Anniversaries view William Shakespeare's anniversary
A region of great minds that shaped the World. Find out more.
Meet the Lunartiks view the Lunartiks video
The Lunartiks, as they became known, were a society formed by talented individuals from the West Midlands that are today regarded as some of the world's most inspiring and innovative men.
Watch how they shaped the World we live in.
Events view the Lunartiks video
Join in the celebrations by visiting special events and exhibitions throughout 2009.
William Penny Brookes
William Penny Brookes - Father of the modern Olympics
The modern Olympics didn't start in Greece but in the Heart of England, in Shropshire. William Penny Brookes, born in Much Wenlock, Shropshire, two hundred years ago, founded the Wenlock Olympian Society, which held its first games in 1850 to "promote the moral, physical and intellectual improvement of the inhabitants".
The Wenlock Games went from strength to strength over the years, attracting competitors in athletics and traditional sports, from as far afield as London and Liverpool.
When the Athens Olympiad Games were held for the first time, Brookes sent £10 from the Wenlock Olympian Committee in support. He then tried to persuade the government of Greece to revive the Olympics as an international competition, but sadly this didn't happen until 1896: four months after Brooke's death.
The founder of the modern Olympics - Baron de Coubertin - wrote in Brookes' obituary: "If the Olympic Games...still survives today, it is due, not to a Greek, but to Dr. William Penny Brookes".
Join in the Celebrations
Throughout 2009 there are great events for you to visit. Check out our Event Diary for something inspired to do this year.
