Where is the Back to Backs?

The Back to Backs is on Hurst Street in Southside, Birmingham, at the corner of Inge Street.

 

In brief

The Birmingham Back to Backs (also called Court 15) is the last surviving court of back-to-back houses in Birmingham.  At 50-54 Inge Street and 55-63 Hurst Street in Southside. Now operated as a historic house museum by the National Trust. They were built in the early 19th century.

The Back to Backs (June 2009). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Exterior views of the Birmingham Back to Backs

The Back to Backs on Hurst Street in 2021. There used to be a sweet shop on the far right.

The Back to Backs on Hurst Street (April 2021). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The Back to Backs on Hurst Street in 2023. The Visitor Centre is at the corner with Inge Street, the former sweet shop. Second hand bookshop is to the far left, with special exhibition rooms on the 1st and 2nd floors.

The Back to Backs on Hurst Street (February 2023). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The Back to Backs on Inge Street in 2009. Between The Old Fox pub and Subway.

The Back to Backs on Inge Street (June 2009). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

In 2023, the guided tour starts opposite of the Birmingham Back to Backs, standing outside of the Birmingham Hippodrome on Inge Street. The guide then unlocks the gate, and we walk into the inner courtyard via the alleyway.

The Back to Backs on Inge Street (February 2023). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Court 15 - the courtyard

The inner courtyard, with rear access to the three houses. Also the wash room and the outdoor privies. It would have been much dirtier than this in real life, compared to how the National Trust presented it.

The Back to Backs Court 15 (Februry 2023). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

House 1 - 1840's Levy's

The first house you enter from the inner courtyard is on the far left. Set up as an 1840's home of the Levy's, who were Jewish. The daughter had to share a room with her parents, but the boys had their room on the top floor.

1840's Levy's at The Back to Backs  (February 2023). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

House 2 - 1870's The Oldfield's

30 years later, the middle house in the 1870's was the home of the Oldfield family. In one bedroom, a curtain divides the beds from the lodgers.

1870's Oldfield's at The Back to Backs  (February 2023). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

House 3 - 1930's The Mitchell Brothers

No, not the Mitchell Brothers from Eastenders! This Mitchell Brothers were elderly men in their 60's or 70's living during the 1930's. The decade of three Kings (George V, Edward VIII and George VI) and the start of WW2.

1930's Mitchell Brothers at The Back to Backs  (February 2023). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

1970's George Saunders Tailoring

George Saunders from the West Indies, set up his tailoring business on Hurst Street in 1974. He stayed until he retired in 2001 (before the houses were restored). He mainly made suits for men. All of the contents are original as he left them.

1970's George Saunders Tailoring at The Back to Backs  (February 2023). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Wash Room and privies

The wash room can be accessed from the inner courtyard. Women would work here all day long washing and drying clothes by hand. No mod cons. The privies (outdoor toilet cubacles) are to the right of here. Someone had to enter the contents of them, as the oldest toilet wasn't plummed in, just a bucket under the seat.

Wash Room at The Back to Backs  (February 2023). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Special exhibition for 2023 - From City of Empire to City of Diversity

Above the second hand bookshop at the Back to Backs is a special exhibition rooms on the 1st and 2nd floors. In 2023, there is an exhibition on called From City of Empire to City of Diversity. Going from gaining City Status in 1889 to the present day. Mostly related to the South Asian community of Birmingham. As well as the Caribbean. The Back to Backs is a proud host of this exhibition.

From Empire to Diversity at The Back to Backs  (February 2023). Photography by Elliott Brown