This book contains 12 circular walks within the city of Birmingham. Each has been chosen to cover a specific period in the history of the city, taking the walker past historic buildings and other sites from that period. The walks are arranged chronologically, and they transport the reader from Birmingham’s humble beginnings in Saxon times to its position as workshop of the world. Together these walks reveal the rich and varied history of Britain’s second city. John Wilks, who was born in Birmingham, is both a keen historian and an enthusiastic walker. He has worked as a professional historical guide and is secretary of his local branch of the Historical Society. He has written a number of walking books with historical themes.