City Centre in Birmingham in West Midlands, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
Great Western Arcade
The History of GWA
Photographed by Ray Gurganus, May 13, 2026
1. Great Western Arcade Marker
Built in 1875-6 over the Great Western Railway line cutting at the London end of Snow Hill Station. The cutting was covered in 1874. Originally the broad gauge Paddington line ran through a tunnel which stopped at temple row and then an open cutting to Snow Hill Station. The cutting was roofed over in 1874 and the Great Western Arcade built on top, the line of the new tunnel being offset slightly to the north of the centre of the arcade. The extended tunnel has a length of 596 yards (545 h).
Having sustained bomb damage in WW2, The entrance at Colmore Row was rebuilt to a different style and the original roof was replaced by an apexed construction rather than the original arched roof. The plaster mouldings above the doors on the balcony remain, adding to its original splendour. The stone masonry on Temple Row is one of the best preserved facades in the city.
W.H. Ward designed the arcade strongly influenced by Joseph Paxton's pioneering Great Exhibition at Crystal Palace in 1851. It is similar to that
this page online
The arcade underwent substantial restoration works in 1980's and in recognition of these efforts the Birmingham Civic Society awarded the arcade a prize in 1985 in 1988 the arcade was voted Birmingham's favourite building.
The arcade has been lovingly restored over the last 15 years, with modern energy efficient led lighting installed in the existing wrought iron Victorian globe lights.
The Arcade's original Victorian chiming clock, which strikes the quarters on a set of five exposed bells, has received a complete overhaul, and although the Westminster chime will not be operational every day, it will be used on special occasions and events.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1875.
Location. 52° 28.895′ N, 1° 53.812′ W. Marker is in Birmingham, England, in West Midlands. It is in City Centre. It can be reached from Temple Row, on the left. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 23-24
Photographed by Ray Gurganus, May 13, 2026
2. Inside at the Great Western Arcade
Regionally, this marker is in the Midlands. Globally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean, in the North Atlantic Region, in Europe, in Atlantic Europe, on one of the British Isles, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 6 other markers are within 24 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson, KB (1758-1805) (approx. half a kilometer away); St Editha's Church (approx. 21.8 kilometers away); Commander Edward John Smith RD RNR (1850-1912) (approx. 22.9 kilometers away); Theatres and Thespians (approx. 22.9 kilometers away); Promenades and Pleasure Gardens (approx. 22.9 kilometers away); Edward Wightman Memorial (approx. 23 kilometers away).
Credits. This page was last revised on September 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 27, 2026, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 4 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 27, 2026, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
