Birmingham History Lesson
The name of Birmingham indicates that in Saxon times the family (ing) of Berm (man’s name) made their Ham (home) here. This was probably in a clearing on the outskirts of the Forest of Arden, the largest of Britain’s forests or royal hunting grounds (Sutton Park, near Birmingham, is a remnant of this forest). During the last five centuries it has been variously written Brumwycheham, Bermyngeham, Bremingeham. Bromwychham, Burmyngham, Bermyngham, Byrmyngham and Birmingham. Even as late as the seventeenth century it was written Bromicham. The word Brom comes from Broom a shrub, for the growth of which the soil is favourable and Wych, a descent, this corresponds with the descent from High Street to Digbeth.
The first official mention of Birmingham occurs in Domesday Book in which the Manor of Birmingham is thus described:— ‘‘Richard holds of William four hides in Bremingeham. The arable employs six ploughs; one is in the demesne. There are five villeins andd four bordars with two ploughs. Wood half a mile long and four furlongs broad. It was and is worth 20s."
There is more to the story to so go find it yourself...LOL!
Frankfurt Christmas Market
We actually went out ot Birmingham to attende the German or otherwise known as the Frankfurt Christmas Market held in the middle of the town centre. With over 80 stalls, this is the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany or Austria. It’s a great place to look for unusual gifts including toys, candles, glasswork, decorations, textiles and lacework. Warming food and drink is on sale including Bratwurst, roasted chestnuts and Glühwein.
I ate myself to death. I admit to loving markets.
Romantically,
Well lest just say that I have finally sowed my oats on this here olde English land. Big D (yes, he did come back on the scene all out to the blue) decided to give me three lovely early Christmas presents and two were quite mindblowing. Hmmm...did not see a bit of that English reserve when the lights went off. Hehehehe....
Also there was a nice Christmas party a couple of weeks ago in which a nice bloke decided that he was hungry and wanted me as his main course. I know, I know too much info. I tried to not be too blunt. So in essence I am quite content at the moment.
Hey my flatmate turned out to be from hell so I had to move out today on the sly. Will send out new contact information soon. Ugh I never saw it coming. The heifer was crazy. Corinna don't say anything!
5 more days until I head out to Spain, Valencia to be precise!
Labels: Birmingham, England
