City News

How Birmingham Changed the History of the World

The fascinating story of how a company of wire makers from Yardley in Birmingham helped to connect Europe and America and revolutionise communications, is one of the many highlights of  ‘A History of the World’ - a major BBC Radio, TV and online project.

In 1865, Birmingham wire-makers Webster and Horsfall developed a revolutionary armoured wire to create the first successful communications cable to be laid across the Atlantic Ocean, connecting Europe with America. Over 4,000 miles of cable, containing over 30,000 miles of wire, weighing more than 1600 tons were laid between Valentia Island off the west coast of Ireland and Heart’s Content in Newfoundland. It took 250 men 11 months to make the cable and a whole area of east Birmingham was taken over with the manufacture and storage of this huge amount of wire.

A small section of the cable is on display in Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery and is one of 10 items selected by the BBC to tell a history of Birmingham and its place in the world. Other objects include the magnificent Sultanganj Buddha, at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, as well as the Steam Engine Clock Barometer on display at the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter and William Murdock’s innovative Locomotive steam engine on display at ThinkTank - Birmingham Science Museum.  The list of all 10 objects can be seen on http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/birmingham/hi/ .

The list of 10 objects for Birmingham is part of the wider A History of the Worldproject formed out of a unique partnership between the BBC, the British Museum and 350 museums and institutions across the country. Listeners and viewers will also be able to suggest further objects and can actively participate by uploading photographs of their own objects that have a local or global appeal.  Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery will be holding a special event in February half-term to celebrate A History of the World.  

Cllr Martin Mullaney, Cabinet Member for Leisure Sport and Culture said:
“Birmingham’s museums and collections are internationally renowned.  They help tell the story of the city’s role in world history and how it helped shaped the place we live in today.  

“I am delighted that we are working with the BBC on what promises to be an engaging and informative initiative for people of all ages.   Hopefully many people will discover what a rich heritage Birmingham has.”

For further details on Birmingham Museum and art Gallery please visit www.bmag.org.uk