norwegian pronunciation known dutch norwegian archipelago arctic ocean situated north mainland europe midway continental norway north pole islands group range north latitude east largest island followed archipelago norwegian county forms unincorporated area administered governor appointed norwegian government main settlement elected local government somewhat similar mainland municipalities settlements include russian mining community research station mining outpost northernmost settlement world permanent civilian population settlements farther north populated rotating groups researchers alert northernmost year round community islands taken use base 17th 18th centuries abandoned coal mining started beginning 20th century permanent communities established treaty recognizes norwegian sovereignty act kingdom norway established free economic zone zone norwegian store russian remain mining companies place research tourism important industries university centre global seed vault playing critical roles roads connect settlements instead aircraft boats serve inter community transport airport serves main gateway archipelago features arctic climate significantly higher temperatures areas latitude flora advantage long period midnight sun compensate polar night breeding ground features polar bears arctic fox certain marine mammals seven national parks nature reserves cover thirds archipelago protecting largely untouched fragile natural environment approximately archipelago covered glaciers islands feature mountains jan collectively assigned country code areas administered norway separated distance nautical miles approximately miles kilometres different administrative structures geography treaty defines islands north latitude east land area km2 dominated island constitutes half archipelago followed settlements located meteorological outposts norwegian state took possession land archipelago time treaty entered force store owns owns private owners hold located north arctic circle experiences midnight sun summer polar night winter north midnight sun lasts days polar night days respective figures days midnight sun lasts april august polar night lasts october february winter combination moon reflective snow additional light glacial ice covers km2 barren rock largest km2 followed land summer possible ski south north short distance covered snow covered created repeated ice ages glaciers cut plateau valleys mountains tallest peak followed longest followed van high arctic large province experienced norway strongest earthquake march hit scale history discovered early 12th century traditional norse accounts land known literally cold shores referred jan eastern greenland thought greenland connected continental europe archipelago period fishing hunting discovery archipelago sighted coast searching northern sea route originated described pointed mountains saw west_coast main island map arctic labels island land new land recognize discovered archipelago consequently long remained use main island archipelago known landing island dates english ship landed started hunting annual expeditions soon followed base hunting whale nature area english danish dutch french companies authorities tried use force countries fleets settlements established dutch smaller bases built english danish french outposts merely summer camps early individuals started lasted 1820s dutch british danish moved arctic late 17th century russian hunters arrived greater extent hunted land mammals polar bear fox british raids sea russian activity diminished ceased 1820s norwegian hunting started norwegian citizens reach proper number coast people region hired russian crew expedition norwegian abandoned time russians left continued 1830s 1860s 20th century 1890s destination arctic tourism coal deposits found islands base arctic exploration mining british interests established started year operations production american interests started store established norwegian interests war buying american interests discussions establish sovereignty archipelago commenced 1910s interrupted world war february following paris peace conference treaty signed granting sovereignty norway countries granted non rights fishing hunting mineral resources treaty took effect august time act regulated archipelago governor took office archipelago traditionally known main island west 1920s norway renamed archipelago main island land regarded archipelago russians traditionally called archipelago soviet_union retained support claims russians discover island italian explorer crew crashed coast island subsequent rescue attempts covered extensively press received short lived fame result second world war operation norwegian soviet settlements evacuated german presence established meteorological outpost small norwegian garrison kept german operation took garrison force time destroying settlements september supply ship submarine transported men operation operation german operation second world war establish meteorological stations station active september september lost radio contact soldiers capable asking support august september soldiers picked norwegian seal hunting vessel surrendered captain group men german troops surrender second world war war soviet_union proposed common norwegian soviet administration military defence rejected norway years later joined nato soviet_union retained high civilian activity ensure archipelago nato post war war norway established operations soviet_union established mining fatal accidents killing people operation kings bay affair caused accident killing workers forced cabinet resign research outpost facility european space research organisation petroleum test drilling started continued commercially viable fields found regular charter flights mainland field airport opened allowing year round services cold war soviet_union retained thirds population islands archipelago population slightly russian activity diminished considerably falling people closed depleted closed coal exports ceased fire resumed russian community experienced air accidents flight killed people helicopter accident remained purely company town utilities culture education separated sold national government university centre established 1990s tourism increased town developed economy independent store mining incorporated january receiving community council population demographics estimated population russians ukrainian polish non living norwegian settlements largest non norwegian groups thailand sweden denmark russia iran germany settlements largest settlement archipelago seat governor town incorporated town features hospital primary secondary school university sports center swimming pool library culture center cinema bus transport hotels bank museums newspaper published weekly small fraction mining activity remains instead workers store operates dormitory town workers weekly permanent settlement based entirely research mining town company town operated norwegian state owned kings bay tourism norwegian authorities limit access outpost minimize impact scientific work winter population summer population norwegian meteorological institute outposts respectively people stationed outposts house temporary research staff poland operates polish polar station permanent residents permanently inhabited russian settlement abandoned company town facilities owned operates coal addition mining facilities opened hotel shop catering tourists taking day trips village features facilities school library sports center community center swimming pool farm greenhouse features similar facilities built typical post world war soviet architectural planning style contain world northerly statues socialist realism artwork handful workers stationed largely abandoned maintain infrastructure run hotel opened tourists religion population affiliated church norway catholics archipelago served roman catholic diocese oslo politics treaty established norwegian sovereignty archipelago islands unlike norwegian territory kingdom norway treaty came effect following act countries treaty right conduct commercial activities archipelago discrimination activity subject norwegian legislation treaty limits norway right collect taxes financing services lower income tax mainland norway value added tax separate budget ensure compliance zone treaty prohibits establishment military installations norwegian military activity limited fishery surveillance norwegian coast guard treaty requires norway protect natural environment act established institution governor norwegian holds responsibility county governor chief police holding authority granted executive branch duties include environmental policy family law law enforcement search rescue tourism management information services contact foreign settlements judge areas maritime inquiries judicial examinations albeit cases acting police governor assisted staff professionals institution subordinate ministry justice police reports matters portfolio community council responsibilities municipality including utilities education cultural facilities fire department roads ports care nursing services available welfare payment available norwegian residents retain pension medical rights mainland municipalities hospital university hospital north norway airport operated state owned remain company towns infrastructure owned kings bay respectively public offices presence norwegian mining norwegian polar institute norwegian tax administration church norway subordinate district court court appeal located norway european economic area agreement area non norwegian residents need prohibited reaching mainland norway theory possible free airport transit oslo airport allowed norway people source income rejected governor person required residence permit everybody live work indefinitely regardless citizenship treaty grants treaty nationals equal right norwegian nationals far non treaty nationals admitted free regulations concerning rejection expulsion force russia retains september treaty russia norway fixing boundary archipelago archipelago increased interest petroleum exploration arctic raised interest resolution dispute agreement takes account relative positions based simply northward extension continental border norway russia economy main industries coal mining tourism research people working mining sector people working tourism sector people working education sector year mining gave revenue nok billion usd tourism nok million usd research nok million usd average income economically active people nok higher mainland housing owned employers institutions rented employees privately owned houses recreational nearly impossible live working established institution early 20th century coal mining dominant commercial activity store subsidiary norwegian ministry trade industry operates produced million tonnes uses output power station significant mining russian state owned previously performed test drilling petroleum land satisfactory results permanent operation norwegian authorities allow offshore petroleum activities environmental reasons land test protected natural reserves national parks year plan develop offshore oil gas resources announced historically base fishing norway claimed nautical mile exclusive economic zone square kilometres internal waters square kilometres norway retains restrictive fisheries policy zone claims disputed russia tourism focused environment centered activities include hiking walks caves dog cruise ships generate significant portion traffic including stops offshore vessels expeditionary cruises starting ending traffic strongly concentrated march august guest nights research centers accessible areas high arctic treaty grants permission nation conduct research resulting polish polar station chinese arctic yellow river station plus russian facilities university centre offers undergraduate graduate courses students arctic sciences particularly biology geology courses provided supplement studies mainland universities tuition fees courses held english norwegian international students equally represented global seed vault store seeds world crop varieties botanical wild relatives possible cooperation government norway global crop diversity trust vault cut rock near keeping natural seeds cable system line needed communicating polar satellites satellite station installations source income area visiting cruise ships norwegian government concerned recent years large numbers cruise ship passengers suddenly landing small settlements close barren picturesque increasing size larger ships people potentially appear community normally numbers government recently passed legislation effective january severely restricting size cruise ships visit transport road systems connect road transport prohibited bare ground extensively winter commercial recreational activities transport possible winter ship year round settlements ports bus system airport located kilometres airport offering air transport archipelago scandinavian daily scheduled services oslo low cost carrier norwegian air shuttle service oslo operating times week irregular charter services russia announced commence service operating times week starting june lasting august norwegian authorities allow route agreement air traffic finland norway provides regular corporate charter services airport airport kings bay store flights general available public helicopters frequently governor lesser extent mining company climate climate dominated high latitude average summer temperature january averages west current northernmost branch north_atlantic current system temperatures particularly winter winter temperatures higher similar latitudes russia canada warm atlantic water keeps surrounding waters open year interior areas valleys sheltered mountains larger temperature differences coast giving warmer summer temperatures colder winter temperatures south temperature slightly higher north west winter temperature difference south north typically summer bear island average temperatures higher rest archipelago cold polar air north mild wet sea air south meet creating low pressure weather strong winds particularly winter january strong breeze registered time radio time july summer particularly away land fog common visibility kilometre registered time july time january precipitation frequent falls small quantities typically millimetres year western rain falls east millimetres nature addition humans primarily terrestrial species inhabit archipelago arctic fox accidentally introduced southern found attempts introduce arctic hare failed types marine mammals including seals polar bears polar bears iconic symbol main tourist attractions protected outside settlements recommended carry kill polar bears self defence resort attack required appropriate means frightening chasing polar bears british killed polar bear joseph land share common population polar bears land important breeding ground distinct sub species previously extinct legally hunted arctic fox limited numbers animals russian settlements thirty species bird found migratory sea areas world million individuals late summer common little northern thick billed black legged sixteen species iucn red list particularly important breeding ground arctic migration way antarctica migrate breed snow rock bird remains predator period found largest dinosaur era marine found estimated long low middle high arctic vegetation species plants found archipelago areas summer accounts archipelago vegetation abundant land affected little precipitation giving archipelago climate plants good access water cold climate reduces growing season short weeks seven national parks land land land archipelago bird protected area nature reserves larger national parks nature reserves national parks protected nearly remaining protected occurring 2000s human traces dating automatically protected protected areas archipelago norway tentative list nomination world heritage site total solar eclipse march included islands band scientists tourists attended media news english norwegian published weekly alternative news english makes prominent appearance northern lights philip corresponding movie novel prison important powerful people inhabited mighty polar bears wear armor forged sky iron primary characters lord imprisoned manages flee novel fictional town portrayed series sky atlantic situated swedish singer filmed music video single borderline


village civil parish manor english county somerset today north eastern boundary national park lies bristol channel coast miles south southeast miles northwest united_kingdom census recorded parish population iron age testify occupation area thousands years village grew castle built norman warrior william post shortly norman conquest castle mentioned book time feudal castle occasions family lords manor 14th 20th centuries established church george barn relics village centre wool cloth production trade market built george existed harbour known haven mouth river today coast having miles village sign harbour seen low lying marshes village coast range heritage sites cultural attractions combine castle popular tourist destination visitors arriving west somerset railway heritage railway running bishops village lies route way west somerset way celtic way option derives earlier rocky hill recorded book written years norman conquest origin prefix uncertain refer saxon noble held land nearby conquest giving meaning hill historian david nash ford proposed possible location listed history cities britain history miles village iron age showing evidence early human occupation include bat castle black ball camp hill long wood enclosure similar hill mentioned manor castle belonging william alias book norman conquest england 11th century constructed timber castle site somerset stone shell built start 12th century castle survived siege early years anarchy end 14th century sold castle family continued occupy property late 20th century english civil war initially held garrison fell orders sent castle demolished carried castle remained garrison troops regularly home garrison enact plays battles life civil war major alterations castle undertaken henry acquired marriage margaret following death alexander family unable afford death duties estate castle surrounding lands sold property firm family continuing live castle tenants bought castle colonel walter gave castle contents national trust operates tourist attraction grade listed building scheduled monument established monastery church built william gave church fisheries abbey bath situated north church cell abbey church shared worship monks led conflicts outcome carved screen divided church parish west chancel monks east church use church george contains 12th 13th century work current building 15th century designated grade listed building separated abbey bath right net annual income barn recorded passed bath abbey built inhabited guest house dissolved dissolution monasteries george seat local overseeing area parish churches centre clothing production 13th century market dating particular kind known prosperity based wool trade profits helping pay construction tower church george provide amenities 15th century bridge main routes river southern outskirts market held shops demolished market remains beach includes mouth river located half mile village significant harbour known haven export wool saxon times 17th century disappeared new land laid meadows marshes near shore second world war considerable defences built coast british anti invasion preparations north coast somerset unlikely invasion site structures remain day notable beach strong buildings taken beach concrete soldiers held ground germans invaded beach site number privately owned beach owners small shop tennis court putting green measuring feet let holidays owners live year round governance parish council responsibility local issues including setting annual cover council operating costs producing annual accounts public scrutiny parish council local planning applications works local police district council officers neighbourhood watch groups matters crime security traffic parish council role includes initiating projects maintenance repair parish facilities consulting district council maintenance repair improvement highways drainage public transport street cleaning conservation matters including trees listed buildings environmental issues responsibility council village falls non metropolitan district west somerset formed april local government act previously rural district district council responsible local planning building control local roads council housing environmental health markets refuse collection recycling leisure services parks tourism larger expensive local services education social services libraries main roads public transport fire services trading standards waste disposal strategic planning responsibility somerset county council falls national park functions normally administered district county councils fallen national park authority known single purpose authority purpose conserve enhance natural beauty wildlife cultural heritage national parks promote opportunities understanding enjoyment special qualities parks public including responsibility conservation historic environment populous area electoral ward named ward extends north east bristol channel south west total population census west somerset county constituency represented house_of_commons parliament united_kingdom member parliament past post system election south west england constituency european parliament constituency seven method party list proportional representation geography castle positioned steep foot high hill hill type red sandstone early medieval period sea reached base hill close mouth river offering natural defence making village inland port nearby park site special scientific interest noted nationally important lowland dry heath dry lowland acid grassland wood pasture veteran trees ancient semi natural oak woodland habitats fauna lowland heath includes heath nationally rare butterfly beetles associated veteran trees national significance variety abundance species rest south west england temperate climate generally rest england mean annual temperature area seasonal variation modifying effect sea range parts january month mean minimum temperatures july august months region mean daily general december month sunshine june month sun south west england favoured location regard azores high extends influence north eastwards particularly summer cloud forms inland especially near hills reduce sunshine reaches park average annual sunshine hours rainfall tends associated atlantic depressions convection summer convection caused sun heating land surface sea forms rain clouds time year large proportion rainfall comes showers thunderstorms annual precipitation local weather data collected economy demographics village provides variety shops amenities local residents visitors largely situated west street high street village numerous restaurants considerable trade brought tourists visiting heritage sites particularly castle attracted approximately visitors agriculture previous reliance wool trade replaced service industries catering visitors day staying longer periods shops hotels people parish employed slightly lower england wales somerset time census people living parish children age years older older population rest somerset england wales general line rest somerset majority population describes white british population live property living social rented accommodation privately rented higher proportion people living areas housing fairly evenly divided detached semi detached house living flats culture birthplace song things bright beautiful cecil alexander staying mary martin daughter owners bank nearby hill originally heather covered described purple headed mountain evening year hobby horse visits received castle local newspaper printed says origin commemoration wreck vessel remote times advent sort phantom ship entered harbour captain crew custom encouraged neglected soon fall origin hobby horse ancient king hobby horse tradition begins waking inhabitants beating loud drum hobby horse dances way town castle annually friday august village hosts known local businesses producers come showcase best west somerset offer major showing livestock especially horses cattle sheep recent tradition started takes place year friday saturday december remarkably preserved medieval village turns present lights streets candles mark beginning festival friday lighting procession starts steep continues village streets lit procession children families accompanied colourful costumes old english christmas tradition burning takes place arms hotel christmas eve pub guest house oldest section dates church george predominantly 15th century evidence 13th century work designated grade listed building church started william 11th century tower built jon received contract parish paid foot height work completed years added church shared worship monks led conflicts outcome carved screen divided church parish west chancel monks east restored george street church plan central stage tower built diagonal buttresses turret single bell chamber windows landmarks national park listed buildings including grade grade grade 17th century market market cross probably built family local lords manor maintain importance village market particularly wool cloth market octagonal building constructed central pier roof provides shelter rain building contains hole roof beams result cannon fire civil war bell indicate start trading nearby older cross known butter cross constructed late 14th early 15th century stood high street possibly southern end high street moved current location edge village possibly drawing turner suggests present position site cross stands leveled paid henry occasion cross moved cross octagonal base shaft head cross lost stands small area raised ground stone metres wide metres high surviving shaft metres high changes square octagonal rises inscription northern face says recording restoration care english_heritage state managed national trust notable buildings include barn belonged working known castle mill restored 18th century situated river close bridge grounds castle grade listed building mill stands site mill recorded book present building constructed closed restored grind flour equipment powered wheels owned national trust operated tourist attraction private company probably built late 16th century designated grade listed building scheduled ancient monument approximately feet high feet diameter walls feet thick 18th century floor level door raised major alterations lower tiers nest holes blocked protect brown rats arrived britain reached somerset revolving ladder known installed allow keeper search nest holes easily 19th century feeding platforms added axis revolving ladder ladder installed 16th century base rests pin driven beam floor head pin sits metal cup base wooden pillar means mechanism castle estate sold bought church council opened public extensive repairs undertaken barn originally altered 14th century limited original features survive net annual income barn recorded passed bath somerset buildings preservation trust renovation project behalf barn community hall trust multi purpose community hall year lease pepper corn rent crown estate commissioners building funding obtained heritage lottery fund support work tower landmark shipping hill village circular storey tower built red sandstone situated hill overlooking village commissioned henry designed richard stands metres high seen castle opposite evidence floors roof strategic military significance comes medieval words meaning rabbit meaning garden indicating warren rabbits bred food survey carried crown estate identified cracks walls repaired doll museum houses collection dolls world based collection late died donated collection village memorial hall committee established collection includes display british foreign dolls costumes thirty dolls stolen recovered transport railway station west somerset heritage railway station mile village station opened july railway line operated bristol exeter railway amalgamated great western railway railway absorbed small signal box stood end platform demolished extended new signal box opposite end station brought second hand use line doubled british railways goods traffic withdrawn july line run eventually closed january line reopened heritage railway operated west somerset railway march signal box moved goods yard home railway civil engineering team grade listed building road access nearest international airports exeter bristol education school provides primary education children years school attended pupils grade listed building originally constructed 1870s modified expanded including construction heated outdoor swimming pool middle secondary education area provided west somerset community college


county borough leeds county borough leeds predecessor municipal borough leeds local government district west riding yorkshire england origin ancient borough leeds reformed municipal corporations act west riding county council formed leeds county borough outside administrative county west riding borough gained city status borough extended number times expanding acres acres adding stages area parishes gaining parts adjacent districts leeds fifth largest county borough population england county borough abolished replaced larger city leeds metropolitan district west yorkshire origins borough borough leeds created lord manor granted charter inhabitants town leeds created given right hold half acre land trade liked transport goods land water subject tolls restrictions paid manor officer borough appointed annually feast lord borough duty justice collecting fines revenues borough formed small area adjacent crossing river old settlement centred leeds parish church east manor house mills west borough consisted single street approximately thirty plots seventeenth century title abandoned favour customary government town remained form introduced thirteenth century administration local charities disclosed funds diverted private use irregularities led inhabitants leeds petition charles charter incorporation incorporated borough incorporation charter incorporation granted july incorporating entire parish leeds peter borough county york parish borough consisted chapel cum leeds parts temple governing corporation borough styled borough county york consisted principal assistants charter named members corporation sir john charter charles_ii january english civil war leeds fell parliamentary forces royalist members corporation replaced loyal commonwealth restoration monarchy moves reform borough government leading merchants town submitted petition charles_ii requesting new charter felt constitution operation governing body inadequate needs town second charter duly granted november earlier charter withdrawn new corporation created consisted mayor assistants recorder town clerk entitled mayor borough county york charter named mayor thomas new corporation given extensive powers enforce laws regulate trade ensure good governance town town governed charter james gave crown power appointments town council accession william iii mary charter restored townspeople remained governing charter municipal borough whig government lord grey began government england wales view reforming methods election following recommendations royal commission legislation enacted municipal corporations act leeds reformed act municipal borough leeds reformed borough initially unchanged area divided town council headed mayor ward represented directly elected retired annually additional members council year term office half bench elected council years originally envisaged elections held november reformed town councils holding meetings november following process dividing preparing roll electoral register lengthy order council delaying elections december new coming formal existence january early focus new authority crime construction new borough prison begun leeds improvement act gave council powers markets streets street lighting building regulations public smoke regulation rapidly growing industrial city borough comprised sixteen size town council remained new ward returning county borough local government act created elected county councils administer services england wales municipal borough population census created county borough powers duties borough county council leeds population duly county borough april borough independent west riding county council local government remained county purposes administration justice change status change boundaries borough size council city status lord right title city united_kingdom linked presence anglican cathedral year birmingham belfast granted letters patent raising cities virtue population economic importance history good municipal government borough west riding sheffield announced seeking grant city status celebrate golden jubilee town incorporation occur members leeds town council aware application sheffield smaller population recent creation leeds immediately began process applying dignity petition approved january set reasons felt leeds deserved city antiquity town charters large area population approaching fact largest municipality city commercial importance industry delegation leeds including members parliament mps met home secretary january press borough case claims borough set original petition delegation points leeds university town city leeds sheffield returning mps house_of_commons status city home secretary petitions queen february recommending honour granted cases towns united_kingdom population exceeding title city enjoyed smaller important places granted appear fitted loyalty public spirit industrial progress mark majesty favour february sir permanent secretary home office wrote towns signifying applications approved award letters patent february announced london gazette february queen pleased letters patent great seal united_kingdom bearing date 13th february declare borough leeds shall city shall called styled city leeds years later diamond jubilee accession queen_victoria occurred celebrations announced june mayor leeds shall future bear title lord mayor award empowered lord mayor enjoy use rights privileges pre advantages degree duly right belonging letters patent dated july published london gazette following day queen pleased letters patent great seal united_kingdom great_britain ireland bearing date 12th july chief magistrate time city leeds shall styled lord mayor leeds parishes separately rated poor law purposes formed civil parishes borough leeds contained parishes changes boundaries local government act provided parish lie local government area parishes divided amalgamated required leeds effected temple parish city separate parish merging portion lay municipal boundaries existing parish number parishes city divided reduced following second application late corporation sought add acres km2 north east city parishes comprising leeds rural district parish rural district area parish rural district proposed extension increase county borough population inquiry held january strong opposition west riding county council parish rural district councils involved clear town clerk leeds informed extension granted exception acres km2 agricultural land estimated population extension took effect november added areas initially added existing north ward parish leeds extension city_council sought extension time south taking parish rural district boundary change took effect april formed 17th ward city_council increased size accordingly parish abolished area added existing parish extra territory acquired county borough major scheme council housing construction commenced immediately april parishes county borough united single parish leeds extension leeds corporation promoted bill add areas city urban district parts rural districts parishes cum detached leeds corporation act passed omitted area added leeds extension took effect april added approximately acres km2 county borough area added comprised parishes cum north acres km2 parish east county borough necessitating general election entire city_council created returning membership council increased follows april boundary county borough surrounding areas west riding adjusted county review order city exchanged areas following districts city_council petitioned alteration number boundaries municipal consequent change number petition successful order council july dividing city general election entire council necessary new council membership extension following second world war local government boundary commission appointed review administrative structures england wales commission existence local authorities permitted proposals boundary changes commission recommended leeds form basis new tier county action taken commission wound final county borough took place leeds corporation act april acres km2 rural district added city commission disbanded commission appointed place report published recommended system large authorities new leeds authority proposed area acres km2 population boundaries included large rural area including yorkshire town proposal welcomed leeds city_council following change government white paper issued rejected structure instead proposed metropolitan county west yorkshire leeds forming district tier system passing subsequent legislation enacted local government act boundaries leeds metropolitan district district altered removed basis non metropolitan district north yorkshire added neighbouring district metropolitan borough legislation came effect april county borough exist midnight march county borough area combined municipal borough municipal borough urban district urban district urban district urban district urban district parts rural district rural district rural district west riding new leeds district metropolitan districts west yorkshire granted borough city status city leeds


large coastal resort town south coast england directly east coast mile world heritage site according census town population making largest settlement west east forms south east total population founded lewis area deserted occasionally visited fishermen initially marketed health resort town received boost appeared book england growth accelerated arrival railway recognised town historically hampshire joined reorganisation local government town administered authority giving autonomy county council remains ceremonial county local council borough council town centre notable victorian architecture foot peter church grade listed churches borough local landmark location popular destination tourists attracting million visitors annually beaches popular town regional centre business home international centre financial sector worth million gross value added mention comes monk describes large fish long washed october year taken manor days later portion fish collected canon taken away purely geographic reference area mouth small river turn drained towns word meaning small stream derivative old english brook half 16th century mouth preferred recorded surveys reports period appears shortened area started develop travel guide published calls place founder england published years later calls simply edition hampshire late 19th century predominant word form appears remained use early 20th century turning ordnance map history 12th century region mouth river later liberty extended include settlements north incorporated manor hampshire region surrounding site human settlement thousands years largely remote barren earl southampton noted area devoid late duke recorded barren heath human direct late 19th early 20th centuries borough grow encompass number ancient settlements river including skull thought years old found bronze age near discovery iron age pottery east cliff suggest settlements period head added borough site older half 16th century james 6th baron began mining area time heath hunting late 18th century little evidence event remained lived mouth river regular visitors area 19th century fishermen turf gangs prior act area common land act commissioners award transferred thousand acres hands private owners including james harris 1st earl sir george arms public house appeared heath years later official residents retired army officer lewis wife moved new home built land purchased area known napoleonic wars spent time searching heath coastline french invaders anticipating people come area newly fashionable sea bathing activity perceived health benefits built series land hoped let common belief pine air good lung conditions particular tuberculosis prompted plant hundreds pine trees early attempts promote town health resort meant time died grown small community scattering houses cottages town ultimately grow scattered tree lined walk beach later known walk death son sir george william inherited father estate hired young local architect benjamin develop coastal area east stream hotel later royal bath hotel opened buildings designed standing started grow faster rate began developing area similarly south coast resorts brighton despite enormous investment town share market remained modest invited physician writer stay author england described health resorts country result visit included chapter second edition book publication book increase visitors seeking medicinal use pine air helped town grow establish early tourist destination 1840s benjamin replaced burton plans included construction garden alongside stream idea fields south road crossing later square drained laid walks paths including walk remain town today second suggestion completed greatly raised profile place time convenient way arrive town sea pier considered necessity parish council reluctant find money attempt raise money privately succeeded financing small feet improvement act granted greater financial autonomy town pier approved year number wooden structures built feet cast iron design birch completed act board commissioners established build organise expanding infrastructure town paving drainage street lighting street cleaning arrival railways precipitated massive growth seaside summer visitors town especially london town population railway connections developed town population risen favourite location visiting artists writers town improved greatly period efforts sir russell town mayor local philanthropist helped establish town library museum russell art gallery museum housed mansion death given town municipal borough county borough growth increased early 20th century town centre spawned theatres art cinemas hotels new buildings included war memorial pavilion town concert hall grand theatre finished town escaped heavy bombing second world war sea incurred great damage fortified invasion cast iron benches removed melted munitions superstructure piers breached prevent use enemy ships large amounts barbed wire anti tank obstacles beach mines foot took years remove peace finally achieved royal national institution stationed coverage area provided station international centre large conference exhibition centre constructed near following year town united_kingdom introduce use cameras public street based surveillance waterfront complex intended hold cinema constructed concrete smoked glass building featured roof design despised residents visitors alike blocked views bay isle voted hated building england person poll conducted channel_4 programme demolition pulled spring site outdoor event arena council plan larger redevelopment site adjoining council land long term unsuccessful bid city status losing competition towns commemorate queen elizabeth_ii diamond jubilee governance historically hampshire neighbouring west border time local government organisation considered desirable urban area county non metropolitan county april april authority independent county council purposes remains ceremonial county local elections district divided borough council elected years local elections conservatives held overall control winning available seats council mayor deputy mayor annually mayor chris represented parliamentary house_of_commons east west general election held conservatives vote held conservatives connor burns geography miles southwest london borough borders neighbouring west east respectively east district north bay lies south river forms natural boundary north east terminating harbour river rises flows middle town centre english channel towns form south east combined population retail commercial centre areas include area geology little variety comprising entirely prior supported environment patches original heath remain notably common acre site designated site special scientific interest habitat home species native important flora small populations pony cattle help maintain area directly north old harry rocks easternmost end coast miles coastline designated world heritage site coastline stretches harbour comprises mainly sandy beaches backed gravel sandy clay cliffs cliffs cut number provide natural access shore easternmost point lies head narrow peninsula forms southern shore harbour local nature reserve site bronze age settlement climate like temperate oceanic climate moderate variation annual daily temperatures cool summers frequent overcast skies annual mean temperature months july august average temperature range months january february average temperature range average rainfall annually national average millimetres temperature extremes measured airport ranged august january lowest temperature recorded recent years december census records population comprising males females population respectively mean average age persons years residents square kilometre highest population density authority south west region eighth populated population describe ethnicity white british white groups account asian groups indian pakistani chinese asian black british black african black caribbean black groups form population mixed race population ethnic groups christians population residents said religion refused religious muslims jews share religions residents aged qualifications said levels equivalent level grade level levels level comprise population level city craft certificate general diploma residents levels levels advanced diploma possessed degree higher degree phd level higher higher diploma held professional qualification held residents completed population work related qualification hold foreign qualification historically suffered negative rates natural increase relied immigration maintain population growth exceeded deaths time trend continued coupled substantial increase people moving area led sharp rise resident population total population compared nationally largest group people moving area students year age group current population england age group accounts economy similarly rest economy primarily service sector employed workforce higher average employment service sector great_britain higher south west particular importance financial public service sectors continued sustained growth compared rest country performed areas performed transport communications smallest geographical region gross value added information available area latest figures year showed area enjoyed strongest growth south west region south west regional accounts showed financial services sector worth million gross value added important employers sector include nationwide building society liverpool victoria services insurance companies manufacturing sector predominantly based neighbouring employed workforce tourism important local economy domestic overseas visitors million trips town spent million equivalent time jobs exist result accounts employment town biggest attractions million visitors provide seasonal coverage beaches town centre businesses leisure industry economy popular destination parties party contribute million year economy support jobs town awarded purple flag providing wide variety night time activities maintaining safety residents visitors independent report published indicates rise behaviour attributes increase working age approximately population economically active necessarily employed area industry employed people residents employed based industries employed public administration education health sector compares favourably south west region country large sectors distribution hotels restaurants banking finance insurance resident population employed time employed time additional time workers self employed self employed time time students jobs account unemployed shopping streets modern shopping victorian arcades large selection bars clubs north centre town shopping complex called acre site units largest shopping centre opened major shopping areas situated districts culture tourist regional centre leisure entertainment culture recreation local author mayor keith suggests thriving youth culture large university population language school students recent years popular destination visitors clubs bars restaurants located town centre survey direct found place people questioned saying happy lives major venues concerts include pavilion theatre academy built popular place party political conferences major political parties largest venue south coast pavilion older grade listed buildings opened grand pavilion theatre initially circus later music hall theatre pavilion opened concert hall tea room providing venue municipal orchestra continues provide traditional entertainment today presenting west end stage shows ballet operas listed buildings mainly victorian eras including grade churches peter stephen russell museum grade listed villa completed houses artefacts paintings collected victorian philanthropist russell wife extensive travels world art galleries display paintings william long william arthur hughes albert moore russell successfully campaigned built runs continuously shoreline lower central upper gardens grade public parks leading miles valley river centre town sea acres initially serving compensate loss common rights common land enclosed held trust ownership passed corporation land public parks king park queen park park gardens common detailed land use survey office national statistics noted local authority area highest proportion land taken domestic gardens districts england narrowly london time noted cultural institutions symphony orchestra formed dan municipal orchestra country borough council took control appointed musical director head town originally playing concerts day summer season great glass palm house known winter gardens orchestra based performs concerts year southern england currently host number festivals food drink festival day event combines market live demonstrations arts sea festival mix dance film theatre literature music launched local university arts university set annual event free carnival held town year summer initially gay pride festival celebration diversity inclusion held air festival days august featured displays red arrows appearances blades team wing battle britain memorial flight including lancaster hurricane flying vulcan festival seen appearances modern aircraft typhoon air festival attracts million people day event town especially rich literary associations late 19th century earlier years 20th century author frederick smith writer squadron books later potter lived town paul taught preparatory school writer spent years taking holidays staying room hotel eventually retired area 1960s wife lived close died september home buried house demolished florence lived manor house built mother mary writer author gothic horror novel mary died house completed buried accordance wishes family plot peter churchyard contains parents william mary heart husband robert louis wrote strange case novel kidnapped house west cliff established publishing house russian free age press imprint published edition works leo author bill worked time echo newspaper wrote town work notes small island landmarks grade listed churches peter stephen town centre peter town church completed designed george street book england thousand best churches simon describes chancel richest gothic revival interiors england feet dominates surrounding skyline architect john pearson designed stephen aim bring people knees high stone roof twin gallery tower lacks borough piers pier close town centre shorter important pier designed architect smith pier opened feet structure extended feet new head constructed added shaped entrance concrete roof grade listed building theatre added demolished rest pier renovated fashion designer wayne described pier britain pier voted pier year national piers society pier simple wooden replaced longer wooden pier years later cast iron structure extensions pier brought total length metres feet world war structure strengthened allow addition pier theatre finally constructed million redevelopment programme saw great deal reconstruction work addition large storey octagonal shaped entrance building built hotel town hall designated grade listed building designed alfred french italian neo classical styles foundation stone laid king oscar sweden norway hotel opened buff brick exterior features bath stone main entrance sited projected façade reaches topped sits turrets pavilion roof world war hotel hospital british indian soldiers home opened hotel purchased borough council built art style situated close pavilion theatre time considered greatest municipal enterprise benefit entertainment built brick stone frontage features square columns popular venue today grade listed building eye filled balloon attached steel cable town lower gardens spherical balloon carries enclosed steel rising height provides view surrounding area passengers sport town professional football club known promoted championship premier league play dean court near kings park miles east town centre rugby club competes national_league division south home sports club airport hosts annual rugby tournament festival cricket club plays sports club reported biggest cricket clubs country team plays southern premier league dean park county cricket ground home hampshire county cricket club later county cricket club today venue university cricket venue round premier league championship organised professional corporation rowing club town coastal rowing club established reported oldest sporting association county club regularly competes organised amateur rowing association place south coast england september popular bay include sailing number local schools learn sport largest community artificial surf reef world constructed reef failed deliver promised grade wave suffered series delays ran budget finally costing million transport road principal route town centre spur road dual connects close hampshire border joins southampton london north accessed main road west devon runs south east continues east far southampton albeit non primary route neighbouring borough provides northern route national express coaches serve travel interchange university frequent departures london victoria coach station airport airports local buses provided mainly companies bus national bus company subsidiary owned ahead group yellow buses council owned company successors corporation transport began operating operators serving town include coaches district bus company rail stations town railway station railway station east parts western reached station stations lie south western main line london south west trains operates comprehensive service line serves southampton central winchester east south west closure served somerset joint railway provided direct access somerset air originally raf airfield airport transferred civil aviation authority intercontinental airport opening acquired manchester airports group airport underwent million phased expansion programme situated village periphery airport kilometres town centre serves passengers annually direct flights international destinations countries cyprus finland greece destinations italy malta portugal spain switzerland turkey education local education authority set remained existence local government reorganised lost county borough status county later reforms authority local education authority established local council operates tier comprehensive system pupils attend primary schools borough completing education secondary school minority local authorities england maintain selective education grammar schools boys girls secondary modern comprehensive schools small number independent schools town education college universities university arts university located boundary neighbouring borough school gained grade slightly better national average average rest pupils local authority remainder county managing likewise religion census revealed borough population christian religions combined totalling christianity far largest religious group borough falls church_of_england diocese salisbury remainder east belongs diocese winchester roman catholic diocese portsmouth incorporates exception small parishes west covered diocese plymouth borough notable examples victorian church architecture including previously mentioned peter churchyard contains grave author mary stephen church completed services influence oxford movement churches designed john built serve rapidly expanding population church built town centre church commissioned henry priest charge largest church town richmond hill andrew church united reformed church built enlarged seating capacity unusually ornate non church purpose built places worship exist borough christianity higher proportion jewish residents national average branch worldwide movement reform known new reform jewish members notable hebrew congregation built art revival style islamic centre provides information support place worship islamic community separate mosque town religious population welcomed hold monthly meetings borough affiliated british association naming conventions word loosely describe south east contains neighbouring towns result following terms significant presence town centre university main campus located boundary airport located near borough originally named raf bay bay symphony orchestra based twin towns israel switzerland


birmingham birmingham major city metropolitan borough west england largest populous british city outside london population city west built area populous urban area united_kingdom population census birmingham second populous metropolitan area population million makes birmingham 9th populous metropolitan area europe medium sized market town medieval period birmingham grew international prominence 18th century heart enlightenment subsequent industrial revolution saw town forefront worldwide advances science technology economic development producing series innovations laid foundations modern industrial society hailed manufacturing town world birmingham distinctive economic profile thousands small workshops practising wide variety specialised highly skilled trades encouraged exceptional levels creativity innovation provided diverse economic base industrial prosperity final quarter 20th century important invention british history industrial steam engine invented birmingham resulting high level social mobility fostered culture broad based political leaders thomas joseph chamberlain political influence britain outside london pivotal role development british democracy summer spring birmingham bombed heavily german luftwaffe known birmingham blitz damage city infrastructure addition deliberate policy demolition new building planners led extensive demolition redevelopment subsequent decades today birmingham economy dominated service sector city major international commercial centre ranked beta world city world cities research network important transport retail events conference hub metropolitan economy second largest united_kingdom universities largest centre higher education country outside london birmingham major cultural institutions including city birmingham symphony orchestra birmingham royal ballet birmingham theatre library birmingham barber institute fine arts enjoy international city vibrant influential art music literary scenes birmingham fourth visited city foreign visitors birmingham sporting heritage felt worldwide concept football league lawn tennis originating city successful football club villa won seven league titles european cup professional club birmingham city people birmingham called term derived city nickname originates city dialect turn derived city earlier names distinctive accent dialect history pre history medieval birmingham early history remote marginal area main centres population power wealth pre industrial english lay fertile accessible river valleys trent area modern birmingham lay birmingham plateau densely wooded sparsely populated forest evidence early human activity birmingham area dating years stone age artefacts suggesting seasonal settlements overnight hunting parties woodland activities tree burnt seen city indicate modern humans settled cultivated area bronze age substantial short lived influx population occurred possibly caused conflict immigration surrounding area 1st century roman conquest britain forested country birmingham plateau formed barrier advancing roman built large fort area modern day focus network roman roads birmingham settlement dates anglo saxon era city comes old english meaning home settlement indicating birmingham established 6th early 7th century primary settlement tribal grouping despite early importance time book manor birmingham populated valued shillings area modern city divided counties development birmingham significant urban commercial centre began lord manor peter obtained charter hold market castle followed creation planned market town borough estate site bull ring established birmingham primary commercial centre birmingham plateau time area economy expanding rapidly population growth nationally leading clearance cultivation settlement previously marginal land century charter birmingham grown prosperous urban centre merchants largest town position retain years early modern principal governing institutions medieval birmingham including guild holy cross birmingham family collapsed leaving town unusually high degree social economic freedom initiating period transition growth birmingham population increased town fifth largest england wales importance manufacture iron goods birmingham economy recognised early grew rapidly century progressed equally significant town emerging role centre iron merchants organised finance supplied raw materials traded marketed industry products birmingham formed commercial hub network stretching south wales merchants selling finished manufactured goods far west_indies trading links gave birmingham access wider markets allowing away lower skilled trades producing basic goods local sale broader range specialist higher skilled lucrative activities time english civil war birmingham economy expanding population resulting high levels social mobility cultural seen develop new social structures different established areas relationships built pragmatic commercial rigid feudal society traditional established church aristocracy weak town reputation political strongly sympathies saw attacked royalist forces battle birmingham developed centre haven 18th century saw tradition free thinking collaboration cultural phenomenon known enlightenment town developed notable centre literary musical artistic theatrical activity leading citizens particularly members lunar society birmingham influential participants circulation philosophical scientific ideas europe intellectual elite close relationship enlightenment birmingham leading major manufacturers men like matthew james fact people particularly important exchange knowledge pure science practical world manufacturing technology created chain reaction innovation forming pivotal link earlier scientific revolution industrial revolution follow industrial revolution birmingham explosive industrial expansion started earlier textile manufacturing towns north england driven different factors instead economies scale low paid workforce producing single bulk cotton wool large units production birmingham industrial development built creativity highly paid workforce strong division labour practising broad variety skilled specialist trades producing constantly range products highly economy small self owned workshops led exceptional levels core years industrial revolution birmingham residents registered times patents british town city demand capital feed rapid economic expansion saw birmingham grow major financial centre extensive international connections bank founded town building society world building society west banking offices head region britain including london innovation 18th century birmingham took form series small scale improvements existing products processes included major developments lay heart emergence industrial society birmingham trained moved built blast successfully iron ore transforming quality volume scale possible produce cast iron lewis paul john invented roller spinning novel idea importance development cotton industry opened world cotton mill birmingham upper john invented lead chamber process enabling large scale manufacture acid james developed process bulk manufacture marking birth modern chemical industry matthew opened pioneering combination roof previously separate manufacturing activities system known rational manufacture largest manufacturing unit europe come emergence factory system significant development industrial steam engine james matthew freeing time manufacturing capacity human society limited availability hand water animal power arguably pivotal moment entire industrial revolution key factor worldwide increases productivity follow following century regency victorian birmingham rose national political prominence campaign political reform early 19th century thomas birmingham political union bringing country brink civil war days preceded passing great reform act union meetings hill largest political assemblies britain seen lord durham drafted act wrote country owed reform birmingham salvation revolution reputation having shaken fabric privilege base led john bright birmingham platform successful campaign second reform act extended voting rights urban working class birmingham tradition innovation continued 19th century birmingham terminus world long distance railway lines mile grand junction railway mile london birmingham railway birmingham hill invented postage stamp created modern universal postal system alexander invented man plastic jewellery quarter 1820s extensive canal system constructed giving greater access natural resources fuel industries victorian era population birmingham grew rapidly half million birmingham second largest population centre england birmingham granted city status queen_victoria joseph chamberlain mayor birmingham later son chamberlain lord mayor birmingham later british prime minister known political figures lived birmingham city established university 20th century contemporary birmingham suffered heavy bomb damage world war birmingham blitz city scene scientific discoveries prove critical outcome war described practical nuclear weapon constructed memorandum year cavity key component radar later microwave invented john henry boot details discoveries outline jet engine invented frank nearby rugby taken united_states mission september single black box later described official american historian valuable cargo brought shores city extensively redeveloped 1950s 1960s included construction large tower block estates castle bull ring reconstructed new street station redeveloped decades following world war ethnic makeup birmingham changed significantly received waves immigration commonwealth nations city population peaked residents birmingham remained far britain prosperous provincial city late 1970s household exceeding london south east economic diversity capacity regeneration declined decades followed world war central government sought restrict city growth disperse industry population areas scotland wales northern england measures hindered natural self regeneration businesses birmingham leaving heavy old city increasingly dependent motor industry recession early 1980s saw birmingham economy collapse unprecedented levels unemployment social unrest inner city districts recent years parts birmingham transformed redevelopment shopping centre regeneration old industrial areas international convention centre old streets buildings canals restored pedestrian removed inner ring road birmingham hosted 24th summit government birmingham city_council largest local authority europe representing headquarters council house victoria square council labour_party majority led sir albert bore replacing previous conservative liberal democrat coalition elections honour dignity lord conferred birmingham letters patent june birmingham parliamentary represented house_of_commons conservative labour mps european parliament city forms west european parliament constituency members european parliament birmingham originally expanded late 19th early 20th centuries absorbing parts south north west city absorbed metropolitan borough new west county west county council based birmingham city centre birmingham formed greater birmingham local enterprise partnership neighbouring authorities chase east forest level government body west combined authority formed april gain powers transport development planning economic growth authority governed directly elected mayor similar mayor london geography birmingham located centre west region england birmingham plateau area relatively high ground ranging feet sea level crossed britain main north south watershed basins rivers trent south west city lie hills hills hill reach feet extensive views city birmingham drained minor rivers brooks primarily river tributaries cole city birmingham forms largely residential borough south east city industrial towns black country north west form west built area covering km2 surrounding birmingham metropolitan area area closely economically tied includes capital cathedral city north industrial city towns spa east towns south west area occupied city originally northern reach ancient forest presence felt city dense oak tree cover large number districts names ending old english meaning woodland clearing geology birmingham dominated birmingham fault runs city hills south west passing bull ring north east south east fault ground largely softer interspersed beds crossed valleys rivers cole tributaries north west fault feet higher surrounding area underlying city centre lies long ridge harder sandstone bedrock underlying birmingham laid periods climate birmingham temperate maritime climate like british isles average maximum temperatures summer july winter january day year average night typically fell days year rose temperature nights reported air frost highest recorded temperature set august like large cities birmingham considerable urban heat island effect night recorded january temperature fell birmingham airport city eastern edge near city centre birmingham snowy city relative large inland location comparatively high elevation birmingham airport averaged days snow lying annually compared london snow showers pass city gap north westerly come north_sea north easterly extreme weather rare city known experience recent july south city damaging homes businesses area environment parks birmingham european city totalling hectares public open space city million trees miles urban brooks streams park covers acres north city largest urban park europe national nature reserve birmingham botanical gardens located close city centre retains regency landscape original design garden reflects informal arts crafts tastes origins birmingham areas wildlife lie informal settings project valley country park selection parks hills country park park kings heath park cannon hill park housing birmingham nature centre mid year estimate population birmingham increase time population grown birmingham largest local authority area city outside london population density inhabitants square mile compared inhabitants square mile england based census birmingham population projected reach increase compares estimated rate previous decade west population est people live west county est according figures census population white white british white irish white mixed race white black caribbean white black african white asian mixed asian pakistani indian chinese asian black african caribbean black arab ethnic heritage primary secondary pupils non white british families birmingham residents born overseas resident years countries new reported countries birth birmingham residents include iran philippines nigeria established migrants outnumbered newer migrants oak birmingham population aged compared england generally females males single year age youngest ages late late females represented population whilst men represented differences marked oldest age group reflecting greater female longevity women early largely students coming city universities children age relatively small group reflecting decline birth rates turn century large group children age reflecting high numbers recent years increasing households birmingham sex civil partnership households compared english national average households owned accommodation outright owned accommodation mortgage loan figures national average people said good health national average said good health national average people said day day activities limited lot health higher national average birmingham larger urban zone measure functional city region local government districts population addition birmingham includes metropolitan districts north religion christianity largest religion birmingham residents identifying christians census city religious profile highly diverse outside london birmingham united_kingdom largest muslim buddhist communities second largest hindu community seventh largest jewish community proportion christians birmingham decreased proportion muslims increased proportion people religious affiliation increased religions remained similar philip cathedral upgraded church status anglican diocese birmingham created seat roman catholic birmingham greek orthodox cathedral mother god andrew orthodox diocese based birmingham cathedral construction original parish church birmingham martin bull ring grade listed short distance ways birmingham completed site cardinal newman original foundation oldest surviving birmingham greek revival street lodge hall replaced grade listed singers hill birmingham central mosque largest europe constructed 1960s late 1990s built small heath guru built road late 1970s buddhist peace near reservoir 1990s winners chapel maintains physical presence economy birmingham grew prominence manufacturing engineering centre economy today dominated service sector accounted city employment birmingham largest centre great_britain employment public administration education health leeds second largest centre outside london employment financial business services ranked world city world cities research network highest ranking country london manchester wider metropolitan economy second largest united_kingdom est companies trent currently company corporate headquarters birmingham based wider metropolitan area forming largest concentration outside london south east major facilities national exhibition centre international convention centre birmingham attracts total conference exhibition trade manufacturing accounted employment birmingham figure beneath average major industrial plants city include jaguar land castle large local producers supporting supply chain precision based small manufacturers craft industries traditional industries remain jewellery produced independent manufacturers city jewellery quarter continuing trade recorded birmingham birmingham est economy grew relatively slowly growth national average value manufacturing output city declined real terms value financial insurance activities doubled start ups registered birmingham highest level activity outside london number registered businesses city grew birmingham london edinburgh private sector job creation economic inequality birmingham greater major english city exceeded glasgow united_kingdom levels unemployment highest country economically active population unemployed inner city heath figure higher birmingham population live areas classified deprived parts england overall birmingham deprived local authority england terms income employment city infant mortality rate high worse national average women jobs compared nationally working age population birmingham degree level qualifications contrast average core cities according quality living survey birmingham placed 51st world second highest rating improvement city 56th place big city plan aims city index area city designated enterprise zone tax relief simplified planning lure investment culture music internationally renowned city birmingham symphony orchestra home venue symphony hall notable professional based city include birmingham contemporary music group royal ballet baroque chamber choir period instrument orchestra orchestra swan resident chamber orchestra birmingham town hall weekly given city birmingham music festivals took place music specially composed conducted performed sullivan edward wrote famous choral pieces birmingham dream début performance composers born city include albert william andrew jazz popular city 1920s regular festivals festival jazz festival annual international jazz festival birmingham city centre music venues include national indoor arena opened academy bristol street opened september replacing academy end centre opened institute adrian hall birmingham 1960s birmingham home music scene comparable liverpool produced single band big beatles musical activity international success groups davis group moody blues traffic electric light orchestra collective influence stretched 1970s city birthplace heavy metal music pioneering metal bands late 1960s 1970s black priest half led having come birmingham decade saw influential metal bands death arise city birmingham birthplace modern 1960s 1980s established global centre culture grown global phenomenon embraced members indian worldwide los_angeles singapore 1970s saw rise reggae city bands steel pulse musical youth beat racial unity politically leftist lyrics line ups social currents birmingham time popular bands birmingham include fine young ocean colour scene streets midnight runners musicians jeff tony bill ward butler john lodge roy wood joan indian steve grew city based town indie music scene attracted widespread attention led bands peace swim deep nme comparing london independent writing birmingham fast best place look exciting new music theatre performing arts birmingham theatre britain longest established producing theatre presenting wide variety work centenary square touring nationally internationally producing theatres city include blue orange theatre jewellery quarter old home stage birmingham stage company harris base experimental stan cafe theatre company located working metal factory touring theatre companies include politically radical banner theatre theatre company theatre theatre birmingham host large scale touring productions professional drama performed wide range stages city including crescent theatre factory old joint stock theatre drum mac cannon hill park birmingham royal ballet united_kingdom major ballet companies based outside london resident birmingham tours extensively nationally internationally company associated ballet school school dance oldest dance school country birmingham opera company artistic director graham developed international reputation avant garde productions place factories abandoned buildings found spaces city described guardian far away powerful example experienced country opera matter conventional seasons welsh national opera visiting opera companies place regularly birmingham literature literary figures associated birmingham include samuel johnson stayed birmingham short period born nearby arthur conan worked area birmingham whilst poet louis lived birmingham years whilst staying birmingham american author washington produced famous literary works hall medley based hall poet grew area city 1930s formed core group birmingham university lecturer louis influential poets associated birmingham include city sixth poet benjamin born city author brought birmingham locations city mill supposedly inspiration scenes lord rings award winning political playwright david born birmingham science fiction author john spent early childhood area city dame barbara birmingham vibrant contemporary literary scene local authors including david lodge jim lane city leading contemporary literary publisher street press authors include prize winning catherine austin clarke birmingham home longest established local science fiction group launched earlier incarnations 1940s 1960s annual science fiction event art design birmingham school landscape artists emerged daniel bond mid 19th century important figure david cox later works important precursor influence royal birmingham society artists birmingham school art birmingham important centre victorian art particularly pre arts crafts movements major figures included pre edward jones walter school painters joseph leader group artists known birmingham group birmingham britain 1930s movement active members 1940s abstract artists associated city included lee bank born david cobra member william gear birmingham artists prominent post war developments art peter phillips central figures birth pop art john salt major european figure pioneers photo realism art group painting examine politics culture black british identity contemporary artists city include turner prize winner wearing turner prize richard john walker roger birmingham role manufacturing printing centre supported strong local traditions graphic design product design iconic works birmingham designers include font pottery whistle art branding cinemas mini museums galleries birmingham major public art collections birmingham museum art gallery best known works pre collection outstanding importance holds significant selection old masters including major works particularly strong collections 17th century italian baroque painting english design holdings include europe pre eminent collections fine barber institute fine arts finest small art galleries world collection exceptional quality representing western art 13th century present day birmingham museums trust runs museums city including hall hall museum jewellery quarter house mill birmingham backs surviving court houses city world museum showing visitors stages steps chocolate production history chocolate company gallery hosts displays contemporary art projects birmingham main science museum giant screen cinema collection includes engine world oldest working steam engine science based museums include national sea life centre museum geology university birmingham centre earth environmental education centre green festivals birmingham mainly concentrated broad street recent years broad lost popularity closing clubs popularity terms outside broad street area stylish underground venues medicine bar factory institute rainbow pub air large clubs bars chinese quarter areas street gay village bars clubs summer row academy bristol street nightclub row paul square jewellery quarter vibrant night life number late night irish quarter outside city centre star city entertainment complex site power station birmingham home national religious spiritual festivals including george day party birmingham tattoo long standing military held annually national indoor arena caribbean style birmingham international carnival takes place odd numbered years birmingham pride takes place gay village attracts visitors year december city hosted annual arts festival largest free arts festival time city largest single day event patrick day parade europe second largest dublin events include birmingham heritage festival style event august caribbean african culture celebrated street performances festivals city include birmingham international jazz festival party park originally festival hosted local regional radio stations died brought life unsigned festival regional unsigned acts showcase day music festival family birmingham comedy festival days october headlined acts peter fast jimmy lee evans henry festival established international dance festival birmingham started organised involving indoor outdoor venues city birmingham host frankfurt christmas market modelled german counterpart grown largest outdoor christmas market largest german market outside germany austria attracting million visitors million visitors entertainment leisure birmingham home leisure venues home europe largest leisure entertainment complex star city europe city centre entertainment leisure complex resorts world birmingham owned group affluent clients based city architecture birmingham chiefly product 18th 19th 20th centuries growth began industrial revolution consequently relatively buildings survive earlier history protected listed buildings birmingham thirteen scheduled ancient monuments birmingham city_council operate locally listing scheme buildings fully meet criteria listed status traces medieval birmingham seen oldest churches notably original parish church martin bull ring buildings medieval tudor periods survive lane old crown 15th century head public house old grammar school kings hall number georgian buildings survive including philip cathedral house town hall paul square victorian era saw extensive building city major civic buildings victoria law courts characteristic red brick council house museum art gallery constructed cathedral roman catholic cathedral built reformation city need house industrial workers gave rise miles streets houses later inner city postwar redevelopment anti resulted loss dozens victorian buildings like birmingham new street station old central library replaced architecture sir city engineer surveyor birmingham believed conservation old buildings sentimental city worth inner city areas victorian housing demolished redeveloped existing communities relocated tower block estates like castle partial reaction years birmingham city_council buildings like central library extensive tower block demolition renovation programme redevelopment city centre recent years including award winning future systems building shopping centre regeneration project millennium point science technology centre refurbishment iconic building funding projects come european_union town hall example received million funding european regional development fund development slowed 1970s mainly recent years imposed civil aviation authority heights buildings affect aircraft airport tower transport partly central location birmingham major transport hub motorway rail canal networks city served probably best known motorway junction junction passes city miles longest bridge united_kingdom birmingham airport located miles east city centre neighbouring borough seventh busiest passenger traffic united_kingdom busiest outside london area manchester edinburgh largest base europe largest regional airline major base monarch airline services exist destinations europe north_america caribbean africa middle_east asia birmingham new street busiest railway station united_kingdom outside london passenger entries exits passenger interchanges national hub extensive long distance train network britain major destination virgin trains services london glasgow central edinburgh birmingham street birmingham snow hill form northern termini railways express trains running london local regional services operated birmingham stations london midland street railway station planned northern terminus phase high speed rail link london open national express group headquarters located offices birmingham coach station forms national hub company coach network local public transport birmingham transport west network includes busiest urban rail system outside london million passenger entries exits busiest urban bus system outside london million passenger journeys midland metro light rail system operates new street station west bus routes mainly operated national express west accounts bus journeys birmingham smaller registered bus companies number outer circle bus routes longest urban bus routes europe miles long bus stops extensive canal system remains industrial revolution city having miles canal venice birmingham larger venice canals prominent feature venice canals mainly leisure purposes regeneration schemes turned canals tourist attractions education higher education birmingham home universities university university birmingham birmingham city university university college birmingham newman university city hosts major campuses university law university open university west regional base birmingham time students aged resident city term time city united_kingdom outside london birmingham research students highest number major city outside london birmingham business school established sir william oldest graduate level business school united_kingdom business school city includes business school fewer business schools globally granted triple birmingham city business school birmingham birmingham school acting birmingham institute art design birmingham city university offer higher education specific arts subjects birmingham important centre religious education mary college catholic_church england wales study centre europe queen college theological college serving church_of_england methodist church united reformed church birmingham metropolitan college largest education colleges country fourteen campuses spread birmingham black country south city college birmingham campuses spread city college based million acre campus opened college residential college based mansion oak founded strong commitment social justice courses aimed students prior formal qualifications queen college specialist college based offering education visually impaired disabled students united_kingdom primary secondary education birmingham city_council england largest local education authority directly indirectly responsible nursery schools primary schools secondary schools special schools providing adult education courses year birmingham state schools community schools run directly birmingham city_council role local education authority large number voluntary aided schools state system 1970s secondary schools birmingham comprehensive schools post students choice continuing education school sixth form education college birmingham operated primary school system infant junior schools king edward school birmingham founded king edward oldest prestigious schools city constantly setting high academic standards having notable alumni pass doors author lord rings books notable independent schools city include birmingham blue coat school king edward high school girls high school girls seven schools king edward foundation known nationally setting high academic standards schools consistently achieve positions national_league tables public services birmingham libraries leisure centres parks play areas transport street cleaning waste collection face cuts services albert bore leader birmingham city_council called government change radically local services funded provided claimed government cuts local authorities hit birmingham child protection services birmingham rated inadequate years running child deaths investigated march government announced independent commissioner appointed oversee improvements children services city library services birmingham central library opened considered largest municipal library europe collections designated arts council england pre eminent collections national international importance collections recognised local authority libraries nationwide new library birmingham centenary square replacing central library opened september designed dutch architects described kind public forum memorial shrine book literature library faces cuts reduced funding central government local libraries birmingham plus regular mobile library service library service million visitors annually budget cuts branch libraries risk closure whilst services reduced emergency services law enforcement birmingham carried west police headquarters lloyd house birmingham city centre recorded offences population birmingham crime rate average england wales lower england major core cities lower smaller cities oxford cambridge brighton fire rescue services birmingham provided west fire service emergency medical care west ambulance service healthcare major national health service hospitals birmingham queen elizabeth hospital adjacent birmingham medical school houses largest critical care unit europe home royal centre defence medicine treating military personnel injured conflict zones general hospitals city include hospital good hope hospital city hospital green specialist hospitals birmingham children hospital birmingham women hospital birmingham dental hospital royal hospital birmingham saw use operation hole heart operation performed birmingham children hospital healthcare west water supply birmingham corporation water department set supply water birmingham responsibilities transferred trent water water supplied opened water fed gravity reservoir reservoir green valley wales energy waste birmingham energy waste plant large plant built burns tonnes household waste annually produces electricity national grid tonnes carbon dioxide birmingham friends earth strongly opposed facility contributing climate change causing air pollution reducing recycling rates city energy waste centre technology granted planning permission heath sport birmingham played important history modern sport football league world league football competition founded birmingham resident villa director william wrote fellow club directors proposing prominent clubs england combine arrange home away fixtures season modern game tennis developed harry gem friend house lawn tennis society remaining oldest tennis club world birmingham district cricket league oldest cricket league world birmingham host cricket world cup women cricket world cup birmingham city named national city sport sports council birmingham selected ahead london manchester bid summer olympics unsuccessful final selection process won barcelona today city home country oldest professional football teams villa founded plays villa park birmingham city founded plays andrew rivalry clubs fierce fixture called second city derby villa time premier league champions european champions currently play championship following premier league season birmingham city currently play championship seven times county championship winners county cricket club play cricket ground hosts test cricket day largest cricket ground united_kingdom lord scene highest score batsman class cricket brian scored birmingham professional rugby union club play common second professional club birmingham playing park neighbouring borough city rugby league club birmingham compete operative premier league city home oldest american football teams national leagues birmingham major championship golf courses lie city outskirts near headquarters professional association hosted cup times venue forest hotel country club near birmingham airport regular host tournaments european tour including british masters english open classic alongside tennis tournaments tour played annually club announced plans pound redevelopment including new showcase centre court museum celebrating game birmingham origins alexander stadium perry headquarters athletics british venues host fixtures elite international diamond league home international athletes members national indoor arena hosted european athletics indoor championships world indoor championships hosting annual indoor grand prix british indoor athletics fixture qualify indoor permit meeting wide variety sporting events venue host world indoor athletics championships second time come birmingham professional boxing hockey stock car racing racing takes place city food drink birmingham development commercial town originally based market agricultural produce established royal charter despite subsequent centuries role retained birmingham wholesale markets remain largest combined wholesale food markets country selling meat fish fruit vegetables flowers supplying fresh produce independent retailers far miles away birmingham english city outside london starred restaurants simpson adam city centre birmingham based included manor brewery currently brewery significant size fine victorian bars found city whilst modern bars notably broad street wing food empire began city headquarters type invented city received acclaim belt triangle famous food brands originated birmingham include tea bird chocolate sauce thriving independent food sector birmingham encompassing like towers collective recent years seen businesses increasingly showcased farmers markets popular street food events food festivals including birmingham independent food fair media birmingham major local newspapers daily birmingham mail weekly birmingham post sunday mercury owned trinity mirror forward birmingham voice produced birmingham city_council distributed homes city birmingham hub national ethnic media base regional metro editions east west birmingham long cinematic history electric station street oldest working cinema oscar opened cinema hill 1920s largest cinema screen west located millennium point birmingham location films including journey locations birmingham high contrast changes city bbc facilities city city centre national headquarters bbc english regions headquarters bbc west bbc birmingham network production centre previously located mill studios bbc drama village based oak production facility television drama central studios birmingham location recording programmes itv including crossroads complex closed central moved current gas street studios main hub moved manchester central output birmingham consists west east editions regional news programme central tonight city served numerous national regional radio stations local radio stations include free radio birmingham free radio 80s capital birmingham heart west absolute radio smooth radio city community radio scene stations including big city radio new style radio switch radio unity world longest running radio soap recorded birmingham bbc radio twin cities birmingham seven sister cities birmingham alabama usa named city shares industrial