Warwickshire directory, 1850

FosBway(Roman,)407 Fulke Oreville, Lord Garter BJng of Arms,

General History, 405 Gray (Lady) burnt,

Grendon HaU, 883 Grendon Lodge, 884 Greville FamQy, 456 Gunpowder Explo- sion, 7BA Hathaway Ann's, Hatton Sir Christo- Hewell Hall, 758 High Constables, 436 High SheriE 436 HiBmorton HaU, 659

Holyoflk FrBnM,420

Land Measure (An-

Leamington Priors : History,61 1; Springs Baths, and Pump Churehes.613to615; ColIege,616; Schools and Scientific Insti- tution, 617 ; Music 618; Raoesdc Steeple HuntCfaib,618; Ho- fbrd Hospital, 619; Temperance Hall, 620; Charitable Re-

Acres <fe Population,

List,^l;PostOffie^

Loreridge Hilb, 773 Malvern Hall, 877 Manganese, bSl Market Towns, 405 Maxtoke Castle, 831 Members of Parlia- Merevale Hall, 832

Meriden Hall, 871 Springs (Petrifying),

Moreton Hall, 737 Motstow Hill, 644 Mozhnll Hall, 859 Kewbold Rerel, 588 Newnbam Paddocks,

New Small DebtsAct,

Norman Conqnest,

Normandy (William

OfTchurcb Bnry, 642, Oldbnry Hall, 821 Packington Hall, 875 Packwood Honse,765 Parishes, Nunber of,

Parisb Registers, 425 Pinkney John de, 688 Polling Places, 406 Poor Law, (Old and

England, Wales and

Prioriea, (see Monas- teries,) St. Mary's,

Prorident InatitatlODB

PnbUe Health Act,

PobUe OiBcen, 436

Qneen Amie's Bonn-

Qoeen Henrietta Ma- ria's visit to Strat- ford-on-Avon, 792 Radway Grange, 731 Ragley Hall, 751 Rateable Value, 433,

Reform Bill, 405 Religions Hon8es,410 Roman Roads, 406 Roman Stations, 406, rateable value, 665 ; town governed, 665; 665; college for the chanic's Institution, Benefit Building So- ciety, County Court, Stamp Office. Petty Sessions, Police Sta* tions, Gfr^v Works, Union Workhouse, and RaiU ayStation,

Ryknield Street, 407 Reyleye House, 872 St. John's Well and

Salford (Priors)Honae

Savings Banks, 434 Schools of Deaign,20,

Seata of Gentry, 900

Sbakspeare, 418 to

Sheriff's officflTB, 436 Sheriff LftwreBee,653 Shire Staii«i 706

ShuckbnTghPark,697Stodley Castle, 75S

Southam : History,

Fire, 697; Monastic

Church, Chapels,

Matual Improve- ment Society, Self-

Supporting Dispen- sary, Petty Sessions,

Springfield Hall, 865

Stamp Distributors,

Stivichall Hall, 5 3 Stonejthorpe Hall,

Stratford Ralphde,795 Stratford John de,795 Stratford Robert de,

Stratford-on-Avon :

nastrry .792;Queen 's

peare's Birth Place,

Assemblies, Theatre

Hall,TownHall,and

Petty ScsBsionsHtose

Shaksneare.795; Re-

797; Sehoo1s,Savings

Bank, Infirmary,

Gas Works, County

Umberslade Hall, 768 Union Workhouaes : Alce9ter,745 ; Astcyn, Bedworth 570; Bir- 666; Shipston-on- Stratford - on - Avon, Upton House, 719

Vesey John, Bishop Walton Hall, 740 Wanley Mr. Hum-

Warwick, hi8tory,444 456,town comprinea, libraries, 458; news, billiard rooms, 468; agricultural society, 459 ; association for the potection of ag^ eiation for tiie pro- union workhouse, banks, 460; inland trade, 460; railways,

BIRMINGHAM, a Parish, Market Town, and Borough, sitoated near the centm ikf the Idngdom, in the north western extremity of the County of Warwick, in a sort of pemnsnla, the northern and western parts of which are hounded hy Handswortb, in tbe Counfcy of Stafford ; and the southern and eastern hy King's Norton, in that of Woreester. in 52 degrees 29 minutes north latitude, 1 degree 55 minutes west longi- tude; 18 miles W.hy N. from Coventry; 20 miles N.W. from Warwick; 22 mUes N. by W. from Stratford-upon-Avon ; 8 miles S.E. from Dudley; 14 miles 8.S.W. from WolvcriiaDipton ; 82 miles S. hy £. from Manchester; 104 miles S.E. hy S. from Liver- pool; and 109 miles N.W. from London, on the Holyhead road. A small hrook, at the dis- taaee of about 1( mile frt>m the centre of the town of Birmingham, separatei^this Coxmty from that of Stafford ; and a narrow tongue from the County of Worcester runs into Warwickshire, on the east side of Birmingham. The parish of Birmingham contains EedesiJistieal purposes, Birmingham ia divided into the district parishes of St. Martin, St Philip, St. Ge<M^, St. Thomas, and All Saints, in the Archdeaconry of Coventry aad Diocese of Worcester, each of which respectively, in 1841, contained 94,316, one parish. Birmingham was constituted a Borough after the Reform Act of 1832, and inchides the hamlets and chapelry of Deritend and Bordesley, with those of DoAdeston cum Nechells, in the paruih of Aston, in Warwickshire, with 13,330 acres of land. The two former contained 3630 inhabited houses, 451 uninhabited, and 28 hovuKs were huilding, having 18,019 inhabitants, of whom 8647 were males, and 9372 females;. Also the Parish of Edobaston, in the Birmingham division of the Hemling- ibrd Hundred, 1)^^ mile S.W. from Birmingham, and forming a suburb to the town, fanoB part of the Borough. Its parish contains 2790 acres of land, and in 1841 here were 1227 inhabited houses, 61 houses uninhabited, and 18 houses were building, with $609 inhafaitants, of whom 2^60 were males, and 3949 females, making a total for the entire Borough of Birmingham of 18,780 acres, which includes the enture area of Aston, with 36,121 inhabited houses, 3841 uninhabited, and 323 houses building, with extensive parish of .Handswortb, in the Hundred of Offlow, and County of Stafford, adioins the parish of Birmingham on the north west. The hamlet of Soho forms a popnloua suburb to the Borough of Birmingham, and will be included iu the Birming- ham Directory. The remaiouig part of the parish, as well as the remaining part of the parish of Aston, will be given, to follow the Birmingham Directory, with the neeeawry local information. Birmingham ranks the fourth town in England as to pofmlation and oommereial consequence, and it is generally considered as the second town as to manufacturing; yet from the great variety in its manufactures, the great extent, and the value of many of the articles, it is by many said to be the first in

consequence ; but on tliis there appears not data to decide. The town, previous to the tteform Bill, was governed by a High Bailiff, elected annually, who presided at all public meetings ; a Low Bailiff, and a Chairman of the Court Leet, It wa« free from the restrictions of any corporate body, and open for any person to settle in it ; this, joined with the local advantages of its situation, its proximity to the coal and iron mines, and the convenience of canals, has long contributed to the constant increase of its buildings and augmentation of its population and conmierce. It has now become a great centre of Railways, which greatly adds to the other advantages. In 1690 Birmingham contained only four thoiuand inhabitants. In 1821 it contained 85,416, at which time Aston contained 19,189, and Edgbaston 2117 inhabitants. Dugdale supposes the name of the town to have been given by its Saxon proprietor^ but it was more common for a man to take his name from the place, than to give name to it. Hutton, the historian of Birmingham, supposes it to be much older tlian any Saxon date. During the last four centuries the name has been variously written, Brumtoycham^ Bermyngeham^ Bromwyckam, Burmyngham^ Bermyngham^ Byrmynghamj and Birmingham ; so late as the seventeenth century it was written Bromycham. The word has undergone various mutations ; the original seems to have been Bromwych ; Brom per- haps from broom, a shrub, for the growth of which the soil is extremely favourable, Wych^ a dwelling, or a descent ; this exactly corresponds with the declivity from the High Street to Digbeth. Two other places in the same neighbourhood bear similar names. Castle Bromwich and West Bromwich. From a series of prosperity its lord might reside in it, and assume its name, and the particle ham would naturally follow. Probably this happened under the Saxon Heptarchy, and the name became Brom-

Leland, in the reign of Henry VIII. describes Birmingham as being inhabited by '* smithiers that used to make knives and all sorts of cutting tools, by lorimores that make blttes, and a great many nailours." The town is approached from every side by ascent, except that from Hales Owen, north west, which gives a fr^e access to the air, and showers promote both cleanliness and health, by removing all obstructiona. Ancient writers represented Birmingham as low and watery. Digbeth, formerly the chief street, bears that description. ^^ Birmingham," Hutton says, ** like the empire to which she belongs, has for many centtu'ies been travelling up hill^ and like that rising into consequence." There is not any natural river runs through the parish; its boundaries are marked by three, none of which supply family use. After pene- trating into a body of sand, with a small strata of soft rock, and sometimes of gravel, at the depth of about twenty yards, plenty of water is found, rather hard. There are in the lower parts of the town two excellent springs of soft water, one at the top of Digbeth, the other Lady Well, or rather one bed of water with many outlets, con- tinning its course along the bottom of the hill, and sufficiently copious to supply a large city. A Chalybeate Sprinq, in the manor of Duddeston, one mile from Birmingham, on the road to Coleshill, which Hutton observes has but one defect, it cof/j nothingi ^ here," he adds, ^^ the afflicted might find a)>rescription without expenoe, efficacious as if signed by the whole College of Physicians ; the stick and the crutch would be nailed round its margin as trophies of victory over disease. The bottle adds to the spirits but shortens life ; this fountain ia the renewer of health and the protractor of age." The natural Air of Birmingham cannot be excelled in this climate, the moderate elevation and dry soil evinces this truth ; but it receives an alloy from the vast congregated body of human beings, the smoke of numerous fires, and the effluvia arising from particular trades. It is no uncommon thing to see a man with green hair or a yellow wig, firom his constant employment in brass; if he reads, the green vestiges of his occupation remain on every leaf, never to be expunged. The iidide of his body receives no doubt the same tincture, but is cleaned by being often washed with ale.

CviTtctfBa. - Ecclesiastieally, aa before noticed, the town of Binningbam ia now Winded info ^ve pttrisbes, baving fifteen cbntcbes, besides six more witbin tbe borough^ in t&e jMuish of Aston, and in Edgbaston.

St. Maxtut, tbe ancient parish church, the antiquity of which is too remote for Kifltaneal light, its Teeords having fallen a prey to time, and the revolution of things. From Tsrioos reasons its foundation is supposed to have been in tbe eighth centory, or perlttps a little earlier, and it then was at a small distance from the buildings. TbefRsent edifice cannot be assigned to an earlier period than the beginning of the tUftecBth centory, it consists of a spacious nave with clerestory, chancel, south aisle with nstry at the east end, and north aisle, at the west end of which stands a large aanre tower, surmounted by a spire of great symmelry ; the interior windows of the Mfiy, Bfl also other portions of the tower, are in the early decorated style of architec- tore, md during some late repairs a window or doorway of the same style was dis- covered at the west end of the south aisle ; it therefore seems very probable that some P<vtioD of the ehurcb was erected by that Sir William de Birmingham whose monu- ment is ntaated in ihe south aisle. In the year 1690 the church and tower were cased vfch Knek. The spire has been several times injured by lightning, and its altitude ^iBuaiabed. A meridian line on the south side the tower was placed there by Ferguson tbe a^nmomer. Tbe living is a Rectory, valued in the king's books at JBld, 3s. 6d. owitlOiS, in tbe patronage of trustees, the Rev. John C. Miller, M.A. incumbent. This clnirdi was. in 1291, valued at seven and a half marks. In the year 1331 Walter de Clodshale, of Saltley, gave certain lands and messuages for the founding of a ckanby at the altar of the Blessed Virgin, in this church, and for maintaining one pint to celebrate divine senioe there for the souls of himself, his wife, their ancestors, ttd aQ the iaithfb] deceased. His son Richard gave other lands for the like purpose, (a the twenty-sixth year of Henry YIII. the value of the lands and tenements was <*teeoied at one hundred and one shilling. Richard de Clodshale, who served aa Sheriff for this County and Leicestershire, in 1426, by bis last will, dated Edgbaston, ^^ hequeathed his body to sepulture in this church, *^ within lus own proper chapel ^ ov Lady." The Reetory is a large neat mansion, near St. Thomas's Hospital, Bath Row.

1>viBg the year 1846, through the exertions of Mr. H. M. Blews, the restoration ^ ^ ancient monuments of the ^ Lords of Birmingham " has been effected. The ^<"t aadent of which is situated in the fifth window opening of the south aisle ; it \a ^ cftgie of a knight, cross legged and recumbent, lying on a coffin-shaped slab, P^^BiQy liaing on each nde to an obtnse angle or ridge. It ia supposed to represent Sir Vilban de Birmingham. In the year 1297, he was in the service of lus sovereign, ^'vrtrd I, under the command of the Earl of Lincoln, who attemping to relieve Bell- fBd, then besieged by the French, waa defeated by the besiegers, and the Earl, together *ith Sir WiUiam, eight more knights, and very many esquires, were taken prisoners, and <»ned in great triumph to Paris. He died in the latter part of Edward the First's '^B%Bf far in the year 1304, his widow, Isabel, presented John de Ayleston^ clerk, to the ^^rIl la the west window of the south aisle, is the next ancient monument ; but ^'MB die porous nature of the stone, and its extreme dilapidation, a perfect restoration ^thb was prevented ; it is supposed to be the effigy of William de Birmingham, a man ^ |n«t repute in the time of ike Second and Third Edward. In the south aisle is a Nik altartomb, of alabaster, divided into compartments, on which is the effigy of a ^>>|te in plate armour. The slab on which the effigy reclines, is of the form termed ^^dair. It is presumed to represent John de Birmingham, who, in the year 1379, *M 4feoiff of this eoonty and Leicestershire ; be was one of the Knights of the Shire a tbe parliament held at Westminster, in 1382. The most interesting of these monu- >B'*Bta is the effigy of an ecclesiastic, placed upon a high tomb of alabaster, divided into "^^ni compartments, each consisting of a pointed arch, flanked by small pinnacled

bnttresses ; beneath each arch, on a small projecting bracket, stands the figure of an angel, clad in an alb, with ontstretched wings, supporting in his arms a shield; Mr. Bloxam has assigned the date to the latter part of the fiileenth century, and considers it one of the most curious monumental effigies extant.

About the year 1715, a small portion of the original parish of St. Martin, consistiiig of a district in the centre of the town, was formed into the parish of St. Philip ; and in 1829, two other districts were formed into the parishes of St. George and St. Thomaa ; since which, in 1832, Birmingham Heath was formed into the district parish of All Saints; since which, two other new parishes have been formed, St. Stephen, taken ont of the parish of St. George, and St. Andrew, out of Aston parish.

St. Philip's Parish Chubch is a large handsome structure, in the Grecian style of architecture, combining the Corinthian and the Doric orders, and is much admired by architects. It is a stone structure, about 140 feet long and 75 feet broad. It was com- material and labour given. It is situated on the most elevated spot in the town, on an area of about four acres; and was, as well as the site on which the Blue Coat School stcmds, the gift of Mrs. Elizabeth Phillips, and her daughter and son-in-law, Mr. Wil- liam and Mrs. Inge; it comprises a nave, chancel, north and south aisles, a tower, supporting a dome and cupola, containing a peal of ten bells. The interior is very handsome, and commodiously fitted up ; it has two side and one end gallery ; and will accommodate 2,000 persons. The living is a rectory not in charge, and is annexed to the prebend of Sawley, in the patronage of the Bishop of Worcester ; the Hon. and Rev. Grantham Munton Yorke, M. A. incumbent. In 1845 the roof of the church was leaded, the interior cleaned and beautified, at a cost of .1^2,000. From the top of the tower, a fine view of the town \a obtained.

The Rectory house ia situated at the comer of the church yard ; and in it Is a Theological Library, bequeathed by the Rev. William Higgs, about a century since, for the use of the clergy of the neighbourhood.

St. Gborob's Parish Church, near Tower street, is a handsome structure in tbe early English decorated style of architecture, consisting of nave, chancel, side aisles, and a lofty square embattled tower, with pierced parapet and crocketed pinnacles, and cost, including the boundary walls and gates, ;£ 12,735, raised by subscriptions, aided by a grant from the Parliamentary Commissioners ; it contains 1378 free sittings. The first stone of the church was laid in 1820, and it was consecrated July 30th, 1822. The galleries are supported on iron shafts ; the communion is ornamented with a fine altar piece, over which is a window of tracery work, decorated with painted glass. The living is a Rectory, not in charge, rated at jSooOy in the patronage of the Bishop of Worcester, Rev. John Garbett, M.A. (rural dean,) incumbent.

St. Thomas's Parish Church, Holloway Head, is a handsome structure in the Grecian style ; the frt>nt is almost semicircular, and ornamented with six chaste Ionic columns. The eastern end is also ornamented with Roman Ionic columns, supporting a pediment, with a handsome spire, connected in the lower part with the sides of the church by quadrants of the Ionic order. It was erected at a cost of j^l4,222, wholly defirayed by a grant frx>m the Parliamentary Commissioners, and will accommodate2,40O persons, 1400 of whom are provided with free sittings. The church was consecrated executors of the late William Hawkes, Esq. had the first presentation. The Rer. George Stringer Bull, iucmnbent.

All Saints' Parish Church, Birmingham Heath, is an elegant brick structure, erected at a cost of jf 3817, exclusive of boundary wall, was consecrated September Rectory, rated at ^1^220, in the patronage of the Rector of St. Martin's. The Rev. Francis Samuel Morgan, M.A., incumbent.

St. Srer hem's Pasish Church, Newtown Row, is built in the Norman Gothic -tjle of arehitectnre, at a cost of j^3,200, raised by the Birmingham Church BnUding SodHy. It will accommodate 1000 persons, of which nnmber 500 sittings ue free. It was consecrated Jnly 24th, 1844. It comprises a district of 1 1,000 persons, and was a pert of St George's parish. The living is a Perpetual Curacy, rated at £130^ in Hut aUemate patronage of the Crown and Bishop of Worcester. Rev. Edwaxd Garbett,

St. Andrew's Parish Church, Bordesley. A parish formed in 1846, under the Act of PaiUaaient designated Sir Robert PeePs Act, and was the fifth church built by tk Birmingbam Church Building Society, formed for the erection often. The church adwncel, (38 feet,) and a north aisle. A vestry adjoins the chancel on the north and a porch on the south of the nave, added by the parishioners, who also added an organ at the cost of j^60, a sweet-toned instrument, built by Banfield, it contains 18 stops and about 900 pipes. The gable has a fine light window at the west end, which with the bold tower and spire at the north west angle, has a pleasing effect. It is built of red sandstone, from a design by R. Carpenter, Esq., and is a correct specimen nittkt second pointed English architecture. The living is a Perpetual Curacy of the valne ofjClSO per annum, with the pew rents, and is in the alternate patit>nage of the Bishop of Worcester and ^ve Trustees ; the Bishop and the Vicar of Aston always to be two of those Trustees. The Rev. David Brown Moore, incumbent.

St. Bartholem ew's Church, St. Bartholemew's Square, is a plain brick building wiOk a Cupola erected in 1749 on land presented by John Jennens Esq., as a chapel of ease to St. Martin; it has now a district of 8500 souls awarded to it The interior, a good ipecnnen of the Tuscan Order, is graced with a richly carved altar piece, presented by the Earl of Denbeigh, the communion plate was presented by Mrs. Mary Careless. The Chancel of this church points to the north instead of the east ; the living a Per- petual Curacy rated at .^^300. in thepatronage of the Rector of St. Martin ; Rev. WUUam Duncan Long, Incumbent.

St. Mart's Church, in St. Martin's parish, is a neat octagon brick structure with a tower and handsome spire ; it was erected in 1774, in pursuance of an Act passed in 1773 far the erection of two additional chapels in Birmingham ; the land was presented by Miss Mary Weaman, in whom the right of presentation was vested. The church was repaired and beautified in 1838, the interior is spacious, and comprises nave, dianeel, side aisles, and galleries ; the chancel is ornamented with a beautiful stained glass window representing the ascension. It will accommodate 1690 persons, of which 470 seats are free. It was made a District Church in 1841, with a population of 8500 viols assigned to it. The living is a perpetual curacy, rated at .^520. in the patronage of trustees; Rev. John Casebow Barrett M.A., incumbent. The PARso^rAOB, a neat residence in St. Mary's Row.

No Fees are required at this church for baptisms and chzistenings from persons resident in the district.

St. Paul's Church, St. Paul's Square, is a handsome stone edifice in the Grecian itjie, ccmiprising nave, chancel, side aisles, with a handsome spire. It was erected by m^mexip^km in 1779, at a cost of ^1500. under the act for two additional churches passed in 177S; but the spire, which is much admired for lightness and elegance of design, was not erected till 1823. In 1791 a beautiful stained glass window, representing the comgision of St. Paul, was placed over the communion table. The neat burial ground, which encloses the church, is surrounded with trees, the land for the site being presented bj Charles Colmore, Esq, A district of 1 1,000 souls is assigned to this church. The living a Perpetual Curacy, rated at wiC170. Rev. George B. P. Latimer, M. A., is patron and incumbent. PARSOHAas, a neat residence, St. Paul's Square.

St. Peter's Church, Dale End, is a neat stone edifice, in the Grecian style of archit«ctnre, with nave, chancel, and side aisles. A massive portico of the Doric order, supported by fonr colnmns, forms the entrance, an octagonal turret rising above the contains 1,431 free sittings ; the Parliamentary Commissioners appointed for, building' new churches ha\dng defrayed a considerable portion of the expense. The first stone was laid 1825, and it was consecrated August 10th, 1827 : was made a district church in June, 1847, with a population assigned of 6,000 souls. In 1831, the interior was nearly destroyed by fire. The chancel window contains ^ the Ascension,' in stained glass. The living is a perpetual curacy, in the presentation of the rector of St. Philip ; Rev. Joshua Greaves, M. A., incumbent.

Bishop Ryder's Church, near Gem Street, Aston Street, is a neat brick structure, edged with stone. It was built by subscription, at a cost of ^4,500, and consecrated December I8th, 1838, and has a lofty tower at the west end. The dense and increasing' population of this part of the town, which was not supplied with any place of worship, at^acted the attention of the late Bishop Ryder, by whose example and influence 8nb-> scriptions were raised for the erecting of this church, which bears his name ; it has an assigned district of 9,000 souls, and scats are provided for the poor. The living ia a perpetual curacy, in the patronage of trustees. Rev. Sampson Jervois, incmnbent.

St. Matthew's Church, Gt Lister Street, Duddeston-cum-Nechells, Aston parish, is a handsome brick structure, in the Gothic style, with lancet'windows, a tower and spire, and was built by the Birmingham Church Building Society, formed in 1838-9 to build of about 11,000 souls assigned to it. The living, a perpetual curacy, in the patronage of trustees. Rev. George W. Chamberlain, M. A., incumbent.

The Panomage^ a neat residence, is near the church.

St. Mark's Church, St. Mark's Street, Summer Hill, is a neat stone stmctore, with a tower and spire at the north-west angle, and consists of nave, chancel, and aide aisles, and was erected by the Birmingham Church Building Society, at a costof jf3,10(K It was consecrated July 29th, 1841, and has a district of 5,000 souls assigned to it. The living, a perpetual curacy, in the patronage of the Bishop of Worcester ; the rector of St. Martin and others as trustees. Rev. Daniel Ledsam, M. A., incxunbent.

St. Luke's Church, Bristol Road, is a handsome structure, in the Norman style of architecture. The foundation stone was laid July 28th, 1841, by the Bishop of Wor- cester, audit was consecrated September 28th, 1842. It consists of nave, chancel, and side aisles, with a tower at the south-west angle. It was erected by the Birmingham Church Building Society, at a cost of about jf 3,500 : will seat 1,000 persons, of which number 500 are firee ; to which a district of 7^800 souls is assigned. The living, a perpetual curacy, in the patronage of trustees. The Rev. J. O. Oldham, M. A. incumbent.

St. Jude's District. - For this district of 7i500 souls, the National School Room, in Pinfold street, has been licensed for divine Service by the Bishop, where service ia performed, Sunday morning at eleven, afternoon, half-past three, and Wednesday evening, half-past seven. The living is a perpetual curacy, rated at j^130, in the alternate patronage of the crown and bishop. Rev. George Davenport, was, in 1847, appointed incumbent.

St. James's Chapel, Queen's College, Paradise Street, St Martin's parish, which was consecrated November 15th, 1844, and divine service is performed daily at half-past seven, morning ; Sunday morning at half-past eleven, and afternoon at three. Rev. George Richards, M. A., chaplain.

Christ Church, Head of New Street, in the parish of St. Philip, is a stone stmcturo. with a lofty portico, supported on columns of the Doric order, and a spire. The church provided with free scats for the poor. The Altar Piece is of carved mahogany, sup-

portzBg' a Painting of a Cross, smroTinded by Clondn. The land for tbe site was pre- «Bled hj William Pfaillipe Inge, Esq^ and a donation of jC1,000 was given by bis Ma.)esty Geot^ I J I. The living is a perpetoal curacy, rated at jC200, in the patronage fif the Bidkop of Worcester. Rev. George Lea, M. A., incumbent.

Cbapei, at Uie Ma^dalem, Broad Street, Islington, licensed by the Bishop for divine vorke, was built by sobscription, at a cost of about jf 1400, bnilt with brick and cemen- ted, and opened April 28tli, 1839. Service isperformed on Sunday morning at half-past tea, evening, half-past six, and Wednesday evening, quarter past seven. The Rev. Sydney Gedge, M. A^ and Rev. Thomas Arden, M. A., are the chaplains. Caracaxs in the Paxiaih of Aston, within the Borough.

St Andrew, a parish church, and St Matthew, a district church, are already noticed. St. Jajcbs's Chapel, Great Brook Street, Ashted, at the eastern extremity of Bir- Din^^iam, is a srfwtantial plain brick building, originally the private residence of the late Dr. Aslk, the founder of ^e General Hospital, Birmingham. On his decease, it was cuttvqicd into a Proprietary Chapel, by Dr. Crofts, and very neatly fitted up as a plaee oC wor^^i. On his decease, it was put up for sale by public auction, and was porchased by some friends of the late Rev. Edward Bum, incumbent of St Mary's, at a cost of jf 1,20(1, repaired and re-fitted at an additional expense of j&l,500, and conse- crated by Bishop Comwallis, September 7th, 1810, and vested in the hands of the Rev. Henvy Ryder and three others, as trustees for sixty years, and the Rev. Henry Bum ftoauaated as minister. In 1829, Mr. Bum resigned the care of the chapel, when the Rev. Jonah Allport, its present incumbent, was appointed. In 1830, the chapel was tboroqgiily repaired, and the galleries extended so as to provide 150 fi«e sittings, at an of J&M8, previous to which, in this hamlet, containing nearly 12,000 souls, IB no aecommodation for the poor. In 1835, the population around being more doubled, the chapel was enlaiged, at a cost of about jf 1,300, by the addition of at one-third of its present length, forming it into a proper oblong ; besides the con- »n of a suitable chancel, and the galleries extended throughout the new part The Ampel will now seat 1,500 persons, of which 600 are free seats, besides 250 sittings Sar the Sunday school diildren. A sweet-toned organ, built by Bishop, was, during the ttmr oCdw Rer. Mr. Bum, placed in the chapel ; and very recently, John Whittingham, Em|. beqnealhed .^£200. for the erection of a clock in the turret, but which is wholly to such an advantageous ^pendage. The living is a perpetual curacy, in the of trustees, as before stated, but has no endownent attached to it : the support vi tibe iBJBintrr, and defraying of all repairs and incidental expenses, rests solely on the The present incumbent has four public services every Lord's day : com- ai nine o'clock in the morning, for the convenience of the military, in the eonftigknis to St James's ; with congregational services at eleven, afternoon u three ; and evening at half-past six.

St. JoBjr Baptist's Chapei., Deritend, was founded and endowed with lands to ihe valoe of jTS. 13s. 4d., to support a priest Henry VlII, in 1537, seized the properly m ChanCry lands, then valued at JB\3, Is. 7d. ; but it is supposed they were afterwards Jetumcd. In the wiodows of this ancient chapel were tbe arms of Lord Dudley, and Dadley impaling Barclay, both knights of the garter, and a whole figure of Walter Ai^en, Esq. The ancient buHding having fallen to decay, the present structure, which is a eeanDodknis place of worship, was erected in 1735. In 1762, a square tower was added at flie west end, in which, in 1777, a clock and eight bells were placed. The fhayel win aceommodate 700 persons, and is a chapelry to the parish of Aston. The Knag is a perpetual curacy, rated at £319^ in the patronage of the inhabitants, and hKBbeacy of the Rev. William B. Smith, M. A.

Hmt TBfvrrr Chapbi^ head of Bradford Street, Bordesley, is a beautiful Gothic <iwil«g, &eed with stone, bnUt from the design of Godwin, of London. The noble ivth whsch forms the entranee, constitates its finest feature. It contains nave, chancel.

church contams a fine organ, and a heantiful altar piece, painted by Fogge, representing Christ healing the sick at the pool of Bethesda. The nave and galleries are free ; living, a perpetual curacy, rated at .£300 ; patron, the vicar of Aston. Rev. Joseph Oldknow, M. A., incumbent, for whom a neat parsonage has been erected adjoining the church.

Church of the Saviour, Edward Street, Birmingham parish, is an elegant biick f^ifice, with a massive cemented front, in the Corinthian order ; the entrance is a ^ne ornamented arch, supported by two enriched [columns. The church was opened the upper end of the church, supported by two beautiful Corinthian columns, is a fine organ, which is accompanied by a first-rate choir ; in front of which stands the pulpit, entered on either side by a flight of steps ; from the reading board is suspended au elegant piece of drapery, of crimson velvet, on which is a beatifuUy enriched emblem of the cross, in ornamental needle-work ; on either side the rostrum stands a marble tablet, on which is engraved the commandments laid down by Christ, ^^ Thou shalt love the Lord thy God," <&c. <fec. This elegant structure is not an episcopal place of worship. Rev. George Dawson, M.A., is the minister. On the last Saturday of each month, a divine service of music is performed in this church, as a means of the expression ot* religious feeling by that of sacred song.

Churches, Edgbaston Parish, which as previously explained, forma apart of the Borough of Birmingham. The appearance of the village of Edgbaston is very attrac- tive, the houses are well built, the streets wide, straight, and lighted with gas. There are also numerous villas, and altogether it forms a fashionable appendage to Bmning- ham, extending two miles south west.

St. Bartholomew, the Parish Church, is an ancient structure, which Dugdale informs us '* reposed amongst the trees which surround the Hall, and was utterly destroyed by the Parliamentary forces in the civil wars. After the Restoration it waa rebuilt, and the interior decorated by Sir Richard Gough. The body of the church was rebuilt in 1810, and was repaired and re-roofed in 1845. In the square tower is a peal of bells, and in the interior an organ, and several monuments, principally to the Gough family. The living a vicarage, rated at j£35, now j£542, has been aug- mented with X200. private benefaction, and j^OO. Queen Anne's Bounty. In the patronage of Lord Calthorpe and incumbency of Rev. Isaac Spooner, M.A., for whom a neat parsonage houae is about to be erected.

St. Georoe's Chapel, Calthorpe Street, is a handsome Gothic structure, in the early pointed style of the 13th century, the first stone of which was laid 17th August, 1836, and it was consecrated November 28tb, 1838 ; erected and endowed at the sole expense of Lord Calthorpe, aided by a legacy of .1^500. from the late Mr. Wheely, of Edgbaston, The living is a Perpetual Curacy, in the patronage of Lord Calthorpe and incumbency of the Rev. Edward Lillingston, M.A.

A few years since the only buildings which Edgbaston contained were the Church, the Hall, the Parsonage, and a few farm houses. The present proprietor is Lord Calthorpe, who lets out portions of land on long building leases ; and the number of its inhabitants is yearly increasing, and the business man of Birmingham carries with him into his retirement a correct taste not only for the useful, but abo for the beautiful and picturesque. The Botanic Gardens and the Observatory are in this pariah. The ancient Hall, formerly the seat of the lords of the manor, was burned by the populace at the revolution, who feared it might become a refuge for Roman Catholics. The present Hall was built by Sir Richard Gough. It is seated in a small well-wooded park, ornamented with a fine sheet of water, and is the seat of Edward Johnstone,

The Church op Eitoland Lay Association, was called into existence by a requisition, dated 24th May, 1838. The object of this Association is exclusively the

preMtrmtion of the rights and privileges of tlie Church, and its connection with the State. The Right Hon. the Earl of Dartmouth, PreMenU James Taylor, Esq«,

SoBBOOATBS foT granting marriage licenses for the Dioceses of Worcester and Lieh- Rev. J. Allport.

Tbs RoiiAar Catholic Cathedral sitnaeted at the jnnetion of Bath street and

Shadvroil street is dedicated to St. Chad, who was bishop of Lichfield in the seventh

ecBtary. It is hniH with brick, having stone dressings after the example of many

eoatioental chnrehes. The nave is divided from the aisles by twelve clusters of

pHlais, six on each side, fixmi the capitals of which a series of pointed arches spring

eoopketely up to the roof without any break for a treforiam or clerestory, thus forming

tte loftiest range of arches in the kingdom, a handsome screen surmounted by the holy

rood tividcs the dioir from the nave, and a similar though richer screen partitions off

die Lady Chapel or Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, from the top of the North Aisle,

The windows in the choir and down the sides, with the exception of those in the tran-

aeepta, aie long lanrlets, divided each into two bays, while the west window, and the

windowBof the transceptsare very large apertures distributed each into six compartments

aflbrding great facilities for the display of stained glass ; some good specimens of which

re already to be found in the choir, representing ancient Saxon Saints in the Lady

Ckapel, where the Blessed Virgin stands in glory between St. Cuthbert and St. Chad ;

and in the north transcept where St. James, St. Thomas, and St Patrick are acc^mi-

panied by the leading features in their history. Among the antiquities of the Cathedral*

nay be aientioned the pulpit, an elaborate carving in oak of the sixteenth century ;

aa fpiscopal shrine and stalls of the fifteenth century ; and a brass littem of the same

period. All these are either of Flemish or German workmanship. Beneath the cathe-

^ml is a crypt or undercroft, dedicated to St. Peter, and divided into separate chauntries,

wlaeli aabserve the double purpose of Oratories and burial places for the dead. Besides

Hie principal chantry or chapel three others are fitted up and appropriated. There is

asasi every Monday and Friday morning, at half-past six. The hours for mass in the

cathedral, are every morning at seven, and on Sundays at seven, quarter past nine,

aad eleven o'clock ; the one at eleven being the high mass. The vespers, followed by

benediction, are at hcdf-pastsix on Sundays, and there is a public service every Monday

and Thanday evening, at half-past seven. The side doors of the cathedral are opened

€or private devotion every morning and evening at six o'clock. Visitors wishing to

ester the church during the day must apply to the Sachristan, who lives near the north

door in Shadwell street. This church, one of the most magnificent erected in England

flinoe the Reformation, for Catholic worship, is in the middle age style of architecture,

dirided lengthwise into three compartments. The cost of the building has been ^60,000.

H was consecrated on Tuesday, the 14th of July, 1838, by Dr. Wiseman, Bishop of the

fi^riet, assisted by Dr. Doyle, the pastor of the Chapel. There were present the

Ardibidiop of Treeves, the Bishops of Toumay, Chalons, and Chersonesees, with their

caioBj and chaplains, with 260 English and Foreign Priests, together with members of

nany religious Orders. There were also present the Earls of Shrewsbury, Arundel,

aad Smey ; Lord Camoys, Lord Stafford, <fec. ; the entire body of the chapel being

fiQed with Roman Catholic laity. Several distinguished members of the Protestant

cfaardi were also present. The Bishops in their mitres with the various dresses of the

The whole ceremony presented a most imposing etmpd'oeU. The tower and spire will,

vhen complete, be 320 f&et in height The Organ, by Bishop, cost ^^750 ; there is alro

a smaller organ which cost jSSoO, The metal works and altar furniture were by Mr.

John Hardman, of Birmingham.

Roman Catholic Bishop of Binningliam. By a rescript from the Pope, the Right Rev. William Bernard UUathome, D.D. officiating Bishop of the Western District in England, was appointed Bishop of Birmingham, and entliroiied at St. Chad's Cathe- dral, Angnst 30th, 1848; the Pope's Bull bemg read by Dr. Weedall; and Dr. Wiseman, and the Hon. and Rev. G. Spencer, with a nomerons body of Priests, took part in the

The Bishop's House. - Nearly opposite the west front of the Cathedral, in Bath Street, is the residence of the Bishop and such Priests as officiate about St. Chad's. The entrance is through an arched doorway into a short cloister, which commnnicateH with one side of the kitchen offices, and an almonry for the poor, and on the other witli the private and public rooms of the establishment. In the second or principal irtory, are found the Bishop's apartments, the library, the domestic cliapel, and the refectory or common hall, which is an apartment about 30 feet long, and is decorated in the style of a college hall ; most of these are stencilled with various devices, have carved fire places, and are enriched with stained glass. The residents, are Right Rev. William Bernard UUathome, D.D. the Bishop, who also occasionly resides at St. Barnabas, Nottingham ; Rev. John Moore, Arch Priest : the other priests, are Rev. Bernard Ivera, Rev. Thomas Leith, and Rev. William Molloy, and John Salt, Sachristan.

CoNVEXT OF Sisters op Mercy, situated in Hunters lane. - It is a brick building, with stone doorways, windows, <fec., and resembles in form and character the conventical buildings of the middle ages; it was provided by the late John Hardman Esq.; and consists of chapel dedicated to St. Mary, with cloisters, oratory, cemetery, refectory, reception room, cellfl and community room for the religious, and kitchen offices. The chapel is laid with encaustic tiles, and highly ornamented with painting and coloured glass. An open screen divides the chapel into two parts ; in the interior of which are two ranges of stalls for the religious. Niches filled with ancient carvings, representing chiefly circumstances in our Lord's history, break the long line of the cloister walls. The Sisters of Mercy are a community of Ladies who have voluntarily forsaken the world, live in one common house, and labour together for the spiritual and temporal good of their destitute fellow creatures. The Rev. Miss Juliana Hardman is the

House of Mercy, at a short distance from the Convent, and united to it by a very picturesque cloister, is the House of Mercy^ which was erected at almost the sole ex- pence of the sisterhood. In it poor destitute young women are entertained, if they can bring with them a good character; and they are boarded, clothed, and provided with work, until proper situations can be provided for them ; they have every facility afforded them for improving themselves, and learning useful arts. There is an excellent laundry, washhouse, drying room, work room, bakehouse, and kitchen. There are several ex- tensive well aired dormitories, and medicines prepared under the direction of an experienced physician, in a dispensary on the premises. The number of young women in the house is usually about sixty, including eight or ten orphan children, who reside permanently in the houses, where every attention is paid to their habits and morals. Servants are sent fix>m this establishment all over the kingdom, and application may be made for the purpose, either personally or by letter.

St. Peter's, Catholic Chapel, St. Peter's Place, Broad Street, is a neat plain brick building, erected ia 1789, and enlai^ged in 1798 ; Rev. George Jeffries and the Rev. Michael O 'Sullivan, priests. The chapel, previous to the erection of this, was at £dg-

Catholic Church, Masshouse lane. The first stone of this Church was laid by Brother Lee, of St. Mary Magdalen, aUa» Randolph, of the Holy Order of St Francis, dalen's Convent was laid at the north west comer of the above Choreh ; it had five crosses upon it, with letters engraven ; and on the 4th September, in the same year, the

elmreb was consecrated by the Right Rev. Father in God, Bonaventore GiflBud, Bishop of MaadaiDB, and Apostotical Vicar^ and dedicated to God and St Marie Magdalen* The church contained three Altan, the High Altar in Hononr of God and St. Marie Magdalen, the North Altar in Hononr of God and the Blessed Lady, and the Sonth in raised by subscriptions and donations, the whole of which was expended in building and fitting up th« church. His Majesty, King James II., gave 125 tons of timber from Ncedwood Forest ; Sir John Gage gave timber valued at jf 140. ; Mrs. Ann Gregg gave jdSO.; Queen Catherine Dowager gave jf 10. l^s. Od.; with many others. The chorch aad part of the Convent was first defaced and most of it burnt within, to near the value vlMOO^hj Lord Dellamere's orders, November 26th, 1688; and that dayse'nnight the rabble began to pull the Church and Convent down, and ceased not till the foun- datioos were pulled up ; plate to the value of jG40» only was saved. After this, a small Chapel was erected at £dgbaston, part of wideh is now a Faim house.

Wesletah Mbthodistb form a numerous and influential body in Birmingham, and hare many Chapels in the Borough, and date their origin from John and Charles Wesley, who commenced their extraordinary labours in the year 1729. These eminent men devoted their unwearied efforts to the good of mankind, emphatically fhlftlUng tbeir s|KMtolie mission, by preaching to the poor and ignorant. They have two Cir- eoksL The East Circuit comprises the large Chapels at Belmont Row, Bradford Stbeet. Nsw Town Row, Netchells Green, and Balsall Heath, where Divine Serrioes are performed three times every Sunday, and also on various Week-day nights. The Circnit also extends to Small Heath, Colebbill, Wbitacre, Bodtmore Heath, CAsrn>c BaoMwicH, Hill, Watbr-Orton and Curdworth, Curdworth and Water- Ovroy, and Loan Street, where Services are performed twice or three times every Sunday, and on other days ; it also extends to eleven other places, where Services are performed once a week ; having five Itinerant Preachers, 36 Local Preachers, with five oa trial, and eight Exhorters; Superintendent, Rev. Joseph Roberts. The 'West CxRccTT comprises the large Chapels at Cherry Street, Wesley Chapel, Islington Chafel, Bristol Road, and Ninevah, where Divine Services are performed three times every Sunday, also on various week-day nights ; the Circuit also extends to ScMXER Hill, Aston Yille, Streetlet Street, Harborne, and Quinton, where

Serviees are performed twice on' Sundays, and also on other weekdays; and also extends to ten other places, where Services are performed once a week ; having five Itinerant

Preaehen, 4S Local Preachers, with two onTrial, and nine Exhorters; Rev. Isaac

Keefing, Superintendent.

New Connexion Mcthodists were founded by the Rev. Alexander Kilham, who

wparated from the Wesleyans in 1795. They have a Chapel in Unett Street, a plain

Irick bmUing, and a small Chapel in Oxford street.

The Primitive Methodist Chapel, New John Street, West, erected in 1848, having let to the Independents their Chapel in Bordesley Street.

PREnTTERiAN Church, Broad Street, Islington, in connection with the Synod of die Presbyterian Church in England, and in communion with the Free Church of Scot- hmd, established tiieir small place of Worship, in 1834, which havmg become too small ftr the Society, the fint stone of the New Church was laid, Monday, July 25th, 1848, by CWfef Cowan, Bsq-^ of Edinburgh, It is in the Italian style, from a plan by Mr.Bolham, «^ Biraungham. In external dimensions, 90 feet long, and 47 wide ; the principal front -^ Broad street, Ib occupied by a tower, vestibules, and staircases, and the opposite end ^ a deep arched recess, for the minister's platform, with a vestry on one side it, and a Tcstabule to the entrance in the fiank of the building next Oozells Street The body of Ae Church is 71 feet 6 inches long, and 43 feet 6 jiiches wide, and will accommodate 640 P^nt^os; a gallery at the tower end extending the whole width of the building, will

afTord accommodation for 260 persons ; and provision is made for tlie erection of sidtt galleries hereafter. The chnrch is lighted firom the roof. The interior is plain, but neatly finished. Rev. John Rohinson Mackenzie is the Pastor.

Independents. - The Chapel, in Carr Lane, is a large brick building cemented., having an imposing front in the Grecian style ; was erected in 1820, at a cost of .£10,000, raised by Bubscription, and will seat 2000 persons, and under the pastoral care of the Rev. Edwin Dorrington. In connection with this Chapel, is the Palmer Street Cba> pel, a small brick building, erected in 1832, in St. Andrew's Parish, Bordeslcy.

Graham Street Independent Chapel, is a large handsome brick building, with stone facings, erected in 1844 ; will seat 1200 persons. Rev. Brcwin Grant, Pastor.

Independent Chapel, Legge Street, a neat small stuccoed edifice, to accommodate 160 hearers, originally built by the Primitive Methodists, but has been occupied by the Independents about 20 years. Rev. Peter Sibree, Pastor.

Trinity Tabernacle, (Independent) Parade, is a small brick building, of which Rev. James Jay, is Pastor.

Independent, (Boatmen's) Crescent Locks, is a small place, and has no regular

St. Jude's Chapel, New Hall, is a substantial building, under the pastoral care of

Salem Chapel, Peck Lane, a small cemented brick building, is occupied bj a Calvinistic congregation. No regular minbter.

Ebenezer Chapel, Stcelhouse Lane, Is a large commodious brick building, erected in 1818, by a Calvinistic congregation. No Minister at present.

Baptist Chapels. - Circus Chapel, Circus Street, is a large cemented brick building, formerly used as the Amphitheatre; it was purchased of Mr. Joseph Storge, and William Lucey, by Mr. William Middlemore, and the Rev. Charles Hill Roe, for je\050^ and converted into a Chapel, at the expence of XI 200; it is well fitted up in the interior, Liverpool, and the Rev. John Adescoe, from London. In connection with this, in a small neat Chapel, in Heneage Street, erected in 1842. Rev. Charles Hill Roe, Pastor.

Baptist Chapel, Bond Street, ia a neat substantial building, established in l7So» Rev. Isaac New, the Pastor.

Baptist Chapel, New Hall Street, is a small plain building ; has no stationary

Baptist (General) Chapel, Lombard Street, is a substantial brick building, erected

Baptist Chapel, Graham Street, is a large neat brick cemented building, erected in 1820; has galleries all round, and will seat 2,000 persons, under the pastoral care of the Rev. Mortlock Daniell.

Baptist Chapel, foot of King Street, erected in 1848. No regular Pastor.

Ladt Huntington's Chapel, Peck Lane, is an elegant spacious building, of which the Rev. John Jones is the Pastor.

New Jerusalem Church, Summer Lane, is a handsome commodious structure, was erected in the year 1830, to accomodate 600 persons. This Church was formed about fifty years ago. They are hearers of the doctrines of the word of God, as expoxmdcd in the writings of the Hon. Emanuel Swedenborg, a Swedish Noblemait, distinguished alike for his profound learning, as he was illustrious for his attainments in philosophy and science. Rev. Edward Madeley, Pastor.

Unitarian Church, New Hall Hill, is a large neat brick edifice, erected at a coj>t of d^4lOO, raised by subscription, and opened in July, 1834 ; it will accommodate 1,000 persons, and is under the pastoral care of the Rev. James Cranebrook.

Unitarian New Mbvtino, Moor^treet, is a neat building erected in 1730, at which time one in Digbeth went into disn.«e ; the Rev. Samuel Bache, the pastor.

UmrTAMhAS Old Meftihg, Old Meeting Street, ia a neat brick edifice, erected in Tbe Uaitarians here have been foremost in every philanthropic effort to ameliorate the ^ - '<a;^M» of the pcMr ; and they have a Domestic Mission Chapel, in Lawrence eat hriek ediftee, to accommodate 500 peraons ; it is well attended by the people; Rev. John Gent Brook, is the pastor.

Faizaraa' MaEnsro HorsE, Ball Street, is a plain bnilding, having a neat interior, with a ifm'tfij at the back.

UvKaawH TojrouK Cbapei., New Hall Street, is a small plain bnilding, formerly the SttHA Kirk. No regular minister.

LjTTxa Day Saints' Chapsl, Livery Street, is a plain substantial bnilding. No

Snan Anrssr, a aoiallbody of Christians here, fonnded by Mr. Miller, an Amer- who hasve a room in Cambridge Street, and one in Anne Street, bnt no regnlar

isa Stvacooce, Severn Street, is a neat bnilding erected in 1817, and enlarged 18S3L They hare a barial ground amidst some gardens near Broad Street. Rev. Manrice Jacob PiA^if^ M. A., Rabbi and Theological Doctor, Rev. L. Chapman, Reader.

Carara op Eholassd Cemetery, Warstone, Birmingham, was consecrated Tues- shares of jfflO. each, tiie whole of which has been expended. The purchase consisted -d IC aorcs of land, of which 9 acres are enclosed and consecrated. The Church of the b ia what b called the third pointed perpendicular style of architecture, having chancel, tower and spire, it being thought proper to provide a place in which to the Holy Sacrament, to mourners under grief for the loss of their friends aadi service or consolation. The nave of the building is formed by the intro- of a handsome open stone screen at the entrance, which, while separating that of the building intended for the burial sendee jQrom that which is open to the is kept so low as not to interfere with the proportions of the interior, or to in- the view throngh the tower arch of the lower west window. The nave has a rooC Ranges of carved seats are placed on each side for those who attend ij and in the centre of the nave is an ornamented stand for the bier, of Bramah's hydraulic machine, the coffins are let down to the vaults helow, aad by a aahteiranean passage conveyed to the circular catacombs. The chancel dimeBnons, irith a fine east window of three lights, fitted with stained glass, by fifr. W. Chance to the company, executed at his works. The roof is board- ed with neat panelled work, aad the floor laid with encaustic tUes, while that of the pbun cheqaered squares. The tower is formed at the base by three massive intmded as a porch for the hearses. The architect has introduced cloisters, r, extending north and soutii of the main entrance. This feature is quite in this country. These cloisters are cut off firom the body of the chapel, and kare a doorway to each on the eastern side, communicating with the grounds. This haialiwy Is ISO feet in length, is of beautiful construction, having a long range of rich yjadowrii in the western firont, and blank recesses of corresponding tracery for the of aMMiuiuents on the other, seats having been formed out of the window on each side for the accommodation of those who fi«quent them. kmg a neglected sand pit, which will form a regular circle, and two of cataeonDhs be constructed in the banks faced with rough battlemented stone- These, when seen at a distance, will form a sort of basement to the main crowning the snnnnit of the hiU. The entrance to the principal front, on im- taming fVederick street, Warstone, forms a commodious residence for the r, with a bold archway for hearses to drive through, and the directors' room '-er, with a handsome oriel window. On passing through this archway the funeral

procession enters an avenue of cypresses and other funeral trees. The grounds are tastefully laid out and planted. The church is dedicated to St. Michael, patron, the Bishop of Worcester; Rev. James Brown, B.A., Chaplain; Mr. George Uorton,

The General Ccuetert, Kay Hill, Hockley, is a favourite place of resort for the inhabitants, and was formed by a proprietary of 1200 persons, in shares of .£10 each. It comprises about ten acres of land, tastefully laid out in walks, interspersed with lawns and shrubberies. In the centre of the ground stands the chapel, in which the burial service is performed ; underneath which is a residence for the registrar. A large portion of the cemetery is on rock, in which are placed catacombs. The ground wbh opened in April, 1836, and contains some elegant and superior monuments; one in particular of white marble, by Mr. Hollins - ^flowers in full bloom, cut by the scythe - is very beautiful. Rev. Peter Sibree, chaplain; Mr. Joshua Hammond, secretary; Mr, George Barnes, registrar.

Schools are numerous in the Borough of Birmingham ; Sunday Schools are attached to nearly every place of worship, and many have day schools. By a circular issued in 1846, relative to the establishment of Infant Schools, it was stated that, in regard to Children, between the ages of Seven and Fifteen, educational provision had been made, cither by the Church of England, or Dissenting bodies, for 7749 in daily schools, of which 5,837 were stated to belong to the Church of England. From a report dated 5th April, 1847, it is stated there were 18 Boy's, 18 Girl's, and 10 Infant schools belonging^ to the C8ta1)lished churches in the Borough, in connexion with the National Sghooi. Society ; that Society contending that to profess the education of a child, and yet to to make nought, or to make light, of religious belief and principle, is to endanger in youth the most fatal habit of mind and thought, and sap the foundation of all religion in the breast.

Free Grammar, or Kino Edward's School, New Street, was founded by King* Edward the VI., in the fifth year, (1552,) of his reign, and endowed with the revenues of the Guild of the Cross, which, prior to the dissolution, occupied the site of the present building. The endowment arising firom land, at that time produced only .^30. per annum, but now, from being let on building leases, produces from ^8,000. to jf 10,000 per annum, which on the expiration of leases, is still increasing. The management is vested in a bailiff and 18 governors, who appoint a head master, second master, and usher, with a writing master and a drawing master. Visitors : The Lord Chancellor, and (in some cases) the Bishop of Worcester. A new and suitable edifice was erected in 1834 by the governors of this wealthy establishment, on a convenient site in the centre of the town,at an expence of nearly jf 50,000. The design was furnished by Mr. C . Barry, of London, and presents a mixed style of Gothic architecture, characterized by new but beautiful and appropriate combinations. The external form of the structure is quadran- gular, and extends 174 in front, and 125 feet in flank ; the internal airangements embrace two courts similar in form, around and between which the different sections of the buildings rise ; the wings of the front and flanking buildings form elegant mansions for the head and second masters, besides a fixed salary of ^6400. a year ; the head master derives additional emoluments in proportion to the number of boys in the school, hj a capitation fee on each boy, which, calculating the number of boys at 400, will make the saljary jf 1000. a year. The governors have recently obtained an act to enable them to appoint masters to teach mathematics, modem languages, and the arts and sciences in the grammar schooL The head master is also entitled to receive 18 boarden, and the second majster 12. An annual visitation of the school la held, at which three resident members of the universities attend and examine the boys, and report upon the stale of the school to the governors. There are ten exhibitiona of £50. a year each, for four years, attached to this school ; they are open to any college, and are given by the governors to the boys who are declared by the examiners to be highest in classical

fttuuukeBts. Five elementary schools on ihia foundation are nnder the uMpection of the head master, the Rer. £. H. Giflbrd, M.|A. yiz^ a Branch in Gem Street, a neat bmldiiig erected in 1838, will accomodate 135 boys and 130 girla. A Branch in Meridan «m«t, a neat brick building, erected in 1838, to accommodate 240 boys ; and a Branch in Edward street, for boys and girls, to accommodate 140 each. It is a neat brick build- ia^ erected in 1838. These schools are always fully attended, and by the report pub- lished 18479 I9SOO children are returned for King Edward's School. The names of the tcachov are given in the Directoiy. A sun of jf 39,000 has been paid to the Goremora of the Grammar School, by the London and North Western Railway Company, for I*nipfil3 required in Birmingham. The claim was for jf 42,000.

Tbm Biaxi3i«BAM AXD EoGBABTON PaopaiETART ScHOOL, Fivc Ways, Edgbaston, f^mnded in 1838, and the present building completed in 1841, at a considerable expence, iDcludixigthe grounds. It comprises a handsome building in the Elizabethan style, with dressings ; in the rear of the building are extensive play grounds. The building is frontage consists of the entrance to the school, flanked on each side with maKters houses. The east wing, occupied by the commercial master, is a large and commodious house, fitted IMP in the first style of elegance, as a boarding establishment, and in which the eomCbrt and convenience of the pupils has in every possible manner been studied, the oomber of boarders being limited. The west wing is occupied by the French and junior Biasfeerm, each of whom take a few pupils as boarders. There are private establishments IB Edgbaston, where piqiils are received as boarders. The Rev. Edward Illingworth, M.A., the PrincipaL - See Directory.

Bli7s Coat CaAarrr School, St. Philip's Church Yard, was established by sub- soiption in 17^ for the maintenance, clothing, and education of twenty boys and ten giris. Its Ainds having been increased by additional subscriptions, donations, and kgaoea, the buildings were enlarged in 1794, and now form a noble substantial edilloe. There are now 130 boys and 70 girls in the school, the average income being .^400. Mr. George KirUand, head master. - (See Directoiy.)

PaoresTAarr Dissektiko C&Aairr School, Graham Street. This institution was

fboaded in 1760, by the societies of the Old and New Meeting Houses. It was origi-

cally devoted to the maintenance and education of children of both sexes, but in 1813

was wmfined to girls, who are trained up in it under the care of a governess, for some

re^cciahle and beneficial service. The school was originally situated in Meeting

prbence, in 1791y it was removed to a house in Park street, and in 1840 to its

situation, which comprises a large substantial brick building, erected in 1839

lor its use. The institution is supported entirely by voluntary contributions, consisting

preached in behalf of the charity, at the two places of worship with whose religious

-ocieties it originated. The management of the institution is vested in the hands of

the GoTemon for the time being ; an annual subscription of one guinea entitling any

pusm to be a Governor. A meeting of the Governors is held on the last Monday in

Jaanaiy, for the election of the conmiittee ahd officers of the school for that year.

Chilifren are chosen for admiMion at any period between nine and twelve years of age,

hf a pbrality of voles of the Governors present at the annual general meeting in

iaaaavy. The present number of girls is about 40, who are clothed, educated, and

itied kr service. They are put out at the age of fifteen ; their number is not lunited.

Mr. Samuel Bache, Secretary.

9r. Philip's IwDosrafAL Fheb School, 19, Lichfield Street, originally established aad the adiool erected in 1724, in St Philip's Church Yard : the present building being ocded in 1846, where 170 children, boys and girls, are instructed.

Natiosal Schools^ - Schools are attached to all the Churches of the Establishment (19 in jnnbcr) in Birmingham, for boys and girls, ten of which have infant schools.

St. Philip's, Christ Chnrch, and St Lnke's. The number of children present at the 6drd anniversary meeting of the Birmingham Chnrch of England schools on Whit Friday, May 28th, 1847, including the Magdalen, Blue Coat school, Asylum, Edgbaston, and Bordesley, were 9566,

National Schools noticed by Parishes alphabetically : -

All Saints, Birmingham Heath, is a neat brick building, with residences for the master and mistress, and erected in 1843, by subscription, aided by a grant of JS500. from the National Society, and ^^616. from the Committee of Council of Education, will accommodate 750 children. The present average nxmibers are 100 Boys, 70 Girls,

Bishop Ryder's, Gem street, Aston street, a commodious brick building, erected 1837, to accommodate 170 Boys, and 300 Girls and Infants. The average attendance

BoRDESLET, Astou Parish, a neat brick building, erected in 1831, will accommodate

St. Andrew, Watery street, Aston Parish, is entirely supported by the Rev. David Brown Moore, the Incumbent Will accommodate 120 Boys, and 120 Girls and In- fants. Also, an evening school is open on four nights in the week for such as may be em- ployed during the day.

St. Bartholemew's, St. Bartholemew Square. A neat brick building, erected 1834 ; will accommodate 200 Boys and 150 Girls.

St. George's, Great Russell street, is a neat brick building, adjoining the Chnrch, erected 1842, with a house for the master. WUl accommodate 180 Boys, 200 Girls, and 200 Infants. The average attendance being 150 Boys, 90 Girls, and 150 Infants. Also a night school for those who cannot attend in the day. In connexion with thlt School and Church, is the St. George's Instruction Society, established January, 1843. The object of this Society is the Diffusion of Religious and Useful Information^ and it offers to the Subscribers the following advantages: - A lAbrary, consisting of aboat 1,500 Volumes, d Reading Room^ supplied with Newpapers and Periodicals. Leclure» on dilTerent subjects, and Clauea for improvement in the various departments of knovr- ledge. Annual subscription, 5s., or Is. 6d. per quarter. Also, a Provident Society, Clothing Club, and Ladies' Dorcas Society, d?c. President, Rev. John Garbett, M. A.

St. James's, Henry street, will accommodate 200 each. Boys and Girls; 90 Boys and 70 Girls is the average attendance.

St. John's, Deritend, Aston Parish; aneatbrickbnilding, consisting of three rooniB erected in 1848, having accommodation for 120 each. Boys, Girls, and Infants.

St. Mark's, St. Mark's street; a neat brick building, erected in 1843, to accommo- date 200 each. Boys and Girls; 160 Boys and 100 Girls are the average attendants.

St. Martin's, Well lane, Allison street, for Boys and Girls ; 150 regularly attend.

St. Mart's, Bath street ; a neat building, erected from the exertions of the Rev. John Casebow Barrett, the Incumbent of St. Mary's Church, to supply the original school built in 1 824. The land having been originally given by Mr. Jones, of Edgbaston. The new schools were opened 8th January, 1846. The building consists of school rooms for Boys, Girls, and Infanta, with commodious class rooms, and a handsome and well supplied reading room and library, which latter by a moveable partition, can be thrown into the Girls' school room, t)iu8 forming a large elegant room for lectures and other purposes. The total cost of the building was ^^,187., of which j&l,090. was raised by subscription, and jf 1,100. from the National Society and the Privy Council Commit- tee of Education. It is in the Gothic style of archchitecture, and allowed to be one of ' the neatest and most complete minor ecclesiastical buildings in the town or neighbour- hood. It will accommodate at one time, in the various departments, 900 Children ; in

ij litkm to tlie day and sabbath aebools, evening schools, and a Church IsfSTRUcTioit SHieTT, with its lectures, claasea, library, and reading rooms, are carried on npon tho

St. MATTHnr'a, Lupin street, a large substantial building, erected in 1841 ; will amnBmodate 200 Boja, 100 Girls, and 150 Infants ; the average attendance being 98

St. Pacl^s, Warstone lane, Spencer street, a handsome building, in a style of archi- tettmv, to eorrespond with St. Paul's Church. It was opened in January, 1845, and eust j^OOO, raised by subscription, aided with grants from the National Society and die Ccounittee of Council of Edncation ; the site being given by the Lord of the Manor. The tcfaool consists of a spacious lower and npper room, to accommodate 250 Boys, Adjoining is a house for the residence of the Teachers.

St. Prrva^t, Dale End, a commodious brick building, established in 1844, to ac- commodate 400 children ; the average attendance being 80 boys aod 45 girls.

St. Phiup's, Lichfield Street, a large neat brick building, erected in 1842, to accom- modate JOO each, boys and girls, with infants ; the average attendance being 210.

St. Stephex*8, New Town Row, is a large quadrangular building, erected in 1846, at a east of ^^2,400, raised by subscription, aided by a grant from the National Society ; it ooosists of three airy well-ventilated rooms, to accommodate 150 each, boys and girls, and 160 infiants ; average attendance, 100 boys, 50 girls, and 50 infants.

St» Thomas's, Wood Street, is a large stuccoed brick building ; average attendance being 300 each, boys and girls, and 100 infrmts.

St. Gmaos's PAaocHiAL Schools, Carpenter's Road, Edgbaston. This school was fyHBDeBced in May, 1847, and completed Uie following December, and cost, with tho mtnior fittings, ^1,400. raised by subscription. The site, about three-quarters of an -oe, was given by Lord Calthorpe, and ratified by his two next heirs. A house for the master aod mistress is also t6 be erected, land being set apart for that purpose.

IvTAirr Schools. A fund has been raised for the building of infant schools. The fine stooe of the first school to be built firom that fund, was laid on Friday, November l«di« 1810, in Farm street, near Hockley Hill, St. George's parish, by the Rev. John <iarbetL rector and rural dean.

BainsH School, (for boys,) Severn Street, erected in 1808, through the agency of JoMph Lancaster ; average attendance, 273. There is in connection with this school* an exteaave library and laboratory, for giving correct ideas of scientific subjects.

A% IxrAJcT School, in St. Ann Street, to accommodate 160 children, is supported '7 aidisuiption, chiefly by the society of Friends ; average attendance, 120.

IsrAHT School, Digby Street, to accommodate 160, but averages 60; in connection vHh ^e Lcgge Street Independent Chapel.

IvFAarr School, Graham Street, erected 1821, to accommodate 80 ; average attend- 00 ; in connection with the Baptist societies.

Raoocd School, 1, Windmill Street, established 1845, by William Chance, Esq., to

ywMidate 390; average attendance, 250. There is a library, for the use of the Also, the same generous individual, in November, 1848, established a Ragged School, in Digby Street ; in connection with the Independent Chapel, Legge Street.

Csrr AHiAH School, Lawrence Street ; average attendance, 120.

Catholic Schools, in Shadwell Street and in St. Peter's Phice ; the former erected ta UOB, for boys and girls, with an average attendance of 230 children. They are both Wck boildingis and well attended.

WisLCVAH Mbthodist Day Schools. Chebry Street School, a substantial buiUiiig, to accommodate 120 boys and 80 girls ; average attendance, 90 boys and

Hatchet Street School, erected 1834, to accommodato 300 boys ; average altciid-

Lawley Street School, to accommudate 200 boys; average attendance, 100. AUct, an Inpant School.

Lord Street School, to accommodate 200 girls; average attendance, 100.

Mott Street School, built 1831, to accommodate 130 boys; average attendance, 90.

Independent Schools. New Meetino Street School, is a handsome substan- cost upwards of j^800. It consists of an upper and lower room ; the former usimI as the school, to accommodate 250 boys ; average attendance, 230. The ground floor is used as a lecture room, and will seat 450 persons. The girls and infant schools are situated behind the lecture room, and will accormmodate 150 girls and 120 infants, and averages

Independent College, Spring Hill, for educating young men for the minuitry, among the Independents, was established in 1838. The college is in connection with the University of London ; and empowered to send students to take their degree at the University. Tutors: - In biblical and classical philology, the Rev. J. R. Barker; in philosophy, the Rev. Henry Rogers ; in theology, the Rev. Francis Watts. Honourable secretary to the committee of management, Thomas Beilby, Esq.

Unitarian, New Meeting Congregational Society, for the support of evening schools. The object of this society being to diffuse religions knowledge among the poor, by the establishment of evening schools ; and to promote, as far as ]K)ssible, their moral and intellectual improvement. By the report of 1848, these schools were well attended, and many, during the winter, were refused admittance for want of room. The adult classes were w^ell attended, and an additional room opened for the young men. The Society also have afternoon sewing schools, in New Meeting Street, and Lawrence Street, which, from the exertions of the Misses Hawkes, and the Misses Bedford, have gone on well. About 120 children are taught to make and mend their own and their families' clothes. A Library, Reading, and News Room, \a also appendent to this society ; the library consists of 1250 volumes; the number of memljers is upwards of 600 - fbr whose accommodation three daily papers and nineteen weekly ones are taken, besides some of the weekly and monthly magazines. This society has effected much good, and is supported by donations and subscriptions. Rev. Samuel Bache, President ;. A. S. Clarke, Honorary Secretary,

Hebrew National School, Lower Hurst Street. This school was built In 184J, for the instruction of youth in the Hebrew Language, as well as the English and French. The average attendance is 60 boys and 25 girls.

YouNo Men's Instruction Society, 6, Edmund street, was established in 1844, for mutual instruction, and consists of about 30 members, who each pay Is. per quarter ; meet every night, except Saturday, from half-past seven to ten o'clock ; and Sunday morning and afternoon.

Polytechnic Institution, held in the Theatre of the Philosophical Institution, Cannon street, was established in 1843. It embraces Public Classes for Instruction in English Literature, Music, and Drawing, the French, Latin, and German Language^ Experimental classes in Science, and Phonographic and Phonotypic classes. Lcc- turbs - of which 38 were delivered in 1837f with great benefit, and heard with great interest. A Library, consisting of about 3,500 volumes. Mr. Macready, from a rc«- quest made to him in December, 1846, gave, tor the benefit of the Institution, a read- ing of the tragedy of Macbeth, by which the sum of £26 was raised. News and Read- ing Rooms, which are attended with great interest. The possession of larger and inon^ commodious premises appears to be the only thing wanting to ensure permanent suc- cess. Members Quarterly Tickets for the News Room, Lectures, Library, and Clasm^s, cost 5s. - all equally moderate. President - William Scholefield, Esq. Honorary Sccre^ //iry - Charles M. Evans, Esf^. Librarian - Mr, George Battison Haines.

XtUESJc WsTiTtTE, SiiflR>lk Street, establiabed in 1848; ita object being to pronde it« nembeis with tbe means by wblcb may be obtained mental, moral, and physical imprwemfpt> together with rational amusement Edward Norton, Secrttaiy, Terms TPTj Boderate.

Ln&jiRic9. - The Birxingham Library, 23, Union street, was established in the jvar 1779 ; it comprises a handsome stone building with a circular portico. The read- iaflf room is circular, and is lighted by a dome lanthom, resting on handsome Ionic (liUan of pofrphyrj. It was erected in 1798, at a cost of jC900. raised by a tontine snb- «cripCHA of jC^ amazes. The society pays a gronnd rent of £\2 per aimnm, and 2^ ikU\^ In 184 J. the library was enlarged at a cost of X2,000. The institution is under the £rectkm of a committee. The terms of admission, at the commencement, were one guinea, and an annual subscription of tix shillings. In 1781, the annual subscription VR« r^iwd to eight shillings; and, in 1782, the library received that stability and method vitLoui wUich no institution can prosper. In 1786, the admission was advanced to a inunea and a half - on the number of subscribers amounting to 300 - ^to two guineas ; per manmn. In 1798, that when the number of subscribers amounted to 500, the price «/ admbt«ion riiould be four guineas. In the year 1805, the annual subscription was raised to fifteen shillings; in 1812, to seventeen and sixpence, and the price of admis- '<on to ten pounds. In the year 1820, the subscription was raised to one pound, and in 1 VSJ. to twenty-fi\'e shillings. In 1 844, the M edic aj. Library was admitted to join this, lad ia IS4M, the subscription was raised to thirty shillings annually. The Library con- loVomes on medicine, making a total of 26,000 volumes. Mr. William Alldrett,

The PmuisoPHicAL Society, Cannon Street, which had been established some }*^r%, in 1810 extended their plan, and erected a commodious Theatre for the delivery f«f Lectnrrs. by their own members, and occasionally by eminent Professors in the various >««Bd»es of science. They have a Museum, containing a fine collection of minerals Rod fuBdls ; an extentive philosophical apparatus ; a library and reading room. The lasHtation coiunsts of 219 Proprietors and Subscribers. Of these 9 are permanent Trwtees, 25 are Fellows, and 4 are Associates, under the management of a committee of 16 ttembeis. Gentlemen subscribing £1 Us. 6d. annually, are entitled to a tratu- firtdie ticket to the lectures, and to personal admission to the news room, museum, and Itfaffvy of the institution. Ladies subscribing £\ Is. annually, are entitled to a ticket to the lectures, (transferable among ladies only,) and admission to the museum Ukd library. Subscribers as above are entitled to tickets to the lectures, transferable taoBg the members of their respective households, at 15s. each. Subscribers of ;£1 . Is. anaaally are entitled to a non-transferable ticket to the lectures, and to personal -rkni^iMn to the museum and library. Minors, being children of non-residents sub- scribing 150L are entitled to personal admission to lectures, museum, and library. The iiaOMiit of income and expenditure of the institution exceeds jf 1000 per annum. The Right Hod. Lord Wrottesley, F.R.A.S., president; Mr. James Russell, treasurer;

At tbe Philosophical Institution, one of Osier's self-registering anemometers and rain naffcs bin operation, by means of which a constant record is obtained of the direction ud Cpree of Uie wind, and quantity of rain which falls. A sheet of paper, having the re- <iai«te lines, dke* is placed daily in the iustrument, and is moved on regularly by means of kfluck, at the rate of about half an inch per hour ; while three pencils, worked by the in- tfoarst, arc employed in constantly registering ; one the direction of the wind, another .'- forrr, and the third the quantity of rain that falls ; recording at the same moment, the

I)rccisc time at wliicli any changes occur. For more particulars of the constractiun of tlii.-^ instrument, and the advancement of science, we must refer our readers to the reports jniblished by the Britissh Association.

RoTAL Birmingham and Midland Counties Art Union, 118, New Street. Established conformable to the provisions of the Act of Parliament for legalizing Art Unions. Its object is to aid in extending the love of the Fine Arts throughout England, and to give encouragement to artists beyond that afforded by the patronage of indi- viduals ; but more eMjjecially with a view to the attainment of that high condition of provincial art, which is essential to the perfection of English manufactures. Patrons. Her Majesty the Queen ; His Royal Highness Prince Albert, K. G., Ac, FaBsiOBirr. The Earl of Shrewsbury. Secretary, Capt. Henry Van Bearle.

Society of Artists, Athseneum, Temple Row, was established in 1842, solely for the encouragement of the Fine Arts. An annual exhibition of modem paintings is held, which is kept open for the space of four months. President, Sir Martin Arthur

Society of Arts and School of Design, 69, New Street, in connection with the Government School of Design, Somerset House, London. This structure has a fine front, in the Grecian style of architecture, consisting of a lofty and bold portico, sup- ported by fluted columns, with, rich capitals, supporting a triangular pediment. The large exhibition room is of a circular form, 52 feet in diameter, and adjoining are smaller ones for the reception of casts and marbles, (fee. now used for modelling, ^mw~ ing from the antique, d:c. The formation of this institution is due, in a great measnro, to Sir Robert Lawley, who, in 1821, presented a collection of casts moulded from the original Grecian marbles. It has also received donations, presents of works of art, and valuable books from many noblemen and gentlemen. The management is vested in a committee. In 1843 the school was opened as a School of Design, a liberal grant and donation of casts and necessary furniture having been made by the Government School of Design, in London. The- grant has been increased, and in 1847 was j^350, which was hoped would be increased. The Provincial Schools are now placed under the special superintendence of Mr. Wilson, formerly Director of the Government School, in Londcm. Many valuable gifts have been made to the permanent and lend* ing libraries ; and M. P. W. Boulton, Esq. has added to the works of art a series of the Soho coins and medals. The number of pupils are upwards of 350, who are admittefl on the payment of small fees, on the nomination of a subscriber. There are male and female classes at stated hours. An annual meeting is held in May, when prizes are given*to the most deserving. Honorary Secretary - J. W. Unett, Es(|.

Newspapers. - The periodical press of Birmingham furnishes four weekly news-

Arib's Gazette, established June 4th, 1741, by T. Aris ; published and printed Monday, by John Caldicott, 71, High-street,

Birmingham Journal, established June 4th, 1825, has several times changed pro« prletors, now published and printed on Saturday, at 38, New-street, by John Frederlcic Feeney, on liberal principles.

Midland Counties Herald, established July 28th, 1836, on the plan of a gra- tuitous circulation, principally devoted to advertisements ; has an extensive circulation in Birmingham, and also through the principal towns and cities in England ; printed and published Thursday, by Thomas Barber Wright, Union-street, for Wright and Dain, the first estabUshers.

Birmingham Mercury, established December 30th, 1848, on strict independent principles ; printed and published on Saturday, at 1 10, New-street, by William Benja- min Smith.

Queen's College, Paradue street, Birmingham, was founded in the year 1828, by the indefatigable exertions of William Sands Cox, Esci., F.R.S. It is a handsome strac-

tne, in tiie later Englwh style ; erected under the sapermtendence of Messrs. Bateman aod Drary, Architectfl, The College waa Incorporated by Royal Charter, in Angast, lHt3; and in 1^47^ a Supplemental Charter was added. By these Charters, the Princi- pal and Council, and their successors, are empowered to take, pnrchase, and hold for the nae of the said College, any goods, chattels, or personal property, whatsoever ; and nt also empowered, notwithstanding the statutes of mortmain, to take, pnrchase, and hold, not only all soch lands, tenements, and hereditaments, and possessions, what- nerer, as may be from time to time used exclusively for the sites, and immediate poposes of the said College ; but also for the use and maintenance of the said College, any other lands, tenements, and possessions, not exceeding the annual value of jB2^500,

GoTsaaioas. A donor of jf 100. constitutes a Life Governor, with the privilege of nwninaHng annually a student, who being approved by the Council, has preference of chcoiben, and pays reduced rent A donor of £50, constitutes a Governor of the second dasB, and has the privilege of appointing a student annually, subject to the approval of the ConneiL A donor of JC25. constitutes a Governor of the third class.

The Cochcii., as appointed under the Charter, consists of twenty-four persons, viz : a Prineqial, Vice Principal, Dean of the Faculty, Twelve Governors elected at the annual meeting of Governors, two Prafessors, two members of the Committee of Council of the Queen's Ho^Mtal, the Senior Physician, and Senior Surgeon of the said Hospital, the Lord Lieutenant and High Sheriff of the County of Warwick, the Dean of the Cathedral of Worcester, the Archdeacon of the Archdeaconry of Coventry, the Mayor, the High Baili£^ and the Rectors of the Parishes of St. Martin and St Philip. The Government cf the College is vested in the Council, subject only to a general meeting of the Gover-

The Ststsx of the College is based on that of Oxford and Cambridge, varied eooffdxng to diflerence of time and circumstance ; the general education is carried on in har distinct, yet mutually related departments : first, the Theological department ; p^^^aMJ, the department of General Literature and Science ; third, the department of the Applied Sciences ; fourth, the Medical department

Dsaaxcs. - The course of education qualifies for the Degree of Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, Bachelor of Laws, Doctor of Law, Bachelor of Medicine, and Doctor of Medicine, to be conferred by the University of London; also for the Diplomas of the Royal College oi Surgeons of England, and the Society of Apothecaries, without any readence elsewhere.

EsDowHBarr. - The system of the College was prominently brought under the notice of the Rererend Samuel Wilson Wameford, L.L.D. by the Rev. Yaughan Thomas, B.D. m a printed letter, dated August 18th, 1842. That great philanthropist has made the fiAowing endowments : - ^For the endowment of a Chaplaincy, j6 1,000 ; for the endow- eat of a ProfesMvuhip of Theology, ^1,000 ; for the endowment of a Scholarship, jH.OOO; for the endowment of Prize Essays, jf 1,000; for tbe endowment of a resident fdical tntoT, j^l,000 ; and for the endowment of a Professorship of Pastoral Theology, and WiUiam Sands Cox, F.R.S., are Trustees under these endowments.

HojroaAav Distinctioits. - Scholarships, medals, and certificates of honour, are amniaTly oflfered by the College to the Students in the several departments. The Studeuls are also admitted to contend for the Scholarships, Exhibitions, Gold Medals, aad Books offered by the Sedate of the University of London, and Students in the Me&al Department are eligible to offer themselves for the Studentships of the Royal CoOege of Surgeons of England.

Mrscrxs and Library. - Connected with the College are Museums of Human -ad Comparittve Anatomy, containing upwards of 3000 specimens ; enriched by the coBeetkiia of the late George Freer, and the late Alfred Tukes, surgeons of the General Hospital, and the late John Inglcby, surgeon of the Dinpcnsary, the pathological

iiiortcls of the late Dr, Felix Thil»ert; also mtmeums of Zoology, Geology, and th«* oilier depiurtments of natural blstory ; enriched by the invaluable collection of the lat«^ Karl of Mountnorrw, and the late Vicount V^alentia; also by the Weaver Muaenin, imrchaj*ed at the sum of XMiiH). I'he Li]>rary contains upwards of 3000 volumow, which includes some of the best editions of the classics, Works of Divinity, Genera.1 Literature, towards the fonnation of which the late Dr/John Johnstone, the Rev. Dr, S. W. Warneford, and the Rev. Chancellor James T. Law, have been great con tribntors. The Ma*<enms and Library are at all times open to the Governors, Fellows, Profe»sorai and Students, under certain regulations.

The Chapel. - ^The foundation stone of the chapel was laid ou the 18th Anf^uftt^ IS43, by the Rev. Chancellor James T. Law; and consecrated by the Bishop of the Diocese, in November, 1844. The chapel has recently been enriched by a splendid painted glass window; the subject, - "Christ healing the sick;" designed by Mr. Jirooke Smith, and executed by Mr. Pemberton. The window waa suliscribed for through the exertions of James Vaugban Ilughen, a distinguished student of the collegt?. The arms of the visitor, the Re\\ S. Warneford; of the principal, Lord Lyttleton ; the vice-principal, the Rev. Chancellor Law; the late principal. Dr. Johnstone; and of tlit« founder, William Sands Cox, occupy compartments of the window.

Dn. Johnstone, of Edgbaston Hall, was appointed the first principal under the char- ter, and on his retirement, at a public meeting, held in th^ Town Hall, October 28th« l.s4;j, a resolution was unanimously passed: - " The governors, council, professors, aiMl students, beg to con\"ey to Dr. Johnstone, on the occasion of his retirement from the ofiice of principal, the earnest and affectionate expression of their gratitude, for hu» invaluable and unremitting services in promoting the formation, and in presiding over the councils of the college, for the long j»eriod of 18 years, drc. ; and it is their eanie?<t hope, that it may plea,se Almighty Providence to continue long to him the enjoyment of health, and of every earthly ])lessing; and to the college, in council assembled, the protracted benefit of that fostering care and paternal advice, which have so essentially contributed to its present position and character,"

The exj)ense of the charter, and supplemental charter, was almost entirely defrayed ])y the Rev. Dr. S. W. Warneford, and the Rev. James Tliomas Law, chancellor of thf diocese of Lichfield, (the vice-principal and honorary warden of the college,) whose generous services have thus l)een recorded in the annals of the institution. " The council desire to have placed on record, the inestimable benefit the college has derived from the personal presence of the vice-principal, during his residence within their walls, in the honorary performance of warden. His presence raised the tone and gave elevation to the thouu:ht« of the students; and the felicitous influence of the precepts "that teach by example," has been very prominently marked in the general regularity and practical working of the institution." At a meeting of the governors, held on the 26th of Augn.<«t, 1 846, the council concluded their report by stating, that " under the blessing of God, now the institution was complete in all its parts : they could not refrain from referring to one, who may be virtually considered the founder of the Queen's College, and of the Queen's Ilos[)ital, William Sands Cox, Esq. ; who has at every personal sacrifice, given himself u]), heart and soul, during a period of 21 years, to the institution ; having thereby conferred a lasting benefit on the place of his birth, and secured to himself a claim ui>on the gratitude of his country."

Lux ATic Asylum, Winson Green, 2J miles W. fipom the Bull Ring. The first stone of this building was laid 29th September, 1847* and it is to be completed in Septemher, Borough Rate. The building Is of brick, and consists of two wings, one for male, and the other for female patients, containing fine galleries in each, which will accommodate lir>0 i^ersons.* with rooms for the board of directors, superintendent, matron* surgeon, «.Vc.

ud irill occupy about fifteen acres of land, having eighteen airing courts or yards, besides extensiTe walks and pleasT£rc grounds, and each wing will contain a suit of bath.s. Dnwl Rowlinson HUl, Esq. hi the architect, and Mr. John Hard wick, the contractor, botli of Binniiigham.

G««CBAL IIofiPiTAL, Summer Lane, a noble institntion, for the relief of the poor inhibitaats of the town. It is an extensive brick bnilding, commenced in the year 1766, bat the fimds being exhausted, the structure was delayed till 177B, when other -abicriptioiis and donations were obtained, and in 1779 it was opened to the public. The wings were added in 1791* The interior is well arranged, containing fourteen warii, in which are one hundred and sixty five beds, for the accommodation of its sick imuteB, with excellent ranges of offices and apartments for the medical and other offcen connected with the institution. A fine room, in which the committee assemble, nntuna a portrait of Sir Joshua Reynolds, of Dr. Ash, an eminent physician, to whose fxotioiia the establishment of the hospital is mainly to be attributed. It also contains » tpood portrait of the late Mr. Freer, by T. Phillips, B. A. ; and a bust of the late Cbffles Lk>yd, Esq. ; also of William Rolfe, Esq., a great benefactor to the institution, lod one to the late G. Barker, Esq. The institution is nnder the management of a covamittee, comprised of the Right Hon. the Earl of Dartmouth, the Hon. Frederick Googb, and sixteen others. Four physicians and four surgeons render gratuitous ser- vice; tweire visitors are appointed to inspect the wards, and a clergyman of the Church «f Eagiaad officiates as chaplain. There is also a resident surgeon and apothecary, viflt a fteward and matron, who reside in the hospital. It is supported by subscrip- tiou, donations, and by funds arising from the triennial Musical Festival. The fin$t fartiril was held in September, 1776, at St. Philip's Church, the performances consist- g of eekctions of sacred music, lasted three days. Since the town hall was completed ^ hare been held there. The morning performances are generally an Oratorio of UiodelfOrof acme other celebrated composers ; and the evening concerts, consisting of "^Ktbns from the compositions of foreign and Englbh masters, are, perhaps, the most fnilicent that are held in the kingdon. The orchestra usually includes the first in- j^nDMntal and vocal performers in Europe. On the last evening a dress ball is given. TkJB, though a very uncertain source, yet from the extraordinary exertion.s used in pwifing this Grand Musical Festival, in 1846, the sum otjCS^SOS 5s. 1 Id. was paid wwbj the committee of the Festival to the treasurer of the General Hospital ; the -nie^ som ever received, except in the year 1824, when it reached ^5,807. The chief ^"pport to this Hospital, at its first establishment, arose from country subscribers. At ^ pRsent time, alK>ut two thirds of the subscribers are resident in the town and im- s^ate neighbonrlaood. Within a few years, hospitals have been erected at Leaming- toa, Coventry, and Wolverhampton, each successive year therefore, increases the *nnitj of looking to the immediate locality for additional aid. Since the first open- i>g of the Hospital, to the midsummer of 1847, the number of In-patients admitted was I>-patieiite had been admitted, and, during the same period of that year, 140 deaths ^'-nncd; previous to which the average number of deaths was about 100 annually, ^ineome for the year ending midsummer, 1847^ was - Annual Subscriptions, ^£2,247 '^Saeie8,.£l,40l lOs. - ^which, with the sum received from the Musical Festival, making & total of jC10,400 3s. Id., exclusive of small contingencies. The real expenditure be- ^ £^\\ lis. Sd., bnt which left a balance in the hands of the Treasurer, House «a«piiicnt of the year. The present Officers of the Hospital (1848) are. President - '^ Ward. Vice-PrcndentM - Lord Brooke, Evylin John Shirley, Esq., M.P., Charles ^<**gate Newdegate, Esq., M.P., Richard Spooner, Esq., M.P. Physicians - Dr. ha^ Johnstone, Dr. John Eccles, Dr. George Fabian Evans, and Dr. Bell Fletcher.

Surgeons - Mr. Richard Wood, Mr. Dickinson Webster Crompton, Mr. Samuel Holul- den Amphlet, and Mr. Alfred Baker. Committee - ConHisting of eighteen. Commit- tee OF Accounts - Mr. John Cadbnry, and Mr, Sampson S. Lloyd. Auditors - Joseph Frederick Ledsam, Esq., and Mr. Thomas Goodman. Visitors - Consisting of twelve. Chaplain - Rev. Charles Hmne. Treasurers - Messrs. Taylor and Lloyd. House SuROEON - Mr. Oliver Pemberton. Matron - Mrs. Rebecca Hawkes. Secretary

and House-Steward - Mr. Henry Howell. Collector - Mr. John Culcope Bond.

The Humane Society, for the recovery of persons apparently drowned, established in 1790, was, in the year 1803, attached to the General HospitaL

The Queen's Hospital, situated on an elevated site of deep red sand stone and gravel, at the west extremity of the town. It consists of a centre and two wings, called respectively the Victoria and Adelaide wings. This Institution was founded under the auspices of the Rev. James Thomas Law, Chancellor of the Diocese of Lichfield, by the unwearied exertions of William Sands Cox, F.R.S. The first stone was laid 18tk June, 1840, by the Right Hon. Earl Howe. The Masonic body of the Town and Midland Counties attended on the occasion. The Rev. Vaughan Thomas, B.D., vicar of Stoneleigh, delivered a most impressive address to the spectators. The Wards were opened for the reception of patients, by the Lord Bishop of the Diocese in the following year, when an eloquent sermon wa<3 preached at St. Thomas's Church by the Diocesan. The foundation stone of the detached Fever Wards was laid on the 16th July, 1845, by Edward Townsend Cox, Esq., and patients admitted within their walla 1st October, 1846. This building also contains a centre and two wings, and will accommodate 70 patients. The Hospital is a chaste and elegant structure firom a design by Bateman and Drury, architects. The entire cost of the building was ^8746. 1 Is. Id. The Chapel, the Physicians and Surgeons rooms, and the Dispensary, were fitted up at the expence of the Rev. Dr. Wameford ; and the whole of the glass required in the Dis- pensary, was presented by T. Gammon, Esq. of the Belmont glass works. The Hospital contains 150 beds, and is approached by an elegant portico, surmounted by the aims of the Rev. Dr. Samuel Wilson Warneford, a great benefactor to the charity ; who, to furnish the patients with the advantages of religious instruction and cousalation, presented in the year 1842 to the committee, the munificent sum of «^ 1,000. To relieve the Charity from a building debt in the year 1847, the artizaus instituted a penny subscription, and through their chairman, Mr. Alderman Palmer, their treasurer, Mr. Alderman Phillips, and their Secretary, Mr. John Talbut, contributed the noble sum of w£905, which is recorded on a marble tablet in the vestibule. Also here is placed a bust from the studio of Mr. Peter Hollins, of the Rev. Dr. Wameford. By SubscTiptioiu9 Treasurers hands. The In-Patients were 908, and the Home and Out Patients, 2264, Honorary Physicians, Edward Johnstone, M.D. and John K. Booth, M. D. - Honorary Surgeon, Edward Townsend Cox. - Phtsicianb, John Birt Davies, John B. Melsou, and Samuel Wright. - Surgeons, WUliam Sands Cox, F.R.S., G. B. Knowles, F.L.S. and Langston Parker. The Charity is open to the sick and lame poor, firom whatsoever county recommended, and for the reception of all contagious fevers. As a dispensary for out and home patients, who enjoy the advantages of medical and surgical assistance at their own homes. As a maternity charity, for the benefit of poor lying-in married women, who are attended at their own homes, under the direction of the professors of midwifery, at Queen's College. Every governor is entitled to recommend for ^^Vaccine Innoculation" as many as he may think proper. Subscribers of one guinea have the privilege to recommend one In-patient, one Home-i>atient, and one Out-patient, and so in proportion. The management of the Hospital is by Subscribers of two Guineas and upwards. The general business is transacted by a Committee, called the Committee of Council, which consists of the Principal, Vice*Priiicipal, and Dean of the Faculty of

tlie Queen's College, and two of the Professors, together with not more than twenty Mr leas tban twelve Governors, to be elected annnally, by printed lists sent to each Bowfitftor mud Governor. The medical officers attend daily at 9 o'clock, and on wrtiwing fitnn the Wards, enter their names in a book to the previously written or pinted day of the month.

GnnLAii DispnrsAHT, Union Street, is a neat modem stone bnilding, with a centre and two wings, having fonr lofty pilasters, supporting a triangular pediment Over the appropriate piece of sculpture in relief, the work of Mr. H. Hollins. The i established in 1794 : the object of the charity is to relieve poor patients, who nuat be recommended by a sabscriber. The subscription is a guinea a year, and pwuds. There are two resident surgeons, a dispensing apothecary, and an accoucheur. Three phyaieiaiis and six surgeons give their gratuitous services. The total number of innocculation. The expenditure amounts to about jf 1,100. per annum, and fiona an annaal Subscription Ust amounting to jf 701. 8s., from Dividends on Stock JSdS. iBterest oimoaej in the hands of the Treasurers, j^lO. 9s. lid., and ^331. Is. from le- gaeicB and donations during the year, leaving a balance in the hands of the Treasuren idX4S^, 138. Id. The Officers are, Pbesidbnt - W. S. Dugdale, Esq. Committbe of Goraasoaa - Consisting of ten gentlemen. TaBisuaERs - Messrs. Moilliet and Son. pHTSiciAsa - Samuel Wright, M.D., L.L.D., and James Russell, M.B. Sitrgeons - If CMTB. G. EDrington, S. A. Bondley, J ames H armar, W. M. Richards, Edward Cripps, and T. L. HilL Resideivt Subobohs - Mr. John Carter and Mr. Thomas Shaw. Resident ScaoHHT AcoovcHBua - Mr. Richard Thomason. Dispensing Apothecaby - Mr. Geo. WcMiu Co Li*ECToa - Mr. Richard Beilby. In connection with the Di^iensary, is a fijr the relief of the destitute patients of the General Dispensary, which was esta* at a meeting held November 16th, 1842. This fund is principally supported by which, for the year ending Michaelmas, 1847) amounted to £i\, 13., and

BcnMiNeBAX and Dbbitend Selp-Soppobting Dispensabt. - Central office, 3, Cofaaare Row. The objects of this Institution are, to place within the reach of the prorident and industrious among the working classes, who reside vrithin three miles of St. Pbil^'s Church, prompt and competent medical assistance, on the payment of a HBB amted to their drcumiatances, to enable them, during health, to provide for the ne- of sickness, and enable them to prevent the danger of incurring medical ex- whi^ they may never be able to discharge. Twelve surgeons, in various dis- liieta» give their attention to this Institution. The Registrar, Mr. Josiah Alien, 3, Colmore Row, can give tickets and every other information.

HoMOOFATBio DisPBNSABT, 13, Old SquBTe - Disciples of Halmeinan. This Insti-

tatioo was commenced in 1847« Homceopathy was first introduced into Birmingham in

1845, when only one family could be found to aver their readiness to be treated by it in

illnesw, the practice being one of simples, and medicines greatly diluted, in oppo-

to the administering of extracts and strong chemical preparations. The present

was opened in May, 1847, so that, irom the very beginning, it had many

to contend with. Three medical men in Birmingham are now practising it exctw

moAf^ and the applications to this institution have greatly increased. Every subscriber

or donor of <me guinea is entitled to recommend for gratuitous treatment at the Insti-

six patients annually, and one other to be attended at his or her home. Other

who do not seek relief; are prescribed for at the Dispensary, on paying two

hillhigs and sixpence per month, or six shillings per quarter. By a Report, from the

subiicribing patients, and the snm of jf 151. 5s. 7d.from annual sabscriptions and dona^ ing a balance to the credit of the DL^ipensary of ^203. 9s. 2d. Patients are admitted daily, from two to three o'clock. Every exertion is used in obtaining Junds necetvtry /or . the reception of In-patients, The present Officers are, Patron - E. J. Shirley, M.P. A Committee of nine persons as Managers. Medical Officers. - Dr. Fearon attends on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Mr. Lawrence on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Mr. Pearson on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Secretary - Nfr. George Taylor. Chemist - Mr. Corfield, 11, New Street.

Eye Infirmary, Cannon Street, was founded in 18*23, and opened in April, 1884, for the relief of poor persons afflicted with diseases of the eye. Attendance is given every day (Sunday excepted), at one o'clock : patients, in certain ca.se8, received as In- patients. Donors of ten guineas, annual subscribers of one guinea, and the medical officers, are governors, and possess the right of recommending an unlimited number of patients : and the head or other officer, for the time being, of any parish, township, body corporate, or society, making such donation or subscription, shall be a governor. The power of appointing all paid officers is vested in a committee. During the year ending: 3l8t March, 1848, 3,325 patients were admitted, which exceeded the number in the pre- The sum of £2. in the charity box ; interest on the bank account, £T^ and on a loan to the G as Company, j£\\,4a, 7d. The regular subscriptions fall considerably short of the expenditure. The Committee are very anxious to obtain a more capacious and perma- nent building for the use of this Institution. The attending Surgeons are Mr. Ryland^ Mr. Cheshire, and Mr. Soloman, and the consulting Surgeon Joseph Hodgson, Esq.

Institution for the Relief of Deafness. This Institution owes its establish- ment to William Dutton, Esq., M.R.C.C. The expenses for the year, ending Norenio on the balance in the Treasurer's hands for one year, including interest on the legacy were under treatment, many of which were of long standing ; of these, 98 were em«d^ 84 relieved, 50 incurable, and 21 remained under treatment. President - Right Hon. Lord Ward. Medical Officer - William Dufton, Esq., M.R.C.S. TaEAsuRBa - W. L. Sargant, Esq. Honorary Secretary - W. Chance, jun., and a Committee of eight

General Institution for the Instruction of Deaf and Dumb Children, Edgbaston, near Birmingham, establuhed in the year 1812. Thii excellent charity was founded, principally, by the exertions of Drs. De Lys and Blair. It comprises a handsome building, having accommodation for sixty-five children, for which an annual rent of £75. in paid to Lord Calthorpe. No children are lodged or boarded in the asylum un- less their friends, or the parishes to which they belong, contribute towards the expenses of their maintenance and clothing, according to a rate to be regulated, from time to time, by the Committee. Annual subscribers of one guinea are members, with the right of voting at General Meetings. Donors of jf 10. and inwards, (at one time,) or executors paying a legacy of j^50. or upwards, are entitled, for life, to the privileges of members. During the past year, ending October 1st, 1847) legacies ^nd donations amounting to £7 S3, Is. 1 Id. have been received ; of which, jf 400. was from the execntors of the late Samuel Barber, and £\^, from the executors of the late Joseph Walker. Annual subscriptions, amounting to about £5W^, per annum, are received from War- wickahhre, Worcestershire, Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Gloucestershtre,

Stirnprfiirrv and otber Cmintiefl. The state of the institiition is miMt ntkfiustofy. hoaaekeeping expenses amounted to £638. *Jn. 6d. ; and jf 600. was invested in the Usee p9 cent consols ; 56 children were in the institution, of whom three were paid ftr \tj iSbtar fiicnds. Mr. Arthur Hopper, B.A., the Instructor, who ranks high for Mi ^jll and diligence in the education of the piqiils, has accommodation to receive a buted mmiber of private deaf and dnmb pupils; Sbgretart, Mr. Edwaxd Everitt; Daiwnia Master, Bfr. W. Green ; Matron, Mrs. Green.

lavmrimoH por thb Bund, 113, Broad Street. This institation for some time eijrtpd as a private establishment, bnt at the ilnt annual meeting, held at Dee's Royal Hoiri, on Monday, 24th April, 1848, it was resolved to form a pnblic institation, to be called ** The Biniingham Institution for the Blind." Dnring the joevioDS year the popOshad never exceeded 17, though 20 had been admitted ; 11 other applications had been made, but the amaUness of the premises prevented their admission, either as day pBipils or boarden. The committee are searching for suitable premises, and for a great extension of the subscriptions and donations, Ac. The annual subscriptions for the isijeiS. for extending the institation ; ^16. 3s. 9d. was received from the pupils, j£6. 4b, 8d. from the sale of articles manufiictured by the pupils, with the sum of JBl. IS^ interest from the Savings' Bank, making a total of d0253.5s. 5d. The ex- pgnditwe, indnding furniture and a piano, amounted to jf 199. \^B, lOd., leaving a balanoe of ^53. 78- 7d. President, James Taylor, Esq. ; Cba plain. Rev. George Lea ; Phtsiciav, Dr. Bell Fletcher; Surgeon, Mr. Thomas Chavasse; Treasurer, Mr. Thoanas Goodman ; Honorary Secretary, Mr. C. P. Higgs.

BnoiuiOHAM General Provident and Benevolent Institution, established 1833. Central office. No. S5, Ann Street, with 13 other district offices and agents. medical attendance; 1,878 insuring a sum of money at death, (630 of them ddldren in the Sunday Schools ;) 30 are paying double for 18 years and 7 months ; 4 treble for 1 1 years ; and 8 quadruple for 7 years and 9 months, to become independent of fhev weekly contributions to their sick club, and to insure an extra provision for their widows and orphans at their death ; one is already independent, two are paying te independent endowments, and two for independent annuities ; one is paying for an after the age of 60, and thirty-one for annuities after the age of 6S ; 266 are in &e saving's fund; and 58 are honorary members, subscribing to the beaevolent fund only. This institution is rapidly increasing In usefulness, and has a in hand jS686. The central office is open daily, from nine in the morning until six in tte evening ; Mr. W. Thompson, Secretary. Under the patronage of the Right Rev. tte Lord Bishop of Worcester. - ^A Branch Office^'of the Binningham Provident and Benevvdent Institution is opened at St. Andrew's Parish, Bordesley, school house. Watery lane, eveiy Monday evening, at 7 o'clock, Mr. £. Wigley, agent; also a CumuNo Club at the same time. A Dorcas Society is also held at Mr. Moore's, the nunister's house, 1, St. Andrew's Terrace; and a Sick Linen Society is held in eoaaeetion with the Holy Trinity, Bordesley, and the hamlet of Deritend. The linen kept at William Rowley's, next the school house. Watery lane.

Birmingham and Midland Counties Lying-in-Hospital and Dispensary, liGagton, instituted in the year 1812, by the indefatigable exertions of a few charitable iafifidnals; and nearly j^1,£00. was received as the proceeds of a bazaar, held at the Town Hall. The objects of thb institution is to supply medical and obstetric attend- ance to poor married women, at their confinements; either in their own houses, or within the wards of the hospital, and to afford medical relief in the diseases incident to women and children. From the commencement of the charity, to the year end-

ing September 29th, 1847, upwards of 2,851 patients have received medical att€tid^ ance. in the midwifery department; and 2,205 have been attended by the medical officers, and supplied with medicines, Ac, in the dispensary department. A Mn- senm is attached to the Hospital. The present building is quite inadequate to the wants of the institution ; and it seems desirable, that this important subject should re- ceive the immediate attention of the governors and friends of the Hospital. During the year, the annual subscriptions amounted to £2&3. 1 Is. ; a legacy of j^50. was received from the late Mr. Owen; and small donations amounting to ^1. 5s. ; making JG314. IGs. : also, during the year, was received donations in aid of the Building Fund, amountiiig to £245, Secretary and Collector, Mr. David Cope; Medical Officers, Francis M.R.C.S. ; Resident Surgeons, Mr. Basset, and Mr. Deakin ; DUpemer^ Mr. Atkin- son ; Matron.^ Mrs. Saggers.

Magdalen Asylum, Broad Street, Islington, was instituted 1828, as a Penitentiary for unfortunate females, who profess themselves desirous to return to the paths of vntae ; its object and design having respect to the formation of principles and habits, that will qualify their subject to live a reputable and useful life« A Chapel is connected with tJie institution, in which divine service is performed twice on a Sunday, at half-past ten, morning, and half-past six, evening. The number remaining in the Asylum, at the close of the year 1846, was 21; and eight applications had been rejected for want of room. Many donations have been made to the institution, since its establishment; and annual subscriptions, amounting to upwards of ^160.; a collection at St. Martin's Church, to ^30 ; with work and other sources of income; which renders the institation tolerably efficient President, the Right Rev. the Lord Bishop of Worcester; PuTSf* cTAN, Samuel Wright, M.D., L.L.D. ; Surgeon, Mr. Samuel Berry ; Chaplain, Rev. Thomas Arden; Secretary, Mr. Joseph Rock; Matron, Elizabeth Carpenter.

Birmingham Town Mission; John Whitehouse Showell, Secretary, 26, Temple- Street. Also, the Office for the Animal's Friend Society ; and the Depdt for the Reli* gious Tract Society, London, and for the Sunday School Union.

Bible Society's Depot, at William Haswell's, New Street.

The Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge's Depot, at Henry Charle;* Langbridge's, Bull Street.

The St. George's Association, and the British and Foreign Bible Society's De^iot^ at William Deer's, 3, Great Russell Street.

Asylum for Children, Summer Lane, was formed in the year 1797) for the purpose of affording an Asylum to the infant children of the poor. It is under tlic management of a committee of overseers and guardians, and supported from the PoorV rate ; it will accommodate 343 children, boys and girls ; averaging upwards of 300. Every attention is paid to the morals and comfort of the children, the establishment being provided with a play ground, a bath, and a chapel for Divine Service. Those who are old enough, are employed in shoe making, tailoring, sewing, drc. Master, Matthew Dixon; Matron, Hannah Silcock; Schoolmaster, Charles Tye; School, mistress, Jane A. Edwards.

The Manor of Birmingham was for many centuries the possession of the noY>l<» family of Birmingham. Hutlon states that Cridda, a Saxon, came over with a body of troops, and reduced Mercia, (of which Birmingham was nearly in the centre) in 582 ; thenfore as no revolution happened after, that would cause Birmingham to change itsi owner, and as the land was not in a very saleable state, there is the greatest reason to suppose the founder of the house of Birmingham came over with Cridda as an officer in his army, and procured tUs little flourishing dominion as a reward for his serviccsi. The succeeding generations of this family are too remote for historical penetration, and the mutations of time too various, untQ the reign of Edward the Confessor, the last of the Saxon Kings. In 1050, Ulwin became its poBflessor ; in 1060, Richard, who lived

Ktke period of tlie eoncfaest, siieoeeded liim; In 1190, William, wbo like hu unfortn-

lite frtkcr, wsfl in a state of Tiiwuliige ; in 11^4, Pcteb pb Bermiwgham, the first of

ks finniljr wko tooik up the name of Bermingham, lived in affluence at the Moat near

; in 1216, WtLXdAH db BBaMiNOHAM, whose nncle was supposed to he

under Strongbow, in the redaction of Ireland, in the reign of Henry II.,

aad who was rewarded with an estate and the title of Earl of Lowth; in 1346, William

as BsaMXSOKAM married the daughter of the eminent Thomas de Astley, and joined

kan a^er Simon de Montfort, Earl of Leicester, and, in 126^, fell in the battle against

Hcmy III. at Eresi&anL. The barons were prescribed, and the manor of Bermingham

(abed at jC40. per annum) confiscated, and afterwards given hj the King to Roger de

Clifiad, one of his &vourites. In 1265 William db Bbbminoham redeemed his lands,

^rf recovered the inheritance of his family ; in ld06,William de Bermingham succeeded,

Wfc waa not knighted until 1317; in 1324, William db Bbbmivgham, Lord Bermingham

troops under Edward II., and in the first year of Edward HI. was for the first

only famit sammoned to parliament, by the title of Lord William de Bermingham.

In 134€t,Sia Faca 9m BBaMiKOBAM succeeded, was returned member ibrWarwick, 1352,

13fiS; and in several suceeeding parliaments ; in 1376 Sir John de Bermingham, was, in

iveeession, returned member for the Counties of Warwick, Bedford, and Buckingham.

In L9B01 Edwaud BsaMiiroHAM succeeded his grandfather at the age of three, being

bom IB 1497, and in his minority, Edward Lord Dudley was granted the wardship, by

Heavy VIL in 1502. The fiunily estates then consisted of the manor of Benningham,

five olhexa in the eountyof Ozfind, one in Bucks, and one in Worcester; and after

^tmtamm of these estates for nearly forty years, this ancient and illustrioi»

overwhelmed by the ambitioas and base John Dudley, Duke of Northum-

bcflaai, and his possessions surrendered to the crown under a special Act of Parlia-

lawirtp wha^ allowed the said Edward and his wife ^40 a-year during their lives. This

Duke of Northumberland, being anxious to possess hfanself of this manor, by a wicked

conliifed it that Edward de Bermingham was apprehended and prosecuted as

of a party of robben, and his estates were given up to the crown as above stated ;

I nine years, (probably so long that the world might not censure the

aetO waa, on Deeembcr 21st, the 37th of Henry VIII. granted, with the patronage of

the ReetoBy, and all the other estates of Edward de Benningham, to Viscount L'Isle,

known by the greater titles of Earl of Warwick and Duke of Northumber-

Mr. Huttcm states that he knew of no branch of this family except that of which

the Emi iti Lowth was head. In 1537, John Duke of Northumberland became lotd

of the mmnar of Birmingham, but it did not prosper under his government; although

the ownenhip, he did not accept the grant until 1546, when these cla-

had somewhat subsided. He kept possession six or seven years only, when,

hii ambition and artifices, he was attainted in the first of Queen Mary, and

his head, fell unlamented ; and the manor reverted to the crown, which Queen

Maiy, in 1555, granted to Thomas Mairow, in whose family it continued nearly two

, when, from the male line failing, it became the property of four co-heiresses,

<^the private estate in the manor, to Thomas Shirlock, Bishop of London.

It A^ amounted to about 4^400. per annum; in 1796 the annual rent increased to

had resided at Umbendade, in this county, for more than six centnries. It de-

from him to Andrew Loan Abchbr, who, at his demise, left the manor to bin

daughters ; one married the Earl of Plymouth. The present Lord of the Manor,

who sBCKfedfd his fether, is Christopher Musgrave, Esq. John Arnold, Esq. in the

who holds a Coiot Leet annually, when the ancient officers are chosen.

After the eztindaon of the Benningham family, the lords did not reside on the

This place gives the title of Baron Birmingham to Lord Vbicount Dudley and

Wari; who, hy the female line is descended firom the Norman Barons, the Fita-Aus-

the PagaaaUa, the Somerys, the Buttons, and the Dudleys.

so HISTORY OP birmikoham.

Manor House. - The Moat, the residence of the lords of Bermingliain, wossittitited within sixty yards of St. Martin's church, and twenty west of Digbeth. The ntofttt which defended the manor house, was supplied by a small stream, which originally joined the Rea, at Vaughton's hole, and divided the parishes of Birmingham and Edg- baston. At the formation of the Moat, the course of this apparently insignificant stream, (which afterwards turned a thread mill for several years in Mill lane,) was changed, and was so level and gentle, that another, (appropriately called Puddinq Brook, from receiving the washings of the town,) ran parallel with it in an opposite direction. On the filling up of the Moat, the former stream, which had been diverted fit)m the river Rea for about one thousand years, was again restored to it by an arti- ficial channel, near Vaughton's hole. The Moat was filled up in 1816, until which period some slight traces remained of the original Hall, where the Court Leett were held. The original site of the mansion and domain is now converted into a cattle market of great extent and utility, and named Smithfield, after that of the metropolis.

The Officers chosen at the Court Leet, are. High Bailiff, William James, Esq. ; Low Bailiff, Robert Martin, Esq.; Constables, Messrs. George Turner and Edwin Smith; Headborouoh, Mr. George Redfem ; Constable for Deritebd, Mr. Thomas Wells Ingram; Flesh Conners, Messrs. John Schofield and Edward Shrews- bury ; Ale Conners, Mefsn, John Machin and Richard Bates.

Market Hall. - This building, which is constructed of firee stone, firom a design by Mr. Edge, of Birmingham, extends from High-street to Worcester-street, and is with a deep base, and a projecting entablature, having one large and lofty entrance in High-street, and another in Worcester-street; two similar entrances, with plain pyramidal projecting facades in Philip-street, and two in Bell-street, to the xmder part of the building ; and from thence by steps up to the hall. The roof is composed of a lantern middle part for air and light, and has fifty-six windows on each side, and five at each end, with seventeen large sky-lights at the top, and two side parts of the eom- mon angular construction, which have seventeen sky-lights each. The whole is sus- tained by seventeen series of beams, which are supported by seventeen pairs of iron pillars, 28 feet high, and 20 feet a-part There are twenty-six lofty circular-headed windows on each side of the hall ; six at the north entrance, and two at the south ; and altogether there are 225 windows in the building. In Bell-street, the west side, there is a row of vaults which are let for shops, twenty-three in number ; and there are forty vaults under the building, in a long range of cellaring, which are used as stores. In the body of the hall there is room for accommodating 600 persons with stalls, with space sufficient for three or four thousand persons to perambulate. The cost of the building was about j^25,000.; and the erection occupied nearly two years. The an* nual rent paid for stalls amounts, probably, to between five and six thousand pounds. It is usually allowed to be one of the finest buildings in the kingdom. This haU was erected under an Act of Parliament, passed May 23rd, 1828, for improving the town of Bbminghain, under which the Market Place was made very extensive. The Mika- SBTB are Monday, Thursday, and Saturday. Fairs are held, for horses and cattle, on Thursday, in Whitsun week, and the Thursday nearest to Michaelmas-day; the two days soceeeding each are pleasure fairs.

In the centre of the Market Square stands Nelsom's SrikTUS. It is a bronae figure, by Weatmacott The figure rests on a round marble pedestal, which'^ is ornamented with sculptnre ; the left arm reeUnes upon an anchor, and the group is made up with the model of a ship of war. The statue is snrrounded by a square of iron palisades, the comers of which are appropriately ornamented with castings of cannon. It cost about jB%BO0, and was opened for public inspection in the year 1800.

Also a New MAaxR Hall, in Prospect Row, was erected in 1837, by Messrs. E. and C. Robins, at theb own expense, the great increase of population in the immediate neighbourhood having induced thereto. The mazket is divided Into com-

^uimeatB, and a hotae is attached, in which the saperintendent resides. These Halb are for the sale of butter, eggs, poaltiy, fruit, regetables, Ae^-^^ktmn !- sold I the CoaN Exchange, High street, Tuesday and Thnndaj, the latter being the prifrip*^ day. Smethfield Cattle Market, (St. Martin's,) for horses and cattle tm nnnday. Fish Market, Dale End, is generally supplied with every variety of ftsh in season, and also with game. St. Martin's Market, Jamaica row, for whcdesale Imtchera on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, from four till nine in (he morning. Wbolb8Ai.e Veobtable Markets. - Bull Riog, Tuesday, Thursday, anl Satoiday. And a wholesale vegetable market also on the same mornings at Costa Green. The Hat and Straw Market is on Tuesday, at Smithfleld.

Taa Coas Exobaxoe was erected by a Joint Stock Company, whose capital is £5^000^ in sihares o{jS25, each. It is a beautiful building, in ti&e Doric order of archi- tectoe, and, indoding the vestibule, is 172 feet long. It is lighted from the roof^ widdi is glass throughout the extent of the building, it is decidedly the most elegant Com ExcSuange in the kingdom, and the interior decorations and fittings reflect the highest oedit on the architect It was opened for buoness in October, 1847« and on TlnrMlays is crowded with farmers and dealers from the town and country.

TaADBrf - ^Anumg the early articles of trade in Birmingham, Leather formed one of its most extensive - ^it now forms one of the least Digbeth not only abounded with tnaaen^ bat Birmingham was also a considerable market for the sale of hides, which ar- irnd weekly, and the whole country found a supply of leather, deposited in the Lea- ther HalL Mr. Hutton considers this market of such antiquity as to have existed 700 It continued till the commencement of the eighteenth century. Houses and now eoiver the tan-vats, and the Leather Hall has disappeared. The making of Bkuows, which, doubtless, was co-existent with the leather trade, is stUl extensively earned on. The making of Nails was one of its earliest trades, and it is stiU exten* siv«]y- eanied on, although it has undergone great changes. A large portion are cur bf power, from rolled iron, and others are cast, or founded, from pig metal, and then or made malleable, the hammer-made naUs being procured, mostly, by the from country makers. Hutton observes, the ^ e£Ebrts of nature will produce not foar thonsand houses, in Birmingham, that pay the parochial rates, whilst there aae more than seven thousand that do not" Hence we see the amaaing number of the laborioos part of mankind amongst us. ^ This valuable class," he observes," are the prop of tbe remainder. They spread our tables, and oil the wheels of our carnages." The praetiee of the Birmingham manufacturer was, for ages, to keep within the warmth of his own forge, the foreign customer regularly making his appearance twice a-year ; and, althongh this practice is not quite extinguished, a dl£ferent one is adopted. The jBcrdiant stands at the head of the manufacturer, purchases his produce, and traveb the wifeole island to promote the sale ; nay, the commercial spirit of the age is such, that the whole world is made subservient to lus desires. Genius seems to increase with maltitnde. John Taylor, Esq. effected great improvements; the spring and conse- qaeace of action were open to his view. He rose from small beginnings. To his un- eoamion genius the gilt button, the ji^ianned and gilt snuffboxes, and the numerous dasses of enamels, and the painted snuff-box, are due. A nobleman purchasing some of the articles, and, amongst the rest, a toy of eighty guineas value, whilst paying for them;, observed^ with a smile, that ^^he plainly saw he could not reside in Birmingham a fiortone of jf200,000. The toy trades first made their appearance in Birmingham at the beginning of Charles II.'s reign, in an amazing variety, attended with all their hranties and graces. The late Mr. BouUon was unremitting in his effijrts to advance the national character, and augment the national wealth, by extending manufactures adconmieree, facilitating labour, and enlarging the sphere of human ingenuity. In I7tf2 Mr. Boulton purchased the lease of the Soho, a hamlet in the parish of Hands-

worth, in Staffordshire, but forming a snbnrb to Birmingham; here was a small house and a mill, which but a few years before had only a naked hnt, the habitation of a warrener. In 1764 he laid the foundation of the most superb and extensive manu- facturing establishment in the world, which was finished the next year, at a cost of j^9,000. and the manufactory removed there fi'om Birmingham, where, in connection with his then partner, Mr. Fothergill, established a mercantile correspondence through- out Europe. To assist his water mill, in 1767^ he made a steam engine on Savary's plan, with the intention of returning and raising the water twenty feet high. He soon after formed an acquaintance with Mr. James Watt, of Glasgow, who, in 1765, had invented several valuable improvements in the steam engine ; and in 177^ Mr. Watt entered into partnership with Mr. Boulton, and they established a very exten- sive manufiEustory of steam engines at the Soho, and many of them were conveyed to the deep mines and extensive works where great power was required. About the year 1779f that ingenious art of copying pictures in oil colours by a mechanical process, was invented at Soho, and brought to such perfection as to be taken for originals by the most experienced connoiseurs. This was chiefly conducted by the ingenious Mr. Egin- ton, which led him to that of painting and staining glass, which, far surpassing that of the ancients, will long continue a monument of his unrivalled abilities. He exe- cuted for many extensive windows in all parts of the kingdom ; he died March 35th, 1805. In 1788 a mint was erected at Soho, to be worked by the steam engine, from therolluig of the copper into sheets, afterwards passing it through polished steel rollers and cutting out the blanks, all which was performed with the greatest ease and regu- larity by children. The coining machines were worked with rapidity by boys from twelve to fourteen years of age, the machine depositing the blanks upon the dies* and when struck displacing those that had received impressions, and depositing other blanka in their place. To facilitate the manufacturing of steam engines, Messrs. Boulton and Watt erected an iron foxmdry at Smethwick, on the banks of the Birmingham canal, where most of the laborious work is done by the steam engine. Steam engines of all sizes and power were manufactored, and the coining of medals, medallions, Ac, of any size, carried on. Mr. Boulton, on his removal to Soho, engaged the most celebrated artists of every sort SiLVEa and Plated wares were manufactured to such an extent that it caused an application for an Assay Office, which succeeded, and was estab- lished in 1773, in Birmingham. The manufacture of Plated Goods consists in mak- ing such goods as had before been made of silver, of copper covered with silver, on either one or both sides, and that by such a heat of fusion as united them together as firmly as if one body ; such xmion to be effected before the articles were made, in that respect differing from what had been long called French Plating. About the year 1743 Mr. Thomas Bolsover, an ingenious cutler, at Sheffield, commenced the plated manu- factory, he having previously, when employed in repairing the handle of a knife partly of silver and partly of copper, being, by the accidental fiision of the two metals, struck with the possibility of uniting them, so as to form a cheap substance which should present only an exterior of silver, and which might therefore be used in the manufacture of various articles in which silver had before been solely employed. The Soho and the town of Birmingham early obtained a share in thii lucrative business. Mr. Boulton commenced the manufacture of silver and plated articles of every de- scription ; tea urns, vases, tureens, dishes, candelabras, and every necessary article to decorate the table and the drawing-room. Metals of every description are here rolled to any length or breadth required ; copying machines, fine polished steel fire irons, steel buttons, ornaments for stove grates, fenders, and any other article in steel, where taste and elegance are necessary. The Soho ii now let to various persons. The H bavt Steel Tot ranks amongst the most ancient manufaetore of Birmingham, and ia still ex- tensively manufactured, which consist of hammers, hatchets, shears, dkc. ; and th e Light Steel Tot, under which is included corkscrews, snuflers, nutcrackers, nippers, plyers, tweezers, watch ehahia, 4rc. The Bucele Trade, which at one time employed

33,000 penoiifl» and the large plated Iniekle, warn so late aa 1785, was, by the Prince of Taka appearing at a ball in ahoe strings, completely mined, and, with the exception <^ Toy naU boeklea, or thoae used at court on any partknlar occasion, are superseded bj ftzinfs. The Bctttoks are mannfactorcd in great variety, though the most ex- pense of the qiigia%"cd and ornamented sorts have not of late been so much in de- oaad as ftnaerly, yet the consmnption is still immense. The pearl button is mann* frctsred in immenae cfoantities, and bone buttons to a great extent, and buttons from bsnble bom maj be obtained at 5d. per gross, to the splendid button of one

Issx FocimiaG haa attained singular excellence ; every article that can cross the ;iii>|.ii>«Ai^ B now cast ; locks and keys, hinges with moveable joints, buttons to imi- tile aed, susBOiu, and even nails, and even needles, with various other articles in the wath aad harness famitnre line, which are annealed and made malleable^ and con- verted so that thej will dra^v ont under the hammer, and harden and temper like steel, as «dl as stoves, ranges, sancepans, and all heavier articles. - ^Bbabs FouNDiiro is car- ried on in every variety.

Tac ELfzTmo and Magneto Platixo form branches of manufacture which essen- tial! j bekng to Binninghani. It ui among the more singular events of the age, that the acodcBtal observation of a deposit, precipitated by the action of the galvanic bat- tery ceil, containing solphate of copper, being a complete copy of such cell. Who voaid have thought, that the mere dissolving of metals by acid, or the revolving of a «Te in front of the poles of a magnet, should be the means of establishing a trade which ir uselul, ukost beantifbl, and pronuses to become the most extensive the art of working in aetals may have to boast of. The galvanic or electro plating of the Messrs^ Elking- ton aad othm, and magnetic plating of Mr. J. S. Woofarieh, furnishes the means of per- fwming these wonders of science. The methods of plating and gilding are ahnoet en- tveJy earned on by these processes, and fixmi their enabling the manufacturer to use cart and richly ornamented goods, the style is daily improving over the rigid and stiff fiuias of the old branch of the plated wares manu&eture. By the new methods, articles --f any size, shape, or lightness, can be coated with the same cost as the plainest sheet id metal ; eonseipiently we see the manufiictnrers availing themselves of cast oma- veate, whi^ they eould not do before ; all had to be manu&ctuied from the plated £«tpper, the seams more or less diowing the solder used in putting them together ; and Aerate was worn ofi^ Alexander, the coppersmith, necessarily protruded. The woetm enables the manufiuturer to make his goods from German silver, an alloy ^ti aidcei» which is hard and white | and after the articles are made and polished, they re- evive the last tiding, a coating of the "- precious metal^" which entirely envelopes the while base ; and the articles cannot then be detected by the eye from that of solid nkrcr^ and have the great advantage, when the silver is worn ofl^ of not showing the rrd copper. The jnocess was accused of peeling ofi^ and want of hardness, which, by ttharqnent improvements, has been entirely mastered. The process is by means of Ur^ wooden vats, which contain a strong solution of silver, in which is placed at con- distanoes, sheets of pure silver, connected with a wire, which forms one of the for electricity ; and, resting upon the top of the vats, are likewise brass rod% vhich are cooneeted together by a wire ; after having been well cleaned, the various vtiries to be plated are suspended from these rods by wires between the sheets ; a cur- >ea( oi cleeUkil> is sent by the wire to the sheets, through the liquid to the articles, aad then along the braai rods back to its source ; the solution suffers decomposition, the abvT, of which it is partly composed, is deposited on the articles, while at the ^e tine the silver sheets loose the same amount of silver ; this process goes on as b^as required, so that the thinnest film, or the thickest coat, may be obtained ; the fwda being weighed before and after the process, shows the amount of metal deposited poa then. The cleetioi, or galvanic plating, is performed by means of galvanic iSat-

teries, which are made with plates of zinc, copper, and dilute sulphuric acid ; by tlie action of the acid upon these metals, electricity is generated ; and which heing passed, by the means described, into a solution of cyanide of potassium and silver, the plating is effected. This constitutes the essential part of the patent granted to Mesarr». Elkington, in March, 1840, and which they carry on in their extensive works in New- hall-street. The Magneto Process consists in the novelty of single currents of mag;-- nctic electricity, which are generated by simply revolving a coil of wipe between the poles of a steel magnet, and is found to answer every purpose of a galvanic batteiy, without any of its uncertanity of action, expense, or trouble. The same machine admita being regulated in power for the largest or smallest articles. The objection to its use is, that it requires a small, constant power, to turn the coil of wire ; a thing of no moment, where steam, or other power is used ; its regularity of action, however, constitutes one of its chief advantages. The amount of metal deposited is ascertained by the length of time the articles are under operation, and in this respect it is greatly superior to the battery, which is more or less incessant ; and a^ there are many elaesses of articles which cannot be weighed, its excellency is self-evident. The solution employed, L» sulphate of pottasa and silver ; the deposit from this solution is much harder, and notscr liable to tarnish as that from the cyanide. This process is carried on by the patentee at his establishment, 12, James-street, St. Paul's; the patent is dated August, 1842. Li- censes have been granted under these patents to several manufacturers, but it is found that the process is more cheaply and better carried on, on a large scale. EstabUsli- ments, therefore, have been opened where individuals can send their work to be plated and gilt Another great superiority over the old mode of manufacturing plated warea is, when the silver may be worn off, they can be re-plafe^ at a moderate expemie. Another application of electricity consists in the deposition of metals upon wax casts, which, when melted out, leaves the precise form in metal; this process is known under the name of Electrotype, and which at some future period ^vill be of immense moment to the manufacturers.

Type Founding and Printing. - John Baskerville, a native of Wolverlcy, in Worcestershire, was, in succession, a stone cutter, a schoolmaster, a japanncr, and lastly an eminent type founder and printer. He gave a name to the first, and his establish- ment of fame to the other. Hutton, his biographer, observes that in 1745 he took a building lease of about eight acres of land, to which he gave the name of Easy Hill ; converted it into a Little Eden, and built a house in the centre, and it was soon sur- rounded with houses. Here he continued the business of japanner for life ; his car- riage (each panncl of which was a distinct picture, might be considered as the pattern card of his trade) was drawn by a beautiful pair of cream-coloured horses. His inclina- tion for letters induced him in 17^0 to turn his thoughts to the press. His first attempt, in 1756, was a quarto edition of Virgil; this he is said to have reprinted in 1758, and was employed by the University of Oxford upon an entirely new-faced Greek type. His talents were now generally appreciated, and he printed many extensive works, manufacturing his own paper, type, and ink. He had leave from the University of Cambridge to print a bible in royal folio, and two editions of the common prayer book, in three sizes, for the permission of doing which he paid a great premium. After the publication of this bible, Mr. Baskerville became weary of printing, and endeavoured, though unsuccesfully, to dispose of his types and printing materials. He died without issue, January 8th, 1775, aged 69, and by his will directed his body to be buried in a conical building on his own premises, heretofore used as a mill, which he had raised and painted, and in a vault prepared for it. A literary society in Paris, in 177d,for j^3,700, purchased this valuable property, and expended ^£100,000 in printing, with Baskerville^ elegant type, the works of Voltaire. Mrs. Baskerville died in March, ] 788. John R> land, Esq., made considerable improvements to Baskerville's house, which were but just completed, when, on the 15th of July, 1791, on the second day of the Birmingham riots, they were burned by the rioters, and the conic urn, placed to Baskerville's memory.

«yr"^*ry in an nprigfat position, and in an entire state, was dug up ; upon opening it ibe body was found not to he decomposed, and the teeth had the appearance of being

&a Edwabj> Thomasok'b, now G. R. CoUis A Co/s, manufactory, in Chnrdi-street, wiih a iplendid soiie of show rooms attached to it, are replete with costly and elabo- rate speoBBcns of wotkmanship, in gold, silver, plated ware, medals, bronzes, and the ^rystaQiaed bases of metals. Among the more massive productions, is a statue in IVBoae, of his late majesty, George IV., in his coronation robes ; it is more than six feet high, weighs forty-five hundred weight, and is so proportioned at its proper eleva- te pmcut a fine resemblance in countenance, form, and stature, of the monarch at &e age of fifty. In a room, built entirely for the purpose, is a fac-simile of Ac celebrated Greekm Vmu of Lysippus, who flourished 325 years before the Christian dsg froB the Tuins of Adrian's palace, near Tivoli, which was brought over to by the late Sir William Hamilton, at the expense of Lord Warwick, and placed IB the gaadens of Warwick Castle. To this huge piece of art, which is more than twea^-ooe feet in circumference, six feet in height, and weighs ninety hundred weight, tibe proprietor, by the peculiar process which he adopted, has imparted a soft ofcoloaT, unequalled by any example, both in the porphyritic oxyde of the or field, and in the ancient green bronze of the arms, visors, panthers' skins, and other ornaments, with which it is embellished. Mr. Thomason, who was e«ly 'ifyt*^ at the scientific school of Soho, also produced a beautiful series of six- sriratifir and jrfiilosophieal medals of German silver, each containing within a of daee iaehea in diameter, a complete epitome of one of the sciences: they are in a BMiRoeeo case, in the form and size of an imperial octavo volume. The fuiaictuis have their extensive rooms fitted up in the most elegant and costly litois are conducted through their extensive manufactory, and never fail ta be higUj gratified.

Gwa A3SD Swoai>8« - ^The sword was, no doubt, the manufacture of Birmingham in of the Britons; but tradition says. King William, once lamenting that guns rafactored in his dominions, but that he was obliged to procure them from. HoDaoid, at a great expense, and greater difficulty, Sir Richard Newdegate, one of far the county, being present, told the King *' That genius resided in S and that he thought his constituents could answer his Majesty's wishes." King was pleased with the remark, and the member posted to Bfamingham. appliratlon to a person in Digbeth, the pattern was executed with precision, when presented to the royal board, gave entire satisfaction. Orders were im- iss^d for large numbers, and the ingenious artists, so amply rewarded, Hvlson says, that they have rolled in their carriages to this day. Government have at an taBBs large stores of fire-arms in the Tower of London, yet, after the French re- in 1793, and England was threatened with an invasion, the numerous vohm-* mho oflered their services at that time to repel the enemy, reqxured such a pro- to be distribated among them, that it became necessary to purchase large quan- aay part of the continent where they could be procured ; and the volun- this town were supplied with muskets firom Prussia. At that time the num- ber of hands cnployed in the trade were but few. In the year 1804, they were enabled is sfylj five thoosand stand of arms monthly. In 1809, government was supplied with twestj tkouaand stand of arms monthly. In 1810, the number was increased 6wm twemty-<ight to thirty thousand monthly; and the number was regularly sup- ffied vBifl the peace of Paris. An aet of parliament was obtained, in the year 1813, fir Ae erection of a Paoor House in this town, situated in Banbury-street, where aU of gmmf pistols, bhmderbasses, dec. must be proved and marked, under a se- ; mad dace that time the manufacturing of fowling pieces has very con-

aidcrably increaAcd ; it is conducted under the direction of three wardens, who chosen by certain tmstees and goardians, nnder the act. The proof honse, for the government department, Baggot-street, for manufacturing and proving small armjs, is a large building. Capt. Frederick James Ranie, store keeper. The definitive treaty of the peace of Amiens arrived in Birmingham 9th March, 1802, when the intelligence was brought from London in ten hours and forty minutes.

Of the various improvements in the manufacture of fire arms, the nipple and percus- sion, or detonating powder cap, which superseded the old hammer and flint in their dis- charge, was probably the greatest. It was the invention of a clergyman, and has been in use about forty years. Mr. C. J. Smith, of Birmingham, hai lately obtained a patent for a self-priming gun, and a self-priming revolving pUtol. The weapon is not primed till the hammer is on fiill cock ; thus rendering it perfectly safe in use, and the touch hole Is covered and protected from damp and dirt. Compared with the ordinary gun, the length of the communication from the point where the detonating box explodes, to the body of the powder in the barrel, is reduced about onefif\h, thereby greatly lessening the chance of missing fire ; and the strength of the fire enhanced, and as the cap is alto- gether dispensed with, loading u* greatly facilitated ; the detonating powder \s enclosed in copper. A revolving six-barrelled pistol docs not require a cap or nipple, but is supplied by the action of the pistol itself, when in use, at the last instant. The pistol having no hammer, a clear and double sight for taking aim is reserved; and the nipple being hori- zontal, instead of perpendicular, renders a shield or guard unnecessary, so that the body of the weapon is reduced to the size of the barrel. Specimens of both were presented on Thursday, October 31st, 1 848, to His Royal Highness Prince Albert ; the Board of Ord- nance, the £arl of Auckland, and the Board of Admiralty, and many distinguished officers of the army and navy ; and the invention was generally approved of.

BiRM;5fOHAM, '^ The grand toy shop of Europe," a century and a half ago, was an

insignificant market town, that never experienced the emanations of royal favour.

We have endeavoured to describe some of its first great manufacturing and mercantile

men ; they have been constantly followed by successors equally ingenious, scientific,

and spirited. And perhaps we cannot conclude these remarks on The Taadb better

than by giving the last stanza of appropriate lines, written by John Morfitt, Esq., a

gentleman who intended writing a history of Birmingham, and in these lines gives a

lively description of its trade, <fec.

" Thhie, too, the trinket that the fair adorn - Bat who can count the spangles of the mom 7 What pendl can pourtray this splendid mart. This vast stupendous wilderness of art? Where Amey sports in all h«r ndnhow hnes. And heauties' radfeot forms perplex the muse ; The houndless theme transcends poetic lajSf - Lei plain historie truth rscord thy praise."

Birmingham, during the last fifty years, by the spirited expenditure of individnaU. and the judicious management of the street commissioners, has changed its character of blackness, closeness, and defective taste, for that of a town of spacious, wide, and well paved streets, abounding in public buildings, in the offices of large trading companies^ and in private undertakings, exhibiting generally a highly advanced state of architec- tural decorations, and a general air of substantial wealth and independence.

Municipal. - Birmingham, until the passing of the Reform Act, in 1832, and the Coiporation Reform Act, 9th September, 1835, was unrepresented in the great council of the nation. As previously stated, it now sends two members to parliament, and the 1x»roQgh is composed of the parishes of Birmingham and Edgbaston, and the hamlets of Bordesley, Dnddeston and Nechells, and Deritend, in the parish of Aston, and in the county of Warwick. On the 3l8t October, 1838, it received a municipal charter; and on the 26th December, 1838, the first election of mayor, town councillors, and alder-

mm, t«x>k plac^, when Willuun Scholefield, Esq., was elected mayor. The borough in dhided into thirteen wards, of which the parish of Birmingham forma ten, the parish «f Edgbaston, and the townships of Bordeslej and Deritend, and of Dnddeston and XecbelK each one. For the entire borongh, sixteen aldermen are elected ; of these one each b elected to represent each of the thirteen wards by the burgesses, aod the '<her three are elected by the body corporate, and act in case of any of thereijrcv'w nla- ri%T^ ftir the wards being absent; three conncillois are elected for ten wards, and six *^«b for the other three wards ; making a total of forty-eight conncillors. Tlie leu wards of Birmingham, with the population of each, are, Lndy Wood, 8,7ii7; All-sainti,

A separate Court of Quarter Sessions has recently been granted. The Borough Caol is situated at Winson Green, 2f miles west from the Market Hall.

The corporate body are

Menbcn of parliament, J. G. F. Muntz, Esq., William Scholefield, Esq.

Ifsyw. Samuel Thornton, Esq.

M^pttraUt* Samuel Beale, Esq.; Thomas Beilby, Esq.; Thomas Bolton, Ew}.; fraodi Clark, Esq.; John Birt Davies, Esq. ; Charles Geach, Esq.; James James, Effq. ; John T. Lawrence, Esq.; Howard Luccock, Esq.; William Mathews, Esq.; J. B. ScholelEeld, Esq.; William Scholefield, Esq.; Charles Shaw, Esq.; Henry Van Virt, Esq.

Towv CorsrriL. Ladt Wood. Aldennan, John Palmer. Coukcxllors. - Mr. J>.'Ln Colfiaa, Itfr. Charles Sturge, Mr. James Baldwin.

All Saxsts. Alderman, P. H. Muntz. Councillokb. - Mr. I. Prime, Mr. J. H'mks, Sir. F. Matchett.

Haxptox. Alderman, C. Lawdew. CouKciLLoas. - Mr. T. R. T. Hodgson, Mr. Cm. y. Blunt, Bffr. Aaron Jennens.

St. Gcoafic's. Alderman, H. Van Wart CoOKciLiiOas* - ^Mr. W. Spiocr, Mr. Ralph Heaton, Mr. G. Lingaid.

St. MAaT'a. Alderman, T. Weston. CocKciLLoas^ - Mr. Thomas Walker, Mr. Charics Cheshire, Mr. I. B. Wright

St. pArL's. Alderman, James James. CouNciLLoas.^ - Mr. S. G. Onion, Mr. W. L. Saigaat, Mr. E. Lucas.

Maeket HA1.L. Alderman, Thomas Phillips. Councillors. - Mr. J. Smith, Mr.

St. PcTca*s. Alderman, H. Smith. Councillors. - Mr. R. Smith, Mr. Joseph

St. Mabtin's. Alderman, J. H. Cutler. CouKCiLLoas. - Mr. J. Rodway, Mr. J. Roderidc, Mr. S. Briggs.

St. TaoMAa*8. Alderman, R. Martinean. Councillors. - Mr. J. C. Wynn, Mr. i. Po«ltom Mr. J. Hareourt.

CaaaASTON. Alderman, S. Beale. Councillors* - Mr. W. Bolton, Mr. R. Under- UL Mr. S. BacUey.

DKarrcNa and BoancaLET. Aldermam Charles Geach. Councillors. - Mr. J. P'Jttrr, Mr. T. Harlow.

DvaacsroN-ccM-NEcaBLLS. Aldennan, W. Scholefield, Esq., M.P. Councillors.--- Mr. H. Cracktofw.

ALacavvN not assigned to wards, Thomas Bolton, Francis Room.

Clerk of the Peace. G. Edmonds, Esq.

Deputy Clerk of the Peace. E. M'right, Esq.

Treasurer. Mr. Henry Knight,

IIioH Constable. Mr. G. Redfem.

Chief Superintendent of Police. Mr. R. A. Stephens.

Prison Keeper. Mr. G. Glossop.

Public Offices and Prison, Moor Street, were erected in 1806, for the meetings of the magistrates. The Prison was separated from the Public Office by an extensive yard, and has two departments, one for male and the other for female prisoners. These premises are now transferred to the corporation.

Police Force consists of one chief Superintendent, five Inspectors, six Sub« Inspectors, twenty-two Sergeants, and 282 Constables.

Chief Police Station, First DiWson, 60, New Street, opposite the Post Office. Chief Superintendent, Mr. Richard Alleyn Stephens. Inspector of Nuisances, Janif^s Bliss. First Division Inspector, John Leggett; Chief Clerk, John Austen. Sergeants .1 ohn Gaule, Melvill Burton, Thomas Hall, Joseph Timmins, Thomas Spear, Timothy- Sullivan, and John Casey.

Police Station, No. 2, Sand Pitts. Sub- Inspectors, Henry Freeth and John Taylor. Sergeants, Joshua Rest Prankish, Allen Hcwson, William Orme, and James Baker.

Police Station, No. 3, Staniforth Street Inspector, Edward Edmunds. Sul>- Inspectors, Cornelius Sullivan and Edwin Hine.

Section House, Bath Row and Crooked Lane.

Office of the Detective Force, Public Offices, Moor Street. Mr.GeorgeGlooaop, Inspector, and Mr. George Philip Tandy, Sub-Inspector.

Public Office, Moor Street, Petty Sessions, held daily.

Quarter Sessions are fixed by the Recorder.

The Prison department contains, 16 cells, 8 for males, and 8 for females; four airing yards, and a bath room. There are also three bed rooms, set apart for the Governor's house, for the more respectable class brought here, who are accommodated with a feather bed and clean sheets, <&c. for which a charge of one shilling per night is made, which goes to the Borough fund. The cells are fitted up with every convenience, and great credit is due to the Governor, Mr. George Glossop, for the cleanliness observed in this place; which is only used as a place of confinement before trial, or until fully

Borough Gaol. Previous to the grant of a separate Court of Quarter Sessions for the Borough, all prisoners after conviction by the magistrates, were sent to Warwick^ to the county prison, to await their trials. A Borough Gaol was commenced, atWinson Green, in 1848, distant 2^ miles from the Market Hall; it is built after the model prison, Pentonville, London, to accommodate 340 prisoners, intended for males, females, juveniles and debtors, the estimated cost being j£50,000., to be defrayed out of tbc Borough rate. The prison stands upon four acres of ground, built of brick and stone, a boundary wall twenty feet high, surrounding the prison, having four warder's turrets overlooking the prison yards.

In noticing a Petition about the year 1716, for a Corporation, addressed to King George I. Huttonsays, '' a more simple government cannot be instituted, nor one more efficacious;" and adds, ** a town, governed by a multitude of governors, is the most likely to be ill governed."

Provident Societies. Belonging to this class, there are in this town many Benefit Societies (Clubs,) the members of which pay small monthly contributions to their respective funds, firom which they are relieved in cases of sickness, infirmity, and nperannuation ; and fitmi which the firiends of deceased members receive a certain cum of money to provide for their deoent interment. Amongst these fraternities are

lewnl secret Orders, whose splendid Regalia gives an imposing efSed to all public ffMearioBs. Nmnerons other Provident Societies exist in Birmingham, of which the PntMASBNT £oviTABLE Bexefit Buildino Society, established at Mr. J. Corbett's Tenperanee HoteU ^9^ Paradise Street, on Friday, November 6th, 1846, and enrolled aeeodiiig to Act of Parhamnt, is conducted by four Trustees and twelve Directors ; and its mks appear well calculated to ensure beneficial results.

GcjTEBAL Pbotident Benevolent lustltutlon, forthe working classes, established IB 1833, for various benevolent objects. The number of members on the books, inmiiigasum of money at death; 1864 insuring weekly payments in sickness, (630 of them being children in the Sunday Schools;) 30 are paying double for 18 yean and 7 noDdH, and 4 treble for 1 1 years, and 8 quadruple for 7 years and 9 months, to become isdependent of their weekly contributions to the Sick Club; and to insure an extra provision for their widows and orphans at their death : 1 is already Independent; 2 are paying for Independent Endowments; and 2 for Independent Annuities; 1 is paying depogtots in the Savings Fund; and 58 are Honorary members, subscribing to the Kenevoient Fund only. 13 Offices are established in various parts of the Borough. Central Office, 35, Ann Street, open daily, from nine in the morning to six in the evening; Secretary, Mr. W. Thompson. Patron, the Right Rev. the Lord Bishop of IToitester. President, the Rev. J. C. Miller, M. A.

Tbe Sa vino's Bake, 9, Temple Row, is a provident institution, which affi>rds a sife and beneficial investment of the savings of the humbler classes ; it was estab- liahed in 1827* A handsome building has been erected out of the surplus-fond, with a ffsidence for the secretary. It is open from 12 till 2 every Monday and Thursday. aceounta, of which there were 12,882 whose respective balances did not exceed j£20, ; bat not exceeding J02OO.; 48 were charitable societies, and 71 friendly societies; and 9f the above sum, XS^SOO. belonged to the seperate surplus-fund. Peebident : Right Hon. Lord CalUiorp. Vice-Presidents : Sir Fras. Lawley, Bart., and William Strakfiord Dngdale, Esq. Secbetart : Mr. William Bolton.

Breveries. - A wholesale brewery was established in the Hinckleys in 1752, but 900B fell to decay ; the publicans at that time brewing their own beer. In 1782 another was erected in Moaely street. In 1784, a brewery was established in Warstone Lane, to Ihmidi the town with porter in the London style; this is supplied by a small rivulet which once served to gufurd the castle. Hutton says, ^ the proprietor may be said to banel up a river, and the inhabitants to swallow a stream, which run useless for ages." Hacks EY Coaches^ - In 1775, a man was determined to try if a hackney coach would succeed; he had not mounted the box many times, before he inadvertently dropped the expression, '^thirty shillings a day," and very soon a second rolled into the areas, and in 1793 were augmented to fifteen.

Basks. - Previous to the year 1765, the discounting of bills was principally done by tbe drapers and grocers, but in that year two opulent individuals, Messrs. Taylor and Uoyd, establiaihed a regular bank; success produced a second, by Francis Cooke, E^q. ; and a third, by Francis Goodall, Esq. and Co. ; and, in 1790, a fourth, by Isaac Spooner, &^ and Co. To enumerate the great variety of trades and occupations in Birmingham would be uaeleoi; we must therefore refer the reader to an examination of the Directoiy, will present him with the trades of every sort, and abo with the number in each

AnTiftciTiES. - It has been truly remarked, that until Mr. Hutton's History of Binningham, very little pains had been bestowed in describing a place^ holding na

40 HisranY of Birmingham.

hifjli a rank tliroughont Enrope, in tbe scale of its population and commerce, and f!» the mechanical and lueful arta. Duo dale, the great historian of the county, only be- stowed a few pages to its early history Leland, in his Itinerary, compiled by tlie order of Henry VIII. says, "I came through a pretty street as ever I entered, into Birmingham town. This street, as I remember, is called Dirtey (Deritend). In it dwell smiths and cutlers, and there is a brook that diWdes this street from Birmingham^ an hamlet member belonging to the parish thereby. There is at the end of Dirtey a proper chapel, and mansion house of timber (the moat) hard on the ripe (bank) as the brook runneth down, and as I went through the ford by the bridge, the water came down on the right hand, and a few miles below goeth into the Tame. This brook, above Dirtey, breaketh into two arms; that a little beneath the bridge close again. This brook riseth, as some say, four or five miles above Birmingham, towards black hilLs. The beauty of Birmingham, a good market to^vn in the extreme parts of War- wickshire, is one street going up alonge, almost from the left ripe of the brook, up a mean hill, by the length of a quarter of a mile. I saw but one parish church in the town. A great part of the town is maintained by smithes, who have their iron and sea-coal out of Staffordshire."

We have no histories of those times but what are left us by the Romans, who pur- sued Britain a whole century before they reduced it, which indicates they considered it a valuable priase. Though the Britons were not masters of science, like tlie Ronuuis«« yot by many testimonies, it is evident they were masters of plain life ; that many of the simple arts were practised in that day as w^ell as in this ; the Romans themselves allow the Britons were complete masters of the chariot ; that when the scythe was» fixed at each end of the axletree, they drove with great dexterity into the midst of the enemy, broke their ranks, and mowed them down. The instruments of war nsed by the Britons, were a sword, spear, shield, and scythe. If tliey were not the manufac- turers, how came they by these iastruments. It cannot be supposed that either they or the chariots were imported, for that would give thein much greater consequence. They must have been well acquainted with the tools used in husbandry ; and bad a^^ their houses were, a chest of carpenter's tooLs would be necessary to complete them. There is the greatest reason to suppose our forefatliers, tlie Britons, were supplied with these necessary implements by the artists of the Birmingham forge. Iron-stone and coal are the materials for this production, both which are found in the neighbourhood in great plenty. The smelting of iron-stone was no doubt practised by the Briton!« ; the vast heaps of slag or cinder remaining are sufficient evidence, and the great num- ber of disused coal pits on Wednesbury Old Field, lead to the same conclusion. The chief, if not the only manufacture of Birmingham, from iia first existence, probably a.< long before the days of Ciesar as since, to the restoration of Charles the Second, wan in iron ; of this was produced the instruments of war, and of husbandry, furniture for the kitchen, and tools for the whole system of carpentry. The very roads that pro- ceed from Birmingham are additional indications of her great antiquity and commer- cial influence; having been worn, by the long practice of ages, into deep holloways, some of them twelve or fourteen yards below the surface of the banks with which Ihe^^ were once even. Modem industry, and various turnpike acts, have changed the»o roads. Its inland trade was small, prior to the fifteenUi century. The horse was the chief conveyer of burdens among the Britons, and for centuries after ; if we, therefore, consider the great length of time it would take for the rains to form these deep ravages, we must place tlie origin of Birmingham at a very early date. The ancient centre of Birmingham seems to have been the Old Crobs, fi^m the number of streets pointing towards it, many of them formed with narrow entrances. Hutton justly observes, *^ one- generation, for want of foresight, forms a narrow entrance, and another widens it by Act of Parliament." Success, which ever waits on industry, produced a gradual but very slow increase in Birmingham ; but having taken firm root, was able to stand the

wintry blasts of finrtone, and contiaaed to wield her sparkling heat. In execnting the orders <if the stnrdj Briton ; then of the polite and heroic Roman; afterwards^ onr mild cmceston, tiie Saxons, and whether for the plundering Dane, is uncertain, his rej^ being short; and lastly for the resolute and surly Norman.

Binningham, from its first formation to the present day, was nevisr the habitation of a gentleman, the lords of the manor excepted, (see page 28.) The smoke of Bir- mJngham is very propitious to their growth, but not to their maturity. Gentlemen, as well as buttons, have been stamped here ; but, like them, when finished, are moved off. Ther both originate fi-om a rery uncouth state, without form or comelimevj and pass tliraiigh various stages ; some of them at length receive the last polish, and arrive at perfection ; while others, ruined by a fiaw, are deemed watlen. Hutton says, ^* I have imown the man of opulence direct his gilt chariot out of Birmingham, who first approach- ed Iwr, an helpless orphan in rags : I have known the chief magistrate of fifty thousand people, fall from his phston, and hmnbly ask bread at a parish vestry." The paternal ancestor of the late Sir Charles Holt, was a native of this place ; and purchaser, in the he^pskDJDg of the reign of Edward HI. of the several manors which have been the hon- aar and sujiport of his house to the present time. Walter Clodahale was a native of Bimingham, who, in 1332, purchased the manor of Saltley. The Cobnore family, of which a numerous branch still flourish here - of whom, the predecessor, in the reign of Henry VI 1 1, is said to have occupied a shop, in High street, as a draper, and, general feceiver of taxes - ^the head of it, in the reign of James I. erected New Hall, and him- self into a gentleman. On this desirable eminence, about half a mile from the buildings, tiiey resided, till time, fashion, and success, removed them, like their predecessors, the sons of fortune, to a greater distance. The place was then possessed by a tenant as a fonn ; but, Birmingham, a speedy traveller, marched over the premises, and covered them with twelve hundred houses, on building leases ; and the farmer was converted into a felfanonger. Many other families were erjually successfiil. Richard Smalibroke, bisdiop of Lichfield and Coventry, in the reign of George II. was a native of Birmingham. It haa often been remarked, that wealth seldom continues for more than three genera- i in one family, and Hutton points out many fallen families to corroborate the above he adds, ^ the families of those ancient heroes, of Saxon end Norman race, diiefly by the mutations of time and of state, cither become extinct or reduced to the lowest verge of fortune. These few, therefore, whose descent is traceable, may be eairied higher than that of the present nobility; none of whom claim peerage beyond Edward I., about 1295. Hence it follows, that for antvfuity, alliance, and blood, the advantage is evidently in favour of the lowest class. Most of the ancient churches in F.ngiy^i%<< gje of Saxon original, and were erected between the fourth and tenth cen* tury; that of St. Martin's is ancient beyond the reach of historical knowledge; but from various concurrent circumstances, it appears most probable to have been erected in the dghth century, and, no doubt, according to the castom of the times, was out of the precincts of the town, Digbeth and Deritend lying in the road to Stratford, War- wick, and Coventry ; all places of antiquity were now formed, and this famous nursery of arts might by this time consist of six hundred houses. Deritend, as an appendage to Birmingham, long laboured under the inconvenience of being remote from the parish church of Aston, and, too numerous for admission into that of Birmingham, pro- cnred a grant in 1381, to erect a chapel of their own.. It does not appear that Deri- teal was attended with any considerable augmentation from the Norman conquest to the year 1767, when a turnpike road was opened to Alcester, and when Henry Brad- ford publicly offered a freehold to the man who should first build upon his estate ; since which time it has made rapid progress. In 1309, William de Birmingham, Lord of the siaaor, UkAl adutress of the inhabitants of Bromsgrove and King's Norton, for refusing to pay the customary tolls of the market. The inhabitants, therefore, brought their action, and recovered damages, because it was said, their lands being the ancient de-

mesne of the crown, they liad a riglit to Kell their produce in any market in the Kmg*m dominions. It appeared in the conr»e of the trial, that the ancestors of William de. Bermingham had a Market here before the Nonnan conquest. An old anther ob- ser\'es, that in the time of the Saxons, Birmingham was governed by two constables ; which says much in favotir of the popalation and antiquity of the place. In Domes- day book it is rated at four hides of land. A hide was as much as a team could con* veniently plough in a year; perhaps about fifty acres. It was also said to contain woods of half a mile in length, and four furlongs in breadth. What difference siib- sbted in ancient times between half a mile and four furlongs is uncertain; we know of none now. The mile was reduced to its present standard in the reign of Queen Elizabeth ; neither are there the least traces of those woods. Timber forms no part of the manufactory of Birmingham. The ancient increase of the town wa« towards the M)uth, because of the great road, the conveniency of water, the church, and the manor house, all which lay in that quarter ; but the modem extension was chiefly to the north, the scions of her trade having been transplanted as far as Wednesbmy, Walaall, and Wolverhampton. But particularly as approaching the coal depths, which were considered the soul of her prosperity. The following extract from the register, will show her gradual increase, even before the restoration : - In the year 1555, there were 1251, William de Bermingham, Lord of the manor, procured an additional charter from Henry III., reviving some decayed privil^es, and granting others ; among the last was that of the Whitsuntide fair, to bej^in on the eve of Holy Thursday, and to continue four days. At tlie alteration of the style, in 1752, it was prudently changed to the Thursday in Whitsun week, that less time might be lost to the injury of work and the workmen. lie also procured another fair, to begin on the eve of St. Michael, and continue tlircc days. Both which fairs are still in great repute. By the interest of Audoniore de Valance, £arl of Pembroke, a license was obtained from the crown, in 1319, to charge an additional toll upon every article sold in the market for three years, towards paving the town. Every quarter of com to pay one farthing, and other things in proportion. At the expiration of the term, the toll was found inade* quate to the expense, and the work lay dormant for eighteen years, till 1337, when a second license was obtained equal to the first, which completed the intention. Bir- mingham, in the twelfth century, was crowded with timber, within and without ; her streets dirty and narrow. The inhabitant became an early encroacher upon her nar- row streets; and sometimes the lord was the greatest. Her houses were mean and low, but few reaching more than one story, perhaps none more than two, composed of wood and plaster ; she was a stranger to lirick ; no public building but the church. In the fourteenth century her buildings were multiplied, but not much improved ; and, besides the church, a priory of stone, founded by contribution, at the head of which stood her lord, the guild of timber, now the Free School ; and Deritend chapel of the same materials, resembling a bam with something like an awkward dove cote at the west end, by way of steeple. The inhabitants were plain, industrious, and honest. In curious operations, known only to a few, the artist was amply paid. The great difference in the value of money will appear by the following transcripts firom the churchwarden's ledger : - ^^ Paid for bread and ale to make my Lord Abbot drink in Rogation Week, 2d." An ecclesiastical nob'eman accepting a twopenny treat from a country churchwarden would now be strange ; the sum that served my Lord Abbot would now be devoured by a journeyman in four minutes. ^* 1498, paid for repeyling the organs, to the organ m^er, at Bromicham, 10a." Birmingham then discovered the powers of genius in the finer arts, as well as in iron. It appears while the artist could procure as much money for tuning an organ aa would purchase an acre of land, or treatnear half a gross of Lord Abbots, the art of making money was ua well un-

Ikzxicld Stbckt. About fire fnrlongs NorUi of the Navigation Bridge, in Great Cliarics Street, roxis the Ikenield Street, an ancient Roman Road, which risen near SonthflBipion, extends nearlj North, through Winchester, Wallingford, and over the Isia,at New-hridge ; thence to Bnrford, crossing the Foss Way, at Stonr in the Wonldti, Mar Bitfosd Bridge, in the connty of Warwick, to Alcester, by Stadley, Ipaley, Beely, Weiherick-hill, Stateley streetB, crosses the road from Binningham to Bromsgrove, at jjeUey-Oak, leaving Harbome a nule to the left; also, the Hales Owen road, a mile veil of BirmingluHn; thence by the Observatory, in Lady Wood Lane, where it entpn the pnidk of Birmingham, crossing the Dndley road, at the Sand-pits, along Worstone lane, diroogfa the Little-pool and Hoekley-brook, where it qnits the parish ; thence over Handswortii Heath, entering a little lane on the right of Bristle land's-end, and over the river Taniiei, at Offiird-honse, (Oldford,) directly to Sntton Coldfield. It passes the Ridgeway, 196 yards East of Kino's Standixq, a little artificial monnt, on which fharlrn L is said to have stood, when he harangued the troops he bronght ont of Shrop- shke, at the opening of the civil wars in 1642: from thence flie road proceeds through SvttoB Park, and the remainder of the Coldfield ; over Radley-moor, from thence to Wall, a RoBum Station, where it meets the Watling Street, leaving Lichfield a mUe to &e left ; it leads through Street-hay, o\«r Fradley-heath ; thence through Alderwaa-hays, crosaiBg the river Trent, at Wichnor-bridge, to Branson turnpike, over Branson-moor, trhoe far about 200 yards it is visible; Ihence over Burton-moor, to Monk's-bridge, apoo the river Vcfve; along Eginton-heath, Little-over, Stepping Lane, Nun-Green, and Dariey Slade, to the river Derwent, one mile above Derby, upon the eastern banks ^whifA stands little Chester, built by the Romans. The Romans properly termed their ways streets, a name retained by many of them to this day ; one of the smaller roads fimrnnig from London, passes through Stratford-upon-Avon, (Street-ford,) Monks path-street, and Shirley street, to Birmingham ; all which serves to prove that Bir- "ting^*** was a place of note in the time of Cssar. (For a full account of the Roman Roads, see the General History of Warwickshire.) Taa PaiosT was founded in the early reigns of the Norman Kings, by the Berming- lords of the maaor of Birmingham, and was called the Hospital of St. Thomas; being bound to pray for the souls of the founders every day, to the end of the varU. in 12S5, Thomas de Madenhache, Lord of the manor of Aston, gave ten acres 4if land in his manor; William de Bermingham, ten, supposed to be where the Priory «tood; and Rannlph de Rukeby, three acres in Saltley. About the same time, sundry gave houses and land in smaller quantities. The religious fervour of that day high; it was uufiashionable to leave the world, and not remember the Priory. In 1351, Fook de Bermingham, and Richard Spencer, jointly gave to the Priory, one acres of land, lyiog in Aston, and part in Birmingham, to maintain another who should celebrate divine service daily at the altar of the Virgin Mary, in the of the hospital, for the souls of William la Mercer, and his wife. The church is to have stood i^ion the spot in Hutton's time, of No. 37) in Bull Street In the farden belonging to the Red Bull, nearly opposite, have been discovered human has caused some to suppose it the place of interment for the religious to the Priory. The Cemetery more probably extended North to the Minories, to the square, for in the prenuses of Charles Grea^ex, many bushels of human rcre dug up in 17S6, in great perfection, the polish of the teeth remaining. At the djasolation of the abbies, in 1536, the king's visitors valued the annual income at the trifling sum of £8, Ss. 9d. The land formerly used for the Priory of Birmingham, - aow the property of many persons: upon that ground, where about thirty persons ln«4 upon the industry of others, about three thousand live upon their own. In 1775^ Mr. Hotton took down aa old house of wood and plaster, which had been erected iu 1^. The fonndati<m of this seemed to have been built with stones from the Priory, soBK «f whidi wen again used in the fije place of an under kitchen. Perhaps they -re the only Gothic fragments remaining of that venerable edifice.

Walter db Clopshalf, a natiTe of Birmingham, who having acquired several estates m Birmingham, purchased the manor of Saltley ; and in 1331, procured a licence from the lord of the manor of Birmmgham, and from the crown, to fonnd a chantry at the altar of St. Martin's Chnrch, for one priest to pray for his soul, and that of his wife. This was dussolred in 1535, then valued at £5, Is. per annum, and was seized hy the

Old Cross, so called after the erection of the Welch Cross, previous to which it was simply called The Cross. This important article of religion was thought to an^prer two puq)Oses, that of collecting the people, and containing a charm against ghosta, evil spirits, He. ; with the idea of which that age was very much infested. To accom- plish these singular ends, it was blended into the common actions of life ; and at that period entered the Market Place. A few circular steps, from the centre of which is- rfaed an elevated pillar, terminating in a cross, was the general fashion throughout tbe king^dom; which continue i with various reparations till 1702, when the Old Cross was erected at the expense of .^30. 9s. Id., and was the first upon that spot honoured with a roof, the under part being found a useful shelter for the market people ; the room over it being designed for the court leet, and other public business. This building- was taken down in 17H4.

Welch Cross. - The place where this stood was, 250 years ago, called the Welch End, perhaps from the number of Welch in its neighbourhood, or probably fitmi its being the great road to that principality, and was at that time the extremity of the town. It was erected early in the seventeenth century for a Saturday market ; but though time had brought it nearly in the centre of the town, it was not a favourite market. The markets were generally inconvenient and detached, till the late improvements.

John a Dean's Hole. - At the bottom of Digbeth, about thirty yards north from the bridge, on the left, is a watercourse that takes in a small drain from Digbeth, but more from the adjacent meadows, and which divides the parishes of Aston and Bir- mingham, called John a Dean's Hole, from a person of that name, who is said to have lost his life there ; and from the antiquity of the nam?, the time of this unhappy man's misfortune may be fixed about the reign of Edward the Third.

Battle op Camp Hill, 1643. - Clarendon reproaches, with virulence, our spirited ancestors, for disloyalty to Charles I. The day after the King left Birmingham, on his march from Shrewsbury, in 1642, they seized his carriages, containing the royal plate and furniture, which they conveyed, for seciu-ity, to Warwick Castle. They ap- prehended all messengers and suspected persons, frequently attacked and rednced small parties of the royalists, whom they sent prwoners to Coventry. Hence the pro* verbial expression, to a refractory person, send khn to Coventry, In 1643, the King or- dered Prince Rupert, with a detachment of 2,000 men, to open a communication be- tween Oxford and York. In his march to Birmingham he found a company of foot kept for the parliament, lately reinforced by a troop of horse from the garrison at Lich- field ; but, supposing they would not resist a power often to one, sent his quarter-master to demand lodgings, and ofier protection. But the sturdy sons of freedom, having* ca«d: up slight works at each end of the town, and barricaded the les er avenues, re- jected the offer and the officers. The military, uniting in one small and compact body, assisted by the inhabitants, were determined the King's forces should not enter. Their little fire opened upon the Prince ; but bravery itself, though possessed of an excellent spot of ground for defence, was obliged to give way to numbers. The Prince qnickl j put them to silence ; yet, under the success of his own arms, he was not able to enter the town, for the inhabitants had choaked up with carriages the deep and narrow road then between Deritend and Camp-hill, which obliged the Prince to alter his route to the left, and proceed towards Long-bridge. The spfait of resistance was not yet broken ; they sustained a second attack, but to no purpose, except that of slaughter. A ran- ning fight continued through the town ; victory declared loudly for the Prince ; the re-

titst became graeral ; part of the vanquuhed took their way to Oldbnry. William /leUxng, Earl of Denbigh, a volmiteer under the Prince, being in close pnnrait of an oflleer in the Mrrice of the parliament, and both npon the fall gallop, np Sherland-lane, iK the manor of Smethwick ; the officer, instantly turning, discharged a pistol at the Eari, aad mortally wonnded him with a random shot The parliament troops were aaiDMted in the engagement by a clergyman, who acted as governor ; bat being taken IB the defeat, and refosLng qnarter, was killed in the Red Lion Inn. The Prince, pro- txiked at the resistance, in revenge, set fire to the town. His wrath is said to have kindled in Boll-street, and consumed several houses near the spot, afterwards No. 12. He obliged the inhabitants to quench the flames with a heavy fine, to prevent farther mifitaiy exeention. Part of the fine is said to have been shoes and stockings for his peofile. The parliament forces had formed their Camp in the angle which divides the Steadord and Warwick roads, upon Camp-hUL The victorious Prince left no garrison, hecaose their insignificant works were untenable; but left an humbled people, and mafched to the reduction of Lichfield.

When the charter for the market was granted is uncertain, but it has been re- newed both by Saxon and Norman Kings ; and the day seems never to have been dianged from Thursday.

Tbb Plaoub. - In 1665, Birmingham, as well as London, and many other parts of Eagland, was visited with this dreadful mark of the divine judgment. The infection if said to have been caught by a box of clothes brought by ^e carrier and lodged at the White Hart. Depopulation ensued ; the church yard was insufficient for the re- eeptaon of the dead, who were conveyed to Lady-wood green, one acre of waste land, thence denominated the pest ground.

It has been asserted that Birmingham, at the restoration, consisted only of three streets ; this remark, published in 1743, Mr Hutton thinks was not correct, and that it man probably consisted of fifteen ; however, the same author says, from the restoration to the year 1700, the streets of Birmingham were encrcased to thirty-one. From the jetg 1700 to 1731, there is said to have been a further addition of twenty-five sizeets. Pnok 1741 to 17t)l9 Birmingham appears to have acquired the amazing augmentation sf seventy-one streets, 4,172 houses, and 35,032 inhabitants; the total, then, as Mr. previously shewn, has, to the present time, continued rapidly to increase.

Thomas Sherlock, Bishop of London, about the year 1730, purchased the private estate of the ladies of the manor, chiefly lands, about £400. per annum. The bishop was firequentiy asked to let building leases, but answered, ^^his land was valuable, and if boilt upon, his successor, at the expiration of the term would have the rubbish to carry <iff;" he, therefore, not only refus^ but prohibited his successor firom granting such I'nsesL But Sir Thomas Gooch, who succeeded him, procured an act of parliament, boot 1766, to set aside the prohibiting clause m the bishop's will. A considerable town was soon erected on his property, producing ^^,400. per annum.

Hnttton says, ^ the inhabitants of Birmingham may justly be styled, matUrt of imveniiam |" but, if genius displays herself in the shops, she is seldom seen in the streets ; ftoe is not a street in the whole town, bat might have been better constructed ; for tresBpaflses and encroachments appear to have been often connived at, previous to the year 17691, when the lamp act was obtained.

Pnmoir poa a CoapoaiTioN. - ^A petition, signed by eighty-four of the principal inhabitaatsi, was addressed to King George I., about 1716, in which they beseech his ^ferty to incorporate the town, and grant such privOeges as will enable them to sup- poit their trade, the king's interest, and destroy the villainous attempts of the jaeobites, Sus.

Eabtmquake. - At four in the morning, of November loth, 1772, a shock of an earthqnake was felt; it extended about eight miles in length, and four in breadth.

Military Association. - Upon the change of the Lord North ministry, in l7S2y the new premier, in a circular letter, advised the nation to arm, as tlie danger of in- vasion threatened us with dreadAil aspect. Birmingham instantly responded to tlic call; public meetings were held, and the Birmingham association was formed, amount- ing to seventy. Each was to be officer and private by ballot, giving an idea of equality, and was called upon to exercise once a week. Hutton obslhres, ^' as their uniform re- sembled that of a commander, so did their temper. There were none to submit, and the farce ended by a quarrel." Probably Mr. Hutton is a little too severe, and the cause of their disbanding was that the danger had passed away.

Thomas Pitmore, a native of Cheshire, after spending a fortune of jf 700, was cor- poral in the second regiment of foot ; and John Hammond, an American by birth, was drummer in the thirty-sixth, both of recruiting parties in Birmingham. Having procured a brace of pistols, they committed several robberies on the highways. At eight in the evening, of November 22nd, 1780, about five hundred yards short of the four mile stone on the Coleshill road, they met three butchers of Birmingham, who closely followed each other in their return firom Rugby fair. One of the robbers at- tempted the bridle of the first man, but his horse being young, started out of the road and ran away. The drummer then attacked the second, Wilfi*ed Barwick, with, *^ stop your horse," and that moment, through the agitation of a timerous mind, discharged a pistol, and lodged a brace of slugs in the bowels of the unfortunate Barwick, who ex- claiming, I am a dead man, fell. A fourth butcher and a lad coming up, who having heard the report of the pistol, seen the flash, and saw the drummer escape into a field, leaped over the hedge in pursuit of the murderer, and the drummer was captured. The drummer impeached his companion, who had retreated to Birmingham, and they were both that night lodged in the dungeon. Upon the trial, March 31st, 1781, the matter was too plain to be controverted. They were both executed, and hung in chains at Washwood-heath, April 2nd.

Riots. - The scarcity of provisiona, in 1766, excited the murmur of the poor; they began to breathe vengeance ag^ainst the farmer, miller, and baker, for doing what they do themselves, procure the greatest price for their property. On the market day a common labourer formed the resolution to lead the mob. He, therefore, erected hia standard, an inverted mop, and cried out, ^^Redres;^ of Grievances." The colliers were to bring their dark retinue and destruction from W^ednesbury. Amazement seized the town ; the people of fortune trembled. John Wyrley, an able magbtrate, swore in about eighty constables, to oppose the rising storm, armed them with a staff of au- thority, warm from the turning lathe, and applied to the war office for a military force. After a short exertion of power, the lime-powdered monarch gave way, and was committed to prison, and harmony restored without blood.

Hutton, always critical, at all times wished to shew, that industry, civility, and a ' peaceable dispositioii, greatly predominated in the inhabitants of Birmingham ; but in 1791 found that bigotry, licentiousness, disorder, insult, rapine, btuuings, and mur- der, possessed the people. These unhappy riots, which astonished all Europe, com- menced on Thursday, July 14th, 179 If and were a shameful attack upon private pro- perty; they were a disgrace to humanity, and a lasting stigma on the place. About eighty-one persons, of various denominations, having met at the hotel to celebrate the anniversary of the French Revolution, the mob collected and broke the windows. They went afterwards to the New Meeting, (Dr. Priestley's) which they burnt, then to the Old Meeting, which they also left in ashes ; frtnn thence they marched to Dr. Priest- ley's house, about a mile from town. Here his valuable furniture, library, his philo- sophical apparatus, and his manuscripts, together with the extensive buildings, ended in flames. Friday, July 15, began with the conflagration of the mansion of John

KjiMaif Em^ at Easj HilL And wliile one mob were consuming Bordesley Hall, the

degaot and costly lendenee of John Taylor, Esq., another mob was destroying Mr.

(latlDii'i hoose, stock-in-trade, books, and famitare. Saturday, 16th, commenced with

imniug Mr. Hntton's house and furnitnre at Saitley, two miles distant. Next the

betotifbl rendence of George Hmnphreys, Esq., fell a prey to rapine. Also that of

ITiQiui RasttU, Esq., of Showel Green, ended in a blaze. Moseley Hall, the pro-

pQtf of John Taylor, Esq., next felt their vengeance. This was occupied by Lady

CuynptoB, mother to the Dncheas of Cmnherland. Bat neither the yean of this

lady, beiag bHiid with age, nor her alliance to the king, could protect it. She was

vdcred to remove her furniture, and **if she wanted help they would assist her."

^ waa, therefore, like lot, hastened away before the flames aro8e,^6iil tiot by angeU.

T&ey aeitcsRied the fa|^ot to the Rev. Mr. Hobson's, and burnt his all; then to Mr.

Htrwood'i, whose house was licensed for pnblic worship ; then plundered that of the

R«v. }b. Coatea, and also those of Mr. Hawkes and Thos, Russell, Esq. Sunday, the

IJtbt. wataafaered in with burning of Kings Wood Meeting House ; the parsonage house,

«ich that of Mr. Cox, Ueensed for divine service. Returning nearer Birmingham, they

plmdeicd Edgbaston Hall, the residence of Dr# Withering; and attacked that of Mr.

Mtk; bat healing in the evening that a troop of light horse were near, they silently

BioB^Hd away. The damage by this outrage was more than ^60,000. An act was

''^Auaed in 1/93 to leimlnirse the sufferers. The sufierers, in their various trials, re-

'^ of the New Meeting having lost their license, were debarred a suit ; the king was,

*>^:«rrtbre, graciously pleased, upon the application of Mr. Russell to Mr. Pitt, to grant

t wvnntiqmi the treasury lor j^,000. The trustees of the Old Meeting House re-

n» erected on tiie site of the former, at the expense of about ^65,000.

Bratagham was, firom January 1839, held in considerable alarm, from many mcet- cf« being held on that pnblic instrument, well known as «' the National Petition." The ^w and two magistrates, as a deputation, went to London, and had an interview with I^iohn Russell, the Home Secretary. The deputation returned to Birmingham the ^^fVK^ of July 4th, accompanied by 60 police dficers, under the command of inspec- ^s Geiffge Martin, and on arriving, abnost immediately attended a meeting in the BuQ- r^Bf. wifli the mayor and Dr. Booth at their head ; and the man then speaking was '^^fi^ to be airested, but before that could be done, he had mingled with the crowd ^ eaeaped; and the populace fled in general consternation, and were pursued by the P^'Ive, who had, from the moment they entered the Bull-ring, made very free use '^ tte itafi, the only wei^Km they carried. In the eagerness of pursuit they became ^is^wwd. Fired with resentment at the treatment to which they were so little accns- ' "sed, the people rallied, stood at bay against them ; and after some time the police n^ way, and were pursued by the people as far as the Public Office ; the gates of *^ipk being doaed, tiie military soon after arriving, the police were liberated, and the ^< Mt tend ; and the aproaches to the Bull-ring occupied by the soldiers ; and under ^^fvoteetion the police acted with effect; and though a good deal of excitement ' fiinaed for some hours, yet as the night advanced, the crowd kept dispersing. How- " 7. a ay for HoQoway Head was raised, and, by evidence produced. It iq;>pear8 about -"** penoBs were there assembled ; after some diseussion, it was agreed to return to tWeeaiie of tibe town; and a party, on reaching St Thomas's church, commenced '^v*! op flie iron rails which fenced the burial ground; but on the arrival of a party ^nflBiiia, seat by the magistrates, they immediately dispersed. From this time to ^^ U, the London poHce appears to have acted as tiiough martial law was in force, *^ -& otfl right at an end. Monday, the Ifitfa of July, opened without any indica- ^'A of those laaaentable scenes which followed ; nor does it appear that the magis- ***« wtte waned of the hnpending outbreak. A bellman, in the morning, gave

uoticc of a meeting to be held at Holloway Head, at one o'clock, at which Mr. Attirood would preside, for the purpose of making a report as to the reception given hy parlia- ment to the National Petition. Mr. Attwood did not attend, and the bellman a^v^in went round to call meetings, at tliree o'clock, and at six o'clock in the evening. Xbe mayor continued at the Public Office until five o'clock, and all seemed quiet ; and on his lea\nng, charged Mr. George Iledfern, should there be any indication of disorder, to send for Dr. Booth and himself. About six o'clock, pursuant to the last notice given, people began to assemble in considerable niunbers at HoUoway Head; more than a thousand were quickly assembled; all were unarmed; there were no flags, no instm* meuts of music ; nothing to excite the public mind. The police had received orders to keep as much as possible out of sight ; but it would appear did not act accordingly. Mr. Redfem soon recommended the superintendent to call in hb men ; however, varioos altercations took place between them and the people. At a little more than half-past eight, and quite light, the crowd entered the Bull-ring, probably about five hundred per- sons. The inhabitants began to l>e much alarmed, and to close in their shops ; loud shonts were uttered, and the mob made a show of their weapons as they advanced ; at the comer of Moor-street many threw tlown their arms and slunk away; the rest went straight to the Public Office. The police had retreated into the ofiice, and the gates were closed ; the mob called them to come forth, and proceeded to break the windows of the Pnhlic Office ; afler which shops were broken open, and in mere wantonness much property de- stroyed ; others, bent on pillage, hurried away with their share of the spoil ; meanwhile part of the crowd had made a bonfire in the open space near Nelson's Monument; and from this were carried brands, by which two hoases were burned to the ground ; Mr. Walker, one of the borough magistrates, ordered the Bull-ring to be cleared, which waA easily effected by the police, who were soon joined by the military. The Riot Act was read, and the mob, as if glutted with revenge, were quickly dispersed in every direction. The town remained in an excited state for some days, and the number of special con- stables increased ; yet the necessity of any extraordinary precaution soon ceased.

Barracks. - Cavalry Barracks, Great Brook Street, Ashted. In consequence of the riots in 1791, Government determined to form in Birmingham a military station for the security of the town, and these barracks were erected in 1793. The barrack yard ii extensive, and on each side of it are ranges of stabling ; above which are the rooms of the soldiers and non-conmiLssioned officers. A handsome house is appropriated to the nse of the officers. The head quarters of a regiment of cavalry, with three or four tro >p«, are generally stationed here. Captain Frederick James Ranie, Barrack master.

Infantry Barracks, occupy a spacious building formerly being apartof Beardsrrarth's horse and carriage repository. Since the riots of 1838, a regiment of Infantry have heen stationed here in this temporary barrack.

William HuTT0N,the historian of Birmingham, was bom September 30th, 17S9, in Full Street, Derby, and was sent before five years of age to a poor day school of that town, but when he attained his seventh year, he was placed at the silk mill ; after losing hii mother and being cruelly treated by his master, he formed the resolution of seeking his fortune ; passing, not without some distress, through Burton, Lichfield, Walsall, Birmingham, Coventry, Nuneaton, and Hinckley, in search of work, but in vain. He returned to Derby, and to his accustomed employment He had now acquired an inclination for reading, and having become possessed of three volumes of the Gentleman's Magazine, he contrived to bind them together, a business he afterwards followed with some success. He afterwards opened a shop in Southwell, at the rentof 20s. per year, with about 20s. worth of hooks; and commenced business in Birmingham in 17^* in half a shop for which he paid one shilling a-week rent ; he soon after purchased the refuse of a Dissenting Minister's library, and at the end of the year had saved £20, He took a house of JS8, a-year rent, and extended his business and secured many firiendships. In 1756, he married Sarah Cock, the niece of a neighbour, (Mr. Grace) and had several

diikiiciL, and afler canymg on biurineas 40 years, realized a considerable fortune ; and m 1793, reaif^ed his hoase to his son. Mr. Hutton became a publisher late in life ; his in« poblieation fras *-'' a History of Birmingham to the end of the year 17S0 ; " 8vo. pab- ished in 1783, and again, with additions, in 1783 ; and athird edition, with new engravings dgth year, published a trip to Coatham, a watering place in the north extremity of Yorkahire ; and observes, in taking leave of his readers, that he drove the quill thirty yean, in whieh time he wrote and published thirteen books. He died September 20th, 1814, at the advanced age of 92, and was buried in Aston Church.

LovocTTTT. - ^Mr. Hutton observes, " it is easy to give instances of people wlio have hreathied the smoky air of Birmingham for three score years, and yet have scarcely qoftted thepreclDctBof youA ;'* and, in his history, enumevates many of hw acquaintance

Prauc RoikDS. - During the last forty years the public roads had every where in Engfamd reeeived the greatest attention. An immensity of capital expended in pro* curing turnpike aets and making the roads, to facilitate commerce and improve agricul- tucre. la 1795, Mr. Hutton says, ^ twelve roads issue from Birmingham, as from a grand that point to as many towns ;** some of these, within memory, have scarcely passable. He adds, ^^ all are mended, and though much is done, more is wanted ; and the stranger would be surprised to hear that through most of these twelve road% he caanoi travel in a flood with safety, for want of causeways and bridges." Since thiii period the roads have been brought into the most excellent state. But not satisfied with gallopping ten or twelve miles in the hour, we must now travel forty, fifty, or sixty. Expedition has no bounds.

CisTALS^ - ^An act was obtained, in 1767, to make a canal lietwcen Birmingham and tte eoDieriea, about Wednesbury. Coal, before this act, was brought by land, at about 13m. per ton, but afterwards at 8s. 4d. This canal bt extended, in the whole, to about r-two miles in length, until it unites with the Staffordshire canal, which, crossing

isbuid, communicates with Hull, Bristol, and Liverpool. The expense was about peipetnal lease of six acres of land, of Sir Thomas Gooch, at .^47. per annum, which is eonvaied into a wharf, upon the front of which, a handsome office was erected. Tlus eanal panes over a hill, having six locks to reach the summit, and the same num- ber to deaeend again ; the level of both ends being nearly the same. These locks now, having the competition of nulroads, are found very disadvantageous.

BrurroK Caxal. - The profits of the canal company, above noticed, bad increased

tibougfat enormous, a rival company sprung up, which, in 1783, petitioned parliament

Car an act, for a parallel line to proceed along the lower level, and terminate in Dig-

The new company urged the necessity of another canal, and among other al-

laid - ** That the goods firom the Trent would come to thenr wharf by a run

-f eighteen miles nearer than to the other." The old company alleged - " that they

renlured their property in an uncertain pursuit, which, had it not succeeded, would

havenined many individuals ; therefore the present gains were only a recompense for

fcrmer hazard, drc." The new company promised much, for, besides the cut from

Wedneslmry to Digbeth, they would open another to join the Stafford and Coventry

eanak, in which a large tract of country was interested. As the old company were

the l&Rvt adventurers, the house gave them the option to perform this herculean labour,

which they accepted. Thus the new, by losing, (Hutton says) save <^50,000. and the

ofcl« by winning, become sufferers. G

Since the above, acts have been obtained to open canals from the town to Wor* cester, Fazcley, Warwick, and Stratford. The Birmingham and Fazelcy canal openn a water conveyance by Tam worth, Atherstone, Nnneaton, and Coventry, to Oxford ; and hence by the Thames, to London. Thns Birmingham enjoyna most complete canal conveyance to all parts of England.

Railways. - The London and Birmingham Railway was find surveyed in 1830, and ultimately constructed at an expense little short of jf 5,500,000. nearly double the original estimate ; it connects the metropolis with this great manufacturing town, and affords increased capabilities to commerce. The bill, for its formation, was first intro- duced to the Commons in February, 1832 ; but in June was lost in the Lords. In the following session, the application was renewed ; and, at last, the act was obtained, at 1837) about twenty-five miles of the line were opened from London to Boxmoor ; on high HalL, 48 miles ; and from Birmingham to Rugby, 29 miles ; and finally, the re- maining portion between Denbigh Hall and Rugby, 35^ miles, September, 17th, 1838 ; making the total length 1 1 2} miles. Originally it was to have eleven, but has now only eight tunnels - ^viz., the Primrose Hill, 1,164J yards; Kensal Green, 322 J yardn ; Watford, 1,791 J yards ; North Church, 34ii^ yards; Linslade, 272 yards; Stowe Hill, minus is at Euston Grove, on the New Road. The line passes near the towns of Coventry, Rugby, Weedon, Wolverton, Leighton, Tring, Birkhamstead, Boxmoor, Watford, and Harrow.

The Birmingham Station, Curzon-street, of which the entrance forms the Queen's Hotel, (firom London 112^ miles) consists of an establishment occupying several acren of ground. The Repository for Heavv Goods, is an extensive area, excavated out of the new red sand rock, to the left of Cur2K)n-stTeet. On the right is the splendid Facade, adorned with four magnificent Ionic columns. The buildings, of which this is the firont, contains the board-room of the directors; the secretary's offices ; the oflSees of the financial and correspondence departments, a refreshment saloon, drc. To the left of this building, while looking from the front, is the entrance to the booking offices, through which we pass to the London end, and emerge upon the departure parade, under the iron shedding, which covers a space of 217 feet long, and 113 wide; and is admitted to be the first structure of the kind that has ever bi^en erected. At one end of the shedding may be seen the windows of the refreshment saloon ; the entrance to which is on the arrival side, and at a little distance from the other end is the engine house, a large sixteen>sided building. Closely adjacent, is the Grand Junction Station, to which the policemen are ready to conduct passengers, if required. Frora the anrival parade there are numerous conveyances to all parts of the town.

The Bristol and Birmingham Railway is now under the management of the Midland Company. The Station adjoins the London and Birmingham : by this line parties can proceed to all parts of the West of England, Devonshire, Cornwall, and the Southern

Grand JuivcTioif Railway, or North Western Line, Curzon Street, is still further on in the long range of building, which composes this general terminus. The royal aa> sent was given to this railway bill in the year 1833, and the works were immediately commenced under the superintendence of Mr. Locke, the engineer to the company. In July, 18379 the line was opened for the conveyance of passengers. The cost of this railway was about a million and a half sterling. By means of this railway, between Binningham and Wairington, communication is maintained with Walsall, Bilston, Wolverhampton, Penkridge, Staflbrd, the Potteries, Whitmore, Crewe, Hartford, North- wich, Warrington Manchester, and Liverpool ; and about 800 mail bags are taken vp and set down every day on this line. Its whole course, to its junction at Wairington

iritli the Liverpool and Manchester railway b B3^ nules ; the expense of executing it WM ^18,180. per mile. The principal works on the line are the Birmingham Viadnet, wlueh consists <rf'a range of 28 arches thrown over Lawley Street, and the low gronnds adioiDing the Station ; the Vale Royal Viaduct, and Dutton Viaduct, were constructed from the des%n of Mr. Stevenson, under the direction of Mr. Locke. The Birmingham tenntniis at Liverpool is 371 feet 5 inches above low water mark. The steepest pait of die road is between Madeley and Crewe, where the inclination for nearly three miles

Tbe Mioi^jrn Railway Station, Lawley Street, lies in the hollow formed by the London and Birxningham and Grand Junction Railways ; from this station parties may hook to Derby, Sheffield, Leeds, York, Hull, Newcastle-on-Tyne, and Scotland. In the simuner months, cheap trips are got up on this line to Matlock, and the Peak, in

MAjffcHESTEa AND BiaMiNOHAM EXTENSION RAILWAY, to opeu a Communication between, the towns of Stone, Rugely, Lichfield, Tamworth, Atherstone, and Nuneaton, and between all those places and Manchester to the North ; and in conjunction with the Birmingham and Derby Railway, afiford a communication between Derby and other places, to the eastward ; and the Potteries, Manchester, Liverpool, and Chester. The length of the main line of this railvray is 54 miles and 67 chains, and of the branch, eren miles and 56 chains ; and the amount of the estimate of the costs and expenses to be ineoned up to the time of its completion, is jfl, 158,683.

Tbx BiaxuTGHAM, Gloucester, and Derby Junction Railway is 38^ miles in length, and was opened throughout on the second of August, 1839. The act was ob- tained in 1836, but the works were not commenced till 1837* The company was the works did not exceed the sums thus mentioned. A contract was signed in February, 1845, by Mr. Hudson, chairman of the Midland Company, for leasing the Birmingham and Gloucester and Bristol and Gloucester lines. The terms of the agreement are, that ike Midland is to pay six per cent, per annum upon the jflOO. shares of the Birmingham and Gloucester, and to be allowed to purchase the shares at .^150. each, any time the Midland like to do so. This arrangement is of immense interest to the Midland company, for it secmes to them the whole of the cross traffic from Bristol to Hull, and even to

BiRxiNGHAM, Wolverhampton, and Dudley Railway Company, now In progress, eommeneing at Northwood street, and ending at Vyse street, and the station at Snow hill; the length of the whole line 12 miles.

BiRMiNOHAV and Oxford Railway Company, now in progress, with a capital of Moor street, and ending at Monmouth street ; the station to be on Snow hill ; the en- tine length being 43 miles.

Electric Telegraph Company's Office, Canal street, James Augustas Goldicutt,

Prsuc Accommodation. - The Town Hall, situated at the top of New-street, and i the comer of two converging streets, is the most attractive and splendid building in tke town. It was erected by Messrs. Hansome and Welch, from the model of one of the ancient temples of Greece. A rustic basement supports a series of noble Corinthian cohmms, which extend round the front and two sides of the building. The hall, es- tensed the most spacious room in the kingdom, is ornamented with mural pillars, wkieh rise to the elaborately worked roof. In a recess at the end, stands a magnificent «iaa, erected at an expense of between jf 3,000* and j&4,000. The structure is of brick. Wl is devoted to the public assemblies of the inhabitants, who frequently meet here in

great numbers, on political and local objects. It is calculated that four thousand persons may assemble in the hall without inconvenience. The triennial musical festirala are held here, and a series of concerts arc j^iven in the season, which, from the beauty and extent of the building, the talent of the performers, and the number of well dressed persons who attend, can scarcely be surpassed. The Birmingham Town Hall is a successful attempt to apply to modem uses the most beautiful examples of Grecian and Roman architecture. The following is the principal dimensions and characteristics of the building : - ^height of the basement, twenty-three feet ; height of the columns, thirty-six feet; diameter of the columns, three feet six inches;, height of the capital, four feet ; weight of each column, tw^enty-six tons. Len^h of the great rooniL, one hundred and forty-five feet ; breadth, sixty-five feet ; and height, sixty-five feet ; making six hundred thousand cubical feet. Besides the principal room, the building contains extensive corridors, a saloon, a grand staircase and ante-rooms, under the gallery, a committee room and several other apartments. I'hc basement of the building fonus a promenade, whereon more than one thousand five hundred persons may conveniently stand. The magnificent organ is of the following dimensions : - the organ case is forty feet wide, forty-five feet high, and seventeen feet deep ; the largest wood pipe measures, in the interior, two hundred and twent\'-four cubic feet. The bellows contain three hundred square feet of surface, and upwards of three tons weight are required to give the necessary pressure. It is calculated that the trackers in the organ, if laid out in straight line, would reach above five miles. There are seventy-eight draw stops, four sets of keys, and above four thousand pipes. I'hc weight of the instrument is abont forty-five tons, and in the depth, power, variety, and sweetness of tone, far surpassc^s any in Europe. It was built by Mr. Hill, of London.

Town Suhveyors' Office, Public Office, Moor-strect. - These offices were erected by the commissioners of the Birmingham street act, for the purposes of their commission, in 1821, at a cost of ^10,000. It is a stone building, presenting a handsome architec- tural feature to Moor-street. The general meetings of the commission are held in a room forty-two feet by twenty-five ; there are also a suite of rooms for the convenience of the various committees, and for general purposes connected with the commission. The offices of the town surveyor and accountant, which are open from nine till five, when all business relating to the maintenance of the streets and roads, and the laying out of new streets and roads, and their le\*els ; also matters relating to the sewerage, cleansing, paving, and flagging, are transacted.

Adjoining to the above offices, are the Magistrates' court, in which the sessions are held, and the various offices connected with the government of the borough ; the office of the clerk of the peace, magistrates' clerks, and the lock-up prison.

Birmingham Rate Payers Protection Society. - In the year 1828 the commis- sioners of the Birmingham street act applied to parliament for further powers and authorities, for the *^ better governing and impro\*ing of the town and parish of Bir- mingham." They succeeded in obtaining the repeal of the Act, 52nd George III. ; and also a new Act, entitled the ^' Birmingham Improvement Act." By this Act the com- missioners were authorized to erect a market house, a com exchange, and a suitable town hall, for the holding of the meetings of the rate payers, and other public meetings. They were also empowered by the said act, to alter, enlarge, and improve the public offices, to enlarge the market place, enlarge and improve Smithfield market, and to alter, widen, turn, and extend a number of streets, lanes, and passages. By a provision in the commissioners act, power was given to the governors of the general hospital, to put up an organ in the said town hall, the property of which organ to be solely vested in those governors. The commissioners, previous to obtaining their act, stated that they estimated the expense of erecting the town hall, at ^^0,000. including the purchase of the freehold of the site; but it cost the rate payers upwards of 4^31)000. In Aprils

vcK aUowed to borrow od the credit of the highway, and lamp, and acavenger rate ; ram eidange wna erected bj them ; and not a tenth part of the improvements in the p«iA of Biniiingham efiected. Accoiding to ajnst principle of taxation, the parish ^illaginte on this estimate, divided into qoarterly payments, would yield a borongh TuemBtj ifker dedoeting twenty per cent, for voids, componnding, <fec., of .£85,800. more thtB amptj sufficient to meet the expenditure for all municipal purposes, Ac. The noetf Beet every Wednesday evening, at eight o'clock, at the Swan with Two Necks las. AARMlxeet Kr. Joseph AUday, Secretary, 35, Union-street

P<wr OrncE, 92, New*8treet, formerly an hotel, and admirably adapted for the iflTfiiiii wanti of the town. Sinee its removal from the comer of Uie opposite street, ccBdderaUe improvements have been made. Branch offices have been opened in ^viuQi pKti of the town, and its suburbs. There are three deliveries a day.-^See

Tax ExcuB Office, 94, New-street. Charles Instan Esq., collector of excise, and Mr. Joka Roberts, Collector's clerk. There are four supervisors, each having eight c^nae offieers attached, and a permit writer.

MiMr OmcE, 40, Waterloo-street Llewellyn Lloyd, Esq., distributor for the

Ajsat Office, 3, Little Cannon-street, open Mondays and Thursdays. Joseph W. Mipmn, Esq^ Assay niaster.

^ocs Exchange, 2, Temple Row West, a spacious room in which the stock and ^are brokers meet dafly, from eleven to twelve, forenoon ; and from half-past two to

^^f^i afternoon, except Saturday, on which day the meeting is held in tlie morning

BAnaiTFTcT and Peotective Office, 104, New-street. Charles Minshull, registrar.

Watee. - The town was formerly amply supplied with good water, obtained from

Fdb; bat as the number of dwellings increased, the supply became disproportionate,

tci tbe quantity deteriorated in many parts, by percolation from the vastly increasing

^'''^ictafies; and also frt>m the great extent of drains into which refuse were thrown.

TW prineqiMl sources frtmi which wholesome water is now supplied, are the Lady

Wfil. tad several springs in Digbeth and Jamaica Row ; but by far the largest supply

'^ dtftnbiited through the town by the Water Works Company. This company was

^»|nntedbyan act of parliament, obtained in the year 1825 ; and the works, which

««K dengned by J. Rofe, Esq., C. E., and constructed under the superintendence of

^i°>*tf ud son, were ready for a delivery of a supply in the year 1831. The principal

''^crv^w of the company is sitnatcsd at Aston, juxta Birmingham ; at which place also

*^ fiied two steam engines, of very great power, for the purpose of forcing the water

!jv» t^ mMin pipes. A second, or upper reservoir, is constructed at Edgbaston, which,

^'^"s itt elevated position, commands the entire town. The capital of the company,

^'nuseX»,0OO. further if required. Mr. Henry Rofe, engineer ; Mr. Richard Williams,

^^twy; Mr. Thomas H. Clark, collector; and Mr. James Price Horsfall, inspector.

<>AS WoEKS^ - Binniiigham Gas Light and Coke Company's Office, 5, Cherry street.

1W w«|Qft,whieh are extensive, are situated in Gas street, Fazcley street, and Winder

^i^; Alexander Smith, Engineer.

BtiiasoHAM and arArpoEDSBiaE Gas CoMFAmr- - This Company was established ^VcitBraanrieb, in 1825, a distance of four miles from Birmingham, and is one of ^ Ivgeit cfltaUkhmenta in the kingdom : afterwards, works were erected in Adderley

street, to which the gaa is conveyed ; and the Oflicc is in Old square. Hugh Yoau^« und Edward Clifl, are Engineers ; John Gregory, Secretary and Manager ; and Henry- Laugher, Collector.

for the convenience of holding public meetings ; the principal room is fifty feet square.

Democratic Club, Bath street; established in 1848, for the promotion of social intercourse among young men holding Democratic opinions, and the attainment aud diffusion of knowledge in politics and general literature.

Amusements. - Assemblies are held periodically during the winter, at the Royal Hotel, Temple Row. The room is spacious, and elegantly fitted up; is also appro- priated to the Subscription Concert*^ which are supported by more than three hundred subscribers, under the patronage of the nobility and gentry of the neighbourhood ; the orchestra combines the first-rate talent of the metropolis, with the professional skill of the town.

A Triennial Music Meeting is regularly held in Birmingham, of which the clear proceeds are appropriated to the support of the General Hospital: they are held in the Town Hall; the principal vocal and instrumental performers in the kingdom are engaged, and the time is looked forward to with great anxiety.

Theatre. - This is an elegant building, distinguished by the chasteness and beaniy of its design. The front presents a piazza, surrounded by a colonnade, and is ornament- ed with wings at the extremities ; in the wings are medallions, representing Shakespeare and Garrick. The first building erected on this spot for dramatic performances, was in 1774. In August, 1792, it was destroyed by fire, when a larger and more commo- dious edifice was built. The latter was again destroyed by fire, in 1820; but fortu- nately, on neither occasion was the fi'ont injured. The present theatre was built during the course of that year. It will contain about two thousand persons. The interior is elegantly decorated. It comprises a commodious pit, two rows of boxes, and an exten- sive gallery. The first performers are under a spirited management engaged ; several talented actors have received their first meed of applause here - and of these, Macready is one. The entrance to the boxe^i, is in New street ; to the pit, from a small passat^e leading from Temple street; and to the gallery, from a small street at the back of the theatre. Prices of admission. - Dress boxes, three shillings ; upper boxes, two shilling ; pit, one shilling ; gallery, sixpence.

Botanical Gardens, Edgbastou. - The Company was formed in 1829, and the capital raised in shares of £o. each, now reduced to two guineas, with a subscription of one guinea per annum, whether a shareholder or not. The gardens occupy an art*a of 14 acres, most delightfully situated, having a gentle declivity to the south west. On entering the Lodge, The Terrace Walk commands a most beautiful and diversified view, scattered villas, Edgbastou Park, the delightful village of Harbome, the Wor- cester canal, and the Birmingham and Gloucester railway, present themselves, with King's Norton Church, in the distance. On the north side, is the magnificent Eliptical Conservatory, one of the most ornamental in the kingdom; the right wing of which u the Green House, and the left a stove for the warmer plants: near to these, are four other Green Houses, for the cultivation of plants. South of the Terrace is the Lawn, which, fi>om the beauty of its undulations, has admitted of the walks being so arranged from which many interesting features are seen; such as the Arboretum, Herbaceous arrangement, RoBarium, Pinetum, and many others. The collection of hardy plants is remarkably good, so are the Stove and Green House collections. In Femsy the gardens are peculiarly rich. Every shareholder, who must be a sabscriber, has the right of personal admiasion, with all the membera of his family ; and any number not exceed- ing four other persons, accompanied by some member of the family on all occasions, except on exhibition days, when the free admission is exclusively confined to the resident members of the shareholder's family, and to strangem. Every annual snbscri-

licr Ima personal wfanwwon, with all the residenta of his family, on all occasinn!!, except OB exhibition days, when the firee admission is confined to the subscriber, and one of the resident members of his ftmily. Every annnal subscriber, of tern tkUVu^gM and tixpemce, has personal admis^on to Uie gardens on all occasions. The charge for admiwwm on the exhibitions is one shilling for each person, and sixpence for each diiUnnderten yeaora of age; bnt every shareholder can introduce one stranger, for crery share he may possess. The gardens are open on Mondays to the working classes, at the nominal charge of one penny, and great numbers avail themselves of this privilege. Stiangers are at all times admitted for one shilling each. On every altcmate Thursday daring the summer reason, there is a public promenade, with an efficient band of mnsie in attendance, which renders the gardens very attractive, and the time much looked for. Horticultural exhibitions take place three times in the year, for plants, fruits, and pegetablrs. At these exhibitions premiums are given by the society lor the best productions of horticulti.ral skUL These exhibitions are held in the gar- dens, in spadous marquees. The numerous attendance on these occasions shews the great interest taken in these trials of skilL The present number of shareholders and sabsoribers amount to about one thousand.

pRCSiOEirr, the Earl of Dartmouth; Vice President, the Hon. F. Gough; TaEJksraca, Thomas Clark, Esq.; Honorart Secretary, G. B. Knowles, £lsq.; CcRATOR, M. C. H. Catling.

Baths. - Laot Well, a spring of clear, soft, and pure water, situated near the site of the old parsonage house, probably formerly devoted to the Virgin Mary. A portion cf the town is supplied with water from this ^ring, by means of carriers. It also sup- plies a suite of baths, which, in Mr. Hutton's time, cost nearly .^^,000. in fitting up, being seven in number ; they are now increased to nineteen, and nearly an additional ^3,000. has been expended upon them by Mr. Monro. The ladies' bath is laid i»ith marble, and has an excellent dressing room adjoining. The gentlemen's cold bath, with dressing room, adjoining. A gentleman's cold bath, fifteen fec^t and a half square, and nearly four feet and a half deep, receiving a supply from an abundant spring within itself^ of twelve hogsheads per hour. It has private boxes fronting the water, and a conrement dressing room. The large swimming bath is upwards of one hundred feet long, and fifty feet B-ide, and the gradual depth from three to five feet. This bath is supplied with about one thousand hogsheads of water per hour from Lady Well, and the surrounding springs; is in the centre of a neatly laid out garden, well planted with high ^rees, and enclosed with high walls. The platform, flights of steps, and convenience for bathing, and dressing, are well constructed, andperbi^ un- eqnmDed in any inland town in the kingdom. A temperate bath, and hot bath, with baths of the artificial waters of Harrowgate, Leamington, and Cheltenham ; also sul- phmuas, aromatic, and topical, fumigating, and vapour baths, all on admirable and npvoved construction, for invalids, who can be accommodated with apartments.

Baths, George-street, BalsaU Heath. These baths were opened in 1846, by Mr. Jolin Smith, and are acknowledged by the faculty to be situated in the most salubrious air round Birmingham - to have a continual supply of pure water, and the surround- iiHf seenery most beautiful.

VArxHALL Garuehb, BloomsbuTy, Aston. These gardens have lately undergone considerable alteration. The principal lawn, which is surrounded by a line of majestic tiMs, is now disposed Into pietaresque parterres, beautified by flowers and evergreens These radiate firom a centra division, in which a handsome fountain is erected, and pom iti liquid tareasares into an ample basin. Under the trees, which fiinge the aqwe, snog, picturesque, and fantastic bowers cluster; and between each, a sloping hmnik, adorned with vaset and flowers, form a striking combination ; the whole con-

stitnting a beautiful promenade, which forma an invaluable out-door recreation. Thes^ gardens were established about fifty years ago, and are the property of Mr. JosepH Steedman, but in the occupation of Mr. George Stewart.

New Vauxhall and Galton Arms Hotel, Pleasure Gardens, Duddeaton-cmit- Nechells, kept by Mr. Thomas Hale, comprises an elegant hotel, enriched with pictorial embellishments, and commanding a fine prospect of the gardens, which forcibly .strikes the classic mind, of the regions of ancient Rome ; for turn as may be, the eye^ rests upon a Medician Venus, an Apollo fielvidere, Hercules, Dying Gladiator, or some other celebrated relic of antique statuary, peeping through the leafy foliage of its umbraceous walks, which are furnished with every thing artificial as well as natural^ which can charm the mind and elevate the understanding. The gardens are entered by a flight of steps, from an elegantly constructed colonnade, which forms both a delightfol promenade, and a shelter for company during tempestuous weather. In fix>nt of the colonnade stand two statues, of colossal proportions, both of them admirably executed ; one representing the Duke of Wellington, the conqueror of a hundred fights ; the other. Napoleon Buonaparte, Emperor of France. The gardens rise in gentle nndu- lations, whose verdant green banks are embellished with many patches of flowera, and where the " earliest of the year oft are found." In a more central part of the garden are statues of the nine muses, and bust*; of the most eminent warriors and statesmen this country has produced ; or of men in the pursuit of the arts, science, and literatxure. These gardens are laid out with great taste and efiect; and the New Vauxhall Gardens are a popular resort for the numerous summer parties who visit Birmingham. They were established in 1844, by Mr. John Bradshaw, who is the lessee.

Prince Albert's Visit to Birmingham, in 1844; the object of which was to visit the manufactories. He was accompanied by the Hon. G. E. Anson, and Colonel Bouverie, and in alighting at the terminus of the Birmingham and Derby railway, was received by the Earl of Warwick, the Lord Lieutenant of the County, Colonel Horn, the Military Commandant of the District, and the Mayor and Corporation. After having visited the principal manufactories, and places of business, the Prince entered the town hall, which was crowded, many hundred persons being anxious to obtain a glimpHc of his Royal Highncs.**. Mr. Stiuison, the organist, fully displayed the powers of the organ, by playing God Save the Queen, Luther's Hymn, an Extempore, Ac. His Royal Highness stayed fifteen minutes in the Hall, with the noble proportions of which, &s well as with the power and flexibility of its magnificent organ, he expressed his high gratification. On leaving the Hall his Royal Highness proceeded to the Free Grammar School, where an elegant collation wa^ provided by the Head Master, the Rev. J. P. Lee. A Her inspecting the school, his Royal Highness started for the railway station, and left Birmingham for Drayton Manor.

BiRMiNOHAM Licensed Victuallers Asylum, erected by voluntary contributions, for the reception of the aged necessitous of their profession and society, who, to be en- titled to its benefits, must have contributed to its funds. It is pleasantly situated on the east side of the Bristol road, and not more than three quarters of a mile from the centre of the town. It is in the Elizabethan style of architecture, from a design by D. R. Hill, Esq., and built by Mr. Samuel Briggs ; and firom the beauty of the design, and the sah- stantial workmanship, reflects great credit upon those gentlemen. It was founded at Vauxhall, at the Anniversary Dinner of the Victuallers' Society, in the autumn of the year 1845, the then Mayor of the Borough, Thomas Phillips, Esq. having accepted the chair on that occasion, and commenced the charity by subscribing the liberal sun of £50. The first stone of the building was publicly laid by that gentleman on the 30th day of August, 1848, (he being President and Treasurer to the institution,) when he added another £50, to his former subscription. The building already consists of six houses, containing three rooms each, very conveniently fitted up for the comibrt of the inmates, who will each have in addition to the house an allowance of coals, and abont

cigiit akillings per week. Four more dwellings vrill be added at some sabaeqoent period, vben oecBflon may reqnire it. The front is gnarded hj an iron palisading, within wkadi is a tastefiillj laid oat ground, presenting an interesting and unique feature as a benerolent institotlon. John Bteafley Payn, Esq., Jlonorary Secretary.

VicToaiA BsvEFiT BuiLDiM o IifTESTMEifT and Land Socibtt of Birmingham, and the Midland Coonties, dnly eerttfied by the Barrister appointed by Government forthat pvpose, May 30th, ld4S. Central offices for business, 23, Ann street; open for the adousaion of members, from six to nine o'clock eveiy Monday evening ; and on Monday, Thonday, and Friday, from nine o'clock in themomtng nntQ five o'clock in the evening. The originaton of this society having availed themselves of the experience ftornished by the History of Building and Freehold Land Societies, in various parts of the Kingdom, have matmred a plan, which they believe offers more advantages than any other in ex- 2|d. per month ; and, accordingly, for proportionate shares. Pbesidbnt : Frederick Isaac Welch, Esq. SECRETAaT : Mr. Samuel Taylor, 25, Ann-street.

Stkaji £ir6iEEs. - ^By the report of the Birmingham Philosophical Institution, in October, 1836y it spears that 169 steam engines were erected in Birmingham, from coDsumiDg 240 tons of coal per day. In 1836, of the estimated horse-power, 275 were and Ibr grinding floor ; 1770 for working metals ; 279 for pumping water ; 87 for glass pindinip ; 97 for working wood ; 44 for paper making and glazing ; 37 for grinding day ; 61 for grinding colours and chemicals ; and 50 for sundry purposes. The esti- Biated eonsomption of coals, in 1836, was 216 tons per day. The estimated number of pgisouB employed, were 4,000 males, and 1,300 females ; and the estimated amount of power hired out, equal to 450 horses. These estimates were confined to engines within Ae bororngh. Of 1,770 horse-power employed in working metals, it was computed that 162 were used by iron founders, first applied in 1788 ; 570 in rolling copper, brass, and other metals, first applied in 1790 ; 150 in drawing wire, first applied in 1808 ; 201 in iron forges and wrought iron mills, first applied in 1816; 74 in nail cutting, iag metal tubes, first applied in 1822. The horse-power of steam, for every twelve hours of work, is equal to the labour of sixteen men - so that there were, in 1839, steaoD-power within the borough equal to the labour of 54,976 men, exclusive of power hired oat of the borongh, equal to the labour of 7^200 men - making the amount equal bone-power, would probably be within the amount, and give an addition of 28,800 - maW-iy- at the present time (1849), a steam power in Birmingham equal to the labour of ployed at the present time in tiie working of this steam-power. The amount of loco- motive steam engines, passing in and out of the borongh, is immense - ^but there is no data whereon to make a calculation - ^but the extent and expedition of the traffic saves Bumy horses, and a great number of men.

Courts. - ^An act for the recovery of debts, under 40s., was obtained in 1752, for Birmingham, constituting 72 commissioners, three to be a quorom. Two clerks, con- stitnted by the act, attended the court, to give judicial assistance, are always of the law, chosen alternately by the lord of the manor, and by the commissioners, and continue fiir lifis. Once in every two years, ten of the commissioners were balloted out, and ten odkos chosen in their stead. A further act was obtained47th George III. which extends to defafts not exceeding jB5^ under the jurisdiction of one hundred and twelve commis- three of whom to be a quonun. In an act for the improvement of Birmingham, May 23rd, 1828, a clause, (CL. II.) empowers the commissioners of the Court of Rei^ests to purchase of the lord of the manor of Birmingham, all his interest in or any

way ))elonging to the Court of Reqne«ts, holden in the manor of Birmingham, and oi ail appointments, fees, &c. And all the costs and expenses attending the same, to be defrayed ont of the monies collected by virtue of this act.

Thb New Small Debts Act, gr County Courts. - This importtmt act, which will create a revolution in law proceedings, on actions for claims and demands not exceeding j^O., took effect throughout England and Wales, on the 15ih of March, 1847. By an order in council, all com^ for small debts were abolished, on the 13th of March, with the exception of a few, from which day the excepted courts were to be holden at county courts, and governed by the provisions of the act, so to be enforced. Each district court to be presided over by a judge, who is to appoint a clerk, being an attorney, and he ia to appoint other officers ; the fees allowed by the act, are to be exhibited. The salaries of the judges and clerks, may by an order be fixed, so that in no case a judge l9 to be paid more than one thousand two hundred pounds, or a clerk, more than six hundi^ed pounds a year. The jurisdiction of the court is thus defined in the 58 section : - "And be it enacted, that all pleas of personal actions, when the debt or damage claimed is not more than £20.^ whether a balance account, or otherwise, may be holden in the county- court, without writ, and all such actions brought in the said court, shall be heard, and determined in a summary way in a county court, constituted under this act, provided always that the court shall not have cognizance of any action of ejectment, or whicli the title of any corporeal or incorporeal hereditaments, or any toll, fair, market, or franchise shall be in question ; or in which the validity of any devise, bequest, or limi- tation, under any will or settlement, may be dwputed ; or for any malicious prosecution, or for any libel or slander, or for criminal conversation, or for seduction, or breach of promise of marriage." Demands are not to be divided, but may be reduced to £iO. Minors may sue for wages, executors may sue and be siied. The judge is to determine the case where no jury is sunmioned. In cases exceeding £5. in amount, a plaintiff or defendant may require a jury of five persons, on the payment of 5s. ; and under that amount, the judge is to have a discretionary power as to a jury. Witnesses are to be paid their expenses, and may be fined for non-attendance. A debt may be pud by instalments, and a judge has power to order an execution against the goods of a defendant, except the wearing apparel and tools, to the amount of £5. A commitment for 40 days may be made, and is not to extinguish the debt. Actions in certain cajies, such as where the plaintiff resides more than twenty miles from the defendant, may be brought into the superior courts, but in other cases it is enacted - ^*^ that if an action shall be commenced after the passing of this act, in any of her majesty's superior conrt<« of record, for any other cause than those hereinafter specified, for which a plea may have been entered into any court, holden under this act, and a verdict shall be found for the plaintifi^ for a sum less than £20,, if the said action is founded on contract, or less than £5., if it be founded on tort or wrong, the said plaintiff shall have judgment to recover such sum, and no co;>ts; and if a verdict shall not be found for the plaintiff, the defendant shall be entitled to his costs, as between attorney and client, unless, in either case, the judge who shall try the cause, shall certify on the back of the record,^ that the action was fit to be brought in such superior comt."

Circuit Court, 21, includes Birmingham, Atherston, and Tamworth. For thin circuit, the officers are :

Judge, Leigh Trafford, Esq., Leamington.

Clbrks, John Guest, solicitor, Waterloo-street; William Havard Arnold, New-street.

AssiSTAifT Clerks, John Eachus, William Grant, G. B. Goole, John Barlow.

High Bailiff, Charles William Elkington, New Hall-street

Assistant Bailiffs, Jonas Hewitt, Thomas Reynold.

Courts held at Birmingham, about six days in the month for County Court : for Bankruptcy, four days in the month ; and for Insolvency, three days in the month . Court House, Waterloo Rooms, Waterloo Street.

A list of Parishes in the District of the County Court of Birmingham^ and their dis- tanees: - Aston, 2 miles ; Balsall Heath, 2; Bingham; BarrPeny, 3; Coleshill, 10; Cmdwoith, 4; Edgfoaston, 1; Herrington, 5; Handsworth, (except Smethwick,) 4; Whitacxe, Nether, 8; Whitacre, Over, 8 ; Wishaw, 6. The other Districts will be given IB their proper places.

CouitT OP Bamkbuptcy ; Cojcxissionbbs of Bankrqptct, JohnBaJguj, Esq.Q. C; EdnoMl Robert Daniell, Esq.

RsfiisTJUJM, Hon. Francis James Curzon; Robert Emilius Wilson, Esq.

Official Assiosibes, James Christie, Esq.; Frederick Whitmore, Esq.; Richard Va^, Esq. ; Thomas Bittleston, Esq.

MnszxoEBS, Mr. Francis Ostler Bradham ; Mr. William BoddilL

UsBZBs, Mr. James Hotehkiss ; Mr. Robert Eccles.

CouBT OF THE HosTOOft OF TuTBUBT AND DucHY OF Lancasteb, commouly Called the Three Weeks Ckmrt^t extends to debts imder40s. This Honour belongs to the Crown, as a part of the Duchy of Lancaster; it extends into several Counties, and over the principal part of the Hundred of Hemlingford, in Warwickshire, with some other places m that County. This Court had for many years become nearly obsolete, having been aopeneded by Local Courts of Requests, but the late changes in the recovery of small ddits have again made it to be much resorted to and practised in. The names of the plages will be given with the History of the County. The officers are :-*

Stew A an far Hemlingford, Thomas Brook Bridges Stevens, Esq.

Baiufp for Hemlingford, Edward Greensill, 88, Aston street, Birmingham.

Officees for Hemlingford, the above Edward Greensill and John James, 61, Udifield street

Stbbetb. - At the Restoration, Hutton supposes, there were fifteen streets, though not an finished ; and from that period, to the year 1700, they were increased to twenty- ei|^ and were as follows : -

BeU-street Edgbaston-street Park-street

Boll-lane, and street Froggery, The Peck-lane

Can^hine High-street Philip-street

Castle-street Lees-lane Pinfold-street

Cofattore-street Lower Mill-lane St. Martin's-lane

Com Market, and Shambles Moat-lane, (Court-lane) Shambles Dale-end Moor-street Splceal-street

Deritend, and Bordesley New-street Stafford-street

Digbeth Old Meeting-street Worcester-street

Dudley-street la 1731, an addition of twenty-three streets had been made, and the number of houses then were 2,122 ; and the population, 13,722. As the present list of streets will shew, tbe increase has been rapidly progressing. The population of Birmingham, in the year 1801, decreased considerably ; but in 1808 a reaction took place, trade revived, and about 200 houses were built, and 5,000 people added - ^being nearly double of the de- crease in 1801. The short interval of peace, in 1802, produced a considerable effect. in 1811, aUhoogh war was raging with great devastation, trade was in a flourishing period, till the conclusion of 1818, it is supposed that 300 additional houses were erected, and the total number of inhabitants amounted to 90,000. In 1821, they town, and its environs ; and in 1831, the population were returned at 146,986, as before the efieets of Peace and Wab, Birmingham benefited materially in 1804, by the manu^

factore of fire-arms ; thus making the instmmenta of death the som-ccii of a lireli- hood to thousands. In 1809, and 1810, that trade increased in a six-fold proportioii« when 90,000 stand of arms was supplied monthly, till the peace of Paris, in 1814. Tlie peace of 1802 was here, as well as in every part of the nation, received with grecU; transports of joy. It is said that a man, after the mail came in with the tidings, (being Sunday), ran with them to one of the churches, and, in his transport, threw hu* hat, loaded with laurel and ribbons, into one of the pews, exclaiming '* Peace ! peace ! peace ! God forgive me, but it is come, thank God, at last ! Thank God peaet is eonie at last!" The arrival of the definitive treaty of peace did not take place till 9th Marcli^ 1802, when the intelligence was brought from London in ten hours and forty n^ntes, and arrived at three o'clock in the morning, when the most lively joy was manifested.

Paxtechnbtheca, or the General Depository, was erected in 1824, for the exhibitioii and sale of articles in the finer department of the arts, selected from the vaiiouH manufactories of the town. The exterior of the building is fronted on the basement story with a Grecian Doric colonnade, supporting another of the Ionic order, siir« mounted by a handsome balustrade, with projecting pedestals, on which are emblema- tical figures, well sculptured. The interior consists of two handsome showKMnns, and now forms the extensive clothing establishment of Samuel Hyam, merchant tailor.

Callum's Horse and Carriage Repositort^ (late Beardsworth's), 1, Cheapridc, near Smithfield Market, for the sale of horses and carriages by auction. The biiilding^ comprises a spacious quadrangular area, around which are stables for 150 horses, ex- clusive of 24 boxes for hunters. Above these are galleries, on which there is room for 400 carriages, a great number of which are constantly on sale. The whole Is covered with a lofty shed roof, lighted by a double range of windows. On one side of the quadrfmgle, over which the roof is continued, there is a covered ride 180 yards in length

Smoke Burning. - By clause LVI., in the Birmingham Improvement Act, 9th George IV., it is enacted, that the owners and occupiers of all engines, coiOmoiily called steam-engines, which have been or shall be set up in the parish of Birmingham, shall use the method now adopted, or others equally efiicacious, to consume or bum the smoke arising therefi^m. Any person using such steam-engine without consuming the smoke, as aforesaid, shall forfeit and pay for every such neglect the sum of jB5i>, to be recovered by action of debt, <fec.

Workhouse. - After the dissolution of the religious houses, in 1536, great distress prevailed in England, as many had lost their dependence. AAer various effints to re- store order and prosperity, and punish the idle and profligate, the Poor Law was passed in the 43rd year of Queen Elizabeth ; by this law every parish in England was erected into a distinct fraternity, and obliged to support its own members. Under this law^, which obliged the able bodied to be set to work, and the aged and infirm to be provided fotr, England became prosperous, and her people the envy of the world : but Workhouses did not become general till 1730. That of Birmingham was erected in Lichfield street, in would suppose was the residence of a gentleman. The left wing, called the Infitmary, expense of 4^700. more. The building will accommodate 645 paupers, and is generally full. Various plans were devised to employ the paupers, and keep the rates down; in 1754, the spinning of packthread was introduced into the workhouse: in 1756, a mill ning of mop yam was introduced, but the yam proved of less value than the wool: various other plans were tried, but all fidled, and the rates kept advaneing. In 1780, two eollectors of the rates were appointed, at fifty guineas each; which it was said« would save the town iiumy hundretU; still the rates kept inereasing. In I783,foat Aets were upon the anvil, to alter the law, and to remove the workhouse to Binningfaam

Hntlu at %n exDeiue of j^lO,000^ with powers to barrow jS\5fiOQ, and by thb metaut t« ndnee the Jeries one thad; however, that was not then done. Bnt in this year, I>4K) it seems to have been earned at varions parish meetings, that a New Workhonse -ittli be ereded on Birmingham Heath, sufficient to supply the wants of the parish. Tk ptriA of Binningham is not in nnion with any other parish, except those parts »f IS wUA hare been created ecclesiastical parishes within its own bonndary ; neither i> the mUaikms added to comprise the borough, keep their poor with the parish. The lit^Kf Taieshave, during the last one hundred years, increased in an amazing manner. HwAan gires a statement of the disbursements, irom 1676 to 1792. In 1676, the first on ditTRforOie half year, ending Lady-day, 1848, was ^^37,589 ; the second quarter of this pcnadbBfing shewn a considerable increaseon the first. The population of Birmingham, t^nws of«r; but the rates annce 1700, have increased more than 135 times in amount ; nd anet )7€9, to 80 times the amount ; so that the rate has increased in a much greater W30 ^aa that of the population, though the most stringent means have been resorted to for arisg iL This has not been the state of Birmingham alone, but that of most ^xtonaanfictnring towns, and of the whole kingdom. Thus, with all the aids of 'nnae tad skill of which we have to boast, it seems to require a most searching inves- ^^otiflo, to endeavour to discover why man has become so deteriorated - pauperised,

TkeGuttdiaas consist of 109, to whom Mr. Edward Pitt is the Clerk; The Rev. Tknae Onion, B. A., Chaplain. Mr. Soloman Grosvenor Walters, and Mrs. Mary BilUnat WalteiB, master and matron; Mr. Henry Knight, superintendent Registrar, *»^ die Sefutnn of Births and Deaihs} Joseph George Welch, for All Saints' district, ^iRtooe lane; Thomas Sansum, for St George's district, 144, Great Hampton ^'^'t Joseph Smith, for St Paul's district, 19, Church street; Joseph Cell, for St ?:%'« district, 54, Hill street; Horatio Nehion Grimley, for St Peter's district, 65, ^*Klrr street; John White, for St Martin's district, 50, Benacre street; Edward Penn, f<7 St Thomas's district, 4, Bristol road; WUliam Williams, for St Mary's district, 6, ^t Maiy's jow; and Joseph Wood, for Ladywood district, 102, Grosvenor street. West. ^teimuia OF MAaaiioES, John W. Showell, 26, Temple street ; and Mr. Michael *^*bM,5, Congreve street

AoiiviHo OrncEas.-7lst district. Fleet street, Mr. John White; 2nd district, Cecil <»^ Mr. Henry Gibbs; 3rd district, Little HUl street, Mr. Thomas Rutherford; ^ ^isbiet, Grosvenor street, Mr. John Edwards ; 5th district, Wenion street, Mr. ^jaain Cairns; 6th district, Colmore street, Mr. Thomas Richards.

MsaicAL OrncEaa^ - Mr. Edward Townsend Cox, Thomas Green, Robert Mac- i^<>«a, John Simons, and twelve others, who visit the out poor; Mr. Charles Smith, *« Hoase Swgeon.

CaisiTiBa,r - FasK GaAMMAB School. Bee page 14.

Jna MiiiWAaa, by wiU, 1654, left certain lands and tenements, in Bordesley, in ^ eoaaly of WarwidK, at the reserved rent of £26, annually; and a house in Bir- *i^S^«B^ called the Red Lion, to the Principal of Brazen Nose College, in Oxford, for ^tiae beiBg ; and the bailiff of the town of Birmingham, for the time being ; and ^**|v of the town and county of Haverfoid West, for the time being ; and their ***« fer ever. That the said rent should, for the first two years after his death, ^paadtohisexeealrix; and afterwards, one-third part (JSS. 13s. 4d.) as tai addition '^ »«iirtniance to the Free School of Birmingham ; one-thnrd to the College, to be ***---* on a scholar, towards part of his education ; and the other one-thnrd part to ^Nd to the school of Havcrford West, dn;. The estate, in Bordesley, is described

ter of the grammar school, at Birmingham, lets his third part at the ancient resenrcHf! rent - taking a fine for renewal every seven years; in 1816, the fine paid was j£l5t*. 17s. The Birmingham and Warwick Canal Company pay the snm of j£3\. ISs. 9d, sl 9* com])en8ation rent to the tenant, occupying the Bordeslcy estate, for 5a. 1 a. 8p. of land taken for the pnrijoses of the canal. Of the honse called the Red Lion, nothing isnov^ known. It does not appear that any scholars have been sent to Brazen Nose Colleg^o under this charity.

The Blue Coat School, (see page 15.)

Elizabeth White, by will, 1722, devised to trustees, and their heirs, all her clo^e^v and lands, and tenements, called Brook House Fields, and Slow Moor, in the parish of Aston, juxta Birmingham, after certain contingencies for the use of the charity school in Birmingham, to be applied for the education of boys and girls, in such school as heir trustees and their heirs should direct, recommending to them children whose parents were of the communion of the Church of England. The property now (lS27y) pro-

Benjamin Salisbury, by will, 1726, left from certain property lying near Ladj-- wood lane, in the parish of Birmingham, the sums of 15s. each, to be paid to the Rectors of St, Martin and St. Philip's churches, for sermons to be preached by each of them ; at St Martin's on the 1st November, and at St Philip's on the 5th of June, for the benefit of the charity school, Ac. ; and the sum of 20s. on each of the said days to the governors of the said school for the use of the said school ; and the further sum of 5s. on each of the said days to the overseers of the poor of Birmingham, for the time being, to be laid out in penny bread, to be distributed at the church there, to poor old people of that place. The property thus charged is now (18270 the property of Mr. John Clarke, by whom the annual sum of £2, for the use of the school has been regularly paid. The other sums, apparently firom ignorance, have not been paid for many years, nor de- manded, but Mr. Clarke expresses his readiness duly to pay them.

Thomas Duncohbe, by will, 1729, left two messuages in Temple-row, Birminghanii^ to his wife, for her life ; and after her death to two other persons, to be chargeable with the payment of the yearly sum of 40s. out of the same, for the benefit of the charity school for ever, by half yearly payments at Michaelmas and ^Lady-day. Mr. Humphrey Evett, the present owner (1827,) pays the charge.

The Lords op the Manor op Birmingham, by indenture, 1795, gave to tmsteeji, in trust for the benefit of the Blue Coat School, a plot of waste land, newly to be en- closed, on Birmingham heath, with all buildings thereafter to be erected thereon, to hold the same for the tenn of 999 years, at the yearly rent of one shilling. This land is on lease for a term of 99 years, from Michaelmas, 1825, at the yearly rent of jC96. 10s., the lessee covenanting to expend jf 1,000. at least, in the improvement of the premises, and erect several messuages, according to description given in the lease.

William Brown, Henry Kempson, and Joseph Gibbs, by indenture, 1799, gave to trustees, in trust for the benefit of the Blue Coat Charity School, one* undivided moiety of certain premises, partly in Moor street, in Birmingham, and in a piece of land, containing, by estimation, seven acres, called the Brick-kiln Piece, in the pariah of Aston, near Birmingham, subject to a certain mortgage.

Humphrey Vaughn bequeathed ^400. to the Blue Coat Charity School, to be laid out on securities, to produce an annual and permanent income. In the year 1806 the tmstees paid off the above-named mortgage, amounting, with interest, to jf231. 149. 6d. and with the addition of jf31. 14s. 6d. from the funds of the school, purchased the other moiety of the piece of land. This land is now (1827,) held under a lease for a tenn of ing, during the first seven years, certain buildings of the yearly value of ^640., Ac The moiety of the houkes in Moor Street was sold to the Commiflsioners of the Birminghani Street Act, for the sum of £936. 28. fid., which has been added to the funded capital of

tb« schooL The present income of these charities, investments, and fonded property, fcriptions and collections, and casaal benefactions, make in the whole an income of more than j^,000. The greatest part of this income is expended in the cnrrent ex- penses of the school, at which about 160 children, of both sexes, in addition to those of Fentham's Charity, are insimcted in reading, writing, and arithmetic, and the principles of the Christian religion; and entirely clothed, lodged, and boarded.

Gborob FncTHAif, of Birmingham, mercer, by will, 1690, gave to foor persons, and tfHJr heffs., Ac. all his messuages, lands, Ac, on trost, after the payment of certain legacies, and giving an annuity of ^30. to the poor of Hampton-in-Aiden. He further gsre an annuity of jf20., without any defalcations whatever, to be employed after his decease as follows, viz: - j^lO. to teach poor children to know their letters, spell and read English, either male or female, of poor inhabitants of Birmingham, dwelling within 200 yaids from and about the Bull Ring, <fec. ; and jflO. residue of the said annuity, to be employed in buying ten as good coats as for the same, without fraud. Blight be had for ten poor widows, inhabiting within the aforesaid district. And he appointed that one of such widows should wear, in some visible place upon her coat, the capital letters G and B, in some different colour from that of the coat, in memory of Goodyth Bnrridge, widow, deceased, by whose executorship he gained JG20, ; and he gave the residue of his estate to be divided into two equal parts ; and that the yearly Rttts and profits of one part, should be for the relief of the poor inhabitants of Hamp- toB, and the other to be for the poor of the parish of Birmingham ; and in such manner Bs the major part of the male inhabitants dwelling within the space of 200 yards from and about tiie Bull-ring, Ac. should from time to time appoint, either by the relieving or maikxng more easy the poor inhabitants, (fee, or in teaching poor children to knit, spin, or sew, or in setting out poor children to be apprentices. By indenture, 1739, John Haastead, detk, and nine others, inhabiting within 200 yards of the Bull-ring, were ^ipoiBted by the Master in Chancery, to whom the partition and establishment of the charity had been referred; and in pursuance of the decree, 20th December, 1737^ Sanniel Packwood, as heir of the only surviving trustee, did transfer the property, <fec. to tbe above ten persons. The income of this property, including JB9, returned as interest, is jS308^ subject to certain deductions for repairs, improvements, <fec. being on an average about j£40. per annum. Of this income part is applied to the maintenance, clothing, and educating of poor children of both sexes, at the Blue Coat School. The number at school during Uie last eight years, has varied from 10 to 20. They are fully clo&ed onoe a year, and are distingwshed by the colour of their coats and gowns, whiefa are green. On leaving the school, (which they do at the age of 14,) if an oppor- tunity occurs, they are apprenticed, and an additional suit of clothes given them. Other part of the income is expended in providing gowns, handkerchiefs, and bonnets, for poor women, of whom an equal number is appointed by each of the trustees.

William Pinnocx, by will, 1728, devised to his wife Sarah, for life, his farm at

Winson Green^ in St. Martin's parish ; and after her death, he gave the same to his

eoosins, William and John Reddell, and their heirs, for ever, upon trust, to dispose of

the rents and profits thereof, for the benefit of poor boys, of the parishes of St. Martin

andStPhiHp, Birmingham, either in schooling or setting them out apprentices, or

<i&enrise. The property belonging to this charity now consists of a farm house and

OBtboildings, and four parcels of land, let on lease, (1827,) at the annual rent of ^45.

rahject to a power of resuming any portion for building purposes, <fi;c. After the year

18M> the property became untenanted, and the house was found in so ruinous a con*

&km as to require rebuilding, which was done at considerable expense, and for some

yeaw caused a suspension of the charity, previous to which thirty guineas a year

towards the support of the Madras school, in Birmingham, was paid for the instruction

of sixty childreB.

Ann Crowley, by will, 1733, gave to William Hawks and Joseph Cartwright, and their heirs, her two messuages and gardens, <fec. in or near Priory street, apon tnutt^ ont of the said rents to pay yearly the smn of 20s. on the first of May, to such dijssent- ing minister as her said trustees or their heirs should appoint, without any deduction. And she further gave to the said trustees and their heirs, six messuages in Wittall's lane, in Birmingham, on trust, out of the rents and profits thereof to pay yearly the sum of jS5, to such poor persons as they should think fit ; and the remainder, after deducting all expenses, to the maintenance of a schooU in which ten poor children of Birmingham should be taught, gratis, to read English, by some poor woman. The annuity of j^l. ia paid from a large building in Priory street, which covers the site of the premises subject to the charge. In the year 1796 (the six houses granted upon the other trusts of the will, in consequence of the ruinous condition of the houses) the trustees came to the determination to let them on a building lease, which they granted to Bohxm Fox, for 99 years, from the 25th of March, in that year, at the clear annual rent of XI 2., he covenanting, within six years, to lay out jC3(H). in building one or more dwelling house or houses, upon the site of the old ones, which he was to take down. This covenant was performed by building ten small houses ; two in front of Steelhouse-lane, and the others in a court behind. A portion of this income, of JS 12. is applied to the relief of poor widows. Another portion is paid to a schoolmistress, for instructing, at her own house, ten girls, sent by the trustees.

Mrs. Scott, in the year 1804, made a donation of j^lOO., for the use of children, and the schoolmistress, of this charity. This sum appears to have been laid oat in the purchase of £175, three per cent consols, now paid over to two ladies, and disposed of in the purchase of cloth and worsted, and other materials, which are given to the girls, to be by them worked up into clothing, for their own use.

Joseph Soott, by indenture, 1779, gave to trustees, certain property, for the use of protestant dissenters, called Independents, situated in Carr*s-lane, Birmingham. Part of these premises is now greatly improved, by buildings; the reserved reut^ jf 30. is paid by Mr. Perkins, the lessee. Of two closes, intended for a burial ground, the trustees in- tend, by the sale of the clay which they contain, to raise money sufficient to build a wall round the whole. The house called the Golden Fleece is supposed to be the same premises, of which a lease for 99 years, at 8s. per annum, has lately expired ; the premises will, when put into a state of repair, produce about j£i5. per annum. The profits of the above are applied to the general purposes of the Carr's lane society of

The Protestant Dissentino Chirity School, situated in Park street, is generally supported by voluntary contributions, to which James Baker, in 1771^ left XIOO. : George Davis, in 1783, XIOO.: Samuel Ray, in 1785, jflOO.: and Samuel Pemberton,

Lench's Trust. - By an inquisition of charitable uses, 25th March, in 3rd year Charles I. it was found as follows: - ^that William Lench being seized in fee of certain lands in various parishes, to hold to the feoffees, their heirs and assigns, to stand seized to the use of the said William Lench, and Agnes his wife, for their natural lives, and the life of the longer liver of them ; and after their deaths, they should stand seized to their own proper uses. By deed, 29th March, 31st year Henry VIII. a new en- feofiement was made, to the intent to distribute all the issues and profits arising oat of the premises, and the same distribute for the uses following, viz: - the repairing ruinous ways and bridges in and about the town of Birmingham, and in default of such uses, to the poor living within the said town, where most needed, according to the appointment of the said feoffees. The following charities are vested in the same feofifees : -

William Colmore gave an annuity of 10s., to be issuing out of certain premises, in Com Cheaping; and that 5s. of ihe said sum should be employed in repairing the common ways ; and the other 58. given for the relief of the poor of Birmingham, every Good Friday.

Joa« VtBKty being seized in fee of a parcel of land, called Loveday Crofl, and by of aanivorahip of bench's landSf and of Colmore's annuity of lOs^ conveyed te said trosl premiaea to a new set of troatees, npon the like tnuts.

Wtu.iAM Wrixban, clerk, fiwmerly rector of the pariflh ehnrch of Birmingham, Wng Kiaed in fee of a tenement, in Spicen, or Mereers-atreet, by hia will, 1568, gave 6ie said tenement, the profStB thereof to be dislribiited yearly, on Good Friday, among the poor of tlie pariah of Birmingham.

TBovA8RBDHif.L,Bnd Hehbt Shiltow, being aeized in fee, ofa croft of land, called Woodcock's Croft, lying within the pariah of Dnddeston, in the coonty of Warwick, bf indpiiture 9th of Henry V III. granted the same, that the rent might be distributed b auoe manner aa Lench'a lands.

Joax Ward, by deed, dated December 16th, of Elizabeth, granted to tniatees,attd their hein, a tenement, with all his lands, <Ste., sitoated mthin the hamlet of Marston CvBe, in the pariah of Bickenhill, in the connty of Warwick, to the intent that two of the feofleea should receive the renta of the premises, and distribute one half thereof yeariy, on the Friday next before St. Thomas's-day ; and the other half on Good Friday, to tlie poor and needy people in Birmingliam.

RicHiaD K11.CVP, by will, 1610, devised a messuage and close of ground, in Bordepky, to trustees, on trust, to bestow all the rents and revenues of the premises, tomuda the relief of the poor, and the repairing the church, in Birmingham; 13b. 4d., beiag paid yearly to the churchwardens for that purpose, by the feofiees.

JoHs Sbbltos, in his Ufietime, gave 10s. yearly to the poor of Birmingham, by iadestnre, 16o4. John Shelton, Esq., grandson of the above, conveyed a messuage, aad garden, Ae^ situate in Moor-street, and a croft, in the foreign of Birmingham, rantaJning two acres, to trustees, on trust, for the poor of Birmingbam ; which was so coBveyed in discharge of the lOs. yearly, given by John Shelton ; and, in consideration «f £86- lOis, money, in the hands of Thomas Peake and others, belonging to the poor, aad paid to John Shelton, Esq. It does not appear from what sources the above sum was derived ; but aome aadeat benefiftctions are recorded on tableta in St. Martin's Chondk, of which nothing is now known.

Aarv Scott* - ^By indenture 12th May, 1808, certain premises were conveyed to the leoffeea, for the sum of jC690. ; of this sum, JS525, had previously been given by Ann SeaU; of which. Je25. was distributed on Michaelmas-day to the inhabitants of the isOHses. Ann ScoU also gave j^l30. in addition, to make up the purchase ; the and profits to be employed for the relief of the alms people, in Steelhouse-laue, aad I>adley-street alms houses ; either wholly on Michaelmas-day, or by two equal do- natfona - part being on some ol^er day.

Tbk Aims Houses, and Bell-bope Cboft, are noticed as being conveyed to the fieoffees, in 1691, but no original documents remain. The alms house appears to have stood in Digbeth ; but in 1765, the premises were let on a building lease. The croft is aotieed in the chmrehwardens^ accounts of St. Martin, as early as 1688, the rent then being 88. yeariy, for the purpose of bell ropes. Some of the above premises have been Bold under various acts of parliament, for improvements in Birmingham, which are hSty aeeounted for in the report of the commissioners on Lench's feoffinent ; this re- port extends over twenty-tlnee folio pages. The total annual value of the property, under this trust, amounts to JBQ56. 10s. lOd. ; the charges for the management being Mde; £S. as the rent of the Bell Rope Croft, and 13s. 4d. as Kilcup's gift are paid to €kkt dmvdiwardens of St Martin's, ^6. paid to the overseers of St Martin's, £227, 14.H. for repairing the streets, .£140. paid to the almswomen, and £70, for the repairs and Tme Aljuhovses, in Steelhousc Lane, were built 1764 ; to these, three new house**

were added in 1814, which cost ^320.; and now contain forty apartmpnts for poor widows and aged females, who receive 2ds. each, annually, for coals; the rooms arc

The Almshouses, in Dudley Street, were hnilt in 1801, at a cost of jf«S39 4s.. of which jf 120. was defrayed by the value of old materials of buildings previously standing oil the site thereof; they comprised 38 apartments; these have been taken down by the Railway Company, and 50 others have been erected in their stead in Ravenhurst street, of which the first stone was laid in April, 1848 ; bmlt of brick, with stone dressings, in the gothic style ; the cost is estimated at jf 5,400., and are to be completed early in 1849.

Of the Almshouses in Park Street, one half were built in 1815 and 1816, at the cost of «£7d4. 15s., including jf40. paid for the lease of the land on which they stand, and money have at various times been borrowed by the feoffees in aid of the accumulations in hand for completing the Almshouses. In 1827 there was a cash balance of j^llO. 15s. 6^., and jf 500. vested in notes of the Bank of Messrs. Moilliet, Smith, and Pearson, of Birmingham. This deposit has been accumulating since April, 1824, for the purpose of erecting an additional set of Almshouses, for which groxmd has been purchased in Hospital Street; and in 1828 nine houses were erected, forming a square, containing 34 rooms for poor widows in the parish of Birmingham, who have each 25s. per annum for

Previous to the year 1802 various sums of money were distributed to the poor on Good Friday ; since that year the feoffees consider the quarterly sums paid to the alms- women as satisfying all claims from the poor, and though it may fall rather short of be- ing a full compensation to the poor, yet their reserve fund has from time to thne been employed in building new Almshouses. The income of this trust, will, as the leasee fall in, many of which arc building leases, greatly increase, and from leases which will be expected, which will add greatly to its efficiency.

RicHAan ScoTi', by will, 1694, gave «£100. to the Governors of the Free Grammar School of King Edward VI. in Birmingham, in trust that they should as soon as con- venient, lay out the same in the purchase of property of inheritance, and settle thesame upon trustees in trust to pay 408. part of the rents thereof, unto the non-confonningmin> ister or ministers in Birmingham, constantly officiating in the meeting-house, near Pinfold street, and distribute the residue of the rents to the putting out a poor boy apprentice. In 17^2, this ^100. was placed in the hands of Samuel Eden, gent, who kept the same to the time of his death, but neglected to procure the same to be laid out principal, with the interest which had accrued from it, was lent on bond, at 4 per cent. purchase of ^300. 4 per cent, stock, in the name of William Cong^reve Russell, and two others, from the accumulation of interest, yielding an income to the charity of £13, per annum, of which £2. per annum is paid to the two ministers, and apprentices are

GEoaoE JicKsoN, by will, 1696, gave his houses, <fec., in Deritend, to trustees and their heirs, for binding out apprentices, male children of the poor of the parish of Birmingham. The premises were let on lease for 99 years, from 25th of Maxeh^ 173a, with the apprentices; and in 1827, a small balance of j&2. Is. 9d. remained in hand.

Richard Banner and Samuel Bank br. - Rich ard Banner, at his death, left jf 100. to be laid out by his brother, Samuel Banner, in the purchase of freehold lands, within the town, or parish of Birmingham, or within ten miles of the same town ; to be set- tled by him on trustees, upon trust, out of the rents tbci'eof, to buy six cloth alm«

QOitt, on which the letten R B should be set, for six poor men of Birmmgham ; and the residue to be applied in placing out apprentiees. In 1716, Richard Banner laid out tbe j^lOO^ and the further smn of j&44. 14a. 3d., being interest money made thereon ; aad the finiher smn of X39. 6b. 9d^ being his own property - amounting, in the whole, to the sum of j^l?^ in the purchase of lands, in Eidington, in theparidi of Aston. He diiecled hia son, Richard Banner, to convey, and settle the same in manner following : - first, to lay oot 85b. yearly, in buying two cloth ahns gowns and petticoats, for two poor widows of Birmingham; to be given as the charity of Samnel Banner; and all Uierest of the rents to be disposed of as the charity of Richard Banner. The property the yearly rent oiJBiO, By a resolution of the tnutees, 19th of September, IS^, it was resolved, that in future the fdnds of this charity should be applied strictly in cQolbniiky with the foundation deed.

JatBPH HoPKiKS, by will, 1681, gave to the poor people of Birmingham, the sam of JC900., to be laid out in lands, or tenements, in or near Birmmgham, as his two ex- ecotors should advise. In 1691, four parcels of enclosed land, called the Blake Moor, ia SottOD Coldfield, were conveyed to the executors, for the use of this charity. This eitate, according to a plan made in 1802, consists now of five doses, called the Bleak Moor, containing together 25a. Or. Sip., held on a lease firom Lady-day, 1825, for t«rcnty-one years, at the clear yearly rent of JS37* lOs.. A sum averaging ^£32. a year is expended in the purchase of about sixty gowns for poor persons.

Ma. Joseph Pbmbsrtox, in 1722, gave 40s. per annum, payable out of an estate, in the parish of Tamworth; and also 20s. per annum, out of an estate, in the parish of Haiborne; which said jS3. was to be laid out yearly, by the churchwardens, in pnr- '^'^^C coats for four poor men, inhabiting in the town of Birmingham ; to be given thcBs at Christma'*. These soms are regularly paid to the churchwardens, and ap- piied in coats for poor men.

Elizabeth Uollieb, by will, 1789, devised her land, and hereditaments belonging fterelo, situate in the parish of Aston, near Birmingham, to trustees, in trust, to ap- ply the clear yearly rents, in providing twelve coats, or gowns, and such other linen and clothing, as should seem convenient to them ; to distribute yearly to twelve poor auB or women, parishioners of Birmingham ; and eight or more coats, or gowns, and other linen, drc, to be dii^buted to eight or more poor men or women, of Aston, next Birmingham ; the same proportion of twelve to eight to be always observed. The trustees to be members of the Church of England. By a plan, the estate con- Coats for men, and gowns and shifts, for women, are provided by a draper in Birming- ham, to the amount of the rent, as near as can be, and given at Christmas to the

JoHs BiLLiirosLBTfby will, 1629, gave to his son and his heirs hb two houses and gar- dens at Deritend, that ^ey should pay every week 12d. to buy fourteen loaves of bakers' hread, to be given to poor people, inhabitmg within the parish of Bnmingham, and vitfain the liberties of Deritend and Bordesley, equally ; that is, to poor people of Birmin^nm seven loaves, and to poor people of Deritend and Bordesley seven loaves. By deed, John Billingsley, the son, in 1657, infeofied the two houses, then made into one, to certain trustees in trust, to stand seized thereof to the above uses. The preBises, partly by a subscription amounting to ^180, raised in 1804, which with the interest thereon, and a sum borrowed by the trustees, making together jB'3HI, was, in 1S13, laid out in rebuilding the premises, in three houses, now (1827,) let for j£U. Is. 6d^ subject to poors* rates, dsc The money borrowed was repaid in 1822. A >Budl part of the net income is suffered to accumulate as a repairing fund, then the money is expended in bread, of which one half is distributed every Sunday afternoon, t St Martin's Church, Birmingham, and the other half at St. John's Chapel, Deritend.

Ceorgh Hill, by indcntnre, 1678, conveyed to trustees on tmst, a mcssoag^ with gurdemi, orchards, <fec. and three closes of land, in Ash Fnrlong, in the parish of Sntton Coldfield, with the herbage of the quarry pits, reserving to hhnself and his heirs all stone and minerals that might be found in the quarry pits, part of the said property, with liberty to search for and carry away the same ; to provide and diatribute after morning service, at the parish church of Birmingham, 12 penny loaves of wheaten bread, to 12 poor old people, inhabitants of Birmingham ; also to pay 208. yearly to the minister of Deritend chapel, in the parish of Aston, next Birmingham ; and to dii- pose of the residue of the rents towards the relief of five poor honest men« who had, or should study the Word of God, <fec., whom the governors of the Free School, in Birming- ham, should judge fit objects of this charity. By a survey, the premises contain 13a. Or. 12 p. of land ; and there was timber fit for falling to the value of £200. The annual value of the estate Is estimated at upwards ofjBSB, per annum, but it was, in 1786, demi- sed on a lease of three lives, for ^10. per annum. The Charity Conmiissionen found, in 1827, that great mismanagement had taken place in respect of this charity, smce the year 1780, and there was then a balance in the hands of Mr. Whateley, which had arisen under the last surviving trustee, Mr. Male, Mr. Whateley having agreed to pay 4 per cent interest for the money in his handsi New trustees have been appointed, and the charity is now properly conducted, and greatly augmented by the accamo-

John Crowlet, by will, 1709, devised to Sarah Harper a messuage in Lower Priory Street, in Birmingham, also a garden, subject to the payment of 20». yearly to the poor of Birmingham, to be Ifdd out in sixpenny bread, and given on St. John's-day, at Christmas, by the overseers of the poor. The house on which this payment was charged was, about the year 1824, sold by the owner, Mr. E. V. Wilkea, of Birming- ham, to the Commissioners of the Streets, and the site now Ibrms part of the street Mr. Wilkes declared to the Charity Commissioners, in 1827, his readiness to invest an adequate sum in a savings' bank, to provide for the annuity in future.

Mary SH£LDON,~by will, 1821, gave to the rector and churchwardens of St PhiUp» in Birmingham, j^l,000. in trust, to invest the same in the public funds, and to apply the dividends annually, in equal proportions, to ten old maidens, or single women, to be nominated by the rector and churchwardens. The sum of £915. was received on Reduced Annuitie». The dividend, £35. 168. per annum, is applied agreeable to the donor's will.

Thomas iNoaAM, of Ticknell, Esq. by a podidl to his wiU, 1816, gave out of hb personal estate to the governors of the Free Grammar School of Birmingham, and their successors, the sum of £GQO. in trust, to be by them placed out on good security, or laid out in the purchase of land, &c. And he directed that the proceeds should be applied to one or more clergymen, on condition that he or they should annually preach in tbe parish churches or chapehi of Binningham, or elsewhere, if so directed, always instruct- ing such clergyman to set forth in his sermon every argxunent he could for the mer- ciful treatment of dumb animals, particularly the horse ; and desired that magU^ might, previous to the sermon, have notice given in the Birmingham OazeUe, to permit and direct their servanU to go. The sum of ^540. was received, after the payment of the legacy duty. It now stands in ^^533. 12s. lid. four per cents. The proceeds are regularly applied by the governors.

Elizabeth Pidoock by will, gave 208. per annum to the poor of Birmiogli*^' nothing has, within memory, been received on account of this.

John Coorsa gave one croft for the making of Lovt-dayt amongst Binningham men. This croft is noticed amongst Lench's trust ; and there it appean John Vesey gave this croft, but probably he was only a tmstee thereof.

Tke UlomiBg Charities are alao noticed on the Benefivtion Tables, bnt of which ao UbnatiaD coaid be obtained :»

Umm, CxruBtmm Robbbts, in 164S, gave XiO. the interest for the poor yearly.

Ml. JoBB JcMHiHOB, IB 1651, gBve fiOs. per aannm for the baying and making of cMtiftr psor aged people. He also gave 208. per aannm, to be given on St. Thomas's

RiraAiB SMiki.UBOos gave 10a. per annnm to the poor of Birmingham, arising

it ii probable the first Ibor of these were lulled, in 1654, in the porehase of SbeU

GMvaa's ALHSHooaEa, Stedhonse lane, consist of four booses, which contain siz- tecafMBH tor poor widows and aged females, who have 10 cwt. of coals per year.

Jiam Dsvnii, Ease's Rbtbbat, Warner Street, consists of twenty booses, with a^spdia the centre, boiU of brick in the Gothic style ; over each door is a figore, Futh ad Hope. The lionses are for poor old women, who each receive Is. 6d. per *«ck. ad Iho tons of eoals per year. The booses are famished. Mr. John Davis is ^nleaaaager ; at his death the management will devolve iqion sixteen trustees.

ViUAB^«>lfr. HntAon, in 17S3, in his vimonary chapter, snpposes there are in

He aUi, est of the 909, 103 began the worid with nothhig bat their own prodcnce;

^ ane had fertoaca added to their pnidenee, bat too small to be brought into the

lONBt; and 71 persons were favoorcd witha larger, which in many instances, is moch

i"w«4. Henee it follows, that the above som is chiefly aeqoired by the present

'^*^ttl^ bat we are not to suppose Birmingfaam, daring this age, has increased in

««skh to that amount. While these 209 fortones have been making, twice that nnm-

^r«fv«ioB8SBes have been spent, divided, or carried ofil Bot all the 209 are of

*<doa date, not one of them having passed throngh three descents. A fortune justly

^"^ without 10,000 persons being gainers by the acquirement. Fixed property bears

* ^^la^ aecording to its situation ; thus assemblages of people mark a place with value.

UdvctUe ptopeily is of two sorti; that which, with the assistance of man, arises from

^ caith, aod the productions of art, which wholly arise from his labour. A small

^ a teher little, the luxuries. The larger the body of people, the more likely to

^^^^ a iipirit of industry ; the greater that indnst^, the greater iii produce ; con-

''i^atiy, the nuire they will supply the calls of others, and the more lucrative will be

^ Rtara to themselvea. The above is a very sound argument with men in a constant

^^^ate of employment; but since Mr. Button wrote, the overwhelming use of

^nnata. power has greatly changed the condition of man, and often leaves him witb-

^ ^*^o», or makes it very unproductiTe. He is rich whose income is more than he

**> ladtitry , though exeeUcnt, will perform but half the work ; she must be assisted

'^^'"oay ; without this, a ministerial fortone would be defective ; these two qualities,

«^ ailed, becoBse valuable. Economy, without industry, will barely appear in a

*^ («at ladnstry, without economy, will appear in rags. The people of Birming-

^* Ur. HuttoB adds, are more apt to get than keep.

^mw HiLtM - ABDinoiia axo Altbbatioiis. (See Page 30.) - At a meeting of ^ ^'"iMiijuuB ander the Birmingham street act, held in the pobl ic office, on Mon- ^.Jaary Ist, 1849, conaidefahle alterations in the maikethaU were brought under

discussion^ f«»r wliich plans had previonsly been prepared by the smTeyor. In the neir organization of the market hall, the object will be to improve its general appearance, and increase the accommodation of the public; and in which the publie will not only be supplied with the common necessaries of life, but with the more luxurious articles, which in combination, will give a greater interest to the whole, and the noble building be appropriated to its legitimate purposes, instead of being occupied by the venders of manufactured articles, to the great injury of the fcur and honest shopkeeper; a claa of purchasers may be brought into the hall, and the finest Markbt Hall in England, become the depot of the more beautiful productions of floral and horticultural art The panelling or divisions of the stalls will be four feet high, capped with light mahogany; nothing will be permitted above that height, so that a view of the whole interior of the hall is obtained. There will be on either side of the High street entrance, nineteen fndt shops, fitted i^nth moveable sashes, sash doors, and stall boards ; each shop eontaining an area of from 80 to 130 square feet, and will be similar to the shops in the centre avenue of Covent Garden Market, London. There will be seven fish, game, and poultry shops, fitted also with moveable sashes, sash doors, and marble slabs; each containing an area of 110 square feet. There will also be twelve butchen' shops, fitted with moveable sashes, sash doors, and appropriate fittings, <fec. ; each containing 6d square feet. There will be eighteen fish stalls in the centre of the hall, each con- taining an area of 90 square feet, with moveable marble slabs four feet wide, and rampant elbow divisions ; each of these stalls, as well as the fish and game shops, to be , fitted with a water tap, and an independent drain to each ; the whole of these drains discharge themselves into a shaft, into which the over-flow from the fountain falls> efiectually canying away all filthy matter, and preventing any escape in the ball of any offensive effluvia, into which shaft, also, occasionally, arrangements will be made to discharge the fountain basin, which will contain about 500 gallons of water, efiectually driving away every particle of filthy matter. The centre avenue will be widened five feet, making it nineteen feet wide. The whole of these improvements, including the magnificent fountain, are estimated to cost jC2,000. : this is exclusive of JBl, per annum for each fish stall for water ; and also, ^20. per annum for a sapply of water to the fountain for eight hours each day. The probable return for this expenditure, has been estimated at JS500, per annum in the way of increased rental The paramount consideration, is the greatly increased accommodation to all per- sons visiting the market, and the general improvement in the appearance of the market hall.

Manor. (See Page 29.) - The late Christopher Musgrave, Esq. the father of the pre^ sent Lord of the Manor of Birmingham, obtained tlie manor by marrying the Hobout- able Lady Ann Elizabeth Archer.

Edgbaston, a parish in the Birmingham Division of the Hemlingford Hundred, and in the Union of King's Norton, Warwickshire, and forms the western part of the Borough of Birmingham. See pages 1 and 8, where it is described. The appearance of this village is very attractive : the houses are neat mansions and villa residences, being built on long leases, and principally occupied by merchants and manufacturers who have their business iii Birmingham. The churches, chapels, and public building are all fully noticed in the History of the Borough of Birmingham,

Charities. - RooBR Taylor, by will, 1728, directed that SOs. a year should be paid by his executors to the churchwardens and overseers of the poor of Edgbaston, to be paid by two equal portions, till the sum of dCdO, which he willed they should raise out of his personal estate for the purpose, should be invested in the purchase of some freehold estate, and should have settled the same for the above purpose. In 1832, Mr<- Russell, the widow of a Mr. Russell, solicitor, of Birmingham, who had |)aid lo«. s"' nually on account of this charity, refoaed to pay any longer. Another daughter of the testator married a Mr. Thomas Colmore, who, it is supposed, should have paid the other moiety, but it does not appear that it was ever paid.

Mat. EuzABBTB GoOQH, who died 1825, left by will the sum of fifty guineas for the ivMef of poor petsons of this parish. This soni was laid ont in the purchase of j^75- stuidiiig in the names of the vicar, and three other inhabitants, to be applied for clo- thing for aged

SAJtrci. Wbbbibt, by will, 1829, directed his execntora to transfer JC300, Three per Cent* Consolidated "B^ualk Annuities, of which he was possessed, into the names of dnemselves, the Reir. Charles Pixell, vicar of Edgbaston, and six others, who should Rceire the same as tnistees, for the purpose of receiving the dividends, and applying the same in the porchase of bread, to be distributed by the churchwardens for the time being, at tlie parish church, on the first Sunday in January, and on Trinity Sunday, every year. And he desired his executors to put up a monument in the church to eommenaormte it, to be paid for out of lus personal estate. Mr. Wheeley died in Sep- tember, 1831, and the Stock was transferred, as directed, 21st August, 1832. The fatcrest given in bread.

The Soho, a hamlet and ehapelry in the parish of Handsworth, in the south diH- sioB of the Hundred of Offlow, eounty of Stafford, but forming a populous suburb, on the north west, to the Borough of Birmingham. See page 31. In 1838, a handfsome gotUe ehuTch was erected here, at an expense of jf 3,000. The Directory of this place is CBbodied with that of Birmingham.

AsTOv, jnxta Birmingham, is an extensive parish, of which a considerable portion Anns a part of the Borough of Birmingham^ viz. : - Deritend and Bordesley Chapelry, Dd Doddeflton-cum-NecheUs Hamlet and Chapelry, both of which are fdlly noticed with the Borough. See page 1. The entire parish contains 13,876 acres of land, and value, .iri 50,000. The great increase of population is attributable to its participation HI the trade and prosperity of Birmingham. It comprises seven other considerable hamletB, betodes those annexed to the Borough of Birmingham. The entire parish is ia the Birmingham division of the Hemlingford Hundred, keep their i>oor together, but their roada aeparate, and form the head of a Poor Law Union.

Arrow, or Aston Manob, an extensive, well-built, 8cattcr«>d village, 2^ miles N. E. by E. firom Birmingham, occupying a descent to the river Tame ; containing, in liage Greenway, Esq. is the lord of the manor, and with Mr- Whitehead, are considerable owners ; also, Robert Wheeler, J. W. Unett, Josiah Robins, Esqrs,, with many others, tre owners. The parish church, dedicated to St. Peter and St. Paul, is an ancient tmctnre, with a handsome tower and spire, in the later style of English architecture, with other parts of an earlier date, but much modernized. The chancel contains some Uar tombs with efiigies, and the windows much stained glass. The living is a vicarage, cvtois of tlie late Rev. G. Peake, and incumbency of the Rev. Geo. Ouseley Fenwickc, aflisted by four curates. The vicarage is a handsome brick mansion, near the church. The tithes are commuted, the vicarial is ^^1,800., and the remainder for j^03. which is the property of Mr. Josiah Robins and Mr. Richard Fowler.

This place, in Saxon times, belonged to the Earls of Meicia, and at the conquest was the property of the unfortunate Edwin. By the Domesday survey, it b called eight hides, valued at jBo, per annum, a mill, 3s ; and a wood three miles long, and half-a- nile broad ; the mill probably stood near Sawford bridge, where a mill now stands, but thehidcs and the wood arc not now to be explained. Fita^-Ausculf became at the conquest the saeeeasor of Edwin, but Godmund, who had held it under the Mercian Earls, con- tin«ed to hold it under the Nonnan.

In a swamp, 100 yards north from the chnrch, stood the Hall, probably erected by Godmnnd, or his family, and was the residence of the lords down to the Holtes, but has, for aboat four hundred years, been desolated ; the trenches are obliterated, and the place nnobsenred by the stranger. When the Saxon family of Godmnnd became ex- tinct is uncertain, but Sumeri, Fitz Ausculfs successor, about 1203, granted the manor to Sir Thomas de Erdington, ambassador to King John, who had married his sister, paying annually a pair of spurs, or sixpence, as a nominal rent. The Erdington family, about 1275, sold it to Thomas de Maidenhache, who left four daughters. Sibel married Adam de Grymsorwe, who took with her the manor of Aston. A daughter of this house, in 13679 "old it John atte Holte, of Birmingham, in whose family it con- tinued 415 years, till 1782, when Hencage Legge, Esq. acceded to possession, which Hutton notices as one of the most unaccountable assignments that ever resulted from human weakness ; the barring, unprovoked, an infant heiress of jC7,000. a-year, and giving it, unsolicited, to a stranger. The Holtes, a Birmingham family, raised firom the forge and anviL Sir Thomas Holte, in 1647, purchased the manors of Aston and Erdington. Sir Thomas endowed an almshouse at Aston, which was erected in 1655 by his grandson. (See Charities.) The Birmingham and Fazeley Canal passes through this parish, and the Grand Junction Railway here crosses the canal by a viaduct often

The Hali^ a noble structure in the Elizabethan style, having a fine avenue of trees in fit>nt, and sheltered on all sides by foliage, was erected by Sir Thomas Holte, Bart, in the reign of James I. He had the honour of entertaining Charles I. there, where he slept two nights previous to the battle of Edge Hill. In consequence of which the Parliamentary forces levied heavy contributions on Sir Thomas Holte, and cannonaded the Hall ; the marks of the balls are still shown on the staircase. It was late the residence and property of James Watt, Esq., son of the eminent engineer and improver of the steam engine. It is now the property of Keylinge Greenway, Esq. bntat pre- sent unoccupied.

Castle BaoMwicH, an extensive hamlet, chapelry, and scattered village, 6^ mUes E. from Bimungham, and 4^ miles W. by N. fitmi Coleshill, containing 2,701 acres of Digby, Charles Bowyer Adderley, Esq. M. P., John Chattock, Esq., and John Small- wood, Esq. are the principal owners. The chapel, dedicated to St. Mary and St Mar- garet, is a large brick structure, with stone dressings, having nave, chancel, and side aisles. The living is a perpetual curacy, rated at j^315. ; patron, the Earl of Brad- ford ; the Rev. Edward Kempson, M.A., incumbent. The Parsonage, a neat residence near the church. Bromwich HaJl, an ancient brick mansion, is the property of the Earl of Bradford, who occasionally resides here. Lord Ferrers, of Chartley, who was the proprietor of Birmingham in the reign of Henry VI. enjoyed this estate by marriage, and hii granddaughter brought it to the family of Devereux, Lords of Sheldon. Ed- ward, about the latter end of Queen Elizabeth's reign, erected the present Hall, which is capacious, of a pleasing appearance, and most pleasantly situate. About the year 1657, John, son of Orlando Bridgeman, Keeper of the Great Seal, purchased this estate, whose descendants have been ennobled with the title of Earl of Bradford, and Viscount Newport In this hamlet are some remains of Roman entrenchments, and several im- plements of war have formerly been discovered. A small Wesleyan Methodist ch^l was erected here in 1846. Here is a Free School for 12 boys, (see Charities.) The Birmingham and Derby railway have a small station about half a mUe north from the chapeL

BaoMwicH, LrrTLB, now called Ward End, a ehapehry, three miles East of Bir- mingham. Mr. Hutton gives the same derivation for this and Castle Bromwich, from plenty of broom, which is still retained by part of the precincts, Broon^ord (Bromford.) This hainlet contains 1,075 acres, of which the principal owners are William Ward,

Eeq^ and the trustees of the late Thomas Hatton, Esq. At tlie conquest, Fitz-Aoscalf kad this manor, and granted it to a favourite, who took its name. The place after- ward pmwfd through sereral families, till the reign of Henry VII. One of them, of the name of Ward, changed the name to Ward End. In 1512 it was the property of John Bond, who inclosed a park of thirty acres, and stocked it with deer. In 1517 ha ereeted a chapel for the convenience of his tenants, heing two miles from the parish ^nreh of Aston. The manor, by a female, passed through the Kinardsleya, the Bhmdwooda, and sohseqnently by the Wards. The chapel, dedicated to Holy Trhiity, BlesMd Virgin, and St. Margaret, was bnilt in 1835, and consecrated in 1841. It is a eat cemented edifice, with a small embattled tower at the west end, and cost j^l,500. raised by^ volnntary contribntions. It contains a nave and chancel, and will seat 906 penooa, inehiding 178 free sittings. The living is a pcrpetnal cnracy, rated at JS70, Patron, the vicar of Aston. Rev. Thomas Farebrother, incmnbent. The old castle has been gone to min upwards of a centniy.

DEUTExn and Bonn es let form a hamlet, of which the former contains 92 acres, and the latter 1 850 acres, now forming part of the Borough of Binningham, and valued to the borough rate, with Dnddeston cum Nechells, at ^140,000. See pages I and 53.

DiraPEffroH cvx Necbells forms a hamlet containing 936 acres, now forming part of the Borough of Birmingham. These parts of the Borough keep their poor with the

EaaiifGTOs, an extensive hamlet, chapelry, and considerable well-built village, were 442 bouses, and 2,579 inhabitants. The principal owners are Rev. E. A. Bagot; Wyrley Birch, Esq.; W. H. Bracebridge, Esq.; Richard and William Fowler; Richard FdweU, Esq.; Edward Weston, Esq.; Fantham's Trust; Trustees of Oscott College; Rer. J. H. Haxrison, and many other small owners. At the conquest Edwin, Earl of Merda, lost this manor in favour of William Fitz-Ausculf, who granted it on Knight's «rviee to his friend and relation of Norman race. He erected the Hall and the Moat, and took his name, Erdington, from the place. His descendants resided here, with peat opolenoe, near 400 years. The manor left the Erdington family in 1472, and for 175 years acknowledged for its owners George Plantagenet, Duke of Clarence ; Sir WilliBm Harwurt, Robert Wright, Sir Reginald Bray, Francis Englefield, Humphrey DiauMke, Walter Earl, Shr Walter Devereux, and was, in 1647, purchased by Sir IS Hotte, in whose family it continued till 1782, when Heneage Legge became of the manor. The Hall is now the property of Mrs. Bracebridge, and the

._ of WiDiam Wheelwright, Esq. The etymology of this village seems to be a tovm « wood, from the word Arden^ which signifies a wood. One of the first proprietors the conquest, struck with the security ofiercd by the river, erected the present for- n, which cover three parta of the Hall, and the river itself the fourth. The Hall is the second on the premises, and was erected by the Erdingtons. None «f flie lords have resided on the premises since the departure of the Erdingtons.

The Chapel, a handsome structure in the decorated style of architecture, with a |Mnnilnl tower, is dedicated to St. Barnabas, and was consecrated July 28th, 1824. It was built by the Commissioners, at a cost of ^5,000., towards which XI, 000. was laised by subscription. The living is a perpetual curacy, rated at £45, in the patron- age of the vicar of Aston, the Rev. Hyla Holden, M.A., incumbent; the Rev. Hyla Rolden Rose, M. A., the ofiiciating curate. A National School was erected in 1824, hj aobseription, aided by a grant from the National Society, to accommodate three hwHihtd children.

A small Catholic Chapel was erected here in 1847. A Roman Catholic Chuich,

' ted to St. Thomas, of Canterbury, is now in course of erection, at the sole ex- of the Rev. Daniel Haigh, the priest It is an elegaitt Gothic structure, esti-

The Independents have a neat Gothic chapel, erected in 1S39, at a cost of jC1,500. exclusive of the site ; previous to which, there was a small chapel, which is about to be converted into a lock-up prison. The Rev. Francis Watts is the minister. Under the present chapel is a school-room to accommodate 100 children : about 80 attend. The Aston Poor Law Union Workhouse is in this hamlet.

Bromford, a small hamlet, one mile S. E. from Erdington. Here it appears was a mill prior to the Norman conqust, afterwards called Bromford Forge.

Gravelly Hiil, a hamlet and small village, one and a-half miles S. W. from

OscoTT College, a Roman Catholic establishment, two miles N. by E. from Erding- ton. It is an extensive structure of brick, with stone quoins, in the Gothic style of architecture, situated on a commanding eminence, and on the vcrgre of Warwickshire; the stables and outbuildings being in the county of Stafford. It was opened in 1838. President, Rev. John Moore; Vice President, Rev. Peter Davis; Professor of Theology, Rev. Thomas Flannagan, with four tutors.

Saltlet and Warhwood, a hamlet and chapelry which conjointly contain 1089 acres ; and in 1841, 149 houses, and 696 inhabitants. Saltley, an increasdng village, 2 miles E. from Birmingham and Washwood, 2^ miles E. from Birmingham. At the conquest, this came into the hands of William Fitz-Ausculf, baron of Dudley Castle, and was granted in knight's sendee to Henry de Rokeby. A daughter of Rokeby, carried it in marriage to Sir John Goband, whose deM^endant, in 1332, sold it to Sir Walter de Clodshale ; an heiress of Clodshale, 1426, brought it to the ancient family of Arden ; and a daughter of this house, to that of Adderley, and Charles Bowyer Adderley, Esq., M. P., is the principal owner. William Ward, Esq. and the trustees of the late Thomas Hutton, Esq., also have estates. The castle, Hutton concludes, was erected by Rokeby, in which the lords resided till the extinction of the Clodshales. It has been gone to ruin upwards of three hundred years. On Tuesday, October 24th, 1848, the first stone of a new church was laid by the Right Hon. Lord Littleton, the Ecclesiastical Commissioner.^ for England having constituted it a district for spiritoal purposes. The church, having ample accommodation for the rapidly increasing popu- lation of this district, is a stone structure, from a design of Mr. R. O. Hussey, the ar- chitect, and will comprise nave, cleristory, aisles, north and south transcepts, and porches, with a chancel. On the west side of the south transcept is an embattled tower, eighty-five feet high, having an octangular turret at its south west comer. The church has an open timbered roof, and is calculated to hold 1,000 persons; and coat added an endowment, £150. per annum, in whom the patronage will be vested. The Coventry Archdeaconal Society gave £600. - ^the Church Building Commissionerit IS high ground, above Saltley Hall ; the Rev. G eorge Poole is the incumbent. At Saltley, an extensive railway eaxriage manufactory was established in 1845, by Mr. Joseph Wright; it covers five acres of land, and gives employment to about six hundred per- sons; and is said to be the largest in the kingdom. A great number of new houses have been erected during the last four or five years. The Warwick and Birminghaio Junction Canal, and Birmingham and Derby Railway, are immediately connected with the works; thus ofiering every facility for the reeeipt of materials, and the trananuf- sion of carriages. The Independents have a small neat brick chapel, with a cemeBtco front, it cost jfSOO., which was given by the late >ft. Green, of Nechells Cottag«t and will accommodate 250 persons, and Is under the pastoral care of the Rev. -"^

Saltlst 5chooi..^A neat building, in the Italian style, was erected by Mr. Joseijh

VTriglitf at a cnat o jf 6,000., for the aeeommodation of the children ofi the villagfe, and ihose of ht9 workmen. - ^National School, at Washwood, to accommodate one hnndred

Watkb Obto3k, or Overton, a hamlet and chapehy, two and a half miles N.W. from ColeshUl ; H eontatns six hnndred and twenty-three acres of land ; and in 1841, fcrty-BJne hooaes and two hnndred and fifty-two inhahitants. The Earl of Bradford^ Eail of Dighy^ and C. B. Adderley, Esq., are the principal owners. The chapel, de- iieitedto St. Peter and St. Paul. Living, a pnrpetnal curacy, rated at JBllB^ has been CBgrnented with ^£900., henefactions, and j^200. Qneen Anne's honnty. In the pstzoaa^e of eertain tmsteea. Rev. John Holden Harrison, incumhent.

Wnroir, m bamlet three and a half miles N.W. from Birmingham, and one from Aston, cootains nine hnndred and forty acres of land ; in 1841, twenty-eight honses, aai one hnndred and fifty-seven inhabitants. Wyrley Birch, Esq., and James Deakin, Es|^ are the principal owners. At the conquest, ( Wieton) from the bend of the river, Sf^'miliigg to Dngdale, was the property of Stannchel. Fitz-Aoscnlf seized it, and Stemciiel became his tenant. In Doomsday book it is valued at 208. per annum. It was afterwards vested in the crown ; and Henry III. granted it to Andrew de Wieton, who took his name from the place. In 1290, Witton was the property of William -old it to John Bond, whose descendants sold it to William Booth, in 1620; from this ha^f an hciicss earried it, in marriage, to Alestre, and was sold to John Wyrly, from vhom it passed to George Birch, Esq., and is now the manor of Wyrley Birch, Esq.

Tas Asrro3r Poo a Law Ustoir comprehends five parishes, containing forty-seven itnated yi the hamlet of Erdington, is an extensive brick building, and was the pandi wortchouse previous to the union, but has been enlarged and had a sick ward tdded. It is calculated to accommodate 360 persons. The parishes are Aston, Curd- rath, Mhtworth, Sntton Coldfield, and Wishaw, having 28 guardians, who meet at the wotkhoose every week ; and to whom Mr. Barron Webster is chairman and Mr. EaoA Pearson the union clerk and SoPEaiNTENDEivT RsoiSTaAR. Master op the I'vios, Joshua Howes; Matron, Mrs. Margaret Howes; Registrar of Marriages, Joseph Rawlings; Reoistrar of Births and Deaths for Beritend and Bordcslet, JoKph RawHngSL Duddeston cum Nechells, John Goodall; EaniNOTO^r, William Hniaefn Dean ; Sirrroir Coldpield, Geo. Brentnall ; Relief Stations, 91,Brlmont Rvw, IToion Workhouse, and Town Hall, Sntton Coldfield ; Relieving Officer, for the Union, John Lnmby. House Surgeon, Geoige Elkington, with seven other in the district, for the out poor. Chaplain, Rev. John Holden Harrison. The aaaaal average expenditure, during the three years preceding the formation of sAcr the fonna£k>n of the Union, with an average population of 48,442 soubi, was £SMS 19s. IJd., or at the rate of 2s. 2d. per head. The affairs are economically man- ^i, yet particolar regard is paid to the health and comfort of the infirm and poor.

CaAamss. - The Almshouses op Sir Thomas Holts, who by will, 1650, directed tihat tte trustees named in his will, their executors, and assf igns should, in convenient tme after his decease, raise the sum of £300. and erect one convenient almshouse of Wickwaik, in the town of Aston jnxta Birmingham. The ahnshonse so erected is by the side of the road leading from Aston to Erdington, near the church. It of ten Bpartmenta, with a chapel in the centre, in which prayers were formerly These is a court in front, and a garden to each dwelling behind. The apart- are oceapied hy five poor men and five poor women, all from some parts of the excfaisive of the hamlets of Castle Bromwlch and Water Orton. The founder icni ebarga of £SB, annually, to he paid to the almshouses, out of his manor of

Erdington aiid Pipe. Eacli poor person receives yearly a coat or gowTi, 30 cwt. of coaK and 30 faggots, and 28. 6d. weekly. Mrs. Mary Holte Bracebridge pays tlie rent cLarge, and is now, (1834,) putting the houses in repair.

Dame Annb Holte, by will, 1735, bequeathed to her grandson. Sir Lister Holte, ;£400. in trust, to be laid out in the purchase of a freehold estate, and to settle the same on himself and some other persons as trustees, in trust, out of the rents and profits to lay out weekly 2s. in bread, to distribute in the parish church of Aston every Sunday, to twelve poor persons, parishioners ; also to lay out £B. in the purchase of gowns, or other garments, to be given yearly at Christmas to poor parishioners. The j^400. was never invested in land, but .£20. per annum has been paid as interest by the owners of the Aston Hall estate, and is principally applied for the comfort of the almspeople.

Richard Bloxwich, by will, 1619, gave .£40. to the parson and churchwaidens of Aston, to be laid out in the purchase of lands or tenements for the poor. Several other sums were given to the use of the poor, \iz. : - Humphrey BloxwicK, £^0, to the poor of Aston Hyde ; Clement Smithy to the poor, £Q, ; William Booth and Alice Booths to the poor of Aston Hyde, X27. ; John ShelU^y^ to the poor of Erdington, £5,\ Percival Booths to the poor of Witton, £2, ; amounting in the whole to the sum of J^103., and which was laid out in the purchase of certain lands in the names of Edward Birch and John Rodgers, to the intent that the rents might be for ever applied to charitable Jtaes, agree- able to the intentions of the donors. Several allotments were made by an enclosure in others, distributed to the poor.

Poor's Land. - Certain land, abutting on Gravelly lane, belonging to this parish, for the use of their poor, but how obtained is unknown, containing 4a. 1r. 16p., and 3r. 14p. an allotment on the Erdington enclosure in 1804, being a total of 5a. SOf. let to William Spooner Littlehales, for ^15. per annum.

Mrs. Butler, it appears, de\ised certain premises in Fazeley for charitable uses in this parish. The premises are (1834,) in the occupation of the executors of William Norton, on lease, at the annual rent of j^lO., with a covenant to keep them in repair, and arc described as consisting of three messuages, with a garden, hempleck, and ap-

churchwardens, and carried to their general account.

Sir Walter Devereux, Bart, in the 21st James L granted to certain trustees one yearly rent charge of £A, to be issuing out of lands called the Water Slade and the Lake, in Suckley and Lulsey, in the county of Worcester, to be paid at Aston chnrcb on the 29th September, yearly, for ever, in trust, to dispose of the same by 20s. on St Thomas's day, and 20s. on Good Friday, to poor persons, the residue to pnt ontpoor children of the said parish as apprentices and servants. Since the year 1827 (to 1834,) nothing had been received for tliis charity, originally paid by the agent of Earl Somersv whose agent states that Lord Bradford ib now in possession of the property wbicb belonged to the Devereux family.

Sib Edward Devereux gave, by will, an annuity of 10s. to be iMaing out of the Goat's Head, now the Bradford Arms, in Castle Bromwich, to be given away yearly. The Earl of Bradford is the owner, whose agent pays the money.

Mrs. Devereux left, by will, j^lO. ; Lord Viscount Hereford gave £1*] ^' William Booth left to the poor of Erdington £5, ; Mr. John Booth left to the poor was added for timber sold off the poor's land, amonntuoig in the whole to £^l» Us. 3d was lent to Isaac Spooner, Esq. at interest of five per cent., and paid in by his soo id of the Rev. George Peake, the vicar of Aston, at five per cent. Mr. Peake died {<tb

exccntofs to the churchwardens, and by them invested in the purchase of an Exchecpier Bin far jeiQO.

Mabaaket Bctlbb, (see Castle Bromwich School.) Four several rent charges of IQa. eadi bare not been paid for many yean, but ongfat to be resumed.

Cbapciat or Castle Bromwich. - Maboabet Butler, by will, 1661, devised natto Robert Powell and his heirs, for ever, a messuage and the lands thereto belong- lag, then in the tenure of James Comson, to pay thereout such yearly legacies as she Aoald direet, viz. IDs. for preaching a sermon at the parish church of Aston, on the 89th day of June, and one on the 29th of September, yearly ; and 10s. to be given to ihe poor of the parish of Aston on the same days ; also to pay 10s. to a minister for pKMhing a sermon in Wishaw church, upon the 2nd of February, and on the 25th of March, yearly, and lOs. to be paid to the poor of the parish of Wishaw, on each of the said days ; the remainder of the rents to remain to the said Robert Powell. In con- irialinn of jC90. the said Robert Powell conveyed the said premises to William Sad- ler and his heirs, subject to the above payments. William Sadleb by his will, 1703, ieviaed to his son, Isaac Sadler, and others, and their heirs, the above premises and hk eottage in Castle Bromwich, which he had purchased of Thomas Leake and John Everett, i^on trust, to pay the above sums to the parishes of Aston and Wishaw, agreeable to the will of Margaret Butler; and also to permit the house he purchased, as ahore mentioned, to be used as a Free School and house for the master, and the residue of tfie rents of the premises, after the above named payments should be paid to the of the said school, to teach ten poor children, gratis. The entire property eon- receives £25^ with a house and garden, containing 28 perches. Richard Kn ioht, by deed, 20th of Elizabeth, granted to Nicholas Brook, and seve- ral other persons, and their heirs, the Town House, with the crofts lying in Castle fikomwich, on trust, out of the rents thereof to repair the bridges and highways in and about Caatle Bromwich, or in default thereof^ should bestow the same upon poor people dwelling: in the said town. The present income (1834) of the property, including some made from surpluses in the expenditure, amounts to d^48. 12s. Od. ; of which of highways; the remainder, including the expense (15s.) of passing the paid for the repair of a bridge ; but no payment has been made to the poor. UanowM DoBOBd - ^The trustees of Knight's charity have the management of 8a. 2b. 19p. of land, in the Wheatfield, Coleshill parish, now let for £\4. per annum. TUs sum, with £2. 2s. received from Aston, is distributed to the poor in flour.

Ladt Mabt Bbidgman, by will, 171 If bequeathed £500. to William, Lord Digby, Sv John Biidgman, and others, to the intent that they and the survivors of them should lay out the same upon ihe purchase of an estate to tiiem and their heirs, to remain for ever a perfetoMl foundation for charitable uses in Cattle Bromwich. llie said sum was laid out in the purchase of an estate at Hurley, in the parish of Kingsbury, in the eooBty of Warwick, containing d9A. 2b. 21 p. of land, with farm house and outbuild- iaga, let, 1834, for £50. a-year, which includes a small allotment of land from Hurley eomflson, enclosed upwards of forty years ago. Also a sum of £5. as interest of jf 100. ii received fimn the steward of the Earl of Bradford, which had arisen from the sale of libber. The distribution is as follows :'208. yearly paid to the minister of Castle Branwieh, for preaching two sermons, one on Ash Wednesday, the other on Good Aiiay. To a schoolmistress £8. a-year for teaching sixteen boys and girls to read and the girls to sew. In the month of January a distribution of coab is made, allow- ing generally a ton to widows and large families. A distribution is made in clothing to the laboiiring poor, who themselves contribute small sums monthly to procure this at the end of the year. Occasionally fees are paid for apprenticing.

Mrs. Bridget Bridoman gave, by will, ^100. for bread to the poor. Six sbillingB is sent from Colesbill to Castle Bromwicb every fourtb Sunday, paid for by tbe agent of Lord Bradford, and given by the chapel clerk in twopenny loaves.

Township of Erdixgton. - Thomas Birch, Gent, by will, 1689, gave 408. a-year, for ever, to be issuing out of a close called the Butterhurst, to be employed towards the binding out one poor boy in Erdington apprentice, by the churchwardens and overseers.

Liberty of Washwood Heath. - Thomas Astburt, Esq., of Aston, by will, 1820, left the sum of J£400, to William Webb Ward, and four others, and their heirs, to be paid one month after hb decease, upon trust, to keep the same at interest, and apply the same towards the maintenance of the National School on Washwood Heath, within the manor of Little Bromwicb. After paying the legacy duty, jf 360. was laid cent, annuities, producing a dividend of ^12. 9s. 6d., and paid to the schoolmaster.

Little Bromwigh. - Joseph King, of Wardend, by will, 1716, devised SOs. a year, for ever, payable out of three closes of land, and a house thereon, in the parish of Yardley, to put poor children to school, in the liberties of Little Bromwich,Washwood, and Saltley. - Robert King, of Wardend, by will, 1717, devised 10s. a year, for ever, pay- able out of a certain meadow in Yardley, called The Sling, to put four poor children to school at Little Bromwicb. These two sums are paid to the treasurer of the school at Washwood Heath for the master

Water Obton Hamlet. - Thomas Dutton, as trustee of the chapcl-house and lantb in Water Orton, granted to John Jenkins and two others, the premises called the chapel- house, which, with the garden, was situated on the north west side of the chapel yard, of which they form part of the fence ; the house was taken down about eighteen years ago, and the materials employed, with the permission of the minister, in the reparation of the chapeL The garden, containing about a quarter of an acre, worth about 308. per annum, is occupied (1834) by the chapel clerk.

Township of Bordesley. - Richard Killcvppe, otherwise Field, by will, 1610, devised to Robert Shelton and Richard Fox, their heirs and assigns, a tenement and little meadow in Bordesley, the highway leading from Birmingham to Henley in Arden and Sparks Brook Green, or some part thereof, to the intent that the said devisees should, within three years after his death, assure the said tenement and ground to twenty or more discreet persons of Bordesley, their heirs and assigns, for charitable uses. The house fell down some years ago, and a new one, with offices, erected. The land contaiiu 2a. 17p*9 occupied as garden ground, and let on lease for j£26. lOs. per annum ; from which sum lOs. is paid to the overseer of the highways, and other disbursements for expenses; the residue is distributed among the poor of Bordesley, in sums varying

Billinglbt's Charity, see Birmingham.

Township of Deritend. - John Dallawat, by will, 1809, bequeathed to th* chapelwarden and feofiees of the chapel at Deritend, the sum of £260, in trust, to inve^ the same in the names of five respectable inhabitants of the hamlet; to 1^7 ^^- thereof in providing articles of clothing, to be distributed to five poor men of the haml^ on Christmas-day, yearly ; and to apply the residue thereof in purchasing bread, to be distributed among the poor of the said hamlet, on the first five Sundays in every J^^' The legacy, now invested in the reduced three and a-half per cent, stocky prodnoes as annual dividend of jf 10. 17s. lOd., and is employed as above.

Aston Parish. - Sarah Dallawat, by will, 1820, gave to William Hamper and Robert Webb, and all the trustees of the chapel of St John, in Deritend, their execn- tors and assigns, all her pews and sittings in the said chapel^ upon trast, to receive an apply the rents in purchasing gowns, to be given annually, at ChriBtmas-day» to poor widows resident within the hamlet of Deritend. One pew is let for 248. a year; there lure one or two others but not let : gowns to the amount are given at Christmas. *«* The Directoriet of Aiton Parish will follow the Birmingham Trade LhU*

Xbbej pbice, 59, Hocklej hill AccaaiBodatkm street, Gteat King street Adalside place, Wjnn street

Darwin street S57, Great Lister street

lAO, High street, Bordesley A<fe)aade place, Wellington road .VJbett pace, Rjland road Albot plaee. Villa street AJbcft j^aee, Wynn street Albot place. Bridge street^ West .Vibim coort, 94, Baxr street AQbioa plaee, WKeeler street ASbioB place, 30^ Hocklej hill AJfaasB ptace. Lady wood lane Aftisa street, 185, Camden street Aftsoa trrrace, 84, Bellbam road \'«e9t9 street, 50, High street, Deritend AHeock street, 135, Adderley street ABin'^ place, 5, Nelson court XSimm street, 120, Digbeth AQ Saiats' street. Lodge road ^litfiUiu street, Sumner hill Aaisnrer street, Fazeley street .ia^^esey place, Wellington road 79, New street

Aflhted row

hrook, Aston road ^

New Town, New Town row Fialuee MiUs, Aston New Town road, Snminer lane

\MMm street, 41, Stafford street fia^oC street, 70, Lancaster street Baggot street mlU, Baggot street Baggot street wh vf^ Baggot street Bailey street, 7. Loreday street Baker 9 eomrt, 30, Dodl^ street Bafloao street, Henn street BafaaB Heath road, Bristol road BaiMll street, 34, Jamuca row

itreet, 36, Bartholomew street

reet, 31, Cheapside

reet, Sooth, Maedonald street BaihcT street. Hunter's lane BaHur street, Sheepcote lane

Bam street, Bordesley street Barr street, 182, Great Hampton row BaiT street. West, 184, Well street Barrack street. Great Brook street Bartholomew's buildings, Bordesley street Bartholomew court, 5 1, Bartholomew street Bartholomew row, 55, Duddeston row Bartholomew street, Bordesley street Bartlett's court, Key hill Baskeirille house, 22, Easy row Baskerville place, 14, Broad street Bath cottages, Chequers walk Bath passage, 100, Smallbrook street Bath place, Chequers walk Bath row, 43, Holloway head Bath row buildings, 95, Bath row Bath row terrace, 127, Bath row Bath street, 50, Snow hill. Bath terrace. Lower Essex street Bath terrace, Chequers walk Beak street, 31, Cross street Beauford place, Bristol road- Bedington's mill, 62, Rea street Bedford place, Bristol road Bell street, 103, High street Bellbam road, Bristol street Belle vue place, Bristol road Belle vue place, Coventry road Belmont passage, 82, Lawley street Belmont place, 137, Lawley street Belmont row, Prospect row Belvidere pl^e, 106, Coventry street Benacre street, I7I9 Bristol street Benson's court, 29, Little Cherry street Bennett's hill, 54, New street Berkley street, 181, Broad street, Islington Berkley street wharf^ Berkley street Betholom row, 69, Bath row Bicknell's buildings, 1, Well street Birchall street, 10, Chapelhouse street Bird's buildings, 101, Broad street, Islington Birmingham heath, Dudley road Bishop street, Moseley street Bishop street, 28, Masshouse lane Bishopgatestreet,121,Broadstreet,Islington

Bishopgate terrace, Bishopgate street BisseU street, Maedonald street Blakemore terrace, 20, Bellbam road Blew'sstreet,21,Brewery st. NewTown row Bloomsbuvy, Ashted row Bloomshury, South, Ashted row Bloomshury place, Bloomsbnry

Bloom9))ury street, Bloomsbiiry Blucher street, 4, IloUoway head Bond street, 23, Cotistitntiou hill Bordeslej green, Garrison lane Bordesley park, Coventry road Bordesley street, ^^3, Park street Bow street, 18, Windmill street Bowe's bnildings, 81, Upper Tower street Bowyer street, Coventry road Bradford street, 1, Smithfield Branstone street, 14, Hall xtreet Brass street, 130, Summer lane Brasshonse passage, 4, Broad st. Islington Bread street, 16, Newhall street Bread street. Hill street Brearley street, 309, Snmmer lane Brearley street. West, 73, Upper Hospital st Brewery street, 18, New Town row Brewery street, 246, Heneage street Brewery street, 66, Alcester street Brickkiln street, 30, Lancaster street Bridge street, 46, Broad street Bridge street, 72, Belmont row Bridge street, Bridge street. West Bridge street. West, Snmmer lane Bridge terrace, Deritend Brighton place, New Summer street Bristol place, Bristol street Bristol road, Bristol street Bristol street, 25, Horse fair Britannia court, 27, St. Paul's square Britannia place, 123, Cregoe street Brittle street, 128, Snow hill Broad street. Easy row Broad street, Islington, Broad street Bromsgrove street, 24, Jamaica place Broomsgrove place, 225, Bristol street Brook street, 42, St PauTs square Broom street, 153, Bradford street Brougham street. Nursery terrace Brown's buildings, 263, Sherlock street Bmeton's mill, Brueton's walk Brueton's walk, 4, Prospect row Buck street^ Jennen's row Buckingham place, Buckingham street Buckingham place, Bristol road Buckingham street. Hospital street Bullock's mill, Cliveland street Bull ring, 1, High street Bull street, 59, High street, Bull ring Burbury street, Lozclls Burleigh place, Pershore road Burton place, Sand pitta Burton wharf. Love lane Byron terrace, Bellbam road Calcutta terrace, Fisherwick place Cadoxton place, Bristol road Calthorpe fields, Frederick street, Islington Calthorpe place, Islington row Calthorpe street, Isling^n row Cambrian place, Sherlock street Cambridge place, Bristol road Cambridffe street, 23, Easy row Camden hill, Legge lane

Camden place, Legge lane Camden place. Lower Camden street Camden street, 25, Parade Camden terrace, 197, Camden street Camp hill, 1 12, High street, Bordesley Canal street, 66^ Lancaster street Cannon street, 40, New street Cardigan street, 59, Belmont row Carey's court, 114, Moor street Caroline street, 35, St. Paul's square Carpenters road. Church road Carr's lane, 484^ High street Carver street, f4, Albion street, Camden st Castle street. Moor street Castle yard, 42, High street Catgut row, 41, Pershore street Cecil street, 45, Hanley street Cemetery, Icknield street. East Cemetery, (New,) Warstone lane Cemetery road, Icknield street. East Chad road, Hagleyroad Chain walk, Lozclls Chapel street, 60, Dale end Chapel terrace, 17, Bellbam road Chapelhouse street, 17, Deritend Charles Henry street, 211, Moselcy street