Early modern Birmingham



birmingham in 1732


by time of english civil war birmingham s booming economy, expanding population, , resulting high levels of social mobility , cultural pluralism, had seen develop new social structures different of more established areas. relationships built around pragmatic commercial linkages rather rigid paternalism , deference of feudal society, , loyalties traditional hierarchies of established church , aristocracy weak. town s reputation political radicalism , parliamentarian sympathies saw attacked royalist forces in battle of birmingham in 1643, , developed centre of puritanism in 1630s , haven nonconformists 1660s.


the 18th century saw tradition of free-thinking , collaboration blossom cultural phenomenon known midlands enlightenment. town developed notable centre of literary, musical, artistic , theatrical activity; , leading citizens – particularly members of lunar society of birmingham – became influential participants in circulation of philosophical , scientific ideas among europe s intellectual elite. close relationship between enlightenment birmingham s leading thinkers , major manufacturers – in men matthew boulton , james keir in fact same people – made particularly important exchange of knowledge between pure science , practical world of manufacturing , technology. created chain reaction of innovation , forming pivotal link between earlier scientific revolution , industrial revolution follow.








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