Unlocking the Extraordinary Stories Behind Five Everyday Birmingham Sights

With over 150 years of experience exploring Birmingham, reporters at the Birmingham Mail have uncovered remarkable tales behind the city’s most overlooked landmarks. While a guided tour for everyone would be impossible, we’re excited to share five fascinating stories about places and things you encounter every day without a second thought.

From mysterious postbox cyphers to forgotten tram tracks, these hidden gems reveal Birmingham’s rich history and surprising secrets that might just change the way you see the city.

The Rare Edward VIII Postbox in Digbeth
In 2026, postboxes may seem old-fashioned, especially for younger generations who rarely use them. But Birmingham holds some rare treasures, including a unique postbox in Digbeth marked with the royal cypher “ER VIII.” This crown belonged to Edward VIII, the controversial king who abdicated before his coronation to marry a divorcee. Only a handful of postboxes with his initials remain, and Birmingham boasts four—found not only in Digbeth but also in Harborne, Yardley, and Northfield. Spotting one is like finding a historic gem on your daily walk.

The City Centre’s Lost Tram Track
While Birmingham’s modern tram system whisks passengers across the city and beyond, a forgotten stretch of track remains by the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery on Edmund Street. This fragment is the last remnant of the city’s old tramline, which once carried commuters everywhere—from the city centre to Lickey Hills—for just a penny or ha’penny in the 1950s. The tracks serve now as a silent memory of a bygone era of public transport.
Secret Skylights with a Somber Past
Next to those tram tracks, circular glass skylights embedded in the road hide a solemn secret beneath. Dating back to Edwardian times, the space below was repurposed during World War II as a makeshift morgue to respectfully house the casualties of Birmingham’s Blitz before they could be properly buried. Today, these glass bricks and wooden covers serve as poignant reminders of the city’s resilience during its darkest hours.
The Hidden History Beneath St Martin’s Churchyard
While enjoying the lively atmosphere near the Bullring, few realize this popular spot once featured a vast churchyard filled during Birmingham’s industrial boom. The overcrowded St Martin’s churchyard eventually led to the creation of a new burial ground at Park Street, where construction for HS2 now takes place. During the development of the Bullring, many bodies were carefully exhumed and reburied elsewhere, including sites in Quinton and Witton, preserving a vital connection to Birmingham’s industrial past.
The Royal Emblem Beneath Your Feet on New Street
Next time you queue for the cash machine near the Odeon Cinema, glance down at the pavement. An ornate emblem with a crowned “R” and open scissors marks the site of the legendary hairdresser Raymond Bessone’s former salon. Known simply as “Mr. Teasy-Weasy,” Bessone became a hairdressing icon and mentor to Vidal Sassoon. This subtle symbol beneath your feet celebrates a glamorous chapter of Birmingham’s mid-20th-century history.

These stories offer just a glimpse into the captivating history hidden in plain sight throughout Birmingham. Keep an eye out—you may be walking past more extraordinary tales than you think.