soho Loop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Soho%20Loop%20BCNOML%2031082023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Winson Green Prison Bridge and Winson Green Bridge (Soho Loop)

The next bridge is the Winson Green Prison Bridge, which you walk over, followed by the Winson Green Bridge (Soho Loop) which you walk under. This is as close as you get to Birmingham Prison, but you hardly notice it walking past.

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Winson Green Bridge (Soho Loop)

There is two bridges named Winson Green Bridge. This one is on the Soho Loop of the BCN Old Mainline. The other one is much higher crossing the BCN New Mainline. This is the last road bridge.

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Winson Green Railway Bridge

Next up is the Winson Green Railway Bridge. Behind you can see the yet to open Midland Metropolitan Hospital. When it opens in 2024, parts of City Hospital in Winson Green will close, and the site will be developed for housing.

dndimg alt="Soho Loop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Soho%20Loop%20BCNOML%2031082023%20(10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Winson Green Junction Bridge 

The end of the Soho Loop at Winson Green Junction and you get to the Winson Green Junction Bridge. The bridge is Grade II listed and is a Horseley type cast-iron roving bridge dating to 1828.

dndimg alt="Soho Loop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Soho%20Loop%20BCNOML%2031082023%20(17).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Winson Green Roving Bridge

Leaving the Soho Loop at Winson Green Junction, you leave the Old Mainline for the New Mainline. The Winson Green Roving Bridge dates to 1828, and is a Winson Green Roving Bridge is a Horseley type cast-iron roving bridge dating to 1828.

dndimg alt="Winson Green Junction" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCNML%20Winson%20Green%2031082023%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Winson Green Junction

Since my last visit to the canals here, the towpath between Winson Green Roving Bridge and the Winson Green Bridge (Winson Green Road) has been reopened. Last time it was closed for resurfacing works. The Winson Green Junction Bridge is to the left and the northern end of the Soho Loop.

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View from the Winson Green Bridge

A look from Winson Green Road, on the Winson Green Bridge towards Winson Green Junction. From here, the Soho Loop starts to the right under the Winson Green Junction Bridge, while the BCN New Mainline continues north west towards Wolverhampton under the Winson Green Roving Bridge.

dndimg alt="Soho Loop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCNML%20Winson%20Green%2031082023%20(9).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Winson Green Road has bus stops for the 11A and 11C. If getting the 11C, it would take you towards Erdington. From the 11A, you can go towards Bearwood, Harborne, Selly Oak, Bournville etc.

You need the Dudley Road for the 82 or 87 bus routes.

 

Photos by Elliott Brown

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