An inspiration for Ebenezer Howard and the first urban planning conference in Britain or America, Amanda Kolson Hurley looks at how Bournville has evolved.
Built as an experimental village by industrialist George Cadbury next to his chocolate factory four miles from central Birmingham, the town was designed by architect William Alexander Harvey, "who drew up lovely, varied yet economical house plans." The town also let Cadbury codify his "own brand of zealous paternalism"
Now home to upwards of 25,000 residents, the town was "named the 'nicest place to live in Britain' by a foundation several years ago, Bournville is very popular, and its houses - whether market-rate or subsidized - rarely turn over. The area skews older and whiter than other neighborhoods in Birmingham, which is one-third nonwhite."
Oh, and there are no pubs. Apparently Mr. Cadbury was a teetotaler.
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