New Street, Birmingham

Known as Novus Vicus in the borough rental records of 1296, and later, in 1344-45, as le Newestret, New Street may have originated as early as 1166. It was probably established as a more direct route from the Bull Ring, the center of the new town, toward Dudley Castle, the stronghold of the de Bermingham family's feudal overlords. Every castle must have a road. Every road must have a town.

The street experienced massive growth during the 18th and 19th centuries. An 1840s guide described it as "the Bond Street of Birmingham." It was noted for its shops, inns, schools, theater, School of Arts, and Post Office.

New Street is now mainly pedestrianized. It remains one of Birmingham's principal shopping streets, running between Victoria Square and the Bullring and connecting with Corporation Street and High Street. During the Christmas season, Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market extends from Victoria Square along New Street, filling the street with wooden stalls selling German food and drink, gifts, decorations, and other seasonal goods.

Along the way, there are several landmarks worth noticing. Piccadilly Arcade began life in 1910 as the Picture House cinema before being converted into a shopping arcade. As you reach the junction of New Street and Lower Temple Street, look to your right for the entrance to Piccadilly Arcade.

Continue east along New Street. Farther ahead, at No. 139, stands ODEON Birmingham New Street, which opened in 1937 and later became an important concert venue. Near the Bullring end of New Street, look up for the Rotunda, the distinctive cylindrical tower completed in 1965. The 24-storey building is Grade II listed and remains one of Birmingham's most recognizable modern landmarks.