Victoria Square
United Kingdom
Take a step back into the 19th century and explore Victorian Birmingham at Victoria Square
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Orientation
Welcome to Victoria Square, the undeniable heart of Birmingham. This grand urban space serves as the city’s primary civic focal point, where history, politics, and art intersect. …
Listen in the app2The Town Hall — A Roman Temple in the Midlands
Before us stands the Birmingham Town Hall, a building of immense architectural and historical significance. Completed in 1834, it was designed by Joseph Hansom (inventor of the Hansom cab) and Edward Welch. …
Listen in the app3The Council House — The Seat of Power
Dominating the northern side of the square is the Birmingham Council House, an impressive example of Renaissance-style architecture. Completed in 1879, it was designed by Yeoville Thomason. …
Listen in the app4'The River' — The Floozie in the Jacuzzi
At the center of Victoria Square is the most famous work of modern art in Birmingham: 'The River' by Dhruva Mistry. This massive bronze fountain features a reclining female figure, affectionately known by locals as 'The Floozie…
Listen in the app5Iron:Man — Antony Gormley’s Sentinel
Near the entrance to the square from New Street stands 'Iron:Man,' a sculpture by the world-renowned artist Antony Gormley. This 1993 work is a 6-meter-tall figure made of cast iron, which Gormley specifically chose to honor…
Listen in the app6The Queen Victoria Statue — The Square’s Namesake
We must not overlook the statue of Queen Victoria herself, which stands near the entrance to the Council House. This bronze statue was created by Thomas Brock and unveiled in 1901, just weeks before the Queen's death. …
Listen in the app7The Transition to New Street and the Bullring
As we look south from the square, we see the beginning of New Street, Birmingham’s primary shopping street. This transition is significant; it marks the move from the civic and political heart of the city to its commercial and…
Listen in the app8Closing
As our tour of Victoria Square concludes, let us reflect on the layers of identity we have encountered. This square is more than just a collection of buildings and statues; it is the physical manifestation of Birmingham’s spirit. …
Listen in the app
What is Victoria Square?
Victoria Square is a place in United Kingdom with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | United Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Type | Heritage |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 52.4797, -1.9026 |
| Last updated |
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