Birmingham's John Bright Street: Then and Now

Birmingham, a city renowned for its industrial heritage and continuous evolution, boasts numerous streets that tell a story of its past. Among these, John Bright Street stands out as a particularly compelling narrative of transformation. Once a hub for political reform and Victorian civic pride, it has since evolved into a lively centre for entertainment and culture. This article delves into the rich history of John Bright Street, tracing its journey from the 19th century to the present day, highlighting key figures, architectural gems, and its current status as a vibrant part of the city centre.

The street is named after John Bright, a prominent figure in 19th-century British politics. Serving as the Member of Parliament for Birmingham for over three decades, from 1858 until his death in 1889, Bright was a driving force behind numerous progressive causes. Although perhaps less widely recognised today, his influence on parliamentary reform was immense. An independent thinker, he often stood apart from party politics, advocating for a wide array of reforms. His notable campaigns included the repeal of the Corn Laws, a more equitable approach to British rule in India, opposition to ill-advised military ventures, support for the Union during the American Civil War, and crucially, persuading Abraham Lincoln to abolish slavery.

John Bright was widely acknowledged as one of the greatest orators of his era. It was during a speech in Birmingham, focused on parliamentary reform, that he coined the famous phrase ‘the mother of Parliaments’. He is also credited with being the first to utter the expression ‘flogging a dead horse’, a testament to his sharp wit and expressive language.

Continuing the local tradition of activism, established by earlier figures like Thomas Attwood with his Birmingham Political Union and Joseph Sturge with his Complete Suffrage Union, John Bright’s most significant contribution was his pivotal role in extending the right to vote to working-class people. His campaign for parliamentary reform commenced in Birmingham Town Hall in 1858, sparking a series of large public gatherings across the city. In 1866, an enormous open-air meeting, attended by an estimated 200,000 people, took place at Brookfields, near the present-day Pitsford Street in Hockley. The name ‘Brookfield Road’ still commemorates this historic site. The subsequent Second Reform Act of 1867 was a landmark achievement, granting most urban men the right to vote, specifically targeting ‘skilled urban artisans’ and excluding labourers and women. This legislation more than doubled the size of the electorate, fundamentally altering the political landscape.

The ripple effect of these social reforms was considerable, with some of their physical manifestations still visible in Birmingham today. Under the dynamic leadership of Joseph Chamberlain, Birmingham embraced new civic powers with enthusiasm. The Education Act of 1870 led to the establishment of the education board responsible for constructing Birmingham’s iconic Victorian Board Schools. The Public Health Act of 1875 set crucial standards that guided the construction of the characteristic ‘bye-law’ terraced housing prevalent throughout the city. Furthermore, the aptly named Artisans’ and Labourers’ Dwellings Improvement Act of 1875 provided the slum clearance powers necessary for the creation of grand new thoroughfares, most notably Corporation Street.

In a similar vein, John Bright Street itself was carved through a section of an area known as the ‘Inkleys’. In the mid-19th century, this district was notorious as one of Birmingham’s most deprived slums. Today, a number of impressive buildings lining John Bright Street showcase an eclectic array of architectural styles, reflecting different periods of development. On the right-hand side, as one approaches from the direction of the Gala Casino, stands a beautiful run of late Victorian and Edwardian buildings, including the Geoffrey Building, all of which are recognised as listed structures. A little further along, the former Birmingham Skin Hospital, dating back to 1888, is also a listed building, preserving a piece of the city’s medical history.

On the opposite side of the street, the Victoria pub, dating from the late 19th century, stands as a testament to the area’s enduring character. Adjacent to it, the Alexandra Theatre opened its doors in 1901, becoming a significant cultural venue. While the primary entrance to the theatre was relocated in the 1960s via an innovative bridge designed by John Madin, leading to Suffolk Street, the theatre's 1930s Art Deco auditorium remains a captivating space, well worth a visit. The Futurist Cinema also graced the street, opening around 1914, adding to the area’s entertainment offerings.

In stark contrast to John Bright’s Quaker faith and his involvement in the temperance movement, John Bright Street later emerged as a vibrant centre for nightclubs and bars. During the early 1980s, it became a prime destination for a night out in Birmingham, largely due to the influence of nightclub impresario Eddie Fewtrell. Following the success of legendary earlier clubs such as the Cedar Club and Barbarella’s – which hosted seminal performances by bands like the Sex Pistols, The Clash, Ramones, Buzzcocks, and Birmingham’s own The Killjoys during the punk era – Fewtrell opened his own establishments along the street: Edward’s, Rebecca’s, and Abigail’s, the latter two named after his daughters. Even the former Skin Hospital was, for a period, transformed into a nightclub known as ‘The Hospital’. While these establishments are from an earlier era, the memory of ‘Edward’s No.8’ in its rock music guise still resonates.

Until relatively recently, John Bright Street, like some other streets situated behind New Street station, appeared somewhat neglected as the city’s nightlife scene shifted to other areas. The Futurist cinema closed in the 1990s and has experienced a varied history since; currently, its frontage advertises it as a shisha lounge and restaurant. Many of the other buildings had fallen into disrepair, suffering from neglect and fire damage. However, the area is experiencing a resurgence. The emergence of trendy new bars such as Brewdog, Cherry Red’s, and the aforementioned Victoria, coupled with a well-executed pedestrianisation scheme and the anticipation of the new New Street Gateway development opening in this vicinity, signals a positive new chapter for John Bright Street.

The street's transformation is a microcosm of Birmingham's own journey – a city that honours its past while continually reinventing itself. The blend of historic architecture and contemporary venues creates a unique atmosphere, making John Bright Street a fascinating place to explore.

So, the next time you find yourself enjoying a craft beer in one of John Bright Street’s fashionable nightspots, take a moment to appreciate the legacy of the Birmingham MP who played such a crucial role in shaping the democratic rights of working people. His influence, though perhaps not always visible, is woven into the fabric of this dynamic street and the city it belongs to.

Key Historical Figures:

• John Bright: Reformist MP, orator, advocate for voting rights.
• Thomas Attwood: Founder of the Birmingham Political Union.
• Joseph Sturge: Leader of the Complete Suffrage Union.
• Joseph Chamberlain: Civic leader instrumental in implementing social reforms.
• Eddie Fewtrell: Nightclub impresario who revitalised John Bright Street's nightlife.

Architectural Highlights:

• The Geoffrey Building (listed)
• Former Birmingham Skin Hospital (listed)
• The Victoria Pub (late 19th century)
• Alexandra Theatre (opened 1901)
• Futurist Cinema (opened c. 1914)

Evolution of John Bright Street:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: Who is John Bright Street named after?
A1: The street is named after John Bright, a significant 19th-century Member of Parliament for Birmingham who was a key figure in parliamentary reform and the extension of voting rights.

Q2: What was John Bright Street like in the 1980s?
A2: In the 1980s, John Bright Street was a major centre for Birmingham's nightlife, featuring several popular nightclubs owned by impresario Eddie Fewtrell.

Q3: Are there any notable buildings on John Bright Street?
A3: Yes, several buildings are of architectural or historical interest, including the Geoffrey Building, the former Birmingham Skin Hospital (both listed), the Victoria pub, and the Alexandra Theatre.

Q4: What is the current state of John Bright Street?
A4: The street is currently undergoing regeneration, with new bars and businesses opening, and improvements to the public realm, signalling a positive revival of the area.

John Bright Street’s journey from a place of reformist fervour to a bustling entertainment district is a compelling chapter in Birmingham’s urban story. Its enduring appeal lies in this rich tapestry of history, architecture, and contemporary vibrancy.

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