Back to Backs – National Trust Site in Birmingham 🏛️✨

A few days ago, I booked a tour of the Back to Backs near my home in Birmingham — a historic site managed by the National Trust. I spent a long time wondering what "Back to Backs" meant — turns out it refers to rows of small houses built "back-to-back," sharing rear walls in dense urban layouts. This place offers a fascinating glimpse into 19th-century life in Birmingham, especially for working-class families. Our guide was a lively 68-year-old man who kept the tour engaging 🧓👏. The audience included three young people (a college student and her mom, plus yours truly 😄), along with seven or eight others who might have been even older than the guide… The Back to Backs were nearly derelict before the National Trust invested heavily in restoration 💷🔧. Inside, you can still see real coal burning in the fireplace, and toys from the era — like a doll made from an old shoe sole by a child whose family couldn’t afford bought toys. Many of the displayed toys are carefully reconstructed replicas 🧸👟. The houses were once home to several families: a watchmaker 🕰️, a tailor ✂️, and even a glass eye maker (!) 👁️. One visitor mentioned that his great-great-grandmother had lived here, and he occasionally returns to reminisce. The site has only been open to the public for about 20 years (if I heard correctly!). I have to admit — I didn’t catch every word. The guide cracked quite a few dry jokes that made everyone laugh… while I just smiled awkwardly 😅. Nearby, there’s a second-hand bookshop run for charity 📚❤️. There are many such community-focused initiatives around here… which might explain why taxes are high for working people 💸🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿. A humbling, educational, and quietly moving experience — highly recommended for history lovers! #NationalTrust #BackToBacks #Birmingham #History #UKHeritage #TravelUK #BritishHistory #WorkingClassHistory 🏘️🌍