Gunmakers of Birmingham

Gunmaking has been a long established trade in the UK for over 200 years. The production of hand made guns was centred around St Chad's Cathedral. Birmingham supplied the guns for the Napoleonic Wars when over 3 million gun barrels were made in Birmingham.

In order to stem imports of guns from abroad which were not often of the same quality as those made in Birmingham, the ordinance factory at Enfield was established. This Proof House was responsible for testing the guns and ensuring their quality and safety and is still present today in Banbury Street.

Birmingham fulfilled its role in the 1st and 2nd world wars as a major supplier of guns and ammunition for the war effort. The BSA (British Small Arms) factory which is probably the most well known example was established in 1861. Birmingham still produces sporting guns and has an excellent and world renowned name for quality.