Powerhouse of the Midlands

Once known as the city of a thousand trades, Britain's second city is now better known for its trade fairs and conventions, as well as its stunning Victorian buildings and many miles of canals. Less well known is that it is the largest city in the world to have been founded by an English-speaking heathen.

Bustling, businesslike and thoroughly modern, Birmingham seldom features in historic fiction, but its landscape and buildings did provide the inspiration for many of the concepts in another fantasy classic: The Lord of the Rings.

The opening chase of The Runemaster takes place on New Street, one of the city's main shopping streets and the venue for its famous German market, which takes place at Christmas each year. The stallholders come from Birmingham's twin town of Frankfurt.

The district of Tyseley, which also features in The Runemaster, may well bear the name of the English god, Tiw. If it does, the name would mean 'Tiw's clearing', a reminder that much of Birmingham was wooded until recent times.

To see the statue that inspired the portrayal of the thurse, pay a visit to the Custard Factory in the city's Digbeth district.

Scroll through the pictures to see what Britain's second city has to offer.

Gas Street Basin

For the past two hundred years, Birmingham has lain at the heart of Britain's canal network. This basin forms its hub.

Library of Birmingham

Opened in 2013, this is currently Britain's largest public library. To its right is Baskerville House, built in 1938 as part of a proposed civic centre which was never completed.

Corporation Street

This street was laid out in 1878 on the site of a Georgian slum. The top end (shown here) forms the city's legal quarter.

Birmingham Cathedral

St Philip's church opened in 1715 and became a cathedral in 1905. It is the third smallest cathedral in England and one of only two built in the baroque style, the other being London.

Central Hall

Opened in 1904, this building is an excellent example of the Midland Terracotta style. Now largely disused, its sculptures call to mind the 'green man' of English folklore.

Moor Street Station

Birmingham Moor Street was built in 1914. After several years of closure, the old platforms reopened in 2002. The whole station is decorated in the style and livery of a 1930s station.

Tamworth

Ludlow

Birmingham

Powerhouse of the Midlands

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