The Gothic on Great Hampton Street between 2016 and 2023

The Gothic was built originally as a public house at the corner of Great Hampton Street and Great Hampton Row in Hockley, Birmingham in the late 1870s. It has been a Grade II listed building since 1982. Cordia Blackswan restored the building from 2019, this was completed by 2022. King Kong Park was next to the building from July to around October 2022 (the King Kong recreation is gone).

The Gothic dates to the late 1870s, built of polychrome brick and Ruskinian dressed stone. The Gothic public house included two shops. A prominent corner site looking down Constitution Hill. The building has an octagonal turret. The building was Grade II listed in July 1982. It remained a pub until it closed down around 2001-02.

Cordia Blackswan took over the building and restoration work took place from 2019 to 2022.

 

The Gothic seen back in September 2016, a few years before restoration. The previous owners thought it was a good idea to paint the ground floor units in pink! Looking on Google Maps Street View, it has been like this since the 2000s.

dndimg alt="The Gothic" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The%20Gothic%20GHS%20(Sep%202016).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

By February 2022, all of the scaffolding had come down and restoration of The Gothic and the other buildings was almost complete. I was heading up Great Hampton Street to check out The Blue Orange Theatre at the time. Was wet rainy weather. The Quality Works buildings to the far left.

dndimg alt="The Gothic" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The%20Gothic%20GHS%20(Feb%202022)%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="The Gothic" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The%20Gothic%20GHS%20(Feb%202022)%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

March 2022, and I saw this view of The Gothic from Birmingham Snow Hill Station, waiting for my train at platform 3. That modern building to the right is Hampton by Hilton Birmingham Jewellery Quarter (next to St Paul's Tram Stop).

dndimg alt="The Gothic" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The%20Gothic%20GHS%20(Mar%202022).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Gothic and King Kong Park, July 2022. The recreated statue of King Kong was next to The Gothic from July 2022, at the beginning of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, on Great Hampton Row. I'd caught the tram that day up to St Paul's Tram Stop.

dndimg alt="The Gothic" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/King%20Kong%20Returns%2023072022%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="The Gothic" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/King%20Kong%20Returns%2023072022%20(16).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The last we saw of King Kong at King Kong Park was during October 2022. This view from The Orelle at 103 Colmore Row, with The Gothic seen on the left.

dndimg alt="The Gothic" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/King%20Kong%20Orelle%20103CR%2008102022%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="The Gothic" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/King%20Kong%20Orelle%20103CR%2008102022%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Early August 2023, and I approached The Gothic from Kenyon Street to Great Hampton Street. It looks like all the buildings renovations are now complete. It looks good! Also King Kong Park is long gone, and Great Hampton Row is once again open to local traffic.

dndimg alt="The Gothic" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The%20Gothic%20GHS%20(Aug%202023)%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="The Gothic" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The%20Gothic%20GHS%20(Aug%202023)%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="The Gothic" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The%20Gothic%20GHS%20(Aug%202023)%20(3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photography by Elliott Brown

A look inside St Chad's Cathedral

I went on my first Igers Birmingham UK photography meet at St Chad's Cathedral on 5th August 2023 at 11:30am. Plenty to see, was there over an hour and a half. We were also taken downstairs to the rooms underground. Always wanted to go inside of St Chad's, but kept missing those Birmingham Heritage Week open days. So this was a good opportunity.

A selection of photos I took at St Chad's Cathedral on 5th August 2023. More from me and others can be seen at this hashtag on Instagram IGBUK Meet St Chads.

 

First view inside of St Chad's after arriving for the meet.

dndimg alt="St Chad's Cathedral" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Chads%20IGB%20int%2005082023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Under the large organ.

dndimg alt="St Chad's Cathedral" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Chads%20IGB%20int%2005082023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

View to the large organ.

dndimg alt="St Chad's Cathedral" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Chads%20IGB%20int%2005082023%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

This chapel contains relics of St John Henry Newman.

dndimg alt="St Chad's Cathedral" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Chads%20IGB%20int%2005082023%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The relics of St John Henry Newman along with a picture of him.

dndimg alt="St Chad's Cathedral" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Chads%20IGB%20int%2005082023%20(7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

St Edward's Chapel. The chapel was built from 1931 and opened in 1933.

dndimg alt="St Chad's Cathedral" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Chads%20IGB%20int%2005082023%20(12).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

One of the stained glass windows.

dndimg alt="St Chad's Cathedral" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Chads%20IGB%20int%2005082023%20(14).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Archbishop's throne on the alter.

dndimg alt="St Chad's Cathedral" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Chads%20IGB%20int%2005082023%20(19).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Statue of St Chad, holding a model of the three spired Lichfield Cathedral. His relics were saved from Lichfield after the Reformation, and hidden, then moved to St Chad's Cathedral in Birmingham 300 years later, once it was safe to do so.

dndimg alt="St Chad's Cathedral" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Chads%20IGB%20int%2005082023%20(27).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

One of many places to light a candle. But don't light them during a mass as they will be a distraction! Also donate below.

dndimg alt="St Chad's Cathedral" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Chads%20IGB%20int%2005082023%20(33).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Monument of Bishop Thomas Walsh (1776 - 1849).  The founder of St Chad's Cathedral, he is buried in this Crypt. It was designed by A.W. Pugin, carved in Bath stone by George Myers and exhibited at the Great Exhibition in 1851.

dndimg alt="St Chad's Cathedral" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Chads%20IGB%20int%2005082023%20(37).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

And now for some photos taken in the rooms underground.

 

The robe of Pope John Paul II. He was the first Pope since the reformation to visit the UK in 1982. While he didn't visit Birmingham, he did go to Coventry. But he met the then new Archbishop of Birmingham Maurice Couve de Murville.

dndimg alt="St Chad's Cathedral" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Chads%20IGB%20crypt%2005082023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Robe of Pope Benedict XVI. He came to Birmingham in 2010, and held mass at Cofton Park, and also beautified John Henry Newman, and visited the Birmingham Oratory on the Hagley Road in Edgbaston.

dndimg alt="St Chad's Cathedral" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Chads%20IGB%20crypt%2005082023%20(8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

This room is called the Sacrament of Confirmation.

dndimg alt="St Chad's Cathedral" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Chads%20IGB%20crypt%2005082023%20(12).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Another interesting looking room with yellow walls and ceilings.

dndimg alt="St Chad's Cathedral" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Chads%20IGB%20crypt%2005082023%20(15).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

More photos in the gallery.

 

Photography by Elliott Brown

Jack's visit to Selly Manor with Nechells POD

During July 2023, Jack Babington and Nechells POD visited Selly Manor and Minworth Greaves in Bournville. Enjoy Jack's photos in this post.

Selly Manor is run by the Bournville Village Trust.

The building was re-built at Bournville from 1912 to 1916 by W. Alexander Harvey for George Cadbury. The building dates back to the 15th century in the sub-manor of Selly.

dndimg alt="Jack Selly Manor" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Selly%20Manor%20(July%202023)%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Henry VIII teddy bear.

dndimg alt="Jack Selly Manor" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Selly%20Manor%20(July%202023)%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Cuddly toy cat on a bed.

dndimg alt="Jack Selly Manor" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Selly%20Manor%20(July%202023)%20(3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Food on the kitchen table.

dndimg alt="Jack Selly Manor" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Selly%20Manor%20(July%202023)%20(4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Kitchen.

dndimg alt="Jack Selly Manor" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Selly%20Manor%20(July%202023)%20(5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

A boars head in the kitchen.

dndimg alt="Jack Selly Manor" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Selly%20Manor%20(July%202023)%20(6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Civil War helmets.

dndimg alt="Jack Selly Manor" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Selly%20Manor%20(July%202023)%20(7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Shields / coat of arms inside of Minworth Greaves.

dndimg alt="Jack Selly Manor" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Selly%20Manor%20(July%202023)%20(8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

An old clock.

dndimg alt="Jack Selly Manor" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Selly%20Manor%20(July%202023)%20(9).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

A view of Minworth Greaves.

It was re-built here in 1932 by Lawrence Cadbury. It was formerly located in Minworth near Sutton Coldfield, and dates to the 14th century. Restoration overseen by W. Alexander Harvey.

dndimg alt="Jack Selly Manor" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Selly%20Manor%20(July%202023)%20(10).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photography by Jack Babington

Reflective Pool from the Secret Garden at the Library of Birmingham over the years

The renovations of Centenary Square was completed in 2019, with a reflective pool, with water jets. But various events have taken place on it since the summer of 2019, including events related to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and Ice Skate Birmingham. When those are not there, the dancing water jets are on with kids running through them.

All views here taken from the Secret Garden, Level 7 at the Library of Birmingham.

 

13th August 2021

First visit to the Secret Garden after all the lockdowns and closures of the library.

dndimg alt="Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cent%20Sq%20LoB%2013082021%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

4th September 2021

The Reflective Pool getting a good use, in the months before Ice Skate Birmingham returned.

dndimg alt="Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cent%20Sq%20Reflective%20SG%20LoB%2004092021.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

15th July 2022

The Birmingham 2022 Megastore a couple of weeks before the start of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

dndimg alt="Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/B2022%20Megastore%20LoB%2015072022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

13th August 2022

The Birmingham 2022 Megastore, this was a few days after the end of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games (the terraces were closed during it).

dndimg alt="Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%20Raging%20Bull%20Centenary%20Sq%2013082022%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

16th September 2022

Empty again after the Birmingham 2022 Megastore had been dismantled. But preparing for the Conservative Party Conference next.

dndimg alt="Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ref%20Pool%20Centenary%20Sq%20LoB%2016092022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

24th September 2022

The marquees being put up for the Conservative Party Conference.

dndimg alt="Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Con%20Conf%20LoB%2024092022%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

29th October 2022

Ice Skate Birmingham begins to be built in Centenary Square, including the big wheel, Star Flyer and Air rides.

dndimg alt="Ice Skate Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/ICB%20Centenary%20Sq%2029102022%20(10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

26th January 2023

Centenary Square returned to normal after Ice Skate Birmingham had been dismantled again.

dndimg alt="Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cent%20Sq%20LTS%20LoB%2026012023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

25th April 2023

Centenary Square between events, this was a week or so before the King's Coronation celebrations.

dndimg alt="Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Centenary%20Sq%20SG%20LoB%2025042023.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

1st June 2023

The Reflective Pool was turned off, while a bus stop in Centenary Square was getting done up at Library Metro Tram Stop.

dndimg alt="Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ref%20Pool%20Centenary%20Sq%2001062023.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

14th June 2023

The Reflective Pool was on for most of June, with the dancing water jet fountains, kids enjoying the summer heatwave that month.

dndimg alt="Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Centenary%20Sq%2014062023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

29th July 2023

Birmingham Festival 23 on from 28th July to 6th August 2023, depending on the weather.

dndimg alt="Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BFest23%20Centenary%20Sq%2029072023%20(8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Ozzy Birmingham's Mechanical Bull at Birmingham New Street Station

During July 2023, Artem FX rebuilt the raging Commonwealth Bull now called Ozzy at the concourse of Birmingham New Street Station. Unveiled 26th July 2023 by Sharon Osbourne. If arriving by train, exit at the A end of the station before exiting at the ticket barriers. Also balcony views around Grand Central, for the best views from above. Or approach from the concourse close up.

Since Autumn 2022, when the Raging Bull was removed from the wasteland in Ladywood, Artem FX took him back to their base in West London for a complete rebuild. After the public campaign to save him. Little news over Winter 2022-23, but by Spring 2023, we found out that the bull would be living at Birmingham New Street Station. 

A public vote was put out to name the bull, this was cut down to the final four: Ozzy, Brummie, Bostin or Boulton. More details on the vote here.

 

Waiting the the Bull, June 2023

1st June 2023, the space is set out in the concourse at Birmingham New Street Station,

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BNSS%2001062023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

10th June 2023, up and close with the spot where Ozzy would go.

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/RB%20BNSS%2010062023.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

18th June 2023, the barriers got even smaller!

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/No%20Bull%20BNSS%2018062023.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

22nd June 2023, the Raging Commonwealth Bull is officially named Ozzy after a public vote landslide!

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20Bull.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />Photoshop mock up by Elliott Brown

 

27th June 2023, another look at the space where Ozzy would go in July.

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20site%20BNSS%2027062023.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Building Ozzy, July 2023

6th July 2023, the space is set, Ozzy would arrive in pieces overnight.

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20bull%20BNSS%2006072023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20bull%20BNSS%2006072023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

7th July 2023, work begins to rebuild Ozzy the bull at Birmingham New Street Station. There is good views from Grand Central above.

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20Bull%20BNSS%2007072023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20Bull%20BNSS%2007072023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20Bull%20BNSS%2007072023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

9th July 2023, Ozzy's body has been reformed. But was headless at this point.

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20Bull%20BNSS%2009072023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20Bull%20BNSS%2009072023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

14th July 2023, Ozzy is now fully formed, but has a veil over his head, which would not come down for another 12 days.

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20Bull%20BNSS%2014072023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20Bull%20BNSS%2014072023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

16th July 2023, our last update before Ozzy would be revealed 10 days later, live on BBC Breakfast, to be unveiled by Sharon Osbourne.

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20Bull%20BNSS%2016072023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20Bull%20BNSS%2016072023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Ozzy unveiling day, 26th July 2023

The views of Ozzy, Birmingham's Mechanical Bull from all angles. 

From the A end of Birmingham New Street Station (ticketed part of the concourse).

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20Bull%20BNSS%2026072023%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Views from the concourse at Birmingham New Street.

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20Bull%20BNSS%2026072023%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20Bull%20BNSS%2026072023%20(3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20Bull%20BNSS%2026072023%20(4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Main views of course from the balconies at Grand Central above.

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20Bull%20BNSS%2026072023%20(5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20Bull%20BNSS%2026072023%20(6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20Bull%20BNSS%2026072023%20(7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20Bull%20BNSS%2026072023%20(8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20Bull%20BNSS%2026072023%20(9).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20Bull%20BNSS%2026072023%20(10).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

More views of Ozzy around New Street Station and Grand Central.

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_4112b_BULL23.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_4134b_BULL23.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_4141b_BULL23.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_4155b_BULL23.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_4200b_BULL23.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_4128b_BULL23.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_4121b_BULL23.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_4106b_BULL23.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Daniel Sturley