Blue Plaque: The Martineaus

The Martineau family of Birmingham holds a distinguished place in the city’s history, renowned for their significant contributions to industry, civic life, philanthropy, and intellectual thought from the late 18th century onwards. 

From religious refugees to Birmingham royalty
Descending from French Huguenot refugees who settled in Norwich after fleeing religious persecution, the Martineau family’s move to Birmingham marked the beginning of their profound impact on the city.  The Martineaus were staunch Unitarians and this religious conviction heavily influenced their liberal social views and their active participation in reform movements. They were passionate advocates for political reform, anti-slavery, education and social welfare. The family were central to Birmingham’s intellectual and industrial elite, often associated with other prominent Nonconformist families like the Cadburys and the Kenricks. Their legacy is evident not just in their businesses and the institutions they supported, but in the enduring spirit of social responsibility and progressive thought that they championed in Birmingham. 

Civic champions
Five generations descended from Robert Martineau (1798-1870) have served as Mayor and Lord Mayor of Birmingham at various times between 1846 and 1987.  The source of the family’s prosperity came from their success as brass founders, manufacturers and traders.  The family estate on Bristol Road is now home to Martineau Gardens.  Through marriage the family were closely related to the Chamberlain and Kenrick families in the city.  

As a Liberal Unionist, Robert Martineau became politically active in the 1830s and was involved in radicalisation that secured the 1832 Reform Act and helped to free the city from Church Rates.  He served as a councillor for Edgbaston from 1842 and supported numerous local causes including the new General Hospital, the Birmingham Triennial Music Festival at the Town Hall and Lench’s Trust.  Robert established the Edgbaston Proprietary School to provide education for non-conformist families, who at that time were not admitted to King Edward’s and so could not secure a good education in Birmingham

Thomas Martineau (1828-1893) was a solicitor and successfully achieved assizes town status for Birmingham, leading to the building of Victoria Law Courts, as well as being instrumental in the Welsh Water Bill to bring water from central Wales to Birmingham.

Ernest Martineau (1861-1952) was a solicitor and was elected to the city council in 1901.  He served on, amongst others, the Public Works Committee, the Industrial Schools Committee and the Water Committee, continuing the process of improving Birmingham’s water supply by building reservoirs at Bartley Green.  At age 53, Ernest served in the First World War and although considered  too old for active service, is credited with establishing an organisation for the welfare of ex-servicemen and their families in Birmingham, some years before the Royal British Legion was established.

Wilfred Martineau (1889-1964) was a Territorial Army Officer in the First World War before qualifying as a solicitor.  He was elected to the City Council in 1932, chaired the Traffic Control Committee being responsible for introducing Birmingham’s first one-way system.  He was Lord Mayor during the period of the Blitz and following this was elected Chairman of the city’s Emergency Committee, effectively meaning that if Birmingham became cut-off from London he would have headed government locally.  His true passion lay in education, serving on the Education Committee and establishing a teacher’s club to encourage talent to the city’s schools.  Wilfred was also heavily involved in the City of Birmingham Choir and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, the BBC Regional Advisory Council and Birmingham District Nursing Association.

Denis Martineau (1920-1999) served in the Middle East, North Africa and Italy during the Second World War before qualifying as a solicitor in 1950.  Dennis served as a city councillor for 30 years and had interests in CBSO, Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Royal British Legion, SENSE and also served on the board of Birmingham Municipal Bank.  He was Lord Mayor at the time work commenced on the construction of the ICC and Symphony Hall.