City Uncovered walks, events 18-31 May
I have five rather niche guided tours in Birmingham coming up over the next week or so as part of the City Uncovered programme, which runs 18 - 31 May. These include Sherlock Holmes, devils and demons, Bham nauticalia, and various other lost bits and pieces. City Uncovered is organised by Yuup, who specialisse in city behind-the-scenes events, walks, courses &c ...please say hello if you sign up via Reddit!
Sat 23 May - Devilish Details:
Some say 'the devil is in the details' and this spring our search resumes for just this. Together for the first time, elements of the city that reveal a demonic presence around us in the city's pavements, public art and architecture, while the city's history features notable dabblers in the dark arts. If you dare, join us on this 100-minute city walk on
Sun 24 May - The Game is Afoot:
Tantalisingly, the literary landscape of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes stories owes much to his formative experiences in Birmingham and Aston. Here we search out the hidden clues that reveal Sherlock Holmes’ presence in the city. Conan Doyle lived in Birmingham while he was writing his first mysteries, as a 'side hustle' to his job as a pharmacist. His later Sherlock adventures borrowed names from several Birmingham figures and locations. On this 100-minute walk visiting plaques, public art, paintings and tobacconists, our group is shown how to look for the clues that reveal Holmes’ presence. At once an affectionate tribute to the world’s most famous detective and also a reflection on the nature of evidence, critical thinking and the historical method.
Thu 28 May - Relics of New Street:
A short but packed survey of the lesser-noticed aspects of the city’s most familiar street. A "ghost walk" of sorts, being a forensic survey of New Street for the remnants, vestiges and lost streets that show how the city’s shops, cinemas and squares have changed over time. The walk dips into the opulent Kardomah Café, lost pubs, the dark origins of the name of the Bullring, grand fireplaces, and remnants of Christ Church.
Sat 30 May - What Was Lost:
Join us on a meditation on the slivers and vestiges of archaeological evidence in Digbeth's back streets. Together, they tell an intriguing and nearly invisible Birmingham story—a city noted for its frequent losses. Expect to encounter remnants of buildings, signs, designs, decorative features, manufactured goods and—of course—Duran Duran + Britt Ekland.
Sun 31 May - 'Anchors Aweigh!'
…charts a meandering course through the backwaters, coves and inlets of Birmingham-on-Sea, sifting through the flotsam and jetsam of the city’s various currents and historical nautical connections. Our famously landlocked city has nevertheless celebrated aquatic legends, formed nautical clubs, sailed single-handedly round the world, created precision maritime instruments, has adopted the emblem of the mermaid for its university and the anchor for its assaying office. Discover your Birmingham sea legs on this 100 minute walk with local historian Ben Waddington, washing up at the dock of our naval allies The Anchor, Digbeth where we invite you to swap unlikely scar-yarns and splice the main brace with a ration of rum.
My walks:
The full city uncovered programme: