Birmingham Back to Backs

A rare survival of 19th century social history.

19th century Birmingham was a bustling, smoky metropolis, swelling with new industry, new jobs and a massive influx of the new people needed to fill them. These incoming workers, their families and their children's families had to be housed somewhere. And so the era of the back to backs was born.

Thousands of houses, built literally back-to-back around a central courtyard sprung up all over newly industrialised Britain, but in the 'city of 1000 trades' almost a quarter of all residents inhabited these three-room, three-storey homes. Intended for single occupancy, most back to backs accommodated extended families of up to 10 people, sometimes a lodger and often a downstairs workshop.

The National Trust Back to Backs affords a fascinating glimpse into working class life in Birmingham from 1840 to 1977. Visitors move through four authentically restored back to backs, each one representing a different time period and the culture, profession and daily routine of the family that called it home. Attention to detail and atmospheric re-creation combine to give the impression that each family has just stepped out for a second.

Opened in 2004, the Birmingham Back to Backs is a popular attraction and advanced booking is strongly advised. Please see the National Trust website for details.

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