Birmingham Back to Backs stands as a significant historical landmark in the heart of Birmingham.
This preserved court of back-to-back houses is the last of its kind in the city, offering an authentic glimpse into the lives of the ordinary working-class people during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Back-to-back houses were a common form of urban housing in industrial cities like Birmingham.
They were built literally back-to-back around a central courtyard, maximizing space in densely populated areas.
By preserving this court, Birmingham Back to Backs provides a tangible connection to the city’s industrial heritage and the living conditions of the working class during this period.
Exploring Different Eras
The National Trust has meticulously restored each house in the court to reflect different periods of its occupation, from the 1840s to the 1970s.
This offers visitors a unique journey through time, as each house reveals the domestic life, decorations, and living conditions of its era.
The attention to detail in these restorations is remarkable, from the wallpaper patterns to the everyday household objects.
1930s Sweet Shop
Adding to the authentic experience is the carefully recreated 1930s sweet shop located on the corner of the court.
This charming shop not only sells traditional sweets but also serves as an interactive exhibit, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience a slice of life from the past.
Birmingham Back to Backs is more than just a museum; it’s an educational journey into the past. It offers invaluable insights into urban living conditions, the impact of industrialisation, and the social history of Birmingham.
The site is particularly valuable for educational groups, offering a vivid portrayal of history that textbooks cannot match.
The preservation of these houses by the National Trust involved extensive research and careful restoration work.
This effort underscores the importance of protecting and celebrating the city’s architectural and social history.
The preservation of the Back to Backs also highlights the importance of conserving such sites for future generations to learn from and appreciate.
Birmingham Back to Backs is a unique historical site that brings to life the stories of ordinary people in Birmingham’s past.
Its preservation allows visitors to step into the shoes of the working-class families who lived there and to understand the city’s rich and diverse history.
As the last surviving court of its kind, Birmingham Back to Backs is not just a collection of buildings but a living piece of history, offering a powerful and poignant insight into the social fabric of Birmingham.
Address – 50-54, 55-63 Inge Street, Hurst St, Birmingham, B5 4TE
Telephone – 0121 622 2442
Website – https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/birmingham-back-to-backs