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During the reign of Queen Victoria the ratio
of violent deaths occurring through crime in the 'city of the thousands
trades' was higher than in any other part of the country. Alterations in
the densely-populated slum-areas were inevitable.
Home for most Brummies was a couple of foul-smelling rooms where often whole families might share the same bed. Abject poverty, both financial and emotional, was the major factor in undermining family life. The children of depressed mothers quickly found themselves at odds with the law and harsh punishments served as little deterrent. Life in all major industrial cities was harsh and the sole pleasure for many lay in the ubiquitous public house. Most of the murders and cases of assault were perpetrated on women by drunken men. Built to help industry, the famous canals served both the murderous and suicidal in equal measure. Brummie or visitor, join us in a trip back in time to experience the sights, smells and brutish facts of existence in what is now Britain's number two city. Join us in Birmingham... the Sinister Side. |