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01 Sep 2018 - On-going

Passions

History & heritage, Civic pride, People & community

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Jonathan Bostock

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Civic pride
27 Dec 2018 - Elliott Brown
Did you know?

The Chamberlain Brothers: Austen and Neville - from Birmingham to Westminster

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Joseph Chamberlain had two sons, Austen Chamberlain and Neville Chamberlain. While all three became MP's, Old Joe never became leader of the Conservative Party like his sons did (was also a Liberal originally). Austen was Leader of the Conservative Party from 1921 to 1922. While Neville became Prime Minister from 1937 to 1940 (stepping down when WW2 started).

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The Chamberlain Brothers: Austen and Neville - from Birmingham to Westminster





Joseph Chamberlain had two sons, Austen Chamberlain and Neville Chamberlain. While all three became MP's, Old Joe never became leader of the Conservative Party like his sons did (was also a Liberal originally). Austen was Leader of the Conservative Party from 1921 to 1922. While Neville became Prime Minister from 1937 to 1940 (stepping down when WW2 started).


For my Joseph Chamberlain post, follow this link Joseph Chamberlain: Birmingham's visionary Mayor in the late 19th Century.

Austen Chamberlain

His full name after he was knighted was Sir Joseph Austen Chamberlain, but he was best known as Austen (probably to distinguish from his more famous father Joseph Chamberlain). Born in 1863 he lived to 1937. His mother was Harriet Kenrick, who died in childbirth. Austen was born at Giles House at 83 Harborne Road in Edgbaston (there is a blue plaque here from the Birmingham Civic Society).

dndimg alt="Giles House - Harborne Road, Edgbaston" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Giles House Harborne Road Edgbaston.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

He stood to become an MP with the Liberal Unionist Party, which later merged with the Conservative Party. He later became Leader of the Conservative Party in the House of Commons from 1921 to 1922. He was also Chancellor of the Exchequer from 1903 to 1905, Secretary of State for India from 1915 to 1917, Leader of the House of Commons from 1921 to 1922, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs from 1924 to 1929 and First Lord of the Admiralty during a period in 1931. Austen was the MP for Birmingham West and he had the seat from 1914 to 1937 (from the death of his father Joseph Chamberlain to his own death). The constituency was created in 1885 and abolished in 1950. He was the only Conservative Party leader of the 20th century to never become Prime Minister, and he never fought an election as leader.

In the Council House in Victoria Square are these marble boards called Freemen of the City of Birmingham. All three members of the Chamberlain family are on it. Joseph Chamberlain was the first in 1888 (having been Mayor of Birmingham and later an MP). Austen Chamberlain was in 1926 and his brother Neville Chamberlain in 1932

dndimg alt="Freemen of the City of Birmingham 1888 to 1932" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Freeman of the City of Birmingham 1888 to 1932.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

After Joseph Chamberlain died in 1914, Highbury Hall passed to Austen Chamberlain. During the First World War, the hall was described as "dark and gloomy". It was used as a hospital and home for disabled soldiers. Austen handed the hall to trustees in 1919, and it was passed to the Corporation of Birmingham in 1932, when it was used as a home for elderly women. Birmingham City Council restored it in 1984, and in the last few decades, it's been used as a conference venue, and also for functions such as weddings. More recently it's been taken over by the Chamberlain Highbury Trust in 2016. A fundraising campaign was launched in 2018 to help restore the building and parkland.

dndimg alt="Highbury Hall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Highbury Hall (August 2018).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

See this post when the last Highbury Hall open day was held during Birmingham Heritage Week in September 2018.

Neville Chamberlain

He was the half brother of Austin Chamberlain, and the son of Joseph Chamberlain and his second wife Florence Kenrick. He was born in 1869 and died in 1940. He went to school at Rugby School and was later a student at Mason College. He got elected to Birmingham City Council in 1911 for the Liberal Unionist Party for the All Saints' Ward which was located in his fathers Parliamentary Constituency of Birmingham West (later held by Austen from 1914 to 1937). Neville became Lord Mayor of Birmingham in 1915. He first got elected to Parliament in 1918 for Birmingham Ladywood until 1929. He was later the MP for Birmingham Edgbaston which he held from 1929 until his death in 1940. He served as Prime Minister from 1937 to 1940. Like his brother before him, he never fought an election as leader of the Conservative Party.

Portrait below seen at Highbury Hall of Neville Chamberlain, while he was Chancellor of the Exchequer in 1933. He held that role twice, first time from 1923 to 1924, and the second time from 1931 to 1937.

dndimg alt="Neville Chamberlain" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Highbury 6.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Heading back to Birmingham, to Edgbaston High School for Girls near Westbourne Road in Edgbaston. This building dates to 1960 and was by H. W. Hobbiss & Partners. Alterations in 1991 by S. T. Walker & Partners. This is quite close to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, and it is near the entrance used by the Magical Lantern Festival. Neville Chamberlain lived near here from 1911 to 1940 when he was in his constituencies. You will find another blue plaque from the Birmingham Civic Society on the building. Am not sure when his former home was demolished, as the school is now on the lands (including the more modern school buildings to the left of here).

dndimg alt="Edgbaston High School for Girls - Westbourne Road, Edgbaston" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Edgbaston High School for Girls Westbourne Road Edgbaston.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The Birmingham Municipal Bank seen at 301 Broad Street (will now be part of Centenary Square next to the Westside Metro extension). Seen in September 2013 from the Library of Birmingham, several years before Arena Central actually started.  Neville Chamberlain suggested the idea for the bank way back in 1915, originally for savings. This building was built in 1931 / 1932, and Neville Chamberlain while Chancellor of the Exchequer, laid the foundation stone in 1932. It was the Birmingham Municipal Bank headquarters and is now a Grade II listed building. It was opened in 1933 by the Prince George. It became a TSB bank in 1976, until it was sold to the council in 2006. The bank later became part of Lloyds TSB, but the building has been closed for many years. It had been occasionally opened for Birmingham Hidden Spaces. The University of Birmingham will be taking it over and it will be fully restored. It will become an arts venue with exhibitions and performances. It is now to the right of 1 Centenary Square (HSBC UK, was 2 Arena Central). The Register Office used to be to the right of it (later House of Sport, now demolished). That will be the 5 Centenary Square site (was 1 Arena Central).

dndimg alt="Birmingham Municipal Bank" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Birmingham Municipal Bank from the Library of Birmingham.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

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50 passion points
Civic pride
30 Oct 2018 - Elliott Brown
Did you know?

Joseph Chamberlain: Birmingham's visionary Mayor in the late 19th Century

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A look at Joseph Chamberlain who as well as later being an MP for Birmingham, before that served several years as the Mayor of the town (it didn't become a City until 1888). A member of the Liberal Party, he was elected Mayor of Birmingham in 1873, holding that title until 1876 when he was elected to Parliament. Various clocks and monuments are around the city in his name.

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Joseph Chamberlain: Birmingham's visionary Mayor in the late 19th Century





A look at Joseph Chamberlain who as well as later being an MP for Birmingham, before that served several years as the Mayor of the town (it didn't become a City until 1888). A member of the Liberal Party, he was elected Mayor of Birmingham in 1873, holding that title until 1876 when he was elected to Parliament. Various clocks and monuments are around the city in his name.


Joseph Chamberlain

The Chamberlain Memorial is in Chamberlain Square in the centre of Birmingham (now the Paradise Birmingham construction site). It was erected in 1880 to commemorate the public service of Joseph Chamberlain. It was erected during Chamberlain's lifetime. By the time the memorial was installed, Chamberlain has been an MP for Birmingham since 1876.  Chamberlain was elected to the Town Council in November 1869. He was elected Mayor in November 1873 and resigned the office in June 1876 on being returned as a representative of the borough to Parliament. During his Mayoralty many great works were advanced. And his devotion to the Water & Gas undertakings. (there is halls at the Council House called Water Hall and Gas Hall that are now part of the Museum & Art Gallery).

Seen here with Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, the vantage point with the statue of James Watt.

dndimg alt="Chamberlain Memorial in Chamberlain Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chamberlain Memorial Chamberlain Square (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Seen with the now demolished Birmingham Central Library.

dndimg alt="Chamberlain Memorial in Chamberlain Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chamberlain Memorial Chamberlain Square (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Medallion bus of Joseph Chamberlain on the memorial.

dndimg alt="Chamberlain Memorial in Chamberlain Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chamberlain Memorial Chamberlain Square (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Birmingham's failed bid for UK City of Culture in 2010 for 2013.

dndimg alt="Chamberlain Memorial in Chamberlain Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chamberlain Memorial Chamberlain Square (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

A more recent photo of the Chamberlain Memorial with One and Two Chamberlain Square under construction during July 2018. Part of Paradise Birmingham. Apart from the Museum & Art Gallery and the Town Hall, it is the only thing to survive from the late 19th century period (the other buildings demolished and the statues gone into storage).

dndimg alt="Chamberlain Memorial with One and Two Chamberlain Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chamberlain Memorial at Chamberlain Square - Paradise Birmingham (July 2018).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Seen at the University of Birmingham is the Joseph Chamberlain Memorial Clock Tower, also known as Old Joe. It is the tallest free standing clock tower in the world. The tower was built to commemorate Joseph Chamberlain who was the first Chancellor of the University. Construction started in 1900 and finished in 1908. It held the record for the tallest building in Birmingham from 1908 until 1965 (when the BT Tower opened).

Please also have a look at my post comparing this tower to the campanile tower that inspired it in Italy here Joseph Chamberlain Memorial Clock Tower inspired by the Torre del Mangia in Siena, Italy.

Seen with the Great Hall from Aston Webb Boulevard (Selly Oak New Road). Designed by Sir Aston Webb and Ingress Bell (built 1900 - 1909).

dndimg alt="Joseph Chamberlain Memorial Clock Tower at the University of Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Old Joe Uni Birmingham (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Close up of the tower in 2009.

dndimg alt="Joseph Chamberlain Memorial Clock Tower at the University of Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Joe Chamberlains Memorial Clock Tower Uni of Bham (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The view from Mindelsohn Way, Selly Oak in 2017.

dndimg alt="Joseph Chamberlain Memorial Clock Tower at the University of Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Joe Chamberlains Memorial Clock Tower Uni of Bham (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

For a period earlier during 2018 the clock was stuck at 12 o'clock, but after it was repaired the clock was once again seen to be ticking again!

dndimg alt="Joseph Chamberlain Memorial Clock Tower at the University of Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Joe Chamberlains Memorial Clock Tower Uni of Bham (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Welcome to University Station in Edgbaston, on the University of Birmingham's main Edgbaston campus. When you get off the train, take a look at this image of Joseph Chamberlain before heading up the steps. And read the message to the left. You may also notice the Chamberlain Memorial Clock Tower on the steps as you go up.

dndimg alt="Joseph Chamberlain at University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University Station Joseph Chamberlain.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

In the Jewellery Quarter there is a clock at the junction with Vyse Street, Warstone Lane and Frederick Street called the Chamberlain Clock. It commemorated the visit of Joseph Chamberlain to South Africa between 1902 and 1903 when he was the Secretary for State for the Colonies. It was erected by his constituents the electors of West Birmingham. Mr Chamberlain landed at Durban on the 26th December 1902 and sailed from Cape Town on the 25th February 1903. The clock was unveiled in 1904 during Chamberlain's lifetime.

There is also a clock like this one in Five Ways, but that one does not commemorate Joseph Chamberlain. And also another similar clock at Aston Cross.

dndimg alt="Chamberlain Clock Jewellery Quarter" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Joseph Chamberlain Jewellery Quarter clock (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Seen with the Rose Villa Tavern in the Jewellery Quarter.

dndimg alt="Chamberlain Jewellery Quarter clock" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chamberlain Clock Tower JQ.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

These views were from 2009, and was traffic constantly going past the clock, so got cars in some of these old photos.

dndimg alt="Chamberlain Clock Jewellery Quarter" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Joseph Chamberlain Jewellery Quarter clock (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The clock is one of the main landmarks in the Jewellery Quarter. It's a short walk from Jewellery Quarter Station. It's also close to Warstone Lane Cemetery (also known as Brookfields Cemetery).

dndimg alt="Chamberlain Clock Jewellery Quarter" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Joseph Chamberlain Jewellery Quarter clock (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Highbury Hall was the Birmingham residence of Joseph Chamberlain from 1880 until his death in 1914. Was commissioned in 1878 and built in 1879. Is now a Grade II* listed building and in the care of the Chamberlain Highbury Trust (formerly Birmingham City Council). It took it's name from the Highbury area of London that Chamberlain lived in as a child. There is extensive grounds that now includes Highbury Park. John Henry Chamberlain was the architect (he wasn't a relation of the Chamberlain family).

The main entrance with the car park. A blue plaque is on the left.

dndimg alt="Highbury Hall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Highbury Hall (August 2018).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The garden to the hall. There is paths that leads out to Highbury Park and surviving parts of Highbury Hall's original gardens via an orchard.

dndimg alt="Highbury Hall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Highbury Hall Open Day Sept 2018 home of Joseph Chamberlain 1880-1914.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The first floor landing at Highbury Hall.

dndimg alt="Highbury Hall interior landing" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Highbury 1.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Portrait of Joseph Chamberlain MP painted by Nestor Cambier at Highbury Hall.

dndimg alt="Portrait of Joseph Chamberlain" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Highbury 5.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Artefacts seen at the Birmingham History Galleries about Chamberlain's Birmingham.

Including a postcard of Corporation Street dated 1902. Home Rule and the Irish Question by Joseph Chamberlain, MP 1887.

A mug with the head of Joseph Chamberlain.

dndimg alt="Joseph Chamberlain artifacts at the Birmingham History Galleries" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Joseph Chamberlain BMAG Birmingham History Galleries (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Close up look at the mug that looks like Joseph Chamberlain.

dndimg alt="Joseph Chamberlain artifacts at the Birmingham History Galleries" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Joseph Chamberlain BMAG Birmingham History Galleries (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Souvenir from the 30th anniversary of Joseph Chamberlain being elected to Parliament for Birmingham in 1876, from 1906.

dndimg alt="Joseph Chamberlain 30 years 1876 - 1906" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Joseph Chamberlain 1876 - 1906 souvenir.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos by Elliott Brown

 

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