Birmingham was the center of the Industrial Revolution in the English Midlands, reflected by the many canals. Indeed, Birmingham has more canals than Venice! People moved from farms to cities during the industrial revolution. In the 1700s, 17 percent of the English and Welch population lived in towns; by the 1850s, 50 percent; and by 1900, 75 percent. The decaying and abandoned industrial buildings along the canals are now gentrified with fashionable apartments, bars, restaurants, shops, and theaters.  Click on a picture to see a larger view.