Birmingham
Britain s second city, with a population of
over 1 million, is a world industrial centre principally for
engineering, machine tools and metal. The famous Bull Ring,
although modern in construction has in fact been the
historical hub of the city for many centuries. Although
granted a market charter in 1166 Birmingham remained a small
village until the middle ages. This was due to lack of river
transportation. In the I8 c James Watt (inventor of the
steam engine) and many other innovators resident here
propelled the town into being the nucleus of the industrial
revolution.
The city is governed by an elected council of 156 members
and returns 13 members to parliament
