Dirty, Dangerous, and Diseased

Please note: tickets for this tour will be available from 10.00am on Saturday 15 August.

The streets of eighteenth-century Birmingham could be a dangerous place. Pedestrians had to avoid open cellar holes, loose animals, wayward carriages, low-hanging signs, horse blocks, and railings. Stagnant water dripped from spouts and pooled between the loose paving stones. Disease-causing miasmas emanated from piles of rubbish and manure. The narrow streets blocked the sun, exacerbating the already oppressive atmosphere from the myriad industrial fires of the workshop of the world.

Contrary to popular belief, people were not content to live this way. In 1769, Birmingham's inhabitants agitated for change, creating the Street Commissioners who were tasked with cleaning, lighting, and paving the streets, removing nuisances, and setting up the nightwatch.

What to expect

• Discover the history of the Street Commissioners on this free walking tour, led by Doctoral Researcher Alexandrea McHugh from the University of Birmingham
• Explore the hazards that littered Birmingham’s eighteenth-century streets and why they could be so dangerous
• Learn about how local residents fought back against the dirt, danger, and disease stalking their town and uncover the hidden stories of men like Thomas Hardy (not that one, sorry) who were instrumental in enforcing the rules.

Where will we go?

Starting and finishing at The Exchange in Centenary Square (toilets and refreshments available here), this walk will take in some of Birmingham’s most famous landmarks, from the Library to the Council House, from Pigeon Park to Needless Alley, to discover how the Street Commissioners helped make eighteenth-century Birmingham cleaner, safer, and healthier.

Do I need to book?

Yes. This event is free but ticketed. Please register your attendance via the link in the top right of this page.

Facilities and accessibility

This tour is fully step-free throughout. Please note that parts of the route are on uneven, unpaved surfaces.

Please note that the event takes place outdoors; attendees should bring water, wear sunscreen and hats or head coverings if sunny. The event will still go ahead if there is drizzle, but may be called off in the event of more severe rain.

We’re committed to making The Exchange as welcoming and accessible as possible. There’s step-free access and accessible toilets on all floors, plus a Changing Places toilet on the basement level. Guide dogs and assistance animals are always welcome. If you have any questions about access, just drop us an email at engage@contacts.bham.ac.uk.

This event is presented as part of Birmingham Heritage Week 2026.