Nostalgic Photos Reveal Transformations in Birmingham and Bristol City Centres

Old photographs offer a fascinating glimpse into the past, illustrating the dramatic changes in Birmingham and Bristol city centres over the years.

Birmingham:

  1. Union Jack Flying Over Baskerville House, 1961: A striking image of the Union Jack flying above Baskerville House, overlooking the Hall of Memory.

  2. King Kong in the Bull Ring, 1960s: The iconic King Kong statue once stood proudly in the Bull Ring, a popular sight for people passing through the city centre.

  3. The Last Tram to Ladywood, 1947: A photo capturing the last tram departing from Navigation Street, marking the end of an era.

  4. Annual Onion Fair in Aston, 1960: An image from the Onion fair at Serpentine Grounds showcasing city events.

  5. Children Playing in Chamberlain Square Fountain, 1954: Youngsters frolicking in the soapy froth of the Chamberlain Square fountain.

  6. Roadworks on Inner Ring Road, 1958: Images of construction on the Inner Ring Road at Steelhouse Lane and Upper Priory.

  7. New Street in 1978 and 1897: Photos showing the evolution of New Street from the Diamond Jubilee celebrations to pre-pedestrianisation.

  8. Bull Ring Construction, 1973: Work on the Meat, Fish, and Poultry Complex during the Bull Ring redevelopment.

  9. Ring Road Construction, 1957-1971: A series of images documenting the development of the ring road with landmarks like St Chad's Cathedral in view.

  10. ICC Construction, 1989: Photos showing the building stages of the International Convention Centre.

Bristol:

  1. Buchanans Wharf, 1884-1988: Originally a granary and flour mill, the building was converted into flats, with bomb damage gaps later filled.

  2. Stokes Croft, 1976: The picture highlights the former Jones and Co department store before redevelopment for Avon House.

  3. Rupert Street, 1974: The transformation of the street with historical structures giving way to modern redevelopment.

  4. Temple Meads Station Approach, 1975: Captured from a now-nonexistent footbridge during area revamps.

  5. Colston Avenue, 1974: A view dominated by Edmund Burke's statue amidst outdated street furniture replaced in subsequent years.

  6. Hotwell Road: The historic landscape featuring HMS Flying Fox, replaced by the Grain Barge.

  7. Old Market Street, 1980: A once dilapidated area now rejuvenated as the city's vibrant gay scene hub.

  8. Merchant Street, 1973: Transition from a Blitz and post-war planned area to a bustling shopping district.

  9. Totterdown Rooftops, 1974: A picturesque skyline untouched by nearby redevelopment.

  10. Baldwin Street, 1974: A street maintaining its historic ambiance despite cinema closures and transport changes.

  11. Lower Castle Street and Redcliff Street Archaeological Digs, 1981: Digging into the past amidst new office block constructions.

These images illustrate the extensive evolution of Birmingham and Bristol, capturing moments of urban planning's impact and the passage of time.