You must come! There's loads here and regardless of what the media like to say it's a great place! Really friendly, inclusive and nice people - promise :)
Wow! All those places were fascinating in different ways. I really enjoyed all of them. Old factories have always appealed to me, because I can let my imagination run wild thinking about what the lives of the workers might have been like, and who the products produced might have been for. The church was amazing, too. It's so hard to believe that all the art was done by one man. It really did cause the whole thing to look like it was of a piece, not a mishmash of things from all over, that may not even go together visually. Thanks for another fascinating look into Birmingham life in times gone by.
Thank you, old factories appeal to me too for the same reasons, I really love the smell of them too - the oil and the dust, I always reflect I would have been absolutely useless too.
I love old buildings. You can feel so much residual energy in them. I like to think of it as a "blast from the past". As an artist and someone born in Mid-summer, and the Moon as my ruling planet, I love sacred spaces, Newman Brothers and St. Lazar, Serbian Orthodox Church are awesome. I think the church is my favorite. I'd love to go there alone with my sketchbook and spend the day. 😊🙏 Thanks, Lucy for sharing it with us. From your friends across the pond. 😊🧡
I totally get "blast from the past" I always think the only thing that separates us from the past in those spaces is time, and what is time? You are standing, touching and breathing in a universal space and it moves me. My ruling planet is Mercury and as the blighter likes to be in retrogade it really twists my melon sometimes! haha
Hi Lucy, this was a fascinating video. I thought the factories were very interesting. Well the church was beautiful and I am amazed by the artist who spent ten years creating such beauty. It was great. 😊
Thank you for this very interesting and also touching tour through history. You always manage to bring more to us than just the 'dry facts'. It's impossible not to like (social) history after seeing your videos. ❤
So nice of you, people are what make history for me, and even though I never met these people personally I think it's important to remember them with empathy - and more than chalk and talk facts - really appreciate you noticing x
Hi Lucy. What an absolute treat today. Three extremely interesting places. Very interesting about the coffin furniture and shrouds. Such skill went into all that. You made me laugh about when people were asked what they did. The silver factory was incredible and great to see it so original. The church gave me tingles too. The art work was breathtaking. So loved what you read off the website. Once again , thank you for bringing all these wonderful places to life for us.
We went to the Newman Brothers museum a few years back and were very impressed. 👍😀 The church looks really beautiful inside. Although I'm not religious I do love exploring old churches as they are so beautifully made. ❤
It's great isn't it ? I'm so glad they haven't made it sensationalist to bring people in on a horror theme. I think buildings speak to you, religious buildings are always so big and grand you can't help to me moved even by their scale.
Wow, Luce. This one really got me The Serbian church hit ALL the feels. What an incredible place. Just being able to soak it in for a few moments was so impactful And the Newman Brothers Coffinworks…I’d have been apprehensive for all the same reasons, but my gosh how very special to see the care and pride the brothers and all the staff took. Really, really beautiful and not at all morbid. Seeing the photos of the workers from J.E. Evans overlaid with the original setting was wonderful too Fabulous job as always, sweet ❤
Not a bit morbid, I had been twice before and I couldn't face going in but I haven't got a clue why I was so worried. It's about industry and social history really. I was thankful they hadn't made it sensationalist to get people in. That church is amazing isn't it. I felt like I had been transported abroad for a few minutes which trust me is what I need right now! X
After working around the house putting up storm windows, etc., YAY! We had our dinner watching Lucy's latest! Wonderful as always! Thank you so much! ❤
I cannot believe how many places you bring to light in a Birmingham I worked and lived in for so many years! 1959-1984 I know I was busy during that time …but so much now revealed I did not know about then. So thank you so much Lucy for taking your time out to bring old Brum to life again for me . I really do enjoy your videos and all the research you have to put in to get the most out of each venue you visit and talk about . And next time you are in Wales let me know…I live near Brecon now, plenty for you to explore near here!
Thank you, I will! I love Brecon, it's stunning. I've been here 44 years and a lot of these places are only just coming to my attention too. Us Brummies aren't very good at shouting about our heritage but hopefully I am doing a tiny part in bringing it more into peoples imaginations x
Lucy, you are a really wonderful ambassador for Birmingham and the Black Country. If ever you do a meet up for subscribers count me in! Your passion and pride emanates from the screen and you are wonderful at showcasing the rich history of my region....and you've only scratched surface. May I suggest you read the books Black countrywoman or Hop Pile Wedding by Peter Arblaster (I was very lucky enough to attend one of his book signings about 12 years ago) it immersed me in the history of the area as well as made me more intrigued about the industrial history of areas such as Willenhall and Wednesbury (lock 🔒 making). Keep up the great work and maybe one day I'll stumble upon you while you're filming. Take care Bab! 🙂
Thank you!!! gosh I never thought anyone would want to meet me! haha .. I did bump into a subscriber last time I was at the Black Country Museum and I was really confused and had to think for a minute .. aghr yes my face on You Tube!! I will certainly look up those books, I am a big fan of Annie Murray - she wrote similar books about Birmingham women, a new one is out really soon.
Hello, Lucy! Thank you so much for this interesting trip, as always, you have open the doors of unusual places. The Serbian church is so beautiful and the work of just one artist, amazing; the victorian silverware industry is so sad if you think about the children working there. The coffin accessory industry was not scary but surprising to realize that these places must exist all over the world. Regards from Uruguay.
Thank you, I do try to be, last thing I would ever want to do is get in the way of someone elses visit or belittle the memory of someones family - everyone I talk about will still have living relatives and I am very mindful of that x
Can’t add much more than the lovely comments already made. Thoroughly enjoyed it & hearing about good employers in that era is heartwarming. Thank you so much for bringing this to us xx 🇳🇿🇳🇿
Excellent video Lucy there are some great places to visit in and around Birmingham and visiting them with you is such a treat, the church was beautiful especially with the music even if you are not religious you couldn't help but feel some emotion thank you 😊❤
OH WOW Lucy ! You did it again ! You find the most fascinating places to visit. The Coffin Works, like the Silver Factory, are things you would never even consider - oh, I wonder how they make coffin handles - it just doesn't happen. Utterly fantastic finds, and then the Serbian Church - WOW. I know how you felt in there - somehow 'Holy' buildings really get to you. I visited Krakow in Poland a few years ago, and we went to a Synagogue. I'm not Jewish, so had never been inside one before. It was an AMAZING experience - the splendour and beauty in there was out of this world - so different from your run of the mill Parish Church here. Anyway Lucy, thank you SO MUCH for taking us along with you - it's such fun wherever you take us, and we learn so much. Take special care 🙂 X X
I totally agree. I had a "moment" in a Japanese Shinto Buddhist temple in Tokyo. I had no clue what was going on but the drums were drumming and the monks were chanting and it just got to me on a level I couldn't explain. I really had to pull myself today. Funnily enough a synagogue in Prague sticks out to me too - it was in what was the ghetto area and I just couldn't separate myself from the past. I have never been to Poland, I really really want to go! 🥰
I loved that episode, and the church was just so beautiful, and that singing 💖 I can understand why it moved you so much 🥰 Thank you for sharing Lucy, and have a great week 😀 x
@@throughlucyslens It is very beautiful indeed, a lot of love has been put into that church. That music is so peaceful, a beautiful sound to listen to x
This has been amazing to watch. How have I never heard of Newman Brothers ? I have been in the funeral profession for 37yrs (hence my nickname Dead Dave), and live only 20 miles away from Birmingham in Nuneaton. Is this museum open daily ? I will have to start googling. Thanks for the heads up on this place and all of your amazing Vlogs. I love watching watching all that you post. Thanks, Dave x
Hey Dave! I admire your line of work - I think it's a privilege to care for people on exit. It's open Thurs-Sunday I think (double check) the volunteers are AMAZING and they would love to have someone go who is in the industry, you can book a tour, or a self guided tour but both are at different times. I went for self guided but the guides were so good I ended up with pretty much a guided tour anyway. Let me know if you go and what you think - free parking for up to 2 hours on Fleet Street too, or a 10-15 minute walk from New Street Station x
It's wonderful that we maintain factories and workplaces like Newman Brothers. Our social history is so interesting and important to our society's development. History comes to life when you can visit heritage buildings rather than just reading about them. I still remember the noise when they turned the looms on when I visited Quarry Bank Mill! I have a good friend who is a mortician and embalmer. She loves her job and respects everyone she 'cares' for. Many people see her job as morbid but she thinks it is a privilege. I enjoyed your post very much. You have a wonderful turn of phrase. "I loved to see the years of wallpaper and peeling paint Ghosts of gaslighting and rough uneven floors Looked like brick but were made of wood" Poetry in prose! Thanks Lucy 😊
Quarry Bank Mill is a place I've ALWAYS Wanted to go! I've written essay after essay about mill conditions, working hours and child labour but never stepped foot in one - not good enough Lucy! I love a booked called "smoke gets in your eyes" about a woman that works in a crematorium. It really helped me when I had some tragedy in my life; like you say, a privilege. I do love writing. I write all my voice overs as a script first and spent ages editing them - I'm really touched that's appreciated x
Your writing is so evocative - you're a clever wordsmith. It's a wonderful skill! Quarry Bank Mill is worth a visit! It was one of the more humane mills (all relative) and Style village and the surrounding walks are beautiful.
This really interested me Lucy as I was a funeral director. I didn’t know the museum existed, so it is another of your tours that I must make a point of doing. I really must take a really good look around The Jewellery Quarter. Fascinating Lucy and thanks for sharing.
Thanks Mary, you will really enjoy it. I suspect a lot of the fittings that were on the coffins were from here, I think at one point they were one of the only places left doing it here in the UK. What a privilege to care for people at the end. I really admire you x
I'm not religious either but I do love visiting old churches, it's part of our heritage. It makes you wonder what amazing adornments we might've still had if Henry hadn't gone on a rampage. I did get to go into a medieval church in Moscow (during happier times) and it had the same effect on me, I teared up a bit. It was just so breathtaking seeing every inch brightly painted.
Yes!!! I would have loved to have seen all the colour and paintings. You know I really would have loved to have visited Moscow, I have always dreamt of standing in Red Square, glad you got to go and hopefully one day the silliness can stop and we can go again x
Brilliant video thank you Lucy. I lived in Birmingham in the late seventies when it's industry was dying out or already dead. These heritage places are a great way to honour how people made a living when they moved to the city from rural Europe.
Hallo Lucy. What gems you show us! I have to say the best gem is yourself You deserve all the positive comments and a much bigger audience.History made fascinating by your enthusiasm and fantastic choice of venue. Please continue to educate with your understated and informative videos
Oh Jo, that's so lovely, and VERY needed today - I absolutely love doing this and wish I had more time to do it - I would be out there every day! Hopefully going somewhere cool tomorrow after lots and lots of tooing and frowing so fingers crossed that will be interesting too x
I remember those cigarette machines, they used to be on the walls of buildings on the street. Along with chocolate and chewing gum machine's. Can't imagine they would last five minutes today. Another great video.
I remember the chocolate machines! There was also a really old bubble gum machine at the news agents by my house - it always had balls of gum in it but never seemed to go down or out of date, you are right, would be pulled off the wall now - really sad!
Hi Lucy, like you I did the heritage week. I went to the Coffin works and JW Evans silver factory, did both on one day. On a separate day I did Kathleen Dayus walk, incredibly interesting and highly recommend it. She came from a very poor family who worked in the jewellery quarter. The walk pointed out many historical buildings the 2 cemeteries and a church. I finished off taking a Banksey photo, his art work is on the train station bridge wall. On separate days I did the back to backs and Blakesley hall in Yardley. All of these days were free on heritage week which they do every September x
The Kathleen Dayus walk would have been amazing, I love her books! I didn't see that on the list, was that this year? It's an amazing week isn't it? I look forward to it all year and when it comes around I struggle to fit in everything I want, I missed out on Aston Hall this year and I was gutted as that's barely open anymore.
@@throughlucyslens yes the Kathleen walk was this year, we had 2 tour guides and they were fabulous. Did you know part of birmingham museum is opening on the 24th October 2024 booked tickets only. I’m on the “Birmingham over 50’s” Meetup group, so there regular history events popping up all the time 😍
Hi Lucy. The museums were really interesting, but the church was amazing! Having worked in Bournville and then driving to work in Edgbaston for my next jobs, I've been very familiar with the church building - but I had no idea what the inside was like. That was incredibly moving (yes, I'm crying), to hear why and how it was built and decorated, and then listening to the singing. Thank you for taking us there!
You would never know what was inside would you? I was the same! It wasn't until I catered a wedding there in the hall I had even heard of it - incredible place and so moving.
You're so fortunate that the UK does such an amazing job preserving all these places. In the US, it's "tear it down and building something new." We do have some great living history and social history museums but nothing on the scale that Birmingham alone has! Another great video, thanks Lucy!
Thanks Robin, it is such a shame because your history is AM-A-ZING and there would be so much. My sister has just booked a holiday to New Orleans and Louisiana road trip next year but it's out of my reach at the moment, it's an area I would love to see and explore the rich industrial and cultural history around the Mississippi - gosh you could spend your life. I have a few places in the USA book marked for a visit a LONG way in the future but you are right there isn't as many preserved sites about "normal people" your side of the pond which is a damn shame.
There are some interesting museums in New Orleans. A favorite is the Beauregard-Keyes Historic House and Gardens. I was there in 2023 and they were setting up the house to talk about Italian immigrants in New Orleans - this was a bit of history I'd never heard about! But then I started noticing Italian street names everywhere. Definitely check it out when you go.
Again, I've been transported to interesting places. The silver workshop reminded me of Scott's Hut in the Antarctic (I haven't been there) where it looks like they just walked out and left it and that was exactly what happened, a complete time capsule. It's good to hear that the staff were treated well in both places, if only that happened everywhere. With the church, I am not religious but everyone should be able to serve whatever they believe in with safety and without prejudice. Just let each other be whether through race, religion or gender. What a friendly world we could have. Loved the vlog thank you so much and have a great week. =-)
Absolutely. I think you don't have to be religious to appreciate the beauty and passion of another human beings faith - what makes us different makes us who we are, I've been in churches, mosques, synagogues and temples and all are beautiful in their own way x
Wonderful videos Lucy you always manage to see things through the workers eyes or the poor and downtrodden. I don’t know why but that church got to me too. Thank you for all your info and wonderful places that you take us to. Have a great week. 🥰
Thanks Tracey, that church was magical. I had a "moment" like that in a temple in Japan the was dedicated to lost children - and now this place. Just a special feeling x
What an incredible journey to do in a day. From Victorian times up to my idea of ‘present day’ (I’m 57). I am not religious but, like you, feel a sense of history, and a deep emotion to the plight of others. Out of war, that church was born into a foreign country, made beautiful, and now gives its congregation a sense of belonging to their heritage, so nearly lost. The painters work was truly a labour of love, and again, thank you for the insight. It isn’t that the first two museums were not worthy of comment, along with a visit, they most certainly are, it’s simply that the church has remained with me. And now for sleep. I will continue with your journeys on another day. Good night to a fellow lover of History. 👏🏻
Thanks for your lovely comment - I find it impossible not to feel empathy, that church is just mindblowing, so powerful and I totally understand it being the highlight of that film - it was for me too. Hope you had a good sleep :)
@@throughlucyslens I did, thank you. Just about to have just as good of one in a few moments. I am so very pleased the random algorithms decided to push you my way. 😊
Your reaction in the Serbian church made me smile. The dedication and faith that moved people to build and decorate churches so intricately way before machinery was invented to help them is so moving, especially when you think about all the hard work and patience that went into them. Back in my 20’s I worked as an undertaker for a few years, but I never gave much thought to the coffin or shroud makers. Mind you, in the mid 90’s it would have been a very different process, not nearly as interesting I’m sure. I love all the interesting history you bring to us, thanks so much! You’re looking healthy and well rested. Good to see. Have a wonderful week Lucy!
Thank you, I am feeling a lot better, I was going through a real period of stress and I am coming out of the other end and it must show! I always really admire people who work with people at rest and it will always stick with me how lovely they were when my Dad died, special people! Have a lovely week too :)
What I love is how much detail and information you present in these videos. You really do your research so that really does make each video interesting - great presentation.
The facade of that building hits you straight away, nothing modified! Health and safety in those days! The kids with the molton metal and narrow rooms, the dangers they encountered - yeh ! All original, a working environment with sweat, labour and stoicism! No bats in the roof space, then?
I reakon with all that heat there might have been some fried rats ... or should I say steamed ... free roast meat! ahaha ... totally irrelevant but I live next door to a Medieval church and we have some WHOPPING bats in our garden, they swoop right by your face - really majestic!
Another brilliant vlog ❤ thankyou 😊 Have you visited Bromsgrove Museum? We went as part of Heritage week. Such a gem. I thought of you as I was looking around xx
Aghr! Yes I drove past that a few weeks ago and wondered what it was - Norton is the motorbikes isn't it? Heritage week is such a a treat isn't it? I look forward to it all year 😂
I'm not sure why I missed this last month or why RUclips suggested it today, but I LOVED that second museum. I don't need to know the process.I'm visual, I like the mish mash cobbled together bit and Its lack pretension. I'm glad it and the coffin place were turned into museums.
Im a visual person too, give me verbal instructions and I've forgotten in 5 minutes but show me a picture and I never forget! I'm glad you enjoyed the museums!
I am a bit behind but very excited to see you cover the coffin works!!! I love it there Interestingly, the dark rooms of the Victorian era are important for silversmithing work. It's easier to judge the heat of the metal from the colour in dim lighting. That church is so beautiful 💜 I will definitely look for one of their open days to see it in person!
Hahaha, I am such a cry baby, or shall we say "emotional" I'm past the age where I care if people see me cry these days, I used to be really shy about it - better out than in eh?
Another good one! I also loved your Wales trip, although I didn't comment. But I hope you go back there. I watch a channel of a guy who lives in the Rhonnda valley near Treorchy and am in love with Wales. I live near DC in the U.S., but Wales is on my bucket list. Your seaside trip only made me want to hurry up and go! Parts of it seem like it's a land from another time.
Wales is certainly mysterious and has like you say an atmosphere all of it's own - it feels ancient and untouched. You will LOVE it and the large distances you have to travel in Washington State you will think it's so small and easy to get around from one place to the next :)
@throughlucyslens DC is actually on the East Coast, but I HAVE been to Washington State (on the other side of the country) and it is certainly a beautiful place. I've only been to the London area in the UK so far, as well as Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, but there are SO MANY places I want to see in the British Isles, including Wales. So keep making these videos...I'll be watching them all!
Hi Lucy, it was so great to see these places! These are right up my alley and I definitely hope to visit in person one day. Some time ago, I found these YT videos about the Jewelery Factory and they walk you through the entire process, they were really well done! Here are the links and I hope you enjoy them 😊 Part 1 ruclips.net/video/AvW6ohOIvhw/видео.htmlsi=g6WmvnClnNFDlmP5 Part 2 ruclips.net/video/luhoGS2YS_M/видео.htmlsi=57tjEl2VEM2yCP3I
Ohhhh thank you!! They are brilliant! This is actually a place I want to visit but wanted to do some more research so I understood the processes- this is fantastic. Thank you.
@@throughlucyslens oh, so these are separate? Sorry about that, I had no idea that there are more than one silver museum! Birmingham is just full of surprises!
The parts for her coffin were made there. They would have been sent to the royal funerary so she wouldn't have been there herself: very sad all the same x
I loved the singing in that church. The harmonies used are so identifiably not English. It also makes me wonder what kind of 'music' people would be singing as they worked in those factories. People sing, even in noisy places. Did they sing the pop songs of the day? You have to wonder how many era's of music were woven among the machinery noises.
Ohh you just raised a really interesting question! A lot of factories banned singing or talking in their spaces, I wonder if it was because it would give people a sense of identity and that was frowned upon. I bet the people in charge would say it was to do with safety .. but I think control! I bet people did sing and I hope they sang their little hearts out .. and you are right the music in that church was just wonderful.
@@throughlucyslens As a very small child I remember a radio show called 'Workers Playtime'. I can still hear the theme music in my head now. It was aimed at people in the factories to sing along to.
You do such interesting videos - thank you so much. Might be too far from you but have you been to Chastleton House before (National Trust) really interesting place and very much untouched so you can explore it.
Perhaps it was a mish mash, but you managed to pull it all together and make one interesting experience out of it all. I think it is your interest in the people and their stories that connects such a variety of places.
It was sensational, I had seen photographs of it but actually walking in there I wasn't prepared for the size and the colour - and when they started singing I was gone!
Perfect Lucy. You have surpassed yourself. I was very young when we visited a museum which specialised in torture equipment. The exist before the shop displayed rickety wooden coffins for those who perished in the process... By this time I was too tired to care.
I went to the York Dungeon when I was a kid - I absolutely HATED it from the minute I got in there to the minute I ran out. It was so over the top and basically a real life horror movie more than a museum - each to their own but I prefer the coffin works! haha
@@throughlucyslens That's the one my parents took us as a child. It was a dark evening at the end of a long day in York. We visited the museum of clockwork & mechanical curiosities & games as well as the Walls and Castles of York. I think, by that lateness of the day I was too exhausted to be bothered by the torture exhibits at the Dungeon.
An absolute gem as always. You’ve certainly put Birmingham on my bucket list of places to visit. ❤
You must come! There's loads here and regardless of what the media like to say it's a great place! Really friendly, inclusive and nice people - promise :)
THAT SERBIAN CHURCH WAS WONDERFUL THANKS LUCY AND THE MUSEUMS VERY INTERESTING
Very welcome, the church is other worldly isn't it x
Wow! All those places were fascinating in different ways. I really enjoyed all of them. Old factories have always appealed to me, because I can let my imagination run wild thinking about what the lives of the workers might have been like, and who the products produced might have been for.
The church was amazing, too. It's so hard to believe that all the art was done by one man. It really did cause the whole thing to look like it was of a piece, not a mishmash of things from all over, that may not even go together visually.
Thanks for another fascinating look into Birmingham life in times gone by.
Thank you, old factories appeal to me too for the same reasons, I really love the smell of them too - the oil and the dust, I always reflect I would have been absolutely useless too.
Just amazing, Lucy. And although I´m not religious either, that moment at church was overwhelming. Kind regards from Argentina
Thanks Maria, I bet you have some AMAZING churches and religious spaces in Argentina. Colourful and bright! Would love to see them!
I love old buildings. You can feel so much residual energy in them. I like to think of it as a "blast from the past". As an artist and someone born in Mid-summer, and the Moon as my ruling planet, I love sacred spaces, Newman Brothers and St. Lazar, Serbian Orthodox Church are awesome. I think the church is my favorite. I'd love to go there alone with my sketchbook and spend the day. 😊🙏 Thanks, Lucy for sharing it with us. From your friends across the pond. 😊🧡
I totally get "blast from the past" I always think the only thing that separates us from the past in those spaces is time, and what is time? You are standing, touching and breathing in a universal space and it moves me. My ruling planet is Mercury and as the blighter likes to be in retrogade it really twists my melon sometimes! haha
Hi Lucy, this was a fascinating video. I thought the factories were very interesting.
Well the church was beautiful and I am amazed by the artist who spent ten years creating such beauty. It was great. 😊
I imagine he must have had a very sore neck and a good head for heights, it really is amazing!
Thank you for this very interesting and also touching tour through history. You always manage to bring more to us than just the 'dry facts'. It's impossible not to like (social) history after seeing your videos. ❤
So nice of you, people are what make history for me, and even though I never met these people personally I think it's important to remember them with empathy - and more than chalk and talk facts - really appreciate you noticing x
Loved this one, Lucy! It really captured the essence and atmosphere of the Industrial era.
Thanks Jeff, it's a pleasure x
Hi Lucy. What an absolute treat today. Three extremely interesting places. Very interesting about the coffin furniture and shrouds. Such skill went into all that. You made me laugh about when people were asked what they did. The silver factory was incredible and great to see it so original. The church gave me tingles too. The art work was breathtaking. So loved what you read off the website. Once again , thank you for bringing all these wonderful places to life for us.
Thanks for coming with me Gail, a bit of an eclectic mix but I just go where my heart takes me. "Dress is to die for" 😂 such a way with words! X
Another terrific video😊 Thanks for bringing these places to our attention❤
I love having the opportunity to do so - thanks for coming with me! x
Happy travels 😊
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Thank you Lucy those places were fascinating, I especailly love museums with the Marie Celeste feel.
Me too! I hate glass cabinets and loads of stuff to read - I just love being able to take in the objects as they were x
Fantastic, as ever. Thank you Lucy!
Many thanks - and you are very welcome :)
Amazing. So loved the coffin museum. But the church was the highlight for me. Thank you for letting me travel on this journey with you.Take care.❤
Loved having you with me! The church is mindblowing isn't it - from outside you wouldn't have a clue what was inside! so special x
We went to the Newman Brothers museum a few years back and were very impressed. 👍😀
The church looks really beautiful inside. Although I'm not religious I do love exploring old churches as they are so beautifully made. ❤
It's great isn't it ? I'm so glad they haven't made it sensationalist to bring people in on a horror theme. I think buildings speak to you, religious buildings are always so big and grand you can't help to me moved even by their scale.
Wow, Luce. This one really got me
The Serbian church hit ALL the feels. What an incredible place. Just being able to soak it in for a few moments was so impactful
And the Newman Brothers Coffinworks…I’d have been apprehensive for all the same reasons, but my gosh how very special to see the care and pride the brothers and all the staff took. Really, really beautiful and not at all morbid.
Seeing the photos of the workers from J.E. Evans overlaid with the original setting was wonderful too
Fabulous job as always, sweet ❤
Not a bit morbid, I had been twice before and I couldn't face going in but I haven't got a clue why I was so worried. It's about industry and social history really. I was thankful they hadn't made it sensationalist to get people in.
That church is amazing isn't it. I felt like I had been transported abroad for a few minutes which trust me is what I need right now! X
@@throughlucyslensI hope you’ve got a little break planned to somewhere nice after the end of the month x
I'm in love with everything! OMG that church! Newman Brothers - wow, just wow. Thanks again for these fabulous tours, Lucy, love 'em!
So welcome! I was concerned this one was a bit jumbled but I just went with it - glad you enjoyed it :)
After working around the house putting up storm windows, etc., YAY! We had our dinner watching Lucy's latest! Wonderful as always! Thank you so much!
❤
Thank you! Storm windows? Are you okay? x
I cannot believe how many places you bring to light in a Birmingham I worked and lived in for so many years! 1959-1984 I know I was busy during that time …but so much now revealed I did not know about then. So thank you so much Lucy for taking your time out to bring old Brum to life again for me . I really do enjoy your videos and all the research you have to put in to get the most out of each venue you visit and talk about . And next time you are in Wales let me know…I live near Brecon now, plenty for you to explore near here!
Thank you, I will! I love Brecon, it's stunning. I've been here 44 years and a lot of these places are only just coming to my attention too. Us Brummies aren't very good at shouting about our heritage but hopefully I am doing a tiny part in bringing it more into peoples imaginations x
Lucy, you are a really wonderful ambassador for Birmingham and the Black Country.
If ever you do a meet up for subscribers count me in! Your passion and pride emanates from the screen and you are wonderful at showcasing the rich history of my region....and you've only scratched surface.
May I suggest you read the books Black countrywoman or Hop Pile Wedding by Peter Arblaster (I was very lucky enough to attend one of his book signings about 12 years ago) it immersed me in the history of the area as well as made me more intrigued about the industrial history of areas such as Willenhall and Wednesbury (lock 🔒 making).
Keep up the great work and maybe one day I'll stumble upon you while you're filming. Take care Bab! 🙂
Thank you!!! gosh I never thought anyone would want to meet me! haha .. I did bump into a subscriber last time I was at the Black Country Museum and I was really confused and had to think for a minute .. aghr yes my face on You Tube!! I will certainly look up those books, I am a big fan of Annie Murray - she wrote similar books about Birmingham women, a new one is out really soon.
Wonderful narration and fascinating places, thanks Lucy!
Thank you. I love writing my scripts, it makes for a very happy Sunday and I'm so happy you enjoy them x
Hello, Lucy! Thank you so much for this interesting trip, as always, you have open the doors of unusual places. The Serbian church is so beautiful and the work of just one artist, amazing; the victorian silverware industry is so sad if you think about the children working there. The coffin accessory industry was not scary but surprising to realize that these places must exist all over the world. Regards from Uruguay.
Hey Maria! Thank you. It always blows my mind you write from Uruguay and enjoy my videos about Birmingham! So much love x
Another fantastic tour video with Lucy! Fascinating! You're curious, brave, respectful, observant and thoughtful. Thank you, Lucy.
Thank you, I do try to be, last thing I would ever want to do is get in the way of someone elses visit or belittle the memory of someones family - everyone I talk about will still have living relatives and I am very mindful of that x
Such an excellent vlog Miss Lucy Lou, thank you!
Thank you so much Sophie! very welcome :)
Can’t add much more than the lovely comments already made. Thoroughly enjoyed it & hearing about good employers in that era is heartwarming. Thank you so much for bringing this to us xx 🇳🇿🇳🇿
Absolutely love doing it, I'm glad I can bring news about the good guys too :)
Excellent video Lucy there are some great places to visit in and around Birmingham and visiting them with you is such a treat, the church was beautiful especially with the music even if you are not religious you couldn't help but feel some emotion thank you 😊❤
Absolutely, I think it was the music that got me, it was so distinctly different and haunting - absolutely wonderful!
The lovely Lucy!. 😃
So much love x
OH WOW Lucy ! You did it again ! You find the most fascinating places to visit. The Coffin Works, like the Silver Factory, are things you would never even consider - oh, I wonder how they make coffin handles - it just doesn't happen. Utterly fantastic finds, and then the Serbian Church - WOW. I know how you felt in there - somehow 'Holy' buildings really get to you. I visited Krakow in Poland a few years ago, and we went to a Synagogue. I'm not Jewish, so had never been inside one before. It was an AMAZING experience - the splendour and beauty in there was out of this world - so different from your run of the mill Parish Church here. Anyway Lucy, thank you SO MUCH for taking us along with you - it's such fun wherever you take us, and we learn so much. Take special care 🙂 X X
I totally agree. I had a "moment" in a Japanese Shinto Buddhist temple in Tokyo. I had no clue what was going on but the drums were drumming and the monks were chanting and it just got to me on a level I couldn't explain. I really had to pull myself today. Funnily enough a synagogue in Prague sticks out to me too - it was in what was the ghetto area and I just couldn't separate myself from the past. I have never been to Poland, I really really want to go! 🥰
I loved that episode, and the church was just so beautiful, and that singing 💖 I can understand why it moved you so much 🥰 Thank you for sharing Lucy, and have a great week 😀 x
Have a lovely week too, the church is beautiful isn't it? I actually keep watching the footage back on my phone just to hear that music, I loved it x
@@throughlucyslens It is very beautiful indeed, a lot of love has been put into that church. That music is so peaceful, a beautiful sound to listen to x
This has been amazing to watch. How have I never heard of Newman Brothers ? I have been in the funeral profession for 37yrs (hence my nickname Dead Dave), and live only 20 miles away from Birmingham in Nuneaton. Is this museum open daily ? I will have to start googling. Thanks for the heads up on this place and all of your amazing Vlogs. I love watching watching all that you post. Thanks, Dave x
Hey Dave! I admire your line of work - I think it's a privilege to care for people on exit. It's open Thurs-Sunday I think (double check) the volunteers are AMAZING and they would love to have someone go who is in the industry, you can book a tour, or a self guided tour but both are at different times. I went for self guided but the guides were so good I ended up with pretty much a guided tour anyway. Let me know if you go and what you think - free parking for up to 2 hours on Fleet Street too, or a 10-15 minute walk from New Street Station x
do like this vid Lucy you bring us in and unfold the story and history so nicely keep going Lucy
Thank you, writing these scripts is the high light of my week :)
I thoroughly enjoy your videos! Thank you for sharing.
Thank you. That means a lot,'every week before I press "publish" I get all up in my head about it so that means a lot x
It's wonderful that we maintain factories and workplaces like Newman Brothers. Our social history is so interesting and important to our society's development. History comes to life when you can visit heritage buildings rather than just reading about them. I still remember the noise when they turned the looms on when I visited Quarry Bank Mill!
I have a good friend who is a mortician and embalmer. She loves her job and respects everyone she 'cares' for. Many people see her job as morbid but she thinks it is a privilege.
I enjoyed your post very much. You have a wonderful turn of phrase.
"I loved to see the years of wallpaper and peeling paint
Ghosts of gaslighting and rough uneven floors
Looked like brick but were made of wood"
Poetry in prose! Thanks Lucy 😊
Quarry Bank Mill is a place I've ALWAYS Wanted to go! I've written essay after essay about mill conditions, working hours and child labour but never stepped foot in one - not good enough Lucy!
I love a booked called "smoke gets in your eyes" about a woman that works in a crematorium. It really helped me when I had some tragedy in my life; like you say, a privilege.
I do love writing. I write all my voice overs as a script first and spent ages editing them - I'm really touched that's appreciated x
Your writing is so evocative - you're a clever wordsmith. It's a wonderful skill!
Quarry Bank Mill is worth a visit! It was one of the more humane mills (all relative) and Style village and the surrounding walks are beautiful.
So many hidden places that we overlook, but have previously played such a huge role in the lives of many. Thank you.
I love that they are being preserved for the future instead of being turned into flats,
So important x
This really interested me Lucy as I was a funeral director. I didn’t know the museum existed, so it is another of your tours that I must make a point of doing. I really must take a really good look around The Jewellery Quarter. Fascinating Lucy and thanks for sharing.
Thanks Mary, you will really enjoy it. I suspect a lot of the fittings that were on the coffins were from here, I think at one point they were one of the only places left doing it here in the UK. What a privilege to care for people at the end. I really admire you x
@@throughlucyslens Hugs x
I'm not religious either but I do love visiting old churches, it's part of our heritage. It makes you wonder what amazing adornments we might've still had if Henry hadn't gone on a rampage. I did get to go into a medieval church in Moscow (during happier times) and it had the same effect on me, I teared up a bit. It was just so breathtaking seeing every inch brightly painted.
Yes!!! I would have loved to have seen all the colour and paintings. You know I really would have loved to have visited Moscow, I have always dreamt of standing in Red Square, glad you got to go and hopefully one day the silliness can stop and we can go again x
Brilliant video thank you Lucy. I lived in Birmingham in the late seventies when it's industry was dying out or already dead. These heritage places are a great way to honour how people made a living when they moved to the city from rural Europe.
Absolutely, and it shouldn't be forgotten. Birmingham is rubbish at being proud of its heritage, we should shout louder!
Another amazing video, very informative and effectively 3 videos in one! great to have you back Lucy very interesting as always :)
Thanks so much! 😊 I was worried it might be all a bit of a lot - but that's how my brain works! Lovely to be back too :)
Hallo Lucy.
What gems you show us! I have to say the best gem is yourself You deserve all the positive comments and a much bigger audience.History made fascinating by your enthusiasm and fantastic choice of venue.
Please continue to educate with your understated and informative videos
Oh Jo, that's so lovely, and VERY needed today - I absolutely love doing this and wish I had more time to do it - I would be out there every day! Hopefully going somewhere cool tomorrow after lots and lots of tooing and frowing so fingers crossed that will be interesting too x
Great video I loved the wedding and bridesmaid dresses.
such a great story of survival and wanting the best on your special day isn't it?
Thankyou Lucy fascinating places and so well explained xxx👍
Thanks so much Wendy, means a lot x
I remember those cigarette machines, they used to be on the walls of buildings on the street. Along with chocolate and chewing gum machine's. Can't imagine they would last five minutes today. Another great video.
I remember the chocolate machines! There was also a really old bubble gum machine at the news agents by my house - it always had balls of gum in it but never seemed to go down or out of date, you are right, would be pulled off the wall now - really sad!
Another great set of places 😊 thank you for sharing and a hug from a fellow empath 🤗❤️
Big hug back - it's hard to explain to people you can walk in a room and feel the mood - but here we are! Super powers :)
Hi Lucy, like you I did the heritage week. I went to the Coffin works and JW Evans silver factory, did both on one day. On a separate day I did Kathleen Dayus walk, incredibly interesting and highly recommend it. She came from a very poor family who worked in the jewellery quarter. The walk pointed out many historical buildings the 2 cemeteries and a church. I finished off taking a Banksey photo, his art work is on the train station bridge wall. On separate days I did the back to backs and Blakesley hall in Yardley. All of these days were free on heritage week which they do every September x
The Kathleen Dayus walk would have been amazing, I love her books! I didn't see that on the list, was that this year? It's an amazing week isn't it? I look forward to it all year and when it comes around I struggle to fit in everything I want, I missed out on Aston Hall this year and I was gutted as that's barely open anymore.
@@throughlucyslens yes the Kathleen walk was this year, we had 2 tour guides and they were fabulous. Did you know part of birmingham museum is opening on the 24th October 2024 booked tickets only. I’m on the “Birmingham over 50’s” Meetup group, so there regular history events popping up all the time 😍
Hi Lucy. The museums were really interesting, but the church was amazing! Having worked in Bournville and then driving to work in Edgbaston for my next jobs, I've been very familiar with the church building - but I had no idea what the inside was like. That was incredibly moving (yes, I'm crying), to hear why and how it was built and decorated, and then listening to the singing. Thank you for taking us there!
You would never know what was inside would you? I was the same! It wasn't until I catered a wedding there in the hall I had even heard of it - incredible place and so moving.
First time here, very interesting loved it, need to catch up on all the others.
That's very kind, great to have you here, I hope you enjoy the other videos d
Found you on my silly phone Brilliant Vlog 😊
Thank you Carol - glad your phone is behaving!
I loved this, its great exploring with you. Thankyou Lucy ❤
Thank you for coming with me - I love it 🥰
You're so fortunate that the UK does such an amazing job preserving all these places. In the US, it's "tear it down and building something new." We do have some great living history and social history museums but nothing on the scale that Birmingham alone has! Another great video, thanks Lucy!
Thanks Robin, it is such a shame because your history is AM-A-ZING and there would be so much. My sister has just booked a holiday to New Orleans and Louisiana road trip next year but it's out of my reach at the moment, it's an area I would love to see and explore the rich industrial and cultural history around the Mississippi - gosh you could spend your life. I have a few places in the USA book marked for a visit a LONG way in the future but you are right there isn't as many preserved sites about "normal people" your side of the pond which is a damn shame.
There are some interesting museums in New Orleans. A favorite is the Beauregard-Keyes Historic House and Gardens. I was there in 2023 and they were setting up the house to talk about Italian immigrants in New Orleans - this was a bit of history I'd never heard about! But then I started noticing Italian street names everywhere. Definitely check it out when you go.
I’ve been all over the East from Maine to Florida. We absolutely have museums such as these.
Again, I've been transported to interesting places. The silver workshop reminded me of Scott's Hut in the Antarctic (I haven't been there) where it looks like they just walked out and left it and that was exactly what happened, a complete time capsule. It's good to hear that the staff were treated well in both places, if only that happened everywhere. With the church, I am not religious but everyone should be able to serve whatever they believe in with safety and without prejudice. Just let each other be whether through race, religion or gender. What a friendly world we could have. Loved the vlog thank you so much and have a great week. =-)
Absolutely. I think you don't have to be religious to appreciate the beauty and passion of another human beings faith - what makes us different makes us who we are, I've been in churches, mosques, synagogues and temples and all are beautiful in their own way x
Wonderful videos Lucy you always manage to see things through the workers eyes or the poor and downtrodden. I don’t know why but that church got to me too. Thank you for all your info and wonderful places that you take us to. Have a great week. 🥰
Thanks Tracey, that church was magical. I had a "moment" like that in a temple in Japan the was dedicated to lost children - and now this place. Just a special feeling x
@@throughlucyslens wow well I’m sure you did Lucy I would of been in bits. Sending love and blessings to you. ❤️
Thank you for sharing, amazing places😅
My pleasure 😊 thanks Pamela x
Thank you Lucy, another ace video. Look forward to them every week!
Thank you! Honestly it's the highlight of my week too x
Absolutely ditto
That church! Whst a labour of love. ONE MANs work on the art. No quick repro there. Id have been just like you with the empathy ❤
these are the kind of museums we need more of, where it is the factory as it was...
Totally agree, they are really hard to find and they shouldn't be - more of us lived like this than ever in some big stately home!
What an incredible journey to do in a day. From Victorian times up to my idea of ‘present day’ (I’m 57). I am not religious but, like you, feel a sense of history, and a deep emotion to the plight of others. Out of war, that church was born into a foreign country, made beautiful, and now gives its congregation a sense of belonging to their heritage, so nearly lost. The painters work was truly a labour of love, and again, thank you for the insight. It isn’t that the first two museums were not worthy of comment, along with a visit, they most certainly are, it’s simply that the church has remained with me. And now for sleep. I will continue with your journeys on another day. Good night to a fellow lover of History. 👏🏻
Thanks for your lovely comment - I find it impossible not to feel empathy, that church is just mindblowing, so powerful and I totally understand it being the highlight of that film - it was for me too. Hope you had a good sleep :)
@@throughlucyslens I did, thank you. Just about to have just as good of one in a few moments. I am so very pleased the random algorithms decided to push you my way. 😊
Your reaction in the Serbian church made me smile. The dedication and faith that moved people to build and decorate churches so intricately way before machinery was invented to help them is so moving, especially when you think about all the hard work and patience that went into them.
Back in my 20’s I worked as an undertaker for a few years, but I never gave much thought to the coffin or shroud makers. Mind you, in the mid 90’s it would have been a very different process, not nearly as interesting I’m sure.
I love all the interesting history you bring to us, thanks so much!
You’re looking healthy and well rested. Good to see.
Have a wonderful week Lucy!
Thank you, I am feeling a lot better, I was going through a real period of stress and I am coming out of the other end and it must show! I always really admire people who work with people at rest and it will always stick with me how lovely they were when my Dad died, special people! Have a lovely week too :)
Fabulous Lucy. We are lucky to live in a country with fascinating history all around us.
Absolutely, literally around every corner!
😊
Your enthusiasm shines through. Interesting,informative and beautiful Brummie delivery❤❤❤
Thank you! I try my best 🥰
What I love is how much detail and information you present in these videos. You really do your research so that really does make each video interesting - great presentation.
Thank you! Really appreciate it! I love doing it so I go into this rabbit hole of research, forget to eat and everything! But it's worth it :)
The facade of that building hits you straight away, nothing modified! Health and safety in those days! The kids with the molton metal and narrow rooms, the dangers they encountered - yeh ! All original, a working environment with sweat, labour and stoicism! No bats in the roof space, then?
I reakon with all that heat there might have been some fried rats ... or should I say steamed ... free roast meat! ahaha ... totally irrelevant but I live next door to a Medieval church and we have some WHOPPING bats in our garden, they swoop right by your face - really majestic!
Another brilliant vlog ❤ thankyou 😊
Have you visited Bromsgrove Museum? We went as part of Heritage week. Such a gem. I thought of you as I was looking around xx
Yes, Avoncroft is great, but Bromsgrove has a museum that houses the Norton collection. Worth having a visit. It is on Birmingham Road , Bromsgrove xx
Aghr! Yes I drove past that a few weeks ago and wondered what it was - Norton is the motorbikes isn't it? Heritage week is such a a treat isn't it? I look forward to it all year 😂
@@throughlucyslens so much more than motorbikes, especially upstairs. Think you might be surprised x
@@throughlucyslens yes, I am the same. Heritage week is brilliant x
Just found your channel. Wow, love the locations and the history. Subscribed and going to watch more 😊
Thank you so much Carol, appreciate your lovely words, looking forward to you visiting more places with me ❤️
Just come across your channel, absolutely loved it, new subscriber.
Hey Mikala, lovely to have you here. You are very welcome and I look forward to you coming with me on my travels in the future x
I'm not sure why I missed this last month or why RUclips suggested it today, but I LOVED that second museum. I don't need to know the process.I'm visual, I like the mish mash cobbled together bit and Its lack pretension. I'm glad it and the coffin place were turned into museums.
Im a visual person too, give me verbal instructions and I've forgotten in 5 minutes but show me a picture and I never forget! I'm glad you enjoyed the museums!
I am a bit behind but very excited to see you cover the coffin works!!! I love it there
Interestingly, the dark rooms of the Victorian era are important for silversmithing work. It's easier to judge the heat of the metal from the colour in dim lighting.
That church is so beautiful 💜 I will definitely look for one of their open days to see it in person!
I think the next one will be September 2025 but it's absolutely worth waiting for!
What a super posting ❤ im outside Cheltenham but now i want to go and see it! Thank you xx
You will love it. It's not too far, I love Cheltenham, it's gorgeous! 🥰
@@throughlucyslens welcome for a cuppa any time x
Can see in your eyes 😥 how much the last video got to ya, unless it was windy out there 😉
Thank you
Hahaha, I am such a cry baby, or shall we say "emotional" I'm past the age where I care if people see me cry these days, I used to be really shy about it - better out than in eh?
Another good one! I also loved your Wales trip, although I didn't comment. But I hope you go back there. I watch a channel of a guy who lives in the Rhonnda valley near Treorchy and am in love with Wales. I live near DC in the U.S., but Wales is on my bucket list. Your seaside trip only made me want to hurry up and go! Parts of it seem like it's a land from another time.
Wales is certainly mysterious and has like you say an atmosphere all of it's own - it feels ancient and untouched. You will LOVE it and the large distances you have to travel in Washington State you will think it's so small and easy to get around from one place to the next :)
@throughlucyslens DC is actually on the East Coast, but I HAVE been to Washington State (on the other side of the country) and it is certainly a beautiful place. I've only been to the London area in the UK so far, as well as Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, but there are SO MANY places I want to see in the British Isles, including Wales. So keep making these videos...I'll be watching them all!
Hi Lucy, it was so great to see these places! These are right up my alley and I definitely hope to visit in person one day.
Some time ago, I found these YT videos about the Jewelery Factory and they walk you through the entire process, they were really well done! Here are the links and I hope you enjoy them 😊
Part 1
ruclips.net/video/AvW6ohOIvhw/видео.htmlsi=g6WmvnClnNFDlmP5
Part 2
ruclips.net/video/luhoGS2YS_M/видео.htmlsi=57tjEl2VEM2yCP3I
Ohhhh thank you!! They are brilliant! This is actually a place I want to visit but wanted to do some more research so I understood the processes- this is fantastic. Thank you.
@@throughlucyslens oh, so these are separate? Sorry about that, I had no idea that there are more than one silver museum! Birmingham is just full of surprises!
Princess Diana was in that building ?n o no how sad 😭😭 very interesting video
The parts for her coffin were made there. They would have been sent to the royal funerary so she wouldn't have been there herself: very sad all the same x
Wow, never been inside the Serbian Orthodox Church. It looks amazing, the detail of the artwork!!
Try and get there on the next heritage day if you can, it's well worth it!
I loved the singing in that church. The harmonies used are so identifiably not English. It also makes me wonder what kind of 'music' people would be singing as they worked in those factories. People sing, even in noisy places. Did they sing the pop songs of the day? You have to wonder how many era's of music were woven among the machinery noises.
Ohh you just raised a really interesting question! A lot of factories banned singing or talking in their spaces, I wonder if it was because it would give people a sense of identity and that was frowned upon. I bet the people in charge would say it was to do with safety .. but I think control! I bet people did sing and I hope they sang their little hearts out .. and you are right the music in that church was just wonderful.
@@throughlucyslens As a very small child I remember a radio show called 'Workers Playtime'. I can still hear the theme music in my head now. It was aimed at people in the factories to sing along to.
You do such interesting videos - thank you so much. Might be too far from you but have you been to Chastleton House before (National Trust) really interesting place and very much untouched so you can explore it.
Thanks Andrew, I just looked it up - it looks great and isn't far at all ! Brilliant x
Perhaps it was a mish mash, but you managed to pull it all together and make one interesting experience out of it all. I think it is your interest in the people and their stories that connects such a variety of places.
Thank you, yes, it's always about people to me! You are rights
I remember this on BBC Restoration years ago
Yes, I think I remember the publicity when the funding came through.
I could see how that church moved you xx
It was sensational, I had seen photographs of it but actually walking in there I wasn't prepared for the size and the colour - and when they started singing I was gone!
❤
It wasnt until you mentioned handles etc , that i realised "coffin fittings" did not mean custom sized coffins
I actually thought the same and wondered how coffin fittings could be interesting - but wow! They actually are!
Perfect Lucy. You have surpassed yourself. I was very young when we visited a museum which specialised in torture equipment. The exist before the shop displayed rickety wooden coffins for those who perished in the process...
By this time I was too tired to care.
I went to the York Dungeon when I was a kid - I absolutely HATED it from the minute I got in there to the minute I ran out. It was so over the top and basically a real life horror movie more than a museum - each to their own but I prefer the coffin works! haha
@@throughlucyslens That's the one my parents took us as a child. It was a dark evening at the end of a long day in York. We visited the museum of clockwork & mechanical curiosities & games as well as the Walls and Castles of York. I think, by that lateness of the day I was too exhausted to be bothered by the torture exhibits at the Dungeon.
I am not religious, but I am now.
It's a sensational place isn't it?
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Welcome to the Nosy club! You are so welcome x