19th century

As Birmingham grew, wealthy residents looked for space outside the crowded inner city. Small Heath, a green area close to the fast-developing city, began to change in 1834 when large houses appeared east of Small Heath between Green Lane and Grange Road.

Development was made easier and cheaper by using local clay to make bricks.

In 1875, members of Holy Trinity Cricket Club formed Small Heath Alliance Football Club to keep fit over winter. They built Muntz Street stadium in 1877 with space for 10,000 spectators. It also became the headquarters of Small Heath Athletic Club. A wooden stand and raised terracing later increased capacity to around 30,000. The club bought the lease in 1895.

After Birmingham became a city in 1889, the club was renamed Birmingham City Football Club. They built a new stadium, St Andrew’s, nearer the city centre and moved there in 1907.

Page last updated: 14 November 2025