Life and Death in Late Victorian Birmingham

Exclusively for Birmingham Heritage Week, discover the stories of Birmingham told through the voices of our volunteers – with a walking tour that explores how the city’s past shaped its views on life, public health and death.

From local government to everyday Brummies, this unique experience delves into changing attitudes by visiting three key heritage sites: the now-closed but historically significant Roundhouse Birmingham, the city’s iconic Canals, and the evocative Coffin Works Museum.

Your guide for the afternoon is Chris, a passionate long-term volunteer at both Roundhouse Birmingham and the Coffin Works. With a wealth of knowledge and an engaging storytelling style, Chris will guide you through a thought-provoking look at late Victorian Birmingham’s approach to both living and dying.

What’s Included:

• 40-minute stop at the Roundhouse site
  Though now closed to the public, the Roundhouse remains an important part of Birmingham’s story. Chris will share its legacy, role in the city, and why it shouldn’t be forgotten.

• 40-minute guided walk along Birmingham’s canals
  Explore how the canals shaped industry, community, and everyday life in the Victorian city.

• 40-minute tour of the Coffin Works Museum
  Arriving by 3:00pm, you’ll step inside the former Newman Brothers factory to uncover how Birmingham led the way in funerary innovation – and how this shaped attitudes toward death and remembrance.

• Fully guided throughout by Chris – expect surprising insights, and plenty of local passion.

Event Details:

Start time: 1:40pm at the Roundhouse Visitor Centre –  1 Sheepcote Street, Birmingham, B16 8AE. 

End time: 3:40pm at the Coffin Works Museum – 13-15 Fleet St, Birmingham B3 1JP

Weather: Tours go ahead in all but the worst conditions. We’ll contact you if rescheduling is necessary.

What to wear: Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Some streets may be uneven or steep.