This nineteenth century view of Birmingham from the south was based on an original sketch by S T Davis. It shows the proliferation of smoking chimneys, indicating the density of manufactories and workshops in the town. The town hall, based on the Roman temple of Castor and Pollux, occupies a position of prominence on the horizon. To its right is the spire of old Christ Church, the baroque tower of St Philip's, the nave of which is obscured by King Edward's grammar school. Closer to the foreground, to the right, is St Martin's church.