City of Religions: Exploring Faith Diversity through Archives

“Life changing, festivals, religious parades and political protests
moved along streets and collected in local parks, connecting places with events in people’s minds and mixing the old with the new”

This research guide provides an introduction to just some of the many faiths that have a long history in Birmingham.

• How far back can we trace religious diversity in our city?
• In what ways have different faiths contributed towards the search for social justice?
• How can we use archives to look for the answers to these questions?
• How has faith diversity influenced civic growth?

Chapters in this research guide include:

• City of Religions: Introduction
• Religion and Society in Eighteenth Century Birmingham
• Early Catholic Histories in Birmingham
• Faiths in a Changing Skyline: Aspects of Black and Asian Worship
• Contemporary Issues: Faith and Conflict

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People and places mentioned in this research guide include: Robert William Dale; Abraham Graham; Joseph Priestley; Rev Samuel Pearce; Equiano; Baptist Missionary Society; St Chad's Catholic Cathedral; A.W. Pugin; John Hardman; Cardinal Newman; the Oratory; Sisters of Mercy; Murphy Riots; William Murphy; Carr's Lane Church; St Michael's; black spirituality; George Cousins; Rev Peter Stanford; Muslim burial ground; Lodge Hill Cemetery; Central Mosque in Balsall Heath; and, the Sikh Gurdwara on Soho Road. Features photographs by Nick Hedges and Vanley Burke.

Further links and research:

A Volunteer's View - 'I'm A Believer'

As part of the Birmingham Stories project, a volunteer has been working with some of the archive materials on faith and identity. Manpreet's online exhibition focuses on a photographic archive called, 'I'm A Believer', created by Nick Hedges in 1976-77. Manpreet decided to focus on her favourite five images from the collection. Nick Hedges was kind enough to offer his reflection on her work. In the photographer's captions, you can read further information and some additional context.

Staff Recommends - City of Religions

This is an additional miscellaneous resource list of materials. Each item was suggested by the staff of Birmingham Archives & Heritage during research seminars held by the Birmingham Stories project. These can be used in conjunction with the resources in the learning guide on ‘City of Religions, Exploring Faith Diversity Through Archives’.