Birmingham Back to Backs

In the heart of Birmingham's bustling city centre lies a hidden gem that offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the city's working-class inhabitants during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The Birmingham Back to Backs, also known as Court 15, are the last surviving court of back-to-back houses in Birmingham, preserved as a historic house museum by the National Trust. These unique houses, built around shared courtyards, tell the stories of the people who lived and worked in them, providing a vivid snapshot of urban life during Britain's industrial revolution.

The History of Birmingham Back to Backs

The history of the Birmingham Back to Backs is intertwined with the rapid industrial growth of Birmingham during the 19th century. As the city expanded, there was an urgent need for housing to accommodate the influx of workers. Back-to-back houses, a particular type of British terraced housing, were constructed to meet this demand. These houses were built in rows, with the back of one house directly connected to the back of another, forming a courtyard in between.

The houses at 50–54 Inge Street and 55–63 Hurst Street, which make up Court 15, were built in the early 19th century. The land on which they stand was originally owned by the Inge and Gooch families. In 1789, Sir Thomas Gooch leased the land to John Willmore, a local toymaker, who began the construction of the houses. Over the years, the houses were occupied by various families and individuals, many of whom were skilled craftsmen working in industries such as button making, glasswork, leatherwork, and tailoring.

Exploring the Back to Backs

Today, the Birmingham Back to Backs have been meticulously restored to reflect different periods of their history, from the 1840s to the 1970s. Each house is furnished and decorated to represent a specific era, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the living conditions of the past.

A guided tour of the Back to Backs begins with a visit to the courtyard, where you can see the original brick paving and the communal water pump that served the residents. The courtyard was a hub of activity, where children played, women did laundry, and neighbors socialized. As you explore the houses, you'll learn about the lives of the people who lived there, from the Mitchell family of locksmiths and bellhangers, who occupied the court for over 70 years, to George Saunders, an immigrant from St Kitts who established a tailor shop on the premises.

The Layout and Design

The layout of the Back to Backs is both practical and ingenious. The court consists of three pairs of back-to-back houses on Inge Street and a terrace of five blind back houses on Hurst Street, forming an L-shaped footprint. All the buildings are three storeys tall, with one room on each floor. The houses were designed to maximize space and light, with large bay windows and shared chimneys.

One of the most interesting features of the Back to Backs is the tunnel entrance that runs between No. 52 Inge Street and No. 54 Inge Street. This narrow passageway leads to the rear entrances of the houses on Hurst Street, highlighting the cramped and crowded conditions in which the residents lived. Despite these challenges, the houses were home to over 500 families over the years.

Restoration and Preservation

The preservation of the Birmingham Back to Backs is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the Birmingham Conservation Trust and the National Trust. In 1988, the court received Grade II listed status from the Department of National Heritage, recognizing its historical and architectural significance. In the years that followed, extensive restoration work was carried out to bring the houses back to their former glory.

The restoration project was a labor of love, involving meticulous research and careful craftsmanship. Each house was restored to reflect a specific period in its history, from the 1840s to the 1970s. Original features, such as fireplaces, staircases, and bay windows, were preserved, while period-appropriate furnishings and decorations were added to create an authentic and immersive experience for visitors.

Visiting the Back to Backs

A visit to the Birmingham Back to Backs is a journey through time, offering a unique and intimate look at the lives of Birmingham's working-class residents. The guided tours, which must be pre-booked, provide a wealth of information and insights, bringing the history of the houses and their occupants to life. As you explore the different rooms and courtyards, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs of urban life during the industrial revolution.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, a student of architecture, or simply curious about the past, the Birmingham Back to Backs offer a fascinating and memorable experience. This hidden gem in the heart of Birmingham is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the rich and diverse history of this vibrant city.