An History of Birmingham (1783)

"An History of Birmingham" by William Hutton is a historical account written in the late 18th century. This work aims to document the history, character, and development of Birmingham, an important industrial city in England. Hutton discusses the significant aspects of its geographical and societal landscape, thus offering readers insights into the city's early foundations and its industrial growth. The opening of the text features a preface in which the author reflects on the nature of historical writing and his motivations for undertaking this project. Hutton acknowledges the lack of a comprehensive history dedicated to Birmingham, prompting him to fill this gap with his own observations. He emphasizes his connection to the city and its people, sharing personal anecdotes while laying the groundwork for the historical narrative to follow. The author goes on to describe the derivation of the city's name and its geographical positioning, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of Birmingham's cultural and industrial significance in subsequent chapters.