Digital Handsworth

Photograph of Handsworth taken in 1972 by South African photographer George Hallet..

Explore:   "Digital Handsworth" provides a multimedia resource guide to the history of the community focussed on the ancient parish of Handsworth. Use the site to explore a rich range of historical material which traces the development of the area from rural villages with medieval origins through rapid urbanisation between 1840 and 1940, into the multicultural suburb of today.

Content:   A wide range of sources from Archives, Libraries and Museums have been used to allow material which would normally be physically dispersed and difficult to access to be brought together in new and creative ways. Search through Photographs ranging from collections that began in the late nineteenth century up to the work of Handsworth communities and photographers of today. Look at historic maps, from the tithe maps of the 1840's to large-scale maps of the 1930's which show in detail the rapid changes taking place. Find newscuttings, documents, letters and ephemera from local people and organisations - in particular those relating to the pioneers of the industrial revolution, Matthew Boulton and James Watt. Listen to oral history recordings and view video clips which illustrate life in the recent past. A range of "Learning Journeys " will also be available. These will allow you in an entertaining way to gain a greater insight in how to get the most from these resources and the collections they are based on.

Resources On-Line:   Available now.

Web Site:   www.digitalhandsworth.org.uk

Contact:   richard.albutt@birmingham.gov.uk