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From its earliest origins, Birmingham has fostered a visionary and entrepreneurial approach, not merely adapting to trends, but actually driving change. The ambition and tireless industry of its people has resulted in the development of a city today whose discoveries and innovations have created a worldwide impact.

Known as the 'workplace of the world', Birmingham began as a small rural manor. First mentioned in the Domesday Book as being worth 20 shillings, the town was established in 1166 with the granting of a market every Thursday. Over time Birmingham has been known by a variety of names originating for 'Bermham' in the Saxon times, Berm being the family name and ham meaning home.

The success of Birmingham's early markets attracted an influx of traders and entrepreneurs. Vegetables and corn, sheep and cattle were sold, as well as coal, salt, millstones and various metals. People could buy a diverse range of locally produced goods, complemented by more exotic wares such as aniseed, iron goods, liquorice, oranges, silk, spices and tin ware.

A growing reputation for industry, a close proximity to iron and coalfields and the use of water power from small rivers and streams attracted a raft of metal workers, tanners and wool makers. Combined with the large number of agricultural workers, Birmingham's population swelled to around 15,000 by the late 17th century, despite the Civil War and a series of plagues.

The 18th and 19th centuries were the real turning point, with a flurry of growth and local immigration that resulted in the city's population soaring to 60,000. Choosing trades that responded to growing trends such as pen-making and letter-writing, Birmingham developed a diversity of industries, such as jewellery and gun-making, which were designed to survive slumps.

An integral element of Birmingham's manufacturing strength were the discoveries made by its eminent thinkers. James Watts' invention of the steam engine and Matthew Boulton's use of gas lighting were just two of many examples of breakthroughs made in Birmingham that transformed manufacturing processes across the world.

Meeting regularly on the night of the full moon at Matthew Boulton's Soho House in Birmingham, the Lunar Society was formed in 1765 by the forefathers of the industrial revolution. Their ingenuity brought about a new era of production that Birmingham embraced, creating the reputation of the 'workshop of the world'.

Effective transportation of the numerous goods being produced in Birmingham was an essential factor in its emergence as 'City of a Thousand Trades'. The development, by men such as James Brindley, of an extensive canal and improved national road network in the late 18th century increased Birmingham's potential as an inland town and enabled a worldwide demand for its products.

The canal infrastructure was of such great importance to Birmingham because it provided a transportation link between raw materials, industrial centres or markets. An added attraction was the volume of materials that could be transported, with one narrow boat carrying the same load as 200 packhorses. Industry and commerce flocked to use the canals, building wharves, branches, warehouses and factories close by.

The advent of the railways from 1838 signalled a national decline in canal use. Incredibly successful due to its speed and capacity, the rail network quickly spread and although many goods yards, sidings and factory branches have gone, most of the original fabric cuttings, embankments, viaducts and bridges of Birmingham’s extensive 19th-century railway system remain largely intact.

Birmingham's first foray into trams was a horse-drawn tramline in 1872. A decade later saw the introduction of six steam locomotives and ten open-top double-deckers, with 1901 heralding the first trams to use overhead electric cables. Incredibly popular in the suburbs as well as the City centre, the tram routes were finally abandoned in 1953 due to the disruption caused to road traffic.