Origins is the first gallery in the chronological sequence and although referred to as the medieval gallery, this section explores Birmingham’s history from the 12th century through to the end of the 17th century.
A Paleolithic handaxe, around 250,000 years old is also displayed here to emphasise how long people have been roaming through the area of what was to become Birmingham.
However, due to limited space and the fact that Birmingham’s growth did not begin until the 12th century when the medieval market was established, this section principally focuses on its history thereafter.
The narrative of the gallery explores Birmingham’s success as a market town as a result of its lord of the manor purchasing a market charter in 1166, which secured its future as an important trading centre.
Many of the objects on display were discovered during the Bull Ring excavations between 1998 and 2000 and demonstrate how successful Birmingham’s market already was by the 12th and 13th centuries, with a variety of established trades such as pottery making and tanning.
Origins is the first gallery in the chronological sequence and although referred to as the medieval gallery, this section explores Birmingham’s history from the 12th century through to the end of the 17th century. A Paleolithic handaxe, around 250,000 years old is also displayed here to emphasise how long people have been roaming through the area of what was to become Birmingham. However, due to limited space and the fact that Birmingham’s growth did not begin until the 12th century when the medieval market was established, this section principally focuses on its history thereafter. The narrative of the gallery explores Birmingham’s success as a market town as a result of its lord of the manor purchasing a market charter in 1166, which secured its future as an important trading centre. Many of the objects on display were discovered during the Bull Ring excavations between 1998 and 2000 and demonstrate how successful Birmingham’s market already was by the 12th and 13th centuries, with a variety of established trades such as pottery making and tanning.
Birmingham History Galleries