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diff --git a/14472-h/14472-h.htm b/14472-h/14472-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..c1afc7c --- /dev/null +++ b/14472-h/14472-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,39400 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" +"http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=us-ascii" /> + <title> + Showell's Dictionary of Birmingham + </title> +<style type="text/css"> + <!-- + body {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + p {text-align: justify;} + blockquote {text-align: justify;} + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 {text-align: center;} + pre {font-size: 0.7em;} + + hr {text-align: center; width: 50%;} + html>body hr {margin-right: 25%; margin-left: 25%; width: 50%;} + hr.full {width: 100%;} + html>body hr.full {margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 0%; width: 100%;} + hr.short {text-align: center; width: 20%;} + html>body hr.short {margin-right: 40%; margin-left: 40%; width: 20%;} + + .note, + {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;} + + span.pagenum + {position: absolute; left: 1%; right: 91%; font-size: 8pt;} + + .poem + {margin-left:10%; margin-right:10%; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;} + .poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} + .poem p {margin: 0; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem p.i2 {margin-left: 1em;} + .poem p.i4 {margin-left: 2em;} + .poem p.i6 {margin-left: 3em;} + .poem p.i8 {margin-left: 4em;} + .poem p.i10 {margin-left: 5em;} + + .figure, .figcenter, .figright + {padding: 1em; margin: 0; text-align: center; font-size: 0.8em;} + .figure img, .figcenter img, .figright img + {border: none;} + .figure p, .figcenter p, .figright p + {margin: 0; text-indent: 1em;} + .figcenter {margin: auto;} + .figright {float: right;} + + .footnote {font-size: 0.9em; margin-right: 10%; margin-left: 10%;} + + .side { float:right; + font-size: 75%; + width: 25%; + padding-left:10px; + border-left: dashed thin; + margin-left: 10px; + text-align: left; + text-indent: 0; + font-weight: bold; + font-style: italic;} + --> + +</style> + </head> + <body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Showell's Dictionary of Birmingham +by Thomas T. Harman and Walter Showell + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Showell's Dictionary of Birmingham + A History And Guide Arranged Alphabetically + +Author: Thomas T. Harman and Walter Showell + +Release Date: December 26, 2004 [EBook #14472] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SHOWELL'S DICTIONARY OF BIRMINGHAM *** + + + + +Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Carol David and the PG Online Distributed +Proofreading Team + + + + + + +</pre> + + <div> + <img src="Images/002.png" alt="Title page" /> + </div> + <p> + [Transcriber's note: There are small sections where the print is + missing from the original. Missing words have been marked [**]. Minor + obvious typographical errors have been corrected. + </p> + <p> + Where it has not been possible to convert fractions to HTML, they have + been denoted as example: one and 3/5 = 1-3/5.] + </p> + <hr /> + <h1> + SHOWELL'S + </h1> + <h1> + Dictionary of Birmingham. + </h1> + <p> + <b>NOTES OF BIRMINGHAM IN THE PAST.</b> + </p> + <p> + <b>Birmingham to the Seventh Century.</b>—We have no record or + traces whatever of there being inhabitants in this neighbourhood, + though there can be little doubt that in the time of the invasion of + the Romans some British strongholds were within a few miles of the + place, sundry remains having been found to show that many battles had + been fought near here. If residents there were prior to King Edward + the Confessor's reign, they would probably be of Gurth's + tribe, and their huts even Hutton, antiquarian and historian as he + was, failed to find traces of. How the name of this our dwelling-place + came about, nobody knows. Not less than twelve dozen ways have been + found to spell it; a score of different derivations + "discovered" for it; and guesses innumerable given as to its + origin, but we still wait for the information required. + </p> + <p> + <b>Birmingham in the Conqueror's Days.</b>—The Manor was + held, in 1066, by Alwyne, son of Wigod the Dane, who married the + sister of the Saxon Leofric, Earl of Mercia. According to + "Domesday Book," in 1086, it was tenanted by Richard, who, + held, under William Fitz-Ansculf, and included four hides of land and + half-a-mile of wood, worth 20s.; there were 150 acres in cultivation, + with but nine residents, five villeins, and four bordarers. In 1181 + there were 18 freeholders (<i>libere tenentes</i>) in Birmingham + cultivating 667 acres, and 35 tenants <i>in demesne</i>, holding 158 + acres, the whole value being £13 8s. 2d. + </p> + <p> + <b>Birmingham in the Feudal Period.</b>—The number of armed men + furnished by this town for Edward III.'s wars were four, as + compared with six from Warwick, and forty from Coventry. + </p> + <p> + <b>Birmingham in the Time of the Edwards and Harrys.</b>—The + Manor passed from the Bermingham family in 1537, through the knavish + trickery of Lord L'Isle, to whom it was granted in 1545. The + fraud, however, was not of much service to the noble rascal, as he was + beheaded for treason in 1553. In 1555 the Manor was given by Queen + Mary to Thomas Marrow, of Berkswell. + </p> + <p> + <b>Birmingham in 1538.</b>—Leland, who visited here about this + date, says in his "Itinerary"—"There be many + smithies in the towne that use to make knives and all manner of + cutlery tooles, and many lorimers that make bittes, and a great many + naylors, so that a great part of the towne is maintained by smithes, + who have their iron and seacole out of Staffordshire." He + describes the town as consisting of one street, about a quarter of a + mile long, "a pretty street or ever I enterd," and + "this street, as I remember, is called Dirtey." + </p> + <p> + <b>Birmingham in 1586.</b>—Camden in his "Britannica," + published this year, speaks of "Bremicham, swarming with + inhabitants, and echoing with the noise of anvils, for the most part + of them are smiths." + </p> + <p> + <b>Birmingham in 1627.</b>—In a book issued at Oxford this year + mention is made of "Bremincham inhabited with blacksmiths, and + forging sundry kinds of iron utensils." + </p> + <p> + <b>Birmingham in 1635.</b>—As showing the status the town held + at this date we find that it was assessed for "ship money" + by Charles I. at £100, the same as Warwick, while Sutton + Coldfield had to find £80 and Coventry £266. + </p> + <p> + <b>Birmingham in 1656.</b>—Dugdale speaks of it as "being a + place very eminent for most commodities made of iron." + </p> + <p> + <b>Birmingham in 1680-90.</b>—Macaulay says: The population of + Birmingham was only 4,000, and at that day nobody had heard of + Birmingham guns. He also says there was not a single regular shop + where a Bible or almanack could be bought; on market days a bookseller + named Michael Johnson (father of the great Samuel Johnson) came over + from Lichfield and opened a stall for a few hours, and this supply was + equal to the demand. The gun trade, however, was introduced here very + soon after, for there is still in existence a warrant from the Office + of Ordnance to "pay to John Smart for Thomas Hadley and the rest + of the Gunmakers of Birmingham, one debenture of ffour-score and + sixteen poundes and eighteen shillings, dated ye 14th of July, + 1690."—Alexander Missen, visiting this town in his travels, + said that "swords, heads of canes, snuff-boxes, and other fine + works of steel," could be had, "cheaper and better here than + even in famed Milan." + </p> + <p> + <b>Birmingham in 1691.</b>—The author of "The New State of + England," published this year, says: "Bromichan drives a + good trade in iron and steel wares, saddles and bridles, which find + good vent at London, Ireland, and other parts." By another + writer, "Bromicham" is described as "a large and + well-built town, very populous, much resorted to, and particularly + noted a few years ago for the counterfeit groats made here, and + dispersed all oven the kingdom." + </p> + <p> + <b>Birmingham in 1731.</b>—An old "Road-book" of this + date, says that "Birmingham, Bromicham, or Bremicham, is a large + town, well built and populous. The inhabitants, being mostly smiths, + are very ingenious in their way, and vend vast quantities of all sorts + of iron wares." The first map of the town (Westley's) was + published in this year. It showed the Manorhouse on an oval island, + about 126 yards long by 70 yards extreme width, surrounded by a moat + about twelve yards broad. Paradise Street was then but a road through + the fields; Easy Hill (now Easy Row), Summer Hill, Newhall Hill, + Ludgate Hill, Constitution Hill, and Snow Hill pleasant pastures. + </p> + <p> + <b>Birmingham in 1750.</b>—Bradford's plan of the town, + published in 1751, showed a walk by Rea side, where lovers could take + a pleasant stroll from Heath Mill Lane. The country residences at + Mount Pleasant (now Ann Street) were surrounded with gardens, and it + was a common practice to dry clothes on the hedges in Snow Hill. In + "England's Gazetteer," published about this date, + Birmingham or Bromichan is said to be "a large, well-built, and + populous town, noted for the most ingenious artificers in boxes, + buckles, buttons, and other iron and steel wares; wherein such + multitudes of people are employed that they are sent all over Europe; + and here is a continual noise of hammers, anvils, and files." + </p> + <p> + <b>Birmingham in 1765.</b>—Lord and Lady Shelburne visited here + in 1765. Her ladyship kept a diary, and in it she describes Mr. + Baskerville's house (Easy Row) as "a pretty place out of the + town." She also mentions visiting a Quaker's to see "the + making of guns." + </p> + <p> + <b>Birmingham in 1766.</b>—In "A New Tour through + England," by George Beaumont, Esq., and Capt. Henry Disney, + Birmingham is described as "a very large populous town, the upper + part of which stands dry on the side of a hill, but the lower is + watry, and inhabited by the meaner sort of people. They are employed + here in the Iron Works, in which they are such ingenious artificers, + that their performances in the smallwares of iron and steel are + admired both at home and abroad. 'Tis much improved of late years, + both in public and private buildings." + </p> + <p> + <b>Birmingham in 1781.</b>—Hutton published his "History of + Birmingham" this year. He estimated that there were then living + ninety-four townsmen who were each worth over £5,000; eighty + worth over £10,000; seventeen worth over £20,000; eight + worth over £30,000; seven worth over £50,000; and three at + least worth over £100,000 each. + </p> + <p> + <b>Birmingham in 1812.</b>—The appearance of the town then would + be strange indeed to those who know but the Birmingham of to-day. Many + half-timbered houses remained in the Bull Ring and cows grazed near + where the Town Hall now stands, there being a farmhouse at the back of + the site of Christ Church, then being built. Recruiting parties + paraded the streets with fife and drum almost daily, and when the + London mail came in with news of some victory in Spain it was no + uncommon thing for the workmen to take the horses out and drag the + coach up the Bull Ring amid the cheers of the crowd. At night the + streets were patrolled by watchmen, with rattles and lanterns, who + called the hours and the weather. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <b>AB House,</b> so called from the initials inscribed thereon to show + the division of the parishes of Aston and Birmingham near to Deritend + Bridge. Early in 1883 part of the foundations were uncovered, showing + that the old building was raised on wooden piles, when the + neighbourhood was little better than a swamp. + </p> + <p> + <b>ABC Time Table</b> was first issued in July, 1853. A rival, called + the "XYZ Time Table," on a system that was to make all the + puzzles of Bradshaw as plain as pikestaves, was brought out in August, + 1877, but it required such extra wise heads to understand its + simplicity that before one could be found the whole thing was lost, + the old Alpha being preferred to the new Omega. + </p> + <p> + <b>Accidents and Accidental Deaths</b> are of constant occurrence. + Those here noted are but a few which, from their peculiar nature, have + been placed on record for reference. + </p> + <p> + A woman fell in Pudding Brook, June 3, 1794, and was drowned in the + puddle. + </p> + <p> + In 1789, a Mr. Wright, a patten-maker, of Digbeth, attempted to cross + the old bridge over the Rea, fell in and was "smothered in the + mud." + </p> + <p> + The Bridge in Wheeley's Road was burst up by flood waters, + November 26, 1853. + </p> + <p> + Five men were killed by the fall of a scaffold in New Street Station, + Oct. 11, 1862. + </p> + <p> + A lady was accidently shot in Cheapside, Nov. 5, 1866. + </p> + <p> + Pratt, a marker at Bournebrook Rifle Range, was shot April 12, 1873. + </p> + <p> + The body of a man named Thomas Bishop who had fallen in a midden in + Oxford Street, was found Oct. 3, 1873. + </p> + <p> + Charles Henry Porter, surgeon, Aug. 10, 1876, died from an overdose of + prussic acid taken as a remedy. + </p> + <p> + Richard Riley was killed by the bursting of a sodawater bottle, June + 19, 1877. + </p> + <p> + Alfred Mills drowned in a vinegar vat at the Brewery in Glover Street, + March 7, 1878. + </p> + <p> + Two gentlemen (Messrs. W. Arnold and G. Barker), while on a visit of + inspection at Sandwell Park Colliery, Nov. 6, 1878, were killed by + falling from the cage. Two miners, father and son, were killed by a + fall of coal in the following week. + </p> + <p> + A water main, 30 inches diameter, burst in Wheeler Street, June 17, + 1879. + </p> + <p> + On the night of Sep. 5, 1880, Mrs. Kingham, landlady of the "Hen + and Chickens," fell through a doorway on the third storey landing + into the yard, dying a few hours after. The doorway was originally + intended to lead to a gallery of the Aquarium then proposed to be + built at the back of the hotel. + </p> + <p> + January 12th, 1881.—A helper in the menagerie at Sanger's + Exhibition, then at Bingley Hall, was attacked and seriously injured + by a lion, whose den he was cleaning out. The animal was beaten off by + the keeper, the said keeper, Alicamoosa (?) himself being attacked and + injured a few days after by the same animal. + </p> + <p> + A child of 17 months fell on to a sewer grating in River Street, May + 28th, 1881, and died from the effects of hot steam arising therefrom, + neighbouring manufacturers pouring their waste boiler water into the + sewers. + </p> + <p> + <b>Accidental Deaths by Drowning.</b>—Five persons were drowned + at Soho Pool, on Christmas Day, 1822, through the ice breaking under + them. + </p> + <p> + In 1872, John Jerromes lost his life while trying to save a boy who + had fallen into Fazeley Street Canal. £200 subscriptions were + raised for his wife and family. + </p> + <p> + A boat upset at the Reservoir, April 11, 1873, when one life was lost. + </p> + <p> + Boat upset at Kirby's Pools, whereby one Lawrence Joyce was + drowned, May 17, 1875. Two men were also drowned here July 23, 1876. + </p> + <p> + Three boys, and a young man named Hodgetts, who attempted to save + them, were drowned, Jan 16, 1876, at Green's Hole Pool, Garrison + Lane, through breaking of the ice. + </p> + <p> + Arthur, 3rd son of Sir C.B. Adderley, was drowned near Blair Athol, + July 1, 1877, aged 21. + </p> + <p> + Four boys were drowned at the Reservoir, July 26, 1877. + </p> + <p> + Two children were drowned in the Rea at Jakeman's Fields, May 30, + 1878. + </p> + <p> + Rev. S. Fiddian, a Wesleyan Minister, of this town, aged nearly 80, + was drowned while bathing at Barmouth, Aug. 4, 1880. + </p> + <p> + A Mrs. Satchwell was drowned at Earlswood, Feb. 3, 1883, though a + carrier's cart falling over the embankment into the Reservoir in + the dusk of the evening. The horse shared the fate of the lady, but + the driver escaped. + </p> + <p> + <b>Accidental Death from Electricity.</b>—Jan. 20, 1880, a + musician, named Augustus Biedermann, took hold of two joints of the + wires supplying the electric lights of the Holte Theatre, and + receiving nearly the full force of the 40-horse power battery, was + killed on the spot. + </p> + <p> + <b>Accidents from Fallen Buildings.</b>—A house in Snow Hill + fell Sept. 1, 1801, when four persons were killed. + </p> + <p> + During the raising of the roof of Town Hall, John Heap was killed by + the fall of a principal (Jan. 26, 1833), and Win. Badger, injured same + time, died a few weeks after. Memorial stone in St. Philip's + Churchyard. + </p> + <p> + Welch's pieshop, Temple Street, fell in, March 5, 1874. + </p> + <p> + Two houses fell in Great Lister Street, Aug. 18, 1874, and one in + Lower Windsor Street, Jan. 13, 1875. + </p> + <p> + Three houses collapsed in New Summer Street, April 4, 1875, when one + person was killed, and nine others injured. + </p> + <p> + Four houses fell in Tanter Street, Jan. 1, 1877, when a boy was lamed. + </p> + <p> + Two men were killed, and several injured, by chimney blown down at + Deykin & Sons, Jennens Row, Jan. 30, 1877, and one man was killed + by wall blown down in Harborne Road, Feb. 20, same year. + </p> + <p> + Some children playing about a row of condemned cottages, Court 2, Gem + Street, Jan. 11, 1885, contrived to pull part on to their heads, + killing one, and injuring others. + </p> + <p> + <b>Accidents from Fire.</b>—February, 1875, was an unfortunate + month for the females, an old woman being burnt to death on the 5th, a + middle-aged one on the 7th, and a young one on the 12th. + </p> + <p> + <b>Accidents through Lightning.</b>—A boy was struck dead at + Bordesley Green, July 30, 1871. Two men, William Harvey and James + Steadman, were similarly killed at Chester Street Wharf, May 14, 1879. + Harvey was followed to the grave by a procession of white-smocked + navvies. + </p> + <p> + <b>Accidents at Places of Amusement.</b>—A sudden panic and + alarm of [**] caused several deaths and many injuries at the Spread + Eagle Concert Hall, Bull Ring, May 5, 1855. + </p> + <p> + The "Female Blondin" was killed by falling from the high + rope, at Aston Park, July 20, 1863. + </p> + <p> + A trapeze gymnast, "Fritz," was killed at Day's Concert + Hall, Nov. 12, 1870. + </p> + <p> + A boy was killed by falling from the Gallery at the Theatre Royal, + Feb. 16, 1873. + </p> + <p> + At Holder's Concert Hall, April 1, 1879, Alfred Bishop (12) had + his leg broken while doing the "Shooting Star" trick. + </p> + <p> + <b>Accidents in the Streets.</b>—On New Year's Day, 1745, a + man was killed by a wagon going over him, owing to the + "steepness" of Carr's Lane. + </p> + <p> + The Shrewsbury coach was upset at Hockley, May 24, 1780, when several + passengers were injured. + </p> + <p> + The Chester mail coach was upset, April 15, 1787, while rounding the + Welsh Cross, and several persons much injured. + </p> + <p> + Feb. 28, 1875, must be noted as the "slippery day," no less + than forty persons (twelve with broken limbs), being taken to the + Hospitals through falling in the icy streets. + </p> + <p> + Captain Thornton was killed by being thrown from his carriage, May 22, + 1876. + </p> + <p> + The Coroner's van was upset in Livery Street, Jan. 24, 1881, and + several jurymen injured. + </p> + <p> + <b>Accidents on the Rails.</b>—An accident occurred to the + Birmingham express train at Shipton, on Christmas Eve, 1874, whereby + 26 persons were killed, and 180 injured. In the excitement at Snow + Hill Station, a young woman was pushed under a train and lost both her + legs, though her life was saved, and she now has artificial lower + limbs. + </p> + <p> + Police-officer Kimberley was killed in the crush at Olton Station on + the Race Day, Feb. 11th, 1875. + </p> + <p> + While getting out of carriages, while the train was in motion, a man + was killed at New Street Station, May 15, 1875, and on the 18th, + another at Snow Hill, and though such accidents occur almost weekly, + on some line or other, people keep on doing it. + </p> + <p> + Three men were killed on the line near King's Norton, Sept. 28, + 1876. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Pipkins, Stationmaster at Winson Green, was killed Jan. 2. 1877. + </p> + <p> + Inspector Bellamy, for 30 years at New Street Station, fell while + crossing a carriage, and was killed, April 15, 1879. + </p> + <p> + <b>Acock's Green,</b> a few years back only a little village, is + fast becoming a thriving suburban town. The old estate, of about 150 + acres, was lotted out for building in 1839, the sale being then + conducted by Messrs. E. and C. Robbins, August 19. The Public Hall, + which cost about £3,000, was opened December 20, 1878; its + principal room being 74 feet long, 30 feet wide, and 30 feet high. + </p> + <p> + <b>Adderley.</b>—Sir Charles B. Adderley was gazetted a peer + April 16, 1878, his title being Baron Norton, of Norton-on-the-Moors, + Staffordshire. + </p> + <p> + <b>Adderley Park</b> was opened Aug. 30, 1856. Its area is 10a. Or. + 22p., and the Corporation hold it as tenants under a 999 years' + lease, at 5s. rental. A Reading Room and Branch Library was opened on + Jan. 11, 1864. + </p> + <p> + <b>Advertisements.</b>—The duty on advertisements in newspapers + was abolished Aug. 4,1853. One of the most attractive styles of + advertising was that adopted by Messrs. Walter Showell and Son, August + 30, 1881, when <i>The Birmingham Daily Post</i> gave up a whole page + for the firm's use. 10,000 copies were sent to their customers by + early post on day of publication. + </p> + <p> + <b>Afghan War.</b>—A stormy "town's meeting" on + this subject was held in the Town Hall, Dec. 3, 1878, memorable for + the interference of the police by order of the Mayor, and the + proceedings consequent thereon. + </p> + <p> + <b>Agricultural Labourers.</b>—Jos. Arch, their champion, + addressed a meeting in their behalf at Town Hall, Dec. 18, 1873, and + other meetings were held April 15 and July 3 following. A collection + made for some of the labourers on strike amounted to £137 9s. + 2-1/2d. + </p> + <p> + <b>Agricultural Shows.</b>—The Warwickshire Agricultural Show + (with the Birmingham Horse Show, and the Rose Show) began at Aston, + June 17, 1873. The first exhibition here of the Royal Agricultural + Society took place July 19-24, 1876, in Aston Park, specially granted + by the Corporation.— See <i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm1">Cattle Shows</a>, &c</i>. + </p> + <p> + <b>Albion Metal,</b> tin rolled on lead, much used for making + "lace," &c., for coffin decoration, was introduced in + 1804, being the invention of Thomas Dobbs, a comic actor, then engaged + at the Theatre Royal. He was also the designer of a reaping machine, + and made one and showed it with real corn for his "Benefit" + on the stage of the Theatre Royal in 1815. + </p> + <p> + <b>Alcester</b> Turnpike road was first used in 1767. + </p> + <p> + <b>Aldermen.</b>—See <i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm2">Corporation</a></i>. + </p> + <p> + <b>Ales and Alehouses</b> were known in this country nearly 1,200 + years ago, but the national beverage was not taxed until 1551, a few + years previous to which (1535) hops were first used in place of + wormwood, &c. In 1603 it was enacted that not more than 1d. (equal + to 9d. value now) should be charged per quart for the best ale or + beer, or for two quarts of the "smaller" sort. An additional + excise duty was imposed on ale and beer in 1643. See also <i><a class= + "internal" href="#Birm3">Breweries</a></i>. + </p> + <p> + <b>Almanacks.</b>—The first English-printed Almanack was for the + year 1497, and the London Stationers' Company had the monopoly of + printing them for nearly 300 years. The first locally printed Almanack + was the "Diaria Britannica" (or "British Diary"), + by Messrs. Pearson and Rollason, issued in 1787 for 1788, at 9d. per + copy, in addition to the 1s. 6d. required for stamp duty. It was + barely half the size and not a tenth the value of the + "Diary" published by Messrs Walter Showell and Sons, and of + which 20,000 copies are given away annually. The stamp duty was + removed from Almanacks in 1834. "Showell's Almanack" in + past years was highly esteemed before we had been supplied with + "Moody's," the "Red Book," &c., and a copy + of it for the year 1839 is valuable as a curiosity, it being issued + with a partly printed page with blanks left for the insertion of the + names of the members of the Corporation, whose first election under + the charter of incorporation was about to take place. To prevent any + mistake, the "Esqrs." were carefully printed in where the + names of the new Aldermen were to go, the blanks for Councillors being + only honoured with a "Mr." + </p> + <p> + <b>Almshouses</b> for Lench's Trust were built in Steelhouse Lane + in 1764. In later years other sets of houses have been built in + Conybere Street, Hospital Street, Ravenhurst Street, and Ladywood + Road, the inmates, all women, numbering 182. Jas. Dowell's + Almshouses in Warner Street, consisting of 20 houses and a chapel, + known as the "Retreat," were built in 1820. Mrs. + Glover's Almshouses in Steelhouse Lane for 36 aged women, were + erected in 1832. James Lloyd's twenty-four Almshouses in Belgrave + Street were erected in 1869. + </p> + <p> + <b>Aluminium.</b>—This valuable material for the use of one of + our staple trades was first obtained by a German chemist in 1837, but + was not produced in sufficient quantity for manufacturing purposes + until 1854, at which time its market value was 60s. per oz. It + gradually cheapened, until it is now priced at 5s., and a company has + lately been formed for its more easy manufacture, who promise to + supply it at about as many pence. + </p> + <p> + <b>Amphitheatres.</b>—Astley's celebrated amphitheatre was + brought here in October, 1787. Mr. and Mrs. Astley themselves had + performed in Birmingham as early as 1772.—A local amphitheatre + was opened in Livery Street in 1787, on the present site of Messrs. + Billing's printing works. After the riots of 1791 it was used for + a time by the congregations of Old and New Meeting, while their own + chapels were being rebuilt. An attempt to bring it back to its old + uses failed, and "the properties" were sold Nov. 25, 1795. + Several sects occupied it in after years, the last being the + Latter-Day Saints. It was taken down in 1848.—Another + amphitheatre was opened at Bingley Hall, December 29, 1853, by the + plucky but unlucky John Tonks, a well-known caterer for the + public's amusement. + </p> + <p> + <b>Amusement,</b> Places of—Notes of the Theatres, Concert + Halls, Parks, &c., will be found under the several headings. Among + the most popular series of concerts of late years have been those of a + Saturday evening (at 3d. admission) in the Town Hall, which began on + Nov. 8, 1879, and are continued to present date. + </p> + <p> + <b>Analyst.</b>—Dr. Hill was appointed Borough Analyst in Feb., + 1861, his duties being to examine and test any sample of food or + drinks that may be brought or sent to him in order to prove their + purity or otherwise. The fees are limited to a scale approved by the + Town Council. + </p> + <p> + <b>Ancient History</b> of Birmingham can hardly be said to exist. Its + rise and progress is essentially modern, and the few notes that have + come to us respecting its early history will be found briefly + summarised at the commencement of this book. + </p> + <p> + <b>Anti-Borough-Rate Meeting.</b>—In 1874 the Town Council asked + for power to lay a Borough-rate exceeding 2s. in the £., but + after three days' polling (ending March 30) permission was refused + by a majority of 2,654 votes. The power was obtained afterwards. + </p> + <p> + <b>Anti-Church-Rate Meetings</b> were frequent enough at one period of + our history. The two most worthy of remembrance were those of Dec. 15, + 1834, when the rate was refused by a majority of 4,966 votes, and + Oct., 1841, when the polling showed 626 for the rate and 7,281 + against. + </p> + <p> + <b>Anti-Corn-Law Meetings</b> were also numerous. The one to recollect + is that held Feb. 18, 1842. + </p> + <p> + <b>Anti-Papal Demonstration.</b>—A town's meeting took place + in the Town Hall, Dec. 11, 1850, to protest against the assumption of + ecclesiastical titles by the Catholic hierarchy. About 8,000 persons + were present, and the "No Popery" element was strong, but + Joseph Sturge moved an amendment for freedom to all parties, which so + split the votes that the Mayor said the amendment was not carried and + the resolution was lost. + </p> + <p> + <b>Anti-Slavery.</b>—The first Anti-Slavery meeting held here + was that of Nov. 27, 1787. A local petition to Parliament against the + slave trade was presented to the House of Commons, Feb. 11, 1788. A + local society was formed here in 1826, Joseph Sturge being secretary, + and many meetings were held before the Day of Abolition was + celebrated. The most noteworthy of these was that at Dee's + Assembly Room, April 16, 1833, when G.F. Muntz and the Political Union + opposed the agitation; a great meeting, Oct. 14, 1835; another on Feb. + 1, 1836, in which Daniel O'Connell and John Angell James took + part. This last was the first large town's meeting at which the + "total and immediate" abolition of slavery was demanded. + Joseph Sturge following it up by going to the West Indies and + reporting the hardships inflicted upon the blacks under the + "gradual" system then in operation. Aug. 7, 1838, the day + when slavery dropped its chains on English ground, was celebrated here + by a children's festival in the Town Hall, by laying the + foundation-stone of "The Negro Emancipation Schools," Legge + Street, and by a public meeting at night, at which Sir Eardley + Wilmott, D. O'Connell, Dr. Lushington, Edward Baines, &c., + were present. + </p> + <p> + <b>Anti-one-thing-or-t'other.</b>—True to their motto, + Birmingham people are always ready to oppose the wrong and forward the + right, but what is right and what wrong is only to be ascertained by + public discussion, and a few dates of celebrated "talks" are + here given:— + </p> + <p> + In 1719 the apprenticing of Russian youths to local trades was + objected to. + </p> + <p> + In the Christmas week of 1754 public protest was made against the tax + on wheel carriages. + </p> + <p> + March 12, 1824, a deputation was sent to Parliament to protest against + our workmen being allowed to emigrate, for fear they should teach the + foreigners. + </p> + <p> + A proposed New Improvement Bill was vetoed by the burgesses, Dec. 18, + 1855. We <i>have</i> improved a little since then! + </p> + <p> + An Anti-Confessional meeting was held Nov. 8, 1877. + </p> + <p> + An Anti-Contagious Diseases Act meeting, April 19, 1877. + </p> + <p> + An Anti-giving-up-Fugitive-Slave meeting, Jan. 1, 1876, when a certain + Admiralty Circular was condemned. + </p> + <p> + An Anti-Irish-Church-Establishment meeting was held June 14, 1869. + </p> + <p> + An Anti-moving-the-Cattle Market meeting Dec. 14, 1869, Smithfield + being preferred to Duddeston Hall. + </p> + <p> + An Anti-Railway-through-Sutton-Park meeting, April 15, 1872, but the + railway <i>is</i> there. + </p> + <p> + An Anti-Rotten-Ship-and-Sailor-drowning meeting, with Mr. Plimsoll to + the fore, May 14 1873. Another July 29, 1875. + </p> + <p> + An Anti-Ashantee War meeting Sept. 29, 1873. + </p> + <p> + An Anti-Turkish Atrocity meeting, Sept. 7, 1876; followed by one on + Oct. 2nd, properly settling the Eastern question. + </p> + <p> + An Anti-Six-Million-War-Vote meeting was held on Jan. 28, 1878, when + the Liberal majority was immense. A Tory opposition meeting, in + support of the vote, was held Feb. 12, when chairs and forms were + broken up to use as arguments, the result being a majority of 2 to 1 + for both sides. + </p> + <p> + An Anti-War meeting, May 3, 1878. + </p> + <p> + Anti-Vivisection meetings. April 24, 1877, and May 6, 1878. + </p> + <p> + <b>Apollo, Moseley Street.</b>—Opened as a public resort in + 1786, the Rea being then a clear running brook. The first tenant did + not prosper, for in the first week of March, 1787, the <i>Gazette</i> + contained an advertisement that the Apollo Hotel, "pleasantly + situate in a new street, called Moseley Street, in the hamlet of + Deritend, on the banks of the River Rea," with "a spacious + Bowling Green and Gardens," was to be let, with or without four + acres of good pasture land. When closed as a licensed house, it was at + first divided into two residences, but in 1816 the division walls, + &c., were removed, to fit it as a residence for Mr. Hamper, the + antiquary. That gentleman wrote that the prospect at the back was + delightful, and was bounded only by Bromsgrove Lickey. The building + was then called "Deritend House." + </p> + <p> + <b>Aquariums.</b>—The Aquarium at Aston Lower Grounds was opened + July 10, 1879. The principal room has a length of 312 feet, the + promenade being 24 feet wide by 20 feet high. The west side of this + spacious apartment is fitted with a number of large show tanks, where + many rare and choice specimens of marine animals and fishes may be + exhibited. On a smaller scale there is an Aquarium at the + "Crystal Palace" Garden, at Sutton Coldfield, and a + curiosity in the shape of an "Aquarium Bar" may be seen at + the establishment of Mr. Bailey, in Moor Street. + </p> + <p> + <b>Arcades.</b>—The Arcade between Monmouth Street and Temple + Row, was commenced April 26, 1875; first illuminated August 19, 1876, + and opened for public use on 28th of that month. It is built over that + portion of the G.W.R. line running from Monmouth Street to Temple Row, + the front facing the Great Western Hotel, occupying the site once + filled by the old Quaker's burial ground. It is the property of a + company, and cost nearly £100,000, the architect being Mr. W.H. + Ward. The shops number 38, and in addition there are 56 offices in the + galleries.—The <i>Central Arcade</i> in Corporation Street, near + to New Street, and leading into Cannon Street, is from the designs of + the same architect and was opened September 26, 1881. Underneath the + Arcade proper is the Central Restaurant, and one side of the + thoroughfare forms part of the shop of Messrs. Marris and + Norton.—The <i>North-Western Arcade</i>, which was opened April + 5, 1884, is like a continuation of the first-named, being also built + over the G.W.R. tunnel, and runs from Temple Row to Corporation + Street. The architect is Mr. W. Jenkins, and the undertakers Messrs. + Wilkinson and Riddell, who occupy the principal frontage. Several of + the twenty-six shops into which the Arcade is divided have connection + with places of business in Bull Street.—The <i>Imperial + Arcade</i>, in Dale End, next to St. Peter's Church, is also a + private speculation (that of Mr. Thos. Hall), and was opened at + Christmas, 1883. It contains, in addition to the frontage, thirty-two + shops, with the same number of offices above, while the basement forms + a large room suitable for meetings, auctions, &c., it being 135ft. + long, 55ft. wide and nearly 15ft. high. Two of the principal features + of the Arcade are a magnificent stained window, looking towards St. + Peters, and a curious clock, said to be the second of its kind in + England, life-size figures of Guy, Earl of Warwick, and his Countess, + with their attendants, striking the hours and quarters on a set of + musical bells, the largest of which weighs about 5cwt.—<i>Snow + Hill Arcade</i>, opposite the railway station, and leading to Slaney + Street, is an improvement due to Mr. C. Ede, who has adopted the + designs of Mr. J.S. Davis.—The <i>Hen and Chickens Arcade</i> + has been designed by Mr. J.A. Cossins, for a company who purpose to + build it, and, at the same time, enlarge the well-known New Street + hotel of the same name. The portico and vestibule of the hotel will + form the entrance in New Street to the Arcade, which will contain + two-dozen good-sized shops, a large basement room for restaurant, + &c.; the out in Worcester Street being nearly facing the Market + Hall. + </p> + <p> + <b>Area of Borough.</b>—Birmingham covers an area of 8,400 + acres, with an estimated population of 400,680 (end of 1881), thus + giving an average of 47.7 persons to an acre. As a means of + comparison, similar figures are given for a few other large + towns:— + </p> + <table cellspacing="10" summary="Area of borough"> + <tr> + <td> + </td> + <td> + Area in Acres + </td> + <td> + Population in 1881 + </td> + <td> + Persons to acres + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Bradford + </td> + <td align="right"> + 7,200 + </td> + <td align="right"> + 203,544 + </td> + <td align="right"> + 28.2 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Bristol + </td> + <td align="right"> + 4,452 + </td> + <td align="right"> + 217,185 + </td> + <td align="right"> + 48.3 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Leeds + </td> + <td align="right"> + 21,572 + </td> + <td align="right"> + 326,158 + </td> + <td align="right"> + 15.1 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Leicester + </td> + <td align="right"> + 3,200 + </td> + <td align="right"> + 134,350 + </td> + <td align="right"> + 42.0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Liverpool + </td> + <td align="right"> + 5,210 + </td> + <td align="right"> + 549,834 + </td> + <td align="right"> + 105.6 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Manchester + </td> + <td align="right"> + 4,293 + </td> + <td align="right"> + 364,445 + </td> + <td align="right"> + 84.9 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Nottingham + </td> + <td align="right"> + 9,960 + </td> + <td align="right"> + 177,964 + </td> + <td align="right"> + 77.9 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Newcastle + </td> + <td align="right"> + 5,372 + </td> + <td align="right"> + 151,822 + </td> + <td align="right"> + 28.3 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Salford + </td> + <td align="right"> + 5,170 + </td> + <td align="right"> + 194,077 + </td> + <td align="right"> + 37.5 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Sheffield + </td> + <td align="right"> + 19,651 + </td> + <td align="right"> + 312,943 + </td> + <td align="right"> + 15.9 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Wolverhmptn + </td> + <td align="right"> + 3,396 + </td> + <td align="right"> + 76,850 + </td> + <td align="right"> + 22.6 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + <b>Arms of the Borough.</b>—The Town Council, on the 6th day of + August, 1867, did resolve and declare that the Arms of the Borough + should be blazoned as follows: "1st and 4th <i>azure</i>, a bend + lozengy <i>or</i>; 2nd and 3rd, parti per pale <i>or</i> and + <i>gules</i>."—<i>(See cover)</i>. + </p> + <p> + <b>Art and Artists.</b>—An "Academy of Arts" was + organised in 1814, and an exhibition of paintings took place in Union + Passage that year, but the experiment was not repeated. A School of + Design, or "Society of Arts," was started Feb. 7, 1821; Sir + Robert Lawley (the first Lord Wenlock) presenting a valuable + collection of casts from Grecian sculpture. The first exhibition was + held in 1826, at The Panorama, an erection then standing on the site + of the present building in New Street, the opening being inaugurated + by a conversazione on September 10. In 1858, the School of Design was + removed to the Midland Institute. The "Society of Artists" + may be said to have commenced in 1826, when several gentlemen withdrew + from the School of Design. Their number greatly increased by 1842, + when they took possession of the Athenæum, in which building + their exhibitions were annually held until 1858. In that year they + returned to New Street, acquiring the title of "Royal" in + 1864. The Art Students' Literary Association was formed in + September, 1869. + </p> + <p> + <b>Art Gallery and School of Art.</b>—In connection with the + Central Free Library a small gallery of pictures, works of Art, + &c., loaned or presented to the town, was opened to the public + August 1, 1867, and from time to time was further enriched. + Fortunately they were all removed previous to the disastrous fire of + Jan. 11, 1879. A portion of the new Reference Library is at present + devoted to the same purpose, pending the completion of the handsome + edifice being erected by the Gas Committee at the back of the + Municipal Buildings, and of which it will form a part, extending from + Congreve Street along Edmund Street to Eden Place. The whole of the + upper portion of the building will be devoted to the purposes of a + Museum and Art Gallery, and already there has been gathered the + nucleus of what promises to be one of the finest collections in the + kingdom, more particularly in respect to works of Art relating more or + less to some of the principal manufactures of Birmingham. There are a + large number of valuable paintings, including many good specimens of + David Cox and other local artists; quite a gallery of portraits of + gentlemen connected with the town, and other worthies; a choice + collection of gems and precious stones of all kinds; a number of rare + specimens of Japanese and Chinese cloisonné enamels; nearly a + complete set of the celebrated Soho coins and medals, with many + additions of a general character; many cases of ancient Roman, Greek, + and Byzantine coins; more than an hundred almost priceless examples of + old Italian carvings, in marble and stone, with some dozens of ancient + articles of decorative furniture; reproductions of delicately-wrought + articles of Persian Art work, plate belonging to the old City + Companies, the Universities, and from Amsterdam and the Hague; a + collection of Wedgwood and other ceramic ware, the gift of Messrs. R. + and G. Tangye, with thousands of other rare, costly, and beautiful + things. In connection with the Art Gallery is the "Public Picture + Gallery Fund," the founder of which was the late Mr. Clarkson + Osler, who gave £3,000 towards it. From this fund, which at + present amounts to about £450 per year, choice pictures are + purchased as occasion offers, many others being presented by friends + to the town, notably the works of David Cox, which were given by the + late Mr. Joseph Nettlefold.—The <i>School of Art</i>, which is + being built in Edmund Street, close to the Art Gallery, is so + intimately connected therewith that it may well be noticed with it. + The ground, about 1,000 square yards, has been given by Mr. Cregoe + Colmore, the cost of election being paid out of £10,000 given by + Miss Ryland, and £10,000 contributed by Messrs. Tangye. The + latter firm have also given £5,000 towards the Art Gallery; Mr. + Joseph Chamberlain has contributed liberally in paintings and in cash; + other friends have subscribed about £8,000; Mr. Nettlefold's + gift was valued at £14,000, and altogether not less than + £40,000 has been presented to the town in connection with the + Art Gallery, in addition to the whole cost of the School of Art. + </p> + <p> + <b>Art Union.</b>—The first Ballot for pictures to be chosen + from the Annual Exhibition of Local Artists took place in 1835, the + Rev. Hugh Hutton having the honour of originating it. The tickets were + 21s. each, subscribers receiving an engraving. + </p> + <p> + <b>Ash, John, M.D.</b>—Born in 1723, was an eminent physician + who practised in Birmingham for some years, but afterwards removed to + London. He devoted much attention to the analysis of mineral waters, + delivered the Harveian oration in 1790, and was president of a club + which numbered among its members some of the most learned and eminent + men of the time. Died in 1798. + </p> + <p> + <b>Ashford, Mary.</b>—Sensational trials for murder have of late + years been numerous enough, indeed, though few of them have had much + local interest, if we except that of the poisoner Palmer. The death of + the unfortunate Mary Ashford, however, with the peculiar circumstance + attending the trial of the supposed murderer, and the latter's + appeal to the right then existing under an old English law of a + criminal's claim to a "Trial of Battel," invested the + case with an interest which even at this date can hardly be said to + have ceased. Few people can be found to give credence to the + possibility of the innocence of Abraham Thornton, yet a careful + perusal of a history of the world-known but last "Wager of + Battel" case, as written by the late Mr. Toulmin Smith, must lead + to the belief that the poor fellow was as much sinned against as + sinning, local prejudices and indignant misrepresentations + notwithstanding. So far from the appeal to the "Wager of + Battel" being the desperate remedy of a convicted felon to escape + the doom justly imposed upon him for such heinous offence as the + murder of an innocent girl, it was simply the attempt of a clever + attorney to remove the stigma attached to an unfortunate and + much-maligned client. The dead body of Mary Ashford was found in a pit + of water in Sutton Coldfield, on the 27th of May, 1817, she having + been seen alive on the morning of the same day. Circumstances + instantly, and most naturally, fastened suspicion of foul play upon + Abraham Thornton. He was tried at Warwick, at the Autumn Assizes of + the same year, and acquitted. The trial was a very remarkable one. + Facts were proved with unusual clearness and precision, which put it + beyond the bounds of physical possibility that he could have murdered + Mary Ashford. Those facts hinged on the time shown by several + different clocks, compared with the standard time kept at Birmingham. + But the public feeling on the matter was intense. An engraving of the + scene of the alleged murder, with a stimulating letter-press + description, was published at the time, and the general sense + undoubtedly was, that the perpetrator of a very foul murder had + escaped his just doom. Hoping to do away with this impression, a + well-known local lawyer bethought himself of the long-forgotten + "Appeal of Murder," trusting that by a second acquittal + Thornton's innocence would be acknowledged by all. Though the + condition of all the parties was but humble, friends soon came forward + with funds and good advice, so that within the year and a day which + the law allowed, proceedings were taken in the name of William Ashford + (Mary's brother, who, as next heir, according to the old law, had + the sole power of pardon in such a case) for an "Appeal of + Murder" against Abraham Thornton. What followed is here given in + Mr. Toulmin Smith's own words:—"I have seen it stated, + hot indignation colouring imagination, that here was a weak stripling + nobly aroused to avenge the death of his sister, by tendering himself + to do battle against the tall strong man who was charged with her + murder. The facts, as they stand are truly striking enough; but this + melodramatic spectacle does not formally true part of them." A + writ of "Appeal of Murder" was soon issued. It bears the + date of 1st October, 1817. Under that writ Thornton was again arrested + by the Sheriff of Warwick. On the first day of Michaelmas Term, in the + same year, William Ashford appeared in the Court of King's Bench + at Westminster, as <i>appellant</i>, and Abraham Thornton, brought up + on writ of <i>habeas corpus</i>, appeared as <i>appellee</i>. The + charge of murder was formally made by the appellant; and time to plead + to this charge was granted to the appellee until Monday, 16th + November.—It must have been a strange and startling scene, on + the morning of that Monday, 16th November, 1817, when Abraham Thornton + stood at the bar of the Court of King's Bench in Westminster Hall; + a scene which that ancient Hall had not witnessed within the memory of + any living man, but which must have then roused the attention of even + its drowsiest haunter. "The appellee being brought into Court and + placed at the bar" (I am quoting the original dry technical + record of the transaction), "and the appellant being also in + court, the count [charge] was again read over to him, and he + [Thornton] was called upon to plead. He pleaded as + follows;—'Not Guilty; and I am ready to defend the same by + my body.' And thereupon, taking his glove off, he threw it on the + floor of the Court." That is to say, Ashford having + "appealed" Thornton of the murder, Thornton claimed the + right to maintain his own innocence by "Trial of Battel;" + and so his answer to the charge was a "Wager of Battel." And + now the din of fight seemed near, with the Court of King's Bench + at Westminster for the arena, and the grave Judges of that Court for + the umpires. But the case was destined to add but another illustration + to what Cicero tells us of how, oftentimes, arms yield to argument, + and the swordsman's looked-for laurel vanishes before the + pleader's tongue. William Ashford, of course, acting under the + advice of those who really promoted the appeal, declined to accept + Thornton's wager of battel. Instead of accepting it, his counsel + disputed the right of Thornton to wage his battel in this case; + alleging, in a very long plea, that there were presumptions of guilt + so strong as to deprive him of that right. Thornton answered this plea + by another, in which all the facts that had been proved on the trial + at Warwick were set forth at great length. And then the case was very + elaborately argued, for three days, by two eminent and able counsel, + one of whom will be well remembered by most readers as the late + Chief-Justice Tindal. Tindal was Thornton's counsel. Of course I + cannot go here into the argument. The result was, that, on 16th April, + 1881, the full Court (Lord Ellenborough, and Justices Bayley, Abbott, + and Holroyd) declared themselves <i>unanimously</i> of opinion that + the appellee (Thornton) was entitled to, wage his battel, no + presumptions of guilt having been shown clear enough or strong enough + to deprive him of that right. Upon this, Ashford, not having accepted + the wager of battel, the "appeal" was stayed, and Thornton + was discharged. Thus no reversal took place of the previous acquittal + of Thornton by the Jury at Warwick Assizes. But that acquittal had + nothing whatever to do with any "trial by battel;" for I + have shown that the "wager of battel" arose out of a + proceeding later than and consequent upon that acquittal, and that + this "wager of battel" never reached the stage of a + "trial by battel." + </p> + <p> + What became of Thornton is unknown, but he is supposed to have died in + America, where he fled to escape the obloquoy showered upon him by an + unforgiving public. The adage that "murder will out" has + frequently proved correct, but in this case it has not, and the charge + against Thornton is reiterated in every account of this celebrated + trial that has been published, though his innocence cannot now be + doubted. + </p> + <p> + <b>Ashted,</b> now a populous part of the town, takes its name from + Dr. Ash, whose residence was transformed into Ashted Church, the + estate being laid out for building in 1788. + </p> + <p> + <b>Assay Marks.</b>—These consist of the initials of the maker, + the Queen's head for the duty (17/-on gold, 1/6 on silver, per + oz.), a letter (changed yearly) for date, an anchor for the Birmingham + office mark, and the standard or value mark, which is given in + figures, thus:—for gold of 22-carat fineness (in oz. of 24) a + crown and 22; 18-carat, a crown and 18; 15-carat, 15.625; 12-carat, + 12.5; 9-carat, 9.375. The value mark for silver of 11 oz. 10 dwts. (in + lb. of 12 oz.) is the figure of Britannia; for 11 oz. 2 dwts. a lion + passant. The date letter is changed in July. At present it is k. The + lower standards of 15, 12, and 9-carat gold (which are not liable to + duty), were authorised by an Order in Council, of December 22, 1854, + since which date an immense increase has taken place in the quantity + assayed in Birmingham. + </p> + <p> + <b>Assay Office.</b>—There are seven Assay Offices in the + country, the Birmingham one being established by special Act in 1773, + for the convenience of silversmiths and plateworkers. A few hours per + week was sufficient for the business at that time, and it was + conducted at the King's Head in New Street; afterwards, in 1782, + in Bull Lane, in 1800 at a house in Little Colmore Street, and from + 1816 at the old Baptist Chapel in Little Cannon Street. In 1824 the + Act 5, George IV., cap 52, incorporated the assay of gold, the + guardians being 36 in number, from whom are chosen the wardens. On + July 14, 1877, the foundation stone was laid of the New Assay Office + in Newhall Street, and it was opened for business June 24, 1878. + </p> + <p> + <b>Assizes.</b>—Birmingham was "proclaimed" an assize + town January 14, 1859, but the first assizes were held in July, 1884. + </p> + <p> + <b>Aston.</b>—Eight hundred years ago, Aston filled a small + space in the Domesday book of history, wherein it is stated that the + estate consisted of eight hides of land, and three miles of wood, + worth £5, with 44 residents (one being a priest), and 1,200 + acres in cultivation. The present area of Aston Manor is 943 acres, on + which are built about 14,000 houses, having a population of some + 60,000 persons, and a rateable value of £140,000. In the first + ten years of the existence of the Local Board (1869 to 1878) + £30,000 was spent on main drainage works, £10,000 in + public improvements, and £53,000 in street improvements. Aston + has now its Public Buildings, Free Library, &c., as well as an + energetic School Board, and, though unsuccessful in its attempt in + 1876 to obtain a charter of incorporation, there can be little doubt + but that it will ultimately bloom forth in all the glories of a Mayor, + Aldermen, and Burgesses. Aston parish, which extends in several + directions into the borough of Birmingham, has an area of 13,786 + acres. + </p> + <p> + <b>Aston Almshouses</b> were built in 1655, according to the + provisions made by Sir Thomas Holte previous to his decease. + </p> + <p> + <b>Aston Church</b> was probably built about the year 1170, the nave + and part of chancel being added in 1231, the east end and arch of + chancel in 1310, and the tower and spire in 1440. The old building, + which contained an interesting collection of monuments in memory of + the Holtes, the Ardens, the Erdingtons, and other county families, has + been lately enlarged by the extension of the nave and aisles eastward, + and widening the chancel so as to accommodate about 1,200 people, + instead of 500. The whole of the monuments have been replaced in their + relative positions. + </p> + <p> + <b>Aston Cross Tavern</b> was opened as a licensed house and tea + gardens in 1775, the first landlord, Mr. Barron, dying in 1792, his + widow keeping it till her death in 1817. Of late years it has been a + favourite resort of all classes of athletes, though from being so + closely built to it has lost much of the attraction which drew our + grandfathers to its shady arbours when on country pleasure bent. The + park wall extended to the corner of and along the side of Park Lane, + opposite the tavern. + </p> + <p> + <b>Aston Hall and Park.</b>—This building was commenced by Sir + Thomas Holte in April, 1618, and finished in April, 1635, Inigo Jones + being accredited with the design. King Charles I., in his days of + trouble, paid a short visit to the Hall, his host being punished + afterwards by some of Cromwell's soldiers and the malcontents of + Birmingham besieging the place in the week after Christmas, 1643. The + brick wall round the park, nearly three miles long, but of which there + are now few traces left, was put up by Sir Lister Holte about 1750, + and tradition says it was paid for by some Staffordshire coal-masters, + who, supposing that coal lay underneath, conditioned with Sir Lister + that no mines should be sunk within [word missing—presume + "its"] boundary. The Hall and Park were held by the various + generations of the family till the death of the late Dowager Lady + Holte. (For an accurate and interesting description of the edifice see + Davidson's "Holtes of Aston.") The Act authorising the + sale of the Aston estates received the royal sanction on July 10, + 1817, and the sale of the furniture and effects in the Hall was + commenced by Messrs. J. and C. Robins on September 22. The sale lasted + nine days, there being 1,144 lots, which realised £2,150; the + farming stock, &c., being sold afterwards for £1,201. The + Hall and Park was put up on April 15, 1818, and was bought by Messrs. + Greenway, Greaves, and Whitehead, bankers, of Warwick, the estate of + 1,530 acres being let off by them in suitable lots. The herd of deer, + reduced to 150 head, was sold December 21. The Hall was rented by Mr. + James Watt, son of <i>the</i> James Watt, and for many years it was + closed to the public. At his death, in 1848, the changes which had + been going on all round for years begin to make themselves seen in the + shape of huge gaps in the old wall, houses springing up fast here and + there, and a street being cut through the noble avenue of chestnut + trees in 1852. By degrees, the park was reduced to 370 acres, which, + with the Hall, were offered to the town in 1850 for the sum of + £130,000; but the Town Council declined the bargain, though less + than one-half of the Park (150 acres) was sold immediately after for + more than all the money. In 1857 a "People's Park" + Company was started to "Save Aston Hall" and the few acres + close round it, an agreement being entered into for £35,000. + Many of the 20s. shares were taken up, and Her Majesty the Queen + performed the opening ceremony June 15, 1858. The speculation proved a + failure, as out of about £18,000 raised one-half went in + repairs, alterations, losses, &c., and it would have been lost to + the town had not the Corporation bought it in February, 1864. They + gave £33,000 (£7,000 being private subscriptions), and it + was at last opened as a free park, September 22, 1864. The picture + gallery is 136ft. long, by 18ft. wide and 16ft. high. In this and + various other rooms, will be found a miscellaneous museum of + curiosities, more or less rare, including stuffed birds and animals, + ancient tapestry and furniture, &c. + </p> + <p> + <b>Aston Lower Grounds,</b> the most beautiful pleasure grounds in the + Midland counties, cover 31 acres, and were originally nothing more + than the kitchen and private gardens and the fish-ponds belonging to + Aston Hall, and were purchased at the sale in 1818 by the Warwick + bankers, who let them to Mr. H.G. Quilter, at the time an attempt was + made to purchase the Hall and Park "by the people." Adding + to its attractions year by year, Mr. Quilter remained on the ground + until 1878, when a limited liability company was formed to take to the + hotel and premises, building an aquarium 320 feet long by 54 feet + wide, an assembly-room, 220 feet long, by 91 feet wide, and otherwise + catering for the comfort of their visitors, 10,000 of whom can be now + entertained and amused under shelter, in case of wet weather. Mr. + Quilter's selling price was £45,000, taking £25,000 in + shares, and £20,000 cash by instalments. The speculation did not + appear to be very successful, and the property is now in private + hands. The visitors to the Lower Grounds since 1864 have averaged + 280,000 per annum. + </p> + <p> + <b>Asylum,</b> in Summer Lane, was opened in July 1797, by the + Guardians of the Poor as an industrial residence and school for 250 + children. It was dismantled and closed in 1846, though the + "Beehive" carved over the door was allowed to remain on the + ruins some years after. + </p> + <p> + <b>Athenæum</b>—For the "diffusion of Literature and + Science" was established in March, 1839, but has long been merged + in the Midland Institute. In the building called the + "Athenæum", top of Temple Street, some of the early + exhibitions of paintings were held. + </p> + <p> + <b>Athenic Institute,</b> founded in 1841, was an institute of a + somewhat similar character to the Athenæum, though including + athletics, and existed no longer. + </p> + <p> + <b>Athletic Clubs.</b>—The first festival of the Birmingham + Athletic Club was held in 1868. On the 1st of March, 1880, an + association was organised of many of the bicycle clubs, cricket clubs, + football clubs, and similar athletic bodies in the town and + neighbourhood, under the name of "The Midland Counties + Amateurs' Athletic Union." + </p> + <p> + <b>Atlantic Cables.</b>—It would have been strange if Birmingham + had not had a hand in the making of these. For the cable laid in 1865, + 16,000 miles of copper wire, weighing 308 tons, were turned out by + Messrs. Bolton and Sons and Messrs. Wilkes and Sons. The cable itself + was 2,300 (nautical) miles in length. + </p> + <p> + <b>Baby Show.</b>—Let Mr. Inshaw, of the "Steam + Clock," have the <i>honour</i> of being recorded as the first to + introduce the Yankee notion of a "baby show," which took + place at his Music Hall, May 15, 1874. + </p> + <p> + <b>Bachelors.</b>—In 1695, bachelors over 24 had to pay a tax of + 1s., if "a common person," the scale running as high as + £12 10s. for a duke! Judging from the increase of the population + about that time, we doubt if even a "common" bachelor paid + here. The married folks had not much to laugh at though, for they had + to pay duty on every child that was born. Funny time, those! + </p> + <p> + <b>Balloons.</b>—A Mr. Harper was the first to scale the clouds + in a balloon from this town, January 4, 1785. He rose again on the 31, + from the Tennis Court, in Coleshill Street, and is said to have sailed + a distance of 57 miles in 80 minutes. Mr. Sadler went up from + Vauxhall, October 7th, 1811, and again on October 20th, 1823. Mr. + Green rose from Newhall Hill, July 17th, 1827, and several times + after. + </p> + <p> + <b>Balsall Heath.</b>—In some ancient deeds called "Boswell + Heath." The land round Mary street, known as the Balsall Heath + estate, was sold in building lots (234) in 1839, the last day's + sale being August 26, and the auctioneers, Messrs. E. & C. Robins. + Edwardes-street takes its name from the last owner of the estate, who, + if he could now but glance over the property, would be not a little + astonished at the changes which have taken place in the last forty + years, for, like unto Aston, it may be said to really form but a + portion of the ever-extending town of Birmingham. Balsall Heath, which + is in the parish of King's Norton, has now a Local Board (with its + offices in Lime Grove, Moseley Road) several Board schools, chapels, + and churches, a police court, and that sure mark of advancement, a + local newspaper. One thing still wanting, however, is a cemetery. + Though an appropriate and convenient spot near Cannon Hill Park was + chosen for the last resting-place, the ratepayers, at a meeting held + July 21, 1879, decided that they could not yet afford the required + outlay of some £17,000 necessary for the purpose, + notwithstanding that the annual rateable value of the property in the + neighbourhood is something like £70,000, and increasing by three + to four thousand a year. + </p> + <p> + <b>Banks and Bankers.</b>—The Birmingham Branch Bank of England + (drawing on the parent Bank of England), is in Bennett's Hill. + </p> + <p> + The local Branch of the National Provincial Bank of England (Lim.), + Bennett's Hill, also draws on its headquarters. It commenced + business here on New Year's Day 1827. + </p> + <p> + The Birmingham Banking Company (Lim.), also in Bennett's Hill, + draws on the London and Westminster. It opened its doors Sept. 1, + 1829, with a nominal capital of £500,000, in £50 shares, + £5 being paid up at starting. An amalgamation took place in the + year 1880 with the Stourbridge and Kidderminster Bank (established in + 1834) the united company having a paid-up capital of £286,000 + and a reserve of £312,000. + </p> + <p> + The Birmingham and Midland Bank (Limited) opened in Union Street, + August 23, 1836, removing to New Street in 1869. London agents, the + Union Bank of London. Authorised capital, £2,400,000. + </p> + <p> + The Birmingham, Dudley, and District Banking Co. (Limited) was + commenced in Colmore Row July 1st, 1836, as the Town and District + Bank, with a capital of £500,000, in £20 shares. London + agents, Barclay and Co., and Williams and Co. + </p> + <p> + The Birmingham Joint Stock Bank (Limited) opened in Temple Row West, + Jan. 1st, 1862, with a capital of £3,000,000, in £100 + shares, £10 paid. Agents, London Joint Stock. Has branches in + New Street and Great Hampton Street. + </p> + <p> + Lloyds' Banking Co. (Limited) Colmore Row, dates from June 3rd, + 1765. when it was known as Taylor and Lloyds, their first premises + being in Dale End [hence the name of Bank Passage]. This old + established firm has incorporated during its century of existence a + score of other banks, and lately has been amalgamated with Barnetts, + Hoares, and Co., of London, the present name being Lloyd, Barnett, + Bosanquet, and Co. (Limited). There are sub-offices also in Great + Hampton Street, Deritend, Five Ways and Aston. In this and adjoining + counties, Lloyds' number about 40 branch establishments. + </p> + <p> + The Worcester City and County Banking Co. (Limited), drawing on Glynn + and Co., removed from Cherry Street to their newly-built edifice in + Colmore Row, June 1, 1880. + </p> + <p> + The Union Bank of Birmingham (Limited), Waterloo Street, commenced + business with a nominal capital of £1,000,000, in £20 + shares, £5 paid. London agents, the City Bank. It has since been + taken over by the Midland Bank. + </p> + <p> + <b>Banks.</b>—A popular Penny Bank was established in 1851, but + came to grief in 1865, closing March 16, with assets £1,608, to + pay debts £9,448. Another penny bank was opened in Granville + Street, April 13, 1861, and is still carried on at the Immanuel + Schools, Tennant Street, with about 5,000 depositors at the present + time. + </p> + <p> + A Local Savings Bank was opened in May, 1827, and legalised in the + year after, but ultimately its business was transferred to the Post + Office Savings Bank, which opened its doors in Cannon Street, Dec. 1, + 1863. By a Government return, it appeared that at the end of 1880 the + total amount to the credit of depositors in the Post Office Savings + Banks of the Kingdom stood at £30,546,306. After the + Metropolitan counties of Middlesex, Surrey, and Kent, Warwickshire + comes next with a deposit of £1,564,815, the average for the + whole of the English counties being but little over £500,000. + </p> + <p> + <b>Banks Defunct.</b>—The old-established concern known so long + as Attwood and Spooner's closed its doors March 10, 1865, with + liabilities amounting to £1,007,296. The Joint Stock Bank took + the business, and paid 11s. 3d. in the £. + </p> + <p> + Bank of Deposit stopped Oct. 26, 1861. + </p> + <p> + The Borough Bank, a branch of Northern and Central Bank of England, + stopped Feb. 24, 1840. + </p> + <p> + The Commercial (Branch) Bank, closed July 27, 1840. + </p> + <p> + Coates, Woolley and Gordon, who occupied the premises at corner of + Cherry Street and Cannon Street in 1814, was joined to Moilliet's, + and by them to Lloyds. + </p> + <p> + Freer, Rotton, Lloyds and Co., of 1814, changed to Rotton, Onions and + Co., then Rotton and Scholefield, next to Rotton and Son, and lastly + with its manager transferred to National Provincial. + </p> + <p> + Galton, Galton and James, of 1814, retired in 1830. + </p> + <p> + Gibbins, Smith, and Co. failed in 1825, paying nearly 20s. in the + £. + </p> + <p> + Gibbins and Lowell, opened in 1826, but was joined to Birmingham + Banking Co. in 1829. + </p> + <p> + Smith, Gray, Cooper and Co., of 1815, afterwards Gibbins, Smith, and + Goode, went in 1825. + </p> + <p> + <b>Banknotes.</b>—Notes for 5/3 were issued in 1773. 300 + counterfeit £1 notes, dated 1814, were found near Heathfield + House, January 16, 1858. A noted forger of these shams is said to have + resided in the immediate neighbourhood about the period named on the + discovered "flimsies." When Boulton and Watt were trying to + get the Act passed patenting their copying-press the officials of the + Bank of England opposed it for fear it should lead to forgery of their + notes, and several Members of Parliament actually tried to copy + banknotes as they did their letters. + </p> + <p> + <b>Bankrupts.</b>—In the year 1882 (according to the <i>Daily + Post</i>) there were 297 bankruptcies, compositions, or liquidations + in Birmingham, the total amount of debts being a little over + £400,000. The dividends ranged from 2d. to 15s. in the £, + one-half the whole number, however, realising under 1s. 6d. The + estimated aggregate loss to creditors is put at £243,000. + </p> + <p> + <b>Baptists.</b>—As far back as 1655, we have record of meetings + or conferences of the Baptist churches in the Midland district, their + representatives assembling at Warwick on the second day of the third + month, and at Moreton-in-the-Marsh, on the 26th of the fourth month in + that year. Those were the Cromwellian days of religious freedom, and + we are somewhat surprised that no Birmingham Baptists should be among + those who gathered together at the King's Head, at Moreton, on the + last named date, as we find mention made of brethren from Warwick, + Tewkesbury, Alcester, Derby, Bourton-on-the-Water, Hook Norton, + Moreton-in-the-Marsh, and even of there being a community of the same + persuasion at Cirencester. The conference of the Midland Counties' + District Association of Baptist Churches met in this town for the + first time in 1740.—For Chapels see "<i><a class="internal" + href="#Birm4">Places of Worship</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Barr Beacon.</b>—A trial was made on January 10, 1856, as to + how far a light could be seen by the ignition of a beacon on Malvern + Hills. It was said to have been seen from Snowdon in Wales (105 + miles), and at other parts of the country at lesser distances, though + the gazers at Worcester saw it not. The look-out at Dudley Castle (26 + miles) could have passed the signal on to Barr Beacon, but it was not + needed, as the Malvern light was not only seen there, but still away + on at Bardon Hill, Leicester.—Many persons imagine that Barr + Beacon is the highest spot in the Midland Counties, but the idea is + erroneous, Turners Hill, near Lye Cross, Rowley Regis, which is 893 + ft. above mean sea level, being considerably higher, while the Clee + Hills reach an altitude of 1,100 ft. + </p> + <p> + <b>Barber of Birmingham, The.</b>—The knights of the pole (or + poll) have always been noted for getting into mischief, and it is not + therefore so very surprising to find that in March, 1327, a royal + pardon had to be granted to "Roger, the barber of + Birmingham," for the part he had taken in the political + disturbances of that time. Was he a Con., or a Lib., Tory or Rad.? + </p> + <p> + <b>Baron of Birmingham.</b>—One of the titles of Lord Ward. + </p> + <p> + <b>Barracks.</b>—Built in 1793, at a cost of £13,000, as a + consequence of the riots of 1791. + </p> + <p> + <b>Barring Out</b>—On the 26th of Nov. 1667, the scholars of the + Grammar School "barred out" the Master, and then left the + school for a time. When they returned they found the worthy pedagogue + had obtained admission and intended to keep his young rebels outside. + Whereupon, says an old chronicler, they, being reinforced by certain + of the townsmen "in vizards, and with pistolls and other + armes," sought to re-enter by assault, threatening to kill the + Master, and showering stones and bricks through the windows. When the + fun was over the Governors passed a law that any boy taking part in + future "barrings-out" should be expelled from the School, + but the amusement seems to have been rather popular, as an entry in + the School records some ten years later show that a certain Widow + Spooner was paid one shilling "for cleansinge ye Schoole at + penninge out." + </p> + <p> + <b>Baskerville (John).</b>—This celebrated local worthy was a + native of Wolverley, near Kidderminster, having been born in the year + 1706. He came to this town in early life, as we find that he kept a + writing school in 1726. In 1745 he built himself a residence at + Easy-hill, and carried on the business of japanner afterwards adding + to it that of printer and typefounder. His achievements in this line + have made his name famous for ever, though it is said that he spent + £600 before he could produce one letter to his own satisfaction, + and some thousands before he obtained any profits from his printing + trade. He was somewhat eccentric in personal matters of dress and + taste, his carriage (drawn by cream-coloured horses) being a wonderful + specimen of the art of japanning in the way of pictured panels, etc., + while he delighted to adorn his person in the richest style of dress. + The terms of his peculiar will, and his apparent renunciation of + Christianity, were almost as curious as his choice of a place of + sepulture. He was buried in his own grounds under a solid cone of + masonry, where his remains lay until 1821, at which time the canal + wharf, now at Easy Row, was being made. His body was found in a good + state of preservation, and for some short period was almost made a + show of, until by the kindness of Mr. Knott the bookseller, it was + taken to Us present resting-place in one of the vaults under Christ + Church. Mr. Baskerville died January 8, 1775, his widow living till + March 21, 1787, to the age of 80 years. + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm138"></a>Baths.</b>—Ladywell Baths were said by + Hutton to be the most complete in the island, being seven in number, + that for swimmers 36 yards long by 18 wide, and cost £2,000. The + place is now occupied by a timber yard, the old spring being covered + in, though fitted with a pump for public use. For many years a tribe + of water carriers procured a living by retailing the water at a + halfpenny per can. The red sand from the New Street tunnels was turned + to account in tilling up the old baths, much to the advantage of Mr. + Turner, the lessee, and of the hauliers who turned the honest penny by + turning in so near at hand. + </p> + <p> + <b>Baths and Wash-houses.</b>—The local movement for the + establishment of public Baths first took practical shape at a meeting + held Nov. 19,1844, within a week of which date subscriptions amounting + to £4,430 were received for the purpose. The Association then + formed purchased a plot of land in Kent Street in June, 1846, and + presented it to the Town Council in November following, though the + Baths erected thereon were not opened to the public until May 12, + 1851. It was at that time imagined that the working classes would he + glad of the boon provided for them in the convenient wash-houses + attached to the Baths proper, and the chance given them to do away + with all the sloppy, steamy annoyances of washing-day at home, but the + results proved otherwise, and the wash-houses turned out to be not + wanted. The Woodcock Street establishment was opened August 27, 1860; + Northwood Street, March 5, 1862; Sheepcote Street in 1878, and + Ladywood in 1882. Turkish Baths are now connected with the above, and + there are also private speculations of the same kind in High Street, + Broad Street, and the Crescent. Hardy swimmers, who prefer taking + their natatory exercises in the open air, will find provision made for + them at the Reservoir, at Cannon Hill Park, and also at Small Heath + Park. The swimming-bath in George Street, Balsall Heath, opened in + 1846, was filled up in 1878, by order of the Local Board of Health. + </p> + <p> + <b>Bath Street</b> takes its name from some baths formerly in Blews + Street, but which, about 1820, were turned into a malthouse. + </p> + <p> + <b>Battle Of the Alma.</b>—A disturbance which took place at a + steeplechase meeting at Aston, Monday, March 26, 1855, received this + grandiloquent title. + </p> + <p> + <b>Battles and Sieges.</b>—It is more than probable that the + British, under their gallant Queen Boadicea, fought the Romans more + than once in the near vicinity of this district, and very possibly in + those happy days of feudalism, which followed the invasion of the + Normans, when every knight and squire surrounded himself with his + armed retainers, sundry skirmishes may have taken place hereabouts, + but history is silent. Even of the battle of Barnet (April 14, 1471), + when the Earl of Warwick and 10,000 men were slain, we have not + sufficient note to say, though it can hardly be doubted, that many + Birmingham citizens went down. But still we have on record one real + "Battle of Birmingham," which took place on the 3rd of + April, 1643. On that day our town was attacked by Prince Rupert, with + some 2,000 horse and foot; being pretty stoutly opposed, his soldiers + slew a number of inhabitants, burnt nearly 80 houses, and did damage + (it is said) to the extent of £30,000. It took five days for the + news of this exploit to reach London. In the week following Christmas + of the same year, a number of townspeople, aided by a party of the + Commonwealth soldiers, laid siege to, and captured, Aston Hall. + </p> + <p> + <b>Bazaars.</b>—When originated none can tell. How much good + done by means of them, nobody knows. But that immense amounts have + been raised for good and charitable purposes, none can deny—and + then, "they are <i>such</i> fun!". "Grand Bazaars" + have been held for many an institution, and by many different sects + and parties, and to attempt to enumerate them would be an + impossibility, but the one on behalf of the Queen's Hospital, held + in April, 1880, is noteworthy, for two reasons:—first, because + the proceeds amounted to the munificent sum of £5,969, and, + secondly, from the novelty of the decorations. The body of the Town + Hall was arranged to represent an English street of the olden time, a + baronial castle rising tower upon tower at the great gallery end, and + an Elizabethan mansion in the orchestra, with a lawn in front, + occupied by a military band. The sides of the Hall constituted a + double row of shops, the upper storeys (reaching to the galleries) + being filled with casements and balconies, from whence the doings in + the street could be witnessed. + </p> + <p> + <b>Bean Club.</b>—The first anniversary we read of was that held + July 17, 1752, at which meeting Lord Fielding gave £120 to erect + an altarpiece in St. Bartholomew's. + </p> + <p> + <b>Beardsworth (John).</b>—Founder of the Repository, began life + as driver of a hackney coach, in which one night he drove a beautiful + young lady to a ball. John went home, dressed, procured admission to + the ball, danced with the lady, handed her to the coach, drove her + home, and some time after married her. The lady's cash enabled him + to acquire an ample fortune, being at one time worth nearly a quarter + of a million, most of which, however, was lost on the turf. The + Repository was the largest establishment of the kind in the kingdom, + and Beardsworth'a house adjoining was furnished in most splendid + style, one centre table (made of rich and rare American wood) costing + £1,500. + </p> + <p> + <b>Beelzebub.</b>—Watt's first steam engine was so + christened. It was brought from Scotland, put up at Soho, and used for + experimenting upon. It was replaced by "Old Bess," the first + engine constructed upon the expansive principle. This latter engine is + now in the Museum of Patents, South Kensington, though Mr. Smiles says + he saw it working in 1857, seventy years after it was made. + </p> + <p> + <b>Beer.</b>—Brewers of beer were first called upon to pay a + license duty in 1784, though the sellers thereof had been taxed more + or less for 250 years previously. The effect of the heavy duties then + imposed was to reduce the consumption of the national and wholesome + beverage, which in 1782 averaged one barrel per head of the then + population per annum, down to half-a-barrel per head in 1830, its + place being filled by an increased consumption of ardent spirits, + which from half-a-gallon per head in 1782, rose by degrees to + six-sevenths of a gallon per head by 1830. In this year, the statesmen + of the day, who thought more of the well-being of the working part of + the population than raising money by the taxation of their + necessaries, took off the 10s. per barrel on beer, in the belief that + cheap and good malt liquors would be more likely to make healthy + strong men than an indulgence in the drinking of spirits. + Notwithstanding all the wild statements of the total abstainers to the + contrary, the latest Parliamentary statistics show that the + consumption of beer per head per annum averages <i>now</i> only + seven-eighths of a barrel, though before even this moderate quantity + reaches the consumers, the Government takes [see <a class="internal" + href="#Birm5">Inland Revenue returns, 1879, before alteration of + malt-tax</a>] no less a sum than £19,349 per year from the good + people of Birmingham alone. Of this sum the brewers paid £9,518, + the maltsters £425, beer dealers £2,245, and beer + retailers £7,161. + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm136"></a>Bells.</b>—There was a bell foundry at + Good Knave's End, in 1760, from whence several neighbouring + churches were supplied with bells to summon the good knaves of the day + to prayers, or to toll the bad knaves to <i>their</i> end. There was + also one at Holloway Head, in 1780, but the business must have been + hollow enough, for it did not go ahead, and we find no record of + church bells being cast here until just a hundred years back (1732), + when Messrs. Blews & Son took up the trade. Birmingham bells have, + however, made some little noise in the world, and may still be heard + on sea or land, near and far, in the shape of door bells, ship bells, + call bells, hand bells, railway bells, sleigh bells, sheep bells, fog + bells, mounted on rockbound coasts to warn the weary mariner, or + silver bells, bound with coral from other coasts, to soothe the + toothless babbler. These, and scores of others, are ordered here every + year by thousands; but the strangest of all orders must have been that + one received by a local firm some fifteen years ago from a West + African prince, who desired them to send him 10,000 house bells (each + 3/4 lb. weight), wherewith to adorn his iron "palace." And + he had them! Edgar Poe's bells are nowhere, in comparison with + </p> + <div class="poem"> + Such a charm, such a chime,<br /> + Out of tune, out of time.<br /> + Oh, the jangling and the wrangling<br /> + Of ten thousand brazen throats. + </div> + <p> + Ten bells were put in St. Martin's, in 1786, the total weight + being 7 tons, 6 cwt. 2 lbs. + </p> + <p> + The peal of ten bells in St. Philip's were first used August 7, + 1751, the weight being 9 tons 10 cwt. 22 lbs., the tenor weighs 30 + cwt. + </p> + <p> + A new peal of eight bells were put up in Aston Church, in May, 1776, + the tenor weighing 21 cwt. The St. Martin's Society of Change + Ringers "opened" them, July 15, by ringing Holt's + celebrated peal of 5040 grandsire triples, the performance occupying 3 + hours 4 minutes. + </p> + <p> + Eight bells and a clock were mounted in the tower of Deritend Chapel, + in 1776, the first peal being rung July 29. + </p> + <p> + The eight bells in Bishop Ryder's Church, which weigh 55 cwt., and + cost £600, were cast in 1868, by Blews and Sons, and may be + reckoned as the first full peal founded in Birmingham. + </p> + <p> + There are eight bells in Harborne Parish Church, four of them bearing + date 1697, two with only the makers' name on, and two put in + February, 1877, on the 24th of which month the whole peal were + inaugurated by the ringing of a true peal of Stedman triples, composed + by the late Thomas Thurstans, and consisting of 5,040 changes, in 2 + hours and 52 minutes. The St. Martin's ringers officiated. + </p> + <p> + The six bells of Northfield Church were cast by Joseph Smith, of + Edgbaston, in 1730. + </p> + <p> + St. Chad's Cathedral has eight bells, five of which were presented + in 1848 as a memorial to Dr. Moore; the other three, from the foundry + of W. Blews and Sons, were hung in March, 1877 the peculiar ceremony + of "blessing the bells" being performed by Bishop Ullathorne + on the 22nd of that month. The three cost £110. The bells at + Erdington Catholic Church were first used on February 2, 1878. + </p> + <p> + <b>Bellows to Mend.</b>—Our townspeople bellowed a little over + their losses after Prince Rupert's rueful visit, but there was one + among them who knew how to "raise the wind," for we find + Onions, the bellows-maker, hard at work in 1650; and his descendants + keep at the same old game. + </p> + <p> + <b>Bennett's Hill.</b>—There was a walled-in garden (with an + old brick summer-house) running up from Waterloo-street to Colmore-row + as late as 1838-9. + </p> + <p> + <b>Benefit and Benevolent Societies.</b>—See "<i><a class= + "internal" href="#Birm6">Friendly Societies</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Bellbarn Road</b>, or the road to Mr. Bell's barn. + </p> + <p> + <b>Bermingham.</b>—The Irish family of this name descended from + Robert, son of Peter de Bermingham, who left here and settled in + Connaught about the year 1169. + </p> + <p> + <b>Bibles and Testaments.</b>—In 1272 the price of a Bible, well + written out, was £30 sterling, and there were few readers of it + in Birmingham. The good book can now be bought for 6d., and it is to + be hoped there is one in every house. The Rev. Angell James once + appealed to his congregation for subscriptions towards sending a + million New Testaments to China, and the Carrslaneites responded + promptly with £410 8s., enough to pay for 24,624 + copies—the publisher's price being 4d. each. They can be + bought for a penny now.—A local Auxiliary Bible Society was + commenced here May 9, 1806. + </p> + <p> + <b>Bingley Hall</b>—Takes its name from Bingley House, on the + site of which it is built. It was erected in 1850 by Messrs. Branson + and Gwyther, at a cost of about £6,000, the proprietary shares + being £100 each. In form it is nearly a square, the + admeasurements being 224 ft. by 212 ft., giving an area of nearly one + acre and a half. There are ten entrance doors, five in King + Edward's Place, and five in King Alfred's Place, and the + building may be easily divided into five separate compartments. The + Hall will hold from 20,000 to 25,000 people, and is principally used + for Exhibitions and Cattle Shows; with occasionally "monster + meetings," when it is considered necessary for the welfare of the + nation to save sinners or convert Conservatives. + </p> + <p> + <b>Bird's-eye View</b> of the town can be best obtained from the + dome of the Council House, to which access may be obtained on + application to the Curator. Some good views may be also obtained from + some parts of Moseley Road, Cannon Hill Park, and from Bearwood Road. + </p> + <p> + <b>Birmingham.</b>—A horse of this name won the Doncaster St. + Leger in 1830 against 27 competitors. The owner, John Beardsworth, + cleared £40,000. He gave Connolly, the jockey, £2,000. + </p> + <p> + <b>Birmingham Abroad.</b>—Our brethren who have emigrated do not + like to forget even the name of their old town, and a glance over the + American and Colonial census sheet shows us that there are at least a + score of other Birminghams in the world. In New Zealand there are + three, and in Australia five townships so christened. Two can be found + in Canada, and ten or twelve in the United States, the chief of which + is Birmingham in Alabama. In 1870 this district contained only a few + inhabitants, but in the following year, with a population of 700, it + was incorporated, and at once took rank as a thriving city, now + proudly called "The Iron City," from its numerous ironworks, + furnaces, and mills. Last year the citizens numbered over 12,000, the + annual output of pig-iron being about 60,000 tons, and the coal mines + in the neighbourhood turning out 2,000 tons per day. The city is 240 + miles from Nashville, 143 miles from Chattanooga, and 96 miles from + Montgomery, all thriving places, and is a central junction of six + railways. The climate is good, work plentiful, wages fair, provisions + cheap, house rent not dear, churches and schools abundant, and if any + of our townsmen are thinking of emigrating they may do a deal worse + than go from hence to that other Birmingham, which its own + "daily" says is a "City of marvellous wonder and magic + growth," &c., &c. + </p> + <p> + <b>Birmingham Begging.</b>—Liberal to others as a rule when in + distress, it is on record that once at least the inhabitants of this + town were the recipients of like favours at the hands of their + fellow-countrymen. In the churchwardens' books of Redenall, + Norfolk, under date September 20, 1644, is an entry of 6s. paid + "to Richard Herbert, of Birmingham, where was an hundred fifty + and five dwelling house burnt by Pr. Rupert." + </p> + <p> + <b>Birmingham Borough,</b> which is in the hundred of Hemlingford, and + wholly in the county of Warwick, includes the parish of Birmingham, + part of the parish of Edgbaston, and the hamlets of + Deritend-and-Bordesley, and Duddeston-cum-Nechells, in the parish of + Aston. The extreme length is six miles one furlong, the average + breadth three miles, the circumference twenty-one miles, and the total + area 8,420 acres, viz., Birmingham, 2,955; in Edgbaston, 2,512; and in + Aston, 2,853. Divided into sixteen wards by an Order in Council, + approved by Her Majesty, October 15, 1872. The mean level of + Birmingham is reckoned as 443 feet above sea level. + </p> + <p> + <b>Birmingham Heath.</b>—Once an unenclosed common, and part of + it may now be said to be common property, nearly 100 acres of it being + covered with public buildings for the use of such as need a common + home. There is not, however, anything commonplace in the style of + these erections for sheltering our common infirmities, as the + Workhouse, Gaol, and Asylum combined have cost "the Commons" + something like £350,000. The Volunteers in 1798 made use of part + of the Heath as a practice and parade ground. + </p> + <p> + <b>Birmingham Bishops.</b>—The Rev. John Milner, a Catholic + divine and eminent ecclesiastical antiquary, who was educated at + Edgbaston, was appointed Bishop Apostolic in the Midland district, + with the title of "Bishop of Castaballa." He died in 1826, + in his 74th year.—Dr. Ullathorne was enthroned at St. + Chad's, August 30th, 1848, as Bishop of the present Catholic + diocese.—The Rev. P. Lee, Head Master of Free Grammar School in + 1839, was chosen as the first Bishop of Manchester.— The Rev. S. + Thornton, St. George's, was consecrated Bishop of Ballarat, May 1, + 1875.—The Rev. Edward White Benson, D.D., a native of this town, + was nominated first Bishop of Truro, in December, 1876, and is now + Archbishop of Canterbury.—The Rev. Thomas Huband Gregg resigned + the vicarage of East Harborne in March, 1877, and on June 20 was + consecrated at New York a Bishop of the Reformed Episcopal Church. + </p> + <p> + <b>Birmingham</b> (<b>Little</b>).—In a record of the early date + of 1313 there is mention of a place called Little Birmingham (parvam + Birmingham), as being in the hundreds of North and South Erpyngham, + Norfolk. + </p> + <p> + <b>Birmingham in the Future.</b>—It has been proposed that the + Borough should be extended so as to include the Local Board districts + of Harborne and Handsworth, Balsall Heath, Moseley, King's Heath, + part of King's Norton parish, the whole of Yardley and Acock's + Green, part of Northfield parish, all Aston Manor, Saltley, Witton, + Little Bromwich, and Erdington, covering an area of about 32,000 + acres, with a present population of over half a million. + </p> + <p> + <b>Blind Asylum.</b>—See "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm7">Philanthropic Institutions</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Blondin</b> made his first appearance at Aston Park, June 8, 1861; + at the Birmingham Concert Hall, December, 1869, and March, 1870; at + the Reservoir September, 1873, and September, 1878. Mrs. Powell, who + was known as the "Female Blondin," was killed at a + fête in Aston Park, July 20, 1868, by falling from the high + rope. + </p> + <p> + <b>Bloomsbury Institute.</b>—Opened in 1860. The memorial stones + of the lecture-hall in Bloomsbury Street were laid August 6, 1877, the + £750 cost being given by Mr. David Smith. Seats 500. + </p> + <p> + <b>Blue Coat School.</b>—See "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm8">Schools</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Blues.</b>—The United Society of True Blues was founded in + 1805 by a number of old Blue Coat boys (formerly known as "The + Grateful Society") who joined in raising an annual subscription + for the School. + </p> + <p> + <b>Board Schools.</b>—See "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm9">School Board</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Boatmen's Hall,</b> erected on Worcester Wharf, by Miss Ryland, + was opened March 17, 1879. + </p> + <p> + <b>Bonded Warehouses.</b>—Our Chamber of Commerce memoralised + the Lords of the Treasury for the extension of the bonded warehouse + system to this town, in December, 1858, but it was several years + before permission was obtained. + </p> + <p> + <b>Books.</b>—The oldest known Birmingham book is a "Latin + Grammar, composed in the English tongue," printed in London in + 1652, for Thomas Underhill, its author having been one of the masters + of our Free School. + </p> + <p> + <b>Book Club (The).</b>—Commenced some few years previous to + 1775, at which time its meetings were held in Poet Freeth's, + Leicester Arms, Bell-street. As its name implies, the club was formed + for the purchase and circulation among the members of new or choice + books, which were sold at the annual dinner, hence the poet's hint + in one of his invitations to these meetings:— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + "Due regard let the hammer be paid, Ply the glass gloomy care to + dispel; If mellow our hearts are all made, The books much better may + sell." + </p> + <p> + In these days of cheap literature, free libraries, and halfpenny + papers, such a club is not wanted. + </p> + <p> + <b>Books on Birmingham.</b>—Notes of Birmingham were now and + then given before the days of that dear old antiquary Hutton, but + <i>his</i> "History" must always take rank as the first. + Morfitt's was amusing as far as it went; Bissett's was ditto + and pictorial; but it remained till the present period for really + reliable sketches to be given. The best are Langford's + "Century of Birmingham Life," Harman's "Book of + Dates," Dent's "Old and New Birmingham," + Bunce's "Municipal History," and the last is + "Showell's Dictionary of Birmingham." + </p> + <p> + <b>Botanical Gardens.</b>—See "<i>Horticultural Societies</i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Borough Members.</b>—See "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm11">Parliamentary Elections</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Boulton (Mathew).</b>—The son of a hardware manufacturer of + the same name, was born here on September 3, 1728 (old style) and + received his education principally at the academy of the Rev. Mr. + Anstey, Deritend. He is accredited with having at the early age of + seventeen invented the inlaying of steel buckles, buttons and + trinkets, which for many years were in great request. These articles + at first were exported to France in large quantities, being afterwards + brought from thence and sold in London as the latest Parisian fashion. + In 1762 (his father having left him a considerable property) Mr. + Boulton leased a quantity of the land then forming part of Birmingham + Heath, where at a cost of over £10,000 he erected the famous + Soho Works, and later on (in 1794) he purchased the freehold of that + and a considerable tract of the adjoining land. In 1767 steam was + first brought into use to supplement the power derived from the water + wheels, and in 1769 he became acquainted with James Watt, with whom he + afterwards went into partnership to make steam engines of all kinds, + sinking £47,000 before he had any return for his money. Mr. + Boulton lived to the patriarchal age of fourscore and one, leaving + this life on August 7, 1809. He was buried at Handsworth, 600 workmen, + besides numberless friends, following his remains; all of whom were + presented with hatbands and gloves and a silver medal, and regaled + with a dinner, the funeral costing altogether about + £2,000.—See "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm12">Coinage</a></i>," &c. + </p> + <p> + <b>Bourne College,</b> erected by the Primitive Methodists and their + friends, at Quinton, at a cost of nearly £10,00, was formally + opened on October 240 [Transcriber's note: as original] 1882. When + completed there will be accommodation for 120 students. + </p> + <p> + <b>Bowling Greens.</b>—These seem to have been favourite places + of resort with our grandfathers and great-grandfathers. The completion + of one at the Union Tavern, Cherry Street, was announced March 26, + 1792, but we read of another as attached to the Hen and Chickens, in + High Street, as early as 1741. There is a very fine bowling-green at + Aston Hall, and lovers of the old-fashioned game can be also + accommodated at Cannon Hill Park, and at several suburban hotels. + </p> + <p> + <b>Boys' Refuge</b> is at corner of Bradford Street and Alcester + Street, and the Secretary will be glad of help. + </p> + <p> + <b>Boyton.</b>—Captain Boyton showed his life-preserving dress, + at the Reservoir, April 24, 1875. + </p> + <p> + <b>Bracebridge.</b>—A very ancient family, long connected with + this neighbourhood, for we read of Peter de Bracebrigg who married a + grand-daughter of the Earl of Warwick in A.D. 1100, and through her + inherited Kingsbury, an ancient residence of the Kings of Mercia. In + later days the Bracebridges became more intimately connected with this + town by the marriage in 1775 of Abraham Bracebridge, Esq., of + Atherstone, with Mary Elizabeth, the only child and heiress of Sir + Charles Holte, to whom the Aston estates ultimately reverted. Many + articles connected with the Holte family have been presented to + Birmingham by the descendants of this marriage. + </p> + <p> + <b>Bradford Street</b> takes its name from Henry Bradford, who, in + 1767, advertised that he would give a freehold site to any man who + would build the first house therein. + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm3"></a>Breweries.</b>—In the days of old nearly + every publican and innkeeper was his own brewer, the fame of his house + depending almost solely on the quality of the "stingo" he + could pour out to his customers. The first local brewery on a large + scale appears to have been that erected in Moseley Street in 1782, + which even down to late years retained its cognomen of the Birmingham + Old Brewery. In 1817 another company opened a similar extensive + establishment at St. Peter's Place, in Broad Street, and since + then a number of enterprising individuals have at times started in the + same track, but most have come grief, even in the case of those whose + capital was not classed under the modern term "limited." The + principal local breweries now in existence are those of Messrs. + Holder, Mitchell, and Bates, in addition to the well-known Crosswells + Brewery of Messrs Walter Showell and Sons, noted in next paragraph. + The principal Vinegar Brewery in Birmingham is that of Messrs. Fardon + and Co. (Limited), in Glover Street, which was formed in 1860, and is + well worthy of the stranger's visit. The annual output is about + 850,000 gallons, there being storage for nearly a million gallons, and + 36,000 casks to send the vinegar out in. + </p> + <p> + <b>Brewery at Crosswells.</b>—Though by far the most extensive + brewery supplying Birmingham, the Crosswells cannot claim to be more + than in the infancy of its establishment at present, as only twelve + years ago the many acres of ground now covered by its buildings formed + but part of an unenclosed piece of waste land. Nevertheless, the spot + was well-known and often visited in ancient times, on account of the + wonderful and miraculous cures said to have been effected by the free + use of the water gushing up from the depths of the springs to be found + there, and which the monks of old had christened "The Wells of + the Cross." Be its medicinal qualities what they might in the + days before Harry the Eighth was king, the Cross Wells water retained + its name and fame for centuries after the monks were banished and the + burly king who drove them out had himself turned to dust. It has + always been acknowledged as one of the purest waters to be found in + the kingdom; but its peculiar and special adaptability to the brewing + of "good old English cheer" was left to be discovered by the + founder of the firm of Messrs. Walter Showell and Sons, who, as stated + before, some twelve years back, erected the nucleus of the present + extensive brewery. Starting with the sale of only a few hundred + barrels per week, the call for their ales soon forced the proprietors + to extend their premises in order that supply should meet demand. At + first doubled, then quadrupled, the brewery is now at least ten times + its original size; and a slight notion of the business carried on may + be gathered from the fact that the firm's stock of barrels tots up + to nearly 60,000 and is being continually increased, extensive + cooperages, blacksmiths' shops, &c., being attached to the + brewery, as well as malthouses, offices, and storehouses of all kinds. + The head offices of the firm, which are connected by telephone with + the brewery, as well as with the stores at Kingston Buildings, + Crescent Wharf, are situated in Great Charles Street, and thus the + Crosswells Brewery (though really at Langley Green, some half-dozen + miles away as the crow flies) becomes entitled to rank as a Birmingham + establishment, and certainly not one of the least, inasmuch as the + weekly sale of Crosswells ales for this town alone is more than 80,000 + gallons per week. + </p> + <p> + <b>Brickkiln Lane,</b> now called the Horse Fair, gives its own + derivation. + </p> + <p> + <b>Bright.</b>—The Right Hon. John Bright, though not a + Birmingham man, nor connected with the town by any ties of personal + interest or business, has for the last quarter-century been the + leading member returned to Parliament as representing the borough, and + must always rank foremost among our men of note. Mr. Bright is the son + of the late Jacob Bright, of Greenbank, near Rochdale, and was born + November 16, 1811. He and his brother, Mr. Jacob Bright, M.P. for + Manchester, began business as partners in the affiliated firms of John + Bright and Brothers, cotton spinners and manufacturers, Rochdale, and + Bright and Co., carpet manufacturers, Rochdale and Manchester. At an + early age Mr. Bright showed a keen interest in politics, and took part + in the Reform agitation of 1831-32. In those days every householder + was compelled by law to pay the Church-rates levied in his parish, + whatever his religious creed might be, and it is said that Mr. + Bright's first flights of oratory were delivered from a tombstone + in Rochdale church-yard in indignant denunciation of a tax which to + him, as a member of the Society of Friends, appeared especially + odious. It was not, however, till 1839, when he joined the Anti-Corn + Law League, that Mr. Bright's reputation spread beyond his own + immediate neighbourhood; and there can be no doubt but that his fervid + addresses, coupled with the calmer and more logical speeches of Mr. + Cobden, contributed in an appreciable degree to the success of the + movement. In July, 1843, he was returned as M.P. for the city of + Durham, which he represented until the general election of 1847, when + he was the chosen of Manchester. For ten years he was Manchester's + man in everything, but the side he took in regard to the Russian war + was so much at variance with the popular opinions of his constituents + that they at last turned on him, burnt his effigy in the streets, and + threw him out at the general election in March, 1857. At the death of + Mr. G.F. Muntz, in July following, Mr. Bright was almost unanimously + selected to fill his place as M.P. for this town, and for 25 years he + has continued to honour Birmingham by permitting us to call him + <i>our</i> member. (See "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm11">Parliamentary Elections</a></i>.") Mr. Bright has been + twice married, but is now a widower, and he has twice held office in + the Cabinet, first as President of the Board Of Trade, and more lately + as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. + </p> + <p> + <b>Bristol Road.</b>—Trees were first planted in this road in + the spring of 1853. + </p> + <p> + <b>Britannia Metal.</b>—A mixed metal formed of 90 parts of tin, + 2 copper, and 8 antimony, brought into use about 1790, and long a + favourite with manufacturers and public alike. The introduction of + electroplating did much towards its extended make at first, but + latterly it has been in great measure, replaced by German silver and + other alloys. + </p> + <p> + <b>British Association</b> for the Advancement, of Science first met + in this town Aug. 26, 1839. They were here again Oct. 12, 1857, and + Sep. 6, 1865. + </p> + <p> + <b>Brittle Street</b> formerly ran from Livery Street to Snow Hill, + about the spot where now the entrance gates to the Station are. + </p> + <p> + <b>Broad Street.</b>—150 years ago part of what is now known as + Dale End was called Broad Street, the present thoroughfare of that + name then being only a pathway through the fields. + </p> + <p> + <b>Brunswick Buildings.</b>—Erected in New Street, by Mr. Samuel + Haines in 1854. A funny tale has been told about the original lease, + which included a covenant that at the expiration of the term of 100 + years for which it was granted, the land was to be delivered up to the + Grammar School "well cropped with potatoes." In 1760 New + Street <i>was</i> a new street indeed, for there were but a few + cottages with gardens there then, and the potatoe proviso was no doubt + thought a capital provision; but fancy growing that choice edibie + there in 1860! + </p> + <p> + <b>Buck.</b>—Henry Buck, P.G.M., and Sec. of the Birmingham + district of the Manchester Order of Oddfellows for twenty-five years, + died Jan. 22, 1876, aged 63. A granite obelisk to his memory in St. + Philip's churchyard was unveiled Sep. 17, 1877. + </p> + <p> + <b>Building Societies</b> took early root here, as we find there were + several in 1781.—See "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm6">Friendly Societies</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Buckles</b> were worn as shoe fasteners in the reign of Charles + II.—See "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm15">Trades</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Buttons.</b>—Some interesting notes respecting the + manufacture of buttons will be found under the head of + "<i><a class="internal" href="#Birm15">Trades</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Bulgarian Atrocities, 1876-7.</b>—A considerable amount of + "political capital" was made out of these occurrences, but + only £1,400 was subscribed here for the relief of the + unfortunates; while merely £540 could be raised towards helping + the thousands of poor Bosnian refugees driven from their homes by the + Russians in 1878, and of this sum £200 was given by one person. + </p> + <p> + <b>Bullbaiting</b> was prohibited in 1773 by Order in Council, and an + Act was passed in 1835, to put a stop to all baiting of bulls, + badgers, and bears. At Chapel Wake, 1798, some law-defying reprobates + started a bullbaiting on Snow Hill, but the Loyal Association of + Volunteers turned out, and with drums beating and colours flying soon + put the rebels to flight, pursuing them as far as Birmingham Heath, + where the baiters got a beating, the Loyals returning home in triumph + with the bull as a trophy. The last time this "sport" was + indulged in in this neighbourhood appears to have been early in + October, 1838, at Gib Heath, better known now as Nineveh Road. + </p> + <p> + <b>Bull Lane</b> was the name once given to that part of the present + Colmore Row between Livery Street and Snow Hill, though it has been + better known as Monmouth Street. + </p> + <p> + <b>Bull Street.</b>—Once called Chapel Street, as leading to the + chapel of the ancient Priory; afterwards named from the old inn known + as the Red Bull (No. 83). + </p> + <p> + <b>Burial Grounds.</b>—See "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm16">Cemeteries</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Burns.</b>—Excisemen, when Robert Burns was one of them, were + wont to carry pistols, and those the poet had were given him by one of + our gunmakers, Mr. Blair. They were afterwards bought by Allan + Cunningham, who gave them back to Burns' widow.—Birmingham + lent its rill to the great river of homage to the genius of Burns + which flowed through the length and breadth of the civilised world on + the occasion of the Burns' centenary in January, 1859. The most + interesting of the three or four meetings held here was one of a + semi-private nature, which took place at Aston Hall, and which + originated, not with Scotchmen, but with Englishmen. Some forty-five + or fifty gentlemen, only some half-dozen of whom were Scotch, sat down + to an excellent supper in the fine old room in which the Queen lunched + the previous year. The chairman was Mr. Samuel Timmins, and the + vice-chairman was Mr. Ross. + </p> + <p> + <b>Cabs, Cars, and Carriages.</b>—The hackney carriages, or + four-wheelers, of this town, have the credit of being superior to + those used in London, though the hansoms (notwithstanding their being + the inventions of one who should rank almost as a local + worthy—the architect of our Town Hall) are not up to the mark. + Prior to 1820 there were no regular stands for vehicles plying for + hire, those in New Street, Bull Street, and Colmore Row being laid in + that year, the first cabman's license being dated June 11. The + first "Cabman's Rest" was opened in Ratcliffe Place, + June 13, 1872, the cost (£65) being gathered by the cabman's + friend, the Rev. Micarah Hill, who also, in 1875, helped them to start + an association for mutual assistance in cases of sickness or death. + There are sixteen of these "shelters" in the town, the + cabmen subscribing about £200 yearly towards expenses. As a + rule, the Birmingham cabmen are a civil and obliging body of men, + though now and then a little sharp practice may occur, as in the + instance of the stranger who, arriving in New Street Station one + evening last summer, desired to be taken to the Queen's Hotel. His + luggage being properly secured, and himself safely ensconced, Mr. + Cabby cooly took the rug from his horse's back, mounted his seat + and walked the animal through the gates back to the building the + stranger had just left, depositing his fare, and as calmly holding out + his hand for the customary shilling as if he had driven the full + distance of a mile and a half. The fares laid down by the bye-laws as + proper to be charged within the Borough, and within five miles from + the statue in Stephenson Place, in the Borough, are as follows:— + </p> + <table cellspacing="10" width="60%" summary= + "Fares laid down in bye-laws"> + <tr> + <td> + </td> + <td style="text-align: right; width: 10%;"> + s. + </td> + <td style="text-align: right; width: 10%;"> + d. + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td style="width: 80%;"> + For every carriage constructed to carry four persons, for the + first hour, or part of hour + </td> + <td align="right" valign="top"> + 3 + </td> + <td align="right" valign="top"> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr valign="top"> + <td> + For every additional 15 minutes, or part of 15 minutes. + </td> + <td align="right"> + 0 + </td> + <td align="right"> + 2 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + For every carriage constructed to carry two persons, for the + first hour, or part of hour + </td> + <td align="right" valign="top"> + 2 + </td> + <td align="right" valign="top"> + 6 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + For every additional 15 minutes, or part of 15 minutes + </td> + <td align="right"> + 0 + </td> + <td align="right"> + 6 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Any person hiring any carriage otherwise than by time is + entitled to detain the same five minutes without extra charge, + but for every 15 minutes, or part thereof, over the first five + minutes, the hirer must pay + </td> + <td align="right" valign="top"> + 0 + </td> + <td align="right" valign="top"> + 6 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <i>By distance</i>:-- + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Cabs or Cars to carry 2 persons not exceeding 1-1/2 miles + </td> + <td align="right"> + 1 + </td> + <td align="right"> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Per 1/2 mile after + </td> + <td align="right"> + 0 + </td> + <td align="right"> + 4 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + One horse vehicles to carry 4 persons, not exceeding 1 mile + </td> + <td align="right"> + 1 + </td> + <td align="right"> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + For any further distance, per 1/2 mile after + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Cars or Carriages with 2 horses, to carry 4 persons, not + exceeding 1 mile + </td> + <td align="right" valign="top"> + 1 + </td> + <td align="right" valign="top"> + 9 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Per 1/2 mile after + </td> + <td align="right"> + 0 + </td> + <td align="right"> + 9 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <i>Double Fares</i> shall be allowed and paid for every fare, or + so much of any fare as may be performed by any carriage after 12 + o'clock at night, and before 6 in the morning. + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + <b>Calthorpe Park,</b> Pershore road, has an area of 3la. 1r. 13p., + and was given to the town in 1857 by Lord Calthorpe. Though never + legally conveyed to the Corporation, the Park is held under a grant + from the Calthorpe family, the effect of which is equivalent to a + conveyance in fee. The Duke of Cambridge performed the opening + ceremony in this our first public park. + </p> + <p> + <b>Calthorpe Road</b> was laid out for building in the year 1818, and + the fact is worthy of note as being the commencement of our local West + End. + </p> + <p> + <b>Calico, Cotton, and Cloth.</b>—In 1702 the printing or + wearing of printed calicoes was prohibited, and more strictly so in + 1721, when cloth buttons and buttonholes were also forbidden. Fifty + years after, the requisites for manufacturing cotton or cotton cloth + were now allowed to be exported, and in 1785 a duty was imposed on all + cotton goods brought into the Kingdom. Strange as it may now appear, + there was once a "cotton-spinning mill" in Birmingham. The + first thread of cotton ever spun by rollers was produced in a small + house near Sutton Coldfield as early as the year 1700, and in 1741 the + inventor, John Wyatt, had a mill in the Upper Priory, where his + machine, containing fifty rollers, was turned by two donkeys walking + round an axis, like a horse in a modern clay mill. The manufacture, + however, did not succeed in this town, though carried on more or less + till the close of the century, Paul's machine being advertised for + sale April 29, 1795. The Friends' schoolroom now covers the site + of the cotton mill. + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm133"></a>Canals.</b>—The first Act for the + construction of the "cut" or canal in connection with + Birmingham was passed in 1761, that to Bilston being commenced in + 1767. The delivery here of the first boat-load of coals (Nov. 6, 1769) + was hailed, and rightly so, as one of the greatest blessings that + could be conferred on the town, the immediate effect being a reduction + in the price to 6d per cwt, which in the following May came down to + 4d. The cutting of the first sod towards making the Grand Junction + Canal took place July 26, 1766, and it was completed in 1790. In 1768 + Briudley, the celebrated engineer, planned out the Birmingham and + Wolverhampton Canal, proposing to make it 22 miles long; but he did + not live to see it finished. The work was taken up by Smeaton and + Telford; the latter of whom calling it "a crooked ditch" + struck out a straight cut, reducing the length to 14 miles, increasing + the width to 40 feet, the bridges having each a span of 52 feet. The + "Summit" bridge was finished in 1879. The Fazeley Canal was + completed in 1783, and so successfully was it worked that in nine + years the shares were at a premium of £1170. In 1785 the + Birmingham, the Fazeley, and the Grand Junction Companies took up and + completed an extension to Coventry. The Birmingham and Worcester Canal + was commenced in 1,791, the cost being a little over £600,000, + and it was opened for through traffic July 21, 1815. By an agreement + of September 18, 1873, this canal was sold to the Gloucester and + Berkeley Canal Co. (otherwise the Sharpness Dock Co.), and has thus + lost its distinctive local name. The Birmingham and Warwick commenced + in 1793; was finished in 1800. Communication with Liverpool by water + was complete in 1826, the carriage of goods thereto which had + previously cost £5 per ton, being reduced to 30s. For a through + cut to London, a company was started in May, 1836, with a nominal + capital of £3,000,000, in £100 shares, and the first + cargoes were despatched in August, 1840. In April, 1840, an Act was + passed to unite the Wyrley and Essington Canal Co. with the Birmingham + Canal Co., leading to the extension, at a cost of over £120,000, + of the canal system to the lower side of the town. There are 2,800 + miles of canals in England, and about 300 miles in Ireland. The total + length of what may properly be called Birmingham canals is about 130 + miles, but if the branches in the "Black Country" be added + thereto, it will reach to near 250 miles. The first iron boat made its + appearance on canal waters July 24, 1787; the first propelled by steam + arrived here from London, September 29, 1826. The adaptation of steam + power to general canal traffic, however, was not carried to any great + extent, on account of the injury caused to the banks by the + "wash" from the paddles and screws, though, when railways + were first talked about, the possibility of an inland steam navigation + was much canvassed. When the Bill for the London and Birmingham + Railway was before Parliament, in 1833, some enterprising carriers + started (on Midsummer-day) an opposition in the shape of a stage-boat, + to run daily and do the distance, with goods and passengers, in 16 + hours. The Birmingham and Liverpool Canal Company introduced steam + tugs in 1843. On Saturday, November 11, they despatched 16 boats, with + an aggregate load of 380 tons, to Liverpool, drawn by one small vessel + of 16-horse power, other engines taking up the "train" at + different parts of the voyage. Mr. Inshaw, in 1853, built a steamboat + for canals with a screw on each side of the rudder. It was made to + draw four boats with 40 tons of coal in each at two and a half miles + per hour, and the twin screws were to negative the surge, but the iron + horses of the rail soon put down, not only all such weak attempts at + competition, but almost the whole canal traffic itself, so far as + general merchandise and carriage of light goods and parcels was + concerned. "Flyboats" for passengers at one time ran a close + race with the coaches and omnibuses between here, Wolverhampton, and + other places, but they are old people now who can recollect travelling + in that manner in their youth. + </p> + <p> + <b>Canal Accidents.</b>—The banks of the Birmingham and + Worcester Canal, near Wheeley's Road, gave way on May 26, 1872, + causing considerable damage to the properties near at hand. A similar + occurrence took place at Aston, July 20, 1875; and a third happened at + Solihull Lodge Valley, October 27, 1880, when about 80ft. of an + embankment 30-ft. high collapsed. + </p> + <p> + <b>Canal Reservoir,</b> better known as "The Reservoir," + near Monument Lane, a popular place of resort, covers an area of 62A. + 1R. 5P., and is three-quarters of a mile long. Visitors and others + fond of boating can be accommodated here to their heart's content. + </p> + <p> + <b>Cannon.</b>—The first appearance of these instruments of + destruction in connection with the English army was in the time of + Edward III. in his wars with the Scotch and the French, the first + great battle of historical note in which they were used being that of + Cressy, in 1346. The manufacture of "small arms," as they + are called, has been anything but a small feature in the trade history + of our past, but cannon-founding does not appear to have been much + carried on, though a local newspaper of 1836 mentioned that several + 250 and 300-pounder guns were sent from here in that year for the + fortifications on the Dardanelles. + </p> + <p> + <b>Cannon Hill Park</b> covers an area of 57a. 1r. 9p., and was + presented to the town by Miss Ryland, the deed of conveyance bearing + date April 18th, 1873. The nearest route to this Park is by way of + Pershore Road and Edgbaston Lane, omnibuses going that way every + half-hour. + </p> + <p> + <b>Caps.</b>—The inventor of percussion caps is not known, but + we read of them as being made here as early as 1816, though they were + not introduced into "the service" until 1839. The + manufacture of these articles has several times led to great loss of + life among the workers, notes of which will be found under the head of + "<i><a class="internal" href="#Birm17">Explosions</a></i>." + See also "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm15">Trades</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Carlyle.</b>—The celebrated philosopher, Thomas Carlyle, + resided here for a short time in 1824; and his notes about Birmingham + cannot but be worth preserving. Writing to his brother John under date + Aug. 10, he says:— + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + "Birmingham I have now tried for a reasonable time, and I + cannot complain of being tired of it. As a town it is pitiful + enough—a mean congeries of bricks, including one or two large + capitalists, some hundreds of minor ones, and, perhaps, a hundred + and twenty thousand sooty artisans in metals and chemical produce. + The streets are ill-built, ill-paved, always flimsy in their + aspect—often poor, sometimes miserable. Not above one or two + of them are paved with flagstones at the sides; and to walk upon + the little egg-shaped, slippery flints that supply their places is + something like a penance. Yet withal it is interesting for some of + the commons or lanes that spot and intersect the green, woody, + undulating environs to view this city of Tubal Cain. Torrents of + thick smoke, with ever and anon a burst of dingy flame, are issuing + from a thousand funnels. 'A thousand hammers fall by + turns.' You hear the clank of innumerable steam engines, the + rumbling of cars and vans, and the hum of men interrupted by the + sharper rattle of some canal boat loading or disloading, or, + perhaps, some fierce explosion when the cannon founders [qy: the + proof-house] are proving their new-made ware. I have seen their + rolling-mills, their polishing of teapots, and buttons and + gun-barrels, and lire-shovels, and swords, and all manner of toys + and tackle. I have looked into their ironworks where 150,000 men + are smelting the metal in a district a few miles to the north: + their coal mines, fit image, of Arvenus; their tubes and vats, as + large as country churches, full of copperas and aqua fortis and oil + of vitroil; and the whole is not without its attractions, as well + as repulsions, of which, when we meet, I will preach to you at + large." + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <b>Carr's Lane.</b>—Originally this is believed to have been + known as "Goddes Cart Lane," and was sufficiently steep to + be dangerous, as evidenced by accidents noted in past history. + </p> + <p> + <b>Carr's Lane Chapel,</b> the meeting house of the old + Independents, or as they are now called, the Congregationalists, will + be noticed under "<i>Places of Worship</i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Cartoons.</b>—If some of our fore-fathers could but glance at + the illustrations or the portait caricatures of local public men and + their doings, now given us almost daily, we fear they would not credit + us moderns with much advancement in the way of political politeness, + however forward we may be in other respects. Many really good cartoons + <i>have</i> appeared, and neither side can be said to hold a monopoly + of such sketchy skilfulness, but one of the best (because most + truthful) was the cartoon issued in October 1868, giving the portrait + of a "Vote-as-you're-told" electer, led by the nose by + his <i>Daily Post</i>. + </p> + <p> + <b>Castle.</b>—Birmingham Castle is named in an ancient document + as being situated a "bowshot southwestward of the church," + but the exact site thereof has never been traced. It is supposed to + have been erected about the year 1140, and to have been demolished by + order of King Stephen, in 1176. + </p> + <p> + <b>Castle Street</b> takes its name from the hostlery once so famous + among our coach officers. + </p> + <p> + <b>Catacombs.</b>—There is a large number of massively-built + stone vaults underneath Christ Church, each divided into tiers of + catacombs, or receptacles for the dead. It is in one of these that the + remains of Baskerville at last found a resting place.—The + catacombs at the General Cemetery are many, being cut out of the + sandstone rock known as Key Hill, and a large number have been and can + be excavated underneath the church in the Warstone Lane Cemetery. + </p> + <p> + <b>Cathedral.</b>—See "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm19">Places of Worship—Catholic</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Cat Shows.</b>—The first Cat Show held here was opened + November 29th, 1873, and was a very successful speculation; but the + exhibitions of the two following years did not pay and since then the + grimalkins have been left at home. + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm1"></a>Cattle Show.</b>—As first started (in 1849, + when it was held near Kent Street), and at Bingley Hall in the + following year, this was an annual show of cattle, sheep, and pigs + only, but after years has made it a gathering place for specimens, of + nearly everything required on a farm, and the "Show" has + become an "<i>Exhibition</i>," under which heading full + notice will be found. + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm16"></a>Cemeteries.</b>—The burial grounds + attached to the Churches were formerly the only places of interment + save for suicides and murderers—the former of whom were buried + at some cross-road, with a stake driven through the body, while the + latter were frequently hung in chains and got no burial at all. In + 1807 the first addendum to our churchyards was made by the purchase of + 13,192 square yards of land in Park Street, which cost £1,600. + Having been laid out and enclosed with substantial railed walls at a + further outlay of £764, the ground was duly consecrated July 16, + 1813, and for some years was the chief receptacle for decaying + humanity of all classes, many thousands of whom were there deposited. + By degrees the ground came to be looked upon as only fit for the + poorest of the poor, until, after being divided by the railway, this + "God's Acre" was cared fir by none, and was well called + the "black spot" of the town. Since the passing of the + Closed Burial Grounds Bill (March 18, 1878) the Corporations have + taken possession, and at considerable expense have re-walled the + enclosure and laid it out as a place of health resort for the children + of the neighbourhood. The burial grounds of St. Bartholomew's, St. + Martin's, St. Mary's, and St. George's have also been + carefully and tastefully improved in appearance, and we can now + venture to look at most of our churchyards without shame. + </p> + <p> + The General Cemetery at Key Hill was originated at a meeting held Oct. + 18, 1832, when a proprietary Company was formed, and a capital fixed + at £12,000, in shares of £10 each. The total area of the + property is about twelve acres, eight of which are laid out for + general burials, in a edition to the catacombs cut into the sandstone + rock. + </p> + <p> + The Church of England Cemetery in Warstone Lane is also the property + of a private Company, having a capital of £20,000 in £10 + shares. The area is nearly fifteen acres, the whole of which was + consecrated as a burial ground for the Church on August 20, 1848. + </p> + <p> + The Catholic Cemetery of St. Joseph, at Nechell's Green, received + its first consignment in 1850. + </p> + <p> + The introduction and extension of railways have played sad havoc with + a number of the old burial grounds belonging to our forefathers. As + mentioned above the London and North Western took a slice out of Park + Street Cemetery. The Great Western cleared the Quakers' burial + ground in Monmouth Street (where the Arcade now stands) the remains of + the departed Friends being removed to their chapel yard in Bull + Street, and a curious tale has been told in connection therewith. It + is said that the representative of the Society of Friends was a proper + man of business, as, indeed, most of them are, and that he drove + rather a hard bargain with the railway directors, who at last were + obliged to give in to what they considered to be an exorbitant demand + for such a small bit of freehold. The agreement was made and the + contract signed, and Friend Broadbrim went on his way rejoicing; but + not for long. In selling the land he apparently forgot that the land + contained bones, for when the question of removing the dead was + mooted, the Quaker found he had to pay back a goodly portion of the + purchase money before he obtained permission to do so. In clearing the + old streets away to make room for New Street Station, in 1846, the + London and North Western found a small Jewish Cemetery in what was + then known as the "Froggery," but which had long been + disused. The descendants of Israel carefully gathered the bones and + reinterred them in their later-dated cemetery in Granville Street, but + even here they did not find their last resting-place, for when, a few + years back, the Midland made the West Suburban line, it became + necessary to clear out this ground also, and the much-disturbed + remains of the poor Hebrews were removed to Witton. The third and last + of the Jewish Cemeteries, that in Betholom Row, which was first used + in or about 1825, and has long been full, is also doomed to make way + for the extension of the same line.—During the year 1883 the + time-honoured old Meeting-house yard, where Poet Freeth, and many + another local worthy, were laid to rest, has been carted + off—dust and ashes, tombs and tombstones—to the great + graveyard at Witton, where Christian and Infidel, Jew and Gentile, it + is to be hoped, will be left at peace till the end of the world. + </p> + <p> + In 1860, the Corporation purchased 105 acres of land at Witton for the + Borough Cemetery. The foundation stones of two chapels were laid + August 12, 1861, and the Cemetery was opened May 27, 1863, the total + cost being nearly £40,000. Of the 105 acres, 53 are consecrated + to the use of the Church of England, 35 laid out for Dissenters, and + 14 set aside for Catholics and Jews. + </p> + <p> + <b>Census.</b>—The numbering of the people by a regular and + systematic plan once in every ten years, only came into operation in + 1801, and the most interesting returns, as connected with this town + and its immediate neighbourhood, will be found under the heading of + "<i>Population</i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Centre of Birmingham.</b>—As defined by the authorities for + the settlement of any question of distance, Attwood's statue at + the top of Stephenson Place, in New Street, is reckoned as the central + spot of the borough. In olden days, Nelson's monument, and prior + to that, the Old Cross, in the Bull Ring, was taken as the centre. As + an absolute matter of fact, so far as the irregular shape of the + borough area will allow of such a measurement being made, the central + spot is covered by Messrs. Harris and Norton's warehouse in + Corporation Street. + </p> + <p> + <b>Centenarians.</b>—John Harman, better known as Bishop Vesey, + died in 1555, in his 103rd year. James Sands, who died at Harborne in + 1625, was said to have been 140 years old, and his wife lived to be + 120. Joseph Stanley, of Aston, died in May, 1761, in his 106th year. + Wesley, under date of March 19, 1768, wrote of having seen George + Bridgens, then in his 107th year; Hutton, in noticing the long life of + Bridgens, also mentions one John Pitt who lived to be 100, a Mrs. + Moore who reached 104, and an old market man who completed his 107th + year. A Mr. Clarkson died here, in February, 1733, aged 112. William + Jennens, <i>the</i> Jennens of untold, but much coveted, wealth, died + in June, 1798, aged 103. John Roberts, of Digbeth, had a family of + twenty-eight children, six by his third wife, whom he married when + nearly eighty, and lived to see his 103rd year, in 1792, dying July 6. + Thomas Taylor, a cobbler, stuck to his last until a week of his death, + July 8, 1796, at 103. T. Blakemore died November 12, 1837, aged 105. + Mrs. E. Bailey, founder of the Female Charity School, was also 105 at + her death, December 2, 1854. Another old lady was Elizabeth Taylor, + who died at Sparkbrook, March 5, 1864, aged 104 years. Mary Hemming, + of Moseley Wake Green, died December 5, 1881, in her 104th year. + </p> + <p> + <b>Centenary Celebrations</b>, more or less worthy of note, are + continuously recurring, and the date of some few are here preserved. + Our loyal grandfathers honoured the hundredth, anniversary of the + Revolution of 1688, by a public dinner, November 4, 1788. Old Bluecoat + boys in like manner kept the centenary of their school, August 24, + 1824. Admirers of the Philosopher Priestley chose All Fools' Day, + 1831, as the fitting day to celebrate the anniversary of his birth. + The Centenary of the Protestant Dissenting Charity Schools was + worthily celebrated by the raising of a special sum amounting to + £1,305, as an addition to the funds. In January, 1859, Robert + Burns' anniversary was remembered by the holding a supper in Aston + Hall, at which only half-a-dozen Scotchmen were present out of + half-a-hundred guests. The Dissenting Ministers of this and the + neighbouring counties, who, for a hundred years, have met together + once a month, celebrated the event by a quiet luncheon-dinner, + December 13, 1882. The Tercentenary of the Free Grammar School was + celebrated with learned speeches April 16, 1852; that of Good Queen + Bess, by a public prayer meeting, November 16, 1858; and that of + Shakespeare, April 23, 1864, by the founding of a Shakespeare Memorial + Library. The thousandth anniversary of Alfred the Great, October 29, + 1849, was made much of by the Political Knowledge Association, which + had not been in existence it thousand days. The fact of John Bright + being M.P. for Birmingham for a quarter of a century, was celebrated + in June, 1883, by the Liberal Association, who got up a + "monster" procession in imitation of the celebrated Attwood + procession of the old days of Reform. The holiday was most thoroughly + enjoyed by the public generally, and immense numbers of people + thronged the streets to hear the bands and see what was to be seen. + </p> + <p> + <b>Chamberlain Memorial.</b>—See "<i><a class="internal" + href="#Birm20">Statues</a></i>," &c. + </p> + <p> + <b>Chamber of Commerce.</b>—In 1783 there was a "Standing + General Commercial Committee," composed of the leading merchants + and Manufacturers, who undertook the duty of looking after the public + interests of the town (not forgetting their own peculiarly private + ditto). That they were not so Liberal as their compeers of to-day may + be gathered from the fact of their strongly opposing the exportation + of brass, and on no account permitting a workman to go abroad. + </p> + <p> + <b>Chamber of Manufacturers.</b>—When Pitt, in 1784, proposed to + tax coal, iron, copper, and other raw materials, he encountered a + strong opposition from the manufacturers, prominent among whom were + Boulton (Soho), Wilkinson (Bradley), and Wedgwood (Potteries), who + formed a "Chamber," the first meeting of which was held here + in February, 1785. The Minister was induced to alter his mind. + </p> + <p> + <b>Chandeliers.</b>—Many beautiful works of art have been + manufactured in this town, which, though the wonder and admiration of + strangers, receive but faint notice here, and find no record except in + the newspaper of the day or a work like the present. Among such may be + ranked the superb brass chandelier which Mr. R.W. Winfield sent to + Osborne in 1853 for Her Majesty, the Queen. Designed in the Italian + style, this fine specimen of the brassworkers' skill, relieved by + burnishing and light matted work, ornamented with figures of Peace, + Plenty, and Love in purest Parian, masks of female faces typical of + night, and otherwise decorated in the richest manner, was declared by + the late Prince Consort as the finest work he had ever seen made in + this country and worthy to rank with that of the masters of old. Not + so fortunate was Mr. Collis with the "Clarence chandelier" + and sideboard he exhibited at the Exhibition of 1862. Originally made + of the richest ruby cut and gilded glass for William IV., it was not + finished before that monarch's death, and was left on the + maker's hand. Its cost was nearly £1,000, but at the final + sale of Mr. Collis's effects in Dec. 1881 it was sold for + £5. + </p> + <p> + <b>Chapels and Churches.</b>—See "<i><a class="internal" + href="#Birm4">Places of Worship</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Charity.</b>—Charitable collections were made in this + neighbourhood in 1655, for the Redmontese Protestants, Birmingham + giving £15 11s. 2d., Sutton Coldfield £14, and Aston + £4 14s. 2d. On the 6th of June, 1690, £13 18s. 1-1/2d. + were collected at St. Martin's "for ye Irish + Protestants." In 1764 some Christmas performances were given for + the relief of aged and distressed housekeepers, and the charitable + custom thus inaugurated was kept up for over seventy years. In the + days of monks and monasteries, the poor and needy, the halt and lame, + received charitable doles at the hands of the former and at the gates + of the latter, but it would be questionable how far the liberality of + the parsons, priests, and preachers of the present day would go were + the same system now in vogue. It has been estimated that nearly + £5,000 is given every year in what may be called the + indiscriminate charity of giving alms to those who ask it in the + streets or from door to door. By far the largest portion of this + amount goes into the hands of the undeserving and the worthless, and + the formation of a central relief office, into which the + charitably-disposed may hand in their contributions, and from whence + the really poor and deserving may receive help in times of distress, + has been a long felt want. In 1869 a "Charity Organisation + Society" was established here, and it is still in existence, but + it does not appear to meet with that recognised support which such an + institution as suggested requires. In 1882 a special fund was started + for the purpose of giving aid to women left with children, and about + £380 was subscribed thereto, while the ordinary income was only + £680. The special fund can hardly be said as yet to have got + into working order, but when the cost of proving the property of the + recipients, with the necessary expenses of office rent, salaries, + &c., have been deducted from the ordinary income, the amount left + to be distributed among the persons deemed by the officials deserving + of assistance is small indeed, the expenses reaching about £330 + per year. In 1880 it cost £329 18s. 4d. to give away food, cash, + and clothing, &c., valued at £386 16s. 6d., an apparent + anomally which would not be so glaring if the kind-hearted and + charitable would only increase the income of the Society, or + re-organise it upon a wider basis.—For statistics of poverty and + the poor see "<i>Pauperism</i>" and "<i><a class="internal" + href="#Birm22">Poor Rates</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Charitable Trusts.</b>—See "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm7">Philanthropical Institutions</a></i>," &c. + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm117"></a>Chartism.</b>—Following the great Reform + movement of 1832, in which Birmingham led the van, came years of bad + harvests, bad trade, and bitter distress. The great Chartist movement, + though not supported by the leaders of the local Liberal party, was + taken up with a warmth almost unequalled in any other town in the + Kingdom, meetings being held daily and nightly for months in + succession, Feargus O'Connor, Henry Vincent, and many other + "orators of the fiery tongue," taking part. On the 13th of + August, 1838, a monstre demonstration took place on Holloway Head, at + which it was reckoned there were over 100,000 persons present, and a + petition in favour of "The Charter" was adopted that + received the signatures of 95,000 people in a few days. The Chartist + "National Convention" met here May 13, 1839, and noisy + assemblages almost daily affrighted the respectable townsmen out of + their propriety. It was advised that the people should abstain from + all exciseable articles, and "run for gold" upon the savings + banks—very good advice when given by Attwood in 1832, but + shockingly wicked in 1839 when given to people who could have had but + little in the savings or any other banks. This, and the meetings which + ensued, so alarmed the magistrates for the safety of property that, in + addition to swearing in hundreds of special constables, they sent to + London for a body of police. These arrived on July 4, and + unfortunately at the time a stormy meeting was being held in the Bull + Ring, which they were at once set to disperse, a work soon + accomplished by the free use they made of their staves. The indignant + Brums, however, soon rallied and drove the police into the Station, + several being wounded on either side. The latent fury thus engendered + burst out in full force on the 15th when the notorious Chartist Riots + commenced, but the scenes then enacted, disgraceful as they were, may + well be left in oblivion, especially as the best of "the + points" of the Charter are now part of the laws of the land. + Besides many others who were punished more or less, two of the + leaders, Wm. Lovett and John Collins, were sentenced to one year's + imprisonment for a seditious libel in saying that "the people of + Birmingham were the best judges of their own rights to meet in the + Bull Ring, and the best judges of their own power and resources to + obtain justice." On the 27th July, 1849, Lovett and Collins were + accorded a public welcome on their release from prison, being met at + the Angel by a crowd of vehicles, bands of music, &c., and a + procession (said to have numbered nearly 30,000), accompanied them to + Gosta Green where speeches were delivered; a dinner, at which 800 + persons sat down, following on the site of "The People's Hall + of Science," in Loveday Street. In 1841, Joseph Sturge gave in + his adhesion to some movement for the extension of the franchise to + the working classes, and at his suggestion a meeting was held at the + Waterloo Rooms (Feb. 25th, 1842), and a memorial to the Queen drawn + up, which in less than a month received 16,000 signatures. On the 5th + of April, 87 delegates from various parts of England, Ireland, and + Scotland, assembled here, and after four days' sitting formed + themselves into "The National Complete Suffrage Union," + whose "points" were similar to those of the Charter, viz., + manhood suffrage, abolition of the property qualification, vote by + ballot, equal electoral districts, payment of election expenses and of + members, and annual Parliaments. On the 27th of December, another + Conference was held (at the Mechanics' Institute), at which nearly + 400 delegates were present, but the apple of discord had been + introduced, and the "Complete Suffrage Union" was + pooh-poohed by the advocates of "the Charter, the whole Charter, + and nothing but the Charter," and our peace-loving townsman, whom + <i>The Times</i> had dubbed "the Birmingham Quaker + Chartist," retired from the scene. From that time until the final + collapse of the Chartist movement, notwithstanding many meetings were + held, and strong language often used, Birmingham cannot be said to + have taken much part in it, though, in 1848 (August 15th), George J. + Mantle, George White, and Edward King, three local worthies in the + cause, found themselves in custody for using seditious language. + </p> + <p> + <b>Chauntries.</b>—In 1330 Walter of Clodeshale, and in 1347 + Richard of Clodeshale, the "Lords of Saltley," founded and + endowed each a Chauntry in old St. Martin's Church, wherein daily + services should be performed for themselves, their wives, and + ancestors, in their passage through purgatory. In like manner, in + 1357, Philip de Lutteley gave to the Lutteley chantry in Enville + Church, a parcel of land called Morfe Woode, "for the health of + his soul, and the souls of all the maintained of the said + chantry;" and in 1370 he gave other lands to the chantry, + "for the priest to pray at the altar of St. Mary for the health + of his soul, and Maud his wife, and of Sir Fulke de Birmingham," + and of other benefactors recited in the deed. It is to be devoutly + hoped that the souls of the devisees and their friends had arrived + safely at their journeys' end before Harry the Eighth's time, + for he stopped the prayers by stopping the supplies. + </p> + <p> + <b>Cherry Street</b> took its name from the large and fruitful cherry + orchard which we read of as being a favourite spot about the year + 1794. + </p> + <p> + <b>Chess.</b>—See "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm25">Sports and Sporting</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Chicago Fire.</b>—The sum of £4,300 was subscribed and + sent from here towards relieving the sufferers by this calamity. + </p> + <p> + <b>Children.</b>—A society known as "The Neglected + Children's Aid Society," was founded in 1862, by Mr. Arthur + Ryland, for the purpose of looking after and taking care of children + under fourteen found wandering or begging, homeless or without proper + guardianship. It was the means of rescuing hundreds from the paths of + dishonesty and wretchedness, but as its work was in a great measure + taken up by the School Board, the society was dissolved Dec. 17, 1877. + Mr. Thos. Middlemore, in 1872, pitying the condition of the + unfortunate waifs and strays known as "Street Arabs," took a + house in St. Luke's Road for boys, and one in Spring Road for + girls, and here he has trained nearly a thousand poor children in ways + of cleanliness and good behaviour prior to taking the larger part of + them to Canada. A somewhat similar work, though on a smaller scale, is + being carried on by Mr. D. Smith, in connection with the mission + attached to the Bloomsbury Institution. In both instances the children + are found good homes, and placed with worthy people on their arrival + in Canada, and, with scarcely an exception all are doing well. The + total cost per head while at the Homes and including the passage money + is about £16, and subscriptions will be welcomed, so that the + work of the Institutions may be extended as much as possible. + </p> + <p> + <b>Chimes.</b>—The earliest note we can find respecting the + chimes in the tower of St. Martin's is in a record dated 1552, + which states there were "iiij belles, with a clocke, and a + chyme." + </p> + <p> + <b>Chimnies.</b>—Like all manufacturing towns Birmingham is + pretty well ornamented with tall chimnies, whose foul mouths belch + forth clouds of sooty blackness, but the loftiest and most substantial + belongs to the town itself. At the Corporation Wharf in Montague + Street the "stack" is 258 feet in height, with a base 54 + feet in circumference, and an inside diameter of 12 feet. About + 250,000 bricks were used in its construction, which was completed in + September, 1879.—Householders of an economical turn must + remember it is not always the cheapest plan to clean their chimnies by + "burning them out," for in addition to the danger and risk + of damage by so doing, the authorities of Moor Street have the + peculiar custom of imposing a penalty (generally 10s.) when such cases + are brought before them. Should such an event occur by mischance keep + all doors and windows shut, and do not admit the sweeps who may come + knocking at your door, unless fully prepared with the half-crowns they + require as bribes not to tell the police. As a rule it is cheaper to + trust to "Robert" not seeing it. + </p> + <p> + <b>China Temple Field</b> was a noted place for amusements about the + year 1820, and was situate where Cattell Road is now. Originally it + formed part of the grounds of Bordesley Hall, which was wrecked in the + riots of 1791. + </p> + <p> + <b>Choral Society.</b>—This Society held its first Choral + Concert, August 2, 1836. The Festival Choral Society was established + in 1845. + </p> + <p> + <b>Cholera.</b>—This dreadful epidemic has never yet been felt + in severity in this town, though several fatal cases were reported in + August, 1832. In July, 1865, great alarm was caused by the fact of 243 + inmates of the Workhouse being attacked with choleraic symptoms, but + they all recovered. + </p> + <p> + <b>Church Pastoral Aid Society.</b>—There is a local branch of + this Society here, and about £1,300 per annum is gathered in and + forwarded to the parent society, who in return grant sums in aid of + the stipends of thirty Curates and as many Scripture readers, + amounting to nearly £4,700 per year. + </p> + <p> + <b>Churchrates.</b>—Prior to 1831, Churchrates had been + regularly levied, and, to a great extent, cheerfully paid, but with + the other reforms of that Reforming age came the desire to re-form + this impost, by doing away with it altogether, and at a meeting held + on August 7, 1832, the ratepayers assembled not only denounced it, but + petitioned Parliament for its entire abolition. Between that year and + 1837, Churchrates of 6d. to 9d. in the £ were not at all + infrequent, but in the latter year there was a sweet little row, which + led to an alteration. At a vestry meeting held March 28, the + redoubtable George Frederick Muntz, with George Edmonds, and other + "advanced" men of the times, demanded a personal examination + of the books, &c., &c., with the result doubtless anticipated + and wished for—a general shindy, free fight, and tumult. For his + share in the riot, G.F.M. was put on his trial in the following year + (March 30 to April 1) and had to pay over £2,000 in the shape of + costs, but he may be said to have won something after all, for a + better feeling gradually took the place of rancour, and a system of + "voluntary" rates—notably one for the rebuilding of + St. Martin's—was happily brought to work. The Bill for the + abolition of Churchrates was passed July 13, 1868. + </p> + <p> + <b>Church Street.</b>—In 1764 at Warwick a legal battle was + fought as to a right of way through the New Hall Park, the path in + dispute being the site of the present Church Street. + </p> + <p> + <b>Circuses.</b>—The first notice we have of any circus visiting + Birmingham is that of Astley's which came here October 7, 1787. In + 1815 Messrs. Adams gave performances in a "new equestrian circus + on the Moat," and it has interest in the fact that this was the + first appearance locally of Mr. Ryan, a young Irishman, then described + as "indisputably the first tight-rope dancer in the world of his + age." Mr. Ryan, a few years later, started a circus on his own + account, and after a few years of tent performances, which put money + in his pocket, ventured on the speculation of building a permanent + structure in Bradford-street, opening his "New Grand Arena" + there in 1827. Unfortunately, this proved a failure, and poor Ryan + went to the wall. The circus (known now as the Circus Chapel), long + lay empty, but was again re-opened May 19, 1838, as an amphitheatre, + but not successfully. In 1839 the celebrated Van Amburgh, whose + establishment combined the attractions of a circus and a menagerie, + visited this town, and his performances were held, rather strangely, + at the Theatre Royal. On the night of the Bull Ring Riots, July 15th, + when there was "a full house," the startling news that a + number of buildings were on fire, &c., was shouted out just at the + moment that Van Amburgh was on the stage with a number of his + well-trained animals. He himself was reclining on the boards, his head + resting on the sides of a tawny lion, while in his arms was a + beautiful child, four or five years old, playing with the ears of the + animal. The intelligence naturally caused great excitement, but the + performer went quietly on, hoisting the little darling to his + shoulder, and putting his animals through their tricks as calmly as if + nothing whatever was the matter. In 1842, Ducrow's famous troupe + came, and once again opened Ryan's Circus in the Easter week, and + that was the last time the building was used for the purpose it was + originally erected for. Cooke's, Hengler's, Newsome's, and + Sanger's periodical visits are matters of modern date. The new + building erected by Mr. W.R. Inshaw, at foot of Snow Hill, for the + purposes of a Concert Hall, will be adaptable as a Circus. + </p> + <p> + <b>Climate.</b>—From the central position in which Birmingham is + situated, and its comparative elevation, the town has always been + characterised as one of the healthiest in the kingdom. Dr. Priestley + said the air breathed here was as pure as any he had analysed. Were he + alive now and in the habit of visiting the neighbourhood of some of + our rolling mills, &c., it is possible he might return a different + verdict, but nevertheless the fact remains that the rates of mortality + still contrast most favourably as against other large manufacturing + towns. + </p> + <p> + <b>Clocks.</b>—One of Boulton's specialties was the + manufacture of clocks, but it was one of the few branches that did not + pay him. Two of his finest astronomical clocks were bought by the + Empress of Russia, after being offered for sale in this country in + vain. His friend, Dr. Small, is said to have invented a timepiece + containing but a single wheel. The "town clocks" of the + present day are only worth notice on account of their regular + irregularity, and those who wish to be always "up to the time + o' day," had best set their watches by the instrument placed + in the wall of the Midland Institute. The dome of the Council House + would be a grand position in which to place a really good clock, and + if the dials were fitted with electric lights it would be useful at + all hours, from near and far. + </p> + <p> + <b>Clubs.</b>—No place in the kingdom can record the + establishment of more clubs than Birmingham, be they Friendly Clubs, + Money Clubs (so-called), or the more taking Political Clubs, and it + would be a hard task to name them all, or say how they flourished, or + dropped and withered. In the years 1850-60 it was estimated that at + publichouses and coffeehouses there were not less than 180 Money + Clubs, the members paying in weekly or fortnightly subscriptions of + varying amount for shares £5 to £100, and though there + cannot be the slightest doubt that many of our present mastermen owe + their success in life to this kind of mutual help, the spirit of + gambling in money shares proved, on the whole, to be disastrous to the + members who went in for good interest on their deposits. Of Friendly + Clubs we shall have something to say under another beading. Respecting + the Political Clubs and those of a general nature we may say that the + earliest we have note of is the "Church and King Club," + whose first meeting was held at the Royal Hotel, Nov. 27, 1792. Of a + slightly different nature was the "Hampden Club," + established in 1815, but which was closed by the suspension of the + Habeas Corpus Act in 1817. During the troublous times of 1830-40, many + clubs, or "smoke-room palavers," existed, but, perhaps the + only one that really showed results was the Branch Club (or local + agency), connected with the Land Scheme of Feargus O'Connor [see + "<i><a class="internal" href="#Birm26">Land + Societies</a></i>"], and that ultimately dwindled to naught. On + July 5, 1847, a club on the plan of the London "Whittington" + was started here, but when or why it ended deponent knoweth + not.—The Union Clubhouse, corner of Newhall Street and Colmore + Row, which cost £16,000, was built in 1868-9, being opened May + 3rd of the latter year. This must be considered as the chief neutral + ground in local club matters, gentlemen of all shades of politics, + &c., being members. The number of members is limited to 400, with + 50 "temporary" members, the entrance fee being £15 + 15s., and the annual subscription £7 7s.—The Town and + District Club, opened at the Shakespeare Rooms, in August, 1876, also + started on the non-political theory: the town members paying £3 + 3s per annum, and country members a guinea or guinea and half, + according to their residence being within 25 or 100 miles.—A + Liberal Club was founded October 16, 1873, under the auspices of Mr. + Joseph Chamberlain and took possession of its present rooms in + Corporation Street, January 20, 1880, pending the completion of the + palatial edifice now in course of erection in Edmund Street, at the + corner of Congreve Street. The "Forward Liberal Club," + opened in Great Hampton Street, October 30, 1880. A "Junior + Liberal Club" celebrated their establishment by a meeting in the + Town Hall, November 16, 1880. The Conservatives, of course, have not + been at all backward in Club matters, for there has been some + institution or other of the kind connected with the party for the last + hundred years. The Midland Conservative Club was started July 4, 1872, + and has its head-quarters now in Waterloo-street, the old County Court + buildings being remodelled for the purpose. A Junior Conservative Club + opened in Castle Street, June 25, 1874; a Young Men's Conservative + Club commenced July 26, 1876; the Belmont Conservative Club, July 30, + 1877; and the Hampton Conservative Club, August 21st of same year. In + fact, every ward in the borough, and every parish and hamlet in the + suburbs now has its Conservative and Liberal Club; the workingmen + having also had <i>their</i> turn at Club-making, the Birmingham Heath + working men opening up shop, August 25, 1864; the Saltley boys in + October, 1868; the St. Albanites following suit December 1, 1873; and + the Ladywood men, November 30, 1878. A Club of more pretentious + character, and called <i>par excellence "The</i> + Working-man's Club," was begun July 20, 1863, but the + industriously-inclined members thereof did not work together well, and + allowed the affair to drop through. Backed by several would-be-thought + friends of the working class, another "Working Men's + Club" sprung into existence April 29, 1875, with a nominal + capital of £2,500 in 10s. shares. Rooms were opened in Corn + Exchange Passage on the 31st of May, and for a time all promised well. + Unfortunately the half-sovereigns did not come in very fast, and the + landlord, though he knew "Nap" to be a very favourite game, + did not choose, to be caught napping, and therefore "took his + rest" at the end of the fifth half-year, and in so doing rent the + whole fabric of the club.—The Edgbaston Art Club was organised + in 1878; the Chess Club in 1841; the Germania Club in 1856; the + Gymnastic Club in 1866; the Dramatic Club in May, 1865; the + Farmer's Club in May, 1864, the Pigeon flying Club at + Quilter's in 1875, &c., &c. Club law has great attractions + for the Brums—every profession and every trade hath its club, + and all the "fanciers" of every sort and kind club by + themselves, till their name is "Legion." + </p> + <p> + <b>Coaches.</b>—From its being situated as it were in the very + heart of the kingdom, Birmingham, in the olden days, and it is but + fifty years ago, was an important converging central-point of the + great mailcoach system, and a few notes in connection therewith cannot + be uninteresting. Time was when even coaching was not known, for have + we not read how long it took ere the tidings of Prince Rupert's + attack on our town reached London. A great fear seems to have + possessed the minds of the powers that were in regard to any kind of + quick transmission whatever, for in the year 1673 it was actually + proposed "to suppress the public coaches that ran within fifty or + sixty miles of London," and to limit all the other vehicles to a + speed of "thirty miles per day in summer, and twenty-five in + winter"—for what might not be dreaded from such an + announcement as that "that remarkable swift travelling coach, + 'The Fly,' would leave Birmingham on Mondays and reach London + on the Thursdays following." Prior to and about 1738, an + occasional coach was put on the road, but not as a regular and + periodical conveyance, the fare to London being 25 shillings, + "children on lap, and footmen behind, being charged + half-price." A "Flying Coach" commenced running direct + to the Metropolis on May 28th, 1745, and was evidently thought to be + an event of some importance, as it was advertised to do the distance + in two days "if the roads permitted." In July, 1782, the + same journey was accomplished in 14 hours, showing a great improvement + in the arrangements of the road. The first mail coaches for the + conveyance of letters was started by Mr. Palmer, of Bath, in 1784, the + earliest noticed as passing through here being on August 23, 1785, but + the first direct mail from this town dates only from May 25, 1812. In + February, 1795, the Western mailcoaches were delayed nearly a week + together in consequence of a rapid thaw rendering the roads + impassable. In 1777 fifty-two coaches passed through here to London + and sixteen to Bristol every week. In 1829 at least 100 departed from + or passed through the town daily, 550 persons travelling between here + and London. In 1832 Mr. Lecount estimated the general results of the + road and canal traffic between here and London as follows: Pessengers, + 233,155; goods, 62,389 tons; parcels, 46,799; beasts, 50,839; sheep, + 365,000; pigs, 15,364; the amount expended in cost of transit being + £1,338,217. In 1837 it was estimated that £6,789 was + received per week from coach passengers on the road from here to + London, £1,571 for parcels per coach, and £729 from + persons posting along the same roads; and that £8,120 was + received for goods by canals and waggons, not including iron, timber, + cattle, minerals, or other goods at low tonnage—£17,209 + <i>per week</i>. There was, notwithstanding the large number of + coaches leaving here every day, no direct conveyance from Birmingham + to Edinburgh. The best and usual route was by Walsall, Manchester, + Preston, and Carlisle; distances and times being, Manchester, 78-1/2 + miles, 8 hours, fare, 14s.; Manchester to Carlisle, 118 miles, 12 + hours 55 minutes by the mail, including stoppage of fifty minutes at + Preston for post office purposes, fare, £1 2s. 6d.; Carlisle to + Edinburgh, 95 miles, 9 hours 35 minutes, fare, 18s.; coachmen and + guards' fees about 15s.; all hotel charges, &c., were paid by + the passenger. Total distance, 291-1/2 miles; travelling time, 30-1/2 + hours; cost, £3 9s. 6d., in all. The mail coach which left the + Albion reached London in 10-1/2 hours, which would be reckoned as very + good travelling, even in these days. For some time after the + introduction of railways, the coaching interest was still of some + account, for as late as 1840 there were 54 coaches and omnibuses + running from here every 24 hours.— There has been a kind of + modern revival of the good old coaching days, but it has not become + popular in this part of the country, though quite a summer feature on + the Brighton Road. A four-in-hand, driven by the Earl of Aylesford, + was put on the road from here to Coventry, at latter end of April, + 1878; and another ran for part of the summer, in 1880, to Leamington. + The introduction of railways set many persons to work on the making of + "steam coaches" to travel on the highways. Captain Ogle + coming here on one of his own inventing September 8th, 1832, direct + from Oxford, having travelled at from ten to fourteen miles per hour. + Our local geniuses were not behindhand, and Messrs. Heaton Bros., and + the well-known Dr. Church brought out machines for the purpose. Both + parties started joint-stock companies to carry out their inventions, + and in that respect both parties succeeded, for such was the run for + shares, that in June, 1833, when Heatons' prospectus came out, + offering to the public 2,000 £10 shares, no less than 3,000 were + asked for in one day. There was also a third company in the field, the + "London, Birmingham, and Liverpool," with a nominal capital + of £300,000; but none of them prospered; for though they could + construct the engines and the coaches, they could not make receipts + cover expenses. Heatons' ran theirs for some little time to + Wolverhampton and back, and even to the Lickey; the Doctor came out + every month with something new; and even the big Co. managed to bring + one carriage all the way from London (August 28th, 1835). Others + besides Captain Ogle also came here on their iron horses, and there + was plenty of fun and interest for the lookers-on generally— but + no trade and no interest for the speculators. For steam coaches of the + present day, see "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm27">Tramways</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Coal</b> was not in common use much before 1625, and for a long + time was rather shunned by householders, more especially in the rural + parts where the black diamonds were looked upon as something + altogether uncanny. Prior to the opening of the first canal, the roads + leading from the Black Country daily presented the curious feature of + an almost unending procession of carts and waggons bringing the + supplies needed by our manufacturers, and high prices were the rule of + the day. The first boatload was brought in on November 6th, 1769, and + soon after the price of coal at the wharf was as low as 4d. per + cwt.—See "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm15">Trades</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Cobbett</b> delivered a lecture on the Corn Laws, &c., at + Beardsworth's Repository, May 10 1830. + </p> + <p> + <b>Cobden.</b>—There was a general closing of places of business + here on April 6, 1865, the day on which Richard Cobden was buried. + </p> + <p> + <b>Cockfighting.</b>—<i>Aris's Gazette</i> of December 26, + 1780, announced in one of its advertisements that "the Annual + Subscription Match of Cocks" would be fought at Duddeston Hall, + commonly called "Vauxhall," on the New Year's day and + day after.—The same paper printed an account of another + Cockfight, at Sutton, as late as April 17, 1875. + </p> + <p> + <b>Coffeehouses.</b>—Coffee, which takes its name from the + Abyssinian province of Kaffa, was introduced into this country in the + early part of the 17th century, the first coffeehouse being opened in + London in 1652. Until very late years coffeehouses in provincial towns + were more noted for their stuffy untidiness than aught else, those of + Birmingham not excepted, but quite a change has come o'er the + scene now, and with all the brave glitter of paint and glaring gas + they attempt to rival the public-houses. The Birmingham Coffeehouse + Company, Limited (originally miscalled The Artizan's Clubhouse + Company), which came into existence March 27, 1877, with a capital of + £20,000 in 10s. shares, has now near upon a score of houses + open, and their business is so successful that very fair dividends are + realised. + </p> + <p> + <b>Coffins.</b>—Excluding textile fabrics and agricultural + produce, Birmingham supplies almost every article necessary for the + comfort of man's life, and it is therefore not surprising that + some little attention has been given to the construction of the + "casket" which is to enclose his remains when dead. Coffins + of wood, stone, lead, &c., have been known for centuries, but + coffins of glass and coffins of brass must be ranked amongst the + curiosities of our later trades. Two of the latter kind polished, + lacquered, and decorated in a variety of ways, with massive handles + and emblazoned shields, were made here some few years back for King + Egbo Jack and another dark-skinned potentate of South Africa. "By + particular request" each of these coffins were provided with four + padlocks, two outside and two inside, though how to use the latter + must have been a puzzle even for a dead king. The Patent Metallic + Air-tight Coffin Co., whose name pretty accurately describes their + productions, in 1861 introduced hermetically-sealed coffins with plate + glass panels in the lid, exceedingly useful articles in case of + contagious diseases, &c., &c. The trade in coffin + "furniture" seems to have originated about 1760, when one + ingenious "Mole" pushed it forward; and among the list of + patents taken out in 1796 by a local worthy there is one for "a + patent coffin," though its particular speciality could not have + met with much approval, as although some thousands of bodies have been + removed from our various sepultures nothing curious or rarer than + rotten boards and old lead has been brought to light. + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm12"></a>Coinage.</b>—So far had our patriotic + forefathers proceeded in the art of making money that about the middle + of the last century it was estimated over one half the copper coin in + circulation was counterfeit, and that nine-tenths thereof was + manufactured in Birmingham, where 1,000 halfpennies could be had of + the makers for 25s. Boulton's big pennies were counterfeited by + lead pennies faced with copper. One of these would be a curiosity now. + The bronze coinage was first issued December 1, 1860, and soon after + Messrs. Ralph Heaton & Sons made 100 tons of bronze coins for the + Mint. They are distinguished by the letter "H" under the + date. The number, weight, and value of this issue were as + follows:— + </p> + <table cellspacing="10" summary="Number, weight and value of coins"> + <tr> + <td> + Tons + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + Nominal Value. + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + 62 + </td> + <td> + or 9,595,245 pennies + </td> + <td> + £25,396 17 1 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + 28 + </td> + <td> + or 5,504,382 halfpennies + </td> + <td> + 11,469 10 11 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + 10 + </td> + <td> + or 3,884,446 farthings + </td> + <td> + 4,096 5 4 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + 100 + </td> + <td> + or 15,484,043 pieces + </td> + <td> + £40,962 13 4 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + The same firm has had several similar contracts, the last being in + hand at the present time. The bronze is composed of 95 parts copper, 4 + tin, and 1 zinc. + </p> + <p> + <b>Colleges.</b>—See "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm8">Schools</a></i>," &c. + </p> + <p> + <b>Colmore Row,</b> which now extends from the Council House to the + Great Western Hotel (including Ann Street and Monmouth Street) is + named after the Colmore family, the owners of the freehold. Great + Colmore Street, Caroline and Charlotte Streets, Great and Little + Charles Streets, Cregoe, Lionel, and Edmund Streets, all take their + names from the same source. + </p> + <p> + <b>Colonnade.</b>—This very handsome and (for Birmingham) rather + novel-looking building, was opened Jan. 10, 1883, being erected by Mr. + A. Humpage, at a cost of about £70,000, from the designs of Mr. + W.H. Ward. The Colonnade proper runs round the entire building, giving + frontage to a number of shops, the upper portion of the block being + partly occupied by the Midland Conservative Club, and the rest of the + building, with the basement, fitted up as a Temperance Hotel and + "Restaurant." + </p> + <p> + <b>Comets.</b>—The inhabitants were very much terrified by the + appearance of a comet in December, 1680. At Michaelmas, 1811, an + exceedingly brilliant comet appeared, supposed to have been the same + which was seen at the birth of Jesus Christ. Donati's comet was + first observed June 2, 1858, but was most brilliant in September and + October. The comets of 1861 and 1883 were also visible here. + </p> + <p> + <b>Commissioners.</b>—The first local governing body of the + town, though with but the merest shadow of power as compared with the + Corporation of to-day, were the Street Commissioners appointed under + an Act of Geo. III. in 1769, their duties being confined almost solely + to repairing, cleansing, and "enlightening" the streets of + the town, appointing watchmen, &c., their power of raising funds + being limited to 1s. in the £. By succeeding Acts of 1773, 1801, + 1812, and 1828, the powers of the Commissioners were considerably + enlarged, and they must be credited with the introduction of the first + set of local improvement schemes, including the widening of streets, + clearing the Bull Ring of the houses round St. Martin's Church, + making owners lay out proper streets for building, purchasing the + market tolls, building of Town Hall and Market Hall, regulating + carriages, and "suppressing the smoke nuisance arising from + engines commonly called steam engines," &c., and, though they + came in for their full share of obloquy and political rancour, it + cannot be denied they did good and faithful service to the town. The + Commissioners had the power of electing themselves, every vacancy + being filled as it occurred by those who remained, and, as the Act of + 1828 increased their number to no less than 89, perhaps some little + excuse may be made for the would-be leading men of the day who were + left out in the cold. Be that as it may, the Charter of Incorporation + put them aside, and gave their power and authority into the hands of a + popularly-elected representative body. The Commissioners, however, + remained as a body in name until the last day of December, 1851, when, + as a token of remembrance, they presented the town with the ornamental + fountain formerly standing in the centre of the Market Hall, but which + has been removed to Highgate Park. On the transfer of their powers to + the Corporation, the Commissioners handed over a schedule of + indebtedness, showing that there was then due on mortgage of the + "lamp rate," of 4 per cent, £87,350; on the "Town + Hall rate," at 4 per cent., £25,000; annuities, £947 + 3s. 4d.; besides £7,800, at 5 percent., borrowed by the + Duddeston and Nechells Commissioners, making a total of £121,097 + 3s. 4d. + </p> + <p> + <b>Commons.</b>—Handsworth Common was enclosed in 1793. An Act + was passed in 1798 for enclosing and allotting the commons and waste + land in Birmingham. The commons and open fields of Erdington and + Witton were enclosed and divided in 1801. + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm96"></a>Concert Halls, &c.</b>—The Birmingham + Concert Hall, better known as "Holder's," was built in + 1846, though for years previous the house was noted for its harmonic + meetings; the present Hall has seats for 2,200 persons. Day's + Concert Hall was erected in 1862 the opening night, September 17, + being for the benefit of the Queen's Hospital, when £70 was + realised therefor; the Hall will accommodate 1,500.—The Museum + Concert Hall was opened Dec. 20, 1863, and will hold about 1,000 + people.—A very large building intended for use as a Concert + Hall, &c., will soon be opened in Snow Hill, to be conducted on + temperance principles.—A series of popular Monday evening + concerts was commenced in the Town Hall, Nov. 12, 1844, and was + continued for nearly two years.—Twopenny weekly "Concerts + for the People" were started at the Music Hall, Broad Street (now + Prince of Wales' Theatre), March 25, 1847, but they did not take + well.—Threepenny Saturday evening concerts in Town Hall, were + begun in November, 1879. + </p> + <p> + <b>Conferences and Congresses</b> of all sorts of people have been + held here from time to time, and a few dates are here annexed:—A + Conference of Wesleyan ministers took place in 1836, in 1844, 1854, + 1865, and 1879, being the 136th meeting of that body. Four hundred + Congregational ministers met in Congress Oct. 5, 1862. A Social + Science Congress was held Sept. 30, 1868. A Trades Union Conference + Aug. 23, 1869. National Education League Conference, Oct. 12, 1869. + National Republican Conference, May 12, 1873. Conference on Sanitary + Reform, Jan. 14, 1875. A Co-operative Societies Conference, July 3, + 1875. A Conference of Christians in Needless Alley, Oct. 27, 1875. The + Midland Counties' Church Defence Associations met in the Exchange, + Jan. 18, 1876, and on the 9th of Feb. the advocates for + disestablishing and disendowing the Church said their say in the + Masonic Hall, resolutions in favour of sharing the loaves and fishes + being enthusiastically carried by the good people who covet not their + neighbours' goods. A Domestic Economy Congress was held July 17, + 1877. A Church Conference held sittings Nov. 7, 1877. The friends of + International Arbitration met in the Town Hall, May 2, 1878, when 800 + delegates were present, but the swords are not yet beaten into + ploughshares. How to lessen the output of coal was discussed March 5, + 1878, by a Conference of Miners, who not being then able to settle the + question, met again June 17, 1879, to calmly consider the + advisableness of laying idle all the coalpits in the country for a + time, as the best remedy they could find for the continued reduction + of wages. The 18th Annual Conference of the British Association of Gas + Managers was held here June 14, 1881, when about 500 of those + gentlemen attended. A considerable amount of gassy talk anent the + wonderful future naturally arose, and an endowment fund of £323 + was banked to provide a medal for "any originality in connection + with the manufacture and application of gas," but the Gas + Committee of Birmingham, without any vast improvement in the + manufacture, still keep to <i>their</i> original idea of sharing + profits with ratepayers, handing over £25,000 each year to the + Borough rates. On Bank Holiday, August 6, 1883, a Conference of Bakers + took place here, and at the same date the 49th "High Court" + of Foresters assembled at the Town Hall, their last visit having been + in 1849. + </p> + <p> + <b>Conservative Associations</b> have been in existence for at least + fifty years, as the formation of one in December, 1834, is mentioned + in the papers of the period. The present one, which is formed on a + somewhat similar plan to that of the Liberal Association, and consists + of 300 representatives chosen from the wards, held its first meeting + May 18, 1877. Associations of a like nature have been formed in most + of the wards, and in Balsall Heath, Moseley, Aston, Handsworth, and + all the suburbs and places around. + </p> + <p> + <b>Constables.</b>—In 1776 it was necessary to have as many as + 25 constables sworn in to protect the farmers coming to the weekly + market.—See also "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm30">Police</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Consuls.</b>—There are Consulates here for the following + countries (for addresses see <i>Directory</i>):—Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Chili, + France, Germany, Greece, Liberia, Portugal, Spain and Italy, Turkey, + United States, United States of Columbia, and Uruguay. + </p> + <p> + <b>Convents.</b>—See "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm32">Religious Institutions</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Co-operative Societies</b> at one time were put in the same + category as Chartist, Socialist, and Communistic Associations, all + banned alike. Nevertheless, in the old "Reform days" the + theory of co-operation was most enthusiastically taken up by the + workers of this town, even more so than in any other place in the + kingdom. As early as 1828 several attempts had been made to form such + societies, but the one which appeared the most likely to succeed was + the so-called "Labour Exchange," situated in the old Coach + Yard, in Bull Street, formed on the basis so eloquently and + perseveringly advocated by Robert Owen. The principle of this Exchange + was to value all goods brought in at the cost of the raw material, + plus the labour and work bestowed thereon, the said labour being + calculated at the uniform rate of 6d. per hour. On the reception of + the goods "notes" to the value were given which could be + handed over as equivalent for any other articles there on sale, and + for a time this rather crude plan was successful. Sharp customers, + however found that by giving in an advanced valuation of their own + goods they could by using their "notes" procure others on + which a handsome profit was to be made outside the Labour Mart, and + this ultimately brought the Exchange to grief. Mr. William Pare and + Mr. George Jacob Holyoake, were foremost among the advocates of + Co-operation at the period, and a most interesting history of + "Co-operation in England" has been written by the latter + gentleman. Other societies were also in operation from time to time, + the longest-lived being the "Economic Provision Company," + which was commenced at Handsworth in 1830 by some of the workers at + Soho and Soho Foundry, 139 of whom clubbed 20s. each as a starting + fund. After a few months' trial, the profits were allowed to + accumulate until they made up £5 per share, on which capital no + less than £6,000 were paid in dividends during the first thirty + years. The Supply Associations of the present day are somewhat + differently constituted, such establishments as the one in Corporation + Street (formerly in Cannon Street) and that in High Street being on + the most extensive scale, offering to the general public all the + advantages derivable from the use of large capital, combined with a + fair division of profits to the customer, as well as to the + shareholders. The Birmingham Household Supply Association in + Corporation Street supplies all the necessaries required in the + household, in addition to eatables and drinkables of the very best + quality, including Messrs. Walter Showell and Sons' ales, which + are sent out at the same prices as from the firm's own offices, + either in cask or bottle. + </p> + <p> + <b>Cornavii.</b>—The ancient inhabitants of this part of + England, but who were subdued by the Romans. Whether the said + inhabitants had any name for the particular spot now called Birmingham + must for ever remain doubtful. + </p> + <p> + <b>Corn Exchange,</b> in High-street, was opened October 28, 1847. The + original capital of the Company was £5,000, in shares of + £25 each; but the total cost of erection was a little over + £6,000. The length of the interior is 172 feet and the breadth + 40 feet. + </p> + <p> + <b>Corn Laws.</b>—Long before the formation of the Anti-Corn Law + League in 1838, a movement for the repeal of the obnoxious imposts had + been started in this town, a petition being sent from here to + Parliament in March, 1815, with 48,600 signatures attached. The doings + of the League and their ultimate success is an off-told tale, the men + of Birmingham of course taking their part in the struggle, which + culminated on the 26th of June, 1846, in the passing of Sir Robert + Peel's Bill for the total repeal of all duties levied on corn and + breadstuffs. + </p> + <p> + <b>Coroners.</b>—The first borough coroner, the late Dr. Birt + Davies, was appointed May 15, 1839, and he held the office till July, + 1875, when Mr. Henry Hawkes was chosen as his successor, only one + member of the Town Council voting against him. The preent coroner has + introduced several improvements on the old system, especially in the + matters of holding inquests at public-houses, and the summoning of + jurors. Formerly the latter were chosen from the residents nearest to + the scene of death, some gentlemen being continually called upon, + while the occasional exhibition of a dead body in the back lumberroom + of an inn yard, among broken bottles and gaping stablemen, was not + conductive to the dignity of a coroner's court or particularly + agreeable to the unfortunate surgeon who might have to perform a + <i>post mortem</i>. Thanks to the persevering tenacity of Mr. Hawkes + we have a proper court in Moor-street, and a mortuary at every police + station to which bodies can at once be taken. The jurors are now + chosen by rotation, so that having been once called upon to act as a + good citizen in such a capacity no gentleman need fear a fresh summons + for some years to come. Mr. Hooper, the coroner for South + Staffordshire, received his appointment in 1860. + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm2"></a>Corporation.</b>—The Charter of + Incorporation of the Borough of Birmingham, authorising the formation + of a Governing body, consisting of Mayor, Aldermen, and Councillors, + duly elected by the Burgesses, dates from October 31, 1838. The + elections took place in December, the first meeting being held on the + 27. The borough was originally divided into 13 wards, but has since + been, by Order in Council, made into 16, though the number of Aldermen + (16) and Councillors (48) has not been increased. The Mayor is elected + for one year, the Councillors for three, and the Aldermen for six. The + first Mayor chosen was William Schofield, Esq., who was succeeded by + P.H. Muntz, Esq., in 1839 and 1840, the election taking place at the + November sitting in each year. Since 1840, the Mayoral chair has been + successively filled by:— + </p> + <p> + 1841, S. Beale; 1842, J. James; 1843, T. Weston; 1844, T. Phillips; + 1845, H. Smith; 1846, R. Martineau; 1847, C. Geach; 1848, S. Thornton; + 1849, W. Lucy; 1850, W. Lucy; 1851, H. Smith; 1852, H. Hawkes; 1853, + J. Baldwin; 1854, J. Palmer; 1855, T. R, T. Hodgson; 1856, J. + Ratcliff; 1857, J. Ratcliff; 1858, Sir J. Ratcliff, Kt.; 1859, T. + Lloyd; 1860, A. Ryland; 1861, H. Manton; 1862, C. Sturge; 1863, W. + Holliday; 1864, H. Wiggin; 1865, E. Yates; 1866, G. Dixon; 1867, T. + Avery; 1868, H. Holland; 1869, T. Prime; 1870, G. B. Lloyd; 1871, J. + Sadler; 1872, A. Biggs; 1873, J. Chamberlain; 1874, J. Chamberlain; + 1875, J. Chamberlain; 1876, G. Baker; 1877, W. Kenrick; 1878, J. + Collings; 1879, R. Chamberlain; 1880, R. Chamberlain; 1881, T. Avery; + 1882, W. White; 1883, W. Cook; 1884, W. Martineau. + </p> + <p> + The members of the Council in 1862 subscribed £200 for the + purchase of a "Mayor's Chain," the first to wear + "the glittering gaud," strange to say, being a Quaker, + Charles Sturge to wit. To this chain a valuable addition has since + been made in the shape of a stone, worth £150, presented to the + Town Council by Mr. W. Spencer, June 27, 1873, as being the first + diamond cut in Birmingham, and which was appropriately mounted. For + the names and addresses of the Aldermen and Councillors of the various + wards (changes taking place yearly) reference should be made to + "The Birmingham Red Book" published annually, in which will + also be found a list of all the borough officials, &c. + </p> + <p> + <b>Corporation Stock.</b>—The balance against the Borough in the + shape of loans, or mortgages on the then rates, when the Town Council + took over from the Street Commissioners was £121,100. By the end + of 1864 the Borough debts stood at £638,300, at varying rates of + interest. After the purchase of the Gas and Water Works, and the + commencement of the Improvement Scheme, this amount was vastly + increased, the town's indebtedness standing in 1880 at no less + than £6,226,145. The old system of obtaining loans at the market + price of the day, and the requirement of the Local Government Board + that every separate loan should be repaid in a certain limited number + of years, when so large an amount as 6-1/4 millions came to be handled + necessitated a consolidation scheme, which has since been carried out, + to the relief of present ratepayers and a saving to those who will + follow. The whole of the liabilities in the Borough on loans were + converted into Corporation three and a half per cent. stock at the + commencement of 1881, the operation being performed by the Bank of + England. The tenders for same were opened Jan. 18th, when it was found + that £1,200,000 had been applied for at and slightly over the + minimum rate of £98 per £100. The remaining £800,000 + was allotted to a syndicate, who afterwards applied for it at the + minimum price. Persons having money to invest cannot do better than + visit the Borough Treasurer, Mr. Hughes, who will give every + information as to the mode of investing even a £10 note in the + Birmingham Corporation Stock. + </p> + <p> + <b>Council House.</b>—See "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm33">Public Buildings</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>County Areas.</b>—The total areas of this and adjoining + counties are:— Warwickshire 566,458 acres, Worcestershire + 472,453, Staffordshire 732,434, and Shropshire 841,167. + </p> + <p> + <b>County Court.</b>—First opened in Birmingham at the Waterloo + Rooms, Waterloo Street, April 28th, 1847. R. G. Welford, Esq., Q.C., + acting as judge until September, 1872. He was followed by H. W. Cole, + Esq., Q.C., who died in June, 1876; James Motteram, Esq., Q.C., who + died Sept. 19, 1884: the present judge being W. Chambers, Esq., Q.C. + The Circuit (No. 21) includes the towns and places of Aston, + Atherstone, Balsall Heath, Curdworth, Castle Bromwich, Erdington, + Gravelly Hill, Handsworth, Harborne, King's Heath, King's + Norton, Lea Marston, Little Bromwich, Maxstoke, Minworth, Moseley, + Nether Whitacre, Perry Barr, Saltley, Selly Oak, Sutton Coldfield, + Tamworth, Water Orton and Wishaw. + </p> + <p> + <b>County Officials.</b>—For names and addresses of the Lord + Lieutenant, Deputy Lieutenant, High Sheriff, County Magistrates, and + other official gentlemen connected with the county of Warwick, see + "<a class="internal" href="#Birm34">Red Book</a>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Court of Bankruptcy</b> holden at Birmingham (at the County Court, + in Corporation Street) comprises all the places within the district of + the County Court of Warwickshire holden at Birmingham, Tamworth and + Solihull, and all the places in the district of the County Court of + Worcestershire holden at Redditch. + </p> + <p> + <b>Court Of Judicature.</b>—Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Walsall, + and Worcester, are District Registries of the Supreme Court of + Judicature. + </p> + <p> + <b>Court Leet.</b>—The origin of that peculiar kind of Local + Government Board, known in the olden days as the Court Leet of the + Manor of Birmingham, is lost in the misty shadows of our past history. + Doubtless there were many onerous duties connected therewith, and very + possibly the officials considered themselves as "men of high + degree," but what those duties actually were, and what the + remuneration for their due fulfilment, appears to have been matter of + doubt, even so late as a hundred and a few odd years ago. The rights, + powers, and privileges of the officers of this Court had evidently + been questioned by some of our Radical-minded great-grandfathers, as + we find it was deemed necessary to assemble a jury on the 20th day of + October, 1779, to "ascertain and present" the same, and from + a little pamphlet at that time published, we extract the + following:— + </p> + <p> + <i>The Office of Low Bailiff</i>.—"The Jury find and + present that this officer is annually elected by the Jury, and that + his office is in the nature of Sheriff of the Manor; that to him all + the process of the Court is to be directed, and that it is his right + and duty to summon all Juries to this court. And the Low Bailiff, at + each fair, is entitled to one penny for each stall or standing pitched + in the said fairs." + </p> + <p> + <i>The Office of High Bailiff</i>.—"The Jury find and + present that this Officer is annually elected by the Jury; and that it + is his duty to see that the fairs be duly proclaimed, and that due + order be preserved in the fairs and markets; and if he sees any person + in such fairs or markets using unlawful games, to the injury of + ignorant persons and thoughtless youths, he may seize them and commit + them to custody, to be taken before a proper magistrate. That it is + his duty to see that all persons exposing any wares for sale in the + fairs or markets, or as shopkeepers within the manor, have legal + weights and measures." + </p> + <p> + The other officers of the Court Leet, whose duties are also defined in + the aforesaid pamphlet, are the "Constables," the + "Headborough," two "Affeirers" (who looked after + the rents and dues belonging to the Lord of the Manor), two + "Leather Sealers" (once important officers, when there was a + Leather Market, but whose duties in and about the year named seemed to + be confined to attending at the yearly dinners given by the High + Bailiff), two "Ale-conners, otherwise high tasters," and two + "Flesh-conners, otherwise low tasters." From their name it + might be thought the duties of the last named officers were limited to + the inspection of meat or flesh, but it will be seen that they were of + a more comprehensive character:— + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + "Their duty is to see that all butchers, fishmongers, + poulterers, bakers, and other sellers of victuals, do not sell or + expose to sale within this Manor any unwholesome, corrupt, or + contagious flesh, fish, or other victuals; and in case any such be + exposed to sale, we find that the said Officers, by the ancient + custom of the Manor may seize, burn, or destroy the same, or + otherwise present the offenders at the next Court Leet to be holden + for this Manor." + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + As we are now officered, inspectored and policed, and generally looked + after as to our eating and drinking, &c., in the most improved + modern style possible, it is not necessary to further fill space by + saying what the "Headborough" had to do, or how many + "Constables" assisted him. The last meeting of the Court + Leet, long shorn of all its honours and privileges, was held October + 28, 1851. + </p> + <p> + <b>Court Of Record.</b>—This was also called the + "Mayor's Court," and was authorised in the Charter of + Incorporation for the recovery of small debts under £20, the + officers consisting of a Judge, Registrar, and two Sergeants-at-Mace. + In 1852 (Oct. 26) the Town Council petitioned the Queen to transfer + its powers to the County Court, which was acceded to in the following + spring. + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm122"></a>Court of Requests.</b>—Constituted by Act + of Parliament in 1752 this Court for "the more easy and speedy + recovery of small debts within the town of Birmingham and the + adjoining hamlet of Deritend" continued in operation until the + present County Court system became the law of the land. Its powers + were originally limited to debts not exceeding 40s. in amount (which + was increased to £5 by an Act passed in 1807), the periods of + imprisonment to which defaulting debtors were liable being apportioned + out at the rate of one day in durance for each shilling due, except in + special cases, wherein an addition (not to exceed three months) might + be the reward for fraudulent concealment of property from creditors. + The "Court" consisted of no less than six dozen judges, or, + as the Act styled them, "Commissioners," from whose + decisions there was no appeal whatever. These Commissioners were at + first chosen from the ratepayers in a haphazard style, no mental or + property qualification whatever being required, though afterwards it + was made incumbent that they should be possessed of an income from + real estate to value of £50 per year, or be worth £1,000 + personalty. From the writings of William Hutton, himself one of the + Commissioners, and other sources, we gather that justice, or what was + supposed to be equivalent thereto, was administered in a + rough-and-ready fashion of the rudest kind, the cases being frequently + disposed of at the rate of thirty to forty per hour, and when we + consider that imprisonment resulted at an average of one case in ten + the troubles attendant upon impecuniosity in those days may be better + imagined then described. The Court House, which is now occupied by + sundry tradesmen, lay a little back from High-street, nearly opposite + New-street, and in itself was no mean structure, having been (it is + said), erected about the year 1650, as the town house of John Jennens, + or Jennings, one of the wealthy family, the claims to whose estates + have been unending, as well as unprofitable, barring, of course, to + the long-robed and bewigged fraternity. A narrow passage from the + right of the entrance hall leads by a dark winding staircase to the + cellars, now filled with merchandise, but which formerly constituted + the debtors' prison, or, as it was vulgarly called, "The + Louse Hole," and doubtless from its frequently-crowded and + horribly-dirty condition, with half-starved, though often debauched + and dissipated, occupants, the nasty name was not inappropriately + given. Shocking tales have been told of the scenes and practices here + carried on, and many are still living who can recollect the miserable + cry of "Remember the poor debtors," which resounded morning, + noon, and night from the heavily-barred windows of these underground + dungeons. The last batch of unfortunates here confined were liberated + August 16, 1844. + </p> + <p> + <b>Creche.</b>—An institution which has been open in Bath Row + for several years, and a great blessing to many poor mothers in its + neighbourhood, but it is so little known that it has not met with the + support it deserves, and is therefore crippled in its usefulness for + want of more subscribers. The object of the institution is to afford, + during the daytime, shelter, warmth, food, and good nursing to the + infants and young children of poor mothers who are compelled to be + from home at work. This is done at the small charge of 2d. per + day—a sum quite inadequate to defray the expenses of the + charity. The average number of children so sheltered is about 100 per + week, and the number might be greatly increased if there were more + funds. Gifts of coal, blankets, linen, perambulators, toys, pictures, + &c., are greatly valued, and subscriptions and donations will be + gladly received by the hon. treasurer. + </p> + <p> + <b>Crescent,</b> Cambridge Street.—When built it was thought + that the inhabitants of the handsome edifices here erected would + always have an extensive view over gardens and green fields, and + certainly if chimney pots and slated roofs constitute a country + landscape the present denizens cannot complain. The ground belongs to + the Grammar School, the governors of which leased it in 1789 to Mr. + Charles Norton, for a term of 120 years, at a ground rent of + £155 10s. per year, the lessee to build 34 houses and spend + £12,000 thereon; the yearly value now is about £1,800. On + the Crescent Wharf is situated the extensive stores of Messrs. Walter + Showell & Sons, from whence the daily deliveries of Crosswells + Ales are issued to their many Birmingham patrons. Here may be seen, + stacked tier upon tier, in long cool vistas, close upon 6,000 casks of + varying sizes containing these celebrated ales, beers, and stouts. + This stock is kept up by daily supplies from the brewery at Langley + Green, many boats being employed in the traffic. + </p> + <p> + <b>Cricket.</b>—See "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm25">Sports</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Crime.</b>—A few local writers like to acknowledge that + Birmingham is any worse than other large towns in the matter of crime + and criminals, and the old adage respecting the bird that fouls its + own nest has been more than once applied to the individuals who have + ventured to demur from the boast that ours is <i>par excellence</i>, a + highly moral, fair-dealing, sober, and superlatively honest community. + Notwithstanding the character given it of old, and the everlasting + sneer that is connected with the term "Brummagem," the fast + still remains that our cases of drunkenness are far less than in + Liverpool, our petty larcenies fewer than in Leeds, our highway + robberies about half compared with Manchester, malicious damage a long + way under Sheffield, and robberies from the person not more than a + third of those reported in Glasgow; while as to smashing and coining, + though it has been flung at us from the time of William of Orange to + the present day; that all the bad money ever made <i>must</i> be + manufactured here, the truth is that five-sixths of the villainous + crew who deal in that commodity obtain their supplies from London, and + <i>not</i> from our little "hardware village." But alas! + there <i>is</i> a dark side to the picture, indeed, for, according to + the Registrar-General's return of June, 1879 (and the + proportionate ratio, we are sorry to say, still remains the same), + Birmingham holds the unenviable position of being the town where most + deaths from violence occur, the annual rate per 1,000 being 1.08 in + Birmingham, 0.99 in Liverpool, 0.38in Sheffield, 0.37 in Portsmouth, + the average for the kingdom being even less than that—"the + proportional fatality from violence being almost invariably more than + twice as large in Birmingham as in Sheffield." + </p> + <p> + <b>Cross.</b>—In the Bull Ring, when Hutton first came here, a + poor wayfarer seeking employ, there was a square building standing on + arches called "The Cross," or "Market Cross," the + lower part giving a small shelter to the few countrywomen who brought + their butter and eggs to market, while the chamber above provided + accommodation for meetings of a public character. When the Corn + Cheaping, the Shambles, and all the other heterogeneous collection of + tumbledown shanties and domiciles which in the course of centuries had + been allowed to gather round St. Martin's were cleared away, the + Market Cross was demolished, and its exact site is hardly + ascertainable. At Dale End there was a somewhat similar erection known + as the "Welsh Cross," taking its peculiar name, says Hutton, + from the locality then called "Welsh End," on account of the + number of Welsh people living on that side of the town; though why the + "Taffies" were honoured with a distinct little market house + of their own is not made clear. This building was taken down in 1803, + the 3-dial clock, weathercock, &c., being advertised for sale, + October 12, 1802. + </p> + <p> + <b>Crown.</b>—The old Crown Inn, Deritend, is one of the very + few specimens we have of the style of architecture adopted in the days + of old, when timber was largely used in place of our modern bricks. + Leland mentions the Crown Inn as existing in 1538, and a much longer + history than that is claimed for it. In 1817 there was another Old + Crown Inn in New Street, on the spot where Hyam's now stands, + access to the Cherry Orchard being had through its yard, the right of + way thus obtained being the origin of the present Union Passage. + </p> + <p> + <b>Crystal Palaces.</b>—It was proposed in August, 1853, that + the Corporation should join with the Midland Railway Co. and the + Corporation of Sutton in the erection of a "Sydenham Palace" + in Sutton Park: Birmingham to lease 250 acres for 999 years, at 1s. + per acre, find from £20,000 to £30,000 for the building + and divide profits, the Midland Railway Co. being willing to make + branch from Bromford and run cheap trains. The scheme was highly + approved, but the Suttonites killed the goose that was to lay them + such golden eggs by refusing to lease the land for more than + ninety-nine years and wanting 20s. per acre rent. In July, 1877, a + "Sutton Park Crystal Palace Co. (Lim.)" was registered, with + a capital of £25,000 in £5 shares, for buying Mr. + Cole's Promenade Gardens, erecting Hotel, Aquarium, Skating Rink, + Concert Hall, Winter Gardens, &c., and the shares were readily + taken up. Additional grounds were purchased, and though the original + plans have not yet been all carried out, a very pleasant resort is to + be found there. Day's, in Smallbrook Street, is also called a + "Crystal Palace," on account of the style of decoration, and + the immense mirror the proprietor purchased from the Hyde Park + Exhibition of 1851. + </p> + <p> + <b>Curzon Hall</b>, built originally for the purposes of the Dog + Shows, was opened in 1865. It is the property of a company, and cost + about £7,500. The building is well suited and has been often + used for exhibitions, panoramas, circus entertainments, &c., the + hall being 103 ft. long by 91 ft. wide; the stage is of the fullest + width, with a depth of 45 ft. There is room for 3,000 seats. + </p> + <p> + <b>Danielites.</b>—A tribe who eschew fish, flesh, and fowl, and + drink no alcohol; neither do they snuff, smoke, or chew tobacco. At a + fruit banquet, held on August, 1877, it was decided to organise a + "Garden of Danielites" in Birmingham. + </p> + <p> + <b>Dates.</b>—The most complete work giving the dates of all the + leading events in the world's history is "Haydn's Book of + Dates," the latest edition bringing them down to 1882. For local + events, the only "Local Book of Dates" published is that of + 1874, but "Showell's Dictionary of Birmingham" (by the + same author), will be found to contain more reliable data than any + book hitherto issued. For information of a general character, + respecting the immediate neighbourhood and adjoining counties, our + readers cannot do better than refer to the files of Birmingham + newspapers, preserved in the Reference Library, or write to the + present editors of the said papers, gentlemen noted for their + urbanity, and readiness to tell anybody anything. + </p> + <p> + <b>Dawson,</b> George, <i>See "<a class="internal" href= + "#Birm36">Parsons, Preachers, and Priests</a></i>," and + "<i>Statues</i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Deaf and Dumb Asylum.</b>—<i>See "<a class="internal" + href="#Birm7">Philanthropic Institutions</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Debating Societies.</b>—From time immemorial the Brums have + had their little Parliaments, mostly in public-house parlours and + clubrooms, and certain Sunday nights gathering at "Bob + Edmonds" and other well-known houses have acquired quite an + historical interest; but the regularly-constituted "Spouting + Clubs" of the present day cannot claim a very long existence, the + Birmingham Debating Society having held their first palaver on the 3rd + of Dec., 1846. In 1855 they joined the Edgbastonians. The latest of + the kind started in 1884, is known as the Birmingham Parliamentary + Debating Society, and has its premier, parties, and political fights, + in proper Parliamentary style. + </p> + <p> + <b>Deer Stealers.</b>—There was a taste for venison in more + classes than one in 1765, for it was found necessary to offer rewards + for the detection of those persons who stole the deer from Aston Park. + </p> + <p> + <b>Dental Hospital.</b>—<i>See "<a class="internal" href= + "#Birm38">Hospitals</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Deodands.</b>—Prior to the passing of 9 and 10 Vict., 1846, + Coroner's Juries had the power of imposing a "deodand" + or penalty on any article or animal which had been instrumental in + causing the death of a human being, the said animal or article being + forfeited if the owner did not pay. + </p> + <p> + <b>Deritend.</b>—In some antique records the name has been spelt + "Duratehend." For this and other reasons it has been thought + to have had its origin rather from the ancient British, as + "dur" is still the Welsh word for water, and its situation + on the Rea (a Gaelic word signifying a running stream) seems to give a + little foundation therefor. Mr. Tonlmin Smith, in whose family the + "Old Crown House" has descended from the time it was built, + and who, therefore, is no mean authority, was of opinion that the name + was formerly "Der-yat-end," or "Deer-Gate-End," + from the belief that in ancient days there was here an ancient deer + forest. Leland said he entered the town by "Dirtey," so + perhaps after all Deritend only means "the dirty end." Like + the name of the town itself, as well as several other parts of it, we + can only guess at the origin. + </p> + <p> + <b>Deritend Bridge.</b>—Old records show that some centuries + back there was a bridge here of some sort, and occasionally we find + notes of payments made for repairs to the roads leading to the gates + of the bridge, or to the watchmen who had charge thereof, who appear + to have been in the habit of locking the gates at night, a procedure + which we fear our "Dirtyent" neighbours of to-day would be + inclined to resent. The Act for building the present bridge was + obtained in 1784; the work was commenced in 1789, but not completed + till 1814. + </p> + <p> + <b>Dickens,</b> Charles, made his first appearance amongst us at a + Polytechnic Conversazione held February 28, 1844, his last visit being + to distribute prizes to students of the Midland Institute, January 6, + 1870. In December, 1854, he gave the proceeds of three + "Readings," amounting to £227, to the funds of the + Institute, in which he always took great interest.—<i>See also + "<a class="internal" href="#Birm39">Theatrical Notes</a>," + &c.</i> + </p> + <p> + <b>Digbeth,</b> or Dyke Path, or Ducks' Bath, another puzzle to + the antiquarians. It was evidently a watery place, and the pathway lay + low, as may be seen at "Ye Olde Leather Bottel." + </p> + <p> + <b>Dining Halls.</b>—Our grandfathers were content to take their + bread and cheese by the cosy fireside of a public-house kitchen; this + was followed by sundry publicans reserving a better room, in which a + joint was served up for their "topping customers." One who + got into trouble and lost his license, conceived the idea of opposing + his successor, and started dining-rooms, sending out for beer as it + was required, but <i>not</i> to his old shop. This innovation took, + and when the railways began bringing in their streams of strangers, + these dining-rooms paid well (as several of the old ones do still). + The next step was the opening of a large room in Slaney Street (June + 8, 1863), and another in Cambridge Street, with the imposing title of + "Dining Halls," wherein all who were hungry could be fed at + wholesale prices—provided they had the necessary cash. Our + people, however, are not sufficiently gregarious to relish this kind + of feeding in flocks, barrackroom fashion, and though the provisions + were good and cheap, the herding together of all sorts spoilt the + speculation, and Dining Halls closed when "Restaurants" + opened.—See "<i><a class="internal" href="#Birm40">Luncheon + Bars</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Diocese.</b>—Birmingham is in the diocese of Worcester, and + in the Archdeaconry of Coventry. + </p> + <p> + <b>Directories.</b>—The oldest Birmingham Directory known was + printed in 1770, but there had been one advertised a few years + earlier, and every now and then, after this date one or other of our + few printers ventured to issue what they called a directory, but the + procuring a complete list of all and every occupation carried on in + Birmingham appears to have been a feat beyond their powers, even sixty + years back. As far as they did go, however, the old directories are + not uninteresting, as they give us glimpses of trade mutations and + changes compared with the present time that appear strange now even to + our oldest inhabitants. Place for instance the directory of 1824 by + the side of White's directory for 1874 (one of the most valuable + and carefully compiled works of the kind yet issued). In the former we + find the names of 4,980 tradesmen, the different businesses under + which they are allotted numbering only 141; in 1874 the trades and + professions named tot up to 745, under which appears no less than + 33,462 names. In 1824, if we are to believe the directory, there were + no factors here, no fancy repositories, no gardeners or florists, no + pearl button makers, no furniture brokers or pawnbrokers (!), no + newsagents, and, strange to say, no printer. Photographers and + electro-platers were unknown, though fifty years after showed 68 of + the one, and 77 of the latter. On the other hand, in 1824, there were + 78 auger, awlblade and gimlet makers, against 19 in 1874; 14 bellows + makers, against 5; 36 buckle and 810 button makers, against 10 and + 265; 52 edge tool makers and 176 locksmiths, against 18 of each in + 1874; hinge-makers were reduced from 53 to 23; gilt toy makers, from + 265 to 15. (Considering the immense quantity of gilt trifles now sent + out yearly, we can only account for these figures by supposing the + producers to have been entered under various other headings). Among + the trades that have vanished altogether, are steelyard makers, of + whom there were 19 in 1824; saw-makers, of whom there were 26; + tool-makers, of whom there were 79, and similorers, whatever they + might have been. Makers of the time-honoured snuffers numbered 46 in + 1824, and there were even half-a-dozen manufacturers left at work in + 1874. The introduction of gas-lighting only found employ, in the + first-named year, for three gasfitters; in 1874, there were close upon + 100. Pewterers and manufacturers of articles in Britannia metal + numbered 75 in 1824, against 19 in 1874, wire-drawers in the same + period coming down from 237 to 56. The Directories of the past ten + years have degenerated into mere bulky tomes, cataloguing names + certainly, but published almost solely for the benefit (?) of those + tradesmen who can be coaxed into advertising in their pages. To such + an extent has this been carried, that it is well for all advertisers + to be careful when giving their orders, that they are dealing with an + established and respectable firm, more than one bogus Directory having + come under the notice of the writer during the past year or two. The + issue of a real Post Office Directory for 1882, for which the names, + trades, and addresses were to be gathered by the letter-carriers, and + no body of men could be more suitable for the work, or be better + trusted, was hailed by local tradesmen as a decided step in advance + (though little fault could be found with the editions periodically + issued by Kelly), but unfortunately the proposed plan was not + successfully carried out, and in future years the volume will be + principally valued as a curiosity, the wonderfully strange mistakes + being made therein of placing the honoured name of Sir Josiah Mason + under the head of "Next-of-Kin Enquiry Agents," and that, + too, just previous to the exposure of the numerous frauds carried out + by one of the so-called agents and its curiousness is considerably + enhanced by the fact that a like error had been perpetrated in a + recent edition of Kelly's Directory. + </p> + <p> + <b>Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society</b> in 1882 gave assistance + to 642 persons, at an average cost of 9s. 9-1/2d. + each—£315 19s. 4d. £161 16s. 5d. of this amount came + from the convicts' gratuities, while the cost of aiding and + helping them took £192 2s. + </p> + <p> + <b>Dispensary.</b>—Established in 1794; the first stone of the + building in Union Street was laid December 23, 1806, and it was opened + for the reception of patients early in 1808, the cost being about + £3,000. It has been one of the most valuable institutions of the + town, thousands receiving medical assistance every year, and is + supported by voluntary subscriptions. A branch Dispensary was opened + in Monument Road, Feb. 27, 1884. Provident Dispensaries, to which + members pay a small monthly sum for medicine and attendance, were + organised in 1878, the first branch being opened at Hockley in October + of that year. In the first fifteen months 3,765 individuals, paid + subscriptions, and about £577 was paid for drugs and doctors + fees. There are also branches at Camp Hill and Small Heath. + </p> + <p> + <b>Dissenters.</b>—In 1836 there were 45 places of worship + belonging to various denominations of Dissenters here; there are now + about 145.—<i>See "<a class="internal" href="#Birm4">Places + of Worship</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Distances</b> from Birmingham to neighbouring places, county towns, + trade centres, watering places, &c. Being taken from the shortest + railway routes, this list may be used as a guide to the third-class + fares— Reckoned at 1d. per mile:— + </p> + <table width="100%" summary= + "Distances from Birmingham to other places in Great Britain and Ireland"> + <tr valign="top"> + <td> + <table cellspacing="10" summary= + "Distances from Birmingham to other places in Great Britain and Ireland, column 1"> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + </td> + <td align="right"> + Miles + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Aberdare + </td> + <td align="right"> + 111 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Aberdeen + </td> + <td align="right"> + 437½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Abergavenny + </td> + <td align="right"> + 79 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Abergele + </td> + <td align="right"> + 109 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Aberystwith + </td> + <td align="right"> + 123½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Acock's Green + </td> + <td align="right"> + 4¼ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Albrighton + </td> + <td 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Rickmansworth + </td> + <td align="right"> + 98 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Rochdale + </td> + <td align="right"> + 104½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Ross + </td> + <td align="right"> + 70 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Rotherham + </td> + <td align="right"> + 88 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Round Oak + </td> + <td align="right"> + 10½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Rowsley + </td> + <td align="right"> + 63½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Ruabon + </td> + <td align="right"> + 67½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Rugby + </td> + <td align="right"> + 80½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Rugeley + </td> + <td align="right"> + 21½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Runcorn + </td> + <td align="right"> + 75 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Ruthin + </td> + <td align="right"> + 116 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Ryde + </td> + <td align="right"> + 160 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + St Alban's + </td> + <td align="right"> + 101 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + St Asaph + </td> + <td align="right"> + 111 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + St Helens + </td> + <td align="right"> + 85½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + St Leonard's + </td> + <td align="right"> + 190½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Salford Priors + </td> + <td align="right"> + 28 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Salisbury + </td> + <td align="right"> + 157½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Saltburn + </td> + <td align="right"> + 191 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Sandbach + </td> + <td align="right"> + 58½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Scarboro' + </td> + <td align="right"> + 173 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Selly Oak + </td> + <td align="right"> + 2½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Sharpness + </td> + <td align="right"> + 75 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Sheffield + </td> + <td align="right"> + 79 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Shepton Mallett + </td> + <td align="right"> + 152 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Shifnal + </td> + <td align="right"> + 25 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Shrewsbury + </td> + <td align="right"> + 42 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Shustoke + </td> + <td align="right"> + 12 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Smethwick + </td> + <td align="right"> + 3½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Solihull + </td> + <td align="right"> + 6½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Southampton + </td> + <td align="right"> + 139 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Southport + </td> + <td align="right"> + 107½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + South Shields + </td> + <td align="right"> + 209 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Spon Lane + </td> + <td align="right"> + 4½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Stafford + </td> + <td align="right"> + 29 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Stamford + </td> + <td align="right"> + 72 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Stechford + </td> + <td align="right"> + 3½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Stirchley Street + </td> + <td align="right"> + 3½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Stirling + </td> + <td align="right"> + 336 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Stockport + </td> + <td align="right"> + 79 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Stoke + </td> + <td align="right"> + 45½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Stokes Bay + </td> + <td align="right"> + 150 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Stourbridge + </td> + <td align="right"> + 13½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Stourport + </td> + <td align="right"> + 22 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Stranraer + </td> + <td align="right"> + 301 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Stratford-on-Avon + </td> + <td align="right"> + 26 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Stroud + </td> + <td align="right"> + 70 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Sunderland + </td> + <td align="right"> + 208 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Sutton Coldfield + </td> + <td align="right"> + 7 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Swansea + </td> + <td align="right"> + 156½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Swan Village + </td> + <td align="right"> + 5½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Swindon + </td> + <td align="right"> + 100 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Tamworth + </td> + <td align="right"> + 18 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Taunton + </td> + <td align="right"> + 138½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Teignmouth + </td> + <td align="right"> + 184 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Tenbury + </td> + <td align="right"> + 38 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Tewkesbury + </td> + <td align="right"> + 44½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Thirsk + </td> + <td align="right"> + 151 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Thrapstone + </td> + <td align="right"> + 75½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Tipton + </td> + <td align="right"> + 8 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Torquay + </td> + <td align="right"> + 195½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Towcester + </td> + <td align="right"> + 54 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Trefnant + </td> + <td align="right"> + 113 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Trentham + </td> + <td align="right"> + 43 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Trowbridge + </td> + <td align="right"> + 128 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Truro + </td> + <td align="right"> + 275½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Tunbridge Wells + </td> + <td align="right"> + 165 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Tunstall + </td> + <td align="right"> + 47 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Tutbury + </td> + <td align="right"> + 37 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Ulverstone + </td> + <td align="right"> + 152 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Uppingham + </td> + <td align="right"> + 61½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Upton-on-Severn + </td> + <td align="right"> + 49 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Uttoxeter + </td> + <td align="right"> + 45¼ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Uxbridge + </td> + <td align="right"> + 118 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Wakefield + </td> + <td align="right"> + 101½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Wallingford + </td> + <td align="right"> + 84¼ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Walsall + </td> + <td align="right"> + 8 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Warminster + </td> + <td align="right"> + 120 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Warrington + </td> + <td align="right"> + 78 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Warwick + </td> + <td align="right"> + 21½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Water Orton + </td> + <td align="right"> + 7½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Wednesbury + </td> + <td align="right"> + 8 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Wednesfield + </td> + <td align="right"> + 12 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Weedon + </td> + <td align="right"> + 42 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Welshpool + </td> + <td align="right"> + 61 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Wellington + </td> + <td align="right"> + 32 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Wells + </td> + <td align="right"> + 123 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Wem + </td> + <td align="right"> + 52 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + West Bromwich + </td> + <td align="right"> + 4 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Weston-supr-Mare + </td> + <td align="right"> + 114 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Weymouth + </td> + <td align="right"> + 191 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Whitacre Junction + </td> + <td align="right"> + 10½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Whitby + </td> + <td align="right"> + 187 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Whitchurch + </td> + <td align="right"> + 51 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Whitehaven + </td> + <td align="right"> + 193 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Wigan + </td> + <td align="right"> + 91 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Willenhall + </td> + <td align="right"> + 11 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Willesden Junction + </td> + <td align="right"> + 107 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Wilnecote + </td> + <td align="right"> + 16½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Wincanton + </td> + <td align="right"> + 130 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Winchester + </td> + <td align="right"> + 127 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Windermere + </td> + <td align="right"> + 156 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Windsor + </td> + <td align="right"> + 113 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Winson Green + </td> + <td align="right"> + 2½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Wirksworth + </td> + <td align="right"> + 56 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Witton + </td> + <td align="right"> + 3½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Woburn Sands + </td> + <td align="right"> + 70 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Wokingham + </td> + <td align="right"> + 100 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Wolverhampton + </td> + <td align="right"> + 12 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Wolverton + </td> + <td align="right"> + 60 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Worcester + </td> + <td align="right"> + 27½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Worthington + </td> + <td align="right"> + 50 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Wrexham + </td> + <td align="right"> + 72 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Wylde Green + </td> + <td align="right"> + 6 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Yarmouth + </td> + <td align="right"> + 201 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + Yeovil + </td> + <td align="right"> + 152 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + York + </td> + <td align="right"> + 130½ + </td> + </tr> + </table> + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + <b>Dogs.</b>—A 5s. duty on dogs came into force April 5, 1867; + raised to 7s. 6d. in June, 1878; This was not the first tax of the + kind, for a local note of the time says that in 1796 "the fields + and waters near the town were covered with the dead carcases of dogs + destroyed by their owners to avoid payment of the tax." The + amount paid per year at present for "dog licenses" in + Birmingham is about £1,800. The using of dogs as beasts of + burden (common enough now abroad) was put a stop to in London at the + end of Oct. 1840, though it was not until 1854 that the prohibition + became general. Prior to the passing of the Act in that year, dogs + were utilised as draught animals to a very great extent in this + neighbourhood by the rag-and-bone gatherers, pedlars, and little + merchants, as many as 180 of the poor brutes once being counted in + five hours as passing a certain spot on the Westbromwich Road. There + have been one or two "homes" for stray dogs opened, but it + is best in case of a loss of this kind to give early information at + the nearest police station, as the art of dog stealing has latterly + been much cultivated in this town, and it should be considered a duty + to one's neighbour to aid in putting a stop thereto. + </p> + <p> + <b>Dog Shows.</b>—The first local Dog Show was held in 1860, but + it was not until the opening in Curzon Hall, December 4, 1865, that + the Show took rank as one of the "yearly institutions" of + the town.—See "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm42">Exhibitions</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Domesday Books.</b>—The so-called Domesday Book, compiled by + order of William the Norman Conqueror, has always been considered a + wonderful work, and it must have taken some years compiling. Some + extracts touching upon the holders of land in this neighbourhood have + already been given, and in a sense they are very interesting, showing + as they do the then barrenness of the land, and the paucity of + inhabitants. Though in Henry VIII.'s reign an inventory of all + properties in the hands of Churchmen was taken, it did not include the + owners of land in general, and it was not till Mr. John Bright in 1873 + moved for the Returns, that a complete register of the kind was made. + It would not be easy, even if space could be given to it, to give the + list of individuals, companies, and corporation who claim to be + possessors of the land we live on in Birmingham and neighbourhood; but + a summary including the owners in this and adjoining counties may be + worth preserving. As will be seen by the annexed figures, Warwick and + Stafford rank high in the list of counties having large numbers of + small owners (small as to extent of ground, though often very valuable + from the erections thereon). There can be no doubt that the Freehold + Land and Building Societies have had much to do with this, and as + Birmingham was for years the headquarters of these Societies, the fact + of there being nearly 47,000 persons in the county (out of a total + population of 634,189) who own small plots under one acre, speaks well + for the steady perseverance of the Warwickshire lads. That we are not + wrong in coming to this conclusion is shown by the fact that leaving + out the Metropolitan Counties, Warwick heads, in this respect, all the + shires in the kingdom. + </p> + <table cellspacing="10" width="60%" summary= + "Warwickshire Domesday figures"> + <tr> + <td align="center" colspan="4"> + WARWICKSHIRE. + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="right"> + Owners of + </td> + <td style="width:20%"> + Numbr. Acres + </td> + <td style="width:20%"> + Extent of lands. + </td> + <td style="width:20%"> + Gross estimated rental. £ + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + Less than 1 acre + </td> + <td> + 46894 + </td> + <td> + 5883 + </td> + <td> + 1808897 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + acre and under 10 + </td> + <td> + 1956 + </td> + <td> + 7727 + </td> + <td> + 93792 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 10 acres " " 50 + </td> + <td> + 1328 + </td> + <td> + 31485 + </td> + <td> + 114243 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 50 " " 100 + </td> + <td> + 447 + </td> + <td> + 31904 + </td> + <td> + 76178 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 100 " " 500 + </td> + <td> + 667 + </td> + <td> + 137372 + </td> + <td> + 398625 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 500 " " 1000 + </td> + <td> + 82 + </td> + <td> + 55542 + </td> + <td> + 134005 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1000 " " 2000 + </td> + <td> + 47 + </td> + <td> + 67585 + </td> + <td> + 208718 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 2000 " " 5000 + </td> + <td> + 34 + </td> + <td> + 100185 + </td> + <td> + 275701 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 5000 " " 10000 + </td> + <td> + 8 + </td> + <td> + 53380 + </td> + <td> + 90848 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 10000 " " 20000 + </td> + <td> + 4 + </td> + <td> + 49953 + </td> + <td> + 74085 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + No areas given + </td> + <td> + 49 + </td> + <td> + -- + </td> + <td> + 43205 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + </td> + <td> + <hr style="width: 3em" /> + </td> + <td> + <hr style="width: 3em" /> + </td> + <td> + <hr style="width: 3em" /> + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Total + </td> + <td> + 51516 + </td> + <td> + 541021 + </td> + <td> + 3318303 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <table cellspacing="10" width="60%" summary= + "Staffordshire Domesday figures"> + <tr> + <td align="center" colspan="4"> + STAFFORDSHIRE. + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Owners of + </td> + <td style="width: 20%;"> + Numbr. Acres + </td> + <td style="width: 20%;"> + Extent of lands. + </td> + <td style="width: 20%;"> + Gross estimated rental. £ + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + Less than 1 acre + </td> + <td> + 33672 + </td> + <td> + 4289 + </td> + <td> + 974133 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1 acre and under 10 + </td> + <td> + 4062 + </td> + <td> + 14164 + </td> + <td> + 252714 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 10 acres " " 50 + </td> + <td> + 1891 + </td> + <td> + 44351 + </td> + <td> + 224505 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 50 " " 100 + </td> + <td> + 544 + </td> + <td> + 39015 + </td> + <td> + 124731 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 100 " " 500 + </td> + <td> + 557 + </td> + <td> + 111891 + </td> + <td> + 881083 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 500 " " 1000 + </td> + <td> + 90 + </td> + <td> + 62131 + </td> + <td> + 177372 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1000 " " 2000 + </td> + <td> + 79 + </td> + <td> + 70637 + </td> + <td> + 278562 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 2000 " " 5000 + </td> + <td> + 28 + </td> + <td> + 90907 + </td> + <td> + 219792 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 5000 " " 10000 + </td> + <td> + 13 + </td> + <td> + 82560 + </td> + <td> + 136668 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 10000 " " 20000 + </td> + <td> + 7 + </td> + <td> + 96700 + </td> + <td> + 212526 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 20000 " " 50000 + </td> + <td> + 1 + </td> + <td> + 21433 + </td> + <td> + 41560 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + No areas given + </td> + <td> + 2456 + </td> + <td> + -- + </td> + <td> + 606552 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + No rentals returned + </td> + <td> + 1 + </td> + <td> + 2 + </td> + <td> + -- + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + </td> + <td> + <hr style="width: 100%;" /> + </td> + <td> + <hr style="width: 100%;" /> + </td> + <td> + <hr style="width: 100%;" /> + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Total + </td> + <td> + 43371 + </td> + <td> + 638084 + </td> + <td> + 3630254 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <table cellspacing="10" width="60%" summary= + "Worcestershire Domesday figures"> + <tr> + <td align="center" colspan="4"> + WORCESTERSHIRE. + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Owners of + </td> + <td style="width: 20%;"> + Numbr. Acres + </td> + <td style="width: 20%;"> + Extent of lands. + </td> + <td style="width: 20%;"> + Gross estimated rental. £ + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + Less than 1 acre .......160[**] + </td> + <td> + 8 + </td> + <td> + 4733 + </td> + <td> + 444945 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1 acre and under 10 + </td> + <td> + 2790 + </td> + <td> + 10136 + </td> + <td> + 151922 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 10 acres " 50 + </td> + <td> + 1305 + </td> + <td> + 31391 + </td> + <td> + 138517 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 50 " " 100 + </td> + <td> + 457 + </td> + <td> + 32605 + </td> + <td> + 92257 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 100 " " 500 + </td> + <td> + 589 + </td> + <td> + 118187 + </td> + <td> + 258049 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 500 " " 1000 + </td> + <td> + 66 + </td> + <td> + 46420 + </td> + <td> + 122817 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1000 " " 2000 + </td> + <td> + 34 + </td> + <td> + 46794 + </td> + <td> + 89267 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 2000 " " 5000 + </td> + <td> + 25 + </td> + <td> + 78993 + </td> + <td> + 131886 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 5000 " " 10000 + </td> + <td> + 5 + </td> + <td> + 33353 + </td> + <td> + 54611 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 10000 " " 20000 + </td> + <td> + 3 + </td> + <td> + 38343 + </td> + <td> + 88703 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + No areas given + </td> + <td> + 522 + </td> + <td> + -- + </td> + <td> + 112107 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + </td> + <td> + <hr style="width: 100%;" /> + </td> + <td> + <hr style="width: 100%;" /> + </td> + <td> + <hr style="width: 100%;" /> + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Total + </td> + <td> + 21804 + </td> + <td> + 441061 + </td> + <td> + 1685735 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + <b>Duddeston Hall,</b> and the Holte Family.—The first record of + this family we have is towards the close of the thirteenth century + when we find mention of Sir Henry Holte, whose son, Hugh del Holte, + died in 1322. In 1331 Simon del Holte, styled of Birmingham, purchased + the manor of Nechells "in consideration of xl <i>li</i> of + silver." In 1365 John atte Holte purchased for "forty + marks" the manor of Duddeston, and two years later he became + possessed by gift of the manor of Aston. For many generations the + family residence was at Duddeston, though their burial place was at + Aston, in which church are many of their monuments, the oldest being + that of Wm. Holte, who died September 28, 1514. That the Holtes, + though untitled, were men of mark, may be seen by the brass in the + North Aisle of Aston Church to the memory of Thomas Holte, + "Justice of North Wales, and Lord of this town of Aston," + who died March 23, 1545. His goods and chattels at his death were + valued at £270 6s. 2d.—a very large sum in those days, and + from the inventory we find that the Hall contained thirteen sleeping + apartments, viz., "the chambur over the buttrie, the chappel + chambur, the maydes' chambur, the great chambur, the inner + chambur, to the great chambur, the yatehouse chambur, the inner + chambur to the same, the geston chambur, the crosse chambur, the inner + chambur to the same, the clark's chambur the yoemen's chambur, + and the hyne's chambur." The other apartments were "the + hawle, the plece, the storehouse, the galarye, the butterye, the + ketchyn, the larderhowse, the dey-howse, the bakhowse, the bultinge + howse, and the yeling howse," —the "chappell" + being also part of the Hall. The principal bedrooms were hung with + splendid hangings, those of the great chamber being "of gaye + colors, blewe and redde," the other articles in accordance + therewith, the contents of this one room being valued at xiij li. xiv. + s. iiijd. (£13 14s. 4d.) The household linen comprised "22 + damaske and two diapur table clothes" worth 4s.; ten dozen table + napkins (40s.); a dozen "fyne towells," 20s.; a dozen + "course towells" 6s. 8d.; thirty pair "fyne + shetes" £5; twenty-three pair "course shetes" + £3; and twenty-six "pillow beres" 20/-. The kitchen + contained "potts, chafornes, skymmers, skellets, cressets, + gredires, frying pannys, chfying dishes, a brazon morter with a + pestell, stone morters, strykinge knives, broches, racks, brandards, + cobberds, pot-hangings, hocks, a rack of iron, bowles, and + payles." The live stock classed among the "moveable goods, + consisted of 19 oxen, 28 kyne, 17 young beste, 24 young calves, 12 + gots, 4 geldings, 2 mares, 2 naggs and a colte, 229 shepe, 12 swyne, a + crane, a turkey cok, and a henne with 3 chekyns"—the lot + being valued at £86 0s. 8d. Sir Thomas's marriage with a + daughter of the Winnington's brought much property into the + family, including lands, &c., "within the townes, villages, + and fields of Aston, next Byrmyngham, and Wytton, Mellton Mowlberye + (in Leicestershire), Hanseworthe (which lands did late belonge to the + dissolved chambur of Aston), and also the Priory, or Free Chappell of + Byrmyngham, with the lands and tenements belonging thereto, within + Byrmyngham aforesaid, and the lordship or manor of the same, within + the lordship of Dudeston, together with the lands and tenements, + within the lordship of Nechells, Salteley, sometime belonging to the + late dissolved Guild of Derytenne," as well as lands at + "Horborne, Haleshowen, Norfielde and Smithewicke." His son + Edward, who died in 1592, was succeeded by Sir Thomas Holte (born in + 1571; died December, 1654), and the most prominent member of the + family. Being one of the deputation to welcome James I. to England, in + 1603, he received the honour of knighthood; in 1612 he purchased an + "Ulster baronetcy," at a cost of £1,095 [this brought + the "red hand" into his shield]; and in 1599 he purchased + the rectory of Aston for nearly £2,000. In April, 1618, he + commenced the erection of Aston Hall, taking up his abode there in + 1631, though it was not finished till April, 1635. In 1642 he was + honoured with the presence of Charles I., who stopped at the Hall + Sunday and Monday, October 16 and 17. [At the battle of Edge Hill + Edward Holt, the eldest son, was wounded—he died from fever on + Aug. 28, 1643, during the siege of Oxford, aged 43] The day after + Christmas, 1643, the old squire was besieged by about 1,200 + Parliamentarians from Birmingham (with a few soldiers), but having + procured forty musketeers from Dudley Castle, he held the Hall till + the third day, when, having killed sixty of his assailants and lost + twelve of his own men, he surrendered. The Hall was plundered and he + was imprisoned, and what with fines, confiscations, and compounding, + his loyalty appears to have cost him nearly £20,000. Sir Thomas + had 15 children, but outlived them all save one. He was succeeded in + his title by his grandson, Sir Robert, who lived in very straightened + circumstances, occasioned by the family's losses during the Civil + War, but by whose marriage with the daughter of Lord Brereton the + Cheshire property came to his children. He died Oct. 3, 1679, aged 54, + and was followed by Sir Charles, who had twelve children and lived + till June 15, 1722, his son, Sir Clobery, dying in a few years after + (Oct. 24, 1729). Sir Lister Holte, the next baronet, had no issue, + though twice married, and he was succeeded (April 8, 1770), by his + brother, Sir Charles, with whom the title expired (March 12, 1782), + the principal estates going with his daughter and only child, to the + Bracebridge family, as well as a dowry of £20,000. In 1817, an + Act of Parliament was obtained for the settlement and part disposal of + the whole of the property of this time-honoured and wealthy + family—the total acreage being 8,914a. 2r. 23p, and the then + annual rental £16,557 Os. 9d.—the Aston estate alone + extending from Prospect Row to beyond Erdington Hall, and from + Nechells and Saltley to the Custard House and Hay Mill Brook. Several + claims have been put forward by collateral branches, both to the title + and estates, but the latter were finally disposed of in 1849, when + counsel's opinion was given in favour of the settlements made by + Sir Lister Holte, which enabled the property to be disposed of. The + claimants to the title have not yet proved their title thereto, sundry + registers and certificates of ancient baptisms and marriages being + still wanting. + </p> + <p> + <b>Duddeston Ward Hall.</b>—The name tells what it is for. The + first stone was laid Dec. 15, 1877; it was opened June 1, 1878; will + seat about 300, and cost £3,500, which was found by a limited + Co. + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm59"></a>Dungeon.</b>—This very appropriate name + was given to the old gaol formerly existing in Peck Lane. A writer, in + 1802, described it as a shocking place, the establishment consisting + of one day room, two underground dungeons (in which sometimes + half-a-dozen persons had to sleep), and six or seven night-rooms, some + of them constructed out of the Gaoler's stables. The prisoners + were allowed 4d. per day for bread and cheese, which they had to buy + from the keeper, who, having a beer license, allowed outsiders to + drink with his lodgers. This, and the fact that there was but one day + room for males and females alike, leaves but little to be imagined as + to its horrible, filthy condition. Those who could afford to pay 2s. + 6d. a week were allowed a bed in the gaoler's house, but had to + put up with being chained by each wrist to the sides of the bedsteads + all night, and thus forced to lie on their backs. The poor wretches + pigged it in straw on the floors of the night rooms. See also + "<i><a class="internal" href="#Birm43">Gaols</a></i>" and + "<i><a class="internal" href="#Birm44">Prisons</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Dwarfs.</b>—The first note we have of the visit here of one + of these curiosities of mankind is that of Count Borulawski, in 1783: + though but 39 inches high it is recorded that he had a sister who + could stand under his arm. The next little one, Manetta Stocker, a + native of Austria, came here in 1819, and remained with us, there + being a tombstone in St. Philip's churchyard bearing this + inscription:— + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + In Memory of MANETTA STOCKER, Who quitted this life the fourth day + of May, 1819, at the age of thirty-nine years. The smallest woman + in this kingdom, and one of the most accomplished. She was not more + than thirty-three inches high. She was a native of Austria. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + General Tom Thumb (Charles Stratton) was exhibited at Dee's Royal + Hotel, in September, 1844, when he was about ten years old, and + several times after renewed the acquaintance. He was 31 inches high, + and was married to Miss Warren, a lady of an extra inch. The couple + had offspring, but the early death of the child put an end to + Barnum's attempt to create a race of dwarfs. Tom Thumb died in + June 1883. General Mite who was exhibited here last year, was even + smaller than Tom Thumb, being but 21 inches in height. Birmingham, + however, need not send abroad for specimens of this kind, "Robin + Goodfellow" chronicling the death on Nov. 27, 1878, of a poor + unfortunate named Thomas Field, otherwise the "Man-baby," + who, though twenty-four years of age, was but 30 inches high and + weighed little over 20lbs., and who had never walked or talked. The + curious in such matters may, on warm, sunny mornings, occasionally + meet, in the neighbourhood of Bromsgrove Street, a very intelligent + little man not much if any bigger than the celebrated Tom Thumb, but + who has never been made a show of. + </p> + <p> + <b>Dynamite Manufacture.</b>—See "<i><a class="internal" + href="#Birm45">Notable Offences</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Ear and Throat Infirmary.</b>—See "<i><a class= + "internal" href="#Birm38">Hospitals</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Earthquakes</b> are not of such frequent occurrence in this country + as to require much notice. The first we find recorded (said to be the + greatest known here) took place in November, 1318; others were felt in + this country in May, 1332; April, 1580; November, 1775; November, + 1779; November, 1852, and October, 1863. + </p> + <p> + <b>Easy Row,</b> or Easy Hill, as Baskerville delighted to call the + spot he had chosen for a residence. When Mr. Hanson was planning out + the Town Hall, there were several large elm trees still standing in + Easy Row, by the corner of Edmund Street, part of the trees which + constituted Baskerville's Park, and in the top branches of which + the rooks still built their nests. The entrance to Broad Street had + been narrow, and bounded by a lawn enclosed with posts and chains, + reaching to the elm trees, but the increase of traffic had + necessitated the removal (in 1838) of the grassplots and the fencing, + though the old trees were left until 1847, by which time they were + little more than skeletons of trees, the smoky atmosphere having long + since stopped all growth. + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm69"></a>Eccentrics.</b>—There are just a few now + to be found, but in these days of heaven-sent artists and special-born + politicians, it would be an invidious task to chronicle their doings, + or dilate on their peculiar idiosyncracies, and we will only note a + few of the queer characters of the past, leaving to the future + historian the fun of laughing at our men of to-day. In 1828 the man of + mark was "Dandie Parker," a well-to-do seedsman, who, aping + Beau Brummel in gait and attire, sought to be the leader of fashion. + He was rivalled, a little while after, by one Meyers, to see whom was + a sight worth crossing the town, so firm and spruce was he in his + favourite dress of white hat and white trousers, dark green or blue + coat with gilt buttons, buff waistcoat, and stiff broad white + neckcloth or stock, a gold-headed cane always in hand. By way of + contrast to these worthies, at about the same period (1828-30) was one + "Muddlepate Ward," the head of a family who had located + themselves in a gravel pit at the Lozells, and who used to drive about + the town with an old carriage drawn by pairs of donkeys and ponies, + the harness being composed of odd pieces of old rope, and the whip a + hedgestake with a bit of string, the whole turnout being as remarkable + for dirt as the first-named "dandies" were for + cleanliness.—"Billy Button" was another well-known but + most inoffensive character, who died here May 3, 1838. His real name + was never published, but he belonged to a good family, and early in + life he had been an officer in the Navy (some of his biographers say + "a commander"), but lost his senses when returning from a + long voyage, on hearing of the sudden death of a young lady to whom he + was to have been married, and he always answered to her name, Jessie. + He went about singing, and the refrain of one of his favourite + songs— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + "Oysters, sir! Oysters, sir!<br /> + Oysters, sir, I cry;<br /> + They are the finest oysters, sir,<br /> + That ever you could buy." + </div> + <p> + was for years after "Billy Button's" death the nightly + "cry" of more than one peripatetic shellfishmonger. The + peculiarity that obtained for the poor fellow his <i>soubriquet</i> of + "Billy Button" arose from the habit he had of sticking every + button he could get on to his coat, which at his death, was covered so + thickly (and many buttons were of rare patterns), that it is said to + have weighed over 30lbs.—"Jemmy the Rockman," who died + here in September, 1866, in his 85th year, was another well-known + figure in our streets for many years. His real name was James Guidney, + and in the course of a soldier's life, he had seen strange + countries, and possibly the climates had not in every case agreed with + him, for, according to his own account, he had been favoured with a + celestial vision, and had received angelic orders no longer to shave, + &c. He obtained his living during the latter portion of his + existence by retailing a medicinal sweet, which he averred was good + for all sorts of coughs and colds.—Robert Sleath, in 1788, was + collector at a turnpike gate near Worcester, and, 'tis said, made + George III. and all his retinue pay toll. He died here in November, + 1804, when the following appeared in print:— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + "On Wednesday last, old Robert Sleath<br /> + Passed thro' the turnpike gate of Death,<br /> + To him Death would no toll abate<br /> + Who stopped the King at Wor'ster-gate." + </div> + <p> + <b>Eclipses,</b> more or less partial, are of periodical occurrence, + though many are not observed in this country. Malmesbury wrote of one + in 1410, when people were so frightened that they ran out of their + houses. Jan. 12, 1679, there was an eclipse so complete that none + could read at noonday when it occurred. May 3, 1715, gave another + instance, it being stated that the stars could be seen, and that the + birds went to roost at mid-day. The last total eclipse of the sun + observed by our local astronomers (if Birmingham had such + "plants") occurred on May 22, 1724. An account of the next + one will be found in the <i>Daily Mail</i>, of August 12, 1999. On + August 17, 1868, there was an eclipse of the sun (though not + noticeable here) so perfect that its light was hidden for six minutes, + almost the maximum possible interval, and it may be centuries before + it occurs again. + </p> + <p> + <b>Economy.</b>—Our grandfathers, and <i>their</i> fathers, + practised economy in every way possible, even to hiring out the + able-bodied poor who had to earn the cost of their keep by spinning + worsted, &c., and they thought so much of the bright moonlight + that they warehoused the oil lamps intended for lighting the streets + for a week at a time when the moon was at its full, and never left + them burning after eleven o'clock at other times. + </p> + <p> + <b>Edgbaston.</b>—The name as written in the earliest known + deeds, was at first Celbaldston, altered as time went on to + Eggebaldston, Eggebaston, and Edgbaston. How long the family held the + manor before the Conquest is unknown; but when Domesday Book was + written (1086), the occupying tenant was one Drogo, who had two hides + of land and half a mile of wood, worth 20s.; 325 acres were set down + as being cultivated, though there were only ten residents. The + Edgbastons held it from the lords of Birmingham, and they, in turn, + from the lords of Dudley. Further than the family records the place + has no history, only 100 years ago Calthorpe Road being nothing but a + fieldpath, and Church Road, Vicarage Road, and Westbourne Road merely + narrow lanes. After the opening up of these and other roads, building + sites were eagerly sought by the more moneyed class of our local + magnates, and the number of inhabitants now are sufficient to people a + fair-sized town. In 1801 the population was under 1,000; in 1811, just + over that number; in 1851, it was 9,269; in 1861, 12,900; in 1871, + 17,442, and on last census day, 29,951; showing an increase of more + than 1,000 a year at the present time; while what the rentals may + amount to is only known inside "the estate office." Some + writers say that the parish church dates from about the year 775. The + earliest register book is that for 1635, which escaped the notice of + Cromwell's soldiers, who nearly destroyed the church in 1648; and + from an entry in the register of St. Sepulchre's Church, + Northampton, for 1659, it would appear that there were collections + made towards repairing the damage done by those worthies. This entry + quaintly states that "seven shillings and sixpence" was + received towards the repairs of the church of Edge Barston, in the + county of Warwick, adding also that there was "never a minister + in the said parish." + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm64"></a>Edgbaston Hall.</b>—The last of the + Edgbastons was a lady by whose marriage the Middlemores came into + possession, and for nearly three hundred years the old house echoed + the footsteps of their descendants. In the troublous times of the + Commonwealth, Edgbaston House and Church were seized by Colonel John + Fox, the latter building being used as a stable for his horses, and + the former garrisoned by the soldiers kept there to over-awe the + gentry and loyal subjects of the country, to whom "Tinker + Fox," as he was dubbed, was a continual terror. This worthy + carried on so roughly that even the "Committee of Safety" + (never particularly noted for kindness or even honesty) were ashamed + of him, and restored the place to its owner, Robert Middlemore, the + last of the name. By the marriages of his two grand-daughters the + estate was divided, but the portion including the manor of Edgbaston + was afterwards purchased by Sir Richard Gough, Knight, who gave + £25,000 for it. In the meantime the old house had been destroyed + by those peace-loving Brums, who, in December, 1688, razed to the + ground the newly-built Catholic Church and Convent in Masshouse Lane, + their excuse being that they feared the hated Papists would find + refuge at Edgbaston. Sir Richard (who died February 9, 1727) rebuilt + the Manor House and the Church in 1717-18, and enclosed the Park. His + son Henry was created a Baronet, and had for his second wife the only + daughter of Reginald Calthorpe, Esq., of Elvetham, in Hampshire. Sir + Henry Gough died June 8, 1774, and his widow on the 13th of April, + 1782, and on the latter event taking place, their son, who succeeded + to the estates of both his parents, took his mother's family name + of Calthorpe, and in 1796 was created a peer under the title of Baron + Calthorpe, of Calthorpe, county Norfolk. Edgbaston Hall has not been + occupied by any of the owners since the decease of Lady Gough, 1782. + </p> + <p> + <b>Edgbaston Pool</b> covers an area of twenty-two acres, three roods, + and thirty-six poles. + </p> + <p> + <b>Edgbaston Street.</b>—One of the most ancient streets in the + Borough, having been the original road from the parish church and the + Manor-house of the Lords de Bermingham to their neighbours at + Edgbaston. It was the first paved street of the town, and the chosen + residence of the principal and most wealthy burgesses, a fact proved + by its being known in King John's reign as "Egebaston + Strete," the worde "strete" in those days meaning a + paved way in cities or towns. This is further shown by the small plots + into which the land was divided and the number of owners named from + time to time in ancient deeds, the yearly rentals, even in Henry + VIII's time being from 3s. to 5s. per year. At the back of the + lower side of Edgbaston Street, were several tanneries, there being a + stream of water running from the moat round the Parsonage-house to the + Manor-house moat, the watercourse being now known as Dean Street and + Smithfield Passage. + </p> + <p> + <b>Electric Light.</b>—The light of the future. The first public + exhibition of lighting by electricity, was introduced by Maccabe, a + ventriloquial entertainer of the public, at the entrance of Curzon + Hall, September 30, 1878. On the 28th of the following month, the + novelty appeared at the Lower Grounds, on the occasion of a football + match at night, the kick-off and lighting-up taking place at seven + o'clock. At the last Musical Festival, the Town Hall was lit up by + Messrs. Whitfield, of Cambridge-street, and the novelty is no longer a + rarity, a company having been formed to supply the houses, shops, and + public buildings in the centre of the town. + </p> + <p> + <b>Electro Plate.</b>—As early as 1838, Messrs. Elkington were + in the habit of coating ornaments with gold and silver by dipping them + in various solutions of those metals, and the first patent taken out + for the electro process appears to be that of July 6, 1838, for + covering copper and brass with zinc. Mr. John Wright, a surgeon, of + this town, was the first to use the alkaline cyanides, and the process + was included in Elkington's patent of March 25, 1840. The use of + electricity from magnets instead of the voltaic battery was patented + by J.S. Wolrich, in August, 1842. His father was probably the first + person who deposited metals for any practical purpose by means of the + galvanic battery. Mr. Elkington applied the electro-deposit process to + gilding and silverplating in 1840.—See "<i><a class= + "internal" href="#Birm15">Trades</a></i>," &c. + </p> + <p> + <b>Electoral Returns.</b>—See "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm11">Parliamentary</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Emigration.</b>—In August, 1794, Mr. Russell, of Moor Green, + and a magistrate for the counties of Warwick and Worcester, with his + two brothers and their families, Mr. Humphries, of Camp Hill Villa, + with a number of his relatives, and over a hundred other Birmingham + families emigrated to America. Previous to this date we have no record + of anything like an emigration movement from this town, though it is a + matter of history how strenuously Matthew Boulton and other + manufacturers exerted themselves to <i>prevent</i> the emigration of + artisans and workpeople, fearing that our colonies would be enriched + at the expense of the mother country. How sadly the times were changed + in 1840, may be imagined from the fact that when free passages to + Australia were first being offered, no less than 10,000 persons + applied unsuccessfully from this town and neighbourhood alone. At the + present time it is calculated that passages to America, Canada, + Australia, &c., are being taken up here at an average of 3,000 a + year. + </p> + <p> + <b>Erdington.</b>—Another of the ancient places (named in the + Domesday Book as Hardingtone) surrounding Birmingham and which ranked + as high in those days of old, though now but like one of our suburbs, + four miles on the road to Sutton Coldfield. Erdington Hall, in the + reign of Henry II., was the moated and fortified abode of the family + of that name, and their intermarriages with the De Berminghams, + &c., connected them with our local history in many ways. Though + the family, according to Dugdale and others, had a chapel of their + own, the hamlet appertained to the parish of Aston, to the mother + church of which one Henry de Erdington added an isle, and the family + arms long appeared in the heraldic tracery of its windows. Erdington + Church (St. Barnabas) was built in 1823, as a chapel of ease to Aston, + and it was not until 1858 that the district was formed into a separate + and distinct ecclesiastical parish, the vicar of Aston being the + patron of the living. In addition to the chapel at Oscott, the + Catholics have here one of the most handsome places of worship in the + district, erected in 1850 at a cost of over £20,000, a + Monastery, &c., being connected therewith. Erdington, which has + doubled its population within the last twenty years, has its Public + Hall and Literary Institute, erected in 1864, Police Station, Post + Office, and several chapels, in addition to the almshouses and + orphanage, erected by Sir Josiah Mason, noticed in another part of + this work. See also "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm49">Population Tables</a></i>," &c. + </p> + <p> + <b>Estate Agents.</b>—For the purposes of general business, + Kelly's Directory will be found the best reference. The office for + the Calthorpe estate is at 65 Hagley Road; for the William Dudley + Trust estates, at Imperial Chambers B, Colmore Row; for the Great + Western Railway properties at 103, Great Charles Street; for the + Heathfield Estate in Heathfield Road, Handsworth; for the Horton + (Isaac) properties at 41, Colmore Row; Sir Joseph Mason's estate + at the Orphanage, Erdington. + </p> + <p> + <b>Exchange.</b>—Corner of Stephenson Place and New Street, + having a frontage of 64 feet to the latter, and 186 feet to the + former. The foundation stone was laid January 2, 1863, the architect + being Mr. Edward Holmes, and the building was opened January 2, 1865, + the original cost being a little under £20,000. It has since + been enlarged (1876-78) to nearly twice the original size, under the + direction of Mr. J.A. Chatwin. The property and speculation of a + private company, it was (December 2, 1880) incorporated, under the + Joint Stock Companies' Act, and returns a fair dividend on the + capital expended. In addition to the Exchange and Chamber of Commerce + proper, with the usual secretarial and committee rooms appertaining + thereto, refreshment, billiard, and retiring rooms, &c., there is + a large assembly-room, frequently used for balls, concerts, and + entertainments of a public character. The dimensions of the principal + hall are 70 feet length, 40 feet width, with a height of 23 feet, the + assembly-room above being same size, but loftier. The central tower is + 110 feet high, the turret, in which there was placed a clock made by + John Inshaw, to be moved by electro-magnetic power (but which is now + only noted for its incorrectness), rising some 45 feet above the + cornice. Other portions of the building are let off in offices. + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm5"></a>Excise.</b>—It is but rarely the Inland Revenue authorities + give the public any information showing the amount of taxes gathered + in by the officials, and the return, therefore, for the year ending + March 31, 1879, laid before the House of Commons, is worth preserving, + so far as the Birmingham collection goes. The total sum which passed + through the local office amounted to £89,321, the various + headings under which the payments were entered, being:—Beer + dealers, £2,245; beer retailers, £7,161; spirit dealers, + £1,617; spirit retailers, £8,901; wine dealers, + £874; wine retailers, £2,392; brewers, £9,518; + maltsters, £408; dealers in roasted malt, £17; + manufacturers of tobacco, £147; dealers in tobacco, + £1,462; rectifiers of spirits, £11; makers of methylated + spirits, £10; retailers of methylated spirits, £33; + vinegar makers, £26; chemists and others using stills, £4; + male servants, £1,094; dogs, £1,786; carriages, + £4,613; armorial bearings, £374; guns, £116; to kill + game, £1,523; to deal in game, £136; refreshment houses, + £366; makers and dealers in sweets, £18; retailers of + sweets, £42; hawkers and pedlars, £68; appraisers and + house agents, £132; auctioneers, £1,210; pawnbrokers, + £1,958; dealers in plate, £1,749; gold and silver plate + duty, £17,691; medicine vendors, £66; inhabited house + duty, £21,533. + </p> + <p> + The Excise (or Inland Revenue) Offices are in Waterloo Street, and are + open daily from 10 to 4. + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm137"></a>Excursions.</b>—The annual trip to the + seaside, or the continent, or some other attractive spot, which has + come to be considered almost an essential necessary for the due + preservation of health and the sweetening of temper, was a thing + altogether unknown to the old folks of our town, who, if by chance + they could get as far as Lichfield, Worcester, or Coventry once in + their lives, never ceased to talk about it as something wonderful. The + "outing" of a lot of factory hands was an event to be + chronicled in <i>Aris's Gazette</i>, whose scribes duly noted the + horses and vehicles (not forgetting the master of the band, without + whom the "gipsy party" could not be complete), and the + destination was seldom indeed further than the Lickey, or Marston + Green, or at rarer intervals, Sutton Coldfield or Hagley. Well-to-do + tradesmen and employers of labour were satisfied with a few hours + spent at some of the old-style Tea Gardens, or the Crown and Cushion, + at Perry Barr, Aston Cross or Tavern, Kirby's, or the New Inn, at + Handsworth, &c. The Saturday half-holiday movement, which came + soon after the introduction of the railways, may be reckoned as + starting the excursion era proper, and the first Saturday afternoon + trip (in 1854) to the Earl of Bradford's, at Castle Bromwich, was + an eventful episode even in the life of George Dawson, who accompanied + the trippites. The railway trips of the late past and present seasons + are beyond enumeration, and it needs not to be said that anyone with a + little spare cash can now be whisked where'er he wills, from + John-o'-Groats to the Land's End, for a less sum than our + fathers paid to see the Shrewsbury Show, or Lady Godiva's ride at + Coventry. As it was "a new departure," and for future + reference, we will note that the first five-shilling + Saturday-night-to-Monday-morning trip to Llandudno came off on August + 14, 1880. The railway companies do not fail to give ample notice of + all long excursions, and for those who prefer the pleasant places in + our own district, there is a most interesting publication to be had + for 6d., entitled "The Birmingham Saturday Half-holiday + Guide," wherein much valuable information is given respecting the + nooks and corners of Warwick and Worcester, and their hills and dales. + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm94"></a>Executions.</b>—In 1729 a man was hung on + Gibbett Hill, site of Oscott College, for murder and highway robbery. + Catherine Evans was hung February 8, 1742, for the murder of her + husband in this town. At the Summer Assizes in 1773, James Duckworth, + hopfactor and grocer, of this town, was sentenced to death for + counterfeiting and diminishing the gold coin. He was supposed to be + one of the heaviest men in the county, weighing over twenty-four + stone. He died strongly protesting his innocence, On the 22nd Nov., + 1780, Wilfrid Barwick, a butcher, was robbed and murdered near the + four mile stone on the Coleshill Road. The culprits were two soldiers, + named John Hammond (an American by birth) and Thomas Pitmore (a native + of Cheshire) but well known as "Jack and Tom," drummer and + fifer in the recruiting service here. They were brought before the + magistrates at the old Public Office in Dale End; committed; and in + due course tried and sentenced at Warwick to be hanged and gibbeted on + Washwood Heath, near the scene of the murder. The sentence was carried + out April 2, 1781, the bodies hanging on the gibbet in chains a short + time, until they were surreptitiously removed by some humanitarian + friends who did not approve of the exhibition. What became of the + bodies was not known until the morning of Thursday, Jan. 20, 1842, + when the navvies employed on the Birmingham and Derby (now Midland) + railway came upon the two skeletons still environed in chains when + they were removing a quantity of earth for the embankment. The + skeletons were afterwards reinterred under an apple-tree in the garden + of the Adderley Arms, Saltley, and the gibbet-irons were taken as + rarities to the Aston Tavern, where, possibly, inquisitive + relic-mongers may now see them. Four persons were hung for highway + robbery near Aston Park, April 2, 1790. Seven men were hung at + Warwick, in 1800, for forgery, and one for sheep-stealing. They hung + people at that time for crimes which are now punished by imprisonment + or short periods of penal servitude, but there was little mercy + combined with the justice then, and what small portion there happened + to be was never doled out in cases where the heinous offence of + forgery had been proved. On Easter Monday (April 19), 1802, there was + another hanging match at Washwood Heath, no less than eight + unfortunate wretches suffering the penalty of the law for committing + forgeries and other crimes in this neighbourhood. There would seem to + have been some little excitement in respect to this wholesale + slaughter, and perhaps fears of a rescue were entertained, for there + were on guard 240 of the King's Dragoon Guards, then stationed at + our Barracks, under the command of Lieut.-Col. Toovey Hawley, besides + a detachment sent from Coventry as escort with the prisoners. The last + public execution here under the old laws was that of Philip Matsell, + who was sentenced to be hanged for shooting a watchman named Twyford, + on the night of July 22, 1806. An <i>alibi</i> was set up in defence, + and though it was unsuccessful, circumstances afterwards came to light + tending to prove that though Matsell was a desperado of the worst + kind, who had long kept clear of the punishments he had deserved, in + this instance he suffered for another. There was a disreputable gang + with one of whom, Kate Pedley, Matsell had formed an intimate + connection, who had a grudge against Twyford on account of his + interfering and preventing several robberies they had planned, and it + is said that it was his paramour, Kit Pedley, who really shot Twyford, + having dressed herself in Matsell's clothes while he was in a + state of drunkenness. However, he was convicted and brought here (Aug. + 23), from Warwick, sitting on his coffin in an open cart, to be + executed at the bottom of Great Charles Street. The scaffold was a + rough platform about ten feet high, the gallows rising from the centre + thereof, Matsell having to stand upon some steps while the rope was + adjusted round his neck. During this operation he managed to kick his + shoes off among the crowd, having sworn that he would never die with + his shoes on, as he had been many a time told would be his fate. The + first execution at Winson Green Gaol was that of Henry Kimberley + (March 17, 1885) for the murder of Mrs. Palmer. + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm42"></a>Exhibitions.</b>—It has long been matter + of wonder to intelligent foreigners that the "Toyshop of the + World" ("Workshop of the World" would be nearer the + mark) has never organised a permanent exhibition of its myriad + manufactures. There is not a city, or town, and hardly a country in + the universe that could better build, fit up, or furnish such a place + than Birmingham; and unless it is from the short-sighted policy of + keeping samples and patterns from the view of rivals in trade—a + fallacious idea in these days of commercial travellers and town + agencies—it must be acknowledged our merchants and manufacturers + are not keeping up with the times in this respect. Why should + Birmingham be without its Crystal Palace of Industry when there is + hardly an article used by man or woman (save food and dress materials) + but what is made in her workshops? We have the men, we have the iron, + and we have the money, too! And it is to be hoped that ere many years + are over, some of our great guns will see their way to construct a + local Exhibition that shall attract people from the very ends of the + earth to this "Mecca" of ours. As it is, from the grand old + days of Boulton and his wonderful Soho, down to to-day, there has been + hardly a Prince or potentate, white, black, copper, or coffee + coloured, who has visited England, but that have come to peep at our + workshops, mayor after mayor having the "honour" to toady to + them and trot them round the back streets and slums to where the men + of the bench, the file, and the hammer have been diligently working + generation after generation, for the fame and the name of our + world-known town. As a mere money speculation such a show-room must + pay, and the first cost, though it might be heavy, would soon be + recouped by the influx of visitors, the increase of orders, and the + advancement of trade that would result. There <i>have</i> been a few + exhibitions held here of one sort and another, but nothing on the plan + suggested above. The first on our file is that held at the Shakespeare + rooms early in 1839, when a few good pictures and sundry specimens of + manufactures were shown. This was followed by the comprehensive + Mechanics' Institute Exhibition opened in Newhall Street, December + 19th, same year, which was a success in every way, the collection of + mechanical models, machinery, chemical and scientific productions, + curiosities, &c., being extensive and valuable; it remained open + thirteen weeks. In the following year this exhibition was revived + (August 11, 1840), but so far as the Institute, for whose benefit it + was intended, was concerned, it had been better if never held, for it + proved a loss, and only helped towards the collapse of the Institute, + which closed in 1841. Railway carriages and tramcars propelled by + electricity are the latest wonders of 1883; but just three-and-forty + years back, one of our townsmen, Mr. Henry Shaw, had invented an + "electro-galvanic railway carriage and tender," which formed + one of the attractions of this Exhibition. It went very well until + injured by (it is supposed) some spiteful nincompoop who, not having + the brain to invent anything himself, tried to prevent others doing + so. The next Exhibition, or, to be more strictly correct, + "Exposition of Art and Manufactures," was held in the old + residence of the Lloyd's family, known as Bingley House, standing + in its own grounds a little back from Broad Street, and on the site of + the present Bingley Hall. This was in 1849, and from the fact of its + being visited (Nov. 12) by Prince Albert, who is generally credited + with being the originator of International Exhibitions, it is believed + that here he obtained the first ideas which led to the great + "World's Fair" of 1851, in Hyde Park.—Following + the opening of Aston Hall by Her Majesty in 1858, many gentlemen of + position placed their treasures of art and art manufacture at the + disposal of the Committee for a time, and the result was the + collecting together of so rich a store that the London papers + pronounced it to be after the "Great Exhibition" and the + Manchester one, the most successful, both as regarded contents and + attendance, of any Exhibition therebefore held out of the Metropolis. + There were specimens of some of the greatest achievements in the arts + of painting, sculpture, porcelain and pottery, carving and enamelling; + ancient and modern metalwork, rich old furniture, armour, &c, that + had ever been gathered together, and there can be little doubt that + the advance which has since taken place in the scientific and artistic + trade circles of the town spring in great measure from this + Exhibition.—On the 28th of August, 1865, an Industrial + Exhibition was opened at Bingley Hall, and so far as attendance went, + it must take first rank, 160,645 visitors having passed the doors. + </p> + <p> + <i>Agricultural Exhibitions</i>.—The Birmingham Agricultural + Exhibition Society, who own Bingley Hall, is the same body as the old + Cattle Show Society, the modern name being adopted in 1871. As stated + elsewhere, the first Cattle Show was held in Kent Street, Dec. 10, + 1849; the second in Bingley Hall, which was erected almost solely for + the purposes of this Society, and here they have acquired the name of + being the best in the kingdom. To give the statistics of entries, + sales, admissions, and receipts at all the Shows since 1849, would + take more space than can be afforded, and though the totals would give + an idea of the immense influence such Exhibitions must have on the + welfare and prosperity of the agricultural community, the figures + themselves would be but dry reading, and those for the past few years + will suffice. + </p> + <table cellspacing="10" summary="Livestock and produce 1887-1883"> + <tr> + <td> + </td> + <td> + 1887 + </td> + <td> + 1878. + </td> + <td> + 1879. + </td> + <td> + 1880. + </td> + <td> + 1881. + </td> + <td> + 1882. + </td> + <td> + 1883. + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Cattle + </td> + <td> + 113 + </td> + <td> + 125 + </td> + <td> + 152 + </td> + <td> + 108 + </td> + <td> + 161 + </td> + <td> + 150 + </td> + <td> + 101 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Sheep + </td> + <td> + 69 + </td> + <td> + 91 + </td> + <td> + 64 + </td> + <td> + 47 + </td> + <td> + 88 + </td> + <td> + 85 + </td> + <td> + 75 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Pigs + </td> + <td> + 64 + </td> + <td> + 73 + </td> + <td> + 52 + </td> + <td> + 60 + </td> + <td> + 58 + </td> + <td> + 67 + </td> + <td> + 69 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Corn + </td> + <td> + 27 + </td> + <td> + 58 + </td> + <td> + 29 + </td> + <td> + 36 + </td> + <td> + 55 + </td> + <td> + 67 + </td> + <td> + 66 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Roots + </td> + <td> + 94 + </td> + <td> + 112 + </td> + <td> + 175 + </td> + <td> + 182 + </td> + <td> + 124 + </td> + <td> + 131 + </td> + <td> + 117 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Potatoes + </td> + <td> + 76 + </td> + <td> + 116 + </td> + <td> + 138 + </td> + <td> + 88 + </td> + <td> + 104 + </td> + <td> + 96 + </td> + <td> + 187 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Poultry + </td> + <td> + 2077 + </td> + <td> + 2149 + </td> + <td> + 2197 + </td> + <td> + 2247 + </td> + <td> + 2409 + </td> + <td> + 2489 + </td> + <td> + 2816 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Pigeons + </td> + <td> + 629 + </td> + <td> + 715 + </td> + <td> + 702 + </td> + <td> + 815 + </td> + <td> + 902 + </td> + <td> + 838 + </td> + <td> + 1332 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + </td> + <td> + <hr style="width: 100%;" /> + </td> + <td> + <hr style="width: 100%;" /> + </td> + <td> + <hr style="width: 100%;" /> + </td> + <td> + <hr style="width: 100%;" /> + </td> + <td> + <hr style="width: 100%;" /> + </td> + <td> + <hr style="width: 100%;" /> + </td> + <td> + <hr style="width: 100%;" /> + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + </td> + <td> + 3149 + </td> + <td> + 3439 + </td> + <td> + 3505 + </td> + <td> + 3583 + </td> + <td> + 3901 + </td> + <td> + 3923 + </td> + <td> + 4763 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <table cellspacing="10" summary="Visitors 1877-1883"> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + </td> + <td> + 1877. + </td> + <td> + 1878. + </td> + <td> + 1879. + </td> + <td> + 1880. + </td> + <td> + 1881. + </td> + <td> + 1882. + </td> + <td> + 1883. + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + No. of Visitors + </td> + <td> + 53,501 + </td> + <td> + 65,830 + </td> + <td> + 38,536 + </td> + <td> + 47,321 + </td> + <td> + 55,361 + </td> + <td> + 50,226 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Receipts + </td> + <td> + £1,673 + </td> + <td> + £1,997 + </td> + <td> + £1,206 + </td> + <td> + £1,585 + </td> + <td> + £1,815 + </td> + <td> + £1,665 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + [Transcriber's note: No figures are given in the original for 1883 + in this table.] + </p> + <p> + In addition to the Christmas Cattle Show, the Society commenced in + March, 1869, a separate exhibition and sale of pure-bred shorthorns, + more than 400 beasts of this class being sent every year. Indeed, the + last show is said to have been the largest ever held in any country. + The value of the medals, cups, and prizes awarded at these cattle + shows averages nearly £2,400 per year, many of them being either + subscribed for or given by local firms and gentlemen interested in the + breeding or rearing of live stock. One of the principal of these + prizes is the Elkington Challenge Cup, valued at 100 guineas, which, + after being won by various exhibitors during the past ten years, was + secured at the last show by Mr. John Price, who had fulfilled the + requirements of the donors by winning it three times. Messrs. + Elkington & Co. have most liberally given another cup of the same + value. In 1876, for the first time since its establishment in 1839, + the Royal Agricultural Society held its exhibition here, the ground + allotted for its use being seventy acres at the rear of Aston Hall, + twenty-five acres being part of the Park itself. That it was most + successful may be gathered from the fact that over 265,000 persons + visited the show, which lasted from July 19th to 24th. + </p> + <p> + <i>Poultry</i> forms part of the Bingley Hall Exhibition, and + numerically the largest portion thereof, as per the table of entries, + which is well worth preserving also for showing when new classes of + birds have been first penned: + </p> + <table cellspacing="10" summary="Poultry 1876-1882"> + <tr> + <td> + </td> + <td> + 1876 + </td> + <td> + 1877 + </td> + <td> + 1878 + </td> + <td> + 1879 + </td> + <td> + 1880 + </td> + <td> + 1881 + </td> + <td> + 1882 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Brahma Pootras + </td> + <td> + 407 + </td> + <td> + 258 + </td> + <td> + 366 + </td> + <td> + 376 + </td> + <td> + 362 + </td> + <td> + 439 + </td> + <td> + 429 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Dorkings + </td> + <td> + 167 + </td> + <td> + 178 + </td> + <td> + 220 + </td> + <td> + 209 + </td> + <td> + 194 + </td> + <td> + 238 + </td> + <td> + 277 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Cochin + </td> + <td> + 331 + </td> + <td> + 415 + </td> + <td> + 412 + </td> + <td> + 433 + </td> + <td> + 421 + </td> + <td> + 431 + </td> + <td> + 412 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Langshans + </td> + <td> + -- + </td> + <td> + -- + </td> + <td> + -- + </td> + <td> + 49 + </td> + <td> + 66 + </td> + <td> + 49 + </td> + <td> + 47 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Malay + </td> + <td> + 63 + </td> + <td> + 38 + </td> + <td> + 49 + </td> + <td> + 47 + </td> + <td> + 48 + </td> + <td> + 36 + </td> + <td> + 43 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Creve Coeur + </td> + <td> + 93 + </td> + <td> + 117 + </td> + <td> + 94 + </td> + <td> + 38 + </td> + <td> + 28 + </td> + <td> + 33 + </td> + <td> + 24 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Houdans + </td> + <td> + -- + </td> + <td> + -- + </td> + <td> + -- + </td> + <td> + 56 + </td> + <td> + 65 + </td> + <td> + 54 + </td> + <td> + 71 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + La Fleche + </td> + <td> + -- + </td> + <td> + -- + </td> + <td> + -- + </td> + <td> + -- + </td> + <td> + -- + </td> + <td> + -- + </td> + <td> + 12 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Spanish + </td> + <td> + 48 + </td> + <td> + 33 + </td> + <td> + 45 + </td> + <td> + 27 + </td> + <td> + 32 + </td> + <td> + 31 + </td> + <td> + 37 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Andalusians + </td> + <td> + -- + </td> + <td> + -- + </td> + <td> + -- + </td> + <td> + 16 + </td> + <td> + 23 + </td> + <td> + 29 + </td> + <td> + 43 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Leghorns + </td> + <td> + -- + </td> + <td> + -- + </td> + <td> + -- + </td> + <td> + 25 + </td> + <td> + 12 + </td> + <td> + 20 + </td> + <td> + 17 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Plymouth Rocks + </td> + <td> + -- + </td> + <td> + -- + </td> + <td> + -- + </td> + <td> + -- + </td> + <td> + -- + </td> + <td> + 17 + </td> + <td> + 20 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Minorcas + </td> + <td> + -- + </td> + <td> + -- + </td> + <td> + 7 + </td> + <td> + 8 + </td> + <td> + 6 + </td> + <td> + 9 + </td> + <td> + 3 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Polish + </td> + <td> + 78 + </td> + <td> + 76 + </td> + <td> + 98 + </td> + <td> + 91 + </td> + <td> + 83 + </td> + <td> + 98 + </td> + <td> + 63 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Sultans + </td> + <td> + -- + </td> + <td> + -- + </td> + <td> + -- + </td> + <td> + 6 + </td> + <td> + 7 + </td> + <td> + 8 + </td> + <td> + 6 + </td> + <td> + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Silkies + </td> + <td> + -- + </td> + <td> + -- + </td> + <td> + -- + </td> + <td> + -- + </td> + <td> + -- + </td> + <td> + 11 + </td> + <td> + 7 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Game + </td> + <td> + 351 + </td> + <td> + 341 + </td> + <td> + 314 + </td> + <td> + 241 + </td> + <td> + 267 + </td> + <td> + 287 + </td> + <td> + 353 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Aseels + </td> + <td> + -- + </td> + <td> + -- + </td> + <td> + -- + </td> + <td> + 27 + </td> + <td> + 28 + </td> + <td> + 20 + </td> + <td> + 11 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Hamburghs + </td> + <td> + 148 + </td> + <td> + 175 + </td> + <td> + 145 + </td> + <td> + 159 + </td> + <td> + 129 + </td> + <td> + 141 + </td> + <td> + 153 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Other Breeds + </td> + <td> + 35 + </td> + <td> + 47 + </td> + <td> + 126 + </td> + <td> + 20 + </td> + <td> + 20 + </td> + <td> + 21 + </td> + <td> + 7 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Selling Classes + </td> + <td> + -- + </td> + <td> + -- + </td> + <td> + -- + </td> + <td> + 66 + </td> + <td> + 90 + </td> + <td> + 93 + </td> + <td> + 102 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Bantams + </td> + <td> + 95 + </td> + <td> + 63 + </td> + <td> + 82 + </td> + <td> + 70 + </td> + <td> + 105 + </td> + <td> + 96 + </td> + <td> + 105 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Ducks + </td> + <td> + 100 + </td> + <td> + 102 + </td> + <td> + 115 + </td> + <td> + 137 + </td> + <td> + 163 + </td> + <td> + 144 + </td> + <td> + 141 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Geese + </td> + <td> + 21 + </td> + <td> + 21 + </td> + <td> + 31 + </td> + <td> + 22 + </td> + <td> + 31 + </td> + <td> + 21 + </td> + <td> + 23 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Turkeys + </td> + <td> + 95 + </td> + <td> + 96 + </td> + <td> + 52 + </td> + <td> + 82 + </td> + <td> + 67 + </td> + <td> + 81 + </td> + <td> + 60 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Pigeons + </td> + <td> + 670 + </td> + <td> + 629 + </td> + <td> + 715 + </td> + <td> + 702 + </td> + <td> + 815 + </td> + <td> + 903 + </td> + <td> + 838 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + </td> + <td> + <hr style="width: 100%;" /> + </td> + <td> + <hr style="width: 100%;" /> + </td> + <td> + <hr style="width: 100%;" /> + </td> + <td> + <hr style="width: 100%;" /> + </td> + <td> + <hr style="width: 100%;" /> + </td> + <td> + <hr style="width: 100%;" /> + </td> + <td> + <hr style="width: 100%;" /> + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + Total + </td> + <td align="left"> + 2072 + </td> + <td> + 2569 + </td> + <td> + 2873 + </td> + <td> + 2899 + </td> + <td> + 3062 + </td> + <td> + 3316 + </td> + <td> + 3325 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + Fanciers give wonderfully strange prices sometimes. Cochin China fowls + had but lately been introduced, and were therefore "the + rage" in 1851-2. At the Poultry Show in the latter year a pair of + these birds were sold for £30, and at a sale by auction + afterwards two prize birds were knocked down at £40 each: it was + said that the sellers crowed louder than the roosters. + </p> + <p> + <i>Fine Art</i>.—The first exhibition of pictures took place in + 1814, and the second in 1827. In addition to the Spring and Autumn + Exhibitions at the New Street Rooms, there is now a yearly show of + pictures by the members of the "Art Circle," a society + established in 1877, for promoting friendship among young local + artists; their first opening was on Nov. 28, at 19, Temple Row. On + Nov. 17, 1879, Mr. Thrupp commenced a yearly exhibition of China + paintings, to which the lady artists contributed 243 specimens of + their skill in decorating porcelain and china. + </p> + <p> + <i>Horses and hounds</i>.—The first exhibition of these took + place at the Lower Grounds, Aug. 12, 1879. There had been a Horse Show + at Bingley Hall for several years prior to 1876, but it had dropped + out for want of support. + </p> + <p> + <i>Birds</i>.—An exhibition of canaries and other song birds, + was held Aug. 18, 1874. Another was held in 1882, at the time of the + Cattle Show. + </p> + <p> + <i>Pigeons</i>.—The first exhibition of pigeons in connection + with the Birmingham Columbarian Society, took place in Dec., 1864. The + annual Spring pigeon show at the Repository, opened March 20,1878. + There have also been several at St. James' Hall, the first dating + Sept. 24, 1874. + </p> + <p> + <i>Dogs</i>.—Like the Cattle Show, the original Birmingham Dog + Show has extended its sphere, and is now known as the National + Exhibition of Sporting and other Dogs. The show takes place in Curzon + Hall, and the dates are always the same as for the agricultural show + in Bingley Hall. There is yearly accommodation for 1,000 entries, and + it is seldom that a less number is exhibited, the prizes being + numerous, as well as valuable. At the meeting of the subscribers held + July 19, 1883, it was resolved to form a new representative body, to + be called the National Dog Club, having for its object the improvement + of dogs, dog shows, and dog trials, and the formation of a national + court of appeal on all matters in dispute. It was also resolved to + publish a revised and correct stud book, to include all exhibitions + where 400 dogs and upwards were shown, and to continue it annually, + the Council having guaranteed £150, the estimated cost of the + publication of the book. This step was taken in consequence of the + action of certain members of the Kennel Club, who passed what had been + called "The Boycotting Rules," calling upon its members to + abstain from either exhibiting or judging at shows which were not + under Kennel Club rules, and excluding winning dogs at such shows from + being entered in the Kennel Club Stud Book, many of the principal + exhibitors being dissatisfied with such arbitrary proceedings, + evidently intended to injure the Birmingham shows. At each show there + are classes for bloodhounds, deerhounds, greyhounds, otterhounds, + beagles, fox terriers, pointers, English setters, black-and-tan + setters, Irish setters, retrievers, Irish spaniels, water spaniels + (best Irish), Clumber spaniels, Sussex spaniels, spaniels (black), + ditto (other than black), dachshunds, bassett hounds, foreign sporting + dogs, mastiffs, St. Bernards, Newfoundlands, sheep dogs, Dalmatians, + bulldogs, bull-terriers, smooth-haired terriers, black-and-tan + terriers (large), small ditto black-and-tan terriers with uncut ears, + Skye-terriers, Dandie Dinmonts, Bedlington terriers, Irish terriers, + Airedale or Waterside terriers, wire-haired terriers, Scotch terriers + (hard haired), Yorkshire terriers, Pomeranians, pugs, Maltese, Italian + greyhounds, Blenheim spaniels, King Charles spaniels, smooth-haired + toy spaniels, broken-haired ditto, large and small sized foreign dogs. + </p> + <table cellspacing="10" summary= + "Visitors, receipts at doors and sales of dogs 1876-1882"> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + </td> + <td> + 1876. + </td> + <td> + 1877. + </td> + <td> + 1878. + </td> + <td> + 1879. + </td> + <td> + 1880. + </td> + <td> + 1881. + </td> + <td> + 1882. + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + No. of Visitors. + </td> + <td> + 14981 + </td> + <td> + 17948 + </td> + <td> + 19500 + </td> + <td> + 14399 + </td> + <td> + 16796 + </td> + <td> + 16849 + </td> + <td> + 15901 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Receipts at doors. + </td> + <td> + £664 + </td> + <td> + £740 + </td> + <td> + £820 + </td> + <td> + £580 + </td> + <td> + £728 + </td> + <td> + £714 + </td> + <td> + £648 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Sales of Dogs. + </td> + <td> + £556 + </td> + <td> + £367 + </td> + <td> + £485 + </td> + <td> + £554 + </td> + <td> + £586 + </td> + <td> + £474 + </td> + <td> + £465 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + In 1879, the exhibition of guns and sporting implements was + introduced, an additional attraction which made no difference + financially, or in the number of visitors. + </p> + <p> + <i>Sporting</i>.—An exhibition of requisites and appliances in + connection with sports and pastimes of all kinds was opened in Bingley + Hall, Aug 28, 1882. In addition to guns and ammunition, bicycles and + tricycles, there were exhibited boats, carriages, billiard tables, + &c. + </p> + <p> + <i>Dairy Utensils</i>.—The first of these exhibitions, June, + 1880, attracted considerable attention for its novelty. It is held + yearly in Bingley Hall. + </p> + <p> + <i>Bees</i>.—An exhibition of bees, beehives, and other apiary + appliances took place at the Botanical Gardens, in Aug., 1879. + </p> + <p> + <i>Food and Drinks</i>.—A week's exhibition of food, wines, + spirits, temperance beverages, brewing utensils, machinery, fittings, + stoves and appliances, was held in Bingley Hall, December 12-20, 1881. + </p> + <p> + <i>Building</i>.—A trades exhibition of all kinds of building + material, machinery, &c., was held in 1882. + </p> + <p> + <i>Bicycles, &c.</i>—The Speedwell Club began their annual + exhibition of bicycles, tricycles, and their accessories in February, + 1882, when about 300 machines were shown. In the following year the + number was nearly 400; in 1884, more than 500; in 1885, 600. + </p> + <p> + <i>Roots</i>.—Messrs. Webb, of Wordsley, occupied Curzon Hall, + November 20, 1878, with an exhibition of prize roots, grown by their + customers. + </p> + <p> + <i>Fruit, Flowers, &c.</i>—The first flower show we have + note of was on June 19, 1833. The first chrysanthemum show was in + 1860. The first Birmingham rose show in 1874 (at Aston); the second, + five years later, at Bingley Hall. The Harborne gooseberry-growers + have shown up every year since 1815, and the cultivators of <i>pommes + de terre</i> in the same neighbourhood first laid their tables in + public in Sept., 1879. + </p> + <p> + <b>Exhibitions of 1851 and 1862.</b>—Even as Birmingham may be + said to have given the first idea for the "Great Exhibition" + of 1851, so it had most to do with the building thereof, the great + palace in Hyde Park being commenced by Messrs. Fox, Henderson & + Co., July 26, 1850, and it was finished in nine months at a total cost + of £176,031. In its erection there were used 4,000 tons of iron, + 6,000,000 cubic feet of woodwork, and 31 acres of sheet glass, + requiring the work of 1,800 men to put it together. 287 local + exhibitors applied for space amounting to 22,070 sup. feet, namely, + 10,183 feet of flooring, 4,932 feet of table area, and 6,255 feet of + wall space. The "glory" of this exhibition was the great + crystal fountain in the centre, manufactured by Messrs. Osler, of + Broad Street, a work of art till then never surpassed in the + world's history of glass-making and glass cutting, and which now + pours forth its waters in one of the lily tanks in Sydenham Palace. + Many rare specimens of Birmingham manufacture besides were there, and + the metropolis of the Midlands had cause to be proud of the works of + her sons thus exhibited. Fewer manufacturers sent their samples to the + exhibition of 1862, but there was no falling off in their beauty or + design. The Birmingham Small Arms trophy was a great attraction. + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm17"></a>Explosions.</b>—That many deplorable + accidents should occur during the course of manufacturing such + dangerous articles as gun caps and cartridges cannot be matter of + surprise, and, perhaps, on the whole, those named in the following + list may be considered as not more than the average number to be + expected:—Two lives were lost by explosion of fulminating powder + in St. Mary's Square, Aug. 4. 1823.—Oct. 16, same year, + there was a gunpowder explosion in Lionel Street.—Two were + killed by fireworks at the Rocket Tavern, Little Charles Street, May + 2, 1834.— An explosion at Saltley Carriage Works, Dec. 20, + 1849.—Two injured at the Proof House, Sept. 23, 1850.—Five + by detonating powder in Cheapside, Feb 14, 1852.—Thirty-one were + injured by gas explosion at Workhouse, Oct. 30, 1855.—Several + from same cause at corner of Hope Street, March 11, 1856.—A cap + explosion took place at Ludlow's, Legge Street, July 28, + 1859.—Another at Phillips and Pursall's, Whittall Street, + Sept. 27, 1852, when twenty-one persons lost their lives.— + Another in Graham Street June 21, 1862, with eight + deaths.—Boiler burst at Spring Hill, Nov. 23, 1859, injuring + seven.—An explosion in the Magazine at the Barracks, March 8, + 1864, killed Quartermaster McBean.— At Kynoch's, Witton, + Nov. 17, 1870, resulting in 8 deaths and 28 injured.—At + Ludlow's ammunition factory, Dec. 9, 1870, when 17 were killed and + 53 injured, of whom 34 more died before Christmas.—At Witton, + July 1, 1872, when Westley Richards' manager was killed.—At + Hobb Lane, May 11, 1874.—Of gas, in great Lister Street, Dec. 9, + 1874. —Of fulminate, in the Green Lane, May 4, 1876, a youth + being killed.— Of gas, at St. James's Hall, Snow Hill, Dec. + 4, and at Avery's, Moat Row, Dec. 31, 1878.—At a match + manufactory, Phillip Street, Oct. 28, 1879, when Mr. Bermingham and a + workman were injured. + </p> + <p> + <b>Eye Hospital.</b>—See "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm38">Hospitals</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Fairs.</b>—The officers of the Court Leet, whose duty it was + to walk in procession and "proclaim" the fairs, went through + their last performance of the kind at Michaelmas, 1851. It was + proposed to abolish the fairs in 1860, but the final order was not + given until June 8th, 1875. Of late years there have been fairs held + on the open grounds on the Aston outskirts of the borough, but the + "fun of the fair" is altogether different now to what it + used to be. The original charters for the holding of fairs at + Whitsuntide and Michaelmas were granted to William de Bermingham by + Henry III. in 1251. These fairs were doubtless at one time of great + importance, but the introduction of railways did away with + seven-tenths of their utility and the remainder was more nuisance than + profit. As a note of the trade done at one time we may just preserve + the item that in 1782 there were 56 waggon loads of onions brought + into the fair. + </p> + <p> + <b>Family Fortunes.</b>—Hutton in his "History," with + that quaint prolixity which was his peculiar proclivity gives numerous + instances of the rise and fall of families connected with Birmingham. + In addition to the original family of De Birmingham, now utterly + extinct he traced back many others then and now well-known names. For + instance he tells us that a predecessor of the Colmores in Henry + VIII.'s reign kept a mercer's shop at No. 1, High Street; that + the founder of the Bowyer Adderley family began life in a small way in + this his native town in the 14th century; that the Foxalls sprang from + a Digbeth tanner some 480 years ago; and so of others. Had he lived + till now he might have largely increased his roll of local + millionaires with such names as Gillott, Muntz, Mason, Rylands, + &c. On the other hand he relates how some of the old families, + whose names were as household words among the ancient aristocracy, + have come to nought; how that he had himself charitably relieved the + descendants of the Norman Mountfourds, Middemores and Bracebridges, + and how that the sole boast of a descendant of the Saxon Earls of + Warwick was in his day the fact of his grandfather having "kept + several cows and sold milk." It is but a few years back since the + present writer saw the last direct descendant of the Holtes working as + a compositor in one of the newspaper offices of this town, and almost + any day there was to be seen in the streets a truck with the name + painted on of "Charles Holte Bracebridge, Licensed Hawker!" + </p> + <p> + <b>Famines.</b>—In the year 310, it is said that 40,000 persons + died in this country from famine. It is not known whether any + "Brums" existed then. In 1195 wheat was so scarce that it + sold for 20s. the quarter; ten years after it was only 12d. In 1438, + the times were so hard that people ate bread made from fern roots. In + 1565, a famine prevailed throughout the kingdom. + </p> + <p> + <b>Fashionable Quarter.</b>—Edgbaston is our "West + End," of which Thomas Ragg (before he was ordained) thus + wrote:— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + —Glorious suburbs! long<br /> + May ye remain to bless the ancient town<br /> + Whose crown ye are; rewarder of the cares<br /> + Of those who toil amid the din and smoke<br /> + Of iron ribbed and hardy Birmingham.<br /> + And may ye long be suburbs, keeping still<br /> + Business at distance from your green retreats. + </div> + <p> + <b>Feasts, Feeds, and Tea-fights.</b>—Like other Englishmen, + when we have a good opinion of people we ask them to dinner, and the + number of public breakfasts, dinners, teas, and suppers on our record + is wonderful. We give a few of the most interesting:—3,800 + persons dined with our first M.P.'s., Attwood and Scholefield, at + Beardsworth's Repository, Sept. 15, 1834.—A Reform banquet + was the attraction in the Town Hall, Jan. 28, 1836.—Members and + friends of the 'Chartist Church' kept their Christmas + festival, by 'taking tea' in Town Hall, Dec.28, + 1841.—1,700 Anti-Cornlawites (John Bright among them) did ditto + Jan. 22, 1843.—The defeat of an obnoxious Police Bill led 900 + persons to banquet together April 9, 1845.—A banquet in honour + of Charles Dickens opened the year 1853—The first anniversary of + the Loyal and Constitutional Association was celebrated by the dining + of 848 loyal subjects, Dec. 17, 1855.— dinner was given to 1,200 + poor folks in Bingley Hall, Jan. 25, 1858, to make them remember the + marriage of the Princess Royal. Those who were not poor kept the game + alive at Dee's Hotel.—John Bright was dined in Town Hall, + Oct. 29, 1858.—A party of New Zealand chiefs were stuffed at + same place, March 16, 1864—To celebrate the opening of a Dining + Hall in Cambridge Street, a public dinner was given on All Fools' + Day, 1864.—On the 23rd April following, about 150 gentlemen + breakfasted with the Mayor, in honour of the Shakespeare Library being + presented to the town.—The purchase of Aston Park was celebrated + by a banquet, Sept. 22, 1864.—Over a hundred bellringers, at + Nock's Hotel, 1868, had their clappers set wagging by Blews and + Sons, in honour of the first peal of bells cast by them, and now in + Bishop Ryder's Church.—The Master Bakers, who have been + baking dinners for the public so long, in December, 1874, commenced an + annual series of dinners among themselves, at which neither baked + meats, nor even baked potatoes, are allowed.—Of political and + quasi-political banquets, there have been many of late years, but as + the parties have, in most cases, simply been gathered for party + purposes, their remembrance is not worth keeping.—To help pay + for improvements at General Hospital, there was a dinner at the Great + Western Hotel, June 4, 1868, and when the plate was sent round, it + received £4,000. That was the best, and there the list must + close. + </p> + <p> + <b>Females.</b>—The fairer portion of our local community number + (census 1881) 210,050, as against 197,954 males, a preponderance of + 12,096. In 1871 the ladies outnumbered us by 8,515, and it would be an + interesting question how this extra ratio arises, though as one half + of the super-abundant petticoats are to be found in Edgbaston it may + possibly only be taken as a mark of local prosperity, and that more + female servants are employed than formerly.—See "<i><a + class="internal" href="#Birm49">Population" Tables</a></i>. + </p> + <p> + <b>Fenianism.</b>—It was deemed necessary in Jan., 1881, to + place guards of soldiers at the Tower and Small Arms Factory, but the + Fenians did not trouble us; though later on a very pretty manufactory + of dynamite was discovered in Ledsam Street.—See "<i><a + class="internal" href="#Birm45">Notable Offence</a>s</i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Ferrars.</b>—The De Ferrars were at one time Lords of the + Manor, Edmund de Ferrars dying in 1438. The ancient public-house sign + of "The Three Horseshoes" was taken from their coat of arms. + </p> + <p> + <b>Festivals.</b>—Notes of the past Triennial Musical Festivals + for which Birmingham is so famous, the performances, and the many + great artistes who have taken part therein, will be found further on. + </p> + <p> + <b>Fetes</b> were held in Aston Park July 27, and September 15, 1856, + for the benefit of the Queen's and General Hospitals, realising + therefore £2,330. The first to "Save Aston Hall" took + place August 17, 1857, when a profit of £570 was made. There + have been many since then, but more of the private speculation class, + Sangers' so-called fête at Camp Hill, June 27, 1874, being + the first of their outdoor hippodrome performances. + </p> + <p> + <b>Fires.</b>—When Prince Rupert's soldiers set fire to the + town, in 1643, no less than 155 houses were burned.—Early in + 1751 about £500 worth of wool was burned at Alcock's, in + Edgbaston Street.—May 24, 1759, the stage waggon to Worcester + was set on fire by the bursting of a bottle of aqua-fortis, and the + contents of the waggon, valued at £5,000, were + destroyed.—In November, 1772, Mr. Crowne's hop and cheese + warehouse, top of Carr's Lane, was lessened £400 in + value.—The Theatre Royal was burned August 24, 1791, and again + January 6, 1820.—Jerusalem Temple, Newhall Hill, was burned + March 10, 1793.—St. Peter's Church suffered January 24, + 1831.—There was a great blaze at Bolton's timber yard, Broad + Street, May 27, 1841.—At the Manor House, Balsall Heath, in + 1848.—Among Onion's bellows, in March, 1853.—At the + General Hospital, December 24, 1853.—At the Spread Eagle Concert + Hall, May 5, 1855.—At a builder's in Alcester Street, + October 4, 1858.—At Aston Brook Flour mill, June 1, 1862, with + £10,000 damage.—At Lowden & Beeton's, High Street, + January 3, 1863; the firm were prosecuted as incendiaries.—At + Gameson's Tavern, Hill Street, December 25, 1863; six lives + lost.—On the stage at Holder's, July 3, 1865; two ballet + dancers died from fright and injuries.—At Baskerville Sawmills, + September 7, 1867.—In Sutton Park, August 4, 1868.—In a + menagerie in Carr's Lane, January 25, 1870. —At Dowler's + Plume Works, March 16.—In Denmark Street, May 23; two children + burned.—At Worcester Wharf, June 2, 1870; two men + burnt.—At Warwick Castle, Dec. 3, 1871.—At Smith's hay + and straw yard, Crescent, through lightning, July 25, 1872.—In + Sherbourne Street, June 25, 1874, and same day in Friston Street; two + men burned.—At the hatter's shop in Temple Street, Nov. 25, + 1875.—At Tipper's Mystery Works, May 16, and at Holford + Mill, Perry Barr, August 3, 1876.—At Icke and Co.'s, Lawley + Street, May 17, 1877; £2,500 damage.—At Adam's colour + warehouse, Suffolk Street, October 13, 1877; £10,000 + damage.—In Bloomsbury Street, September 29, 1877; an old man + burned.—In Lichfield Road, November 26, 1877; two horses, a cow, + and 25 pigs roasted.—January 25, 1878, was a hot day, there + being four fires in 15 hours.—At Hayne's flour mill, + Icknield Port Road, Feb. 2, 1878, with £10,000 damage; first + time steam fire engine was used.—At Baker Bros'., match + manufactory, Freeth Street, February 11.—At Grew's and at + Cund's printers, March 16, 1878; both places being set on fire by + a vengeful thief; £2,000 joint damage. —At corner of Bow + Street, July 29, 1878.—At Dennison's shop, opposite Museum + Concert Hall, August 26, 1878, when Mrs. Dennison, her baby, her + sister, and a servant girl lost their lives. The inquest terminated on + September 30 (or rather at one o'clock next morning), when a + verdict of "accidental death" was given in the case of the + infant, who had been dropped during an attempted rescue, and with + respect to the others that they had died from suffocation caused by a + five designedly lighted, but by whom the jury had not sufficient + evidence to say. Great fault was found with the management of the fire + brigade, a conflict of authority between them and the police giving + rise to very unpleasant feelings. At Cadbury's cocoa manufactory, + November 23, 1878. In Legge Street, at a gun implement maker's, + December 14, 1878; £600 damage.—And same day at a gun + maker's, Whittall Street; £300 damage.—At Hawkes's + looking-glass manufactory, Bromsgrove Street, January 8, 1879; + £20,000 damage.—The Reference Library, January 11, 1879 (a + most rueful day); damage incalculable and irreparable.—At Hinks + and Sons' lamp works, January 30, 1879; £15,000 + damage.—At the Small Arms Factory, Adderley Road, November 11, + 1879; a fireman injured.—At Grimsell and Sons', Tower + Street, May 5, 1880; over £5,000 damage.—Ward's + cabinet manufactory, Bissell Street, April 11, 1885. + </p> + <p> + <b>Firearms.</b>—See "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm15">Trades</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Fire Brigades.</b>—A volunteer brigade, to help at fires, was + organised here in February 1836, but as the several companies, after + introducing their engines, found it best to pay a regular staff to + work them, the volunteers, for the time, went to the "right + about." In 1863 a more pretentious attempt to constitute a public + or volunteer brigade of firemen, was made, the members assembling for + duty on the 21st of February, the Norwich Union engine house being the + headquarters; but the novelty wore off as the uniforms got shabby, and + the work was left to the old hands, until the Corporation took the + matter in hand. A Volunteer Fire Brigade for Aston was formed at the + close of 1878, and its rules approved by the Local Board on Jan. 7, + 1879. They attended and did good service at the burning of the + Reference Library on the following Saturday. August 23, 1879 the Aston + boys, with three and twenty other brigades from various parts of the + country, held a kind of efficiency competition at the Lower Grounds, + and being something new in it attracted many. The Birmingham brigade + were kept at home, possibly on account of the anniversary of the + Digbeth fire. Balsall Heath and Harborne are also supplied with their + own brigades, and an Association of Midland Brigades has lately been + formed which held their first drill in the Priory, April 28, 1883. + </p> + <p> + <b>Fire Engines.</b>—In 1839 the Birmingham Fire Office had two + engines, very handsome specimens of the article too, being profusely + decorated with wooden battle axes, iron scroll-work, &c. One of + these engines was painted in many colours; but the other a plain drab, + the latter it was laughingly said, being kept for the Society of + Friends, the former for society at large. The first time a + "portable" or hand engine was used here was on the + occurrence of a fire in a tobacconist's shop in Cheapside Oct. 29, + 1850. The steam fire engine was brought here in Oct. 1877.—See + "<i><a class="internal" href="#Birm54">Fire Engine + Stations</a></i>" under "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm33">Public Buildings</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Fire Grates.</b>—The first oven grate used in this district + was introduced in a house at "the City of Nineveh" about the + year 1818, and created quite a sensation. + </p> + <p> + <b>Fire Insurance Companies.</b>—The Birmingham dates its + establishment from March 1805. All the companies now in existence are + more or less represented here by agents, and no one need be uninsured + long, as their offices are so thick on the ground round Bennet's + Hill and Colmore Row, that it has been seriously suggested the latter + thoroughfare should he rechristened and be called Insurance Street. It + was an agent who had the assurance to propose the change. + </p> + <p> + <b>Fish.</b>—In April, 1838, a local company was floated for the + purpose of bringing fish from London and Liverpool. It began + swimmingly, but fish didn't swim to Birmingham, and though several + other attempts have been made to form companies of similar character, + the trade has been kept altogether in private hands, and to judge from + the sparkling rings to be seen on the hands of the ladies who + condescend to sell us our matutinal bloaters in the Market Hall, the + business is a pretty good one—and who dare say those <i>dames de + salle</i> are not also pretty and good? The supply of fish to this + town, as given by the late Mr. Hanman, averaged from 50 to 200 tons + per day (one day in June, 1879, 238 tons came from Grimsby alone) or, + each in its proper season, nearly as follows:—Mackerel, 2,000 + boxes of about 2 cwt. each; herrings, 2,000 barrels of 1-1/2 cwt. + each; salmon, 400 boxes of 2-1/2 cwt. each; lobsters, 15 to 20 barrels + of 1 cwt. each; crabs, 50 to 60 barrels of 1-1/4 cwt. each; plaice, + 1,500 packages of 2 cwt. each; codfish, 200 barrels of 2 cwt. each; + conger eels, 20 barrels of 2 cwt. each; skate, 10 to 20 barrels of 2 + cwt. each.—See "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm56">Markets</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Fishing.</b>—There is very little scope for the practice of + Isaac Walton's craft near to Birmingham, and lovers of the gentle + art must go farther afield to meet with good sport. The only spots + within walking distance are the pools at Aston Park and Lower Grounds, + at Aston Tavern, at Bournbrook Hotel (or, as it is better known, + Kirby's), and at Pebble Mill, in most of which may be found perch, + roach, carp, and pike. At Pebble Mill, March 20, last year, a pike was + captured 40 inches long, and weighing 22 lbs., but that was a finny + rarity, and not likely to be met with there again, as the pool (so + long the last resort of suicidally inclined mortals) is to be filled + up. A little farther off are waters at Sarehole, at Yardley Wood, and + the reservoir at King's Norton, but with these exceptions anglers + must travel to their destinations by rail. There is good fishing at + Sutton Coldfield, Barnt Green (for reservoir at Tardebigge), Alcester, + Shustoke, Salford Priors, and other places within a score of miles, + but free fishing nowhere. Anyone desirous of real sport should join + the Birmingham and Midland Piscatorial Association (established June, + 1878), which rents portions of the river Trent and other waters. This + society early in 1880, tried their hands at artificial + salmon-hatching, one of the tanks of the aquarium at Aston Lower + Grounds being placed at their disposal. They were successful in + bringing some thousand or more of their interesting protegees from the + ova into fish shape, but we cannot find the market prices for salmon + or trout at all reduced. + </p> + <p> + <b>Fishmongers' Hall.</b>—Not being satisfied with the + accommodation provided for them in the Fish Market, the Fish and Game + Dealers' Association, at their first annual meeting (Feb. 13, + 1878), proposed to erect a Fishmongers' Hall, but they did not + carry out their intention. + </p> + <p> + <b>Flogging.</b>—In "the good old days," when George + the Third was King, it was not very uncommon for malefactors to be + flogged through the streets, tied to the tail end of a cart. In 1786 + several persons, who had been sentenced at the Assizes, were brought + back here and so whipped through the town; and in one instance, where + a young man had been caught filching from the Mint, the culprit was + taken to Soho works, and in the factory yard, there stripped and + flogged by "Black Jack" of the Dungeon, as a warning to his + fellow-workmen. This style of punishment would hardly do now, but if + some few of the present race of "roughs" could be treated to + a dose of "the cat" now and then, it might add considerably + to the peace and comfort of the borough. Flogging by proxy was not + unknown in some of the old scholastic establishments, but whipping a + scarecrow seems to have been the amusement on February 26th. 1842, + when Sir Robert Peel, at that day a sad delinquent politically, was + publicly flogged in elligy. + </p> + <p> + <b>Floods</b>—The milldams at Sutton burst their banks, July 24, + 1668, and many houses were swept away.—On the 24th November, + 1703, a three days' storm arose which extended over the whole + kingdom; many parts of the Midlands being flooded and immense damage + caused, farmers' live stock especially suffering. 15,000 sheep + were drowned in one pan of Gloucestershire; several men and hundreds + of sheep near to Worcester; the losses in Leicestershire and + Staffordshire being also enormous. Though there is no local record + respecting it here, there can be little doubt that the inhabitants had + their share of the miseries.—July 2, 1759, a man and several + horses were drowned in a flood near Meriden.— Heavy rains caused + great floods here in January, 1764.—On April 13, 1792, a + waterspout, at the Lickey Hills, turned the Rea into a torrent. + —The lower parts of the town were flooded through the heavy rain + of June 26, 1830.—There were floods in Deritend and Bordesley, + Nov. 11, 1852.—June 23, 1861, parts of Aston, Digbeth, and the + Parade were swamped.—Feb. 8, 1865, Hockley was flooded through + the bursting of the Canal banks; and a simmilar accident to the + Worcester Canal, May 25, 1872, laid the roads and gardens about + Wheeley's Road under water.— There were very heavy rains in + July and October, 1875, causing much damage in the lower parts of the + town.—Aug. 2 and 3, 1879, many parts of the outskirts were + flooded, in comparatively the shortest time in memory. + </p> + <p> + <b>Flour Mills.</b>—The Union Mill Co. (now known as the Old + Union, &c.) was formed early in 1796, with a capital of + £7,000 in £1 shares, each share-holder being required to + take a given amount of bread per week. Though at starting it was + announced that the undertaking was not intended for profit,—such + were the advantages derived from the operations of the Company that + the shareholders it is said, in addition to a dividend of 10 per + cent., received in the course of couple of years a benefit equal to + 600 per cent, in the shape of reduced prices. Large dividends have at + times been received, but a slightly different tale is now + told.—The New Union Mill was started in 1810; the Snow Hill Mill + about 1781; the Britannia Mills in 1862. + </p> + <p> + <b>Fly Vans.</b>—"Fly Boats" to the various places + connected with Birmingham by the canals were not sufficient for our + townspeople seventy years ago, and an opposition to the coaches + started in 1821, in the shape of Fly Vans or light Post Waggons, was + hailed with glee. These Fly Vans left the Crescent Wharf (where + Showell and Sons' Stores are now) three evenings a week, and + reached Sheffield the following day. This was the first introduction + of a regular "parcels' post," though the authorities + would not allow of anything like a letter being sent with a parcel, + <i>if</i> they knew it. + </p> + <p> + <b>Foolish Wager.</b>—On July 8,1758, for a wager, a man named + Moraon got over the battlements of the tower at St. Martin's, and + safely let himself down to the ground (a distance of 73 feet) without + rope or ladder, his strength of muscle enabling him to reach from + cornerstone to cornerstone, and cling thereto as he descended. + </p> + <p> + <b>Football.</b>—See "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm25">Sports</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Forgeries.</b>—The manufacture of bogus bank-notes was + carried on here, at one time, to an alarming extent, and even fifty + years ago, though he was too slippery a fish for the authorities to + lay hold of, it was well-known there was a clever engraver in the + Inkleys who would copy anything put before him for the merest trifle, + even though the punishment was most severe. Under "<i>Notable + Offences</i>" will be found several cases of interest in this + peculiar line of business. + </p> + <p> + <b>Forks.</b>—Our ancestors did without them, using their + fingers. Queen Elizabeth had several sent to her from Spain, but she + seldom used them, and we may be quite sure it was long after that ere + the taper fingers of the fair Brums ceased to convey the titbits to + their lips. Even that sapient sovereign, James I., the Scotch Solomon, + did not use the foreign invention, believing possibly with the + preacher who denounced them in the pulpit that it was an insult to the + Almighty to touch the meat prepared for food with anything but + one's own fingers. Later on, when the coaches began to throng the + road, gentlemen were in the habit of carrying with them their own + knife and fork for use, so seldom were the latter articles to be found + at the country inns, and the use of forks cannot be said to have + become general more than a hundred years ago. + </p> + <p> + <b>Forward.</b>—The self-appropriated motto of our borough, + chosen at one of the earliest committee meetings of the Town Council + in 1839. Mr. William Middlemore is said to have proposed the use of + the word as being preferable to any Latin, though "Vox populi, + vox Dei," and other like appropriate mottoes, have been + suggested. Like all good things, however, the honour of originating + this motto has been contested, the name of Robert Crump Mason having + been given as its author. + </p> + <p> + <b>Fogs.</b>—Bad as it may be now and then in the neighbourhood + of some of our works, it there is one thing in nature we can boast of + more than another, it is our comparatively clear atmosphere, and it is + seldom that we are troubled with fogs of any kind. In this respect, at + all events, the Midland metropolis is better off than its Middlesex + namesake, with its "London particular," as Mr. Guppy calls + it. But there was one day (17th) in December, 1879, when we were, by + some atmospheric phenomena, treated to such "a peasouper" + that we must note it as being the curiosity of the day, the street + traffic being put a stop to while the fog lasted. + </p> + <p> + <b>Folk-lore.</b>—Funny old sayings are to be met with among the + quips and quirks of "folk-lore" that tickled the fancies of + our grandfathers. The following is to [**] with several changes, but + it [**] good to be lost:— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + "Sutton for mutton,<br /> + Tamworth for beeves,<br /> + Walsall for knockknees,<br /> + And Brummagem for thieves." + </div> + <p> + <b>Fountains.</b>—Messrs. Messenger and Sons designed, executed, + and erected, to order of the Street Commissioners, in 1851, a very + neat, and for the situation, appropriate, fountain in the centre of + the Market Hall, but which has since been removed to Highgate Park, + where it appears sadly out of place. + </p> + <div class="poem"> + The poor little boys, without any clothes,<br /> + Looking in winter as if they were froze. + </div> + <p> + A number of small drinking-fountains or taps have been presented to + the town by benevolent persons (one of the neatest being that put up + at the expense of Mr. William White in Bristol Road in 1876), and + granite cattle-troughs are to be found in Constitution Hill, Icknield + Street, Easy Row, Albert Street, Gosta Green, Five Ways, &c. In + July, 1876, Miss Ryland paid for the erection of a very handsome + fountain at the bottom of Bradford Street, in near proximity to the + Smith field. It is so constructed as to be available for quenching the + thirst not only of human travellers, but also of horses, dogs, + &c., and on this account it has been appropriately handed over to + the care of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. It + is composed of granite, and as it is surmounted by a gas lamp, it is, + in more senses than one, both useful and ornamental.—The + fountain in connection with the Chamberlain Memorial, at back of Town + Hall, is computed to throw out five million gallons of water per annum + (ten hours per day), a part of which is utilised at the fishstalls in + the markets. The Water Committee have lately put up an ornamental + fountain in Hagley Road, in connection with the pipe supply for that + neighbourhood. + </p> + <p> + <b>Foxalls.</b>—For centuries one of the most prosperous of our + local families, having large tanneries in Digbeth as far back as 1570; + afterwards as cutlers and ironmongers down to a hundred years ago. + They were also owners of the Old Swan, the famous coaching house, and + which it is believed was the inn that Prince Rupert and his officers + came to when Thomas, the ostler, was shot, through officiously + offering to take their horses. + </p> + <p> + <b>Fox Hunts.</b>—With the exception of the annual exhibition of + fox-hounds and other sporting dogs, Birmingham has not much to do with + hunting matters, though formerly a red coat or two might often have + been seen in the outskirts riding to meets not far away. On one + occasion, however, as told the writer by one of these old inhabitants + whose memories are our historical textbooks, the inhabitants of + Digbeth and Deritend were treated to the sight of a hunt in full cry. + It was a nice winter's morning of 1806, when Mr. Reynard sought to + save his brush by taking a straight course down the Coventry Road + right into town. The astonishment of the shop-keepers may be imagined + when the rush of dogs and horses passed rattling by. Round the corner, + down Bordesley High Street, past the Crown and Church, over the bridge + and away for the Shambles and Corn Cheaping went the fox, and close to + his heels followed the hounds, who caught their prey at last near to + The Board. "S.D.R.," in one of his chatty gossips anent the + old taverns of Birmingham, tells of a somewhat similar scene from the + Quinton side of the town, the bait, however, being not a fox, but the + trail-scent of a strong red herring, dragged at his stirrup, in wicked + devilry, by one of the well-known haunters of old Joe Lindon's. + Still, we <i>have</i> had fox-hunts of our own, one of the vulpine + crew being killed in St. Mary's Churchyard, Feb. 26, 1873, while + another was captured (Sept. 11, 1883) by some navvies at work on the + extension of New Street Station. The fox, which was a young one, was + found asleep in one of the subways, though how he got to such a + strange dormitory is a puzzle, and he gave a quarter-hour's good + sport before being secured. + </p> + <p> + <b>Freemasons.</b>—See "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm58">Masonic</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Freeth, the Poet.</b>—The first time Freeth's name + appears in the public prints is in connection with a dinner given at + his coffee-house, April 17, 1770, to celebrate Wilkes' release + from prison. He died September 29, 1808, aged 77, and was buried in + the Old Meeting House, the following lines being graved on his + tombstone:— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + "Free and easy through life 'twas his wish to proceed.<br /> + Good men he revered, whatever their creed.<br /> + His pride was a sociable evening to spend,<br /> + For no man loved better his pipe and his friend." + </div> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm6"></a>Friendly Societies</b> are not of modern origin, + traces of many having been found in ancient Greek inscriptions. The + Romans also had similar societies, Mr. Tomkins, the chief clerk of the + Registrar-General, having found and deciphered the accounts of one at + Lanuvium, the entrance fee to which was 100 sesterces (about 15s.), + and an amphora (or jar) of wine. The payments were equivalent to 2s. a + year, or 2d. per mouth, the funeral money being 45s., a fixed portion, + 7s. 6d. being set apart for distribution at the burning of the body. + Members who did not pay up promptly were struck off the list, and the + secretaries and treasurers, when funds were short, went to their own + pockets.—The first Act for regulating Friendly Societies was + passed in 1795. Few towns in England have more sick and benefit clubs + than Birmingham, there not being many public-houses without one + attached to them, and scarcely a manufactory minus its special fund + for like purposes. The larger societies, of course, have many branches + (lodges, courts, &c), and it would be a difficult matter to + particularise them all, or even arrive at the aggregate number of + their members, which, however, cannot be much less than 50,000; and, + if to these we add the large number of what may be styled "annual + gift clubs" (the money in hand being divided every year), we may + safely put the total at something like 70,000 persons who take this + method of providing for a rainy day. The following notes respecting + local societies have been culled from blue books, annual reports, and + private special information, the latter being difficult to arrive at, + in consequence of that curious reticence observable in the character + of officials of all sorts, club stewards included. + </p> + <p> + <i>Artisans at Large</i>.—In March, 1868, the Birmingham + artisans who reported on the Paris Exhibition of 1867, formed + themselves into a society "to consider and discuss, from an + artisan point of view, all such subjects as specially affect the + artisan class; to promote and seek to obtain all such measures, + legislative or otherwise, as shall appear beneficial to that class; + and to render to each other mutual assistance, counsel, or + encouragement." Very good, indeed! The benefits which have arisen + from the formation of this society are doubtless many, but as the + writer has never yet seen a report, he cannot record the value of the + mutual assistance rendered, or say what capital is left over of the + original, fund of counsel and encouragement. + </p> + <p> + <i>Barbers</i>.—A few knights of the razor in 1869 met together + and formed a "Philanthropic Society of Hairdressers," but + though these gentlemen are proverbial for their gossiping + propensities, they tell no tales out of school, and of their charity + boast not. + </p> + <p> + <i>Butchers</i>.—A Butchers' Benefit and Benevolent + Association was founded in 1877. + </p> + <p> + <i>Coaldealers</i>.—The salesmen of black diamonds have a mutual + benefit association, but as the secretary declines to give any + information, we fear the mutual benefit consists solely of helping + each other to keep the prices up. + </p> + <p> + <i>Cannon Street Male Adult Provident Institution</i> was established + in 1841. At the expiration of 1877 there were 8,994 members, with a + balance in hand of £72,956 15s. 5d. The total received from + members to that date amounted to £184,900, out of which + £131,400 had been returned in sick pay and funeral benefits, the + payments out varying from 4s. to 20s. a week in sickness, with a + funeral benefit of £20, £8 being allowed on the death of a + wife. + </p> + <p> + <i>Carr's Lane Provident Institution</i> was commenced in 1845, + and has 299 male and 323 female members, with a capital of + £5,488, the amount paid in 1883 on account of sickness being + £242, with £54 funeral money. + </p> + <p> + <i>Chemistry</i>.—A Midland Counties' Chemists' + Association was formed in May, 1869. + </p> + <p> + <i>Christ Church Provident Institution</i> was established in 1835, + and at the end of 1883, there were 646 male and 591 female members; + during the year £423 had been paid among 138 members on account + of sickness, besides £25 for funerals. Capital about + £5,800. A junior or Sunday school branch also exists. + </p> + <p> + <i>Church of the Saviour Provident Institution</i> was started in + 1857. + </p> + <p> + <i>Church School Teachers</i>.—The Birmingham and District + Branch of the Church Schoolmaster's and Schoolmistresses' + Benevolent Institution was formed in 1866, and the members contribute + about £250 per year to the funds. + </p> + <p> + <i>Druids</i>.—The order of Druids has five Lodges here, with + nearly 400 members. The United Ancient Order of Druids has twenty-one + Lodges, and about 1,400 members. + </p> + <p> + <i>Ebenezer Chapel Sick Society</i> was established in 1828. Has 135 + members, whose yearly payments average 32s. 6d., out of which 17s. + dividend at Christmas comes back, the benefits being 10s. a week in + sickness and £10 at death. + </p> + <p> + <i>Foresters</i>.—In 1745 a few Yorkshire-men started "The + Ancient Order of Royal Foresters," under which title the + associated Courts remained until 1834, when a split took place. The + secessionists, who gave the name of "Honour" to their No. 1 + Court (at Ashton-under-Lyne), declined the honour of calling + themselves "Royal," but still adhered to the antique part of + their cognomen. The new "Ancient Order of foresters" throve + well, and, leaving their "Royal" friends far away in the + background, now number 560,000 members, who meet in nearly 7,000 + Courts. In the Birmingham Midland District them are 62 courts, with + about 6,200 members, the Court funds amounting to £29,900, and + the District funds to £2,200. The oldest Court in this town is + the "Child of the Forest," meeting at the Gem Vaults, + Steelhouse Lane, which was instituted in 1839. The other Courts meet + at the Crown and Anchor, Gem Street; Roebuck, Lower Hurst Street; + Queen's Arms, Easy Row; White Swan, Church Street; Red Cow, Horse + Fair; Crown, Broad Street; White Hart, Warstone Lane; Rose and Crown, + Summer Row; Red Lion, Suffolk Street; Old Crown, Deritend; Hope and + Anchor, Coleshill Street; Black Horse, Ashted Row; Colemore Arms, + Latimer Street South; Anchor, Bradford Street; Army and Navy Inn, + Great Brook Street; Red Lion, Smallbrook Street; Union Mill Inn, Holt + Street; Vine, Lichfield Road; Wellington, Holliday Street; Ryland + Arms, Ryland Street; Star and Garter, Great Hampton Row; Oak Tree, + Selly Oak; Station Inn, Saltley Road; Drovers' Arms, Bradford + Street; Old Nelson, Great Lister Street; Ivy Green, Edward Street; + Iron House, Moor Street; Green Man, Harborne; Fountain, Wrentham + Street; King's Arms, Sherlock Street; Shareholders' Arms, Park + Lane; Shakespeare's Head, Livery Street; Criterion, Hurst Street; + Acorn, Friston Street; Hen and Chickens, Graham Street; Albion, Aston + Road; Dog and Partridge, Tindal Street; White Horse, Great Colmore + Street; Carpenters' Arms, Adelaide Street; Small Arms Inn, Muntz + Street; Weymouth Arms, Gerrard Street; General Hotel, Tonk Street; + Railway Tavern, Hockley; Noah's Ark, Montague Street; Sportsman, + Warwick Road; Roebuck, Monument Road; Bull's Head, Moseley; Swan + Inn, Coleshill; Hare and Hounds, King's Heath; Roebuck, Erdington; + Fox and Grapes, Pensnett; Hazelwell Tavern, Stirchley Street; Round + Oak and New Inn, Brierley Hill; The Stores, Oldbury; and at the + Crosswells Inn, Five Ways, Langley. + </p> + <p> + <i>General Provident and Benevolent Institution</i> was at first + (1833) an amalgamation of several Sunday School societies. It has a + number of branches, and appears to be in a flourishing condition, the + assets, at end of 1883, amounting to over £48,000, with a yearly + increment of about £1,400; the number of members in the medical + fund being 5,112. + </p> + <p> + <i>Grocers</i>.—These gentlemen organised a Benevolent Society, + in 1872. + </p> + <p> + <i>Independent Order of Rechabites</i>.—Dwellers in tents, and + drinkers of no wine, were the original Rechabites, and there are about + a score of "tents" in this district, the oldest being + pitched in this town in 1839, and, as friendly societies, they appear + to be doing, in their way, good service, like their friends who meet + in "courts" and "lodges," the original + "tent's" cashbox having £675 in hand for cases of + sickness, while the combined camp holds £1,600 wherewith to bury + their dead. + </p> + <p> + <i>Jewellers' Benevolent Association</i> dates from Oct. 25, 1867. + </p> + <p> + <i>Medical</i>.—A Midland Medical Benevolent Society has been in + existence since 1821. The annual report to end of 1883 showed invested + funds amounting to £10,937, there being 265 benefit members and + 15 honorary. + </p> + <p> + <i>Musical</i>.—The Birmingham Musical Society consists almost + solely of members of the Choral Society, whose fines, with small + subscriptions from honorary members, furnishes a fund to cover + rehearsal, and sundry choir expenses as well as 10s in cases of + sickness. + </p> + <p> + <i>New Meeting Provident Institution</i> was founded in 1836, but is + now connected with the Church of the Messiah. A little over a thousand + members, one-third of whom are females. + </p> + <p> + <i>Oddfellows</i>.—The National Independent Order of Oddfellows, + Birmingham Branch, was started about 1850. At the end of 1879 there + were 1,019 members, with about £4,500 accumulated funds. + </p> + <p> + The Birmingham District of the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows in + January, 1882, consisted of 43 lodges, comprising 4,297 members, the + combined capital of sick and funeral funds being £42,210. Tho + oldest Lodge in the District is the "Briton's Pride," + which was opened in 1827. + </p> + <p> + The first Oddfellows' Hall was in King Street, but was removed + when New Street Station was built. The new Oddfellows' Hall in + Upper Temple Street was built in 1849, by Branson and Gwyther, from + the designs of Coe and Goodwin (Lewisham, Kent), at a cost of + £3,000. Tim opening was celebrated by a dinner on December 3rd, + same year. The "Hall" will accommodate 1,000 persons. The + Oddfellows' Biennial Moveable Committee met in this town on May + 29th, 1871. + </p> + <p> + The M.U. Lodges meet at the following houses:—Fox, Fox Street; + White Horse, Congreve Street; Swan-with-two-Necks, Great Brook Street; + Albion, Cato Street North; Hope and Anchor, Coleshill Street; 13, + Temple Street; Wagon and Horses, Edgbaston Street; Crystal Palace, Six + Ways, Smethwick; The Vine, Harborne; Prince Arthur, Arthur Street, + Small Heath; George Hotel, High Street, Solihull; Bell, Phillip + Street; Bull's Head, Digbeth; Edgbaston Tavern, Lee Bank, Road; + The Stork, Fowler Street, Nechells; Three Tuns, Digbeth; Town Hall, + Sutton Coldfield; Coffee House, Bell Street; Coach and Horses, Snow + Hill; Roe Buck, Moor Street; Drovers' Arms, Bradford Street; + Co-operative Meeting Room, Stirchley Street; Black Lion, Coleshill + Street; Queen's Head, Handsworth; No. 1 Coffee House, Rolfe + Street, Smethwick; New Inn, Selly Oak; Wagon and Horses, Greet; + Talbot, Yardley; Saracen's Head, Edgbaston Street; Dolphin, Unett + Street; Grand Turk, Ludgate Hill; Roebuck, Moor Street; White Swan, + Church Street; White Lion, Thorpe Street; Queen's Arms, Easy Row; + Rose and Crown, Wheeler Street, Lozells. + </p> + <p> + The National Independent Order was instituted in 1845, and registered + under the Friendly Societies' Act, 1875. The Order numbers over + 60,000 members, but its strongholds appear to be in Yorkshire and + Lancashire, which two counties muster between them nearly 40,000. In + Birmingham district, there are thirteen "lodges," with a + total of 956 members, their locations being at the Criterion, Hurst + Street; Bricklayers' Arms, Cheapside; Ryland Arms, Ryland Street; + Sportsman, Moseley Street; Iron House, Moor Street; Exchange Inn, High + Street; Red Lion, Smallbrook Street; Woodman, Summer Lane; Emily Arms, + Emily Street; Boar's Head, Bradford Street; Turk's Head, Duke + Street; Bird-in-Hand, Great King Street; Tyburn House, Erdington. + </p> + <p> + <i>Old Meeting Friendly Fund</i> was commenced in 1819, and registered + in 1824. Its capital at the close of the first year, was £5 14s. + 10-1/2d.; at end of the tenth year (1828) it was nearly £264; in + 1838, £646; in 1848, £1,609; in 1858, £3,419; 1868, + £5,549; in 1878, £8,237; and at the end of 1883, + £9,250 16s. 2d.;—a very fair sum, considering the numbers + only numbered 446, the year's income being £877 and the + out-goings £662. + </p> + <p> + <i>Railway Guards' Friendly Fund</i> was originated in this town + in 1848. It has nearly 2,200 members; the yearly disbursements being + about £6,000, and the payments £40 at death, with life + pensions of 10s. and upwards per week to members disabled on the line. + More than £85,000 has been thus distributed since the + commencement. + </p> + <p> + <i>Roman Catholic</i>.—A local Friendly Society was founded in + 1794, and a Midland Association in 1824. + </p> + <p> + <i>Shepherds</i>.—The Order of Shepherds dates from 1834, but we + cannot get at the number of members, &c. August 9, 1883 (according + to <i>Daily Post</i>), the High Sanctuary meeting of the Order of + Shepherds was held in our Town Hall, when the auditor's report + showed total assets of the general fund, £921 15s. 4d., and + liabilities £12 6s. 9-1/2d. The relief fund stood at £292 + 18s. 8d., being an increase of £66 0s. 11d. on the year; and + there was a balance of £6 13s. 9-1/2d. to the credit of the sick + and funeral fund. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. David's Society</i>.—The members held their first + meeting March 1, 1824. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Patrick's Benefit Society</i>, dating from 1865 as an + offshoot of the Liverpool Society, had at end of 1882, 3,144 members, + the expenditure of the year was £857 (£531 for funerals), + and the total value of the society £2,030. + </p> + <p> + <i>Unitarian Brotherly Society</i>, registered in 1825, has about 500 + members, and a capital of £8,500. + </p> + <p> + <i>United Brothers</i>.—There are nearly 100 lodges and 10,000 + members of societies under this name in Birmingham and neighbourhood, + some of the lodges being well provided for capital, No. 4 having + £8,286 to 186 members. + </p> + <p> + <i>United Family</i> Life Assurance and Sick Benefit Society claims to + have some 8,500 members, 750 of whom reside in Birmingham. + </p> + <p> + <i>United Legal</i> Burial Society, registered in 1846, like the + above, is a branch only. + </p> + <p> + <i>Union Provident Sick Society</i>.—Founded 1802, enrolled in + 1826 and certified in 1871, had then 3,519 members and a reserve fund + of £8,269. At end of 1883 the reserve fund stood at + £15,310 16s. 9d., there having been paid during the year + £4,768 17s. 2d. for sick pay and funerals, besides 15s. dividend + to each member. + </p> + <p> + There are 15,379 Friendly Societies or branches in the kingdom, + numbering 4,593,175 members, and their funds amounted to (by last + return) £12,148,602. + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm129"></a>Friends (The Society of).</b>—Quakerism + was publicly professed here in 1654, George Fox visiting the town the + following year and in 1657. The triends held their first + "meetings" in Monmouth Street in 1659. The meeting-house in + Bull Street was built in 1703, and was enlarged several times prior to + 1856, when it was replaced by the present edifice which will seat + about 800 persons. The re-opening took place January 25, 1857. The + burial-ground in Monmouth Street, where the Arcade is now, was taken + by the Great Western Railway Co. in 1851, the remains of over 300 + departed Friends being removed to the yard of the meeting-house in + Bull Street. + </p> + <p> + <b>Froggery.</b>—Before the New Street Railway Station was + built, a fair slice of old Birmingham had to be cleared away, and + fortunately it happened to be one of the unsavoury portions, including + the spot known as "The Froggery." As there was a Duck Lane + close by, the place most likely was originally so christened from its + lowlying and watery position, the connection between ducks and frogs + being self-apparent. + </p> + <p> + <b>Frosts.</b>—Writing on Jan. 27, 1881, the late Mr. Plant said + that in 88 years there had been only four instances of great cold + approaching comparison with the intense frost then ended; the first + was in January, 1795; the next in December and January, 1813-14; then + followed that of January, 1820. The fourth was in December and + January, 1860-61; and, lastly, January, 1881. In 1795 the mean + temperature of the twenty-one days ending January 31st was 24.27 + degrees; in 1813-14, December 29th to January 18th, exclusively, 24.9 + degrees; in 1820, January 1st to 21st, inclusively, 23.7 degrees; in + 1860-61, December 20th to January 9th, inclusively, 24.5 degrees; and + in 1881, January 7th to 27th, inclusively, 23.2 degrees. Thus the very + coldest three weeks on record in this district, in 88 years, is + January, 1881. With the exception of the long frost of 1813-4, which + commenced on the 24th December and lasted three months, although so + intense in their character, none of the above seasons were remarkable + for protracted duration. The longest frosts recorded in the present + century were as follows:—1813-14, December to March. 13 weeks; + 1829-30, December, January, February, 10 weeks; 1838, January, + February, 8 weeks; 1855, January, February, 7 weeks; 1878-79, + December, January, February, 10 weeks. + </p> + <p> + <b>Funny Notions.</b>—The earliest existing statutes governing + our Free Grammar of King Edward VI. bear the date of 1676. One of + these rules forbids the assistant masters to marry.—In 1663 + (<i>temp</i>. Charles II.) Sir Robert Holte, of Aston, received a + commission from Lord Northampton, "Master of His Majesty's + leash," to take and seize greyhounds, and certain other dogs, for + the use of His Majesty!—The "Dancing Assembly," which + was to meet on the 30th January, 1783, loyally postponed their light + fantastic toeing, "in consequence of that being the anniversary + of the martyrdom of Charles I."—In 1829, when the Act was + passed appointing Commissioners for Duddeston and Nechells, power was + given for erecting gasworks, provided they did not extend over more + than one acre, and that no gas was sent into the adjoining parish of + Birmingham.—A writer in <i>Mechanics' Magazine</i> for 1829, + who signed his name as "A. Taydhill, Birmingham," suggested + that floor carpets should be utilized as maps where with to teach + children geography. The same individual proposed that the inhabitants + of each street should join together to buy a long pole, or mast, with + a rope and pulley, for use as a fireescape, and recommended them to + convey their furniture in or out of the windows with it, as "good + practice."—A patent was taken out by Eliezer Edwards, in + 1853, for a bedstead fitted with a wheel and handle, that it might be + used as a wheelbarrow.—Sergeant Bates, of America, invaded + Birmingham, Nov. 21, 1872, carrying the "stars and stripes," + as a test of our love for our Yankee cousins. + </p> + <p> + <b>Funeral Reform.</b>—An association for doing away with the + expensive customs so long connected with the burying of the dead, was + organised in 1875, and slowly, but surely, are accomplishing the task + then entered upon. At present there are about 700 enrolled members, + but very many more families now limit the trappings of woe to a more + reasonable as well as economical exhibit of tailors' and + milliners' black. + </p> + <p> + <b>Furniture.</b>—Judging from some old records appertaining to + the history of a very ancient family, who, until the town swallowed it + up, farmed a considerable portion of the district known as the + Lozells, or Lowcells, as it was once called, even our well-to-do + neighbours would appear to have been rather short of what we think + necessary household furniture. As to chairs in bedrooms, there were + often none; and if they had chimnies, only movable grates, formed of a + few bars resting on "dogs." Window-curtains, drawers, + carpets, and washing-stands, are not, according to our recollection, + anywhere specified; and a warming-pan does not occur till 1604, and + then was kept in the bed-room. Tongs appear as annexations of grates, + without poker or shovel; and the family plate-chest was part of + bed-room furniture. Stools were the substitutes for chairs in the + principal sitting-room, in the proportion of even twenty of the former + to two of the latter, which were evidently intended, <i>par + distinction</i>, for the husband and wife. + </p> + <p> + <b>Galton.</b>—The family name of a once well-known firm of gun, + sword, and bayonet makers, whose town-house was in Steelhouse Lane, + opposite the Upper Priory. Their works were close by in Weaman Street, + but the mill for grinding and polishing the barrels and blades was at + Duddeston, near to Duddeston Hall, the Galton's country-house. It + was this firm's manufactury that Lady Selbourne refers to in her + "Diary," wherein she states that in 1765 she went to a + Quaker's "to see the making of guns." The strange + feature of members of the peace-loving Society of Friends being + concerned in the manufacture of such death-dealing implements was so + contrary to their profession, that in 1796, the Friends strongly + remonstrated with the Galtons, leading to the retirement of the senior + partner from the trade, and the expulsion of the junior from the body. + The mansion in Steelhouse Lane was afterwards converted into a + banking-house; then used for the purposes of the Polytechnic + Institution; next, after a period of dreary emptiness, fitted up as + the Children's Hospital, after the removal of which to Broad + Street, the old house has reverted to its original use, as the private + abode of Dr. Clay. + </p> + <p> + <b>Gambetta.</b>—The eminent French patriot was fined 2,000 + francs for upholding the freedom of speech and the rights of the + press, two things ever dear to Liberal Birmingham, and it was proposed + to send him the money from here as a mark of esteem and sympathy. The + <i>Daily Post</i> took the matter in hand, and, after appealing to its + 40,000 readers every day for some weeks, forwarded (November 10, 1877) + a draft for £80 17s. 6d. + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm43"></a>Gaols.</b>—The Town Gaol, or Lockup, at + the back of the Public Office, in Moor-street, was first used in + September, 1806. It then consisted of a courtyard, 59 ft. by 30 ft. + (enclosed by a 26 ft. wall) two day rooms or kitchens, 14 ft. square, + and sixteen sleeping cells, 8 ft. by 6 ft. The prisoners' + allowance was a pennyworth of bread and a slice of cheese twice a day, + and the use of the pump. Rather short commons, considering the 4 lb. + loaf often sold at 1s. The establishment, which is vastly improved and + much enlarged, is now used only as a place of temporary detention or + lockup, where prisoners are first received, and wait their + introduction to the gentlemen of the bench. The erection of the + Borough Gaol was commenced on October 29, 1845, and it was opened for + the reception of prisoners, October 17, 1849, the first culprit being + received two days afterwards. The estimated cost was put at + £51,447, but altogether it cost the town about £90,000, + about £70,000 of which has been paid off. In the year 1877, + three prisoners contrived to escape; one, John Sutcliffe, who got out + on July 25, not being recaptured till the 22nd of January following. + The others were soon taken back home. The gaol was taken over by the + government as from April 1, 1878, Mr. J.W. Preston, being appointed + Governor at a salary of £510, in place of Mr. Meaden, who had + received £450, with certain extras.—See "<i><a class= + "internal" href="#Birm59">Dungeon</a></i>" and "<i><a class= + "internal" href="#Birm44">Prisons</a></i>." The new County Goal + at Warwick was first occupied in 1860. + </p> + <p> + <b>Gaol Atrocities.</b>—The first Governor appointed to the + Borough Gaol was Captain Maconochie, formerly superintendent over the + convicts at Norfolk Island in the days of transportation of criminals. + He was permitted to try as an experiment a "system of + marks," whereby a prisoner, by his good conduct and industry, + could materially lessen the duration of his punishment, and, to a + certain extent improve his dietary. The experiment, though only tried + with prisoners under sixteen, proved very successful, and at one time + hopes were entertained that the system would become general in all the + gaols of the kingdom. So far as our gaol was concerned, however, it + proved rather unfortunate that Captain Maconochie, through advancing + age and other causes, was obliged to resign his position (July, 1851), + for upon the appointment of his successor, Lieutenant Austin, a + totally opposite course of procedure was introduced, a perfect reign + of terror prevailing in place of kindness and a humane desire to lead + to the reformation of criminals. In lieu of good marks for industry, + the new Governor imposed heavy penal marks if the tasks set them were + not done to time, and what these tasks were may be gathered from the + fact that in sixteen months no less than fifteen prisoners were driven + to make an attempt on their lives, through the misery and torture to + which they were exposed, three unfortunates being only too successful. + Of course such things could not be altogether hushed up, and after one + or two unsatisfactory "inquiries" had been held, a Royal + Commission was sent down to investigate matters. One case out of many + will be sufficient sample of the mercies dealt out by the governor to + the poor creatures placed under his care. Edward Andrews, a lad of 15, + was sent to gaol for three months (March 28, 1853) for stealing a + piece of beef. On the second day he was put to work at "the + crank," every turn of which was equal to lifting a weight of + 20lbs., and he was required to make 2,000 revolutions before he had + any breakfast, 4,000 more before dinner, and another 4,000 before + supper, the punishment for not completing either of these tasks being + the loss of the meal following. The lad failed on many occasions, and + was fed almost solely on one daily, or, rather, nightly allowance of + bread and water. For shouting he was braced to a wall for hours at a + time, tightly cased in a horrible jacket and leather collar, his feet + being only moveable. In this position, when exhausted almost to death, + he was restored to sensibility by having buckets of water thrown over + him. What wonder that within a month he hung himself. A number of + similar cases of brutality were proved, and the Governor thought it + best to resign, but he was not allowed to escape altogether scot free, + being tried at Warwick on several charges of cruelty, and being + convicted, was sentenced by the Court of Queen's Bench to a term + of three months' imprisonment. + </p> + <p> + <b>Garibaldi.</b>—At a meeting of the Town Council, April 5, + 1865, it was resolved to ask Garibaldi to pay a visit to this town, + but he declined the honour, as in the year previous he had similarly + declined to receive an offered town subscription. + </p> + <p> + <b>Garrison.</b>—Though a strong force was kept in the Barracks + in the old days of riot and turbulence, it is many years since we have + been favoured with more than a single company of red coats at a time, + our peaceful inland town not requiring a strong garrison. + </p> + <p> + <b>Gardens.</b>—A hundred to 150 years ago there was no town in + England better supplied with gardens than Birmingham, almost every + house in what are now the main thoroughfares having its plot of garden + ground. In 1731 there were many acres of allotment gardens (as they + came to be called at a later date) where St. Bartholomew's Church + now stands, and in almost every other direction similar pieces of land + were to be seen under cultivation. Public tea gardens were also to be + found in several quarters of the outskirts; the establishment known as + the Spring Gardens closing its doors July 31, 1801. The Apollo Tea + Gardens lingered on till 1846, and Beach's Gardens closed in + September, 1854. + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm72"></a>Gas.</b>—William Murdoch is generally + credited with the introduction of lighting by gas, but it is evident + that the inflammability of the gas producible from coal was known long + before his day, as the Rev. Dr. John Clayton, Dean of Kildare, + mentioned it in a letter he wrote to the Hon. Robert Boyle, in 1691. + The Dr.'s discovery was probably made during his stay in Virginia, + and another letter of his shows the probability of his being aware + that the gas would pass through water without losing its lighting + properties. The discovery has also been claimed as that of a learned + French <i>savant</i> but Murdoch must certainly take the honour of + being the first to bring gas into practical use at his residence, at + Redruth, in 1792, and it is said that he even made a lantern to light + the paths in his evening walks, the gas burned in which was contained + in a bag carried under his arm, his rooms being also lit up from a bag + of gas placed under weights. The exact date of its introduction in + this neighbourhood has not been ascertained though it is believed that + part of the Soho Works were fitted with gas-lights in 1798, and, on + the occurrence of the celebration of the Peace of Amiens, in 1802, a + public exhibition was made of the new light, in the illumination of + the works. The <i>Gazette</i> of April 5, 1802 (according to extract + by Dr. Langford, in his "Century of Birmingham Life") + described the various devices in coloured lamps and transparencies, + but strangely enough does not mention gas at all. Possibly gas was no + longer much of a novelty at Soho, or the reporter might not have known + the nature of the lights used, but there is the evidence of Mr. Wm. + Matthews, who, in 1827 published an "Historical Sketch of + Gaslighting," in which he states that he had "the + inexpressible gratification of witnessing, in 1802, Mr. Murdoch's + extraordinary and splendid exhibition of gaslights at Soho." On + the other hand, the present writer was, some years back, told by one + of the few old Soho workmen then left among us, that on the occasion + referred to the only display of gas was in the shape of one large lamp + placed at one end of the factory, and then called a "Bengal + light," the gas for which was brought to the premises in several + bags from Mr. Murdoch's own house. Though it has been always + believed that the factory and offices throughout were lighted by gas + in 1803, very soon after the Amiens illumination, a correspondent to + the <i>Daily Post</i> has lately stated that when certain of his + friends went to Soho, in 1834, they found no lights in use, even for + blowpipes, except oil and candles and that they had to lay on gas from + the mains of the Birmingham and Staffordshire Gas Company in the + Holyhead Road. If correct, this is a curious bit of the history of the + celebrated Soho, as other manufacturers were not at all slow in + introducing gas for working purposes as well as lighting, a well-known + tradesman, Benjamin Cook, Caroline Street, having fitted up retorts + and a gasometer on his premises in 1808, his first pipes being + composed of old or waste gun-barrels, and he reckoned to clear a + profit of £30 a year, as against his former expenditure for + candles and oil. The glassworks of Jones, Smart, and Co., of Aston + Hill, were lit up by gas as early as 1810, 120 burners being used at a + nightly cost of 4s. 6d., the gas being made on the premises from a + bushel of coal per day. The first proposal to use gas in lighting the + streets of Birmingham was made in July 1811, and here and there a lamp + soon appeared, but they were supplied by private firms, one of whom + afterwards supplied gas to light the chapel formerly on the site of + the present Assay Office, taking it from their works in Caroline + Street, once those of B. Cook before-mentioned. The Street + Commissioners did not take the matter in hand till 1815, on November 8 + of which year they advertised for tenders for lighting the streets + with gas instead of oil. The first shop in which gas was used was that + of Messrs. Poultney, at the corner of Moor Street, in 1818, the pipes + being laid from the works in Gas Street by a private individual, whose + interest therein was bought up by the Birmingham Gaslight Company. The + principal streets were first officially lighted by gas-lamps on April + 29, 1826, but it was not until March, 1843, that the Town Council + resolved that that part of the borough within the parish of Edgbaston + should be similarly favoured. + </p> + <p> + <b>Gas Companies.</b>—The first, or Birmingham Gaslight Co. was + formed in 1817, incorporated in 1819, and commenced business by buying + up the private adventurer who built the works in Gas Street. The + Company was limited to the borough of Birmingham, and its original + capital was £32,000, which, by an Act obtained in 1855, was + increased to £300,000, and borrowing powers to £90,000 + more, the whole of which was raised or paid up. In the year 1874 the + company supplied gas through 17,000 meters, which consumed 798,000,000 + cubic feet of gas. The Birmingham and Staffordshire Gas Co. was + established in 1825, and had powers to lay their mains in and outside + the borough. The original Act was repealed in 1845, the company being + remodelled and started afresh with a capital of £320,000, + increased by following Acts to £670,000 (all called up by 1874), + and borrowing powers to £100,000, of which, by the same year + £23,000 had been raised. The consumption of gas in 1874 was + 1,462,000,000 cubic feet, but how much of this was burnt by the + company's 19,910 Birmingham customers, could not be told. The two + companies, though rivals for the public favour, did not undersell one + another, both of them charging 10/-per 1,000 feet in the year 1839, + while in 1873 large consumers were only charged 2/3 per 1,000 feet, + the highest charge being 2/7. The question of buying out both of the + Gas Companies had been frequently mooted, but it was not until 1874 + that any definite step was taken towards the desired end. On April + 17th, 1874, the burgesses recorded 1219 votes in favour of Mr. Joseph + Chamberlain's proposition to purchase the Gas [and the Water] + Works, 683 voting against it. On Jan. 18th, 1875, the necessary Bills + were introduced into the House of Commons, and on July 15th and 19th, + the two Acts were passed, though not without some little opposition + from the outlying parishes and townships heretofore supplied by the + Birmingham and Staffordshire Co., to satisfy whom a clause was + inserted, under which Walsall, West Bromwich, &c., could purchase + the several mains and works in their vicinity, if desirous to do so. + The Birmingham Gas Co. received from the Corporation £450,000, + of which £136,890 was to be left on loan at 4%, as Debenture + Stock, though £38,850 thereof has been kept in hand, as the + whole was redeemable within ten years. The balance of £313,000 + was borrowed from the public at 4%, and in some cases a little less. + The Birmingham and Staffordshire Gas Co. were paid in Perpetual + Annuities, amounting to £58,290 per year, being the maximum + dividends then payable on the Co.'s shares, £10,906 was + returned as capital not bearing interest, £15,000 for surplus + profits, £30,000 the half-year's dividend, and also + £39,944 5s. 4d. the Co's Reserve Fund. The total cost was + put down as £1,900,000. The Annuities are redeemable by a + Sinking Fund in 85 years. For their portion of the mains, service + pipes, works, &c. formerly belonging to the Birmingham and + Staffordshire Company, the Walsall authorities pay the Corporation an + amount equivalent to annuities valued at £1,300 per year; + Oldbury paid £22,750, Tipton £34,700, and West Bromwich + £70,750. + </p> + <p> + <b>Gas Fittings.</b>—Curious notions appear to have been at + first entertained as to the explosive powers of the new illuminator, + nothing less than copper or brass being considered strong enough for + the commonest piping, and it was thought a great innovation when a + local manufacturer, in 1812, took out a patent for lead pipes + copper-coated. Even Murdoch himself seems to have been in dread of the + burning element, for when, in after years, his house at Sycamore Hill + changed owners, it was found that the smaller gas pipes therein were + made of silver, possibly used to withstand the supposed corrosive + effects of the gas. The copper-covered lead pipes were patented in + 1819 by Mr. W. Phipson, of the Dog Pool Mills, the present compo being + comparatively a modern introduction. Messengers, of Broad Street, and + Cook, of Caroline Street (1810-20), were the first manufacturers of + gas fittings in this town, and they appear to have had nearly a + monopoly of the trade, as there were but three others in it in 1833, + and only about twenty in 1863; now their name is legion, gas being + used for an infinitude of purposes, not the least of which is by the + gas cooking stove, the idea of which was so novel at first that the + Secretary of the Gas Office in the Minories at one time introduced it + to the notice of the public by having his dinner daily cooked in a + stove placed in one of the office windows. An exhibition of gas + apparatus of all kinds was opened at the Town Hall, June 5, 1878, and + that there is still a wonderful future for development is shown by its + being seriously advocated that a double set of mains will be + desirable, one for lighting gas, and the other for a less pure kind to + be used for heating purposes. + </p> + <p> + <b>Gas Works.</b>—See "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm33">Public Buildings</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Gavazzi.</b>—Father Gavazzi first orated here in the Town + Hall, October 20, 1851. + </p> + <p> + <b>Geographical.</b>—According to the Ordnance Survey, + Birmingham is situated in latitude 52° 29', and longitude + 1° 54' west. + </p> + <p> + <b>Gillott.</b>—See "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm62">Noteworthy Men</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Girls' Home.</b>—Eighteen years ago several kind-hearted + ladies opened a house in Bath Row, for the reception of servant girls + of the poorest class, who, through their poverty and juvenility, could + not be sheltered in the "Servants' Home," and that such + an establishment was needed, is proved by the fact that no less than + 334 inmates were sheltered for a time during 1883, while 232 others + received help in clothing &c., suited to their wants. The Midland + Railway having taken Bath House, the Home has lately been removed to a + larger house near the Queen's Hospital, where the managers will be + glad to receive any little aid that can be rendered towards carrying + on their charitable operations. + </p> + <p> + <b>Glass.</b>—In the reign of Henry VI. the commonest kind of + glass was sold at 2s. the foot, a shilling in those days being of as + much value as a crown of today. The earliest note we can find of glass + being made here is the year 1785, when Isaac Hawker built a small + glasshouse behind his shop at Edgbaston Street. His son built at + Birmingham Heath on the site now occupied by Lloyd and Summerfield. In + 1798 Messrs. Shakespeare and Johnston had a glasshouse in Walmer Lane. + Pressed glass seems to have been the introduction of Rice Harris about + 1832, though glass "pinchers" (eleven of them) are named in + the Directory of 1780. In 1827 plate-glass sold at 12s. per foot and + in 1840 at 6s., ordinary sheet-glass being then 1s. 2d. per foot. + There was a duty on plate-glass prior to April 5, 1845, of 2s. + 10-1/2d. per foot. The "patent plate" was the invention of + Mr. James Chance, and Chance Brothers (of whose works a notice will be + found in another part of this book) are the only manufacturers in this + country of glass for lighthouse purposes—See also "<i><a + class="internal" href="#Birm15">Trades</a></i>," &c. + </p> + <p> + <b>Godwillings.</b>—In olden days when our factors started on + their tours for orders, it was customary to send a circular in advance + announcing that "God willing" they would call upon their + customers on certain specified dates. In the language of the + counting-house the printed circulars were called + "Godwillings." + </p> + <p> + <b>Goldschmidt.</b>—Notes of the various visits of Madame + Goldschmidt, better known by her maiden name of Jenny Lind, will be + found under the heading of "<i>Musical Celebrities</i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Good Templars.</b>—The Independent Order of Good Templars, in + this town, introduced themselves in 1868, and they now claim to have + 90,000 adult members in the "Grand Lodge of England." + </p> + <p> + <b>Gordon.</b>—Lord George Gordon, whose intemperate actions + caused the London Anti-Papist Riots of 1780, was arrested in this town + December 7, 1787, but not for anything connected with those + disgraceful proceedings. He had been found guilty of a libel, and was + arrested on a judge's warrant, and taken from here to London, for + contempt of the Court of King's Bench in not appearing when called + upon to do so. It has been more than once averred that Lord George was + circumcised here, before being admitted to the Jewish community, whose + rites and ceremonies, dress and manners, he strictly observed and + followed; but he first became a Jew while residing in Holland, some + time before he took lodgings in such a classic locality as our old + Dudley-street, where he lay hidden for nearly four months, a long + beard and flowing gaberdine helping to conceal his identity. + </p> + <p> + <b>Gough.</b>—Gough Road, Gough Street, and a number of other + thoroughfares have been named after the family, from whom the present + Lord Calthorpe, inherits his property.—See "<i><a class= + "internal" href="#Birm64">Edgbaston Hall</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Grammar School.</b>—See "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm8">Schools</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Great Brooke Street</b> takes its name from Mr. Brookes, an + attorney of the olden time. + </p> + <p> + <b>Great Eastern Steamship.</b>—The engines for working the + screw propeller, 4 cylinders and 8,500 horse-power (nominal 1,700) + were sent out from the Soho Foundry. + </p> + <p> + <b>Green's Village.</b>—Part of the old [**]ookeries in the + neighbourhood of the [**]nkleys. + </p> + <p> + <b>Grub Street.</b>—The upper part of Old Meeting Street was so + called until late years. + </p> + <p> + <b>Guardians.</b>—See "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm22">Poor Law</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Guildhall.</b>—The operative builders commenced to put up an + edifice in 1833 which they intended to call "The Guildhall," + but it was only half finished when the ground was cleared for the + railway. Some of the local antiquaries strongly advocated the adoption + of the name "Guildhall" for the block of municipal buildings + and Council House, if only in remembrance of the ancient building on + whose site, in New Street, the Grammar School now stands. + </p> + <p> + <b>Guild of the Holy Cross.</b>—Founded in the year 1392 by the + "Bailiffs and Commonalty" of the town of Birmingham + (answering to our aldermen and councillors), and licensed by the + Crown, for which the town paid £50, the purpose being to + "make and found a gild and perpetual fraternity of brethren and + sustern (sisters), in honour of the Holy Cross," and "to + undertake all works of charity, &c., according to the appointment + and pleasure of the said bailiffs and commonalty." In course of + time the Guild became possessed of all the powers then exercised by + the local corporate authorities, taking upon themselves the building + of almshouses, the relief and maintenance of the poor, the making and + keeping in repair of the highways used by "the King's + Majestie's subjects passing to and from the marches of + Wales," looking to the preservation of sundry bridges and lords, + as well as repair of "two greate stone brydges," &c., + &c. The Guild owned considerable portion of the land on which the + present town is built, when Henry VIII., after confiscating the + revenues and possessions of the monastic institutions, laid hands on + the property of such semi-religious establishments as the Guild of the + Holy Cross. It has never appeared that our local Guild had done + anything to offend the King, and possibly it was but the name that he + disliked. Be that as it may, his son, Edward VI., in 1552, at the + petition of the inhabitants, returned somewhat more than half of the + property, then valued at £21 per annum, for the support and + maintenance of a Free Grammar School, and it is this property from + which the income of the present King Edward VI.'s Grammar Schools + is now derived, amounting to nearly twice as many thousands as pounds + were first granted. The Guild Hall or Town's Hall in New Street + (then only a bye street), was not <i>quite</i> so large as either our + present Town Hall or the Council House, but was doubtless considered + at the time a very fine building, with its antique carvings and + stained glass windows emblazoned with figures and armorial bearings of + the Lords right Ferrers and others. As the Guild had an organist in + its pay, it may be presumed that such an instrument was also there, + and that alone goes far to prove the fraternity were tolerably well + off, as organs in those times were costly and scarce. The old + building, for more than a century after King Edward's grant, was + used as the school, but even when rebuilt it retained its name as the + Guild Hall. + </p> + <p> + <b>Guns.</b>—Handguns, as they were once termed, were first + introduced into this country by the Flemings whom Edward IV. brought + over in 1471, but (though doubtless occasional specimens were made by + our townsmen before then) the manufacture of small arms at Birmingham + does not date further back than 1689, when inquiries were made through + Sir Richard Newdigate as to the possibility of getting them made here + as good as those coming from abroad. A trial order given by Government + in March, 1692, led to the first contract (Jan. 5, 1693) made between + the "Officers of Ordnance" and five local manufacturers, for + the supply of 200 "snaphance musquets" every month for one + year at 17/-each, an additional 3/-per cwt. being allowed for carriage + to London. The history of the trade since then would form a volume of + itself, but a few facts of special note and interest will be given in + its place among "<i>Trades</i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Gutta Percha</b> was not known in Europe prior to 1844, and the + first specimens were brought here in the following year. Speaking + tubes made of gutta percha were introduced early in 1849. + </p> + <p> + <b>Gymnasium.</b>—At a meeting held Dec. 18, 1865, under the + presidency of the Mayor, it was resolved to establish a public + gymnasium on a large scale, but an present it is non-existent, the + only gymnasium open being that of the Athletic Club at Bingley Hall. + </p> + <p> + <b>Hackney Coaches</b> were introduced here in 1775. Hutton says the + drivers of the first few earned 30s. per day; those of the present day + say they do not get half the sum now. Hansom Cabs, the invention, in + 1836, of the architect and designer of our Town Hall, were first put + on the stands in 1842. + </p> + <p> + <b>Half-Holiday.</b>—Ten to twelve hours a day, six days a week, + used to be the stint for workpeople here and elsewhere. A Saturday + Half-holiday movement was begun in 1851, the first employers to adopt + the system being Mr. John Frearson, of Gas Street (late of the + Waverley Hotel, Crescent), and Mr. Richard Tangye. Wingfields, Brown, + Marshall & Co., and many other large firms began with the year + 1853, when it maybe said the plan became general. + </p> + <p> + <b>Handsworth.</b>—Till within the last thirty or forty years, + Handsworth was little more than a pleasant country village, though now + a well-populated suburb of Birmingham. The name is to be found in the + "Domesday Book," but the ancient history of the parish is + meagre indeed, and confined almost solely to the families of the lords + of the manor, the Wyrleys, Stanfords, &c., their marriages and + intermarriages, their fancies and feuds, and all those petty trifles + chroniclers of old were so fond of recording. After the erection of + the once world-known, but now vanished Soho Works, by Matthew Boulton, + a gradual change came o'er the scene; cultivated enclosures taking + the place of the commons, enclosed in 1793; Boulton's park laid + out, good roads made, water-courses cleared, and houses and mansions + springing up on all sides, and so continuing on until now, when the + parish (which includes Birchfield and Perry Barr, an area of 7,680 + acres in all) is nearly half covered with streets and houses, churches + and chapels, alms-houses and stations, shops, offices, schools, and + all the other necessary adjuncts to a populous and thriving community. + The Local Board Offices and Free Library, situate in Soho Road, were + built in 1878 (first stone laid October 30th, 1877), at a cost of + £20,662, and it is a handsome pile of buildings. The library + contains about 7,000 volumes. There is talk of erecting public + swimming and other baths, and a faint whisper that recreation grounds + are not far from view. The 1st Volunteer Battalion of the South + Staffordshire Regiment have their head-quarters here. Old Handsworth + Church, which contained several carved effigies and tombs of the old + lords, monuments of Matthew Boulton and James Watt, with bust of + William Murdoch, &c., has been rebuilt and enlarged, the first + stone of the new building being laid in Aug, 1876. Five of the bells + in the tower were cast in 1701, by Joseph Smith, of Edgbaston, and + were the first peal sent out of his foundry; the tenor is much older. + The very appropriate inscription on the fourth bell is, "God + preserve the Church of England as by law established." + </p> + <p> + <b>Harborne</b> is another of our near neighbours which a thousand + years or so ago had a name if nothing else, but that name has come + down to present time with less change than is usual, and, possibly + through the Calthorpe estate blocking the way, the parish itself has + changed but very slowly, considering its close proximity to busy, + bustling Birmingham. This apparent stagnation, however, has endeared + it to us Brums not a little, on account of the many pleasant glades + and sunny spots in and around it. Harborne gardeners have long been + famous for growing gooseberries, the annual dinner of the Gooseberry + Growers' Society having been held at the Green Man ever since + 1815. But Harborne has plucked up heart latterly, and will not much + longer be "out of the running." With its little area of + 1,412 acres, and only a population of 6,600, it has built itself an + Institute (a miniature model of the Midland), with class rooms and + reading rooms, with library and with lecture halls, to seat a + thousand, at a cost of £6,500, and got Henry Irving to lay the + foundation-stone, in 1879. A Masonic Hall followed in 1880, and a Fire + Brigade Station soon after. It has also a local railway as well as a + newspaper. In the parish church, which was nearly all rebuilt in 1867, + there are several monuments of olden date, one being in remembrance of + a member of the Hinckley family, from whose name that of our Inkleys + is deducible; there is also a stained window to the memory of David + Cox. The practice of giving a Christmas treat, comprising a good + dinner, some small presents, and an enjoyable entertainment to the + aged poor, was begun in 1865, and is still kept up. + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm120"></a>Hard Times.</b>—Food was so dear and + trade so bad in 1757 that Lord Dartmouth for a long time relieved 500 + a week out of his own pocket. In 1782 bread was sold to the poor at + one-third under its market value. On the 1st of July, 1795, the lessee + of the Theatre Royal, Mr. McCready, gave the proceeds of the + night's performance (£161 8s.) for the benefit of the poor. + The money was expended in wheat, which was sold free of carriage. Meat + was also very scarce on the tables of the poor, and a public + subscription was opened by the High Bailiff to enable meat to be sold + at 1d. per lb. under the market price, which then ruled at 3d. to 6d. + per lb. In November, 1799, wheat was 15s. per bushel. In May, 1800, + the distressed poor were supplied with wheat at the "reduced + price" of 15s. per bushel, and potatoes at 8s. per peck. Soup + kitchens for the poor were opened November 30, 1816, when 3,000 quarts + were sold the first day. The poor-rates, levied in 1817, amounted to + £61,928, and it was computed that out of a population of 84,000 + at least 27,000 were in receipt of parish relief. In 1819 £5,500 + was collected to relieve the distressed poor. The button makers were + numbered at 17,000 in 1813, two-thirds of them being out of work. 1825 + and 1836 were terrible years of poverty and privation in this town and + neighbourhood. In 1838, 380,000 doles were made to poor people from a + fund raised by public subscription. In the summer of 1840, local trade + was so bad that we have been told as many as 10,000 persons applied at + one office alone for free passages to Australia, and all + unsuccessfully. Empty houses could be counted by the hundred. There + was great distress in the winter of 1853-4, considerable amounts being + subscribed for charitable relief. In the first three months of 1855, + there were distributed among the poor 11,745 loaves of bread, 175,500 + pints of soup, and £725 in cash. The sum of £10,328 was + subscribed for and expended in the relief of the unemployed in the + winter of 1878-79—the number of families receiving the same + being calculated at 195,165, with a total of 494,731 persons. + </p> + <p> + <b>Harmonies.</b>—See "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm67">Musical Societies</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Hats and Hatters.</b>—In 1820 there was but one hatter in the + town, Harry Evans, and his price for best "beavers" was a + guinea and a half, "silks," which first appeared in 1812, + not being popular and "felts" unknown. Strangers have noted + one peculiarity of the native Brums, and that is their innate dislike + to "top hats," few of which are worn here (in comparison to + population) except on Sunday, when respectable mechanics + churchward-bound mount the chimney pot. In the revolutionary days of + 1848, &c., when local political feeling ran high in favour of Pole + and Hungarian, soft broad-brimmed felt hats, with flowing black + feathers were <i>en regle</i>, and most of the advanced leaders of the + day thus adorned themselves. Now, the ladies monopolise the feathers + and the glories thereof. According to the scale measure used by + hatters, the average size of hats worn is that called 6-7/8, + representing one-half of the length and breadth of a man's head, + but it has been noted by "S.D.R." that several local + worthies have had much larger craniums, George Dawson requiring a + 7-1/2 sized hat, Mr. Charles Geach a 7-3/4, and Sir Josiah Mason a + little over an 8. An old Soho man once told the writer that Matthew + Boulton's head-gear had to be specially made for him, and, to + judge from a bust of M.B., now in his possession, the hat required + must have been extra size indeed. + </p> + <p> + <b>Hearth Duty.</b>—In 1663, an Act was passed for the better + ordering and collecting the revenue derived from "Hearth + Money," and we gather a few figures from a return then made, as + showing the comparative number of the larger mansions whose owners + were liable to the tax. The return for Birmingham gives a total of 414 + hearths and stoves, the account including as well those which are + liable to pay as of those which are not liable. Of this number 360 + were charged with duty, the house of the celebrated Humphrey Jennens + being credited with 25. From Aston the return was but 47, but of these + 40 were counted in the Hall and 7 in the Parsonage, Edgbaston showed + 37, of which 22 were in the Hall. Erdington was booked for 27, and + Sutton Coldfield for 67, of which 23 were in two houses belonging to + the Willoughby family. Coleshill would appear to have been a rather + warmer place of abode, as there are 125 hearths charged for duty, 30 + being in the house of Dame Mary Digby. + </p> + <p> + <b>Heathfield.</b>—Prior to 1790 the whole of this neighbourhood + was open common-land, the celebrated engineer and inventor, James + Watt, after the passing of the Enclosure Act being the first to erect + a residence thereon, in 1791. By 1794 he had acquired rather more than + 40 acres, which, he then planted and laid out as a park. Heathfield + House may be called the cradle of many scores of inventions, which, + though novel when first introduced, are now but as household words in + our everyday life. Watt's workshop was in the garret of the + south-east corner of the building, and may be said to be even now in + exactly the same state as when his master-hand last touched the tools, + but as the estate was lotted out for building purposes in May, 1874, + and houses and streets have been built and formed all round it, it is + most likely that the "House" itself will soon lose all its + historic interest, and the contents of the workshop be distributed + among the curiosity mongers, or hidden away on the shelves of some + museum. To a local chronicler such a room is as sacred as that in + which Shakespeare was born, and in the words of Mr. Sam Timmins, + "to open the door and look upon the strange relics there is to + stand in the very presence of the mighty dead. Everything in the room + remains just as it was left by the fast failing hands of the + octogenarian engineer. His well-worn, humble apron hangs dusty on the + wall, the last work before him is fixed unfinished in the lathe, the + elaborate machines over which his latest thoughts were spent are still + and silent, as if waiting only for their master's hand again to + waken them into life and work. Upon the shelves are crowds of books, + whose pages open no more to those clear, thoughtful eyes, and + scattered in the drawers and boxes are the notes and memoranda, and + pocket-books, and diaries never to be continued now. All these relics + of the great engineer, the skilful mechanic, the student of science, + relate to his intellectual and public life; but there is a sadder + relic still. An old hair-trunk, carefully kept close by the old + man's stool, contains the childish sketches, the early copy-books + and grammars, the dictionaries, the school-books, and some of the toys + of his dearly-beloved and brilliant son Gregory Watt." + </p> + <p> + <b>Heraldry.</b>—In the days of the mail-clad knights, who bore + on their shields some quaint device, by which friend or foe could tell + at sight whom they slew or met in fight, doubtless the + "Kings-At-Arms," the "Heralds," and the + "Pursuivants" of the College of Arms founded by Richard III. + were functionaries of great utility, but their duties nowadays are but + few, and consist almost solely of tracing pedigrees for that portion + of the community whom our American cousins designate as + "shoddy," but who, having "made their pile," would + fain be thought of aristocratic descent. In such a Radical town as + Birmingham, the study of <i>or</i> and <i>gules, azure</i> and + <i>vert</i>, or any of the other significant terms used in the antique + science of heraldry, was not, of course, to be expected, unless at the + hands of the antiquary or the practical heraldic engraver, both scarce + birds in our smoky town, but the least to be looked for would be that + the borough authorities should carefully see that the borough coat of + arms was rightly blazoned. It has been proved that the town's-name + has, at times, been spelt in over a gross of different ways, and if + any reader will take the trouble to look at the public buildings, + banks, and other places where the blue, red, and gold of the + Birmingham Arms shines forth, he will soon be able to count three to + four dozen different styles; every carver, painter, and printer + apparently pleasing himself how he does it. It has been said that when + the question of adopting a coat of arms was on the <i>tapis</i>, the + grave and reverend seniors appointed to make inquiries thereanent, + calmly took copies of the shields of the De Berminghams and the De + Edgbastous, and fitted the "bend lozengy" and the + "parti per pale" together, under the impression that the one + noble family's cognisance was a gridiron, and the other a + currycomb, both of which articles they considered to be exceedingly + appropriate for such a manufacturing town as Birmingham. Wiser in + their practicability than the gentlemen who designed the present + shield, they left the currycomb quarters in their proper <i>sable</i> + and <i>argent</i> (black and white), and the gridiron <i>or</i> and + <i>gules</i> (a golden grid on a red-hot fire.) For proper + emblazonment, as by Birmingham law established, see the cover. + </p> + <p> + <b>Heathmill Lane.</b>—In 1532 there was a "water mill to + grynde corne," called "Heth mill," which in that year + was let, with certain lands, called the "Couyngry," by the + Lord of the Manor, on a ninety-nine years' lease, at a rent of + £6 13s. 4d. per year. + </p> + <p> + <b>Here we are again</b>!—The London <i>Chronicle</i> of August + 14, 1788, quoting from a "gentleman" who had visited this + town, says that "the people are all diminutive in size, sickly in + appearance, and spend their Sundays in low debauchery," the + manufacturers being noted for "a great deal of trick and low + cunning as well as profligacy!" + </p> + <p> + <b>Highland Gathering.</b>—The Birmingham Celtic Society held + their first "gathering" at Lower Grounds, August 2, 1879, + when the ancient sports of putting stones, throwing hammers, etc., was + combined with a little modern bicycling, and steeple-chasing, to the + music of the bagpipes. + </p> + <p> + <b>Hill (Sir Rowland).</b>—See "<i><a class="internal" + href="#Birm62">Noteworthy Men</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Hills.</b>—Like unto Rome this town may be said to be built + on seven hills, for are there not Camp Hill and Constitution Hill, + Summer Hill and Snow Hill, Ludgate Hill, Hockley Hill, and Holloway + Hill (or head). Turner's Hill, near Lye Cross, Rawley Regis is + over 100ft. higher than Sedgley Beacon, which is 486ft. above sea + level. The Lickey Hills are about 800ft. above same level, but the + highest hill within 50 miles of Birmingham is the Worcestershire + Beacon, 1395ft. above sea level. The highest mountain in England, + Scawfell Pike, has an elevation of 3229ft. + </p> + <p> + <b>Hailstorms.</b>—In 1760 a fierce hailstorm stripped the + leaves and fruit from nearly every tree in the apple orchards in + Worcestershire, the hail lying on the ground six to eight inches deep, + many of the stones and lumps of ice being three and four inches round. + In 1798, many windows at Aston Hall were broken by the hail. A very + heavy hailstorm did damage at the Botanical gardens and other places, + May 9, 1833. There have been a few storms of later years, but none + like unto these. + </p> + <p> + <b>Hector.</b>—The formation of Corporation Street, and the many + handsome buildings erected and planned in its line, have improved off + the face of the earth, more than one classic spot, noted in our local + history, foremost among which we must place the house of Mr. Hector, + the old friend and schoolfellow of Dr. Samuel Johnson. The great + lexicographer spent many happy hours in the abode of his friend, and + as at one time there was a slight doubt on the matter, it is as well + to place on record here that the house in which Hector, the surgeon, + resided, was No. 1, in the Old Square, at the corner of the Minories, + afterwards occupied by Mr. William Scholefield, Messrs. Jevons and + Mellor's handsome pile now covering the spot. The old rate books + prove this beyond a doubt. Hector died there on the 2nd of September, + 1794, after having practised as a surgeon, in Birmingham, for the long + period of sixty-two years. He was buried in a vault at Saint + Philip's Church, Birmingham, where, in the middle aisle, in the + front of the north gallery, an elegant inscription to his memory was + placed. Hector never married, and Mrs. Careless, a clergyman's + widow, Hector's own sister, and Johnson's "first + love," resided with him, and appears by the burial register of + St. Philip's to have died in October, 1788, and to have been + buried there, probably in the vault in which her brother was + afterwards interred. In the month of November, 1784, just a month + before his own decease, Johnson passed a few days with his friend, + Hector, at his residence in the Old Square, who, in a letter to + Boswell, thus speaks of the visit:—"He" (Johnson) + "was very solicitous with me, to recollect some of our most early + transactions, and to transmit them to him, for I perceived nothing + gave him greater pleasure than calling to mind those days of our + innocence. I complied with his request, and he only received them a + few days before his death." Johnson arrived in London from + Birmingham on the 16th of November, and on the following day wrote a + most affectionate letter to Mr. Hector, which concludes as + follows:— + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + "Let us think seriously on our duty. I send my kindest + respects to dear Mrs. Careless. Let me have the prayers of both. We + have all lived long, and must soon part. God have mercy upon us, + for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ! Amen!" + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + This was probably nearly the last letter Johnson wrote, for on the + 13th of the following month, just twenty-seven days after his arrival + in London from Birmingham, oppressed with disease, he was numbered + with the dead. + </p> + <p> + <b>Hinkleys.</b>—Otherwise, and for very many years, known as + "The Inkleys," the generally-accepted derivation of the name + being taken from the fact that one Hinks at one time was a tenant or + occupier, under the Smalbroke family, of the fields or + "leys" in that locality, the two first narrow roads across + the said farm being respectively named the Upper and the Nether + Inkleys, afterwards changed to the Old and New Inkleys. Possibly, + however, the source may be found in the family name of Hinckley, as + seen in the register of Harborne. A third writer suggests that the + character of its denizens being about as black as could be painted, + the place was naturally called Ink Leys. Be that as it may, from the + earliest days of their existence, these places seem to have been the + abode and habitation of the queerest of the queer people, the most + aristocratic resident in our local records having been "Beau + Green," the dandy—[see "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm69">Eccentrics</a></i>"]—who, for some years, + occupied the chief building in the Inkleys, nicknamed "Rag + Castle," otherwise Hinkley Hall. The beautiful and salubrious + neighbourhood, known as "Green's Village," an offshoot + of the Inkleys, was called so in honour of the "Beau." + </p> + <p> + <b>Hiring a Husband.</b>—In 1815, a Birmingham carpenter, after + ill-treating his wife, leased himself to another woman by a document + which an unscrupulous attorney had the hardihood to draw up, and for + which he charged thirty-five shillings. This precious document bound + the man and the woman to live together permanently, and to support and + succour each other to the utmost of their power. The poor wife was, of + course, no consenting party to this. She appealed to the law; the + appeal brought the "lease" before the eyes of the judiciary; + the man was brought to his senses (though probably remaining a bad + husband), and the attorney received a severe rebuke. + </p> + <p> + <b>Historical.</b>—A local Historical Society was inaugurated + with an address from Dr. Freeman, Nov. 18, 1880, and, doubtless, in a + few years the reports and proceedings will be of very great value and + interest. The fact that down to 1752 the historical year in England + commenced on January 1, while the civil, ecclesiastical, and legal + year began on the 25th of March, led to much confusion in dates, as + the legislature, the church, and civilians referred every event which + took place between January 1 and March 25 to a different year from the + historians. Remarkable examples of such confusion are afforded by two + well-known events in English history: Charles I. is said by most + authorities to have been beheaded January 30, 1648, while others, with + equal correctness, say it was January 30, 1649; and so the revolution + which drove James II. from the throne is said by some to have taken + place in February, 1688, and by others in February, 1689. Now, these + discrepancies arise from some using the civil and legal, and others + the historical year, though both would have assigned any event + occurring <i>after</i> the 25th of March to the same years—viz., + 1649 and 1689. To avoid as far as possible mistakes from these two + modes of reckoning, it was usual, as often seen in old books or + manuscripts, to add the historical to the legal date, when speaking of + any day between January 1 and March 25, thus: + </p> + <table summary="historical and legal date for January 30th 1648-9"> + <tr> + <td rowspan="3"> + Jan.30. 164- + </td> + <td rowspan="3"> + <span style="font-size: 3em">{</span> + </td> + <td> + 8 + </td> + <td> + <i>i.e.</i> 1648, the civil and legal year. + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + 9 + </td> + <td> + <i>i.e.</i> 1649 the historical year. + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + This practice, common as it was for many years, is, nevertheless, + often misunderstood, and even intelligent persons are sometimes + perplexed by dates so written. The explanation, however, is very + simple, for the lower or last figure always indicates the year + according to our present calculation. + </p> + <p> + <b>Hockley Abbey.</b>—Near to, and overlooking Boulton's + Pool, in the year 1799 there was a piece of waste land, which being + let to Mr. Richard Ford, one of the mechanical worthies of that + period, was so dealt with as to make the spot an attraction for every + visitor. Mr. Ford employed a number of hands, and some of them he + observed were in the habit of spending a great part of their wages and + time in dissipation. By way of example to his workmen he laid aside + some 12/-to 15/-a week for a considerable period, and when trade was + occasionally slack with him, and he had no other occupation for them, + he sent his horse and cart to Aston Furnaces for loads of + "slag," gathering in this way by degrees a sufficient + quantity of this strange building material for the erection of a + convenient and comfortable residence. The walls being necessarily + constructed thicker than is usual when mere stone or brick is used, + the fancy took him to make the place represent a ruined building, + which he christened "Hockley Abbey," and to carry out his + deceptive notion the date 1473 was placed in front of the house, small + pebbles set in cement being used to form the figures. In a very few + years by careful training nearly the whole of the building was + overgrown with ivy, and few but those in the secret could have guessed + at the history of this ruined "abbey." For the house and + some fifteen acres of land £100 rent was paid by Mr. Hubert + Gallon, in 1816 and following years, exclusive of taxes, and by way of + comfort to the heavily-burdened householders of to-day, we may just + add that, in addition to all those other duties loyal citizens were + then called upon to provide for the exigencies of the Government, the + parochial taxes on those premises from Michaelmas, 1816, to + Michaelmas, 1817, included two church rates at 30s. each, three + highway rates at 30s. each, and <i>thirty-six</i> levies for the poor + at 30s. each—a total of £61 10s. in the twelve months. + </p> + <p> + <b>Hollow Tooth Yard.</b>—At one time commonly called the + "Devil's Hollow Tooth Yard." This was the name given to + the Court up the gateway in Bull Street, nearest to Monmouth Street. + </p> + <p> + <b>Holt Street,</b> Heneage Street, Lister Street, &c., are named + after the Holte family. + </p> + <p> + <b>Home Hitting.</b>—The Rev. John Home, a Scotch divine, who + visited Birmingham in 1802, said, "it seemed here as if God had + created man only for making buttons." + </p> + <p> + <b>Horse Fair.</b>—Formerly known as Brick-kiln Lane, received + its present name from the fairs first held there in 1777. + </p> + <p> + <b>Horses.</b>—To find out the number of these useful animals at + present in Birmingham, is an impossible task; but, in 1873, the last + year before its repeal, the amount paid for "horse duty" in + the Borough was £3,294 7s. 6d., being at the rate of 10s. 6d. on + 6,275 animals. + </p> + <p> + <b>Hospital Saturday.</b>—The fact of the contributions on + Hospital Sundays coming almost solely from the middle and more wealthy + classes, led to the suggestion that if the workers of the town could + be organised they would not be found wanting any more than their + "betters." The idea was quickly taken up, committees formed, + and cheered by the munificent offer of £500 from Mr. P.H. Muntz + towards the expenses, the first collection was made on March 15th + 1873, the result being a gross receipt of £4,705 11s. 3d. Of + this amount £490 8s. 10d. was collected from their customers by + the licensed victuallers and beerhouse keepers; the gross totals of + each year to the present time being— + </p> + <table cellspacing="10" summary= + "Hospital Saturday collections 1873-1884"> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + 1873 + </td> + <td> + £4,705 + </td> + <td> + 11 + </td> + <td> + 3 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + 1874 + </td> + <td> + 4,123 + </td> + <td> + 15 + </td> + <td> + 2 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + 1875 + </td> + <td> + 3,803 + </td> + <td> + 11 + </td> + <td> + 8 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + 1876 + </td> + <td> + 3,664 + </td> + <td> + 13 + </td> + <td> + 8 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + 1877 + </td> + <td> + 3,200 + </td> + <td> + 17 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + 1878 + </td> + <td> + 3,134 + </td> + <td> + 5 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + 1879 + </td> + <td> + 3,421 + </td> + <td> + 10 + </td> + <td> + 2 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + 1880 + </td> + <td> + 3,760 + </td> + <td> + 9 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + 1881 + </td> + <td> + 3,968 + </td> + <td> + 18 + </td> + <td> + 7 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + 1882 + </td> + <td> + 4,888 + </td> + <td> + 18 + </td> + <td> + 9 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + 1883 + </td> + <td> + 5,489 + </td> + <td> + 9 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + 1884 + </td> + <td> + 6,062 + </td> + <td> + 16 + </td> + <td> + 6 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + After deducting for expenses, the yearly amounts are divided, <i>pro + rata</i>, according to their expenditures among the several hospitals + and similar charities, the proportions in 1883 being:—General + Hospital. £1,843 4s. 1d.; Queen's Hospital, £931 8s. + 3d.; General Dispensary, £561 1s. 7d.; Children's Hospital, + £498 0s. 4d.; Eye Hospital, £345 0s. 4d.; Birmingham and + Midland Counties' Sanatorium, £211 0s. 4d., Women's + Hospital, £193 1s. 9d.; Homoepathic Hospital, £195 5s. + 3d.; Orthopædic Hospital, £138 13s. 6d.; Lying-in Charity, + £67 6s. 5d.; Skin and Lock Hospital, £44 14s. 8d.; Ear and + Throat Infirmary, £26 12s. 8d.; Dental Hospital, £9 5s. + 3d.; and Birmingham Nursing District Society, £34 17s. 7d. The + total sum thus distributed in the twelve years is £48,574 18s. + 9d. + </p> + <p> + <b>Hospital Sunday.</b>—There is nothing new under the sun! + Birmingham has the honour of being credited as the birth-place of + "Hospital Sundays," but old newspapers tell us that as far + back as 1751, when Bath was in its pride and glory, one Sunday in each + year was set aside in that city for the collection, at every place of + worship, of funds for Bath Hospital; and a correspondent writing to + <i>Aris's Gazette</i> recommended the adoption of a similar plan + in this town. The first suggestion for the present local yearly Sunday + collection for the hospitals appeared in an article, written by Mr. + Thos. Barber Wright, in the <i>Midland Counties Herald</i> in October, + 1859. A collection of this kind took place on Sunday, the 27th, of + that month, and the first public meeting, when arrangements were made + for its annual continuance, was held in the Town Hall, December 14th + same year, under the presidency of Dr. Miller, who, therefrom, has + been generally accredited with being the originator of the plan. The + proceeds of the first year's collection were given to the General + Hospital, the second year to the Queen's, and the third year + divided among the other charitable institutions in the town of a like + character, and this order of rotation has been adhered to since. + </p> + <p> + The following is a list of the gross amounts collected since the + establishment of the movement:— + </p> + <table cellspacing="10" summary="Hospital Sunday collections 1859-1884"> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1859 + </td> + <td align="left"> + General Hospital + </td> + <td> + £5,200 + </td> + <td> + 8 + </td> + <td> + 10 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1860 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Queen's Hospital + </td> + <td> + 3,433 + </td> + <td> + 6 + </td> + <td> + 1 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1861 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Amalgamated Charities + </td> + <td> + 2,953 + </td> + <td> + 14 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1862 + </td> + <td align="left"> + General Hospital + </td> + <td> + 8,340 + </td> + <td> + 4 + </td> + <td> + 7 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1863 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Queen's Hospital + </td> + <td> + 3,293 + </td> + <td> + 5 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1864 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Amalgamated Charities + </td> + <td> + 3,178 + </td> + <td> + 5 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1865 + </td> + <td align="left"> + General Hospital + </td> + <td> + 4,256 + </td> + <td> + 11 + </td> + <td> + 11 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1866 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Queen's Hospital + </td> + <td> + 4,133 + </td> + <td> + 2 + </td> + <td> + 10 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1867 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Amalgamated Charities + </td> + <td> + 3,654 + </td> + <td> + 9 + </td> + <td> + 7 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1868 + </td> + <td align="left"> + General Hospital + </td> + <td> + 4,253 + </td> + <td> + 9 + </td> + <td> + 11 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1869 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Queen's Hospital + </td> + <td> + 4,469 + </td> + <td> + 1 + </td> + <td> + 8 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1870 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Amalgamated Charities + </td> + <td> + 4,111 + </td> + <td> + 6 + </td> + <td> + 7 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1871 + </td> + <td align="left"> + General Hospital + </td> + <td> + 4,886 + </td> + <td> + 9 + </td> + <td> + 2 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1872 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Queen's Hospital + </td> + <td> + 5,192 + </td> + <td> + 2 + </td> + <td> + 3 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1873 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Amalgamated Charities + </td> + <td> + 5,370 + </td> + <td> + 8 + </td> + <td> + 3 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1874 + </td> + <td align="left"> + General Hospital + </td> + <td> + 5,474 + </td> + <td> + 17 + </td> + <td> + 11 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1875 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Queen's Hospital + </td> + <td> + 5,800 + </td> + <td> + 8 + </td> + <td> + 8 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1876 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Amalgamated Charities + </td> + <td> + 5,265 + </td> + <td> + 10 + </td> + <td> + 10 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1877 + </td> + <td align="left"> + General Hospital + </td> + <td> + 5,280 + </td> + <td> + 15 + </td> + <td> + 3 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1878 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Queen's Hospital + </td> + <td> + 6,482 + </td> + <td> + 12 + </td> + <td> + 10 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1879 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Amalgamated Charities + </td> + <td> + 5,182 + </td> + <td> + 3 + </td> + <td> + 10 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1880 + </td> + <td align="left"> + General Hospital + </td> + <td> + 4,886 + </td> + <td> + 1 + </td> + <td> + 8 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1881 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Queen's Hospital + </td> + <td> + 4,585 + </td> + <td> + 1 + </td> + <td> + 3 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1882 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Amalgamated Charities + </td> + <td> + 4,800 + </td> + <td> + 12 + </td> + <td> + 6 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1883 + </td> + <td align="left"> + General Hospital + </td> + <td> + 5,145 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + <td> + 5 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1884 + </td> + <td align="left"> + Queen's Hospital + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + <br /> + [Transcriber's note: the 1884 figures are missing in the + original.] + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm38"></a>Hospitals.</b>—<i>The General Hospital</i> + may he said to have been commenced in the year 1766, when the first + steps were taken towards the erection of such an institution, but it + was not formally opened for the reception of patients until 1779. The + original outlay on the building was £7,140, but it has received + many additions since then, having been enlarged in 1792, 1830, 1842, + 1857 (in which year a new wing was erected, nominally out of the + proceeds of a fête at Aston, which brought in £2,527 6s. + 2d.), 1865, and during the last few years especially. The last + additions to the edifice consist of a separate "home" for + the staff of nurses, utilising their former rooms for the admittance + of more patients; also two large wards, for cases of personal injury + from fire, as well as a mortuary, with dissecting and jury rooms, + &c., the total cost of these improvements being nearly + £20,000. For a long period, this institution has ranked as one + of the first and noblest charities in the provinces, its doors being + opened for the reception of cases from all parts of the surrounding + counties, as well as our own more immediate district. The long list of + names of surgeons and physicians, who have bestowed the benefits of + their learning and skill upon the unfortunate sufferers, brought + within its walls, includes many of the highest eminence in the + profession, locally and otherwise, foremost among whom must be placed + that of Dr. Ash, the first physician to the institution, and to whom + much of the honour of its establishment belongs. The connection of the + General Hospital with the Triennial Musical Festivals, which, for a + hundred years, have been held for its benefit, has, doubtless, gone + far towards the support of the Charity, very nearly £112,000 + having been received from that source altogether, and the periodical + collections on Hospital Sundays and Saturdays, have still further + aided thereto, but it is to the contributions of the public at large + that the governors of the institution are principally indebted for + their ways and means. For the first twenty-five years, the number of + in-patients were largely in excess of the out-door patients, there + being, during that period, 16,588 of the former under treatment, to + 13,009 of the latter. Down to 1861, rather more than half-a-million + cases of accident, illness, &c., had been attended to, and to show + the yearly increasing demand made upon the funds of the Hospital, it + is only necessary to give a few later dates. In 1860 the in-patients + numbered 2,850, the out-patients 20,584, and the expenditure was + £4,191. In 1876, the total number of patients were 24,082, and + the expenditure £12,207. The next three years showed an average + of 28,007 patients, and a yearly expenditure of £13,900. During + the last four years, the benefits of the Charity have been bestowed + upon an even more rapidly-increasing scale, the number of cases in + 1880 having been 30,785, in 1881 36,803, in 1882 44,623, and in 1883 + 41,551, the annual outlay now required being considerably over + £20,000 per year. When the centenary of the Hospital was + celebrated in 1879, a suggestion was made that an event so interesting + in the history of the charity would be most fittingly commemorated by + the establishment or a Suburban Hospital, where patients whose + diseases are of a chronic character could be treated with advantage to + themselves, and with relief to the parent institution, which is always + so pressed for room that many patients have to be sent out earlier + than the medical officers like. The proposal was warmly taken up, but + no feasible way of carrying it out occurred until October, 1883, when + the committee of the Hospital had the pleasure of receiving a letter + (dated Sept. 20), from Mr. John Jaffray, in which he stated that, + having long felt the importance of having a Suburban Hospital, and + with a desire to do some amount of good for the community in which, + for many years, he had received so much kindness, and to which, in + great measure, he owed his prosperity, he had secured a freehold site + on which he proposed to erect a building, capable of accommodating + fifty male and female patients, with the requisite offices for the + attendants and servants, and offered the same as a free gift to the + Governors, in trust for the public. This most welcome and munificent + offer, it need hardly be said, was gratefully accepted, and a general + appeal was made for funds to properly endow the "Jaffray Suburban + Hospital," so that its maintenance and administration shall not + detract from the extending usefulness of the parent institution. The + site chosen by Mr. Jaffray is at Gravelly Hill, and it is estimated + the new branch hospital, of which the first stone was laid June 4, + 1884, will cost at least £15,000 in erection. Towards the + endowment fund there have been nine or ten donations of £1,000 + each promised, and it is hoped a fully sufficient amount will be + raised before the building is completed, for, in the words of Mr. + Jaffray, we "have great faith in the liberality of the public + towards an institution—the oldest and noblest and ablest of our + medical charities—which for more than a century has done so much + for the relief of human suffering: and cannot help believing that + there are in Birmingham many persons who, having benefited by the + prosperity of the town, feel that they owe a duty to the community, + and will gladly embrace this opportunity of discharging at least some + part of their obligation." Patients are said to be admitted to + the General Hospital by tickets from subscribers; but, in addition to + accidents and cases of sudden illness, to which the doors are open at + all hours, a large number of patients are admitted free on the + recommendation of the medical officers, the proportion of the cases + thus admitted being as six to ten with subscribers' tickets. + </p> + <p> + It is estimated that a capital sum of at least £60,000 will be + required to produce a sufficiently large income to maintain the + Jaffray Suburban Hospital, and donations have been, and are solicited + for the raising of that sum. Up to the time of going to press with the + "Dictionary," there has been contributed nearly + £24,000 of the amount, of which the largest donations + are:— + </p> + <table cellspacing="10" summary="Donations"> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + G.F. Muntz, Esq + </td> + <td> + £2,000 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + The Right Hon. Lord Calthorpe + </td> + <td> + 1,000 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Trustees of Dudley Trust + </td> + <td> + 1,000 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + W.B. Cregoe Colmore, Esq + </td> + <td> + 1,000 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Ralph Heaton, Esq + </td> + <td> + 1,000 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + James Hinks, Esq + </td> + <td> + 1,000 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Lloyds' Old Bank + </td> + <td> + 1,000 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + W. Middlemore, Esq + </td> + <td> + 1,000 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Mrs. Elizabeth Phipson + </td> + <td> + 1,000 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Miss Ryland + </td> + <td> + 1,000 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Mrs. Simcox + </td> + <td> + 1,000 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Messrs. Tangyes (Limited) + </td> + <td> + 1,000 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Henry Wiggin, Esq., M.P + </td> + <td> + 1,000 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Mr. John Wilkes + </td> + <td> + 1,000 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + About £5,000 more has been sent in hundreds and fifties, and + doubtless many other large gifts will follow. + </p> + <p> + <i>The Queens Hospital</i> was commenced in 1840, the first stone + being laid by Earl Howe on the 18th of June. His Royal Highness the + Prince Consort was chosen as first president, and remained so until + his death, the office not being filled up again until 1875, when Lord + Leigh was appointed. Many special efforts have been made to increase + the funds of this hospital, and with great success; thus, on Dec. 28, + 1848, Jenny Lind sang for it, the receipts amounting to £1,070. + On July 27, 1857, a fête at Aston Park added £2,527 6s. + 2d. (a like sum being given to the General Hospital). In 1859, Mr. + Sands Cox (to whom is due the merit of originating the Queen's + Hospital), commenced the arduous task of collecting a million postage + stamps, equivalent to £4,166 13s. 4d., to clear the then + liabilities, to erect a chapel, and for purposes of extension. Her + Majesty the Queen forwarded (Feb. 15, 1859) a cheque for £100 + toward this fund. On January 16, 1869, the workmen of the town decided + to erect a new wing to the Hospital, and subscribed so freely that + Lord Leigh laid the foundation stone Dec. 4, 1871, and the + "Workmen's Extension" was opened for patients Nov. 7, + 1873. In 1880 a bazaar at the Town Hall brought in £3,687 17s., + increased by donations and new subscriptions to £5,969. The + system of admission by subscribers' tickets was done away with + Nov. 1, 1875, a registration fee of 1s. being adopted instead. This + fee, however, is not required in urgent cases or accident, nor when + the patient is believed to be too poor to pay it. The ordinary income + for the year 1882 was £5,580, as compared with £4,834 in + the previous year, when the ordinary income was supplemented by the + further sum of £4,356 from the Hospital Sunday collection, which + falls to the Queen's Hospital once in three years. The chief items + of ordinary income were, subscriptions 1881, £2,780; 1882, + £2,788; donations, 1881, £397; 1882, £237; Hospital + Saturday, 1881, £711; 1882, £852; legacies, 1881, + £208; 1882, £870; dividends, 1881, £178; 1882, + £199; registration fees, 1881, £538; 1882, £597. The + expenditure for the year was £7,264, as compared with + £6,997 in 1881. The number of in-patients in 1882 was 1,669, as + compared with 1,663 in 1881; the number of out-patients was 16,538, as + compared with 14,490 in the preceding year. The cost of each + in-patient was £3 2s. 3-1/4d. Of the in-patients, 811 were + admitted by registration, the remainder being treated as accidents or + urgent cases. Of the out-patients, 8,359 were admitted by + registration, the remainder, namely, 8,179, were admitted free. + </p> + <p> + <i>The Children's Hospital</i>, founded in 1861, was first opened + for the reception of patients Jan. 1, 1862, in the old mansion in + Steelhouse Lane, fronting the Upper Priory. At the commencement of + 1870 the Hospital was removed to Broad Street, to the building + formerly known as the Lying-in Hospital, an out-patient department, + specially erected at a cost of about £3,250, being opened at the + same time (January) in Steelhouse Lane, nearly opposite the mansion + first used. The Broad Street institution has accommodation for about + fifty children in addition to a separate building containing thirty + beds for the reception of fever cases, the erection of which cost + £7,800; and there is a Convalescent Home at Alvechurch in + connection with this Hospital to which children are sent direct from + the wards of the Hospital (frequently after surgical operations) thus + obtaining for them a more perfect convalescence than is possible when + they are returned to their own homes, where in too many instances + those important aids to recovery —pure air, cleanliness, and + good food are sadly wanting. In addition to the share of the Saturday + and Sunday yearly collections, a special effort was made in 1880 to + assist the Children's Hospital by a simultaneous collection in the + Sunday Schools of the town and neighbourhood, and, like the others, + this has become a periodical institution. In 1880, the sum thus + gathered from the juveniles for the benefit of their little suffering + brethren, amounted to £307 9s. 11d.; in 1881, it was £193 + 10s. 5d.; in 1882, £218 5s. 2d.; in 1883, £234 3s. 1d. The + number of patients during 1883 were: 743 in-patients 12,695 + out-patients, 75 home patients, and 475 casualties—total 13,998. + The expenditure of the year had been £4,399 0s. 3d., and the + income but £4,087 14s. 2d. + </p> + <p> + <i>Dental</i>.—This Hospital, 9, Broad Street, was instituted + for gratuitous assistance to the poor in all cases of diseases of the + teeth, including extracting, stopping, scaling, as well as the + regulation of children's teeth. Any poor sufferer can have + immediate attention without a recommendatory note, but applicants + requiring special operations must be provided with a note of + introduction from a governor. About 6,000 persons yearly take their + achers to the establishment. + </p> + <p> + <i>Ear and Throat Infirmary</i>, founded in 1844, and formerly in + Cherry Street, has been removed to Newhall Street, where persons + suffering from diseases of the ear (deafness, &c.) and throat, are + attended to daily at noon. During the year ending June, 1883, 6,517 + patients had been under treatment, and 1,833 new cases had been + admitted. Of the total, 1,389 had been cured, 348 relieved and 116 + remained under treatment. The increase of admissions over those of the + previous year was 181, and the average daily attendance of patients + was 25. The number of patients coming from places outside Birmingham + was 577. The income of this institution is hardly up to the mark, + considering its great usefulness, the amount received from yearly + subscribers being only £129 13s. 6d., representing 711 tickets, + there being received for 875 supplementary tickets, £153 2s. + 6d., and £15 11s. from the Hospital Saturday collections. + </p> + <p> + <i>The Eye Hospital</i> was originated in 1823, and the first patients + were received in April, 1824, at the hospital in Cannon Street. Some + thirty years afterwards the institution was removed to Steelhouse + Lane, and in 1862 to Temple Row, Dee's Royal Hotel being taken and + remodelled for the purpose at a cost of about £8,300. In 1881 + the number of patients treated was 12,523; in 1882, 13,448 of whom 768 + were in-patients, making a total of over a quarter of a million since + the commencement of the charity. Admission by subscriber's ticket. + Originally an hotel, the building is dilapidated and very unsuitable + to the requirements of the hospital, the space for attendants and + patients being most inadequate. This has been more and more evident + for years past, and the erection of a new building became an absolute + necessity. The governors, therefore, have taken a plot of land at the + corner of Edmund Street and Church Street, upon a lease from the + Colmore family for 99 years, and hereon is being built a commodious + and handsome new hospital, from carefully arranged plans suitable to + the peculiar necessities of an institution of this nature. The + estimated cost of the new building is put at £20,000, of which + only about £8,000 has yet been subscribed (£5,000 of it + being from a single donor). In such a town as Birmingham, and indeed + in such a district as surrounds us, an institution like the Birmingham + and Midland Eye Hospital is not only useful, but positively + indispensable, and as there are no restrictions as to distance or + place of abode in the matter of patients, the appeal made for the + necessary building funds should meet with a quick and generous + response, not only from a few large-hearted contributors, whose names + are household words, but also from the many thousands who have + knowledge directly or indirectly of the vast benefit this hospital has + conferred upon those stricken by disease or accident—to that + which is the most precious of all our senses. It is intended that the + hospital should be a model to the whole kingdom of what such an + institution ought to be; the latest and best of modern appliances, + both sanitary and surgical, will be introduced. There will be in and + out departments, completely isolated one from the other, though with a + door of communication. From sixty to seventy beds will be provided, + special wards for a certain class of cases, adequate waiting-rooms for + out-patients, and the necessary rooms for the officers and medical + attendants, all being on an ample scale. + </p> + <p> + <i>Fever Hospital</i>.—There was a Fever Hospital opened in + March, 1828, but we have no note when it was closed, and possibly it + may have been only a temporary institution, such as become necessary + now and then even in these days of sanitary science. For some years + past fever patients requiring isolation have been treated in the + Borough Hospital, but the Health Committee have lately purchased a + plot of land in Lodge Road of about 4-1/2 acres, at a cost of + £4,500, and have erected there on a wooden pavilion, divided + into male and female wards, with all necessary bath rooms, nurses' + rooms, &c., everything being done which can contribute to the + comfort and care of the inmates, while the greatest attention has been + paid to the ventilation and other necessary items tending to their + recovery. This pavilion is only a portion of the scheme which the + committee propose to carry out, it being intended to build four, if + not five, other wards of brick. A temporary block of administrative + buildings has been erected at some distance from the pavilion. There + accommodation is provided for the matron, the resident medical + superintendent, the nurses when off duty, and the ordinary kitchen, + scullery, and other offices are attached. When the permanent offices + have been erected this building will be devoted to special fever + cases, or, should there be a demand, private cases will be taken in. + The cost of the whole scheme is estimated at £20,000, including + the sum given for the land. It is most devoutly to be wished that this + hospital, which is entirely free, will be generally used by families + in case of a member thereof be taken with any nature of infectious + fever, the most certain remedy against an epidemic of the kind, as + well as the most favourable chance for the patient being such an + isolation as is here provided. The hospital was opened September 11, + 1883, and in cases of scarlet fever and other disorders of an + infectious character, an immediate application should be made to the + health officer at the Council House. + </p> + <p> + <i>Homoeopathic</i>.—A dispensary for the distribution of + homoeopathic remedies was opened in this town in 1847, and though the + new system met with the usual opposition, it has become fairly + popular, and its practitioners have found friends sufficient to induce + them to erect a very neat and convenient hospital, in Easy Row, at a + cost of about £7,000, which was opened November 23rd, 1875, and + may possibly soon be enlarged. A small payment, weekly, is looked for, + if the patient can afford it, but a fair number are admitted free, and + a much larger number visited, the average number of patients being + nearly 5,000 per annum. Information given on enquiry. + </p> + <p> + <i>Hospital for Women</i>.—This establishment in the Upper + Priory was opened in October, 1871, for the treatment of diseases + special to females. No note or ticket of recommendation is required, + applicants being attended to daily at two o'clock, except on + Saturday and Sunday. If in a position to pay, a nominal sum of 2s. 6d. + a month is expected as a contribution to the funds, which are not so + flourishing as can be wished. The in-patients' department or home + at Sparkhill has accommodation for 25 inmates, and it is always full, + while some thousands are treated at the town establishment. The number + of new cases in the out-patient department in 1883 was 2,648, showing + an annual increase of nearly 250 a year. Of the 281 in-patients + admitted last year, 205 had to undergo surgical operations of various + kinds, 124 being serious cases; notwithstanding which the mortality + showed a rate of only 5.6 per cent. As a rule many weeks and months of + care and attention are needed to restore the general health of those + who may have, while in the hospital, successfully recovered from an + operation, but there has not hitherto been the needful funds or any + organisation for following up such cases after they have left + Sparkhill. Such a work could be carried on by a District Nursing + Society if there were funds to defray the extra expense, and at their + last annual meeting the Managing Committee decided to appeal to their + friends for assistance towards forming an endowment fund for the + treatment of patients at home during their convalescence, and also for + aiding nurses during times of sickness. An anonymous donation of + £1,000 has been sent in, and two other donors have given + £500 each, but the treasurer will be glad to receive additions + thereto, and as early as possible, for sick women nor sick men can + wait long. The total income for 1883 amounted to £1,305 16s. + 4d., while the expenditure was £1,685 4s. 11d., leaving a + deficit much to be regretted. + </p> + <p> + <i>Lying-in Hospital</i>.—Founded in 1842, and for many years + was located in Broad Street, in the mansion since formed into the + Children's Hospital. In 1868 it was deemed advisable to close the + establishment in favour of the present plan of supplying midwives and + nurses at the poor patients' homes. In 1880 the number of patients + attended was 1,020; in 1881, 973; in 1882, 894; in 1883, 870. In each + of the two latter years there had been two deaths in mothers (1 in 441 + cases) about the usual average of charity. The number of children born + alive during the last year was 839, of whom 419 were males, and 420 + females. Four infants died; 37 were still-born. There were 6 cases of + twins. The assistance of the honorary surgeons was called in 24 times, + or once in 37 cases. The financial position of the charity is less + satisfactory than could be wished, there being again a deficiency. The + subscriptions were £273, against £269 in 1882 and + £275 in 1881. There was a slight increase in the amount of + donations, but an entire absence of legacies, which, considering the + valuable assistance rendered by the charity to so many poor women, is + greatly to be deplored. The medical board have the power to grant to + any woman who passes the examination, the subjects of which are + defined, a certificate as a skilled midwife, competent to attend + natural labours. One midwife and four monthly nurses have already + received certificates, and it is hoped that many more candidates will + avail themselves of the opportunity thus readily afforded to them, and + supply a want very generally felt among the poor of the town. + Subscribers have the privilege of bestowing the tickets, and the + offices are at 71, Newhall Street. + </p> + <p> + <i>Orthopædic and Spinal Hospital</i>—Was founded in June, + 1817; the present establishment in Newhall Street being entered upon + in December, 1877. All kinds of bodily deformity, hernia, club feet, + spinal diseases, malformations, and distortions of limbs, &c., are + treated daily (at two o'clock) free of charge, except where + instruments or costly supports are needed, when the patient must be + provided with subscribers' tickets in proportion to the cost + thereof. In 1881 and 1882, 4,116 cases received attention, 2,064 being + new cases, and 678 from outside Birmingham. The variety of diseases + was very numerous, and instruments to the value of £420 were + supplied to the patients. + </p> + <p> + <i>Skin and Lock Hospital</i>, Newhall Street, was founded in 1880, + and opened Jan. 10, 1881. Admission on payment of registration fee, + attendance being given at two o'clock on Monday, Tuesday, + Wednesday, and Thursday in each week. + </p> + <p> + <i>Smallpox Hospital</i>.—A few years back, when there was a + pretty general epidemic of smallpox, a temporary ward or addition was + attached to the Workhouse, but many persons whose intelligence led + them to know the value of isolation in such cases, could not + "cotton" to the idea of going themselves or sending their + friends there. The buildings in Weston Road, Winson Green, and now + known as the Borough Hospital, have no connection whatever with the + Workhouse, and were opened for the reception of persons suffering from + smallpox and scarlet fever in Nov. 1874. The latter cases are now + taken to the Hospital in Lodge Road, so that present accommodation can + be found in the Borough Hospital for nearly 250 patients at a time + should it ever be necessary to do so. Persons knowing of any case of + smallpox should at once give notice to the officers of health at + Council House. + </p> + <p> + <b>Hotels.</b>—This French-derived name for inns, from what + Hutton says on the subject, would appear to have been only introduced + in his day, and even then was confined to the large coaching-houses of + the town, many of which have long since vanished. The first railway + hotel was the Queen's, at the entrance of the old railway station, + Duddeston Row, though originally built and used for officers for the + company's secretaries, directors' boardroom, &c. As part + of the New Street Station, a far more pretentious establishment was + erected, and to this was given the title of the "Queen's + Hotel," the Duddeston Row building reverting to its original use. + The Great Western Hotel was the next to be built, and the success + attending these large undertakings have led to the erection of the + handsome Midland Hotel, opposite New Street Station, and the still + grander "Grand Hotel," in Colmore Row, opened Feb. 1, 1879. + The removal of the County Court to Corporation Street, and the + possible future erection of Assize Courts near at hand, have induced + some speculators to embark in the erection of yet another extensive + establishment, to be called the "Inns of Court Hotel," and + in due course of time we shall doubtless have others of a similar + character. At any of the above, a visitor to the town (with money in + his purse) can find first-class accommodation, and (in comparison with + the London hotels of a like kind) at reasonably fair rates. After + these come a second grade, more suitable for commercial gentlemen, or + families whose stay is longer, such as the new Stork Hotel, the + Albion, in Livery Street, Bullivant's, in Carr's Lane, the + Acorn, the Temperance at the Colonnade, and the Clarendon, in Temple + Street, Dingley's, in Moor Street, Knapp's, in High Street, + Nock's, in Union Passage, the Plough and Harrow, in Hagley Road, + the Swan, in New Street, the White Horse, in Congreve Street (opposite + Walter Showell and Sons' head offices), the Woolpack, in Moor + Street, and the other Woolpack, now called St. Martin's, at the + back of the church. + </p> + <p> + For much entertaining information respecting the old taverns of + Birmingham, the hotels of former days, we recommend the reader to + procure a copy of S.D.R.'s little book on the subject, which is + full of anecdotes respecting the frequenters of the then houses, as + well as many quaint notes of the past. + </p> + <p> + <i>The Acorn</i> in Temple Street.—The favourite resort of the + "men of the time" a few score years ago was at one period so + little surrounded with houses that anyone standing at its door could + view a landscape stretching for miles, while listening to the song + birds in the neighbouring gardens. It dates from about 1750, and + numbers among its successive landlords, Mr. John Roderick, the first + auctioneer of that well-known name, Mr. James Clements, and Mr. + Coleman, all men of mark. The last-named host, after making many + improvements in the premises and renewing the lease, disposed of the + hotel to a Limited Liability Company for £15,500. It is at + present one of the best-frequented commercial houses in the town. + </p> + <p> + <i>The Hen and Chickens</i>.—In <i>Aris's Gazette</i>, of + December 14, 1741, there appeared an advertisement, that there was + "to be let, in the High Street, Birmingham, a very + good-accustomed Inn, the sign of the Hen and Chickens, with stables, + &c." Inasmuch as this advertisement also said "there is + a very good Bowling Green joining to it," it has been quoted by + almost every writer of local history as an evidence of the popularity + of those places of recreation, or as showing the open aspect of the + then existing town. This establishment is believed to have been on the + site of Messrs. Manton's cabinet warehouse, the adjoining Scotland + Passage leading to the stables, and possibly to "the Bowling + Green." In 1798, the tenant, Mrs. Lloyd, removed to a new house + in New Street, and took the Hen and Chickens' title with her, the + place becoming famous as a posting-house, and afterwards, under Mr. + William Waddell, as one of the most extensive coaching establishments + in the Midlands. A mere list only, of the Serene Highnesses, the + Royalties, Nobility, and celebrated characters of all kinds, who have + put up at this hotel, would fill pages, and those anxious for such + old-time gossip, must refer to S.D.R.'s book, as before-mentioned. + At the close of 1878, the premises were acquired by the + "Birmingham Aquarium Co., Limited," who proposed to erect a + handsome concert-room, aquarium, restaurant, &c. The old building + has been considerably altered, and somewhat improved in appearance, + but the aquarium and concert-room are, as yet, <i>non est</i>, an + Arcade being built instead. + </p> + <p> + <i>The Midland</i>, New Street.—One of the modern style of + hotels, having over a hundred good bedrooms, besides the necessary + complement of public and private sitting and dining rooms, coffee, + commercial, smoking and billiard rooms, &c., erected for Mr. W.J. + Clements in 1874; it was sold early in 1876 to a Limited Company, + whose capital was fixed at £40,000 in £10 shares. + </p> + <p> + <i><a id="Birm119"></a>The Royal</i>, in Temple Row, was erected on + the tontine principle in 1772, but was not called more than "The + Hotel" for a long time afterwards the word Royal being added in + 1805, after His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester slept there (May + 4) on his way to Liverpool. In 1830 the Duchess of Kent, and Princess + Victoria (our present Queen) honoured it by their presence. In June, + 1804, the Assembly Room (for very many years the most popular place + for meetings of a social character) was enlarged, the proprietors + purchasing a small piece of adjoining land for the purpose at a cost + of £250, being at the rate of £26,000 per acre, a + noteworthy fact as showing the then rapidly increasing value of + property in the town. The portico in front of the hotel was put there + in 1837, when the building had to be repaired, in consequence of the + kind attentions of the Birmingham Liberals at the time of the general + election then just passed. The whole of the front and main portion of + the hotel is now used for the purposes of the Eye Hospital, the + Assembly Rooms, &c., being still public.—Portugal House, in + New Street, on the present site of the Colonnade, prior to its being + taken for the Excise and Post Offices, was used for hotel purposes, + and was also called "The Royal." + </p> + <p> + <i>The Stork</i>.—The Directory of 1800 is the first which + contains the name of the Stork Tavern, No. 3, The Square, the host + then being Mr. John Bingham, the title of Hotel not being assumed + until 1808. For a few years the one house was sufficient for the + accommodation required, but as time progressed it became necessary to + enlarge it, and this was accomplished by taking in the adjoining + houses, until, at last, the hotel occupied one-fourth of The Square, + from the corner of the Minories to the Lower Priory, in which were + situated the stables, &c. It was in one of the houses so annexed + to the hotel (No. 1) that Dr. Hector, the friend of Dr. Johnson, + resided; and at the rear of another part of the premises in the Coach + Yard, there was opened (in 1833) the "The Equitable Labour + Exchange." The whole of the hotel buildings were sold by auction, + Sept. 26, 1881, and quickly razed to the ground, which was required + for Corporation Street; but the Stork, like the fabulous Phoenix, has + risen from its ashes, and in close proximity to the old site, stands + boldly forth as one of the magnificences of that-is-to-be + most-magnificent thoroughfare. + </p> + <p> + <i>The Union</i>, in Cherry Street, was built in 1790, but much + enlarged in 1825. It was one of the principal coaching houses, but + will be remembered mostly as furnishing the chief saleroom in the town + for the disposal of landed property. The site being required for + Corporation Street, the building was "knocked down" on the + 21st April, 1879. + </p> + <p> + <i>The Woolpack</i>, in Moor Street, saw many strange events, and had + in its olden days undergone some few changes for there are not many + sites in Birmingham that can compare with this in regard to its + recorded history, but at last it is being cleared to make way for a + more modern structure. It is believed there was a tavern called the + Green Tree here close upon 500 years ago, and even now there is still + to be traced the course of an ancient "dyche" running + through the premises which was described as the boundary dividing + certain properties in 1340, and forming part of that belonging to the + Guild of the Holy Cross. The house itself was the residence of William + Lench, whose bequests to the town are historical, but when it was + turned into a tavern is a little uncertain, as the earliest notice of + it as such is dated 1709, when John Fusor was the occupier. It was the + house of resort for many Birmingham worthies, especially those + connected with the law, even before the erection of the Public + Offices, and it is said that John Baskerville used to come here for + his tankard of ale and a gossip with his neighbours. In the time of + the Reform agitation it was frequented by the leaders of the Liberal + party, and has always been the favourite shelter of artists visiting + the town. + </p> + <p> + <i>The Woolpack</i>, in St. Martin's Lane.—Some eighty odd + years ago the tavern standing at the corner of Jamaica Row and St. + Martin's Lane was known as the Black Boy Inn, from the figure of a + young negro then placed over the door. Being purchased in 1817 by the + occupier of a neighbouring tavern called the Woolpack, the two names + were united, and for a time the house was called the "Black Boy + and Woolpack," the first part being gradually allowed to fall + into disuse. Prior to its demolition it was <i>the</i> noted market + hostelry for cattle dealers and others, the respected landlord, Mr. + John Gough, who held the premises from 1848 till his death in 1877, + being himself a large wholesale dealer. When the Town Council decided + to enlarge and cover in the Smithfield Market, the old house and its + adjuncts were purchased by them, and a new hotel of almost palatial + character has been erected in its place, the frontage extending nearly + the entire length of St. Martin's Lane, and the Black Boy and the + Woolpack must in future be called St. Martin's Hotel. + </p> + <p> + <b>Hothouses.</b>—Those at Frogmore, comprising a range of + nearly 1,000 feet of metallic forcing houses, were erected in 1842-3, + by Mr. Thomas Clark, of this town, his manager, Mr. John Jones, being + described by the celebrated Mr. London, as "the best hot-house + builder in Britain." + </p> + <p> + <b>House and Window Tax.</b>—See "<i><a class="internal" + href="#Birm70">Taxes</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Howard Street Institute.</b>—Founded in 1869. The first + annual meeting, for the distribution of prizes, was held in December, + 1872. The many sources for acquiring knowledge now provided at such + institutions as the Midland Institute, the Mason College, &c., + have no doubt tended much to the end, but, considering the amount of + good derived by the pupils from the many classes held in the Howard + Street rooms, it is a pity the Institute should be allowed to drop. + </p> + <p> + <b>Humbug.</b>—The Prince of Humbugs, Phineas Barnum, at the + Town Hall, February 28, 1859, gave <i>his</i> views of what + constituted "Humbug." As if the Brums didn't know. + </p> + <p> + <b>Humiliation Days.</b>—February 25, 1807, was kept here as a + day of fasting and humiliation, as was also September 25, 1832. + </p> + <p> + <b>Hundred.</b>—Birmingham is in the Hundred of Hemlingford. + </p> + <p> + <b>Hungary.</b>—The first meeting in this town to express + sympathy with the Hungarians in their struggle with Austria, was held + in the Corn Exchange, May 23, 1849, and several speakers were in + favour of sending armed help, but no volunteers came forward. + </p> + <p> + <b>Hunter's Lane</b> and Nursery Terrace take their names from the + fact that Mr. Hunter's nursery grounds and gardens were here + situated. The "Lane" was the old road to Wolverhampton, but + has a much older history than that, as it is believed to have been + part of the Icknield Street. + </p> + <p> + <b>Hurricanes.</b>—The late Mr. Thos. Plant, in describing the + great storm, which visited England, on the night of Sunday, 6th + January, 1839, and lasted all next day, said it was the most + tremendous hurricane that had occurred here for fifty years. A large + quantity of lead was stripped off the roof of the Town Hall, the + driving force of the gale being so strong, that the lead was carried a + distance of more than sixty yards before it fell into a warehouse, + 'at the back of an ironmonger's shop in Ann Street.—See + "<i><a class="internal" href="#Birm71">Storms and + Tempests</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Hurst Street,</b> from Hurst Hill, once a wooded mount (the same + being the derivation of Ravenhurst Street), was originally but a + passage way, leading under an arch at the side of the White Swan in + Smallbrook Street (now Day's establishment). Up the passage was a + knacker's yard, a shop for the dyeing of felt hats, and a few + cottages. + </p> + <p> + <b>Icknield Street.</b>—Britain was formerly traversed by four + great roads, usually called Roman roads, though there are some grounds + for believing that the Ancient Britons themselves were the pioneers in + making these trackways, their conquerors only improving the roads as + was their wont, and erecting military stations along the line. These + roads were severally called "Watling Stræte," which + ran from the coast of Kent, through London, to the Welsh coast in + county Cardigan; the "Fosse," leading from Cornwall to + Lincoln; "Erminge Stræte," running from St. + David's to Southampton; and "Hikenilde Stræte," + leading through the centre of England, from St. David's to + Tynemouth. Part of the latter road, known as Icknield Street, is now + our Monument Lane, and in 1865 a portion of ancient road was uncovered + near Chad Valley House, which is believed to have been also part + thereof. Proceeding in almost a direct line to the bottom of Hockley + Hill, the Icknield Street ran across Handsworth Parish, by way of the + present Hunter's Lane, but little further trace can be found now + until it touches Sutton Coldfield Park, through which it passes for + nearly a mile-and-a-half at an almost uniform width of about 60 feet. + It is left for our future local antiquarians to institute a search + along the track in the Park, but as in scores of other spots Roman and + British remains have been found, it seems probable than an effort of + the kind suggested would meet its reward, and perhaps lead to the + discovery of some valuable relics of our long-gone predecessors. + </p> + <p> + <b>Illuminations.</b>—When the news of Admiral Rodney's + victory was received here, May 20, 1792, it was welcomed by a general + illumination, as were almost all the great victories during the long + war. The Peace of Amiens in 1802 was also celebrated in this way, and + the event has become historical from the fact that for the first time + in the world's history the inflammable gas obtained from coal (now + one of the commonest necessities of our advanced civilisation) was + used for the purpose of a public illumination at Soho Works. (See + "<i><a class="internal" href="#Birm72">Gas</a></i>.") In + 1813 the town went into shining ecstacies four or five times, and + ditto in the following year, the chief events giving rise thereto + being the entry of the Allies into Paris, and the declaration of + peace, the latter being celebrated (in addition to two nights' + lighting up of the principal buildings, &c.), by an extra grand + show of thousands of lamps at Soho, with the accompaniment of + fireworks and fire-balloons, the roasting of sheep and oxen, &c. + Waterloo was the next occasion, but local chroniclers of the news of + the day gave but scant note thereof. From time to time there have been + illuminations for several more peaceable matters of rejoicing, but the + grandest display that Birmingham has ever witnessed was that to + celebrate the marriage of the Prince of Wales, March 10th, 1863, when + St. Philip's Church was illuminated on a scale so colossal as to + exceed anything of the kind that had previously been attempted in the + illumination by gas of public buildings upon their architectural + lines. Situated in the centre, and upon the most elevated ground in + Birmingham, St. Philip's measures upwards of 170-ft. from the base + to the summit of the cross. The design for the + illumination—furnished by Mr. Peter Hollins—consisted of + gas-tubing, running parallel to the principal lines of architecture + from the base to the summit, pierced at distances of 3 in. or 5 in., + and fitted with batswing burners. About 10,000 of these burners were + used in the illumination. The service-pipes employed varied in + diameter from three inches to three-quarters of an inch, and measured, + in a straight line, about three-quarters of a mile, being united by + more than two thousand sockets. Separate mains conducted the gas to + the western elevation, the tower, the dome, the cupola, and cross; the + latter standing 8 ft. above the ordinary cross of the church, and + being inclosed in a frame of ruby-coloured glass. These mains were + connected with a ten-inch main from a heavily-weighed gasometer at the + Windsor Street works of the Birmingham Gas Company, which was reserved + for the sole use of the illumination. It took forty men three days to + put up the scaffolding, but the whole work was finished and the + scaffolding removed in a week. It was estimated that the consumption + of gas during the period of illumination reached very nearly + three-quarters of a million of cubic feet; and the entire expense of + the illumination, including the gas-fittings, was somewhat over six + hundred pounds. The illumination was seen for miles round in every + direction. From the top of Barr Beacon, about eight miles distant, a + singular effect was produced by means of a fog cloud which hung over + the town, and concealed the dome and tower from view—a blood-red + cross appearing to shine in the heavens and rest upon Birmingham. As + the traveller approached the town on that side the opacity of the fog + gradually diminished until, when about three miles away, the broad + lines of light which spanned the dome appeared in sight, and, + magnified by the thin vapour through which they were refracted, gave + the idea of some gigantic monster clawing the heavens with his fiery + paws. All the avenues to the church and the surrounding streets were + crowded with masses of human heads, in the midst of which stood a + glittering fairy palace. The effect was heightened by coloured fires, + which, under the superintendence of Mr. C.L. Hanmer, were introduced + at intervals in burning censers, wreathing their clouds of incense + among the urns upon the parapet in the gallery of the tower, and + shedding upon the windows of the church the rich tints of a peaceful + southern sky at sunset. The several gateways were wreathed in + evergreens, amongst which nestled festoons of variegated lamps. So + great was the sensation produced throughout the town and surrounding + districts, and such the disappointment of those who had not seen it, + that the committee, at a great expense, consented to reillumine for + one night more, which was done on the 13th. The last general + illumination was on the occasion of the visit of Prince and Princess + of Wales, Nov. 3, 1874. + </p> + <p> + <b>Improvement Schemes.</b>—See "<i><a class="internal" + href="#Birm73">Town Improvements</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Income Tax.</b>—This impost was first levied in 1798, when + those who had four children were allowed an abatement of 10 per cent.; + eight children, 15 per cent.; ten or more 20 per cent. At the close of + the Peninsular campaign this tax was done away with, it being looked + upon, even in those heavily betaxed times, as about the most + oppressive duty ever imposed by an arbitrary Government on loyal and + willing citizens. When the tax was revived, in 1842, there was a + considerable outcry, though if fairly levied it would seem to be about + the most just and equitable mode of raising revenue that can be + devised, notwithstanding its somewhat inquisitorial accompaniments. + The Act was only for three years but it was triennially renewed until + 1851, since when it has become "a yearly tenant," though at + varying rates, the tax being as high as 1s. 4d. in the pound in 1855, + and only 2d. in 1874. A Parliamentary return issued in 1866 gave the + assessment of Birmingham to the Income Tax at £1,394,161; in + 1874 it was estimated at £1,792,700. The present assessment is + considerably over the two millions, but the peculiar reticence + generally connected with all Governmental offices prevents us giving + the exact figures. + </p> + <p> + <b>Indian Famine.</b>—The total amount subscribed here towards + the fund for the relief of sufferers by famine in India in 1877 was + £7,922 13s. 2d. + </p> + <p> + <b>India-rubber,</b> in 1770, was sold at 3s. per cubic half-inch, and + was only used to remove pencil marks from paper. Its present uses are + manifold, and varied in the extreme, from the toy balloon of the + infant to railway buffers and unsinkable lifeboats. + </p> + <p> + <b>Infirmaries.</b>—See "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm38">Hospitals</a></i>," &c. + </p> + <p> + <b>Inge.</b>—The family name of one of the large property owners + of this town, after whom Inge Street is so called. The last + representative of the family lived to the ripe old age of 81, dying in + August, 1881. Though very little known in the town from whence a large + portion of his income was drawn, the Rev. George Inge, rector of + Thorpe (Staffordshire), was in his way a man of mark, a mighty Nimrod, + who followed the hounds from the early age of five, when he was + carried on a pony in front of a groom, until a few weeks prior to his + death, having hunted with the Atherstone pack duriug the management of + sixteen successive masters thereof. + </p> + <p> + <b>Insane Asylums.</b>—See "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm75">Lunacy</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Insurance.</b>—In 1782 a duty of 1s. 6d. per cent, was levied + on all fire insurances, which was raised to 2s. in 1797, to 2s. 6d. in + 1804. and to 3s. in 1815, remaining at that until 1865, when it was + lowered to 1s. 6d., being removed altogether in 1869. Farming stock + was exempted in 1833, and workmen's tools in 1860. + </p> + <p> + <b>Insurance Companies.</b>—Their name is legion, their agents + are a multitude, and a list of their officers would fill a book. You + can insure your own life, or your wife's, or your children's + or anybody else's, in whose existence you may have a beneficial + interest, and there are a hundred officers ready to receive the + premiums. If you are journeying, the Railway Passengers' Accident + Co. will be glad to guarantee your family a solatium in case you and + your train come to grief, and though it is not more than one in + half-a-million that meets with an accident on the line, the penny for + a ticket, when at the booking office, will be well expended. Do you + employ clerks, there are several Guarantee Societies who will secure + you against loss by defalcation. Shopkeepers and others will do well + to insure their glass against breakage, and all and everyone should + pay into a "General Accident" Association, for broken limbs, + like broken glass, cannot be foreseen or prevented. It is not likely + that any of [**] will be "drawn" for a militiaman in these + piping times of peace, but that the system of insurance was applied + here in the last century against the chances of being drawn in the + ballot, is evidenced by the following carefully-preserved and curious + receipt:— + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + "Received of Matthew Boulton, tagmaker, Snow Hill, three + shillings and sixpence, for which sum I solemnly engage, if he + should be chosen by lot to serve in the militia for this parish, at + the first meeting for that purpose, to procure a substitute that + shall be approved of. + </p> + <p class="i2"> + "HENRY BROOKES, Sergt. + </p> + <p class="i2"> + "Birmingham, Jan. 11, 1762." + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + The local manufacture of Insurance Societies has not been on a large + scale, almost the only ones being the "Birmingham Workman's + Mutual," the "British Workman," and the "Wesleyan + and General." The late Act of Parliament, by which in certain + cases, employers are pecuniarily liable for accidents to their + workpeople, has brought into existence several new Associations, + prominent among which is the comprehensive "Employers' + Liability and Workpeople's Provident and Accident Insurance + Society, Limited," whose offices are at 33, Newhall Street. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <b>Interesting Odds and Ends.</b> A fair was held here on Good Friday, + 1793. + </p> + <p> + A fight of lion with dogs took place at Warwick, September 4, 1824. + </p> + <p> + The Orsim bombs used in Paris, January 15, 1858, were made here. + </p> + <p> + In 1771 meetings of the inhabitants, were called by the tolling of a + bell. + </p> + <p> + A large assembly of Radicals visited Christ Church, November 21, 1819, + but <i>not</i> for prayer. + </p> + <p> + A "flying railway" (the Centrifugal) was exhibited at the + Circus in Bradford Street, October 31, 1842. + </p> + <p> + The doors of Moor Street prison were thrown open, September 3, 1842, + there, not being then one person in confinement. + </p> + <p> + March 2, 1877, a bull got loose in New Street Station, and ran through + the tunnel to Banbury Street, where he leaped over the parapet and was + made into beef. + </p> + <p> + William Godfrey, who died in Ruston-street, October 27, 1863, was a + native of this town, who, enlisting at eighteen, was sent out to + China, where he accumulated a fortune of more than £1,000,000. + So said the <i>Birmingham Journal</i>, November 7, 1863. + </p> + <p> + The De Berminghams had no blankets before the fourteenth century, when + they were brought from Bristol. None but the very rich wore stockings + prior to the year 1589, and many of them had their legs covered with + bands of cloth. + </p> + <p> + A petition was presented to the Prince of Wales (June 26, 1791) asking + his patronage and support for the starving buckle-makers of + Birmingham. He ordered his suite to wear buckles on their shoes, but + the laces soon whipped them out of market. + </p> + <p> + One Friday evening in July, 1750, a woman who had laid informations + against 150 persons she had caught retailing spirituous liquors + without licenses, was seized by a mob, who doused, ducked and daubed + her, and then shoved her in the Dungeon. + </p> + <p> + At a parish meeting, May 17, 1726, it was decided to put up an organ + in St. Martin's at a cost of £300 "and upwards." + At a general meeting of the inhabitants, April 3, 1727, it was ordered + that, a bell be cast for St. Philip's, "to be done with all + expedition." + </p> + <p> + In 1789 it was proposed that the inmates of the workhouse should be + employed at making worsted and thread. Our fathers often tried their + inventive faculties in the way of finding work for the inmates. A few + years later it was proposed (August 26) to lighten the rates by + erecting a steam mill for grinding corn. + </p> + <p> + On the retirement of Mr. William Lucy, in 1850, from the Mayoralty, + the usual vote of thanks was passed, but with <i>one</i> dissentient. + Mr. Henry Hawkes was chosen coroner July 6, 1875, by forty votes to + <i>one</i>. The great improvement scheme was adopted by the Town + Council (November 10, 1875), with but <i>one</i> dissentient. + </p> + <p> + A certificate, dated March 23, 1683, and signed by the minister and + church-wardens, was granted to Elizabeth, daughter of John and Ann + Dickens, "in order to obtain his majesty's touch for the + Evil." The "royal touch" was administered to 200 + persons from this neighbourhood, March 17, 1714; Samuel Johnson (the + Dr.) being one of those whose ailments, it was believed, could be thus + easily removed. Professor Holloway did not live in those days. + </p> + <p> + Sir Thomas Holte (the first baronet) is traditionally reported to have + slain his cook. He brought an action for libel against one William + Ascrick, for saying "that he did strike his cook with a cleaver, + so that one moiety of the head fell on one shoulder, and the other on + the other shoulder." The defendant was ordered to pay £30 + damages, but appealed, and successfully; the worthy lawyers of that + day deciding that though Sir Thomas might have clove the cook's + head, the defendant did not say he had <i>killed</i> the man, and + hence had not libelled the baronet. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <b>Interpreters.</b>—In commercial circles it sometimes happens + that the foreign corresponding clerk may be out of the way when an + important business letter arrives, and we, therefore, give the + addresses of a few gentlemen linguists, viz.:—Mr. H.R. Forrest, + 46, Peel Buildings, Lower Temple Street; Mr. L. Hewson, 30, Paradise + Street; Mr. F. Julien, 189, Monument Road; Mr. Wm. Krisch, 3, Newhall + Street; Mr. L. Notelle, 42, George Road, Edgbaston; and Mr. A. + Vincent, 49, Islington Row. + </p> + <p> + <b>Invasion.</b>—They said the French were coming in February, + 1758, so the patriotic Brums put their hands into their pockets and + contributed to a fund "to repel invasion." + </p> + <p> + <b>Inventors and Inventions.</b>—Birmingham, for a hundred + years, led the van in inventions of all kinds, and though to many + persons patent specifications may be the driest of all dry reading, + there is an infinitude of interesting matter to be found in those + documents. Much of the trade history of the town is closely connected + with the inventions of the patentees of last century, including such + men as Lewis Paul, who first introduced spinning by rollers, and a + machine for the carding of wool and cotton; Baskerville, the japanner; + Wyatt, partner with Paul; Boulton, of Soho, and his coadjutors, Watt, + Murdoch, Small, Keir, Alston, and others. Nothing has been too + ponderous and naught too trivial for the exercise of the inventive + faculties of our skilled workmen. All the world knows that hundreds of + patents have been taken out for improvements, and discoveries in + connection with steam machinery, but few would credit that quite an + equal number relate to such trifling articles as buckles and buttons, + pins and pens, hooks and eyes, &c.; and fortunes have been made + even more readily by the manufacture of the small items than the + larger ones. The history of Birmingham inventors has yet to be + written; a few notes of some of their doings will be found under + "<i>Patents</i>" and "<i>Trades</i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Iron.</b>—In 1354 it was forbidden to export iron from + England. In 1567 it was brought here from Sweden and Russia. A patent + for smelting iron with pit coal was granted in 1620 to Dud Dudley, who + also patented the tinning of iron in 1661. The total make of iron in + England in 1740 was but 17,000 tons, from 59 furnaces, only two of + which were in Staffordshire, turning out about 1,000 tons per year. In + 1788 there were nine blast furnaces in the same county; in 1796, + fourteen; in 1806, forty-two; in 1827, ninety-five, with an output of + 216,000 tons, the kingdom's make being 690,000 tons from 284 + furnaces. This quantity in 1842 was turned out of the 130 + Staffordshire furnaces alone, though the hot-air blast was not used + prior to 1835. Some figures have lately been published showing that + the present product of iron in the world is close upon 19-1/2 million + tons per year, and as iron and its working-up has a little to do with + the prosperity of Birmingham, we preserve them. Statistics for the + more important countries are obtainable as late as 1881. For the + others it is assumed that the yield has not fallen off since the + latest figures reported. Under "other countries," in the + table below, are included Canada, Switzerland, and Mexico, each + producing about 7,500 tons a year, and Norway, with 4,000 tons a + year:— + </p> + <table cellspacing="10" summary="Iron production in tons"> + <tr> + <td> + </td> + <td> + Year. + </td> + <td> + Gross Tons. + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Great Britain + </td> + <td> + 1881 + </td> + <td> + 8,377,364 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + United States + </td> + <td> + 1881 + </td> + <td> + 4,144,254 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Germany + </td> + <td> + 1881 + </td> + <td> + 2,863,400 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + France + </td> + <td> + 1881 + </td> + <td> + 1,866,438 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Belgium + </td> + <td> + 1881 + </td> + <td> + 622,288 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Austro-Hungary + </td> + <td> + 1880 + </td> + <td> + 448,685 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Sweden + </td> + <td> + 1880 + </td> + <td> + 399,628 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Luxembourg + </td> + <td> + 1881 + </td> + <td> + 289,212 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Russia + </td> + <td> + 1881 + </td> + <td> + 231,341 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Italy + </td> + <td> + 1876 + </td> + <td> + 76,000 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Spain + </td> + <td> + 1873 + </td> + <td> + 73,000 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Turkey + </td> + <td> + -- + </td> + <td> + 40,000 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Japan + </td> + <td> + 1877 + </td> + <td> + 10,000 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + All other countries + </td> + <td> + -- + </td> + <td> + 46,000 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + <hr style="width: 100%;" /> + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + </td> + <td> + Total + </td> + <td> + 19,487,610 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + The first four countries produce 88.4 per cent, of the world's + iron supply; the first two, 64.3 per cent.; the first, 43 per cent. + The chief consumer is the United States, 29 per cent.; next Great + Britain, 23 '4 per cent.; these two using more than half of all. + Cast iron wares do not appear to have been made here in any quantity + before 1755; malleable iron castings being introduced about 1811. The + first iron canal boat made its appearance here July 24, 1787. Iron + pots were first tinned in 1779 by Jonathan Taylor's patented + process, but we have no date when vessels of iron were first + enamelled, though a French method of coating them with glass was + introduced in 1850 by Messrs. T.G. Griffiths and Co. In 1809, Mr. + Benjamin Cook, a well-known local inventor, proposed to use iron for + building purposes, more particularly in the shape of joists, rafters, + and beams, so as to make fire-proof rooms, walls, and flooring, as + well as iron staircases. This suggestion was a long time before it was + adopted, for in many things Cook was far in advance of his age. + Corrugated iron for roofing, &c., came into use in 1832, but it + was not till the period of the Australian gold + fever—1852-4—that there was any great call for iron + houses. The first iron church (made at Smethwick) as well as iron + barracks for the mounted police, were sent out there, the price at + Melbourne for iron houses being from £70 each.—See + "<i><a class="internal" href="#Birm15">Trades</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Iron Bedsteads</b> are said to have been invented by Dr. Church. + Metallic bedsteads of many different kinds have been made since then, + from the simple iron stretcher to the elaborately guilded couches made + for princes and potentates, but the latest novelty in this line is a + bedstead of solid silver, lately ordered for one of the Indian Rajahs. + </p> + <p> + <b>Iron Rods.</b>—Among the immense number of semi-religious + tracts published during the Civil War, one appeared (in 1642) entitled + "An Iron Rod for the Naylours and Tradesmen near + Birmingham," by a self-styled prophet, who exhorted his + neighbours to amend their lives and give better prices "twopence + in the shilling at the least to poor workmen." We fancy the poor + nailers of the present time would also be glad of an extra twopence. + </p> + <p> + <b>Jacks.</b>—Roasting Jacks of some kind or other were + doubtless used by our great-great-grandmothers, but their kitchen + grates were not supplied with "bottle-jacks" till their + fellow-townsman, Mr. Fellowes, of Great Hampton Street, made them in + 1796. + </p> + <p> + <b>Jennens.</b>—It is almost certain that the "Great + Jennens (or Jennings) Case," has taken up more time in our law + courts than any other cause brought before the judges. Charles Dickens + is supposed to have had some little knowledge of it, and to have + modelled his "Jarndyce <i>v</i>. Jarndyce" in "Bleak + House" therefrom. It has a local interest, inasmuch as several + members of the family lived, prospered, and died here, and, in + addition, a fair proportion of the property so long disputed, is here + situated. The first of the name we hear of as residing in Birmingham + was William Jennens, who died in 1602. His son John became a + well-to-do ironmonger, dying in 1653. One of John's sons, + Humphrey, also waxed rich, and became possessed of considerable + estate, having at one time, it is said, no less a personage than Lord + Conway as "game-keeper" over a portion of his Warwickshire + property. Probably the meaning was that his lordship rented the + shooting. Ultimately, although every branch of the family were + tolerably prolific, the bulk of the garnered wealth was concentrated + in the hands of William Jennings, bachelor, who died at Acton Place in + 1798, at the age of 98, though some have said he was 103. His landed + property was calculated to be worth £650,000; in Stock and + Shares he held £270,000; at his bankers, in cash and dividends + due, there were £247,000; while at his several houses, after his + death, they found close upon £20,000 in bank notes, and more + than that in gold. Dying intestate, his property was administered to + by Lady Andover, and William Lygon, Esq., who claimed to be next of + kin descended from Humphrey Jennings, of this town. Greatest part of + the property was claimed by these branches, and several noble families + were enriched who, it is said, were never entitled to anything. The + Curzon family came in for a share, and hence the connection of Earl + Howe and others with this town. The collaterals and their descendants + have, for generations, been fighting for shares, alleging all kinds of + fraud and malfeasance on the part of the present holders and their + predecessors, but the claimants have increased and multiplied to such + an extent, that if it were possible for them to recover the whole of + the twelve million pounds they say the property is now worth, it + would, when divided, give but small fortunes to any of them. A meeting + of the little army of claimants was held at the Temperance Hall, March + 2, 1875, and there have been several attempts, notwithstanding the + many previous adverse decisions, to re-open the battle for the pelf, + no less than a quarter of a million, it is believed, having already + been uselessly spent in that way. + </p> + <p> + <b>Jennen's Row</b> is named after the above family. + </p> + <p> + <b>Jewellery.</b>—See "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm15">Trades</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Jews.</b>—The descendants of Israel were allowed to reside in + this country in 1079, but if we are to believe history their lot could + not have been a very pleasant one, the poorer classes of our + countrymen looking upon them with aversion, while the knights and + squires of high degree, though willing enough to use them when + requiring loans for their fierce forays, were equally ready to plunder + and oppress on the slightest chance. Still England must have even then + been a kind of sheltering haven, for in 1287, when a sudden + anti-Semitic panic occurred to drive the Jews out of the kingdom, it + was estimated that 15,660 had to cross the silver streak. Nominally, + they were not allowed to return until Cromwell's time, 364 years + after. It was in 1723 Jews were permitted to hold lands in this + country, and thirty years after an Act was passed to naturalise them, + but it was repealed in the following year. Now the Jews are entitled + to every right and privilege that a Christian possesses. It is not + possible to say when the Jewish community of this town originated, but + it must have been considerably more than a hundred and fifty years + ago, as when Hutton wrote in 1781, there was a synagogue in the + Froggery, "a very questionable part of the town," and an + infamous locality. He quaintly says:—"We have also among us + a remnant of Israel, a people who, when masters of their own country, + were scarcely ever known to travel, and who are now seldom employed in + anything else. But though they are ever moving they are ever at home; + who once lived the favourites of heaven, and fed upon the cream of the + earth, but now are little regarded by either; whose society is + entirely confined to themselves, except in the commercial line. In the + synagogue, situated in the Froggery, they still preserve the faint + resemblance of the ancient worship, their whole apparatus being no + more than the drooping ensigns of poverty. The place is rather small, + but tolerably filled; where there appears less decorum than in the + Christian churches. The proverbial expression, 'as rich as a + Jew,' is not altogether verified in Birmingham; but, perhaps, time + is transferring it to the Quakers. It is rather singular that the + honesty of a Jew is seldom pleaded but by the Jew himself." No + modern historian would think of using such language now-a-days, + respecting the Jews who now abide with us, whose charitable + contributions to our public institutions, &c., may bear comparison + with those of their Christian brethren. An instance of this was given + so far back as December 5th, 1805, the day of general thanksgiving for + the glorious victory of Trafalgar. On that day collections were made + in all places of worship in aid of the patriotic fund for the relief + of those wounded, and of the relatives of those killed in the war. It + is worthy of remark that the parish church, St. Martin's, then + raised the sum of £37 7s., and the "Jews' + Synagogue" £3 3s. At the yearly collections in aid of the + medical charities, now annually held on Hospital Sunday, St. + Martin's gives between three and four hundred pounds; the Jewish + congregation contributes about one hundred and fifty. If, then, the + church has thus increased ten-fold in wealth and benevolence in the + last seventy years, the synagogue has increased fifty-fold. + </p> + <p> + <b>Jews' Board of Guardians.</b> A committee of resident Jews was + appointed in 1869, to look after and relieve poor and destitute + families among the Israelites; and though they pay their due quota to + the poor rates of their parish, it is much to the credit of the Jewish + community that no poor member is, permitted to go to the Workhouse or + want for food and clothing. The yearly amount expended in relief by + this Hebrew Board of Guardians is more than £500, mostly given + in cash in comparatively large sums, so as to enable the recipients to + become self-supporting, rather than continue them as paupers receiving + a small weekly dole. There is an increase in the number of poor + latterly, owing to the depression of trade and to the influx of poor + families from Poland during the last few years. Another cause of + poverty among the Jews is the paucity of artisans among them, very few + of them even at the present time choosing to follow any of the staple + trades outside those connected with clothing and jewellery. + </p> + <p> + <b>Jewish Persecutions in Russia.</b>—On Feb. 6, 1882, a + town's meeting was called with reference to the gross persecution + of the Jews in Russia, and the collection of a fund towards assisting + the sufferers was set afoot, £1,800 being promised at the + meeting. + </p> + <p> + <b>John a' Dean's Hole.</b>—A little brook which took + the water from the moat round the old Manor House (site of Smithfield) + was thus called, from a man named John Dean being drowned there about + Henry VIII.'s time. This brook emptied into the river Rea, near + the bottom of Floodgate Street, where a hundred and odd years back, + there were two poolholes, with a very narrow causeway between them, + which was especially dangerous at flood times to chance wayfarers who + chose the path as a near cut to their dwellings, several cases of + drowning being on record as occurring at this spot.—See + "<i><a class="internal" href="#Birm78">Manor House</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Johnson, Dr. Samuel.</b>—Dr. Johnson's connection with + Birmingham has always been a pleasant matter of interest to the local + <i>literati</i>, but to the general public we fear it matters naught. + His visit to his good friend Dr. Hector in 1733 is historically + famous; his translations and writings while here have been often + noted; his marriage with the widow Porter duly chronicled; but it is + due to the researches of the learned Dr. Langford that attention has + been lately drawn to the interesting fact that Johnson, who was born + in 1709, actually came to Birmingham in his tenth year, on a visit to + his uncle Harrison, who in after years, in his usual plain-speaking + style, Johnson described as "a very mean and vulgar man, drunk + every night, but drunk with little drink, very peevish, very proud, + very ostentatious, but, luckily, not rich." That our local + governors have a due appreciation of the genius of the famed + lexicographer is shown by the fact of a passage-way from Bull Street + to the Upper Priory being named "Dr. Samuel Johnson's + Passage!" + </p> + <p> + <b>Jubilees.</b>—Strange as it may appear to the men of the + present day, there has never been a National holiday yet kept equal to + that known as the Jubilee Day of George the Third. Why it should have + been so seems a great puzzle now. The celebration began in this town + at midnight of the 24th October, 1809, by the ringers of St. + Philip's giving "five times fifty claps, an interim with the + same number of rounds, to honour the King, Queen, the Royal Family, + the Nation, and the loyal town of Birmingham." At six o'clock + next morning the sluggards were aroused with a second peal, and with + little rest the bells were kept swinging the whole day long, the + finale coming with a performance of "perpetual claps and + clashings" that must have made many a head ache. There was a + Sunday school jubilee celebrated September 14, 1831. The fiftieth + year's pastorate of Rev. John Angell James was kept September 12, + 1855, and the Jubilee Day of the Chapel in Carr's Lane, September + 27, 1870; of Cannon Street Chapel, July 16, 1856; of the Rev. G. + Cheatle's pastorate, at Lombard Street Chapel, January 11, 1860; + of the Missionary Society, September 15, 1864; of Pope Pius the Ninth, + in 1877, when the Roman Catholics of this town sent him £1,230. + being the third largest contribution from England. + </p> + <p> + <b>Jubilee Singers.</b>—This troupe of coloured minstrels gave + their first entertainment here in the Town Hall April 9, 1874. + </p> + <p> + <b>Jury Lists.</b>—According to the Jury Act, 6 George IV., the + churchwardens and overseers of every parish in England are required to + make out an alphabetical list before the 1st September in each year of + all men residing in their respective parishes and townships qualified + to serve on juries, setting forth at length their Christian and + surname, &c. Copies of these lists, on the three first Sundays in + September, are to be fixed on the principal door to every church, + chapel, and other public place of religious worship, with a notice + subjoined that all appeals will be heard at the Petty Sessions, to be + held within the last day of September. The jury list for persons + resident in the borough, and for several adjoining parishes, may be + seen at the office of Mr. Alfred Walter, solicitor, Colmore Row, so + that persons exempt may see if their names are included. + </p> + <p> + <b>Justices Of the Peace.</b>—The earliest named local Justices + of the Peace (March 8, 1327) are "William of Birmingham" and + "John Murdak" the only two then named for the + county.—See "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm79">Magistrates</a></i>". + </p> + <p> + <b>Kidneys (Petrified).</b>—In olden days our footpaths, where + paved at all, were, as a rule, laid with round, hard pebbles, and many + readers will be surprised to learn that five years ago there still + remained 50,000 square yards of the said temper-trying paving waiting + to be changed into more modern bricks or stone. Little, however, as we + may think of them, the time has been when the natives were rather + proud than otherwise of their pebbly paths, for, according to Bisset, + when one returned from visiting the metropolis, he said he liked + everything in London very much "except the pavement, for the + stones were all so smooth, there was no foothold!" + </p> + <p> + <b>King Edward's Place.</b>—Laid out in 1782 on a 99 + years' lease, from Grammar School, at a ground rent of £28, + there being built 31 houses, and two in Broad Street. + </p> + <p> + <b>King's Heath.</b>—A little over three miles on the + Alcester Road, in the Parish of King's Norton, an outskirt of + Moseley, and a suburb of Birmingham; has added a thousand to its + population in the ten years from census 1871 to 1881, and promises to + more than double it in the next decennial period. The King's Heath + and Moseley Institute, built in 1878, at the cost of Mr. J.H. + Nettlefold, provides the residents with a commodious hall, library, + and news-room. There is a station here on the Midland line, and the + alterations now in the course of being made on that railway must + result in a considerable, addition to the traffic and the usefulness + of the station, as a local depôt for coal, &c. + </p> + <p> + <b>King's Norton.</b>—Mentioned in Domesday, and in the + olden times was evidently thought of equal standing (to say the least) + with its five-miles-neighbour, Birmingham, as in James the First's + reign there was a weekly market (Saturdays) and ten fairs in the + twelve months. The market the inhabitants now attend is to be found in + this town, and the half-score of fairs has degenerated to what is + known as "King's Norton Mop" or October statute fair, + for the hiring of servants and labourers, when the Lord of Misrule + holds sway, the more's the pity. The King's Norton Union + comprises part of the borough of Birmingham (Edgbaston), as well as + Balsall Heath, Harborne, Moseley, Northfield, Selly Oak, &c., and + part of it bids fair to become a manufacturing district of some + extent, as there are already paper mills, rolling mills, screw works, + &c., and the Smethwick men are rapidly advancing in its + direction—the Midland Junction with the West Suburban line being + also in the parish. The fortified mansion, known as Hawkesley House, + in this parish, was the scene of a contest in May, 1645, between King + Charles' forces and the Parliamentarians, who held it, the result + being its capture, pillage, and destruction by fire. + </p> + <p> + <b>Kirby's Pools.</b>—A well-known and favourite resort on + the outskirt of the borough, on the Bristol Road, and formerly one of + the celebrated taverns and tea gardens of past days. The publichouse + (the "Malt Shovel") having been extended and partially + rebuilt, and the grounds better laid out, the establishment was + re-christened, and opened as the Bournbrook Hotel, at Whitsuntide, + 1877. + </p> + <p> + <b>Kossuth.</b>—Louis Kossuth, the ex-dictator of Hungary, was + honoured with a public welcome and procession of trades, &c., Nov. + 10, 1851, and entertained at a banquet in Town Hall on the 12th. He + afterwards appeared here May 7 and 8, 1856, in the <i>role</i> of a + public lecturer. + </p> + <p> + <b>Kyott's Lake.</b>—A pool once existing where now is + Grafton Road, Camp Hill. There was another pool near it, known as Foul + Lake. + </p> + <p> + <b>Kyrle Society.</b>—So named after the character alluded to by + Pope in his "Moral Essays": + </p> + <div class="poem"> + "Who taught that heaven-directed spire to rise?<br /> + 'The Man of Ross,' each lisping babe replies." + </div> + <p> + John Kyrle, who died Nov. 11, 1724, though not a native, resided at + Ross nearly the whole of his long and loyal life of close on 90 years, + and Pope, who often visited the neighbourhood, there became acquainted + with him and his good works, and embalmed his memory in undying verse + as an example to future generations. A more benevolent lover of his + fellowman than Kyrle cannot be named, and a society for cultivating + purity of taste, and a delight in aiding the well-being of others, is + rightly called after him. The Birmingham Kyrle Society was established + in 1880, and frequent paragraphs in the local papers tell us of their + doings, at one time cheering the inmates of the institutions where the + sick and unfortunate lie, with music and song, and at another + distributing books, pictures, and flowers, where they are prized by + those who are too poor to purchase. The officers of the society will + be pleased to hear from donors, as let contributions of flowers or + pictures be ever so many, the recipients are far more numerous. Mr. + Walliker, our philanthropic postmaster, is one of the vice-presidents, + and the arrangements of the parcel post are peculiarly suited for + forwarding parcels. + </p> + <p> + <b>Lady Well.</b>—There is mention in a document dated 1347 of a + "dwelling in Egebaston Strete leading towards God well + feld," and there can be no doubt that this was an allusion to the + Lady Well, or the well dedicated to the blessed Virgin, close to the + old house that for centuries sheltered the priests that served St. + Martin's, and which afterwards was called the Parsonage or + Rectory. The well spring was most abundant, and was never known to + fail. The stream from it helped to supply the moat round the + Parsonage, and there, joined by the waters from the higher grounds in + the neighbourhood of Holloway Head, and from the hill above the + Pinfold, it passed at the back of Edgbaston Street, by the way of + Smithfield passage and Dean Street (formerly the course of a brook) to + the Manor House moat. The Ladywell Baths were historically famous and, + as stated by Hutton, were the finest in the kingdom. The Holy Well of + the blessed Virgin still exists, though covered over and its waters + allowed to flow into the sewers instead of the Baths, and any visitor + desirous of testing the water once hallowed for its purity must take + his course down the mean alley known as Ladywell Walk, at the bend in + which he will find a dirty passage leading to a rusty iron pump, + "presented by Sir E.S. Gooch, Bart., to the inhabitants of + Birmingham," as commemorated by an inscription on the dirty stone + which covers the spring and its well. God's Well field is covered + with workshops, stables, dirty backyards and grimy-looking houses, and + the Baths are a timber-yard. + </p> + <p> + <b>Lambert.</b>—Birmingham had something to do with the + fattening of the celebrated Daniel Lambert, the heaviest lump of + humanity this country has yet produced, for he was an apprentice to + Mr. John Taylor, button maker, of Crooked Lane. His indentures were + cancelled through his becoming so fat and unwieldy, and he was sent + back to his father, the then governor of Leicester gaol. Daniel died + June 21st, 1809, at Stamford, where he was buried; his age was 39, and + he weighed 52 stone 11 lb. (at 14 lb. the stone), measuring 9 ft. 4 + in. round the body, and 3 ft. 1 in. round the thick of each of his + legs. + </p> + <p> + <b>Lancashire Distress.</b>—The accounts of the Local Fund + raised for the relief of the cotton operatives of Lancashire were + published Aug. 3, 1863, showing receipts amounting £15,115 4s. + 10d. + </p> + <p> + <b>Lamps.</b>—The number of ordinary lamps in the borough, under + the control of the Public Works Department, on the 31st of December, + 1882, was 6,591, of which number 1,950 are regulated to consume 5.20 + cubic feet, and the remainder, or 4,641, 4.30 cubic feet per hour; + their cost respectively inclusive of lighting, cleaning, and + extinguishing, was £2 12s. 4-1/2d., and £2 5s. 2-1/4d. per + lamp per annum. In addition there are 93 special and 53 urinal lamps. + </p> + <p> + <b>Lands.</b>—In Birmingham it is bought and sold by the square + yard, and very pretty prices are occasionally paid therefor; our + agricultural friends reckon by acres, roods, and perches. The Saxon + "hyde" of land, as mentioned in Domesday Book and other old + documents, was equivalent to 100, or, as some read it, 120 acres; the + Norman "Carncase" being similar. + </p> + <p> + <b>Land Agency.</b>—An International Land and Labour Agency was + established at Birmingham by the Hon. Elihu Burritt in October, 1869; + its object being to facilitate the settlement of English farmers and + mechanics in the United States, and also to supply American orders for + English labourers and domestic servants of all kinds. Large numbers of + servant-girls in England, it was thought, would be glad to go to + America, but unable to pay their passage-money, and unwilling to start + without knowing where they were to go on arriving. This agency + advanced the passage-money, to be deducted from the first wages; but, + though the scheme was good and well meant, very little advantage was + taken of the agency, and, like some other of the learned + blacksmith's notions, though a fair-looking tree, it bore very + little fruit. + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm26"></a>Land and Building Societies.</b>—Though + frequently considered to be quite a modern invention, the plan of a + number uniting to purchase lands and houses for after distribution, is + a system almost as old as the hills. The earliest record we have of a + local Building Society dates from 1781, though no documents are at + hand to show its methods of working. On Jan. 17, 1837, the books were + opened for the formation of a Freehold Land and Building Society here, + but its usefulness was very limited, and its existence short. It was + left to the seething and revolutionary days of 1847-8, when the + Continental nations were toppling over thrones and kicking out kings, + for sundry of our men of light and leading to bethink themselves of + the immense political power that lay in the holding of the land, and + how, by the exercise of the old English law, which gave the holder of + a 40s. freehold the right of voting for the election of a "knight + of the shire," such power could be brought to bear on Parliament, + by the extension of the franchise in that direction. The times were + out of joint, trade bad, and discontent universal, and the possession + of a little bit of the land we live on was to be a panacea for every + abuse complained of, and the sure harbinger of a return of the days + when every Jack had Jill at his own fireside. The misery and + starvation existing in Ireland where small farms had been divided and + subdivided until the poor families could no longer derive a sustenance + from their several moieties, was altogether overlooked, and + "friends of the people" advocated the wholesale settlement + of the unemployed English on somewhat similar small plots. Feargus + O'Connor, the Chartist leader, started his National Land Society, + and thousands paid in their weekly mites in hopes of becoming + "lords of the soil;" estates here and there were purchased, + allotments made, cottages built, and many new homes created. But as + figs do not grow on thistles, neither was it to be expected that men + from the weaving-sheds, or the mines, should he able to grow their own + corn, or even know how to turn it into bread when grown, and + <i>that</i> Utopian scheme was a failure. More wise in their + generation were the men of Birmingham: they went not for country + estates, nor for apple orchards or turnip fields. The wise + sagaciousness of their leaders, and the Brums always play well at + "follow my leading," made them go in for the vote, the full + vote, and nothing but the vote. The possession of a little plot on + which to build a house, though really the most important, was not the + first part of the bargain by any means at the commencement. To get a + vote and thus help upset something or somebody was all that was + thought of at the time, though now the case is rather different, few + members of any of the many societies caring at present so much for the + franchise as for the "proputty, proputty, proputty." Mr. + James Taylor, jun., has been generally dubbed the "the father of + the freehold land societies," and few men have done more than him + in their establishment, but the honour of dividing the first estate in + this neighbourhood, we believe, must be given to Mr. William Benjamin + Smith, whilome secretary of the Manchester Order of Odd Fellows, and + afterwards publisher of the <i>Birmingham Mercury</i> newspaper. Being + possessed of a small estate of about eight acres, near to the Railway + Station at Perry Barr, he had it laid out in 100 lots, which were sold + by auction at Hawley's Temperance Hotel, Jan. 10, 1848, each lot + being of sufficient value to carry a vote for the shire. The + purchasers were principally members of an Investment and Permanent + Benefit Building Society, started January 4, 1847, in connection with + the local branch of Oddfellows, of which Mr. Smith was a chief + official. Franchise Street, which is supposed to be the only street of + its name in England, was the result of this division of land, and as + every purchaser pleased himself in the matter of architecture, the + style of building may be called that of "the free and easy." + Many estates have been divided since then, thousands of acres in the + outskirts being covered with houses where erst were green fields, and + in a certain measure Birmingham owes much of its extension to the + admirable working of the several Societies. As this town led the van + in the formation of the present style of Land and Building Societies, + it is well to note here their present general status. In 1850 there + were 75 Societies in the kingdom, with about 25,000 members, holding + among them 35,000 shares, with paid-up subscriptions amounting to + £164,000. In 1880, the number of societies in England was 946, + in Scotland, 53, and in Ireland 27. The number of members in the + English societies was 320,076, in the scotch 11,902, and in the Irish + 6,533. A return relating to these societies in England has just been + issued, which shows that there are now 1,687 societies in existence, + with a membership of 493,271. The total receipts during the last + financial year amounted to £20,919,473. There were 1,528 + societies making a return of liabilities, which were to the holders of + shares £29,351,611, and to the depositors £16,351,611. + There was a balance of unappropriated profit to the extent of + £1,567,942. The assets came to £44,587,718. In Scotland + there were 15,386 members of building societies; the receipts were + £413,609, the liabilities to holders of shares amounted to + £679,990, to depositors and other creditors £268,511; the + assets consisted of balance due on mortgage securities £987,987, + and amount invested in other securities and cash £67,618. In + Ireland there were 9,714 members of building societies; the receipts + were £778,889, liabilities to the holders of shares + £684,396, to depositors and others £432,356; the assets + included balance due on mortgage securities £1,051,423, and + amount invested in other securities £79,812. There were 150 of + the English societies whose accounts showed deficiencies amounting to + £27,850; two Scotch societies minus £862, but no Irish + short. It is a pity to have to record that there have been failures in + Birmingham, foremost among them being that of the Victoria Land and + Building Society, which came to grief in 1870, with liabilities + amounting to £31,550. The assets, including £5,627 given + by the directors and trustees, and £886 contributed by other + persons, realised £27,972. Creditors paid in full took + £9,271, the rest receiving 8s. 9d. in the pound, and + £4,897 being swallowed up in costs. The break-up of the Midland + Land and Investment Corporation (Limited) is the latest. This Company + was established in 1864, and by no means confined itself to procuring + sites for workmen's dwellings, or troubled about getting them + votes. According to its last advertisement, the authorised capital was + £500,000, of which £248,900 had been subscribed, but only + £62,225 called up, though the reserve fund was stated to be + £80,000. What the dividend will be is a matter for the future, + and may not even be guessed at at present. The chief local societies, + and their present status, areas follows:— + </p> + <p> + <i>The Birmingham Freehold Land Society</i> was started in 1848, and + the aggregate receipts up to the end of 1882 amounted to + £680,132 12s. 7d. The year's receipts were £20,978 + 16s. 5d., of which £11,479 represented payments made by members + who had been alloted land on the estates divided by the Society, there + being, after payment of all expenses, a balance of £11,779 12s. + 9d. The number of members was then 772, and it was calculated that the + whole of the allotments made would be paid off in four years. + </p> + <p> + <i>The Friendly Benefit Building Society</i> was organised in 1859, + and up to Midsummer, 1883, the sums paid in amounted to + £340,000. The year's receipts were £21,834 19s. 6d., + of which £10,037 came from borrowers, whose whole indebtedness + would be cleared in about 5-1/2 years. The members on the books + numbered 827, of whom 684 were investors and 143 borrowers. The + reserve fund stood at £5,704 5s. 9d There is a branch of this + Society connected with Severn Street Schools, and in a flourishing + condition, 32 members having joined during the year, and £2,800 + having been received as contributions. The total amount paid in since + the commencement of the branch in June, 1876, was £18,181 13s. + 11d. The Severn Street scholars connected with it had secured property + during the past year valued at £2,400. + </p> + <p> + <i>The Incorporated Building Society</i> comprises the United, the + Queen's, the Freeholders', and the Second Freeholders' + Societies, the earliest of them established in 1849, the incorporation + taking place in 1878. The aggregate receipts of these several + Societies would reach nearly 3-1/2 millions. The amounts paid in since + the amalgamation (to the end of 1882) being £1,049,667. As might + be expected the present Society has a large constituency, numbering + 6,220 members, 693 of whom joined in 1882. The advances during the + year reached £78,275, to 150 borrowers, being an average of + £500 to each. The amount due from borrowers was £482,000, + an average of £540 each. The amount due to investors was + ££449,000, an average of £84 each. The borrowers + repaid last year £104,000, and as there was £482,000 now + due on mortgage accounts the whole capital of the society would be + turned over in five years, instead of thirteen and a half, the period + for which the money was lent. The withdrawals had been £85,409, + which was considerably under the average, as the society had paid away + since the amalgamation £520,000, or £104,000 per annum. + The amount of interest credited to investors was £19,779. A + total of £100,000 had been credited in the last five years. The + reserve fund now amounted to £34,119, which was nearly 7-1/2 per + cent. on the whole capital employed. + </p> + <p> + <i>The Birmingham Building Society, No. 1</i>, was established in May, + 1842, and re-established in 1853. It has now 1,580 members, + subscribing for shares amounting to £634,920. The last report + states that during the existence of the society over £500,000 + has been advanced to members, and that the amount of "receipts + and payments" have reached the sum of £1,883,444. Reserve + fund is put at £5,000. + </p> + <p> + <i>The Birmingham Building Society, No. 4</i>, was established in + June, 1846, and claims to be the oldest society in the town. The + report, to end of June, 1883, gave the number of shares as 801-3/4, of + which 563-1/4 belong to investors, and the remainder to borrowers. The + year's receipts were £10,432, and £6,420 was advanced. + The balance-sheet showed the unallotted share fund to be + £18,042, on deposit £3,915, due to bank £2,108, and + balance in favour of society £976. The assets amounted to + £25,042, of which £21,163 was on mortgages, and + £3,818 on properties in possession. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Philip's Building Society</i> was began in January, 1850, + since when (up to January, 1883) £116,674 had been advanced on + mortgages, and £28,921 repaid to depositing members. The society + had then 326 members, holding among them 1,094-1/4 shares. The + year's receipts were £13,136, and £7,815 had been + advanced in same period. The reserve fund was £3,642; the assets + £65,940, of which £54,531 was on mortgages, £7,987 + deferred premiums, and £2,757 properties in hand. + </p> + <p> + Several societies have not favoured us with their reports. + </p> + <p> + <b>Law.</b>—There are 306 solicitors and law firms in + Birmingham, 19 barristers, and a host of students and law clerks, each + and every one of whom doubtless dreams of becoming Lord Chancellor. + The Birmingham Law Society was formed in 1818, and there is a Society + of Law Students besides, and a Law Library. At present, our Law Courts + comprise the Bankruptcy and County Courts, Assize Courts (held <i>pro + tem</i> in the Council House), the Quarter Sessions' and Petty + Sessions' Courts. + </p> + <p> + <b>League of Universal Brotherhood.</b>—Originated by Elihu + Burritt, in 1846, while sitting in the "Angel," at Pershore, + on his walk through England. He came back to Joseph Sturge and here + was printed his little periodical called "The Bond of + Brotherhood," leading to many International Addresses, Peace + Congresses, and Olive-Leaf Missions, but alas! alas! how very far off + still seems the "universal peace" thus sought to be brought + about. Twenty thousand signatures were attached to "The + Bond" in one year. Far more than that number have been slain in + warfare every year since. + </p> + <p> + <b>Lease Lane.</b>—Apparently a corruption of Lea or Leay Lane, + an ancient bye-road running at the back of the Dog or Talbot Inn, the + owners of which, some 300 years ago, were named Leays. When the Market + Hall was built and sewers were laid round it, the workmen came upon + what was at the time imagined to be an underground passage, leading + from the Guildhall in New Street to the old Church of St. + Martin's. Local antiquarians at the time would appear to have been + conspicuous by their absence, as the workmen were allowed to close the + passage with rubbish without a proper examination being made of it. + Quite lately, however, in digging out the soil for the extension of + the Fish Market at a point on the line of Lease Lane, about 60ft. from + Bell Street, the workmen, on reaching a depth of 8ft. or 9ft., struck + upon the same underground passage, but of which the original purpose + was not very apparent. Cut in the soft, sandstone, and devoid of any + lining, it ran almost at right angles to Lease Lane, and proved to + extend half way under that thoroughfare, and some four or five yards + into the excavated ground. Under Lease Lane it was blocked by rubbish, + through which a sewer is believed to run, and therefore the exact + ending of the passage in one direction cannot be traced; in the + excavated ground it ended, on the site of a dismantled public-house, + in a circular shaft, which may have been that of a well, or that of a + cesspool. The passage, so far as it was traceable, was 24ft. long, + 7ft. high, and 4-1/2ft. wide. As to its use before it was severed by + the sewerage of Lease Lane, the conjecture is that it afforded a + secret means of communication between two houses separated above + ground by that thoroughfare, but for what purpose must remain one of + the perplexing puzzles of the past. That it had no connection with the + Church or the Grammar School (the site of the old Guild House) is + quite certain, as the course of the passage was in a different + direction. + </p> + <p> + <b>Leasing Wives.</b>—In the histories of sundry strange lands + we read of curious customs appertaining to marriage and the giving in + marriage. Taking a wife on trial is the rule of more than one happy + clime, but taking a wife upon lease is quite a Brummagem way of + marrying (using the term in the manner of many detractors of our + town's fair fame). In one of the numbers of the <i>Gentleman's + Magazine</i>, for the year 1788, Mr. Sylvanus Urban, as the editor has + always been called, is addressed as follows by a Birmingham + correspondent:—"Since my residing in this town I have often + heard there is a method of obtaining a wife's sister upon lease. I + never could learn the method to be taken to get a wife upon lease, or + whether such connections are sanctioned by law; but there is an + eminent manufacturer in the vicinity of this town who had his deceased + wife's sister upon lease for twenty years and upwards; and I know + she went by his name, enjoyed all the privileges, and received all the + honours due to the respectable name of wife." A rarer case of + marital leasing has often been noted against us by the aforesaid + smirchers of character as occurring in 1853, but in reality it was + rather an instance of hiring a husband. + </p> + <p> + <b>Leather Hall.</b>—As early as the Norman Conquest this town + was famed for its tanneries, and there was a considerable market, for + leather for centuries after. Two of the Court Leet officers were + "Leather Sealers," and part of the proclamation made by the + Crier of the Court when it held its meetings was in those words, + "All whyte tawers that sell not good chaffer as they ought to do + reasonably, and bye the skynnes in any other place than in towne or + market, ye shall do us to weet," meaning that anyone knowing of + such offences on the part of the "whyte tawers" or tanners + should give information at the Court then assembled. New Street + originally was entered from High Street, under an arched gateway, and + here was the Leather Hall (which was still in existence in + Hutton's time), where the "Sealers" performed their + functions. It was taken down when New Street was opened out, and + though we have an extensive hide and skin market now, we can hardly be + said to possess a market for leather other than the boot and shoe + shops, the saddlers, &c. + </p> + <p> + <b>Lench's Trust.</b>—See "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm7">Philanthropic Institutions</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Liberal Association.</b>—On Feb. 17, 1865, a meeting was held + in the committee room of the Town Hall for the purpose of forming an + organisation which should "unite all the Liberals of the town, + and provide them with a regular and efficient method of exercising a + <i>legitimate</i> influence in favour of their political + principles." The outcome of this meeting was the birth of the now + famous Liberal "Caucus," and though the names of ten + gentlemen were appended to the advertisement calling the meeting, the + honour of the paternity of the Liberal bantling is generally given to + Mr. William Harris. The governing body of the association was fixed at + two dozen, inclusive of the president, vice, and secretary; all + persons subscribing a shilling or more per annum being eligible to + become members. The "General Committee," for some time known + as the "Four Hundred," was enlarged in 1876 to Six Hundred, + and in June, 1880, to Eight Hundred, the Executive Committee, at the + same time, being considerably increased. The recent alteration in the + franchise, and the division of the borough and outskirts into seven + electoral districts, has led to a reorganisation of the Association, + or Associations, for each of the seven divisions now works by itself, + though guided by a central Council.—A "Women's Liberal + Association" was founded in October, 1873, and a "Junior + Liberal Association" in October, 1878. + </p> + <p> + <b>Libraries.</b>—The first public or semi-public library + founded in Birmingham, was the Theological. In 1733 the Rev. William + Higgs, first Rector of St. Philip's, left his collection of 550 + volumes, and a sum of money, to found a library for the use of + clergymen and students. The books, many of which are rare, are kept in + a building erected in 1792, adjacent to the Rectory, and are + accessible to all for whom the library was designed.—A + Circulating Library was opened in Colmore Row, in 1763, and at one + time there was a second-class institution of the kind at a house up + one of the courts in Dale End.—A "New Library" was + opened in Cannon Street, April 26, 1796, which was removed to Temple + Row, in 1821, and afterwards united to the Old Library. The latter was + commenced in 1779, the first room for the convenience of members being + opened in 1782, and the present building in Union Street, erected in + 1798. The report of the committee for the year 1882 showed that there + were 772 proprietors, at 21s. per annum; 35 annual subscribers, at + 31s. 6d. per annum; 528 at 2ls.; 6 quarterly, at 9s. per quarter; 53 + at 6s. per quarter; 17 resident members of subscribers' families, + at 10s. per annum; and 118 resident members of subscribers' + families (readers) at 5s. The total number of members was 1,479; the + year's subscriptions being £1,594. The price of shares has + been raised from two to three guineas during the past year. Receipts + from shares, fines, &c., amounted to about £480, making the + amount actually received in 1882, £2,012 6s. The expenditure had + been £1,818 19s. 9d., inclusive of £60 carried to the + reserve fund, and £108 paid on account of the new catalogue; and + there remained a balance of £198 6s. 1d. in hand. £782 0s. + 9d. had been expended on the purchase of 1,560 additional books, + re-binding others, &c., making a total of about 50,000 volumes. + The library needs extension, but the shortness of the lease (thirty + years only) and the high value of the adjoining land prevents any step + being taken in that direction at present. The Birmingham Law + Society's Library was founded in February, 1831, by Mr. Arthur + Ryland, and has now nearly 6,000 volumes of law works, law reports + (English, Scotch, and Irish), local and personal Acts, &c., + &c. The present home in Wellington Passage was opened August 2, + 1876, being far more commodious than the old abode in Waterloo-street, + the "library" itself being a room 35ft. long, 22ft. wide, + and 20ft. high, with a gallery round it. There are several extensive + libraries connected with places of worship, such as the Church of the + Saviour, Edward Street, Severn Street Schools, the Friends' + Meeting House, &c. and a number of valuable collections in the + hands of some well-known connoisseurs, literati, and antiquarians, + access to most of which may be obtained on proper introduction. + </p> + <p> + <b>Libraries (The Free).</b>—The first attempt to found a Free + Library in this town was the holding of a public meeting in April, + 1852, under the provisions of the Museums and Libraries Act of 1850, + which allowed of a 1/2d. rate being levied for the support of such + institutions. Whether the townsfolk were careless on the subject, or + extra careful, and therefore, doubtful of the sufficiency of the 1/2d. + rate to provide them, is not certain; but so little interest was shown + in the matter that only 534 persons voted for the adoption of the Act, + while 363 voted against it, and the question for the time was shelved, + as the Act required the assents to be two-thirds of the total votes + given. In 1855 the Commissioner of patents presented to the town some + 200 volumes, conditionally that they should be kept in a <i>Free</i> + Library, and about the same time another proposal was made to + establish such a Library, but to no effect. The Act was altered so + that a penny rate could be made, and in October, 1859, it was again + suggested to try the burgesses. On February 21, 1860, the meeting was + held and the adoption of the Act carried by a large majority. A + committee of sixteen, eight members of the Council, and eight out if + it, was chosen, and in a short time their work was shown by the + transfer of 10,000 square feet of land belonging to the Midland + Institute, on which to erect a central library, the preparations of + plans therefor, the purchase of books, and (April 3, 1861) the opening + of the first branch library and reading room in Constitution Hill. Mr. + E.M. Barry, the architect of the Midland Institute, put in designs, + including Art Gallery, but his figures were too high, being + £14,250 10s., the Town Council having only voted £10,500. + The plans of Mr. W. Martin, whose estimate was £12,000 were + adopted, the Council added £1,500, a loan for the cash was + negotiated, and building commenced by Messrs. Branson and Murray, + whose tender to do the work for £8,600 was accepted. Thirty-two + applications for the chief librarianship at £200 per annum were + sent in, the chosen man being Mr. J.D. Mullins, though he was not the + one recommended by the Committee. The Central Lending Library (with + 10,000 volumes) and Reading-room, with Art Gallery, was formally + opened September 6, 1865, and the Reference Library (then containing + 18,200 volumes) October 26, 1866. In 1869, the latter was much + enlarged by the purchase of 604 square yards of land in Edmund Street, + and the total cost of the building came to £14,896. The Branch + Library at Adderley Park was opened January 11, 1864; that at Deritend + Oct. 2, 1866, and at Gosta Green Feb. 1, 1868. At the end of 1870, the + total number of volumes in the whole of the Libraries was 56,764, of + which 26,590 were in the Reference, and 12,595 in the Central Lending + Library. By 1877, the total number of volumes had reached 86,087, of + which 46,520 were in the Reference, and 17,543 in the Central Lending, + the total number of borrowers being 8,947 at the Central, 4,188 at + Constitution Hill, 3,002 at Deritend, 2,668 at Gosta Green, and 271 at + Adderley Park. Meantime several new features in connection with the + Reference Library had appeared. A room had been fitted up and + dedicated to the reception of the "Shakespeare Memorial + Library," presented April 23, 1864; the "Cervantes + Library," presented by Mr. Bragge, was opened on a similar date + in 1873; the "Staunton Collection" purchased for + £2,400, (not half its value) was added Sept. 1, 1875, and very + many important additions had been made to the Art Gallery and + incipient Museum. For a long time, the Free Libraries' Committee + had under consideration the necessity of extending the building, by + adding a wing, which should be used not only as an Art Gallery, but + also as an Industrial Museum; the Art Gallery and its treasures being + located in that portion of the premises devoted to the Midland + Institute, which was found to be a very inconvenient arrangement. The + subject came under the notice of the Council on February 19th, 1878, + when the committee submitted plans of the proposed alterations. These + included the erection of a new block of buildings fronting Edmund + Street, to consist of three storeys. The Town Council approved the + plans, and granted £11,000 to defray the cost of the + enlargement. About Midsummer the committee proceeded to carry out the + plans, and in order to do this it was necessary to remove the old + entrance hall and the flight of stairs which led up to the Shakespeare + Memorial Library and to the Reference Library, and to make sundry + other alterations of the buildings. The Library was closed for several + days, and in the meantime the walls, where the entrances were, were + pulled down and wooden partitions were run up across the room, making + each department of much smaller area than before. In addition to this + a boarded-in staircase was erected in Edmund Street, by which persons + were able to gain access to the Lending Library, which is on the + ground floor, and to the Reference Library, which was immediately + above. A similar staircase was made in Ratcliff-place, near the cab + stand, for the accommodation of the members of the Midland Institute, + who occupy the Paradise-street side of the building. The space between + the two staircases was boarded up, in order to keep the public off the + works during the alterations, and the necessary gas supply pipes, + &c., were located outside these wooden partitions. The alterations + were well advanced by Christmas, and everything bade fair for an early + and satisfactory completion of the undertaking. The weather, however, + was most severe, and now and then the moisture in the gas-pipes + exposed to the air became frozen. This occurred on the afternoon of + Saturday, January 11, 1879, and an employé of the gas office + lit a gas jet to thaw one of the pipes, A shaving was blown by the + wind across this light, it blazed; the flame caught other shavings, + which had been packed round the pipe to keep the frost out, and in + less than a minute the fire was inside, and in one hour the Birmingham + Reference Library was doomed to destruction. It was the greatest loss + the town had ever suffered, but a new building has arisen on the site, + and (with certain exceptions) it is hoped that a more perfect and + valuable Library will be gathered to fill it. In a few days after the + fire it was decided to ask the public at large for at least + £10,000 towards a new collection, and within a week £7,000 + had been sent in, the principal donors named in the list being— + </p> + <table cellspacing="10" width="50%" summary="Donations"> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + </td> + <td> + £ + </td> + <td> + s + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + The Mayor (Mr. Jesse Collins). + </td> + <td> + 100 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td style="text-align:left; width: 80%;"> + Alderman Chamberlain, M.P. (as Trustee of the late Mrs. + Chamberlain, Moor Green) + </td> + <td style="width:10%"> + 1000 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Alderman Chamberlain, M.P. + </td> + <td> + 500 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Alderman Avery + </td> + <td> + 500 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Mr. John Jaffray + </td> + <td> + 500 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Mr. A. Follett Osler, F.R.S + </td> + <td> + 500 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Mr. John Feeney + </td> + <td> + 250 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Mrs. Harrold + </td> + <td> + 250 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Mr. Timothy Kenrick + </td> + <td> + 250 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Mr. William Middlemore + </td> + <td> + 250 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + A Friend + </td> + <td> + 250 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Mr. James Atkins + </td> + <td> + 105 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Lord Calthorpe + </td> + <td> + 100 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Lord Teynham + </td> + <td> + 100 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Mr. Thomas Gladstone + </td> + <td> + 100 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Messrs. William Tonks and Sons + </td> + <td> + 100 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Mr. W.A. Watkins. + </td> + <td> + 100 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Mr. and Mrs. T. Scruton + </td> + <td> + 75 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Dr. Anthony + </td> + <td> + 52 + </td> + <td> + 10 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Mr. Oliver Pemberton + </td> + <td> + 52 + </td> + <td> + 10 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Alderman Baker + </td> + <td> + 50 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Alderman Barrow + </td> + <td> + 50 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Messrs. Cadbury Brothers + </td> + <td> + 50 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Mr. J.H. Chamberlain + </td> + <td> + 50 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Alderman Deykin + </td> + <td> + 50 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Mr. T.S. Fallows + </td> + <td> + 50 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Mr. J.D. Goodman + </td> + <td> + 50 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Councillor Johnson + </td> + <td> + 50 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Mr. William Martin + </td> + <td> + 50 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Councillor Thomas Martineau + </td> + <td> + 50 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Councillor R.F. Martineau + </td> + <td> + 50 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Mr. Lawley Parker + </td> + <td> + 50 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Mrs. E. Phipson + </td> + <td> + 50 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Messrs. Player Brothers + </td> + <td> + 50 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Mr. Walter Showell + </td> + <td> + 50 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Mr. Sam Timmins + </td> + <td> + 50 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + The Rev. A.R. Vardy + </td> + <td> + 50 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Mr. J.S. Wright and Sons + </td> + <td> + 50 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + In sums of £20, &c + </td> + <td> + 480 + </td> + <td> + 5 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + In sums of £10, &c + </td> + <td> + 247 + </td> + <td> + 2 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + In sums of £5, &c + </td> + <td> + 169 + </td> + <td> + 5 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Smaller amounts + </td> + <td> + 88 + </td> + <td> + 8 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + This fund has received many noble additions since the above, the + total, with interest, amounting, up to the end of 1883, to no less + than £15,500, of which there is still in hand, £10,000 for + the purchase of books. The precaution of insuring such an institution + and its contents had of course been taken, and most fortunately the + requisite endorsements on the policies had been made to cover the + extra risk accruing from the alteration in progress. The insurances + were made in the "Lancashire" and "Yorkshire" + offices, the buildings for £10,000, the Reference Library for + £12,000, the Lending Library for £1,000, the Shakespeare + Library for £1,500, the Prince Consort statue for £1,000, + the models of Burke and Goldsmith for £100, and the bust of Mr. + Timmins for £100, making £25,700 in all. The two companies + hardly waited for the claim to be made, but met it in a most generous + manner, paying over at once £20,000, of which £10,528 has + been devoted to the buildings and fittings, nearly £500 paid for + expenses and injury to statues, and the remaining £9,000 put to + the book purchase fund. In the Reference Library there were quite + 48,000 volumes, in addition to about 4,000 of patent specifications. + Every great department of human knowledge was represented by the best + known works. In history, biography, voyages, and travels, natural + history, fine arts, all the greatest works, not only in English, but + often in the principal European languages, had been gathered. Volumes + of maps and plans, engravings of all sorts of antiquities, costumes, + weapons, transactions of all the chief learned societies, and + especially bibliography, or "books about books" had been + collected with unceasing care, the shelves being loaded with costly + and valuable works rarely found out of the great libraries of London, + or Oxford, Cambridge, Edinburgh, or Glasgow. Among the collections + lost were many volumes relating to the early history of railways in + England, originally collected by Mr. Charles Brewin, and supplemented + by all the pamphlets and tracts procurable. Many of those volumes were + full of cuttings from contemporary newspapers, and early reports of + early railway companies, and of the condition of canals and roads. + Still more valuable were many bundles of papers, letters, invoices, + calculations, etc., concerning the early attempt to establish the + cotton manufacture in Birmingham at the beginning of the last century, + including the papers of Warren, the printer, and some letters of Dr. + Johnson, and others relating the story of the invention of spinning by + rollers—the work of John Wyatt and Lewis Paul—long before + Arkwright's time. Among the immense collection of Birmingham books + and papers were hundreds of Acts of Parliament, Birmingham Almanacs, + Directories (from 1770) most curious, valuable, and rare; a heap of + pamphlets on the Grammar School, Birmingham History, Topography, and + Guides; the political pamphlets of Job Nott and John Nott, some of + which were the only copies known, the more ancient pamphlets + describing Prince Rupert's Burning Love (date 1613) and others of + that time; reports from the year 1726 of the several local learned + institutions; an invaluable collection of maps; programmes of the + Festivals; and copies of all the known Birmingham newspapers and + periodicals (some being perfect sets) etc., etc. Of all the host not + more than 1,000 volumes were saved. The fame of the Shakespeare + Memorial Library at Birmingham was world-wide and to us it had extra + value as emanating from the love which George Dawson bore for the + memory of Shakespeare. It was his wish that the library should be + possessed of every known edition of the bard's works in every + language, and that it should contain every book ever printed about him + or his writings. In the words of Mr. Timmins, "The devotion of + George Dawson to Shakespeare was not based upon literary reasons + alone, nor did it only rest upon his admiration and his marvel at the + wondrous gifts bestowed upon this greatest of men, but it was founded + upon his love for one who loved so much. His heart, which knew no + inhumanity, rejoiced in one who was so greatly human, and the basis of + his reverence for Shakespeare was his own reverence for man. It was + thus, to him, a constant pleasure to mark the increasing number of the + students of Shakespeare, and to see how, first in one language and + then in another, attempts were made to bring some knowledge of his + work to other nations than the English-speaking ones; and the + acquisition of some of these books by the library was received by him + with delight, not merely or not much for acquisition sake, but as + another evidence of the ever-widening influence of Shakespeare's + work. The contents of this library were to Mr. Dawson a great and + convincing proof that the greatest of all English authors had not + lived fruitlessly, and that the widest human heart the world has known + had not poured out its treasure in vain." So successful had the + attempts of the collectors been that nearly 7,000 volumes had been + brought together, many of them coming from the most distant parts of + the globe. The collection included 336 editions of Shakspeare's + complete works in English, 17 in French, 58 in German, 3 in Danish, 1 + in Dutch, 1 in Bohemian, 3 in Italian, 4 in Polish, 2 in Russian, 1 in + Spanish, 1 in Swedish; while in Frisian, Icelandic, Hebrew, Greek, + Servian, Wallachian, Welsh, and Tamil there were copies of many + separate plays. The English volumes numbered 4,500, the German 1,500, + the French 400. The great and costly editions of Boydell and + Halliwell, the original folios of 1632, 1664, and 1685, the very rare + quarto contemporary issues of various plays, the valuable German + editions, the matchless collection of "ana," in contemporary + criticism, reviews, &c., and the interesting garnering of all the + details of the Tercentenary Celebration— wall-posters, tickets, + pamphlets, caricatures, &c., were all to be found here, forming + the largest and most varied collection of Shakspeare's works, and + the English and foreign literature illustrating them, which has ever + been made, and the greatest literary memorial which any author has + ever yet received. So highly was the library valued that its contents + were consulted from Berlin and Paris, and even from the United States, + and similar libraries have been founded in other places. Only 500 of + the books were preserved, and many of them were much damaged. The loss + of the famed Staunton or Warwickshire collection was even worse than + that of the Shakespearean, rich and rare as that was, for it included + the results of more than two centuries' patient work, from the + days of Sir William Dugdale down to the beginning of the present + century. The manuscript collections of Sir Simon Archer, + fellow-labourer of Dugdale, the records of the Berkeley, Digby, and + Ferrers families, the valued and patient gatherings of Thomas Sharpe, + the Coventry antiquarian, of William Hamper, the Birmingham collector, + and of William Staunton himself, were all here, forming the most + wonderful county collection ever yet formed, and which a hundred + years' work will never replace. The books, many rare or unique, + and of extraordinary value, comprised over 2000 volumes; there were + hundreds of sketches and water-colour drawings of buildings long since + destroyed, and more than 1,500 engravings of various places in the + county, among them being some 300 relating to Birmingham, 200 to + Coventry, 200 to Warwick Castle, 200 to Kenilworth Castle, and more + than 100 to Stratford-on-Avon. The thousand portraits of Warwickshire + Worthies, more rare and valuable still, included no less than 267 + distinct portraits of Shakespeare, every one from a different block or + plate. There was, in fact, everything about Warwickshire which + successive generations of learned and generous collectors could + secure. Among other treasures were hundreds of Acts of Parliament, all + pedigrees, pamphlets, &c., about the Earls of Warwick and the town + of Warwick; the original vellum volume with the installation of Robert + Dudley, Earl of Leicester, to the Order of St. Michael, with his own + autograph; volumes of rare, curious autographs of county interest; + county poll books, newspapers and magazines; all the rare Civil War + pamphlets relating to the Warwickshire incidents; ancient deeds, + indulgences, charters, seals, rubbings of brasses long lost or worn + away, medals, coins, hundreds in number; and rare and invaluable + volumes, like the Duc de Nortombria's "Arcano de Mare," + and two fine copies of Dugdale's Warwickshire; besides hundreds of + books, engravings, caricatures, pamphlets and tracts. The catalogue of + this precious collection had only recently been completed, but even + that was burnt, so that there is nothing left to show the full extent + of the loss sustained. The only salvage consisted of three books, + though most providentially one of the three was the splendid Cartulary + of the Priory of St. Anne, at Knowle, a noble vellum folio, richly + illuminated by some patient scribe four centuries ago, and preserving + not only the names of the benefactors of the Priory, and details of + its possessions, but also the service books of the Church, with the + ancient music and illuminated initials, as fresh and perfect as when + first written. Of almost inestimable value, it has now an acquired + interest in the fact of its being, so to speak, all that remains of + all the great Staunton collection. The Cervantes Library, which had + taken him a quarter of a century to gather together, was presented by + Mr. William Bragge. For many years, even in a busy life, Mr. Bragge, + in his visits to Spain and his travels all over Europe, had been able + to collect nearly all the known editions, not only of "Don + Quixote," but of all the other works of Cervantes. Not only + editions, but translations into any and every language were eagerly + sought; and, after cherishing his treasures for many years, Mr. Bragge + was so impressed with the Shakespeare Library that he generously + offered his unrivalled collection of the great contemporary author to + the town of which he is a native, and in which he afterwards came to + live. The collection extended from editions published in 1605 down to + our own days, and included many very rare and very costly illustrated + volumes, which can never be replaced. All the known translations were + among the thousand volumes, and all the works were in the choicest + condition, but only ten survived the fire.—From the Lending + Library about 10,000 volumes were rescued, and as there were nearly + 4,000 in the hands of readers, the loss here was comparatively small. + The present number of books in the Reference Library bids fair to + surpass the collection lost, except, of course, as regards the + Shakespeare, Cervantes, and Staunton gatherings, the latter of which + it is simply impossible to replace, while it will take many years to + make up the other two. There are now (March, 1884) over 54,000 volumes + on the shelves, including 4,300 saved from the fire, about 33,000 + purchased, and nearly 17,000 presented. Among the latter are many rare + and costly works given to Birmingham soon after the catastrophe by a + number of societies and gentlemen connected with the town, as well as + others at home and abroad. To catalogue the names of all donors is + impossible, but a few of those who first contributed may be given. + Foremost, many of the books being of local character, was the gift of + Mr. David Malins, which included Schedel's Nuremberg Chronicle, + 1492, one vol.; Camden's Britannia, ed. Gibson, 1695, one vol.; + Ackermann's London, Westminster Abbey, Universities of Oxford and + Cambridge, &c., ten vols.; Works of Samuel Parr, 1828, eight + vols.; Illustrated Record of European Events, 1812-1815, one vol.; + Thompson's Seasons, illustrated by Bartolozzi, and other works, + seventy vols.; Notes and Queries (complete set of five series), + 1850-78, fifty-seven vols.; Dugdale's "Warwickshire, 1656, + and other books relating to Birmingham, Warwickshire and + neighbourhood, seventy-four vols.; books printed by Baskerville, ten + vols.; Birmingham-printed books, 203 vols.; books on or by Birmingham + authors, fifty-six vols.; total, 491 vols.; in addition to a + collection of about 600 portraits, maps and views relating to + Birmingham, Warwickshire and the neighbourhood, including sixty + portraits of Shakespeare. The Manchester Town Council sent us from + their Public Library about 300 volumes, among which may be named the + edition of Barclay's Apology printed by Baskerville (1765); a fine + copy of the folio edition of Ben Johnson (1640); the Duke of + Newcastle's New Method to Dress Horses (1667); several volumes of + the Maitland Club books, the catalogue of the Harleian MSS (1759); two + tracts of Socinus (1618); the Foundations of Manchester (4 vols.); + Daulby's Rembrandt Catalogue; Weever's Funeral Monuments + (1631); Visconti's Egyptian Antiquities (1837); Heylyn's + History of St. George (1633), and Nicholl's History of English + Poor Law. There are also a considerable number of works of science and + general literature of a more modern date. The trustees of the British + Museum gave about 150 works, relating to Greek, Egyptian, Syrian, + Phoenician, and other antiquities, to various departments of natural + science, and other interesting matters, the whole constituting a + valuable contribution towards the restored library. The Science and + Art Department of South Kensington sent a selection of catalogues, + chromo-lithographs, books of etchings, photographs, &c. Dr. F.A. + Leo, of Berlin, sent a splendid copy of his valuable <i>fac-simile</i> + of "Four Chapters of North's Plutarch," illustrating + Shakespeare's Roman plays, to replace his former gift-volume lost + in the calamitous fire. The volume is one of twenty-four copies, and + the learned Professor added a printed dedication as a record of the + fire and the loss. Dr. Delius, of Bonn, Herr Wilhelm + Oechelhaüser, of Dessau, and other German Shakespeare authors + sent copies of their works. Mr. J. Payne Collier offered copies of his + rare quarto reprints of Elizabethan books, to replace those which had + been lost. Mr. Gerald Massey offered a copy of his rare volume on + Shakespeare's Sonnets, "because it is a Free Library." + Mr. H. Reader Lack offered a set of the Patent Office volumes from the + limited number at his disposal as Chief of the Patent Office. Dr. + Kaines, of Trinder Road, London, selected 100 volumes from his library + for acceptance; Mrs. and Miss L. Toulmin Smith sent all they could + make up of the works of Mr. J. Toulmin Smith, and of his father, Mr. + W. Hawkes Smith, both natives of our town; Messrs. Low, Son, and Co., + gave 120 excellent volumes; Messrs. W. and R. Chambers, Messrs. + Crosby, Lockwood, and Co., and other publishers, valuable books; Mr. + James Coleman his "Index to Pedigrees," "Somerset House + Registers," and "William Penn Pedigrees;" Miss N. + Bradley (Bath) the new reissue of Professor Ruskin's works; Mr. + H.W. Adnitt (Shrewsbury) his reprint of Gough's curious + "History of Myddie," and of Churchyard's "Miserie + of Flaunders," and "The Four Ministers of Salop:" Mr. + H.F. Osle presented a, fine collection of Art books, including + Grüner's great work, and Mr. J.H. Stone made a valuable + donation of the same kind. The above are mere items in the list of + generous donors, and gives but small idea of the many thousands of + volumes which have streamed in from all parts. Many indeed have been + the valuable gifts and additions by purchase since the fire, one of + the latest being nearly the whole of the almost priceless collection + of Birmingham books, papers, &c., belonging to Mr. Sam. Timmins. + The sum of £1,100 was paid him for a certain portion of backs, + but the number he has given at various times is almost past count. + Immediate steps were taken after the fire to get the lending + department of the Library into work again, and on the 9th of June, + 1879, a commodious (though rather dark) reading room was opened in + Eden Place, the Town Council allowing a number of rooms in the + Municipal Buildings to be used by the Libraries Committee. In a little + time the nucleus of the new Reference gathering was also in hand, and + for three years the institution sojourned with the Council. The new + buildings were opened June 1st, 1882, and the date should be recorded + as a day of rejoicing and thanksgiving. The Reference department was + opened to readers on the 26th of the same month. In place of the hired + rooms so long used as a library in Constitution Hill, there has been + erected in the near neighbourhood a neat two-storey building which + will accommodate some 2,000 readers per day, and the shelves are + supplied with about 7,000 volumes. This new library was opened July + 18, 1883. To summarise this brief history of the Birmingham Free + Libraries it is well to state that £78,000 has been spent on + them, of which £36,392 has been for buildings. The cost of the + Central Library so far has been £55,000, the remaining + £23,000 being the expenditure on the branch libraries. The + present annual cost is £9,372, of which £3,372 goes for + interest and sinking fund, so that an addition must soon be made to + the 1d. rate, which produces £6,454. The power to increase the + rate is given in the last Act of Parliament obtained by the + Corporation. At the end of 1882 the Reference Library contained 50,000 + volumes. The number of books in the Central Lending Library was + 21,394, while the branch lending libraries + contained—Constitution Hill, 7,815; Deritend, 8,295; Gosta + Green, 8,274; and Adderley Park, 3,122. The aggregate of all the + libraries was 98,900 volumes. The issues of books during 1882 were as + follows:—Reference Library, 202,179; Central Lending Library, + 186,988; Constitution Hill, 73,705; Deriteud, 70,218; Gosta Green, + 56,160; Adderley Park, 8,497; total, 597,747; giving a daily average + of 2,127 issues. These figures are exclusive of the Sunday issues at + the Reference Library, which numbered 25,095. The average number of + readers in the Reference Library on Sundays has been 545; and the + average attendance at all the libraries shows something like 55,000 + readers per week, 133 different weekly and monthly periodicals being + put on the tables for their use, besides the books. At a meeting of + the School Board, June 4, 1875, permission was given to use the + several infants' schoolrooms connected with the Board Schools, as + evening reading rooms in connection with the libraries. + </p> + <p> + <i>The Shakespeare Memorial Library</i>, though to all intents and + purposes part and parcel of the Reference Library, has a separate and + distinct history. Mr. Sam. Timmins, who is generally credited with + having (in 1858) first suggested the formation of a library, which + should consist solely of Shakespeare's works, and Shakespeareana + of all possible kinds, said, at the tercentenary meeting, that the + idea originated with George Dawson, but perhaps the honour should be + divided, as their mutual appreciation of the greatest poet whose + genius has found utterance in our language is well known. The first + practical step taken was the meeting, held (July 10, 1863) of + gentlemen interested in the tercentenary, for the purpose of + considering a proposal to celebrate that event by the formation of a + Shakespearean library. The Rev. Charles Evans, head master of King + Edward's School, presided. The following resolution, moved by Mr. + G. Dawson, and seconded by the Rev. S. Bache, was + adopted:—"That it is desirable to celebrate the + tercentenary of the birth of Shakespeare by the formation of a + Shakespearean library, comprising the various editions of the + poet's works, and the literature and works of art connected + therewith, and to associate such library with the Borough Central + Reference Library, in order that it may be permanently + preserved." A hundred pounds were subscribed at this meeting, and + a committee formed to proceed with the project. In a very few months + funds rolled in, and Shakespeareans from all parts of the world sent + willing contributions to this the first Shakespearean library ever + thought of. It was determined to call it a "Memorial" + library, in honour of the tercentenary of 1864, and on the poet's + day of that year, the library was formally presented to the town at a + breakfast given at Nock's Hotel by the Mayor (Mr. W. Holliday). + Dr. Miller, George Dawson, M.D. Hill (Recorder), T.C.S. Kynnersley, + R.W. Dale, Sam. Timmins, and others took part in the proceedings, and + the Mayor, on behalf of the Free Libraries Committee, accepted the + gift on the terms agreed to by the Town Council, viz., that the + Library should be called "The Shakespearean Memorial + Library," that a room should be specially and exclusively + appropriated for the purposes thereof; that the library should be + under the same regulations as the Reference Library; and that the Free + Libraries' Committee should maintain and augment it, and accept + all works appertaining to Shakespeare that might be presented, &c. + As George Dawson prophesied on that occasion, the library in a few + years become the finest collection of Shakespearean literature in + Europe therein being gathered from every land which the poet's + fame had reached, not only the multitudinous editions of his works, + but also every available scrap of literature bearing thereon, from the + massive folios and quaint quartoes of the old times to the veriest + trifle of current gossip culled from the columns of the newspapers. + Nothing was considered too rare or too unimportant, so long as it had + connection even remote to Shakespeare; and the very room (opened April + 23, 1888), in which the books were stored itself acquired a + Shakespearean value in its carved and elaborately-appropriate + fittings. When started, it was hoped that at least 5,000 volumes would + be got together, but that number was passed in 1874, and at the end of + 1878 there were more than 8,700, in addition to the books, pictures, + documents, and relics connected with Stratford-on-Avon and her gifted + son contained in the Staunton collection. How all the treasures + vanished has already been told. Much has been done to replace the + library, and many valuable works have been secured; but, as the + figures last published show, the new library is a long way behind as + yet. It now contains 4,558 volumes, valued at £1,352 9s. 3d., + classified as follows:—English, 2,205 volumes; French, 322; + German, 1,639; Bohemian, 14; Danish, 25; Dutch, 68; Finnish, 4; + Frisian, 2; Greek, 9; Hebrew, 2; Hungarian, 44; Icelandic, 3; Italian, + 94; Polish, 15; Portuguese, 3; Roumanian, 1; Roumelian, 1; Russian, + 56; Spanish, 18; Swedish, 30; Ukraine, 1; Wallachian, 1; and Welsh, 1. + </p> + <p> + <b>Libraries Suburban.</b>—The ratepayers of the Manor of Aston + adopted the Free Libraries Act, May 15, 1877, and their Library forms + part of the Local Board buildings in Witton Road. At the end of March, + 1883, the number of volumes in the reference library was 3,216, and + the issues during the year numbered 8,096. In the lending department + the library consists of 5,582 volumes, and the total issues during the + year were 74,483; giving a daily average of 245. The number of + borrowers was 3,669.—Aston and Handsworth being almost part of + Birmingham, it would be an act of kindness if local gentlemen having + duplicates on their library shelves, would share them between the two. + </p> + <p> + <i>Handsworth</i> Free Library was opened at the Local Board Offices, + of which building it forms a part, on May 1, 1880, with a collection + of about 5,000 volumes, which has since been increased to nearly + 7,500. That the library is appreciated is shown by the fact that + during last year the issues numbered 42,234 volumes, the borrowers + being 514 males and 561 females. + </p> + <p> + <i>Smethwick</i> Free Library and Reading Room was opened Aug. 14, + 1880. + </p> + <p> + <i>King's Norton</i>.—In or about 1680, the Rev. Thomas + Hall, B.D., founded a curious old Library for the use of the + parishioners, and the books are preserved in the Grammar School, near + the Church. This is the earliest <i>free</i> library known in the + Midlands. + </p> + <p> + <b>Licensed Victuallers' Society.</b>—See "<i><a class= + "internal" href="#Birm81">Trade Protection Societies</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Licensed Victuallers' Asylum.</b>—See "<i><a class= + "internal" href="#Birm7">Philanthropical Institutions</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Licensed Victuallers.</b>—The following table shows the + number of licensed victuallers, dealers in wine, beer, &c., in the + borough as well as the holders of what are known as outdoor + licenses:— + </p> + <table cellspacing="10" width="80%" summary= + "Licensed victuallers 1870-1882"> + <tr align="right"> + <td style="width: 5%;"> + Year. + </td> + <td style="width: 10%;"> + Licensed Victuallers. + </td> + <td style="width: 10%;"> + Beer and Wine On. + </td> + <td style="width: 10%;"> + Total. + </td> + <td style="width: 10%;"> + Population. + </td> + <td style="width: 10%;"> + Beer, &c.,Off. + </td> + <td style="width: 10%;"> + Grocers. + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1870 + </td> + <td> + 687 + </td> + <td> + 1166 + </td> + <td> + 1853 + </td> + <td> + 337,982 + </td> + <td> + .. + </td> + <td> + .. + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1871 + </td> + <td> + 683 + </td> + <td> + 1165 + </td> + <td> + 1848 + </td> + <td> + 343,690 + </td> + <td> + .. + </td> + <td> + .. + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1872 + </td> + <td> + 684 + </td> + <td> + 1117 + </td> + <td> + 1801 + </td> + <td> + 349,398 + </td> + <td> + .. + </td> + <td> + 23 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1873 + </td> + <td> + 684 + </td> + <td> + 1083 + </td> + <td> + 1767 + </td> + <td> + 355,106 + </td> + <td> + 4 + </td> + <td> + 53 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1874 + </td> + <td> + 680 + </td> + <td> + 1081 + </td> + <td> + 1761 + </td> + <td> + 360,814 + </td> + <td> + 4 + </td> + <td> + 53 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1875 + </td> + <td> + 676 + </td> + <td> + 1057 + </td> + <td> + 1733 + </td> + <td> + 366,522 + </td> + <td> + 7 + </td> + <td> + 73 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1876 + </td> + <td> + 675 + </td> + <td> + 1059 + </td> + <td> + 1734 + </td> + <td> + 372,230 + </td> + <td> + 171 + </td> + <td> + 73 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1877 + </td> + <td> + 673 + </td> + <td> + 1054 + </td> + <td> + 1727 + </td> + <td> + 377,938 + </td> + <td> + 223 + </td> + <td> + 74 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1878 + </td> + <td> + 672 + </td> + <td> + 1046 + </td> + <td> + 1718 + </td> + <td> + 383,646 + </td> + <td> + 334 + </td> + <td> + 77 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1879 + </td> + <td> + 671 + </td> + <td> + 1061 + </td> + <td> + 1732 + </td> + <td> + 389,354 + </td> + <td> + 433 + </td> + <td> + 61 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1880 + </td> + <td> + 670 + </td> + <td> + 1060 + </td> + <td> + 1730 + </td> + <td> + 395,063 + </td> + <td> + 454 + </td> + <td> + 63 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1881 + </td> + <td> + 669 + </td> + <td> + 1054 + </td> + <td> + 1723 + </td> + <td> + 400,774 + </td> + <td> + 454 + </td> + <td> + 55 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1882 + </td> + <td> + 670 + </td> + <td> + 1054 + </td> + <td> + 1724 + </td> + <td> + 406,482 + </td> + <td> + 459 + </td> + <td> + 57 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + <b>Lifeboats.</b>—In 1864-65 a small committee, composed of + Messrs. H. Fulford, G. Groves, J. Pearce, D. Moran, G. Williams, R. + Foreshaw, and G. Lempiere, aided by the Mayor and Dr. Miller, raised + about £500 as a contribution from Birmingham to the Royal + National Lifeboat Institution. Two boats were credited to us in the + Society's books, one called "Birmingham" (launched at + Soho Pool, November 26, 1864), and the other the "James + Pearce." These boats, placed on the Lincolnshire and Norfolk + coasts, were instrumental in the saving of some hundreds of lives, but + both have, long since, been worn out, and it is about time that + Birmingham replaced them. Messrs. C. and W. Barwell, Pickford Street, + act as local hon. secs. The "Charles Ingleby" lifeboat, at + Hartlepool, was paid for, and the establishment for its maintenance + endowed, out of the sum of £1,700, contributed by C.P. Wragge, + Esq., in memory of the late Rev. Charles Ingleby. + </p> + <p> + <b>Lifford,</b> in the parish of King's Norton, once boasted of a + Monastic establishment, which was squelched by Bluff King Harry, the + only remains now to be found consisting of a few more than half-buried + foundations and watercourses. + </p> + <p> + <b>Lighting.</b>—Oil lamps for giving light in the streets were + in limited use here in 1733, even before an Act was obtained to + enforce payment of a rate therefor. Deritend and Bordesley obtained + light by the Act passed in 1791. The Street Commissioners, Nov. 8, + 1816, advertised for tenders for lighting the streets with gas, but it + was nearly ten years (April 29, 1826) before the lamps were thus + supplied. The Lighting Act was adopted at Saltley April 1, 1875. + Lighting the streets by electricity <i>may</i> come some day, though, + as the Gas Works belong to the town, it will, doubtless, be in the + days of our grandchildren. + </p> + <p> + <b>Lighting by Electricity.</b>—After the very successful + application of the electric light in the Town Hall on the occasion of + the Festival in 1882, it is not surprising that an attempt should be + made to give it a more extended trial. A scheme has been drawn out by + the Crompton-Winfield Company for this purpose, and it has received + the sanction of the Town Council, and been confirmed by the Board of + Trade, shopkeepers in the centre of the town may soon have a choice of + lights for the display of their wares. The area fixed by the scheme is + described by the following boundaries:—Great Charles Street to + Congreve Street; Congreve Street to Edmund Street; Edmund Street to + Newhall Street; Newhall Street to Colmore Row; Colmore Row to Bull + Street; Bull Street, High Street, New Street, Stephenson Place, + Paradise Street, and Easy Row. The streets to be supplied with + electric mains within two years are as follows:—Great Charles + Street (to Congreve Street), Congreve Street, New Street, Stephenson + Place, Easy Row, and Paradise Street. The Corporation are to have + powers of purchasing the undertaking at the end of sixteen + years— that is, fourteen years after the expiration of the + two-years' term allowed for the experimental lighting of the + limited area. The order, while fully protecting the rights of the + public and of the Corporation, justly recognises the experimental + character of the project of electric-lighting from a common centre, + and is much more favourable, in many ways, to the promoters than the + legislation under which gas undertakings are conducted. Whether this + will tend towards reducing the price of gas remains to be seen. + </p> + <p> + <b>Lightning Conductors</b> were introduced here in 1765. + </p> + <p> + <b>Lindon.</b>—The Minerva, in Peck Lane, was, circa 1835, kept + by "Joe Lindon," a host as popular then as our modern + "Joe Hillman," up at "The Stores," in Paradise + Street. + </p> + <p> + <b>Literary Associations.</b>—The Central Literary Association + first met Nov. 28, 1856. The Moseley and Balsall Heath, Oct. 11, 1877. + </p> + <p> + <b>Livery Street.</b>—So called from the Livery stables once + there, opposite Brittle street, which is now covered by the Great + Western Railway Station. + </p> + <p> + <b>Livingstone.</b>—Dr. Livingstone, the African traveller, + delivered an address in the Town Hall, October 23, 1857. + </p> + <p> + <b>Loans.</b>—According to the Registrar-General's late + report, there were 380 loan societies in the kingdom, who had among + them a capital of £122,160, the members of the said societies + numbering 33,520, giving an average lending capital of £3 12s. + 10-1/2d. each. That is certainly not a very large sum to invest in the + money market, and it is to be hoped that the score or two of local + societies can show better funds. What the profits of this business are + frequently appear in the reports taken at Police Courts and County + Courts, where Mr. Cent.-per-Cent. now and then bashfully acknowledges + that he is sometimes satisfied with a profit of 200 per cent. There + <i>are</i> respectable offices in Birmingham where loans can be + obtained at a fair and reasonable rate, but <i>Punch's</i> advice + to those about to marry may well be given in the generality of cases, + to anyone thinking of visiting a loan office. Young men starting in + business may, under certain conditions, obtain help for that purpose + from the "Dudley Trust."—See "<i><a class= + "internal" href="#Birm83">Philanthropical Trusts</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Loans, Public.</b>—England, with its National Debt of + £776,000,000, is about the richest country in the world, and if + the amount of indebtedness is the sign of prosperity, Birmingham must + be tolerably well off. Up to the end of 1882 our little loan account + stood thus:— + </p> + <table cellspacing="10" summary="Loans and repayments"> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + </td> + <td> + Borrowd + </td> + <td> + Repaid + </td> + <td> + Owing. + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Baths + </td> + <td> + £62,425 + </td> + <td> + £27,743 + </td> + <td> + £34,682 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Cemetery + </td> + <td> + 46,500 + </td> + <td> + 19,316 + </td> + <td> + 27,184 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Closed Burial Gr'nds + </td> + <td> + 10,000 + </td> + <td> + 41 + </td> + <td> + 9,959 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Council House + </td> + <td> + 135,762 + </td> + <td> + 10,208 + </td> + <td> + 125,554 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Fire Brigade Station + </td> + <td> + 6,000 + </td> + <td> + 53 + </td> + <td> + 5,947 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Free Libraries + </td> + <td> + 56,050 + </td> + <td> + 7,534 + </td> + <td> + 48,516 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Gaol + </td> + <td> + 92,350 + </td> + <td> + 79,425 + </td> + <td> + 12,925 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Industrial School + </td> + <td> + 13,710 + </td> + <td> + 2,310 + </td> + <td> + 11,400 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Asylum, Winson Gn + </td> + <td> + 100,000 + </td> + <td> + 97,020 + </td> + <td> + 2,980 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + " Rubery Hill + </td> + <td> + 100,012 + </td> + <td> + 5,887 + </td> + <td> + 94,125 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Markt Hall & Markts + </td> + <td> + 186,942 + </td> + <td> + 73,463 + </td> + <td> + 113,479 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Mortuaries + </td> + <td> + 700 + </td> + <td> + 103 + </td> + <td> + 597 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Parks + </td> + <td> + 63,210 + </td> + <td> + 12,347 + </td> + <td> + 50,863 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Paving roads + </td> + <td> + 158,100 + </td> + <td> + 30,088 + </td> + <td> + 128,012 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Paving footways + </td> + <td> + 79,950 + </td> + <td> + 8,113 + </td> + <td> + 71,837 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Police Stations + </td> + <td> + 25,231 + </td> + <td> + 9,839 + </td> + <td> + 15,392 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Public Office + </td> + <td> + 23,400 + </td> + <td> + 14,285 + </td> + <td> + 9,115 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Sewers & Sewerage + </td> + <td> + 366,235 + </td> + <td> + 81,338 + </td> + <td> + 284,897 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Tramways + </td> + <td> + 65,450 + </td> + <td> + 17,125 + </td> + <td> + 48,325 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Town Hall + </td> + <td> + 69,521 + </td> + <td> + 37,885 + </td> + <td> + 31,636 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Town Improvements + </td> + <td> + 348,680 + </td> + <td> + 134,156 + </td> + <td> + 214,524 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + </td> + <td> + <hr style="width: 100%;" /> + </td> + <td> + <hr style="width: 100%;" /> + </td> + <td> + <hr style="width: 100%;" /> + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + </td> + <td> + 2,010,227 + </td> + <td> + 668,278 + </td> + <td> + 1,341,949 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Improvem't scheme + </td> + <td> + 1,534,731 + </td> + <td> + 31,987 + </td> + <td> + 1,502,744 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Gasworks + </td> + <td> + 2,184,186 + </td> + <td> + 142,359 + </td> + <td> + 2,041,827 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Waterworks + </td> + <td> + 1,814,792 + </td> + <td> + 5,086 + </td> + <td> + 1,809,706 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + </td> + <td> + <hr style="width: 100%;" /> + </td> + <td> + <hr style="width: 100%;" /> + </td> + <td> + <hr style="width: 100%;" /> + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Totals + </td> + <td> + 7,543,936 + </td> + <td> + 847,710 + </td> + <td> + 6,696,226 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + The above large total, however, does not show all that was owing. The + United Drainage Board have borrowed £386,806, and as Birmingham + pays £24,722 out of the year's expenditure of £33,277 + of that Board, rather more than seven-tenths of that debt must be + added to the Borough account, say £270,000. The Board of + Guardians have, between June, 1869, and January, 1883, borrowed on + loan £130,093, and during same period have repaid £14,808, + leaving £115,285 due by them, which must also be added to the + list of the town's debts. + </p> + <p> + <b>Local Acts.</b>—There have been a sufficient number of + specially-local Acts of Parliament passed in connection with this town + to fill a law library of considerable size. Statutes, clauses, + sections, and orders have followed in rapid succession for the last + generation or two. Our forefathers were satisfied and gratified if + they got a regal of parliamentary notice of this kind once in a + century, but no sooner did the inhabitants find themselves under a + "properly-constituted" body of "head men," than + the lawyers' game began. First a law must be got to make a street, + another to light it, a third to pave it, and then one to keep it + clean. It is a narrow street, and an Act must be obtained to widen it; + when widened some wiseacre thinks a market should be held in it, and a + law is got for that, and for gathering tolls; after a bit, another is + required to remove the market, and then the street must be + "improved," and somebody receives more pounds per yard than + he gave pence for the bit of ground wanted to round off the corners; + and so the Birmingham world wagged on until the town became a big + town, and could afford to have a big Town Hall when other big towns + couldn't, and a covered Market Hall and a Smithfield of good size, + while other places dwelt under bare skies. The Act by which the + authority of the Street Commissioners and Highway Surveyors was + transferred to the Corporation was passed in 1851; the expenses of + obtaining it reaching nearly £9,000. It took effect on New + Year's Day following, and the Commissioners were no longer + "one of the powers that be," but some of the + Commissioners' bonds are effective still. Since that date there + have been twenty local statutes and orders relating to the borough of + Birmingham, from the Birmingham Improvement Act, 1851, to the + Provisional Order Confirmation Act, passed in 1882, the twenty + containing a thousand or more sections. All this, however, has + recently been altered, the powers that are now having (through the + Town Clerk, Mr. Orford Smith) rolled all the old Acts into one, + eliminating useless and obsolete clauses, and inserting others + necessitated by our high state of advanced civilisation. The new Act, + which is known as the Birmingham Corporation Consolidation Act, came + into force January 1, 1884, and all who desire to master our local + governing laws easily and completely had better procure a copy of the + book containing it, with notes of all the included statutes, compiled + by the Town Clerk, and published by Messrs. Cornish, New Street. + </p> + <p> + <b>Local Epitaphs.</b>—Baskerville, when young, was a stone + cutter, and it was known that there was a gravestone in Handsworth + churchyard and another in Edgbaston churchyard which were cut by him. + The latter was accidentally broken many years back, but was moved and + kept as a curiosity until it mysteriously vanished while some repairs + were being done at the church. It is believed that Baskerville wrote + as well as carved the inscription which commemorated the death of + Edward Richards who was an idiot, and died Sept. 21st, 1728, and that + it ran thus:— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + "If innocents are the fav'rites of heaven,<br /> + And God but little asks where little's given,<br /> + My great Creator has for me in store<br /> + Eternal joys—What wise man can ask more?" + </div> + <p> + The gravestone at Handsworth was "under the chancel window," + sixty years ago, overgrown with moss and weeds, but inscription and + stone have long since gone. Baskerville's own epitaph, on the + Mausoleum in his grounds at Easy Hill, has often been quoted:— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + 'Stranger,<br /> + Beneath this cone, in unconsecrated ground,<br /> + A friend to the liberties of mankind directed his body to be + inurned.<br /> + May the example contribute to emancipate thy mind<br /> + From the idle fears of Superstition,<br /> + And the wicked Act of Priesthood! + </div> + <p> + Almost as historical as the above, is the inscription on the tombstone + erected over Mary Ashford, at Sutton Coldfield:— + </p> + <div style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1em"> + As a Warning to Female Virtue,<br /> + And a humble Monument of Female Chastity,<br /> + This Stone marks the Grave<br /> + of<br /> + MARY ASHFORD,<br /> + Who, in the 20th year of her age,<br /> + Having incautiously repaired<br /> + To a scene of amusement<br /> + Without proper protection,<br /> + Was brutally violated and murdered,<br /> + On the 27th May, 1817. + </div> + <div class="poem"> + Lovely and chaste as is the primrose pale,<br /> + Rifled of virgin sweetness by the gale,<br /> + Mary! The wretch who thee remorseless slew,<br /> + Will surely God's avenging wrath pursue. + </div> + <div class="poem"> + For, though the deed of blood be veiled in night,<br /> + "Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?"<br /> + Fair, blighted flower! The muse, that weeps thy doom,<br /> + Rears o'er thy sleeping dust this warning tomb! + </div> + <p> + The following quaint inscription appears on the tombstone erected in + memory of John Dowler, the blacksmith, in Aston churchyard:— + </p> + <div style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1em;"> + Sacred to the Memory of<br /> + JOHN DOWLER,<br /> + Late of Castle Bromwich, who<br /> + Departed this life December 6th, 1787,<br /> + Aged 42,<br /> + Also two of his Sons, JAMES and CHARLES,<br /> + Who died infants. + </div> + <div class="poem"> + My sledge and hammer lie reclined,<br /> + My bellows, too, have lost their wind<br /> + My fire's extinct, my forge decayed,<br /> + And in the dust my vice is laid;<br /> + My coal is spent, my iron gone,<br /> + My nails are drove, my work is done. + </div> + <p> + The latter part of the above, like the next four, has appeared in many + parts of the country, as well as in the local burial grounds, from + which they have been copied:— + </p> + <p> + From St. Bartholomew's: + </p> + <div class="poem"> + "The bitter cup that death gave me<br /> + Is passing round to come to thee." + </div> + <p> + From General Cemetery: + </p> + <div class="poem"> + "Life is a city full of crooked streets,<br /> + Death is the market-place where all men meets;<br /> + If life were merchandise which men could buy,<br /> + The rich would only live, the poor would die." + </div> + <p> + From Witton Cemetery: + </p> + <div class="poem"> + "O earth, O earth! observe this well—<br /> + That earth to earth shall come to dwell;<br /> + Then earth in earth shall close remain,<br /> + Till earth from earth shall rise again." + </div> + <p> + From St. Philip's: + </p> + <div class="poem"> + "Oh, cruel death, how could you be so unkind<br /> + To take him before, and leave me behind?<br /> + You should have taken both of us, if either,<br /> + Which would have been more pleasing to the survivor." + </div> + <p> + The next, upon an infant, is superior to the general run of this class + of inscription. It was copied from a slab intended to be placed in Old + Edgbaston Churchyard: + </p> + <div class="poem"> + "Beneath this stone, in sweet repose,<br /> + Is laid a mother's dearest pride;<br /> + A flower that scarce had waked to life,<br /> + And light and beauty, ere it died.<br /> + God and His wisdom has recalled<br /> + The precious boon His love has given;<br /> + And though the casket moulders here,<br /> + The gem is sparkling now in heaven." + </div> + <p> + Ramblers may find many quaint epitaphs in neighbouring village + churchyards. In Shustoke churchyard, or rather on a tablet placed + against the wall of the church over the tomb of a person named + Hautbach, the date on which is 1712, there is an inscription, + remarkable not only for lines almost identical with those over + Shakespeare's grave, but for combining several other favourite + specimens of graveological literature, as here bracketed: + </p> + <div class="poem"> + "When Death shall cut the thread of life,<br /> + Both of Mee and my living Wife,<br /> + When please God our change shall bee,<br /> + There is a Tomb for Mee and Shee,<br /> + Wee freely shall resign up all<br /> + To Him who gave, and us doth call. + </div> + <div class="poem"> + {Sleep here wee must, both in the Dust,<br /> + {Till the Resurrection of the Just. + </div> + <div class="poem"> + {Good friend, within these Railes forbear<br /> + {To dig the dust enclosed here.<br /> + {Blest bee the man who spares these stones<br /> + {And Curst be he that moves our bones. + </div> + <div class="poem"> + {Whilst living here, learn how to die;<br /> + {This benefit thoul't reap thereby:<br /> + {Neither the life or death will bee<br /> + {Grievous or sad, but joy to thee. + </div> + <div class="poem"> + {Watch thoue, and pray; thy time well spend;<br /> + {Unknown is the hour of thy end. + </div> + <div class="poem"> + {As thou art, so once were wee,<br /> + {As wee are, so must thou bee,<br /> + Dumspiramus + Speramus." + </div> + <p> + It is a collection of epitaphs in itself, even to the last line, which + is to be found in Durham Cathedral on a "brass" before the + altar. + </p> + <p> + <b>Local Landowners.</b>—It is somewhat a difficult matter to + tell how much of the ground on which the town is built belongs to any + one particular person, even with the assistance of the + "Returns" obtained by John Bright of "the owner" + of land so called, possessing estimated yearly rentals of £1,000 + and upwards. That these "Returns" may be useful to biassed + politicians is likely enough, as Lord Calthorpe is put down as owner + of 2,073 acres at an estimated rental of £113,707, while Mr. + Muntz appears as owning 2,486 acres at an estimated rental of + £3,948. His lordship's £113,707 "estimated" + rental must be considerably reduced when the leaseholders have taken + their share and left him only the ground rents. The other large ground + landlords are the Trustees of the Grammar School, the Trustees of the + Colmore, Gooch, Vyse, Inge, Digby, Gillot, Robins, and Mason estates, + &c., Earl Howe, Lench's Trust, the Blue Coat School, &c. + The Corporation of Birmingham is returned as owning 257 acres, in + addition to 134 had from the Waterworks Co., but that does not include + the additions made under the Improvement Scheme, &c. The manner in + which the estates of the old Lords of the Manor, of the Guild of Holy + Cross, and the possessions of the ancient Priory, have been divided + and portioned out by descent, marriage, forfeiture, plunder, and + purchase is interesting matter of history, but rather of a private + than public nature. + </p> + <p> + <b>Local Notes and Queries.</b>—The gathering of odd scraps of + past local history, notes of men and manners of a bygone time, and the + stray (and sometimes strange) bits of folklore garnered alone in the + recollections of greybeards, has been an interesting occupation for + more than one during the past score or two of years. The first series + of "Local Notes and Queries" in our newspapers appeared in + the <i>Gazette</i>, commencing in Feb., 1856, and was continued till + Sept., 1860. There was a somewhat similar but short series running in + the columns of the <i>Journal</i> from August, 1861, to May, 1862. The + <i>Daily Post</i> took it up in Jan., 1863, and devoted a column per + week to "Notes" up to March, 1865, resuming at intervals + from 1867 to 1872. The series now (1884) appearing in the <i>Weekly + Post</i> was commenced on the first Saturday (Jan. 6) in 1877. + </p> + <p> + <b>Local Taxation.</b>—See "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm84">Municipal Expenditure</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Locks.</b>—The making of locks must have been one of the + earliest of our local trades, as we read of one at Throckmorton of + very quaint design, but rare workmanship, with the name thereon of + "Johannes Wilkes, Birmingham," towards the end of the 17th + century. In 1824 there were 186 locksmiths named in the Directory. + </p> + <p> + <b>Lodger Franchise.</b>—Considering the vast amount of interest + taken in all matters connected with local Parliamentary + representation, and the periodical battles of bile and banter earned + on in the Revision Courts over the lists of voters, it is somewhat + curious to note how little advantage has been taken of the clause in + the last Reform Bill which gives the right of voting to lodgers. The + qualification required is simply the exclusive occupation of lodgings + which, if let unfurnished, are of the clear yearly value of £10; + and there must be many hundreds of gentlemen in the borough residing + in apartments who would come under this head. Out of a total of 63,221 + electors in 1883 there were only 72 who had claimed their right to + vote. In many other boroughs the same discrepancy exists, though here + and there the political wire-pullers have evidently seen how to use + the lodger franchise to much better effect, as in the case of + Worcester for instance, where there are 59 lodger voters out of a + total of 6,362.—See "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm11">Parliamentary Elections</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>London 'Prentice Street,</b> was called Western Street or + Westley's Row on the old maps, its continuation, the Coach Yard, + being then Pemberton's Yard. How the name of London 'Prentice + Street came to be given to the delectable thoroughfare is one of + "those things no fellow can understand." At one time there + was a schoolroom there, the boys being taught good manners upstairs, + while they could learn lessons of depravity below. With the anxious + desire of putting the best face on everything that characterises the + present local "fathers of the people," the London + 'Prentice has been sent to the right-about, and the nasty dirty + stinking thoroughfare is now called "Dalton Street." + </p> + <p> + <b>Loveday Street,</b> from Loveday Croft, a field given in Good Queen + Bess's reign, by John Cooper, as a trysting-place for the + Brummagem lads and lasses when on wooing bent. + </p> + <p> + <b>Low Rents.</b>—A return of unassessed houses in the parish of + Birmingham, taken October 19, 1790, showed 2,000 at a rental under + £5, 2,000 others under £6, 3,000 under £7, 2,000 + under £8, 500 under £9, and 500 under £10. + </p> + <p> + <b>Lozells.</b>—In the lease of a farm of 138 acres, sold by + auction, June 24, 1793, it was written "Lowcells." Possibly + the name is derived from the Saxon "lowe" (hill) and + "cele" (cold or chill) making it "the cold hill." + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm75"></a>Lunacy.</b>—Whether it arises from + political heat, religious ecstacies, intemperance, or the cares and + worry of the universal hunt for wealth, it is certainly a painful fact + to chronicle that in proportion to population insanity is far more + prevalent now than it was fifty years ago, and Birmingham has no more + share in such excess than other parts of the kingdom. Possibly, the + figures show more prominently from the action of the wise rules that + enforce the gathering of the insane into public institutions, instead + of leaving the unfortunates to the care (or carelessness) of their + relatives as in past days, when the wards of the poor-houses were the + only receptacles for those who had no relatives to shelter them. The + erection of the Borough Asylum, at Winson Green, was commenced in + 1846, and it was finished in 1851. The house and grounds covered an + area of about twenty acres, the building being arranged to accommodate + 330 patients. Great as this number appeared to be, not many years + passed before the necessity of enlargement was perceived, and, + ultimately, it became evident the Winson Green establishment must + either be doubled in size or that a second Asylum must be erected on + another site. An estate of 150 acres on the south-eastern slopes of + Rubery Hill, on the right-hand side of the turnpike road from here to + Bromsgrove, was purchased by the Corporation, and a new Asylum, which + will accommodate 616 patients, has there been erected. For the house + and its immediate grounds, 70 acres have been apportioned, the + remainder being kept for the purposes of a farm, where those of the + inmates fit for work can be employed, and where the sewage from the + asylum will be utilised. The cost of the land was £6,576 8s. + 5d., and that of the buildings, the furnishing, and the laying out of + the grounds, £133,495 5s. 8d. The report of the Lunatic Asylums + Committee for 1882 stated that the number of patients, including those + boarded under contract at other asylums, on the first of Jan., 1882, + was 839. There were admitted to Winson Green and Rubery Hill during + the year 349. There were discharged during the year 94, and there died + 124, leaving, on the 31st Dec., 970. The whole of the 970 were then at + the borough asylums, and were chargeable as follows:—To + Birmingham parish, 644; to Birmingham borough, 8; to Aston Union, in + the borough, 168; to King's Norton, 16; to other unions under + contract, 98; the remaining 36 patients not being paupers. The income + of the asylums for the year was—from Birmingham patients + £20,748 1s. 9.; from pauper patients under contract, and from + patients not paupers, £2,989 9s. 5d.; from goods sold, + £680 1s. 5d.; total, £24,417 12s. 7d. The expenditure on + maintenance account was £21,964 4s., and on building capital + account £2,966 7s. 7d.—total, £24,915 11s. 7d.; + showing a balance against the asylums of £497 19s. The nett + average weekly cost for the year was 9s. 6-1/2d. per head. Mr. E.B. + Whitcombe, medical superintendent at Winson Green, says that among the + causes of insanity in those admitted it is satisfactory to note a + large decrease in the number from intemperance, the percentage for the + year being 7.7, as compared with 18 and 21 per cent. in 1881 and 1880 + respectively. The proportion of recoveries to admissions was in the + males 27.7, in the females 36, and in the total 32.3 percent. This is + below the average, and is due to a large number of chronic and + unfavourable cases admitted. At Rubery Hill Asylum, Dr. Lyle reports + that out of the first 450 admissions there were six patients + discharged as recovered.—The Midland Counties' Idiot Asylum, + at Knowle, opened in 1867, also finds shelter for some of + Birmingham's unfortunate children. The Asylum provides a home for + about 50, but it is in contemplation to considerably enlarge it. At + the end of 1882 there were 28 males and 21 females, 47 being the + average number of inmates during the year, the cost per head being + £41 13s. 6d. Of the limited number of inmates in the institution + no fewer than thirteen came from Birmingham, and altogether as many as + thirty-five candidates had been elected from Birmingham. The income + from all sources, exclusive of contributions to the building fund, + amounted to £2,033 3s. 8d., and the total expenditure (including + £193 3s. 4d. written off for depreciation of buildings) to + £1,763 15s. 7d., leaving a balance in hand of £269 8s. 1d. + The fund which is being raised for the enlargement of the institution + then amounted to £605 15s., the sum required being £5,000. + The society's capital was then £10,850 12s. 8d. of which + £7,358 12s. 5d. had been laid out in lands and buildings. Mr. + Tait, the medical officer, was of opinion that one-fourth of the + children were capable of becoming productive workers under kindly + direction and supervision, the progress made by some of the boys in + basket-making being very marked. + </p> + <p> + <b>Lunar Society.</b>—So called from the meetings being held at + the full of the moon that the members might have light nights to drive + home, but from which they were nicknamed "the lunatics." + Originally commenced about 1765, it included among its members + Baskerville, Boulton, Watt, Priestley, Thomas Day, Samuel Galton, R.L. + Edgeworth, Dr. Withering, Dr. Small, Dr. Darwin, Wedgwood, Keir, and + indeed almost every man of intellectual note of the time. It died down + as death took the leaders, but it may be said to have left traces in + many learned societies of later date. + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm40"></a>Luncheon Bars.</b>—The honour of + introducing the modern style of luncheon bar must be awarded to the + landlord of the Acorn, in Temple Street, who, having seen something of + the kind in one of the Channel Islands, imported the notion to + Birmingham. The lumber rooms and stables at back of his house were + cleared and fitted up as smoke rooms, and bread and cheese, and beer, + &c., dealt out over the counter. Here it was that Mr. Hillman took + his degree as popular waiter, and from the Acorn also he took a wife + to help him start "The Stores," in Paradise Street. Mr. + Thomas Hanson was not long behind Hillman before he opened up + "The Corner Stores," in Union Passage, following that with + the "St. James" in New Street, and several others in various + parts of the town. The "Bars" are now an + "institution" that has become absolutely indispensable, even + for the class who prefer the semi-privacy of the + "Restaurants," as the proprietors of the more select Bars + like to call their establishments. + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm79"></a>Magistrates.</b>—By direction of the + Queen's Council, in 1569, all magistrates had to send up + "bonds" that they would subscribe to the then recently + passed Act for the Uniformity of Common Prayers and Services in the + Church, and the Administration of the Sacraments. The local name of + Middlemore appears among the few in this county who objected to do so, + and most likely his descendants would do the same. The first + twenty-five of our borough magistrates were appointed about nine weeks + after the date of the Charter of Incorporation, 1839. In 1841, 1849, + 1856, and 1859, other gentlemen were placed on the roll, and in April, + 1880, ten more names were added to the list, having been sent up to + the Lord Chancellor a few days before he vacated office, by some + knowing gentlemen who had conceived a notion that the Conservative + element was hardly strong enough among the occupants of the Bench. + There are now 52, in addition to the Stipendiary Magistrate and the + Recorder, and as politics <i>must</i> enter into every matter + connected with public life in Birmingham, we record the interesting + fact that 31 of these gentlemen are Liberals and 21 Conservatives. Mr. + T.C.S. Kynnersley first acted as Stipendiary, April 19, 1856. + </p> + <p> + <b>Magazines.</b>—See "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm86">Newspapers and Periodicals</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm78"></a>Manor House.</b>—How few of the thousands + who pass Smithfield every day know that they are treading upon ground + where once the Barons of Birmingham kept house in feudal grandeur. + Whether the ancient Castle, destroyed in the time of Stephen, + pre-occupied the site of the Manor House (or, as it was of late years + called—the Moat House), is more than antiquarians have yet found + out, any more than they can tell us when the latter building was + erected, or when it was demolished. Hutton says: "The first + certain account we meet of the moat (which surrounded the island on + which the erections were built) is in the reign of Henry the Second, + 1154, when Peter de Bermingham, then lord of the fee, had a castle + here, and lived in splendour. All the succeeding lords resided upon + the same island till their cruel expulsion by John, Duke of + Northumberland, in 1537. The old castle followed its lords, and is + buried in the ruins of time. Upon the spot, about fifty years ago + [1730], rose a house in the modern style, occupied by a manufacturer + (Thomas Francis); in one of the outbuildings is shown the apartment + where the ancient lords kept their court leet. The trench being filled + with water has nearly the same appearance now as perhaps a thousand + years ago; but not altogether the same use. It then served to protect + its master, but now to turn a thread mill." Moat Lane and Mill + Lane are the only names by which the memory of the old house is now + retained. The thread mill spoken of by Hutton gave place to a brass or + iron foundry, and the property being purchased by the Commissioners, + the whole was cleared off the ground in 1815 or 1816, the sale of the + building materials, &c., taking place July 5, 1815. Among the + "lots" sold, the Moat House and offices adjoining realised + £290; the large gates at the entrance with the brick pillars, + £16; the bridge, £11; the timber trees, £25; a fire + engine with carriage, &c., £6 15s. (possibly some sort of + steam engine, then called fire engines); the total produce, including + counting-house, warehouse, casting, tinning, burnishing, blacking, and + blacksmiths' shops, a horse mill, scouring mill, and a quantity of + wood sheds and palisading, amounted to nearly £1,150. The + prosaic minds of the Commissioners evidently did not lead them to + value "the apartments where the ancient lords kept their + court," or it had been turned into a scouring or tinning shop, + for no mention was made of it in the catalogue of sale, and as the old + Castle disappeared, so did the Manor House, leaving not a stone + behind. Mr. William Hamper took a sketch of the old house, in May, + 1814, and he then wrote of the oldest part of the building, that it + was "half-timbered," and seemingly of about Henry + VIII.'s time, or perhaps a little later, but some of the timbers + had evidently been used in a former building (probably the old + Manorial residence) as the old mortices were to be seen in several of + the beams and uprights. The house itself was cleared away in May, + 1816, and the last of the outbuildings in the following month. So + perfect was the clearance, that not even any of the foundations have + been turned up during the alterations lately effected in Smithfield + Market. In 1746, the "manorial rights" were purchased by + Thomas Archer, of Umberslade, from whose descendants they were + acquired by the Commissioners, in 1812, under an Act of Parliament + obtained for the purpose, the price given for the Manor House, meat, + and ground, being £5,672, in addition to £12,500, for + "market tolls," &c. + </p> + <p> + <b>Manufactures.</b>—For a few notes respecting the manufactures + carried on in Birmingham, see "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm15">Trades</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Maps of Birmingham.</b>—Westley's "Plan of + Birmingham, surveyed in the year 1731," is the earliest published + map yet met with; Bradford's in 1750, is the next. Hanson's of + 1778, was reduced for Hutton's work, in 1781. For the third + edition, 1792, Pye's map was used, and it was added to in 1795. + 1800 saw Bissett's "Magnificent Directory" published, + with a map; and in 1815 Kempson's survey was taken, and, as well + as Pye's, was several times issued with slight alterations, as + required. In 1825, Pigott Smith's valuable map, with names of + landowners (and a miniature copy of Westley's in upper left-hand + corner), was issued, and for many years it was the most reliable + authority that could be referred to. 1834 was prolific in maps; + Arrowsmith's, Wrightson and Webb's, Guest's, and + Hunt's, appearing, the best of them being the first-named. The + Useful Knowledge Society's map, with views of public buildings, + was issued in 1844, and again in 1849. In 1848, Fowler and Son + published a finely-engraved map, 68-1/4in. by 50-1/2in., of the parish + of Aston, with the Duddeston-cum-Nechells, Deritend, and Bordesley + wards, and the hamlets of Erdington, Castle Bromwich, Little Bromwich, + Saltley, and Washwood Heath, Water Orton, and Witton. The Board of + Health map was issued in 1849; Guest's reissued in 1850; + Blood's "ten-mile map" in 1853; and the Post-office + Directory map in 1854. In the next year, the Town Council street map + (by Pigott Smith) was published, followed by Moody's in 1858, + Cornish's and Granger's in 1860, and also a corrected and + enlarged edition of the Post-office Directory map. A variety, though + mostly of the nature of street maps, have appeared since then, the + latest, most useful, and correct (being brought down to the latest + date) being that issued to their friends, mounted for use, by Messrs. + Walter Showell and Sons, at whose head offices in Great Charles Street + copies can be obtained.—In 1882 the Corporation reproduced and + issued a series of ancient and hitherto private maps of the town and + neighbourhood, which are of great value to the historian and everyone + interested in the land on which Birmingham and its suburbs are built. + The first of these maps in point of date is that of the Manor of + Edgbaston 1718, followed by that of the Manor of Aston 1758, Little + Bromwich Manor 1759, Bordesley Manor 1760, Saltley Manor 1760, + Duddeston and Nechells Manors 1778, and of Birmingham parish 1779. The + last-named was the work of a local surveyor, John Snape, and it is + said that he used a camera obscura of his own construction to enable + him to make his work so perfect that it served as correct guide to the + map makers for fifty years after. + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm56"></a>Markets.</b>—Some writers have dated the + existence of Birmingham as a market town as being prior to the Norman + Conquest, charters (they say) for the holding of markets having been + granted by both Saxon and Danish Kings. That market was held here at + an early period is evident from the fact of the charter therefore + being renewed by Richard I., who visited the De Berminghams in 1189. + The market day has never been changed from Thursday, though Tuesday + and Saturday besides are now not enough; in fact, every day may be + called market day, though Thursday attracts more of our friends from + the country. The opening of Smithfield (May 29, 1817) was the means of + concentrating the markets for horses, pigs, cattle, sheep, and farm + produce, which for years previously had been offered for sale in New + Street, Ann Street, High Street, and Dale End. The Market tolls, for + which £12,500 was paid in 1812, produced £5,706 10s. 5d. + in the year 1840. + </p> + <p> + <i>Cattle Market</i>.—Prior to 1769 cattle were sold in High + Street; in that year their standings were removed to Dale End, and in + 1776 (Oct. 28.) to Deritend. Pigs and sheep were sold in New Street up + to the opening of Smithfield. Some five-and-twenty years back a + movement was set on foot for the removal of the Cattle Market to the + Old Vauxhall neighbourhood, but the cost frightened the people, and + the project was shelved. The "town improvers" of to-day, who + play with thousands of pounds as children used to do at + chuck-farthing, are not so easily baulked, and the taxpayers will + doubtless soon have to find the cash for a very much larger Cattle + Market in some other part of the borough. A site has been fixed upon + in Rupert Street by the "lords in Convention," but up to now + (March, 1885), the question is not <i>quite</i> settled. + </p> + <p> + <i>Corn Market</i>.—The ancient market for corn, or "Corn + Cheaping," formed, part of "le Bul ryng" which at one + time was almost the sole place of traffic of our forefathers. At first + an open space, as the market granted by the early Norman Kings grew in + extent, the custom arose of setting up stalls, the right to do which + was doubtless bought of the Lords of the Manor. These grew into + permanent tenements, and stallages, "freeboards," shambles, + and even houses (some with small gardens abutting on the unfenced + churchyard), gradually covered the whole ground, and it ultimately + cost the town a large sum to clear it, the Commissioners, in 1806-7, + paying nearly £25,000 for the purpose. The farmers of a hundred + years ago used to assemble with their samples of grain round the Old + Cross, or High Cross, standing nearly opposite the present Market Hall + steps, and in times of scarcity, when bread was dear, they needed the + protection of special constables. + </p> + <p> + <i>Fish Market</i>.—In April, 1851, the fishmongers' stalls + were removed from Dale End, and the sale was confined to the Market + Hall, but consequent on the increase of population, and therefore of + consumption, a separate market, at corner of Bell Street, was opened + in 1870, and that is now being enlarged. + </p> + <p> + <i>Hide and Skin Market</i>.—The sale of these not particularly + sweet-smelling animal products was formerly carried on in the open at + Smithfield, but a special market for them and for tallow was opened + May 25, 1850; the same building being utilised as a wool market July + 29, 1851. + </p> + <p> + <i>Vegetable Market</i>, so long held in the Bull Ring, is now + principally held in the covered portion of Smithfield, which promises + to be soon a huge wholesale market. + </p> + <p> + <b>Marriages.</b>—This is the style in which these interesting + events used to chronicled:— + </p> + <p> + "Sept. 30, 1751. On Monday last, the Rev. Mr. Willes, a relation + of the Lord Chief Justice Willes, was married to Miss Wilkins, + daughter of an eminent grocer of this town, a young lady of great + merit, and handsome fortune." + </p> + <p> + "Nov. 23, 1751. On Tuesday last, was married at St. Mary-le-Bow, + in Cheapside, Mr. W. Welch, an eminent hardware man of Birmingham, to + Miss Nancy Morton, of Sheffield, an agreeable young lady, with a + handsome fortune." + </p> + <p> + "June 4, 1772 (and not before as mentioned by mistake) at St. + Philip's Church in this town, Mr. Thomas Smallwood, an eminent + wine merchant, to Miss Harris, a young lady of distinguished + accomplishments, with a fortune of £1,500." + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm116"></a>Masshouse Lane.</b>—Takes its name from + the Roman Catholic Church (or Mass House, as such edifices were then + called) erected in 1687, and dedicated to St. Mary Magdalen and St. + Francis. The foundation stone was laid March 23, in the above year, + and on 16th August, 1688, the first stone of a Franciscan Convent was + laid adjoining to the Church, which latter was consecrated Sept. 4. + The Church was 95ft long by 33ft. wide, and towards the building of it + and the Convent, James II. gave 125 "tuns of timber," which + were sold for £180; Sir John Gage gave timber valued at + £140; the Dowager Queen Catherine gave £10 15s.; and a + Mrs. Anne Gregg, £250. This would appear to have been the first + place of worship put up here by the Romish Church since the time of + Henry VIII., and it was not allowed to stand long, for the Church and + what part of the Convent was built (in the words of the Franciscan + priest who laid the first stone) "was first defaced, and most of + it burrent within to near ye vallue of 400lb., by ye Lord + Dellamer's order upon ye 26 of November, 1688, and ye day + sevennight following ye rabble of Birmingham begon to pul ye Church + and Convent down, and saesed not until they had pulled up ye + fundations. They sold ye materials, of which many houses and parts of + houses are built in ye town of Birmingham, ye townsmen of ye better + sort not resisting ye rabble, but quietly permitting, if not prompting + them to doe itt." The poor priests found shelter at Harborne, + where there is another Masshouse Lane, their "Masshouse" + being a little further on in Pritchett's Lane, where for nearly a + century the double work of conducting a school and ministering to + their scattered Catholic flock was carried on, the next local place of + worship built here being "St. Peters's Chapel," off + Broad Street, erected about 1786. It is believed that St. + Bartholomew's Church covers the site of the short-lived "Mass + House." + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm58"></a>Masonic.</b>—That the Freemasons are many + among us is proved by the number of their Lodges, but the writer has + no record throwing light on their past local history, though mention + is found now and then in old newspapers of their taking part in the + ceremonies attending the erection of more than one of our public + buildings. Of their local acts of benevolence they sayeth naught, + though, as is well-known, their charity is never found wanting. The + three Masonic charitable institutions which are supported by the + voluntary contributions of the craft during 1883 realised a total + income of £55,994 14s. 3d. Of this sum the boys' school + received £24,895 7s. 1d.; the Benevolent Institution, + £18,449 6s.; and the girls' school, £12,650 1s. 2d. + The largest total attained previous to 1883 was in 1880, when the sum + amounted to £49,763. The boys' school, which is now at the + head of the list, is boarding, housing clothing, and educating 221 + boys; the Benevolent Institution, the second on the list, is granting + annuities of £40 each to 172 men and £32 each to 167 + widows; and the girls' school houses, boards, clothes, and + educates 239 girls, between the ages of seven and sixteen. The boys + leave school at fifteen. During the year £8,675 has been granted + to 334 cases of distress from the Fund of Benevolence, which is + composed of 4s. a year taken from every London Mason's + subscription to his lodge and 2s. a year from every country + Mason's subscription. The local lodges meet as + follows:—<i>At the Masonic Hall, New Street</i>: St. Paul's + Lodge, No. 43; the Faithful Lodge, No. 473; the Howe Lodge, No. 587; + the Howe R.A. Chapter; the Howe Mark Master's Lodge; the Howe + Preceptory of Knight Templars; the Temperance Lodge, No. 739; the + Leigh Lodge, No. 887; the Bedford Lodge, No. 925; the Bedford R.A. + Chapter; the Grosvenor Lodge, No. 938; the Grosvenor R.A. Chapter; the + Elkington Lodge, No 1,016; the Elkington R.A. Chapter; the Fletcher + Lodge, No. 1,031; the Fletcher R.A. Chapter; the Lodge of Emulation, + No. 1,163; the Forward Lodge, No. 1,180; the Lodge of Charity, No. + 1,551; and the Alma Mater Lodge, No. 1,644. <i>At the Masonic Hall, + Severn Street</i>: The Athol Lodge, No. 74; the Athol R.A. Chapter; + the Athol Mark Master's Lodge; and the Lodge of Israel, No. 1,474. + <i>At the Great Western Hotel</i>: The Lodge of Light, No. 468; the + R.A. Chapter of Fortitude; and the Vernon Chapter of S.P.R.C. of + H.R.D.M., No. 5. <i>At the Holte Hotel, Aston</i>: The Holte Lodge, + No. 1,246. + </p> + <p> + <b>Matches.</b>—Baker's are best, the maker says. Lucifer + matches were the invention of a young German patriot, named Kammerer, + who beguiled his time in prison (in 1832) with chemical experiments, + though a North of England apothecary, Walker, lays claim to the + invention. They were first made in Birmingham in 1852, but they have + not, as yet, completely driven the old-fashioned, and now-despised + tinder-box out of the world, as many of the latter are still + manufactured in this town for sundry foreign parts. + </p> + <p> + <b>Mecca.</b>—The late Mr. J.H. Chamberlain, shortly before his + death, said that he looked upon Birmingham, "perhaps with a + foolish pride," as the Holy City, the Mecca of England; where + life was fuller of possibilities of utility—happier, broader, + wiser, and a thousand times better than it was in any other town in + the United Kingdom. + </p> + <p> + <b>Mechanical Engineers.</b>—The Institution of Mechanical + Engineers was organised in this town, in October 1847, but its + headquarters were removed to London, in 1877. + </p> + <p> + <b>Mechanics' Institute.</b>—The proposal to form a local + institution of a popular nature, for the encouragement of learning + among our workers, like unto others which had been established in + several large places elsewhere, was published in June, 1825, and + several meetings were held before December 27, when officers were + chosen, and entry made of nearly 200 members, to start with, the + subscription being 5/-per quarter. The formal opening took place March + 21, 1826, the members assembling in Mount Zion Chapel, to hear an + address from Mr. B. Cook, the vice-president. The class-rooms, + library, and reading-rooms, were at the school attached to the Old + Meeting House, and here the Institution, so far as the conduct of + classes, and the imparting of knowledge went, thrived and prospered. + Financially, however, though at one time there were nearly 500 + members, it was never successful, possibly through lack of assistance + that might have been expected from the manufacturers and large + employers, for, hide it as we may, with a few honourable exceptions, + that class, fifty years ago, preferred strong men to wise ones, and + rather set their banks against opening the doors of knowledge to their + workpeople, or their children. It was a dozen years before the + Institution was able to remove to a home of its own in Newhall Street, + but it rapidly got into a hopeless state of debt. To lessen this + incubus, and provide funds for some needed alterations, the committee + decided to hold an exhibition of "manufactures, the fine arts, + and objects illustrative of experimental philosophy, &c." The + exhibition was opened Dec. 19, 1839, and in all ways was a splendid + success, a fairly-large sum of money being realised. Unfortunately, a + second exhibition was held in the following years, when all the + profits of the former were not only lost, but so heavy an addition + made to the debt, that it may be said to have ruined the institution + completely. Creditors took possession of the premises in January, + 1842, and in June operations were suspended, and, notwithstanding + several attempts to revive the institution, it died out altogether. As + the only popular educational establishment open to the young men of + the time, it did good work, many of its pupils having made their mark + in the paths of literature, art, and science. + </p> + <p> + <b>Medical Associations.</b>—According to the "Medical + Register" there are 35 physicians and 210 surgeons resident in + the borough, and there are rather more than 300 chemists and + druggists. According to a summary of the census tables, the medical + profession "and their subordinates" number in Birmingham and + Aston 940, of whom 376 are males and 564 females. In 1834, at + Worcester, under the presidency of Dr. Johnson, of this town, the + Provincial Medical and Surgical Association was formed for encouraging + scientific research, improving the practice of medicine, and generally + looking after the interests of the profession. In 1856 the name was + changed to The British Medical Association, with head offices in + London, but prior to that branches had been established in various + large towns, the Birmingham and Midland Counties' branch being + foremost, holding its first meeting at Dee's Hotel, in December, + 1854. The society has now about 9,000 members, with a reserve fund of + £10,000; in the local branch there are 359 members, who + subscribe about £150 per annum. —The Birmingham Medical + Institute was launched Feb. 5, 1876, but the question of admitting + homeopathists as members was nearly the upsetting of the craft at the + first meeting; thanks to the sails being trimmed with a little common + sense, however, the difficulty was tided over. The opening of the + Institute in Edmund Street took place December 17, 1880. The cost of + the building was about £6,000, and the purposes to which it is + applied are the providing accommodation for meetings of the profession + and the housing of the valuable medical library of over 6,000 books. + As something worthy of note, it may be mentioned that the Institute + was opened free from debt, the whole cost being previously subscribed. + </p> + <p> + <b>Memorials and Monuments.</b>—See "<i><a class="internal" + href="#Birm20">Statues</a>," &c.</i> + </p> + <p> + <b>Men of Worth.</b>—The "Toy-shop of the World," the + home of workers, free from the blue blood of titled families, and + having but few reapers of "unearned increment," is hardly + the place to look for "men of worth or value" in a monetary + point of view, but we have not been without them. A writer in + <i>Gazette</i>, September 1, 1828, reckoned up 120 inhabitants who + were each worth over £10,000 each; 50 worth over £20,000; + 16 worth over £50,000; 9 worth over £100,000; 3 worth over + £200,000; 2 worth over £300,000 each, and 1 worth over + £400,000. Taking certain Income Tax Returns and other + information for his basis another man of figures in 1878 made + calculations showing that there were then among us some 800 persons + worth more than £5,000 each, 200 worth over £10,000, 50 + worth over £20,000, 35 worth over £50,000, 26 worth over + £100,000, 12 worth over £250,000, 5 worth over + £500,000, and 2 worth over or near £1,000,000 each. + </p> + <p> + <b>Mercia.</b>—In 585, this neighbourhood formed part of the + Heptarchic kingdom of Mercia, under Cridda; in 697, Mercia was divided + into four dioceses; this district being included in that of Lichfield; + in 878, Mercia was merged in the kingdom of England. According to Bede + and the Saxon Chronicles, Beorned was, in 757, king of Mercia, of + which Birmingham formed part, and in Canute's reign there was an + Earl Beorn, the king's nephew, and it has been fancifully + suggested that in this name Beorn may lie the much-sought root for the + etymology of the town's name. Beorn, or Bern, being derived from + <i>ber</i>, a bear or boar, it might be arranged thusly:— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + <i>Ber</i>, bear or boar; <i>moeng</i>, many; <i>ham</i>, + dwelling—the whole making <i>Bermoengham</i>, the dwelling of + many bears, or the home of many pigs! + </p> + <p> + <b>Metchley Camp.</b>—At Metchley Park, about three miles from + town, near to Harborne, there are the remains of an old camp or + station which Hutton attributes to "those pilfering vermin, the + Danes," other writers thinking it was constructed by the Romans, + but it is hardly possible that an undertaking requiring such immense + labour as this must have done, could have been overlooked in any + history of the Roman occupation. More likely it was a stronghold of + the native Britons who opposed their advance, a superstition borne out + by its being adjacent to their line of Icknield Street, and near the + heart of England. From a measurement made in 1822, the camp appears to + have covered an area of about 15-1/2 acres. Hutton gives it as 30 + acres, and describes a third embankment. The present outer vallum was + 330 yards long by 228 wide, and the interior camp 187 yards long by + 165 wide. The ancient vallum and fosse have suffered much by the lapse + of time, by the occupiers partially levelling the ground, and by the + passing through it of the Worcester and Birmingham canal, to make the + banks of which the southern extremity of the camp was completely + destroyed. Some few pieces of ancient weapons, swords and battle-axes, + and portions of bucklers, have been found here, but nothing of a + distinctively Roman or Danish character. As the fortification was of + such great size and strength, and evidently formed for no mere + temporary occupation, had either of those passers-by been the + constructors we should naturally have expected that more positive + traces of their nationality would have been found. + </p> + <p> + <b>Methodism.</b>—The introduction here must date from + Wesley's first visit in March, 1738. In 1764, Moor Street Theatre + was taken as a meeting place, and John Wesley opened it March 21. The + new sect afterwards occupied the King Street Theatre. Hutton + says:—"The Methodists occupied for many years a place in + Steelhouse Lane, where the wags of the age observed, 'they were + eaten out by the bugs.' They therefore procured the cast-off + Theatre in Moor Street, where they continued to exhibit till 1782, + when, quitting the stage, they erected a superb meeting house in + Cherry Street, at the expense of £1,200. This was opened, July + 7, by John Wesley, the chief priest, whose extensive knowledge and + unblemished manners give us a tolerable picture of apostolic purity, + who believed as if he were to be saved by faith, and who laboured as + if he were to be saved by works." The note made by Wesley, who + was in his 80th year, respecting the opening of Cherry Street Chapel, + has been preserved. He says:—"July 6th, 1782. I came to + Birmingham, and preached once more in the old dreary preaching-house. + The next day I opened the new house at eight, and it contained the + people well, but not in the evening, many more then constrained to go + away. In the middle of the sermon a huge noise was heard, caused by + the breaking of a bench on which some people stood. None of them were + hurt; yet it occasioned a general panic at first, but in a few minutes + all was quiet." Four years after the opening, Wesley preached in + the chapel again, and found great prosperity. "At first," he + wrote, "the preaching-house would not near contain the + congregation. Afterwards I administered the Lord's Supper to about + 500 communicants." Old as he then was, the apostle of Methodism + came here a time or two after that, his last visit being in 1790. Many + talented men have since served the Wesleyan body in this town, and the + society holds a strong position among our Dissenting brethren. The + minutes of the Wesleyan Conference last issued give the following + statistics of the Birmingham and Shrewsbury District:—Church + members, 18,875; on trial for membership, l,537; members of junior + classes, 2,143; number of ministerial class leaders, 72; lay class + leaders, 1,269; local or lay preachers, 769 (the largest number in any + district except Nottingham and Derby, which has 798). There are 40 + circuits in the district, of which 27 report an increase of + membership, and 13 a decrease.—See "<i><a class="internal" + href="#Birm4">Places of Worship</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Methodism, Primitive.</b>—The origin of the Primitive + Methodist Connexion dates from 1808, and it sprung solely from the + custom (introduced by Lorenzo Dow, from America, in the previous year) + of holding "camp meetings," which the Wesleyan Conference + decided to be "highly improper in England, even if allowable in + America, and likely to be productive of considerable mischief," + expelling the preachers who conducted them. A new society was the + result, and the first service in this town was held in Moor Sreet, in + the open air, near to the Public Office, in the summer of 1824. The + first "lovefeast" took place, March 6, 1825, and the first + "camp meeting," a few months later. A circuit was formed, + the first minister being the Rev. T. Nelson, and in 1826, a chapel was + opened in Bordesley Street, others following in due course of time, as + the Primitives increased in number. The Birmingham circuit contains + about 800 members, with over 2,000 Sunday School scholars, and 250 + teachers.— See "<i><a class="internal" href="#Birm4">Places + of Worship</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Metric System.</b>—This, the simplest decimal system of + computation yet legalised is in use in France, Belgium, Holland, + Italy, Spain, and other parts of Europe, as well as in Chili, Peru, + Mexico, &c., and by 27 and 28 Vic., cap. 117, its use has been + rendered legal in this country. As our local trade with the above and + other countries is increasing (unfortunately in some respects), rules + for working out the metric measures into English and <i>vice versa</i> + may be useful. The unit of length is the <i>metre</i> (equal to 39.37 + inches); it is divided into tenths (decimetres), hundredths + (centimetres), and thousandths (millimetres), and it is multiplied by + decimals in like way into hectometres, kilometres, and myriometres. + The unit of weight is the <i>gramme</i>, divided as the metre into + decigrammes, centigrammes, and milligrammes; multiplied into + decagrammes, hectogrammes, and kilogrammes. The unit of capacity is + the <i>litre</i>, divided and multiplied like the others. + </p> + <p> + 1 inch equals 2-1/2 centimetres. 1 foot equals 3 decimetres. 1 mile + equals 1-3/5 kilometres. 1 cwt. equals 50.8 kilogrammes. 1 ounce + (troy) equals 31 grammes. 1 pound (troy) equals 3.72 decagrammes. 1 + gallon equals 4-1/2 litres. 1 quart equals 1-1/16 litres. 1 metre + equals 39.37 inches. 1 hectometre equals 109-1/3 yards. 1 cubic metre + equals 61,027 cubic inches. 1 kilometre equals 1,093 yards. 1 + decigramme equals 1-1/2 grains. 1 gramme equals 15 grains. 1 + kilogramme equals 2-1/5 pounds (avoirdupois). 1 litre equals 1-3/4 + pints. + </p> + <p> + To turn inches into millimetres add the figures 00 to the number of + inches, divide by 4, and add the result two-fifths of the original + number of inches. + </p> + <p> + To turn millimetres to inches add the figure 0 and divide by 254. + </p> + <p> + To make cubic inches into cubic centimetres multiply by 721 and divide + by 44; cubic centimetres into cubic inches multiply by 44 and divide + by 721. + </p> + <p> + To turn grains into grammes, multiply the number by 648 and divide the + product by 10,000. + </p> + <p> + To turn grammes into grains, multiply by 10,000, dividing the result + by 648. + </p> + <p> + The metric system is especially useful in our local jewellery and + other trades, but it is very slowly making its way against the old + English foot and yaid, even such a learned man as Professor Rankine + poking fun at the foreign measures in a comic song of which two verses + run:— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + Some talk of millimetres, and some of kilogrammes,<br /> + And some of decillitres to measure beer and drams;<br /> + But I'm an English workman, too old to go to school,<br /> + So by pounds I'll eat, by quarts I'll drink, and work by my + two-foot rule. + </div> + <div class="poem"> + A party of astronomers went measuring of the earth,<br /> + And forty million metres they took to be its girth;<br /> + Five hundred million inches now go through from pole to pole,<br /> + So we'll stick to inches, feet, and yards, and our own old + two-foot rule. + </div> + <p> + <b>Mid-England.</b>—Meriden, near Coventry, is believed to be + about the centre spot of England. + </p> + <p> + <b>Midland Institute.</b>—Suggestions of some such an + institution, to take the place of the defunct Mechanics', had + several time appeared in print, but nothing definite was done in the + matter until the subject was discussed (June 4, 1852) over the dinner + table of Mr. Arthur Ryland. Practical shape being given to the ideas + then advanced, a town's meeting on Dec. 3, 1853, sanctioned the + grant by the Council of the land necessary for the erection of a + proper building, and an Act of Incorporation was obtained in the + following Parliamentiry session. In December 1854, Charles Dickens + gave three readings in the Town Hall, in behalf of the building fund, + whereby £227 13s. 9d. was realised, the donations then amounting + to £8,467. The foundation stone was laid by Prince Albert, on + Nov. 22, 1855, and the contract for the first part of the building + given to Messrs. Branston and Gwyther for £12,000. The lecture + theatre was opened Oct. 13, 1857, when addresses were delivered by + Lord Brougham, Lord Russell, and Lord Stanley, the latter delivering + the prizes to the students who had attended the classes, which were + first started in October, 1854, at the Philosophical Institute. In + 1859, the portrait of David Cox was presented to the Institute, + forming the first contribution to the Fine Art Gallery, which was + built on portion of the land originally given to the Institute, the + whole of the buildings being designed by Mr. E.M. Barry. The amount + subscribed to the building fund was about £18,000, and the coat, + including furniture and apparatus more than £16,000. Great + extension has been made since then, on the Paradise Street side, and + many thousands spent on the enlargement, branch classes bring also + held at several of the Board Schools to relieve the pressure on the + Institute. In 1864, the members of the Institute numbered 660, and the + students 880, with an income of £998; in January, 1874, there + were 1,591 members, 733 family ticket holders. 2,172 students, and an + income of £2,580. At the end of 1833, the number of annual + subscribers was 1,900, and lecture ticket-holders 838. In the + Industrial Department there were 4,334 students; the + Archæological Section numbered 226 members, and the musical + Section 183. 108 students attended the Laws of Health classes, 220 the + Ladies classes, and 36 the classes for preparation for matriculation. + The benefits derived from the establishment of the Midland Institute, + and the amount of useful, practical, and scientific knowledge + disseminated by means of its classes among the intelligent working men + of the town and the rising generation, is incalculable. These classes, + many of which are open at the low fee of 1d., and some others + specially for females, now include the whole of the following + subjects:—English language and literature, English history, + French, German, Latin, Greek, and Spanish, algebra, geometry, + mensuration, trignometry, and arithmetic, music, drawing, writing, + English grammar, and composition, botany, chemistry, experimental + physics, practical mechanics, and metallurgy, elementary singing, + physical geography, animal physiology, geology, practical plane and + solid geometry, &c. The general position of the Institute with + regard to finance was as follows:—Gross receipts in General + Department, £3,281 5s. 6d.; expenditure in this department + (including £998 1s. 6d. deficiency at the close of the year + 1882), £3,088 17s. 2d.; balance in favour of the General + Department, £192 8s. 4d. Gross receipts in Industrial + Department, £1,747 13s.; expenditure in this department, + £3,173 7s. 10d.; deficiency, £l,425 14s. 10d., met by a + transfer from the funds of the General Department. The total result of + the year's operations in both departments left a deficiency of + £1,233 6s. 6d. The amount due to bankers on the General Fund was + £863 13s. 6d; and the amount standing to the credit of the + Institute on the Repairs Account is £440 12s. 2d. It is much to + be regretted that there is a total debt on the Institute, amounting to + £19,000, the paying of interest on which sadly retards its + usefulness. Many munificent donations have been made to the funds of + the Institute from time to time, one being the sum of £3,000, + given by an anonymous donor in 186[**], "in memory of Arthur + Ryland." In August, same year, it was announced that the late Mr. + Alfred Wilkes had bequeathed the bulk of his estate, estimated at + about £100,000, in trust for his two sisters during their lives, + with reversion in equal shares to the General Hospital and the Midland + Institute, being a deferred benefaction of £50,000 to each. + </p> + <p> + <b>Midland Metropolis.</b>—Birmingham was so entitled because it + was the largest town, and has more inhabitants than any town in the + centre of England. To use a Yankeeism, it is "the hub" of + the Kingdom; here is the throbbing heart of all that is Liberal in the + political life of Europe; this is the workshop of the world, the + birth-spot of the steam-engine, and the home of mock jewellery. In all + matters political, social, and national, it takes the lead, and if + London is the Metropolis of all that is effete and aristocratic, + Birmingham has the moving-power of all that is progressive, + recuperative and advancing. When Macaulay's New Zealander sits + sadly viewing the silent ruins of the once gigantic city on the + Thames, he will have the consolation of knowing that the pulse-beats + of his progenitors will still be found in the Mid-England Metropolis, + once known as the town of Burningsham or Birmingham. + </p> + <p> + <b>Mild Winters.</b>—The winter of 1658-9 was very mild, there + being neither snow or frost. In 1748 honeysuckles, in full bloom, were + gathered near Worcester, in February. In the first four months of 1779 + there was not a day's rain or snow, and on the 25th of March the + cherry, plum, and pear trees were in full bloom. An extraordinary mild + winter was that of 1782-3. A rose was plucked in an open garden, in + New Street, on 30th December, 1820. In December, 1857, a wren's + nest, with two eggs in it was found near Selly Oak, and ripe + raspberries were gathered in the Christmas week at Astwood Bank. The + winter of 1883-4 is worthy of note, for rose trees were budding in + December, lambs frisking about in January, and blackbirds sitting in + February. + </p> + <p> + <b>Milk.</b>—The reports of the Borough Analyst for several + successive years, 1879 to 1882, showed that nearly one-half the + samples of milk examined were adulterated, the average adulteration of + each being as much as 20 per cent.; and a calculation has been made + that the Brums pay £20,000 a year for the water added to their + milk! Next to the bread we eat, there is no article that should be + kept freer from adulteration than milk, and the formation of a Dairy + Company, in April, 1882, was hailed as a boon by many. The Company + started with a nominal capital of £50,000 in £5 shares, + and it rigidly prosecutes any farmer who puts the milk of the + "wooden cow" into their cans. + </p> + <p> + <b>Minories.</b>—Once known as Upper and Lower Minories, the + latter name being given to what, at other times, has been called + "Pemberton's Yard" or the "Coach Yard." The + names give their own meaning, the roads leading to the Priory. + </p> + <p> + <b>Mints.</b>—See "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm15">Trades</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Missionary Work.</b>—About a million and a quarter sterling + is yearly contributed in England to Foreign, Colonial, and Home + Missionary Societies, and Birmingham sends its share very fairly. The + local Auxiliary, to the Church Missionary Society, in 1882, gathered + £2,133 8s. 6d.; in 1883 (to June both years) it reached + £2,774 17s. 8d., of which £2,336 6s 11d. was from + collections in the local churches. The Auxiliary to the London + Missionary Society gathered £1,050, of which £991 was + collected in churches and chapels. The Baptist Missionary Society was + founded in October, 1792, and branch was started here a few months + afterwards, the first fruits totting up to the very respectable amount + of £70. A branch of the Wesleyan Missionary Society was formed + here in 1814 for the Birmingham and Shrewsbury district, and the + amounts gathered in 1882 totalled £4,829 10s. 3d. To the Society + for promoting Christianity among the Jews, the Birmingham Auxiliaries + in 1883 sent £323. There are also Auxiliaries of the Church of + England Zenana, of the South American, and of one or two other + Missionary Societies. The Rev. J.B. Barradale, who died in China, + early in 1879, while relieving sufferers from famine, was educated at + Spring Hill College. He was sent out by the London Missionary Society, + and his death was preceded by that of his wife and only child, who + died a few weeks before him, all from fever caught while helping poor + Chinamen. + </p> + <p> + <b>Moated Houses.</b>—The Parsonage, as well as the Manor House + (as noted elsewhere), were each surrounded by its moat, and, possibly, + no portion of the United Kingdom could show more family mansions, and + country residences, protected in this manner, than the immediate + district surrounding Birmingham. Many more or-less-preserved specimens + of these old-fashioned houses, with their water guards round them, are + to be met with by the rambler, as at Astwood Bank. Erdington, + Inkberrow, Yardley, Wyrley, &c. Perhaps, the two best are Maxtoke + Castle, near Coleshill, and the New Hall, Sutton Coldfield. + </p> + <p> + <b>Modern Monasteries.</b>—The foundation-stone of St. + Thomas's Priory, at Erdington, for the accommodation of the Monks + of the Order of St. Benedict, was laid on Aug. 5, 1879, by the Prior, + the Rev. Hildebrand de Hemptinne. Alter the date, and the reader might + fancy himself living in Mediæval times. + </p> + <p> + <b>Monument.</b>—The high tower erected near the Reservoir has + long borne the name of "The Monument," though it has been + said it was built more as a strange kind of pleasure-house, where the + owner, a Mr. Perrott, could pass his leisure hours witnessing coursing + in the day-time, or making astronomical observations at night. Hence + it was often called "Perrott's Folly." It dates from + 1758—See also "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm20">Statues</a></i>," &c. + </p> + <p> + <b>Moody and Sankey.</b>—These American Evangelists, or + Revivalists, visited here in Jan. 1875, their first meeting being held + in the Town Hall, on the 17th, the remainder of their services (to + February 7) being given in Bingley Hall. They came also in February, + 1883. when the last-named place again accommodated them. + </p> + <p> + <b>Moor Street.</b>—Rivaling Edgbaston Street in its antiquity, + its name has long given rise to debate as to origin, but the most + likely solution of the puzzle is this: On the sloping land near here, + in the 14th century, and perhaps earlier, there was a mill, probably + the Town Mill, and by the contraction of the Latin, + <i>Molendinaria</i>, the miller would be called John le Molendin, or + John le Moul. The phonetic style of writing by sound was in great + measured practised by the scriveners, and thus we find, as time went + on, the street of the mill became Moul, Moule, Mowle, Molle, Moll, + More, and Moor Street. A stream crossed the street near the Woolpack, + over which was a wooden bridge, and farther on was another bridge of + more substantial character, called "Carter's Bridge." In + flood times, Cars Lane also brought from the higher lands copious + streams of water, and the keeping of Moor Street tidy often gave cause + to mention these spots in old records, thus:— + </p> + <table cellspacing="10" width="50%" summary= + "Payments for work done in Moor Street"> + <tr> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + £ + </td> + <td> + s. + </td> + <td> + d. + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1637-- + </td> + <td align="left"> + Paid Walter Taylor for ridding the gutters in Moor Street + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + <td> + 11 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1665-- + </td> + <td align="left"> + Zachary Gisborne 42 loads of mudd out of Moore Street + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + <td> + 7 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1676-- + </td> + <td align="left"> + J. Bridgens keepinge open passage and tourneing water from Cars + Lane that it did not runne into More Street for a yeare + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + <td> + 4 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1688-- + </td> + <td align="left"> + Paid mending Carter's Bridge timber and worke + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + <td> + 5 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1690-- + </td> + <td align="left"> + John, for mending Moore Street Bridg + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + <td> + 10 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + Moor Street, from the earliest date, was the chosen place of residence + for many of the old families, the Carless, Smalbroke, Ward, Sheldon, + Flavell, Stidman, and other names, continually cropping up in deeds; + some of the rents paid to the Lord of the Manor, contrasting curiously + with the rentals of to-day. For three properties adjoining in More + Street, and which were so paid until a comparatively modern date, the + rents were:— + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + "One pound of pepper by Goldsmythe and Lench, Two pounds of + pepper by the master of the Gild, One pound of cumin seed, one bow, + and six barbed bolts, or arrow heads by John Sheldon." + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <b>Moseley.</b>—One of the popular, and soon will be populous + suburbs, connected as it is so closely to us by Balsall Heath. It is + one of the old Domesday-mentioned spots, but has little history other + than connected with the one or two families who chose it for their + residence ages ago. It is supposed the old church was erected prior to + the year 1500, a tower being added to it in Henry VIII.'s reign, + but the parish register dates only from the middle of last century, + possibly older entries being made at King's Norton (from which + Moseley was ecclesiastically divided in 1852). Moseley does not appear + to have been named from, or to have given name to, any particular + family, the earliest we have any note about being Greves, or Grevis, + whose tombs are in King's Norton Church, one of the epitaphs being + this:— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + "Ascension day on ninth of May,<br /> + Third year of King James' reine,<br /> + To end my time and steal my coin,<br /> + I William Greves was slain. 1605." + </div> + <p> + Hutton says that the old custom of "heriot" was practised + here; which is not improbable, as instances have occurred in + neighbourhood of Bromsgrove and other parts of the county within the + past few years. This relic of feudalism, or barbarism, consists of the + demanding for the lord of the manor the best movable article, live or + dead, that any tenant happens to be possessed of at the time of his + death. + </p> + <p> + <b>Moseley Hall.</b>—Hutton relates that on July 21, 1786, one + Henshaw Grevis came before him in the court of Requests, as a poor + debtor, who, thirty years before, he had seen "completely mounted + and dressed in green velvet, with a hunter's cap and girdle, at + the head of the pack." This poor fellow was the last member of a + family who had held the Moseley Hall estate from the time of the + Conquest. In the riots of 1791 the Hall was burnt down, being rebuilt + ten years after. + </p> + <p> + <b>Mothering Sunday</b>, or Mid-Lent Sunday, has its peculiarities + according to districts. In Birmingham the good people who like to keep + up old customs sit down to veal and custard. At Draycot-le-Moors they + eat pies made of figs. The practice of visiting the parents' home + on this day was one of those old-time customs so popular in the days + of our grandfathers and great-grandfathers (but which, with many + others have fallen into disuse), and this is supposed to have given + rise to the "Mothering Sunday" name. Prior to the + Reformation, the Catholics kept the day as a holy day, in honour of + the Mother of Jesus, it being a Protestant invention to turn the + fast-day into one of feasting. + </p> + <p> + <b>Mount Misery.</b>—At the close of the great war, which + culminated at Waterloo, it was long before the blessings of peace + brought comfort to the homes of the poor. The first effects of the + sheathing of the sword was a collapse in prices of all kinds, and a + general stagnation of trade, of which Birmingham, made prosperous + through the demand for its guns, &c., felt the full force. Bad + trade was followed by bad harvests, and the commercial history of the + next dozen years is but one huge chronicle of disaster, shops and + mills closing fast, and poverty following faster. How to employ the + hundreds of able-bodied men dependent on the rates was a continual + puzzle to the Overseers, until someone, wise in his generation, hit + upon the plan of paying the unfortunates to wheel sand from the bank + then in front of Key Hill House up to the canal side, a distance of + 1-1/2 miles, the payment being at the rate of one penny per barrow + load. This fearful "labour test" was continued for a long + time, and when we reckon that each man would have to wheel his barrow + backwards and forwards for nearly 20 miles to earn a shilling, moving + more than a ton of sand in the process we cannot wonder at the place + receiving such a woeful name as Mount Misery. + </p> + <p> + <b>M.P.'s for Borough.</b>—See "<i><a class="internal" + href="#Birm11">Parliamentary</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Mules.</b>-These animals are not often seen about town now, but in + the politically-exciting days of 1815 they apparently were not + strangers in our streets, as Mr. Richard Spooner (who, like our genial + Alderman Avery, was fond of "tooling" his own cattle), was + in the habit of driving his own mail-drag into town, to which four + mules were harnessed. With Mr. Thomas Potts, a well-to-do merchant, a + "bigoted Baptist," and ultra-Radical, Mr. Spooner and Mr. T. + Attwood took part in a deputation to London, giving occasion to one of + the street-songs of the day:— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + "Tommy Potts has gone to town<br /> + To join the deputation;<br /> + He is a man of great renown,<br /> + And fit to save the nation.<br /> + Yankee doodle do,<br /> + Yankee doodle dandy. + </div> + <div class="poem"> + Dicky Spooner's also there,<br /> + And Tom the Banker, too;<br /> + If in glory they should share,<br /> + We'll sing them 'Cock-a-doodle-doo.'<br /> + Yankee doodle do,<br /> + Yankee doodle dandy. + </div> + <div class="poem"> + Dicky Spooner is Dicky Mule,<br /> + Tom Attwood is Tom Fool;<br /> + And Potts an empty kettle,<br /> + With lots of bosh and rattle.<br /> + Yankee doodle do,<br /> + Yankee doodle dandy." + </div> + <p> + Another of the doggerel verses, alluding to Mr. Spooner's mules, + ran— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + "Tommy Potts went up to town,<br /> + Bright Tom, who all surpasses,<br /> + Was drawn by horses out of town,<br /> + And in again by asses.<br /> + With their Yankee doodle do,<br /> + Yankee doodle dandy." + </div> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm84"></a>Municipal Expenditure.</b>—Fortunately the + population of Birmingham is going ahead rapidly, and the more the + children multiply the more "heads of families" we may + naturally hope there will be noted down as ratepayers by the heads of + the gather-the-tin office. The cost of governing our little town is + not at all heavy, and when divided out at per head of the inhabitants + it seems but a mere bagatelle. Mr. J. Powell Williams, who takes + credit for being a financier and man of figures, said in 1884 that the + totals of our municipal expenditure for the past few years were as + follows:— + </p> + <table cellspacing="10" summary="Municipal expenditure 1879-1884"> + <tr align="center"> + <td> + In 1879 it was + </td> + <td align="right"> + £354,000 + </td> + <td> + or + </td> + <td> + 18/3 + </td> + <td> + per head + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="center"> + <td> + " 1880 " + </td> + <td align="right"> + 343,900 + </td> + <td> + " + </td> + <td> + 17/5 + </td> + <td> + " + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="center"> + <td> + " 1881 " + </td> + <td align="right"> + 361,500 + </td> + <td> + " + </td> + <td> + 18/0 + </td> + <td> + " + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="center"> + <td> + " 1882 " + </td> + <td align="right"> + 374,000 + </td> + <td> + " + </td> + <td> + 18/4 + </td> + <td> + " + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="center"> + <td> + " 1883 " + </td> + <td align="right"> + 385,000 + </td> + <td> + " + </td> + <td> + 18/7 + </td> + <td> + " + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="center"> + <td> + " 1884 " + </td> + <td align="right"> + 385,000 + </td> + <td> + " + </td> + <td> + 18/3 + </td> + <td> + " + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + The bachelors who live in apartments will surely be tempted to begin + housekeeping when they see how low a sum it takes to pay for all the + blessings conferred upon us by a Liberal Corporation; but what the + Pater of half-a-dozen olive branches may think about the matter, is + altogether a different thing, especially when he finds that to the + above 18/2 per head must be added 2/7-1/2 per head for the School + Board, and 1s. 2d. per head for the Drainage Board, besides + poor-rates, Government taxes, gas, water, and all these other little + nothings that empty the purse. + </p> + <p> + <b>Murder and Manslaughter.</b>—It would be <i>too</i> black a + catalogue to give all the horrible cases of this nature which the + local journals have chronicled in past years, those here noted being + only such as have a certain historical interest. + </p> + <p> + "Tom and Jack."—"See <i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm94">Executions</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + Sergeant William Cartwright, of the Coldstream Guards, was killed in + Townsend's Yard by a deserter, September 13, 1796. + </p> + <p> + A desperate attempt was made to murder a young woman in Bull Street in + the evening of a fair day, June 9, 1797. + </p> + <p> + Philip Matsell was hanged August 22, 1806, at the bottom of Snow Hill, + for attempting to murder a watchman.—See "<i><a class= + "internal" href="#Birm94">Executions</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + A Mr. Pennington, of London, was murdered at Vauxhall, Feb. 6. 1817. + </p> + <p> + Ashford, Mary, May 27, 1817, murdered at Sutton Coldfield. + </p> + <p> + F. Adams was murdered by T. Johnson, in London 'Prentice Street, + Aug. 5, 1821. + </p> + <p> + Mr. R. Perry was killed in Mary Ann Street, by Michael Ford, December + 6, 1825. Execution, March 7, 1826. + </p> + <p> + J. Fitter was tried and acquitted August 11, 1834, on a charge of + having murdered Margaret Webb, in Lawley Street, on 7th April + preceding. + </p> + <p> + Mr. W. Painter, a tax collector, was robbed and murdered in the old + Parsonage grounds (near what is now the bottom of Worcester Street), + February 17, 1835. + </p> + <p> + William Devey murdered Mr. Davenport in a shop in Snow Hill, April 5, + 1838. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Steapenhill shot by her husband in Heneage Street, January 7, + 1842. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Davis killed by her husband in Moor Street, March, 1848. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Wilkes murdered her four children in Cheapside, October 23, 1847; + also committing suicide. + </p> + <p> + Francis Price was executed at Warwick, August 20, 1860, for murdering + Sarah Pratt, April 18. + </p> + <p> + Elizabeth Brooks was shot by Farquhar, at Small Heath, August 29, + 1861. He was sentenced to imprisonment for a long term, but was + liberated in April, 1866. + </p> + <p> + Thompson, Tanter Street, killed his wife, September 23, 1861; hung + December 30. + </p> + <p> + Henry Carter, aged 17, who had killed his sweetheart, was hung April + 11, 1863. + </p> + <p> + George Hall shot his unfaithful wife on Dartmouth Street Bridge, + February 16, 1864, and was sentenced to death, but reprieved. He was + released March 5, 1884. + </p> + <p> + Murder and suicide in Nursery Terrace, November 28, 1866. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Pryse was murdered by James Scott in Aston Street, April 6, 1867. + </p> + <p> + Mary Milbourn was murdered in Heneage Street, January 21, 1868. + </p> + <p> + Murder and suicide in Garrison Street, November 25, 1871. + </p> + <p> + Richard Smith was killed by his fellow-lodger, in Adam Street, January + 7, 1872. + </p> + <p> + Thomas Picken, of St. Luke Street, killed his wife, January 22, 1872. + He was found next morning hanging to a lamp-post, at Camp Hill + Station. + </p> + <p> + Jeremiah Corkery stabbed Policeman Lines, March 7; was condemned to + death July 9, and hung July 27, 1875. + </p> + <p> + Patrick O'Donoghue was kicked and killed at the Flying Horse, + Little Hampton Street, August 7. 1875. Moran and Caulfield, the + kickers, were sent to penal servitude for ten years. + </p> + <p> + A woman, resisting indecent assault, was thrown into the canal, + October 8, 1875, and died from effects. + </p> + <p> + Emma Luke, Hope street, killed her infant and herself, October 23, + 1875. + </p> + <p> + Samuel Todd, a deaf-mute, killed William Brislin, in a fit of passion, + December 31, 1875.—Fifteen years' penal servitude. + </p> + <p> + Gaorge Underhill shot Alfred Price, in Stephenson place, January 12, + 1876, being in drink at the time, and thinking he was going to be + robbed. Price died, and Underhill was imprisoned for twelve months. + </p> + <p> + Frederick Lipscombe killed his wife because she did not get his meals + ready to the time he wished, July 18, 1876. + </p> + <p> + Mary Saunders, Aston, had her throat cut by F.E. Baker, her lodger, + January 16, 1877. He was hung April 17. + </p> + <p> + John Nicholson killed Mary (or Minnie) Fantham, in Navigation Street, + February 23rd, 1877, committing suicide himself. He was buried as a + <i>felo de se</i>. + </p> + <p> + Francis Mason, Litimer Street, stabbed his wife, June 25, 1867, but + the jury called it manslaughter, and he was allowed to retire for five + years. + </p> + <p> + William Toy, a glasscutter, was killed in the Plasterers' Arms, + Lupin Street, July 20, 1878, in a drunken row. + </p> + <p> + Edward Johnson, a retired butcher, of this town, killed his wife and + drowned himself at Erdington, July 27, 1878. + </p> + <p> + Sarah Alice Vernon, married woman, aged 26, was first stabbed and then + flung into the canal, at Spring Hill, by her paramour, John Ralph, a + hawker of fancy baskets, early in the morning of May 31, 1879. He was + hung August 26. + </p> + <p> + Caroline Brooks, a young woman of 20, was fatally stabbed on the night + of June 28, 1879, while walking with her sweetheart, but the man who + killed her escaped. + </p> + <p> + Alfred Wagstaffe, of Nechell's Green, kicked his wile for pawning + his shirt, on October 25, 1879. She died a week after, and he was sent + to penal servitude for ten years. + </p> + <p> + An Irishman, named John Gateley, was shot on Saturday, December 5, + 1880, in a beerhouse at Solihull, by a country man who got away; the + murdered man had been connected with the Irish Land League. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Ellen Jackson, a widow, 34 years of age, through poverty and + despondency, poisoned herself and two children, aged seven and nine, + on Sunday, November 27, 1881. One child recovered. + </p> + <p> + Frederick Serman, at the Four Dwellings, near Saltley, Nov. 22, 1883, + shot Angelina Yanwood, and poisoned himself, because the woman would + not live longer with him "to be clemmed." + </p> + <p> + James Lloyd, Jan. 6, 1884, stabbed his wife Martha, because she had + not met him the previous afternoon. She died four days after, and he + was sentenced to death, but reprieved. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Palmer and Mrs. Stewart were shot by Henry Kimberley at the White + Hart, Paradise Street, Dec. 28, 1884. Mrs. Palmer died, and Kimberley + was hung at Winson Green, March 17, 1885. + </p> + <p> + James Davis, policeman, while on his beat at Alvechurch, was murdered + Feb. 28, 1885, by Moses Shrimpton, a Birmingham poacher and thief. + </p> + <p> + Elizabeth Bunting, a girl of 16, was murdered at Handsworth, April 20, + 1885, by her uncle, Thomas Boulton. + </p> + <p> + <b>Museums.</b>—No place in England ought to have a better + collection of coins and medals, but there is no Numismatic Museum in + Birmingham. Few towns can show such a list of patentees and inventors, + but we have no Patent Museum wherein to preserve the outcome of their + ideas. Though the town's very name cannot be traced through the + mists of dim antiquity, the most ancient thing we can show is the Old + Crown public-house. Romans and Normans, Britons and Saxons, have all + trod the same ground as ourselves, but we preserve no relics of them. + Though we have supplied the whole earth with firearms, it was left to + Mr. Marshall, of Leeds, to gather together a Gun Museum. Fortunately + the Guardians of the Proof House were liberal and, buying the + collection for £1,550, made many valuable additions to it, and + after exhibiting it for a time at 5, Newhall Street, presented it to + the town in August, 1876. There is a curious miscellany of articles on + exhibition at Aston Hall, which some may call a "Museum," + and a few cases of birds, sundry stuffed animals, &c., but we must + wait until the Art Gallery now in course of erection, is finished + before the Midland Metropolis can boast of owning a real Museum. At + various times, some rich examples of industrial art have been + exhibited in the temporary Art Gallery adjoining the Midland + Institute, and now, in one of the rooms of the Free Library, there are + sufficient to form the nucleus of a good Museum. We may, therefore, + hope that, in time, we <i>shall</i> have a collection that we may be + proud of. Mr. Joseph Chamberlain (April 26, 1875) gave £1,000 to + purchase objects of industrial art, and it has been expended in the + purchase of a collection of gems and precious stones, than which + nothing could be more suitable in this centre of the jewellery trade. + Possibly, on the opening of the new Art Gallery, we shall hear of + other "thousands" as forthcoming. + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm67"></a>Musical Associations.</b>—There were, of + course, the choirs attached to the churches previous, but the earliest + Musical Society is believed to be that established by James Kempson, + in 1762, at Cooke's, in the Cherry Orchard, and the founding of + which led to the Musical Festivals. The members met for practice, and + evidently enjoyed their pipes and glasses, their nightly song + being:— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + "To our Musical Club here's long life and prosperity;<br /> + May it flourish with us, and so on to posterity,<br /> + May concord and harmony always abound,<br /> + And division here only in music be found.<br /> + May the catch and the glass go about and about,<br /> + And another succeed to the bottle that's out." + </div> + <p> + This society was appropriately known as the Musical and Amicable + Society from which sprung the Choral Society in 1776, though the + present Festival Choral Society only claims to be in its thirty eighth + year. The Birmingham Musical Society dates from 1840; the Amateur + Harmonic Association from January, 1856; the Edgbaston Musical Union + from 1874; and the Philharmonic Union from 1870. The Church Schools + Choral Union, the Sunday Schools Union Festival Choir, and the + Birmingham Musical Association, with one or two others, are the + progeny of later years; the last on the list of musical institutions + being the Clef Club (in Exchange Buildings), established March 21st, + 1832, for the promotion of musical culture by "providing a + central resort for the study and practice of vocal and instrumental + music, with the social advantages of a club." + </p> + <p> + <b>Musical Festivals.</b>—The credit of suggesting the first + Musical Festival in aid of the funds of the General Hospital, has been + assigned to Mr. Kempson a local musician, who, with his friends, + formed a Glee and Catch Club at Cooke's, in the Cherry Orchard. + The minutes-book of the Hospital under date of May 3, 1768, records + that a resolution was passed that "a musical entertainment" + should be arranged, and it was held accordingly on the 7th, 8th, and + 9th of September in that year, part of the performances taking place + at St. Philip's Church, and part at the Theatre, then in King + Street, the Festival being wound up with a ball "at Mrs. + Sawyer's, in the Square." Church, Theatre, and Ball was the + order of the day for many succeeding Festivals, the Town Hall, which + may be said to have been built almost purposely for these + performances, not being ready until 1834. The Theatre was only + utilised for one evening each Festival after until 1843, when three + concerts were held therein, but since that date the Town Hall has been + found sufficient. The Festival Balls were long a great attraction (no + less than 1,700 attending in 1834), but, possibly from a too free + admixture of the general public, the aristocratic patronage thereof + gradually declined until 1858, when only 300 tickets having been + taken, the Ball night was struck out of the future programmes. The + first Festival performances were by purely local artistes, and on + several occasions afterwards they formed the bulk of the performers, + but as the fame of our Festivals increased so did the inflow of the + foreign element, until at one period not more than half-a-dozen local + names could be found in any programme. This has been altered to a + considerable extent of late years, so much so that at the last + Festival nearly the whole of the chorus of voices was composed of + members of our local Musical Societies, and a fair sprinkling of the + instrumentalists also. A big book would be required for a full history + of the Birmingham Triennial Festivals, descriptive of their rise and + progress, the hundreds of musical novelties introduced, the many + scores of talented artistes who have taken parts, the lords and ladies + who have attended, and the thousand odd notes appertaining to them + all. In the following notes are briefly chronicled the "first + appearances," &c., with the results and other items for + reference. + </p> + <p> + 1768, Sept. 7 to 9. The oratorios of "Il Penseroso;" and + "Alexander's Feast" were performed at the Theatre in + King Street; Handel's "Te Deum" and "Jubilate" + with the "Messiah," at St. Philip's Church. The + principal singers were Mrs. Pinto, first soprano, and Mr. Charles + Norris, tenor; the orchestra numbered about 70, the conductor being + Mr. Capel Bond of Coventry, with Mr. Pinto as leader of the band. The + tickets of admission were 5s. each, the receipts (with donations) + amounting to about £800, and the profits to £299. + </p> + <p> + 1778, Sept. 2 to 4. The performances this time (and for fifteen + festivals after), were at St. Philip's Church, and at the + newly-built theatre in New Street, the oratorios, &c., including + "Judas Maccabæus," the "Messiah," + Handel's "Te Deum," "Jubilate," "Acis and + Galatea," &c. Principal performers: Miss Mahon, Miss Salmon, + Mr. C. Norris, and Cervetto, a celebrated violoncellist, the leader of + the band being Mr. William Cramer, a popular violinist. The choir had + the assistance of "the celebrated women chorus singers from + Lancashire." The receipts were again about £800, and the + profits £340, which sum was divided between the Hospital and the + building fund for St. Paul's. + </p> + <p> + 1784, Sept. 22 to 24. President: Lord Dudley and Ward. Following after + the celebrated Handel Commemoration the programme was filled almost + solely with selections from Handel's works, the only novelty being + the oratorio of "Goliath," composed by Mr. Atterbury, which + according to one modern musical critic, has never been heard of since. + Master Bartleman, who afterwards became the leading bass singer of the + day, was the novelty among the performers. Receipts, £1,325; + profits, £703. + </p> + <p> + 1787, Aug. 22 to 24. President, the Earl of Aylesford. In addition to + the miscellaneous (mostly Handelian) pieces, the oratories performed + were "Israel in Egypt" and the "Messiah," the + latter being so remarkably successful that an extra performance of it + was given on the Saturday following. Among the perfumers were Mrs. + Billington (first soprano), Mr. Samuel Harrison (one of the finest + tenor singers ever heard in England), and Mr. John Sale (a rich-toned + bass), and the "women chorus." Receipts about £2,000; + profits, £964. + </p> + <p> + 1790, Aug. 25 to 27. President, Lord Dudley and Ward. The + "Messiah," with miscellaneous selections, the principal + performers being Madame Mara, Mr. Reinhold, and Mr. Charles Knyvett, + with Jean Mara (violoncellist) and John Christian Fischer (oboeist) + The prices of admission were raised at this Festival to 10s. 6d. and + 7s.; Theatre boxes 7s. 6d., pit 5s., gallery 3s. 6d. Receipts + £1,965 15s.; profits £958 14s. + </p> + <p> + 1796, Aug. 31 to Sept. 2, President, the Earl of Aylesford. The + performances were like those of 1790, of a general character, besides + the "Messiah;" while the two principal sopranos were the + Misses Fletcher, daughters of a local musician. The trombone was + introduced at this Festival for the first time. Receipts £2,043 + 18s.; profits £897. + </p> + <p> + 1792, September 18 to 20. President, the Earl of Warwick. The + "Messiah," with vocal and instrumental selections of the + usual character. Miss Poole and Master Elliott among the vocalists, + with Mr. Holmes (bassoonist) and Signor Mariotti (trombone player), + were chief of the newly-introduced performers. Receipts, £2,550; + profits, £1,470. + </p> + <p> + 1802, September 22 to 24. President, the Earl of Dartmonth. For the + first time in this town Haydn's "Creation" was + performed, in addition to the "Messiah," &c. Among the + vocalists were Madame Dussek, Mrs. Mountain, John Braham (<i>the</i> + Braham of undying fame), and Mr. William Knyvett; Mr. Francois Cramer, + leader of the band (and at every festival until 1843), had with him + Andrew Ashe (flautist), Aufossi (double bass), &c., with over 100 + in the orchestra. Receipts, £3,820 17s. O-1/4d.; profits, + £2,380. + </p> + <p> + 1805, Oct. 2 to 4. President, the Earl of Aylesford. The + "Messiah" was given for the first time here with + Mozart's accompaniments; part of the "Creation" &c. + Mr. Thomas Vaughan was among the singers (and he took part in every + Festival until 1840), and Signor Domenico Dragonetti (double bass) and + the Brothers Petrules (horn players) with the instruments. Receipts, + £4,222; profits, £2,202. + </p> + <p> + 1808, Oct. 5 to 7. President, the Right Hon. Lord Guernsey. Nearly 200 + performers, including Master Buggins (a Birmingham boy alto) Mr. J.J. + Goss (counter tenor), Signor Joseph Naldi (buffo), and Dr. Crotch, the + conductor, organist and pianist. The last-named was a good player when + only 3-1/2 years old. Receipts, £5,511 12s.; profits, + £3,257. + </p> + <p> + 1811, Oct. 2 to 4. President, Lord Bradford. Madame Catilni, Mrs. + Bianchi, and Mr. T.L. Bellamy first appeared here, as well as Mr. + Samuel Wesley (John Wesley's nephew), as conductor and organist. + Prices again raised, morning tickets being 20s. and 10s., with 10s. + 6d. pit and 6s. gallery at Theatre. Receipts, £6,680; profits, + £3,629. + </p> + <p> + 1814, Oct. 5 to 7. President, the Earl of Plymouth. Miss Stephens + (afterwards Countess of Essex), Miss Travis, Vincent Novello (the + publisher of after years), and Griesbach (oboeist), were among the + "first appearances." Receipts, £7,171 12s.; profits, + £3,629. + </p> + <p> + 1817, Oct. 1 to 3. President, the Hon. Sir Charles Greville, K.C.B. + Mrs. Salmon, Madame Camporese, Mr. Hobbs (tenor), Monsieur Drouet + (flautist), Mr. T. Harper (trumpet), and Mr. Probin (horn), took part + in the performances. Receipts, £8,476; profits, £4,296 + 10s. + </p> + <p> + 1820, Oct. 3 to 6. President, the Hon. Heneage Legge. The principal + performers included Madame Vestris, Signora Corn, Miss Symends (a + native of this town, and who continued to sing here occasionally for + twenty years), Signor Begrez (tenor), Signor Ambrogetti (buffo bass), + Mr. R.N.C. Bocusa (harpist), Mr. Sha gool (violinist), Mr. Stanier + (flautist), and Mr. Munde (viola player). The last two gentlemen were + connected with this town until very late years. The chief novelty was + the English version of Haydn's "Seasons," written by the + Rev. John Webb, a local clergyman. Receipts, £9,483; profits, + £5,001 11s. + </p> + <p> + 1823, Oct. 7 to 10. President, Sir Francis Lawley, Bart. Among the + fresh faces were those of Miss Heaton (afterwards Mrs. T.C. Salt), + Signor Placci (baritone), Mr. Thome (bass), Mr. Nicholson (flute), and + Signor Puzzi (horn). The Rev. John Webb wrote for this occasion, + "The Triumph of Gideon," an English adaptation of + Winter's "Timotos." Receipts, £11,115 10s.; + profits, £5,806 12s. + </p> + <p> + 1826, Oct. 4 to 7. President, Earl Howe. The programmes this year were + more varied than at any previous festival, the performances, in + addition to the "Messiah," including the oratorio + "Joseph," by Mehul, selections from Graun's "Der + Tod Jesu," Handel's "Judas Maccabeus," Haydn's + "Seasons," &c. A number of the performers appeared here + for their first time, including Madame Caradori, Miss Paton, Miss + Bacon, Henry Phillips (the veteran and popular singer of later days, + but who was then only in his 25th year), Signor Curioni (said to have + borne a wonderful resemblance to Shakespeare in his figurehead and + features), Signor de Begius, Mr. John Baptiste Cramer, C.G. + Kiesewetter (who died the following year), Charles Augustus de Beriot + (who married Madame Malibran-Garcia), and quite a host of local + instrumentalists who were long chief among our Birmingham musicians. + Receipts £10,104; profits £4,592. + </p> + <p> + 1829, Oct. 6 to 9. President, the Earl of Bradford. This was the + Jubilee Year of the General Hospital, and conspicuous in the programme + was the "Jubilee Anthem" in commemoration of the fiftieth + year of its establishment, the words being adapted to the music + composed by Cherubini for Charles X.s coronation. This was also the + last year in which the Festival performances took place in St. + Philip's Church or (except several single nights of operatic + selections) at the Theatre. Besides the "Jubilee Anthem," + there were novelties in the shape of Zingarelli's "Cantata + Sacra" (described in a musical publication as a "tame, + insipid, heap of commonplace trash"), and the introduction of + "operatic selections" at the evening concerts. Amongst the + performers who made their <i>debut</i> in Birmingham were Madame + Malibran-Garcia, Mdlle. Blasis, Miss Fanny Ayton, Signor Costa, Signor + Guibelei, Mrs. Anderson (who gave pianoforte lessons to Princess + Victoria), and Mr. Charles Lucas (violoncello). Receipts, + £9,771; profits, £3,806 17s. + </p> + <p> + 1834, Oct. 7 to 10. President, the Earl of Aylesford. This being the + first Festival held in the Town Hall it may be noted that the prices + of admission were for the morning performances, 21/-for reserved and + 10/6 unreserved seats; in the evening, 15/- and 8/-; at the Theatre, + boxes and pit, 15/-, gallery, 7/-; ball on Friday, 10/6. There were 14 + principal vocalists, 33 in the semi-chorus, 187 in the full chorus, + 147 instrumental performers, 2 conductors, 2 organists, and 1 pianist. + Besides the "Messiah," there was the new oratorio, + "David," by Nerkomm (the first that was originally composed + for our Festivals), selections from the same author's "Mount + Sinai," from Spohr's "Last Judgment," from + Handel's "Israel in Egypt," and an arrangement of + Hummel's "Motet," &c. This was the first + introduction to the Festivals of Miss Clara Novello (afterwards + Countess Gigliucci), Madame Stockhausen and her husband (harpist), + Ignaz Moscheles, Mr. William Machin (a townsman), Miss Aston and Miss + Bate (both Birmingham ladies), Mr. George Hollins (the first appointed + Town Hall organist), and others. Receipts, £13,527; profits, + £4,035. + </p> + <p> + 1837, Sept. 19 to 22. President, Lord Willoughby de Broke. + Mendelssohn's new oratorio, "St. Paul" (oft mistakenly + supposed to have been specially written for the occasion), was the + most important production, but Neukomm's "Ascension," + Hæser's "Triumph of Faith," and several other new + compositions were performed on this occasion. In addition to + Mendelssohn's first appearance here as conductor, there were other + new faces, among them being Madame Giula Grisi, Madame Emma + Albertazzi, Mrs. Albert Shaw, Signor Antonio Tamburini, Mr. Alfred + Mellon (in his 17th year, but even then leader of the band at the + Theatre), Signor Regondi (concertina player), &c. Receipts, + £11,900, but, as besides more than usually heavy expenses, + £1,200 was paid for building the recess in which the organ was + placed, the profits were only £2,776. + </p> + <p> + 1840, Sept. 22 to 25. President, Lord Leigh. The oratorio, + "Israel in Egypt," by Handel, selections from his + "Jephtha," and "Joshua," and Mendelssohn's + "Hymn of Praise," were the great features of this Festival, + at which appeared for the first time Madame Dorus-Gras, Miss M.B. + Hawes, Signor Louis Lablache, with Mr. T. Cooke, and Mr. H.G. Blagrove + (two clever violinists). Receipts, £11,613; profits, + £4,503. + </p> + <p> + 1843, Sept. 19 to 22. President, Earl Craven. The performances at the + Town Hall included Handel's oratorio, "Deborah," Dr. + Crotch's "Palestine," and Rossini's "Stabat + Mater," the introduction of the latter causing a considerable + flutter among some of the local clergy, one of whom described it as + the most idolatrous and anti-Christian composition that could be met + with. The Theatre this year was used for three evening concerts, + &c. Among the new vocalists were Miss Rainforth, Signor Mario, + Signer Fornasari, and Mr. Manvers. The organists were Dr. Samuel + Sebastian Wesley and our Mr. James Stimpson, who had succeeded Mr. + George Hollins as Town Hall organist in the previous year. Receipts, + £8,822; profits, £2,916. + </p> + <p> + 1846, Aug. 25 to 28. President, Lord Wrottesley. This is known as + "The Elijah Festival," from the production of + Mendelssohn's <i>chef d'oeuvre</i> the "Elijah" + oratorio. The performers were mostly those who had been here before, + save Miss Bassano, the Misses Williams, Mr. Lockey, and Herr Joseph + Staudigl. Receipts, £11,638; profits, £5,508. + </p> + <p> + 1849, Sept. 4 to 7. President, Lord Guernsey. This Festival is + especially noteworthy as being the first conducted by Sir Michael + Costa, also for the number of "principals" who had not + previously taken part in the Festivals, for the extreme length of the + evening programmes, each lasting till after midnight; and, lastly, + from the fact, that out of a body of 130 instrumentalists, only eight + or nine Birmingham musicians could be found to please the + <i>maestro's</i> taste. The oratorios of the "Messiah," + "Elijah," and "Israel in Egypt," were the + principal pieces, with Mendelssohn's "First Walpurgis + Night," and Prince Albert's "L'Invocazione dell' + Armonia;" the remainder being of the most varied character. The + first appearances included Madame Sontag, Madame Castellan, Miss + Catherine Hayes, Mdlle. Alboni, Miss Stevens (afterwards Mrs. Hale), + Mdlle. Jetty de Treffz, Sims Reeves, Herr Pischek (baritone basso), + Signor Bottesini (double bass), M. Sigismund Thalberg (pianist), M. + Prospere Sainton (violinist), &c. Receipts £10,334; profits, + £2,448. + </p> + <p> + 1852, Sept. 7 to 10. President, Lord Leigh. Handel's oratorio, + "Samson," and Mendelssohn's unfinished + "Christus," were the chief new works; and the principal + stangers were Madame Viardot-Garda, Miss Dolby, Signor Tamberlik, Herr + Formes, Signor Belletti, Mr. Weiss, Signor Piatti (violoncello), + Signer Bottisini (double bass), and Herr Kuhe (pianoforte) Receipts + £11,925; profits £4,704. + </p> + <p> + 1855, Aug. 28 to 31. President, Lord Willoughby de Broke, The + programme included Costa's "Eli" (composed for the + occasion), Beethoven's "Mount of Olives," Glover's + "Tam O'Shanter," Macfarren's cantata + "Lenora," and Mozart's "Requiem;" the fresh + artistes being Madame Rudersdorf, Signor Gardoni, and Herr Reichardt. + Receipts £12,745; profits, £3,108, in addition to + £1,000 spent on decorating, &c., the Hall and organ. + </p> + <p> + 1858, Aug. 31 to Sept. 3. President, the Earl of Dartmouth. The + novelties included Mendelssohn's Hymn "Praise Jehovah," + Beethoven's "Mass in C." Leslie's Cantata + "Judith," Mendelssohn's Cantata "To the Sons of + Art," Costa's serenata "The Dream," &c. First + appearances were made by Mdlle. Victorie Balfe, Signor Ronconi, Mr. + Montem Smith, about a dozen instrumentalists belonging to the Festival + Choral Society, and nearly seventy members of the Amateur Harmonic + Association, Mr. W.C. Stockley filling the post of general + chorus-master. This was the last year of the "Festival + Balls." Receipts, £11,141; profits, £2,731. + </p> + <p> + 1861, Aug. 27 to 30. President, the Earl of Shrewsbury and Talbot. The + new introductions comprised Mdlle. Titiens, Mdlle. Adelina Patti, + Mdlle. Lemmens-Sherrington, Miss Palmer, Signor Giuglini, Mr. Santley, + and Miss Arabella Goddard. Beethoven's "Mass in D," and + Hummel's Motett "Alma Virgo" were part of the programme, + which included not only the "Messiah" and + "Elijah," but also "Samson" and "The + Creation," &c. Receipts, £11,453; profits, + £3,043. + </p> + <p> + 1864, Sept. 6 to 9. President, the Earl of Lichfield. Costa's + "Naaman," Sullivan's "Kenilworth," + Guglieml's "Offertorium," and Mozart's "Twelfth + Mass" were produced. Mr. W.H. Cummings made his first appearance. + Receipts, £13,777; profits, £5,256. + </p> + <p> + 1867, Aug. 27 to 29. President, Earl Beauchamp. The novelties were + Bennett's "Woman of Samaria," Gounod's "Messe + Solonnelle," Benedict's "Legend of St. Cecilia," + and Barnett's "Ancient Mariner." The new singers were + Mdlle. Christine Nilsson and Madume Patey-Whylock. Receipts, + £14,397; profits, £5,541. + </p> + <p> + 1870, Aug. 30 to Sept. 2. President, the Earl of Bradford. The new + works were Barnett's "Paradise and the Peri," + Benedict's "St. Peter," and Hiller's "Nala and + Damayanti," Mdlle. Ilma de Murska, Mdlle. Drasdil, Miss Edith + Wynne (Eos Cymru), Signor Foli, and Mr. Vernon Rigby making their + <i>début</i> as Festival singers. Receipts, £14,635; + profits, £6,195. + </p> + <p> + 1873, Aug. 25 to 28. President, the Earl of Shrewsbury and Talbot. The + most important of the novelties were Sullivan's "Light of the + World," and Schira's "Lord of Burleigh," but the + greatest attraction of all was the patronising presence of royalty in + the person of the Duke of Edinburgh. Receipts, £16,097; profits, + £6,391. + </p> + <p> + 1876, Aug. 29 to Sept. 1. President, the Marquis of Hertford. Herr + Wagner's "Holy Supper," Mr. Macfarren's + "Resurrection," Mr. F.H. Cowen's "Corsair," + and Herr Gade's "Zion" and "Crusaders" were + the pieces now first introduced, the artistes being all old friends, + with the exception of Mr. E. Lloyd. Receipts, £15,160; profits. + £5,823. + </p> + <p> + 1879, Aug. 26 to 20. President, Lord Norton. The fresh compositions + consisted of Herr Max Bruch's "Lay of the Bell," + Rossini's "Moses in Egypt," Saint-Saëns' + "The Lyre and Harp," and Dr. C.S. Heap's "Overture + in F." First appearances included Madame Gerster, Miss Anna + Williams, Mr. Joseph Maas, and Herr Henschel, Receipts, £11,729; + profits, £4,500. + </p> + <p> + 1882, Aug. 29 to Sep. 1. President, Lord Windsor. On this occasion + Madame Roze-Mapleson, Miss Eleanor Farnel, Mr. Horrex, Mr. Campion, + and Mr. Woodhall, first came before a Festival audience. The list of + new works comprised Gounod's "Redemption," Gaul's + "Holy City," Gade's "Psyche," Benedict's + "Graziella," Mr. C.H. Parry's "Symphony in G + Major." Brahm's "Triumphed," with a new song and a + new march by Gounod. Receipts, £15,011; profits, £4,704. + </p> + <p> + 1885. Aug.25 to 28.—President: Lord Brooke. The principal + performers were Madame Albani, Mrs. Hutchinson, Miss Anna Williams, + Madame Patey, Madame Trebelli; Messrs. Edward Lloyd, Joseph Maas, + Santley, Signor Foli. Herr Richter was the conductor. Works performed + were:—Oratorio, "Elijah"; new Cantata, "Sleeping + Beauty"; new Oratorio, "Mors et Vita"; new cantata, + "Yule Tide"; Oratorio, "Messiah"; new Cantata, + "The Spectre's Bride"; new Oratorio, "The Three + Holy Children." + </p> + <p> + <b>Music Halls.</b>—Mr. Henry Holder is often said to have been + the first who opened a public room of this kind, but there had been + one some years before at the George and Dragon, corner of Weaman + Street, Steelhouse Lane, which was both popular and respectably + conducted.—See "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm96">Concert Halls</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Musical Instruments.</b>—Our grandfathers and grandmothers + were content with their harps and harpsichords, their big and little + fiddles, with trumpets and drums, horns, oboes, bassoons, and pipes. + Clarionets were not introduced into the Festival bands until 1778; the + double-bass kettle-drums came in 1784; trombones in 1790; flutes, with + six or more keys, were not known until 1802; serpents appeared in + 1820; flageolets in 1823; the ophicleide was brought in 1829, and the + monster specimens in 1834, which year also saw the introduction of the + piccolo; the bombardon not coming until 1843. Pianofortes were first + known in England in 1767, but when first played in Birmingham is + uncertain; the first time the instrument is named in a Festival + programme was 1808, but the loan of a grand by Mr. Tomkinson, a London + maker, in 1817, was an event thought deserving of a special vote of + thanks. + </p> + <p> + <b>Musical Notabilities</b> of the highest calibre have been frequent + visitors here, at the Festivals and at the Theatres, though the + native-born sons of song who have attained high rank in the profession + number but few. Under "<i>Musical Festivals</i>" appear the + names of all the leading artistes who have taken part in those + world-known performances, the dates of their first appearances being + only given, and in like manner in the notice of our + "<i>Theatres</i>" and "<i>Theatrical + Celebrities</i>" will be chronicled the advents of many + celebrated "stars" who have trod our local boards. + Considering the position he long held in the musical world, the + introduction of Sir Michael Costa to Birmingham has sufficient + interest to be here noted. Signor Costa had been sent by his friend + Zingarelli to conduct his "Cantata Sacra" at the Festival of + 1829. The managers, however, thought so very little of the young + gentleman's appearance (he was but nineteen) that they absolutely + refused him permission to do so, only allowing his expenses on + condition that he went among the singers. It was of no use his telling + them that he was a conductor and not a singer, and he had nervously to + take the part assigned him. On returning to London, he quickly + "made his mark," and fell into his right place of honour and + credit. + </p> + <p> + <b>Musical Services.</b>—The first of a series of week-night + musical services for the people took place at St. Luke's Church, + September 10, 1877, the instruments used being the organ, two + kettle-drums, two trumpets, and two trombones. This was by no means an + original idea, for the followers of Swedenborg had similar services as + well in their Chapel in Paradise Street (on site of Queen's + College), as in Newhall Street and Summer Lane. + </p> + <p> + <b>Mysteries of Past History.</b>—It was believed that a + quantity of arms were provided here by certain gentlemen favourable to + the Pretender's cause in 1745, and that on the rebels failing to + reach Birmingham, the said arms were buried on the premises of a + certain manufacturer, who for the good of his health fled to Portugal. + The fact of the weapons being hidden came to the knowledge of the + Government some sixty years after, and a search for them was intended, + but though the name of the manufacturer was found in the rare books of + the period, and down to 1750, the site of his premises could not be + ascertained, the street addresses not being inserted, only the quarter + of the town, thus: "T. S.—— Digbath quarter." + The swords, &c., have remained undiscovered to the present + day.—M 10, 1864, while excavations were being made in the old + "Castle Yard," in High Street the skeletons of three human + beings were found in a huddled position about 2-1/2 ft. from the + surface.—The Old Inkleys were noted for the peculiar character + (or want thereof) of its inhabitants, though why they buried their + dead beneath their cellar floors must remain a mystery. On October 29, + 1879, the skeleton of a full-grown man was found underneath what had + once been the site of a house in Court No. 25 of the Old Inkleys, + where it must have lain at least 20 years. + </p> + <p> + <b>Nail Making.</b>—See "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm15">Trades</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Natural History</b> and Microscopical Society was formed in + January, 1858. The first meeting of the Midland Union of Natural + History, Philosophical, and Archæological Societies and Field + Clubs was held at the Midland Institute, May 27, 1878. + </p> + <p> + <b>Nechells.</b>—There is, or was, a year or two back, a very + old house, "Nechells Hall," still in existence, where at one + period of their history, some of the Holte family resided. + </p> + <p> + <b>Needless Alley</b> is said to have been originally called Needles + Alley from a pin and needle makers' shop there. + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm143"></a>Nelson.</b>—Boulton struck a line medal + in commemoration of the Battle of Trafalgar, and by permission of the + Government gave one to every person who took part in the action; + flag-officers and commanders receiving copies in gold, lieutenants, + &c., in silver, and the men, bronze. Being struck for this purpose + only, and not for sale, the medal is very scarce.—See + "<i><a class="internal" href="#Birm20">Statues</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>New Hall.</b>—One of the residences of the Colmore family, + demolished in 1787, the advertisement announcing the sale of its + materials appearing July 2 that year. It is generally believed that + the house stood in exact line with Newhall Street, and at its juncture + with Great Charles Street; the houses with the steps to them showing + that the site between, whereon the Hall stood, was lowered after its + clearance. + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm132"></a>Newhall Hill.</b>—Famous for ever in our + history for the gatherings which have at times taken place thereon, + the most important of which are those of 1819, July 12, to elect a + "representative" who should <i>demand</i> admittance to, and + a seat in, the House of Commons, whether the Commons would let him or + no. For taking part in this meeting, George Edmonds, Major Cartwright, + and some others, were put on their trial. A "true bill" was + found on August 9th, but the indictment being removed to King's + Bench, the trial did not take place till August 7, 1820, the sentence + of 12 months' imprisonment being passed May 28, 1821.—In + 1832, May 14, nearly 200,000 persons present, Mr. Thomas Attwood + presiding. This is the meeting described as "one of the most + solemn spectacles ever seen in the world." when the whole mighty + assemblage took the vow of the Political Union, to "devote + themselves and their children to their country's + cause."—In 1833, May 20, at which the Government was + censured for passing a Coercian Bill for Ireland, for keeping on the + window and house taxes, for not abolishing the Coin Laws, and for not + allowing vote by ballot. + </p> + <p> + <b>Newhall Lane</b> was the original name for that part of Colmore Row + situate between Newhall Street and Livery Street. + </p> + <p> + <b>New John Street</b>, for a long time, was considered the longest + street in the borough, being 1 mile and 200 yards long. + </p> + <p> + <b>New Market Street.</b>—Some ground was set out here, years + ago, for a market; hence the name. + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm86"></a>Newspapers and Magazines.</b>—In 1719 + there were many small "sheets of news" published in London, + but the imposition of a halfpenny stamp finished the career of the + majority. In 1797 a 3-1/2 d. stamp, and in 1815 a 4d. stamp was + required. In 1836 it was reduced to 1d., and in 1855, after a long + agitation, the newspaper duty was abolished altogether. About 1830 the + trick of printing a calico sheet of news was tried, the letter of the + law being that duty must be paid on news<i>papers</i>, but the + Somerset House people soon stopped it. In Oct., 1834, among many + others, James Guest, Thomas Watts, and William Plastans, news-vendors + of this town, were committed to Warwick Gaol fur the offence of + selling unstamped papers. In 1840, the total circulation of all the + local papers did not reach 14,000 copies per week, a great contrast to + the present day, when one office alone sends out more than 150,000 in + the like time. During the Chartist agitation there were frequently as + many as 5,000 to 6,000 copies of Feargus O'Connor's + <i>Northern Star</i> sold here, and many hundreds a week of the + <i>Weekly Dispatch</i>, a great favourite with "the people" + then. <i>Cacoethes scribendi</i>, or the scribbling itch, is a + complaint many local people have suffered from, but to give a list of + all the magazines, newspapers, journals, and periodicals that have + been published here is impossible. Many like garden flowers have + bloomed, fruited, and lived their little day, others have proved + sturdy plants and stood their ground for years, but the majority only + just budded into life before the cold frosts of public neglect struck + at their roots and withered them up, not a leaf being left to tell + even the date of their death. Notes of a few are here given:— + </p> + <p> + <i>Advertiser</i>.—First number appeared Oct. 10, 1833. + </p> + <p> + <i>Argus</i>.—Started as a monthly Aug. 1, 1828.—See + "<i><a class="internal" href="#Birm99">Allday</a></i>" under + "<i><a class="internal" href="#Birm62">Noteworthy + Men</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <i>Aris's Gazette</i>.—The oldest of our present local + papers was first published Nov. 10, 1741. Like all other papers of + that period, it was but a dwarf in comparison with the present + broad-sheet, and the whole of the local news given in its first number + was comprised in five lines, announcing the celebration of Admiral + Vernon's birthday. Its Founder, Thos. Aris, died July 4, 1761. + Since that date it had seen but few changes in its proprietorship + until 1872, when it was taken by a Limited Liability Company, its + politics remaining staunchly Conservative. On May 12th, 1862, it was + issued as a daily, the Saturday's publication still bearing the + old familiar name. + </p> + <p> + <i>Athlete</i>.—First issued as the "<i>Midland + Athlete</i>," January, 1879. + </p> + <p> + <i>Bazaar</i>.—A quarto serial of 1823-25. + </p> + <p> + <i>Birmingham Magazine</i>.—A literary and scientific + publication edited by Rev. Hugh Hutton. First appeared in Nov. 1827, + running only nine numbers. + </p> + <p> + <i>Brum</i>.—A so-called satirical, but slightly scurrilous, + sheet issued in 1869, for a brief period. + </p> + <p> + <i>Central Literary Magazine</i>.—First No. in Jan. 1873. + </p> + <p> + <i>Chronicle</i>.—First published in 1765 by Myles Swinney. who + continued to edit the paper until his death in 1812. It was sold March + 15, 1819, as well as the type foundry which had been carried on by Mr. + Swinney, a business then noteworthy, as there was but one other of the + kind in England out of London. + </p> + <p> + <i>Daily Globe</i>.—A Conservative 1/2d. evening paper, + commencing Nov. 17, 1879, and dying Oct. 30, 1880. + </p> + <p> + <i>Daily Mail</i>.—Evening 1/2d. paper; an offshoot from the + <i>Daily Post</i>, and now printed on adjoining premises. First + published Sept. 7, 1870. + </p> + <p> + <i>Daily Post</i>.—First published Dec. 4, 1857, by the + proprietors of the <i>Journal</i>. From the first it "took" + well, and it is the leading daily paper of the Midland Counties. + </p> + <p> + <i>Daily Press</i>.—The first daily paper issued in Birmingham + appeared on May 7, 1855. Like many other "new inventions," + however, it did not succeed in making a firm footing and succumbed in + November, 1858. + </p> + <p> + <i>Dart</i>.—A well-conducted comic weekly paper. Commenced Oct. + 28, 1876. + </p> + <p> + <i>Edgbaston Advertiser</i>.—Published monthly by Mr. Thos. + Britton, Ladywood. As its name implies, this publication is more of + the character of an advertising sheet than a newspaper, but it often + contains choice literary pieces which make it a favourite. + </p> + <p> + <i>Edgbastonia</i>.—A monthly, full of quaint and curious notes, + local biographies, &c., issued by Mr. Eliezer Edwards, the + well-known "S.D.R." First sent out May, 1881. + </p> + <p> + <i>Edmonds' Weekly Recorder</i>.—First published by George + Edmonds, June 18, 1819. It was alive in 1823, but date of last issue + is uncertain. + </p> + <p> + <i>German</i>.—A newspaper printed in the German language made + its appearance here Aug. 7, 1866, but did not live long. + </p> + <p> + <i>Graphic</i>.—A penny illustrated commenced Feb. 21, 1883, but + its growth was not sufficiently <i>hardy</i> to keep it alive more + than two <i>summers</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gridiron</i>.—"A grill for saints and sinners," + according to No. 1 (June 14, 1879), and if bitter biting personalities + can be called fun, the publication was certainty an amusing one, so + long as it lasted. + </p> + <p> + <i>Hardware Lion</i>.—Rather a curious name for the monthly + advertising sheet first published Dec., 1880, but it did not long + survive. + </p> + <p> + <i>Illustrated Midland News</i>.—The publication of this paper, + Sept. 4, 1869, was a spirited attempt by Mr. Joseph Hatton to rival + the <i>Illustrated London News</i>; but the fates were against him, + and the last number was that of March 11, 1871. + </p> + <p> + <i>Inspector</i>.—A political sheet, which only appeared a few + times in 1815. + </p> + <p> + <i>Iris</i>.—A few numbers of a literary magazine thus named + were issued in 1830. + </p> + <p> + <i>Jabet's Herald</i>.—A weekly paper, published 1808, but + not of long existence. + </p> + <p> + <i>Journal</i>.—A paper with this name was published in 1733, + but there are no files extant to show how long it catered for the + public. A copy of its 18th number, Monday, May 21, 1733, a small 4to + of 4 pages, with the 1/2d. red stamp, is in the possession of the + proprietors of the <i>Daily Post</i>, The <i>Journal</i> of later days + first appeared June 4 1825, and continued to be published as a + Saturday weekly until 1873, when it was incorporated with the <i>Daily + Post</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Liberal Review</i>.—First number March 20, 1880, and a few + numbers ended it. + </p> + <p> + <i>Looker-On</i>.—A quizzical critical sheet of theatrical items + of the year 1823. + </p> + <p> + <i>Literary Phoenix</i>.—A miscellany of literary litter swept + together by Mr. Henry Hawkes in 1820, but soon dropped. + </p> + <p> + <i>Lion</i>.—Another of the modern "satirical" + shortlived sheets, started Jan. 4, 1877. + </p> + <p> + <i>Mercury.—The Birmingham Mercury and Warwickshire and + Staffordshire Advertiser</i> was the title of newspaper of which the + first copy was dated November 24, 1820. The title of <i>Mercury</i> + was revived in 1848. on the 10th December of which year Mr. Wm. B. + Smith brought out his paper of that name. It commenced with + <i>éclat</i>, but soon lost its good name, and ultimately, + after a lingering existence (as a daily at last), it died out August + 24, 1857. + </p> + <p> + <i>Middle School Mirror</i>.—A monthly, edited, written, and + published by the boys of the Middle School of King Edward the Sixth, + shone forth in December, 1880. + </p> + <p> + <i>Midland Antiquary</i>.—First numbtr for Oct., 1882. A + well-edited chronicle of matters interesting to our "Old + Mortality" boys. + </p> + <p> + <i>Midland Counties Herald</i>.—First published July 26, 1836, + by Messrs. Wright and Dain. Its circulation, though almost gratuitous + is extensive and from its high character as a medium for certain + classes of advertisements it occasionally has appeared in the novel + shape of a newspaper without any news, the advertisers taking up all + the space. + </p> + <p> + <i>Midland Echo</i>—Halfpenny evening paper, commenced Feb. 26, + 1883, as an extra-superfine Liberal organ. Ceased to appear as a local + paper early in 1885. + </p> + <p> + <i>Midland Metropolitan Magazine</i>. This heavily-named monthly + lasted just one year, from Dec., 1852. + </p> + <p> + <i>Midland Naturalist</i>.—Commenced Jan. 1, 1878. + </p> + <p> + <i>Morning News</i>.—Daily paper, in politics a Nonconformist + Liberal; first published Jan. 2, 1871, under the editorship of George + Dawson until the expiration of 1873. On Aug. 16, 1875, it was issued + as a morning and evening paper at 1/2d.; but the copy for May 27, + 1876, contained its own death notice. + </p> + <p> + <i>Mouse Trap</i>.—The title of a little paper of playful + badinage, issued for a month or two in the autumn of 1824. + </p> + <p> + <i>Naturalists' Gazette</i>.—In Sept. 1882, the Birmingham + naturalists began a gazette of their own. + </p> + <p> + <i>Old and New Birmingham</i> was published in monthly parts, the + first being issued June 1, 1878. + </p> + <p> + <i>Owl</i>.—A weekly pennyworth of self-announced "wit and + wisdom" first issued Jan. 30, 1879. + </p> + <p> + <i>Penny Magazine</i>.—This popular periodical, the fore-runner + of all the cheap literature of the day, may be said to have had a + Birmingham origin, as it was first suggested to Charles Knight by Mr. + M.D. Hill in 1832. + </p> + <p> + <i>Philanthropist</i>.—First published (as <i>The Reformer</i>) + April 16, 1835, by Benjamin Hudson, 18, Bull Street; weekly, four + pages, price 7d., but in the following September lowered to 4-1/2d., + the stamp duty of 4d. being at that time reduced to 1d. In politics it + was Liberal, and a staunch supporter of the Dissenters, who only + supported it for about two years. + </p> + <p> + <i>Radical Times</i>.—Came into existence Sept. 30, 1876, but + being too rabidly Radical, even for "the 600," whose + leading-strings it shirked, it did not thrive for long. + </p> + <p> + <i>Register or Entertaining Museum</i>.—With the prefix of the + town's name, this monthly periodical lived one year from May 10, + 1764. This was one of the earliest London-printed country papers, the + only local portion being the outside pages, so that it suited for a + number of places. + </p> + <p> + <i>Reporter and Review</i>.—Principally devoted to the doings on + the local stage, and published for a brief period during June, + &c., 1823. + </p> + <p> + <i>Saturday Evening Post</i>.—A weekly "make-up" from + the <i>Daily Post</i> (with a few distinctive features) and came into + being with that paper; price 1-1/2d. Originally issued at noon on + Saturday, but latterly it has appeared simultaneous with the + <i>Daily</i>, and is known as the <i>Weekly Post</i>, its price lately + having been reduced to 1d. + </p> + <p> + <i>Saturday Night</i>.—First published, Sept. 30, 1882. + </p> + <p> + <i>Saturday's Register</i>.—Another of George Edmunds' + political papers, which appeared for a few months in 1820. + </p> + <p> + <i>Spectator</i>.—A literary and dramatic monthly, of which + seven parts were published in 1824. + </p> + <p> + <i>Sunday Echo</i>.—First number came out May 21, 1882. + </p> + <p> + <i>Sunday Express</i>.—Started August, 1884, and died August, + 1885. + </p> + <p> + <i>Sunday Telegram</i>.—Started May, 1883. + </p> + <p> + <i>Sunrise</i>.—Rose Nov. 18, 1882, at the price of + one-halfpenny, and lasted a few weeks only. + </p> + <p> + <i>Tattler</i>.—April 1817 saw the first appearance of this + tittle-tattle-tale-telling monthly tease to all lovers of theatrical + order, and August saw the last. + </p> + <p> + <i>Theatrical Argus</i>.—Of May and following months of 1830. A + two-penny-worth of hotch-potch, principally scandal. + </p> + <p> + <i>Theatrical John Bull</i>.—Published in May, 1824, lasting for + the season only. + </p> + <p> + <i>Theatrical Note Book</i>.—Rival to above in June, 1824, and + going off the stage same time. + </p> + <p> + <i>Town Crier</i>.—This respectable specimen of a local comic + appeared first in September, 1861, and it deserves a long life, if + only for keeping clear of scandal and scurrility. + </p> + <p> + <i>Warwick and Staffordshire Journal</i>.—Though printed here, + the town was not thought capable of filling its columns; a little + experience showed the two counties to be as bad, and subscribers were + tempted to buy by the issue of an Illustrated Bible and Prayer Book + sent out in parts with the paper. The first No. was that of Aug. 20, + 1737, and it continued till the end of Revelations, a large number of + copperplate engravings being given with the Bible, though the price of + the paper was but 2d. + </p> + <p> + <i>Weekly Mercury</i>.—Commenced November, 1884. + </p> + <p> + <i>Weekly News</i>.—A weak attempt at a weekly paper, lasted + from May to September, 1882. + </p> + <p> + <b>Newsrooms.</b>—The first to open a newsroom were Messrs. + Thomson and Wrightson, booksellers, who on Aug. 22, 1807, admitted the + public to its tables. In 1825 a handsome newsroom was erected in + Bennett's Hill, the site of which was sold in 1858 for the County + Court, previous to its removal to Waterloo Street. + </p> + <p> + <b>New Street</b> once called "Beast Market." was in + Hutton's time approached from High Street through an archway, the + rooms over being in his occupation. In 1817 there were several + walled-in gardens on the Bennett's Hill side of the street, and it + is on record that one house at least was let at the low rent of 5s. + 6d. per week. The old "Grapes" public-house was pulled down + just after the Queen's visit, being the last of the houses removed + on account of the railway station. Though it has long been the + principal business street of the town, New street was at one time + devoted to the ignoble purposes of a beast market, and where the fair + ladies of to-day lightly tread the flags when on shopping bent, the + swine did wait the butcher's knife. New Street is 561 yards in + length; between Temple Street and Bennett's Hill it is 46-1/2 feet + wide, and near Worcester Street 65 ft. 4 in. wide. + </p> + <p> + <b>Nonconformists.</b>—The so-called Act of Uniformity of 1602 + deprived nearly 2,000 of the clergy of their livings, and a few of + them came to Birmingham as a place of refuge, ministering among the + Dissenters, who then had no buildings for regular worship. There were + many documents in the lost Staunton Collection relating to some of + these clergymen, who, however, did not find altogether comfortable + quarters even here, one George Long, M.D., who had fled from his + persecutors in Staffordshire, finding no peace in Birmingham, removed + to Ireland; others, though they came here by stealth to minister, had + to reside in country parts. A Central Nonconformist Committee was + formed here March 3, 1870. + </p> + <p> + <b>Nonjurors.</b>—Among the name of the Roman Catholics, or + "Non-jurors," who refused to take the oath of allegiance to + George I., appeared that of John Stych, of Birmingham, whose forfeited + estate was, in 1715, valued at £12. + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm105"></a>Northfield.</b>—Four and a-half miles + from Birmingham. There was a Church here at the time of the Norman + survey, and some traces of its Saxon origin, students of architecture + said, could once be found in the ancient doorway on the north side of + the building. Some forty years ago the psalmody of the congregation + and choir received assistance from the mellifluous strains ground out + of a barrel organ, which instrument is still preserved as a curiosity + by a gentleman of the neighbourhood. They had an indelible way at one + time of recording local proceedings in matters connected with the + Church here. The inscriptions on the six bells cast in 1730 + being:— + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + Treble.—We are now six, though once but five,<br /> + 2nd.—Though against our casting some did strive,<br /> + 3rd.—But when a day for meeting they did fix,<br /> + 4th.—There appeared but nine against twenty-six.<br /> + 5th.—Samuel Palmer and Thomas Silk Churchwardens.<br /> + Tenor.—Thomas Kettle and William Jervoise did contrive To + make us six that were but five. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm45"></a>Notable Offences.</b>—In olden days very + heavy punishments were dealt out for what we now think but secondary + offences, three men being sentenced to death at the Assizes, held + March 31, 1742, one Anstey for burglary, Townsend for sheep-stealing, + and Wilmot for highway robbery. The laws also took cognisance of what + to us are strange crimes, a woman in 1790 being imprisoned here for + selling almanacks without the Government stamp on them; sundry + tradesmen also being heavily fined for dealing in covered buttons. The + following are a few other notable olfences that have been chronicled + for reference:— + </p> + <p> + <i>Bigamy</i>.—The Rev. Thomas Morris Hughes was, Nov. 15, 1883, + sentenced to seven years' penal servitude for this offence. He had + been previously punished for making a false registration of the birth + of a child, the mother of which was his own stepdaughter. + </p> + <p> + <i>Burglary</i>.—On Christmas eve, 1800, five men broke into the + counting-house at Soho, stealing therefrom 150 guineas and a lot of + silver, but Matthew Boulton captured four of them, who were + transported.—The National School at Handsworth, was broken into + and robbed for the fifth time Sept. 5, 1827.—A warehouse in + Bradford Street was robbed Jan. 9, 1856, of an iron safe, weighing + nearly 4cwt., and containing £140 in cash.—A burglary was + committed in the Ball Ring, July 5, 1862, for which seven persons were + convicted. + </p> + <p> + <i>Coining</i>.—Booth, the noted coiner and forger, was captured + at Perry Barr, March 28, 1812, his house being surrounded by + constables and soldiers. In addition to a number of forged notes and + £600 in counterfeit silver, the captors found 200 guineas in + gold and nearly £3,000 in good notes, but they did not save + Booth Irom being hanged. Booth had many hidingplaces for his peculiar + productions, parcels of spurious coins having several times been found + in hedgerow banks and elsewhere; the latest find (in April, 1884) + consisted of engraved copper-plates for Bank of England £1 and + £2 notes.—There have been hundreds of coiners punished + since his day. The latest trick is getting really good dies for + sovereigns, for which Ingram Belborough, an old man of three score and + six, got seven years' penal servitude, Nov, 15 1883. + </p> + <p> + <i>Deserters</i>.—On 24 July, 1742, a soldier deserted from his + regiment in this town. Followed, and resisting, he was shot at + Tettenhall Wood.—A sergeant of the Coldstream Guards was shot + here while trying to capture a deserter, September 13, 1796. + </p> + <p> + <i>Dynamite making</i>.—One of the most serious offences + committed in Birmingham was discovered when Alfred Whitehead was + arrested April 5, 1883, on the charge of manufacturing nitroglycerine, + or dynamite, at 128, Ledsam Street. Whitehead was one of the + Irish-American or American-Irish party of the Land Leaguers or Home + Rulers, who entertain the idea that by committing horrible outrages in + England. they will succeed in making Ireland "free from the + galling yoke of Saxon tyranny" and every Irishman independent of + everybody and everything everywhere. Well supplied with funds from New + York, Whitehead quietly arranged his little manufactory, buying + glycerine from one firm and nitric and sulphuric acids from others, + certain members of the conspiracy coming from London to take away the + stuff when it was completely mixed. The deliveries of the peculiar + ingredients attracted the attention of Mr. Gilbert Pritchard, whose + chemical knowledge led him to guess what they were required for; he + informed his friend, Sergeant Price, of his suspicions; Price and his + superior officers made nightly visits to Ledsam Street, getting into + the premises, and taking samples for examination; and on the morning + named Whitehead's game was over, though not before he had been + watched in sending off two lots of the dangerously explosive stuff to + London. There was, however, no less than 200lbs weight found still on + the premises. The men who carried it to London were quickly caught + with the dynamite in their possession, and with Whitehead were brought + to trial and each of them sentenced to penal servitude for life. The + distribution of rewards in connection with the "dynamite + outrages," so far as Birmingham people were concerned, was + somewhat on a similar scale to that described by the old sailor, when + he said "prize-money" was distributed through a ladder, all + passing through going to the officers, while any sticking to the wood + was divided among the men. Mr. Farndale, the Chief of Police, was + granted an addition to his salary of £100 per year; Inspector + Black was promoted to the rank of Superintendent, adding £50 a + year to his salary, and was presented with £100 from Government; + Sergeant Price, became Inspector, with a rise of £41 12s. a + year, and received a bonus of £200; Inspector Rees' salary + was raised to two guineas a week, with a gift, of £50: while Mr. + Pritchard, to whom belonged the conspicuous service of having given + the information which led the police to act, was rewarded (!) with + £50, having lost his situation through his services to the + public. + </p> + <p> + <i>Embezzlements</i>.—In 1871, W. Harrison, the Secretary of the + Birmingham Gas Company, skedaddled, his books showing defalcations to + the amount of £18,000. When the company was dissolved, + £100 was left in a bank for Mr. Secretary's prosecution, + should he return to this country.—July 12, 1877, the secretary + of the Moseley Skating Rink Company was awarded twelve months, and the + secretary of the Butcher's Hide and Skin Company six months, for + similar offences, but for small amounts. + </p> + <p> + <i>Forgeries</i>.—In the year 1800, seven men were hung at + Warwick for forgery, and with them one for sheep-stealing. The + manufacture of forged bank-notes was formerly quite a business here, + and many cases are on record of the detection and punishment of the + offenders.—June 28, 1879. the Joint Stock Bank were losers of + £2,130 through cashing three forged cheques bearing the + signature of W.C.B. Cave, the clever artist getting ten + years—Nov. 15, 1883. John Alfred Burgan, manager of the Union + Bank, for forging and uttering a certain order, and falsifying his + books, the amounts embezzled reaching £9,000, was sentenced to + fifteen years' penal servitude.—On the previous day Benjamin + Robert Danks was similarly punished for forgeries on his employer, Mr. + Jesse Herbert, barrister, who had been exceedingly kind to + him—Zwingli Sargent, solicitor, was sentenced to five years' + penal servitude, April 28, 1885, for forgery and misappropriating + money belonging to clients. + </p> + <p> + <i>Fortunetelling</i> is still far from being an uncommon offence, but + "Methratton," the "Great Seer of England," + <i>alias</i> John Harewell, who, on March 28, 1883, was sentenced to + nine months hard labour, must rank as being at the top of the peculiar + profession. Though a "Great Seer" he could not foresee his + own fate. + </p> + <p> + <i>Highwaymen</i>.—The "gentlemen of the road" took + their tolls in a very free manner in the earlier coaching days, + notwithstanding that the punishment dealt out was frequently that of + death or, in mild cases, transportation for life. The Birmingham stage + coach was stopped and robbed near Banbury, May 18, 1743, by two + highwaymen, who, however, were captured same day, and were afterwards + hung.—Mr. Wheeley, of Edgbaston, was stopped in a lane near his + own house, and robhed of 20 guineas by a footpad, May 30, + 1785.—An attempt to rob and murder Mr. Evans was made near Aston + Park, July 25, 1789.—Henry Wolseley, Esq. (third son of Sir W. + Wolseley, Bart.), was robbed by high-waymen near Erdington, Nov. 5, + 1793.—Some highwaymen robbed a Mr. Benton of £90 near + Aston Brook, April 6, 1797.—The coach from Sheffield was stopped + by footpads near Aston Park, March 1, 1798, and the passengers + robbed.—The "Balloon" coach was robbed of + £8,000, Dec. 11, 1822, and the Warwick mail was robbed of no + less than £20,000 in bank notes, Nov. 28. 1827. + </p> + <p> + <i>Horrible</i>.—The bodies of eleven children were found buried + at back of 68, Long Acre, Nechells, where lived Ann Pinson, a midwife, + who <i>said</i> they were all still-born, July, 1878. + </p> + <p> + <i>Long Firms</i>.—A term applied to rogues, who, by pretending + to be in business, procure goods by wholesale, and dispose of them + fraudulently. W.H. Stephenson, of this town, a great patron of these + gentry, was sentenced to seven years' penal servitude, Nov. 22, + 1877, for the part he had taken in one of these swindling + transactions, according to account by far from being the first of the + kind he had had a hand in. + </p> + <p> + <i>Next-of-Kin Frauds</i>.—Many good people imagine they are + entitled to property now in other hands, or laid up in Chancery, and + to accommodate their very natural desire to obtain information that + would lead to their getting possession of same, a "Next-of-Kin + Agency" was opened in Burlington Passage at the beginning of + 1882. The <i>modus operandi</i> was of the simplest: the firm + advertised that Brown, Jones, and Robinson were wanted; Brown, Jones, + and Robinson turned up, and a good many of them; they paid the enquiry + fees, and called again. They were assured (every man Jack of them) + they were right owners, and all they had to do was to instruct the + firm to recover. More fees, and heavy ones; the Court must be + petitioned—more fees; counsel engaged—more fees; case + entered for hearing—more fees, and so on, as long as the poor + patients would stand bleeding. Several instances were known of people + selling their goods to meet the harpies' demands; clergymen and + widows, colliers and washer-women, all alike were in the net. It + became too hot at last, and Rogers, Beeton and Co., were provided with + berths in the gaol. At Manchester Assizes July 18, 1882, J.S. Rogers + got two years' hard labour, A. Mackenzie and J.H. Shakespear (a + solicitor) each 21 months; and E.A. Beeton, after being in gaol six + months, was ordered to stop a further twelve, the latter's + conviction being from this town. + </p> + <p> + <i>Novel Thefts</i>.—A youth of nineteen helped himself to + £128 from a safe at General Hospital, and spent £13 of it + before the magistrates (Jan. 15, 1875) could give him six months' + lodgings at the gaol.—Three policemen were sent to penal + servitude for five years for thieving July 8, 1876.—Sept. 19, + 1882, some labourers engaged in laying sewage pipes near Newton + Street, Corporation Street, came across some telegraph cables, and + under the impression that they were "dead" wires, hitched a + horse thereto and succeeded in dragging out about a dozen yards of no + less than 33 different cables connecting this town with Ireland, the + Continent, and America. Their prize was sold for 4s. 6d., but the + inconvenience caused was very serious. Henry Jones, who was tried for + the trick, pleaded ignorance, and was let off.—At Quarter + Sessions, Ernest Lotze, got six months for stealing, Dec. 12, 1892, + from his employer 87lb. weight of human hair, valued at £300. + </p> + <p> + <i>Personal Outrages</i>.—Maria Ward was sentenced to penal + servitude December 18, 1873, for mutilating her husband in a shocking + manner.—At Warwick Assizes, December 19, 1874, one man was + sentenced to 15 years, and four others to 7 years' penal servitude + for outraging a woman in Shadwell Street.—George Moriarty, + plasterer, pushed his wife through the chamber window, and on her + clinging to the ledge beat her hands with a hammer till she fell and + broke her leg, May 31, 1875. It was three months before she could + appear against him, and he had then to wait three months for his + trial, which resulted in a twenty years' sentence. + </p> + <p> + <i>Sacrilege</i>.—In 1583 St. Martin's Church was robbed of + velvet "paul cloathes," and also some money belonging to the + Grammar School.— Handsworth Church was robbed of its sacramental + plate, February 10, 1784; and Aston Church was similarly despoiled, + April 21, 1788.—A gross sacrilege was commuted in Edgbaston + Church, December 15, 1816.—Four Churches were broken into on the + night of January 3, 1873. + </p> + <p> + <i>Sedition and Treason</i>.—George Ragg, printer, was + imprisoned for sedition, February 12, 1821.—George Thompson, gun + maker, 31, Whittall Street, was imprisoned, August 7, 1839, for + selling guns to the Chartists. + </p> + <p> + <i>Shop Robberies</i>.—Diamonds worth £400 were stolen + from Mr. Wray's shop, November 27, 1872.—A jeweller's + window in New Street was smashed January 23, 1875, the damage and loss + amounting to £300.—A bowl containing 400 "lion + sixpences" was stolen from Mr. Thomas's window, in New + Street, April 5, 1878.—Mr. Mole's jeweller's shop, High + Street, was plundered of £500 worth, April 13th, 1881. Some of + the works of the watches taken were afterwards fished up from the + bottom of the Mersey, at Liverpool. + </p> + <p> + <i>Short Weight</i>.—Jan. 2, 1792, there was a general + "raid" made on the dealers in the market, when many + short-weight people came to grief. + </p> + <p> + <i>Street Shouting</i>.—The Watch Committee passed a bye-law, + May 14, 1878, to stop the lads shouting "<i>Mail, Mail</i>," + but they go on doing it. <i>Swindles</i>.—Maitland Boon + Hamilton, a gentleman with a cork leg, was given six months on July + 25, 1877, for fleecing Mr. Marsh, the jeweller, out of some + diamonds.—James Bentley, for the "Christmas hamper + swindle," was sentenced to seven years at the Quarter Sessions, + May 1, 1878. + </p> + <p> + The following tables show the number of offences dealt with by the + authorities during the five years ending with 1882 (the charges, of + which only a small number have been reported, being omitted):— + </p> + <p> + The total number of crimes reported under the head of "indictable + offences"—namely, Sessions and Assizes cases—the + number apprehended, and how dealt with, will be gathered from the + following summary:— + </p> + <table cellspacing="10" summary="Total crimes 1878-1882"> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + Year. + </td> + <td style="width: 25%;"> + Crimes. + </td> + <td> + Apprehended. + </td> + <td style="width: 25%;"> + Com. for trial. + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1878 + </td> + <td> + 1746 + </td> + <td> + 495 + </td> + <td> + 349 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1879 + </td> + <td> + 1358 + </td> + <td> + 474 + </td> + <td> + 399 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1880 + </td> + <td> + 1187 + </td> + <td> + 451 + </td> + <td> + 340 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1881 + </td> + <td> + 1343 + </td> + <td> + 435 + </td> + <td> + 351 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1882 + </td> + <td> + 1467 + </td> + <td> + 515 + </td> + <td> + 401 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <table cellspacing="10" summary="Nature of crimes reported 1878-1882"> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + NATURE OF CRIME. + </td> + <td colspan="5"> + Number of Offences Reported. + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + </td> + <td> + 1878. + </td> + <td> + 1879 + </td> + <td> + 1880. + </td> + <td> + 1881. + </td> + <td> + 1882. + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Murder + </td> + <td> + 11 + </td> + <td> + 11 + </td> + <td> + 5 + </td> + <td> + 5 + </td> + <td> + 4 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Shooting, wounding,stabbing, &c. + </td> + <td> + 30 + </td> + <td> + 23 + </td> + <td> + 8 + </td> + <td> + 21 + </td> + <td> + 28 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Manslaughter + </td> + <td> + 4 + </td> + <td> + 3 + </td> + <td> + 13 + </td> + <td> + 6 + </td> + <td> + 8 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Rape, assaults with intent, &c. + </td> + <td> + 6 + </td> + <td> + 1 + </td> + <td> + 1 + </td> + <td> + 9 + </td> + <td> + 4 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Bigamy + </td> + <td> + 8 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + <td> + 1 + </td> + <td> + 4 + </td> + <td> + 7 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Assaults on peace officers + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + <td> + 4 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + <td> + 1 + </td> + <td> + 2 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Burglary, housebreaking, &c. + </td> + <td> + 6 + </td> + <td> + 112 + </td> + <td> + 80 + </td> + <td> + 83 + </td> + <td> + 131 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Breaking into shops, &c. + </td> + <td> + 4 + </td> + <td> + 94 + </td> + <td> + 56 + </td> + <td> + 109 + </td> + <td> + 120 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Robbery + </td> + <td> + -- + </td> + <td> + 9 + </td> + <td> + 6 + </td> + <td> + 10 + </td> + <td> + 9 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Larcenies (various) + </td> + <td> + 1146 + </td> + <td> + 959 + </td> + <td> + 845 + </td> + <td> + 935 + </td> + <td> + 931 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Receiving stolen goods + </td> + <td> + 22 + </td> + <td> + 3 + </td> + <td> + 16 + </td> + <td> + 8 + </td> + <td> + 6 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Frauds and obtaining by false pretences + </td> + <td> + 63 + </td> + <td> + 45 + </td> + <td> + 53 + </td> + <td> + 37 + </td> + <td> + 69 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Forgery and uttering forged instruments + </td> + <td> + 5 + </td> + <td> + 9 + </td> + <td> + 5 + </td> + <td> + 4 + </td> + <td> + 9 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Uttering, &c., counterfeit coin + </td> + <td> + 48 + </td> + <td> + 32 + </td> + <td> + 43 + </td> + <td> + 37 + </td> + <td> + 63 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Suicide (attempting) + </td> + <td> + 20 + </td> + <td> + 17 + </td> + <td> + 19 + </td> + <td> + 16 + </td> + <td> + 23 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + The following are the details of the more important offences dealt + with summarily by the magistrates during the last five years:— + </p> + <table cellspacing="10" summary= + "Offences dealt with by justices 1878-1882"> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + OFFENCES PUNISHABLE BY JUSTICES. + </td> + <td colspan="5"> + Number of persons proceeded against. + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + </td> + <td> + 1878. + </td> + <td> + 1879. + </td> + <td> + 1880. + </td> + <td> + 1881. + </td> + <td> + 1882. + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Assaults (aggravated) on women and children + </td> + <td> + 78 + </td> + <td> + 57 + </td> + <td> + 68 + </td> + <td> + 37 + </td> + <td> + 67 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Assaults on peace-officers, resisting, &c. + </td> + <td> + 479 + </td> + <td> + 390 + </td> + <td> + 340 + </td> + <td> + 340 + </td> + <td> + 385 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Assaults, common + </td> + <td> + 1554 + </td> + <td> + 1242 + </td> + <td> + 1293 + </td> + <td> + 1207 + </td> + <td> + 1269 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Breaches of peace, want of sureties, &c. + </td> + <td> + 426 + </td> + <td> + 381 + </td> + <td> + 287 + </td> + <td> + 219 + </td> + <td> + 244 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Cruelty to animals + </td> + <td> + 154 + </td> + <td> + 77 + </td> + <td> + 129 + </td> + <td> + 128 + </td> + <td> + 94 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Elementary Education Act, offences against + </td> + <td> + 1928 + </td> + <td> + 2114 + </td> + <td> + 1589 + </td> + <td> + 1501 + </td> + <td> + 1755 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Employers and Workshops Act, 1875 + </td> + <td> + 224 + </td> + <td> + 198 + </td> + <td> + 185 + </td> + <td> + 155 + </td> + <td> + 154 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Factory Acts + </td> + <td> + 12 + </td> + <td> + 2 + </td> + <td> + 17 + </td> + <td> + 11 + </td> + <td> + 62 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Licensing Acts offences + </td> + <td> + 267 + </td> + <td> + 263 + </td> + <td> + 132 + </td> + <td> + 254 + </td> + <td> + 297 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Drunkenness, drunk and disorderly + </td> + <td> + 2851 + </td> + <td> + 2428 + </td> + <td> + 2218 + </td> + <td> + 2345 + </td> + <td> + 2443 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Lord's Day offences + </td> + <td> + 46 + </td> + <td> + 4 + </td> + <td> + 1 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Local Acts and Bye-laws, offences against + </td> + <td> + 4327 + </td> + <td> + 4327 + </td> + <td> + 4127 + </td> + <td> + 3702 + </td> + <td> + 3603 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Malicious and wilful damage + </td> + <td> + 187 + </td> + <td> + 163 + </td> + <td> + 163 + </td> + <td> + 214 + </td> + <td> + 225 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Public Health Act, smoke, etc. + </td> + <td> + 317 + </td> + <td> + 172 + </td> + <td> + 104 + </td> + <td> + 104 + </td> + <td> + 161 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Poor Law Acts, offences against + </td> + <td> + 203 + </td> + <td> + 220 + </td> + <td> + 251 + </td> + <td> + 243 + </td> + <td> + 325 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Stealing or attempts (larcenies) + </td> + <td> + 1094 + </td> + <td> + 1222 + </td> + <td> + 1434 + </td> + <td> + 1253 + </td> + <td> + 1235 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Vagrant Act, offences under + </td> + <td> + 614 + </td> + <td> + 622 + </td> + <td> + 624 + </td> + <td> + 611 + </td> + <td> + 783 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Other offences + </td> + <td> + 214 + </td> + <td> + 174 + </td> + <td> + 172 + </td> + <td> + 211 + </td> + <td> + 386 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + The following are the totals of the summary offences for the same + period, and the manner in which they were disposed of:— + </p> + <table cellspacing="10" summary="Summary offences 1878-1882"> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + Year. + </td> + <td style="width: 25%;"> + Cases. + </td> + <td> + Convicted. + </td> + <td> + Fined. + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1878 + </td> + <td> + 16,610 + </td> + <td> + 12,767 + </td> + <td> + 8,940 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1879 + </td> + <td> + 14,475 + </td> + <td> + 10,904 + </td> + <td> + 7,473 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1880 + </td> + <td> + 13,589 + </td> + <td> + 9,917 + </td> + <td> + 6,730 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1881 + </td> + <td> + 13,007 + </td> + <td> + 9,468 + </td> + <td> + 6,412 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1882 + </td> + <td> + 13,788 + </td> + <td> + 10,171 + </td> + <td> + 6,372 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + Similar statistics for 1883 have not yet been made up, but a return up + to December 31 of that year shows that the number of persons committed + during the year to the Borough Gaol, or as it is now termed, her + Majesty's Prison at Winson Green, were 3,044 males and 1,045 + females from the borough, and 1,772 males and 521 females from + districts, making a total of 6,382 as against 6,565 in 1882. In the + borough 734 males and 198 females had been committed for felony, 1,040 + males and 290 females for misdemeanour, 707 males and 329 females for + drunkenness, and 243 males and 121 females for vagrancy. Of prisoners + sixteen years old and under there were 193 males and 21 females. + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm62"></a>Noteworthy Men of the Past.</b>—Though in + the annals of Birmingham history the names of very many men of note in + art, science, and literature, commerce and politics, are to be found, + comparatively speaking there are few of real native origin. Most of + our best men have come from other parts, as will be seen on looking + over the notices which follow this. Under the heading of + "<i>Parsons, Preachers, and Priests</i>," will be found + others of different calibre. + </p> + <p> + <i><a id="Birm99"></a>Allday</i>.—The "Stormy Petrel" + of modern Birmingham was Joseph, or, as he was better known, Joey + Allday, whose hand at one time, was against every man, and every + man's hand against Joe. Born in 1798, Mr. Allday, on arriving at + years of maturity, joined his brothers in the wire-drawing business, + but though it <i>is</i> a painful sight to see (as Dr. Watts says) + children of one family do very often disagree, even if they do not + fall out and chide and fight; but Joseph was fond of fighting (though + not with his fists), and after quarelling and dissolving partnership, + as one of his brothers published a little paper so must he. This was + in 1824, and Joey styled his periodical <i>The Mousetrap</i>, footing + his own articles with the name of "Argus." How many + <i>Mousetraps</i> Allday sent to market is uncertain, as but one or + two copies only are known to be in existence, and equally uncertain is + it whether the speculation was a paying one. His next literary notion, + however, if not pecuniarily successful, was most assuredly popular, as + well as notorious, it being the much-talked-of <i>Argus</i>. The dozen + or fifteen years following 1820 were rather prolific in embryo + publications and periodicals of one kind and another, and it is a + matter of difficulty to ascertain now the exact particulars respecting + many of them. Allday's venture, which was originally called <i>The + Monthly Argus</i>, first saw the light in August, 1828. and, + considering the times, it was a tolerably well-conducted sheet of + literary miscellany, prominence being given to local theatrical + matters and similar subjects, which were fairly criticised. Ten + numbers followed, in due monthly order, but the volume for the year + was not completed, as in July, 1830, a new series of <i>The Argus</i> + was commenced in Magazine shape and published at a shilling. The + editor of this new series had evidently turned over a new leaf, but he + must have done so with a dungfork, for the publication became nothing + better than the receptacle of rancour, spite, and calumny, public men + and private individuals alike being attacked, and often in the most + scurrilous manner. The printer (who was still alive a few years back) + was William Chidlow and on his head, of course, fell all the wrath of + the people libelled and defamed. George Frederick Mantz horse whipped + him, others sued him for damages, and even George Edmonds (none too + tender-tongued himself) could not stand the jibes and jeers of <i>The + Argus</i>. The poor printer was arrested on a warrant for libel; his + types and presses were confiscated under a particular section of the + Act for regulating newspapers, and Allday himself at the March Assizes + in 1831 was found guilty on several indictments for libel, and + sentenced to ten months' imprisonment. A third series of <i>The + Argus</i> was started June 1st, 1832, soon after Allday's release + from Warwick, and as the vile scurrility of the earlier paper was + abandoned to a great extent, it was permitted to appear as long as + customers could be found to support it, ultimately dying out with the + last month of 1834. To Mr. Joseph Allday must credit be given for the + exposure of numerous abuses existing in his day. He had but to get + proper insight into anything going on wrong than he at once attacked + it, tooth and nail, no matter who stood in the road, or who suffered + from his blows. His efforts to put a stop to the cruelties connected + with the old system of imprisonment and distraint for debt led to the + abolition of the local Courts of Requests; and his wrathful + indignation on learning the shocking manner in which prisoners at the + goal were treated by the Governor, Lieutenant Austin, in 1852-53, led + to the well-remembered "Gaol Atrocity Enquiry," and earned + for him the thanks of the Commissioners appointed by Government to + make the enquiry. As a Town Councillor and Alderman, as a Poor Law + Guardian and Chairman of the Board, as Parish Warden for St. + Martin's and an opponent of churchrates (while being a good son of + Mother Church), as founder of the Ratepayers' Protection Society + and a popular leader of the Conservative party, it needs not saying + that Mr. Allday had many enemies at all periods of his life, but there + were very few to speak ill of him at the time of his death, which + resulted from injuries received in a fall on Oct. 2nd, 1861. + </p> + <p> + <i>Allen</i>, J.—Local portrait painter of some repute from 1802 + to 1820. + </p> + <p> + <i>Aston</i>, John, who died Sept. 12, 1882, in his 82nd year, at one + time took a leading share in local affairs. He was High Bailiff in + 1841, a J.P. for the county, for 40 years a Governor of the Grammar + School, and on the boards of management of a number of religious and + charitable institutions. A consistent Churchman, he was one of the + original trustees of the "Ten Churches Fund," one of the + earliest works of church extension in Birmingham; he was also the + chief promoter of the Church of England Cemetery, and the handsome + church of St. Michael, which stands in the Cemetery grounds, was + largely due to his efforts. In polities Mr. Aston was a staunch + Conservative, and was one of the trustees of the once notable + Constitutional Association. + </p> + <p> + <i>Attwood</i>.—The foremost name of the days of Reform, when + the voice of Liberal Birmingham made itself heard through its leaders + was that of Thomas Attwood. A native of Salop, born Oct. 6, 1783, he + became a resident here soon after coming of age, having joined Messrs. + Spooner's Bank, thence and afterwards known as Spooner and + Attwood's. At the early age of 28 he was chosen High Bailiff, and + soon made his mark by opposing the renewal of the East India Co.'s + charter, and by his exertions to obtain the withdrawal of the + "Orders in Council," which in 1812, had paralysed the trade + of the country with America. The part he took in the great Reform + meetings, his triumphant reception after the passing of the Bill, and + his being sent to Parliament as one of the first representatives for + the borough, are matters which have been too many times dilated upon + to need recapitulation. Mr. Attwood had peculiar views on the currency + question, and pertinaciously pressing them on his fellow members in + the House of Commons he was not liked, and only held his seat until + the end of Dec., 1839, the last prominent act of his political life + being the presentation of a monster Chartist petition in the previous + June. He afterwards retired into private life, ultimately dying at + Malvern, March 6 1856, being then 73 years of age. Charles Attwood, a + brother, but who took less part in politics, retiring from the + Political Union when he thought Thomas and his friends were verging on + the precipice of revolution, was well known in the north of England + iron and steel trade. He died Feb. 24, 1875, in his 84th year. Another + brother Benjamin, who left politics alone, died Nov. 22, 1874, aged + 80. No greater contrast could possibly be drawn than that shown in the + career of these three gentlemen. The youngest brother who + industriously attended to his business till he had acquired a + competent fortune, also inherited enormous wealth from a nephew, and + after his death he was proved to have been the long un-known but much + sought after anonymous donor of the £1,000 notes so continuously + acknowledged in the <i>Times</i> as having been sent to London + hospitals and charities. It was said that Benjamin Attwood distributed + nearly £350,000 in this unostentatious manner, and his name will + be ever blessed. Charles Attwood was described as a great and good + man, and a benefactor to his race. His discoveries in the manufacture + of glass and steel, and his opening up of the Cleveland iron district, + has given employment to thousands, and as one who knew him well said, + "If he had cared more about money, and less about science, he + could have been one of the richest commoners in England;" but he + was unselfish, and let other reap the benefit of his best patents. + What the elder brother was, most Brums know; he worked hard in the + cause of Liberalism, he was almost idolised here, and his statue + stands not far from the site of the Bank with which his name was + unfortunately connected, and the failure of which is still a stain on + local commercial history. + </p> + <p> + <i>Baldwin</i>, James.—Born in the first month of the present + century, came here early in his teens, worked at a printer's, + saved his money, an employer at 25, made a speciality of + "grocer's printing," fought hard in the battle against + the "taxes on knowledge," became Alderman and Mayor, and + ultimately settled down on a farm near his own paper mills at + King's Norton, where, Dec. 10, 1871, he finished a practically + useful life, regretted by many. + </p> + <p> + <i>Bayley</i>, C.H.—A Worcestershire man and a Staffordshire + resident; a persevering collector of past local and county records, + and an active member of the Archæological section of the Midland + Institute. Mr. Bayley was also a member of the Staffordshire + Archæological Society, and took special interest in the William + Salt Library at Stafford, whose treasures were familiar to him, and + whose contents he was ever ready to search and report on for any of + his friends. In 1869 he issued the first of some proposed reprints of + some of his own rarities, in "A True Relation of the Terrible + Earthquake at West Brummidge, in Staffordshire," &c., printed + in 1676; and early in 1882 (the year of his death) "The Rent + Rolls of Lord Dudley and Ward in 1701"—a very curious + contribution to local history, and full of general interest also. + </p> + <p> + <i>Beale</i>, Samuel.—At one period a most prominent man among + our local worthies, one of the first Town Councillors, and Mayor in + 1841. He was Chairman of the Midland Railway, a director of the + Birmingham and Midland Bank, and sat as M.P. for Derby from 1857 to + 1865. He died Sept 11 1876, aged 71. + </p> + <p> + <i>Beale</i>, W.J.—A member of the legal firm of Beale, + Marigold, and Beale. Mr. Beale's chief public service was rendered + in connection with the General Hospital and the Musical Festivals. He + was for many years a member of the Orchestral Committee of the + Festivals, and in 1870 he succeeded Mr. J.0. Mason as chairman; + retaining this position until after the Festival of 1876. His death + took place in July, 1880, he then being in his 76th year. + </p> + <p> + <i>Billing</i>, Martin.—Founder of the firm of Martin Billing, + Sons, & Co., Livery Street, died July 17, 1883, at the age of 71. + He commenced life under his uncle, Alderman Baldwin, and was the first + to introduce steam printing machines into Birmingham. The colossal + structure which faces the Great Western Railway Station was erected + about twenty-nine years ago. + </p> + <p> + <i>Bisset</i>, James, was the publisher of the "Magnificent + Directory" and "Poetic Survey" of Birmingham, presented + to the public, January 1, 1800. + </p> + <p> + <i>Bowly</i> E.0.—A native, self-taught artist, whose pictures + now fetch rapidly-increasing sums, though for the best part of his + long life dealers and the general run of art patrons, while + acknowledging the excellence of the works, would not buy them. Mr. + Bowly, however, lived sufficiently long to know that the few gentlemen + who honoured him in his younger years, were well recompensed for their + kind recognition of his talent, though it came too late to be of + service to himself. His death occurred Feb. 1, 1876, in his 70th year. + </p> + <p> + <i>Briggs</i>.—Major W.B. Briggs, who was struck off the + world's roster Jan. 25, 1877, was one of the earliest and most + ardent supporters of the Volunteer movement in Birmingham, being + gazetted ensign of the 2nd Company in November, 1859. He was a hearty + kindly man, and much esteemed in and out of the ranks. + </p> + <p> + <i>Burritt</i> Elihu, the American "learned blacksmith," + having made himself proficient in fifteen different languages. He + first addressed the "Friends of Peace" in this town, Dec. + 15, 1846, when on a tour through the country. He afterwards returned, + and resided in England for nearly twenty-five years, being for a + considerable time United States Consul at Birmingham, which he left in + 1868. During his residence here he took an active share in the work of + diffusing the principles of temperance and peace, both by lecturing + and by his writings. + </p> + <p> + <i>Bynner</i>, Henry.—A native of the town; forty-five years + British Consul at Trieste; returned here in 1842, and died in 1867. He + learned shorthand writing of Dr. Priestley, and was the first to use + it in a law court in this county. + </p> + <p> + <i>Cadbury</i>, Richard Tapper.—A draper and haberdasher, who + started business here in 1794. One of the Board of Guardians, and + afterwards Chairman (for 15 years) of the Commissioners of the + Streets, until that body was done away with. Mr. Cadbury was one of + the most respected and best known men of the town. He died March 13, + 1860, in his 92nd year, being buried in Bull Street, among his + departed friends. + </p> + <p> + <i>Capers</i>, Edward.—Sometimes called the + "poet-postman," is a Devonshire man, but resided for a + considerable time at Harborne. He deserves a place among our + noteworthy men, if only for his sweet lines on the old Love lane at + Edgbaston, now known as Richmond Hill. + </p> + <div class="poem"> + "But no vestige of the bankside lingers now<br /> + or gate to show<br /> + The track of the old vanished lane of love's<br /> + sweet long ago." + </div> + <p> + <i>Carey</i>, Rev. Henry Francis, a native of this town (born in + 1772), vicar of Bromley Abbots, Staffordshire, himself a poet of no + mean order, translated in blank verse Dante's "Inferno," + the "Divina Commedia," &c., his works running rapidly + through several editions. For some time he was assistant librarian at + the British Museum, and afterwards received a pension of £200 a + year. Died in 1844, and lies in "Poet's Corner," + Westminster Abbey. + </p> + <p> + <i>Chamberlain</i>, John Henry.—Came to Birmingham in 1856, and + died suddenly on the evening of Oct. 22, 1883, after delivering a + lecture in the Midland Institutes on "Exotic Art." An + architect of most brilliant talent, it is almost impossible to record + the buildings with which (in conjunction with his partner, Mr. Wm. + Martin) he has adorned our town. Among them are the new Free + Libraries, the extension of the Midland Institute, the Hospitals for + Women and Children, the many Board Schools, the Church of St. David, + and that at Selly Hill the Rubery Asylum, the Fire Brigade Station, + the Constitution Hill Library, Monument Lane Baths, the Chamberlain + Memorial, the Canopy over Dawson's Statue, several Police + Stations, with shops and private houses innumerable. He was a true + artist in every sense of the word, an eloquent speaker, and one of the + most sincere, thoughtful, and lovingly-earnest men that Birmingham has + ever been blessed with. + </p> + <p> + <i>Clegg</i>.—Samuel Clegg was born at Manchester, March 2, + 1781, but his early years were passed at the Soho Works, where he was + assistant to Mr. Murdoch in the gradual introduction of lighting with + gas. In 1807 Mr. Clegg first used lime as a purifier and in 1815 he + patented the water meter. In addition to his many inventions connected + with the manufacture and supply of gas, Mr. Clegg must be credited + with the introduction of the atmospheric railways, which attracted so + much attention some five-and-forty years ago, and also with many + improvements in steam engines. + </p> + <p> + <i>Collins</i>.—Mr. John Collins, an exceedingly popular man in + his day, and quite a local author, made his first appearance here Jan. + 16, 1793, at "The Gentlemen's Private Theatre," in + Livery Street, with an entertainment called "Collins' New + Embellished Evening Brush, for Rubbing off the Rust of care." + This became a great favourite, and we find Collins for years after, + giving similar performances, many of them being for the purpose of + paying for "soup for the poor" in the distressful winters of + 1799, 1800, and 1801. Not so much, however, on account of his charity, + or his unique entertainment, must Mr. Collins be ranked among local + worthies, as for "A Poetical History of Birmingham" written + (or rather partly written) by him, which was published in + <i>Swinney's Chronicle</i>. Six chapters in verse appeared (Feb. + 25 to April 7, 17[**]6), when unfortunately the poet's muse seems + to have failed him. As a sample of the fun contained in the seven or + eight dozen verses, we quote the first— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + "Of Birmingham's name, tho' a deal has been + said,<br /> + Yet a little, we doubt, to the purpose,<br /> + As when "hocus pocus" was jargon'd instead<br /> + Of the Catholic text "<i>hoc est + corpus</i>."<br /> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + For it, doubtless, for ages was Bromwicham called,<br /> + But historians, their readers to bam,<br /> + Have Brom, Wich, and Ham so corrupted and maul'd,<br /> + That their strictures have all proved a sham.<br /> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + That Brom implies Broom none will dare to deny,<br /> + And that Wich means a Village or Farm;<br /> + Or a Slope, or a Saltwork, the last may imply,<br /> + And to read Ham for Town is no harm.<br /> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + But when jumbled together, like stones in a bag,<br /> + To make it a Broom-sloping town,<br /> + Credulity's pace at such juggling must flag,<br /> + And the critic indignant will frown.<br /> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + Tis so much like the Gazetteer's riddle-my-ree,<br /> + Who, untwisting Antiquity's cable,<br /> + Makes Barnstaple's town with its name to agree,<br /> + Take its rise from a Barn and a Stable."<br /> + </div> + </div> + <p> + Collins' own comical notion gives the name as + "Brimmingham," from the brimming goblets so freely quaffed + by our local sons of Vulcan. Digbeth he makes out to be a "dug + bath," or horsepond for the farriers; Deritend, from <i>der</i> + (water). + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2"> + "Took its name from the swamp where the hamlet was seated, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And imply'd 'twas the water-wet-end of the town." + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + <i>Cox</i>, David—On the 29th of April, 1783, this great + painter—the man whose works have made Birmingham famous in + art—was born in a humble dwelling in Heath Mill Lane, Deritend, + where his father carried on the trade of a smith. Some memorials of + him we have—in the noble gift of a number of his pictures in + oil, presented to the town by the late Mr. Joseph Nettlefold; in the + portrait by Mr. J. Watson Gordon, and the bust by Mr. Peter Hollins; + in the two biographies of him—both of them Birmingham + works—the earlier by Mr. Neal Solly, and the more recent one by + the late Mr. William Hall; besides the memorial window put up by + loving friends in the Parish Church of Harborne, where the latter part + of the artist's life was passed, and in the churchyard of which + his remains were laid. He bade his pictures and the world good-bye on + the 9th of June, 1859. A sale of some of "dear old + David's" works, in London, May, 1873, realised for the owners + over £25,000, but what the artist himself originally had for + them may be gathered from the instance of his "Lancaster + Castle," otherwise known as "Peace and War," a + harvest-field scene, with troops marching by, only 24in. by 18in. in + size. This picture he gave to a friend at first, but bought it back + for £20, at a time when his friend wanted cash; he sold it for + the same amount, and it afterwards got into the possession of Joseph + Gillot, the pen maker, at the sale of whose collection "Lancaster + Castle" was knocked down for £3,601 10s. The highest price + Cox ever received for a picture, and that on one single occasion only, + was £100; in another case he had £95; his average prices + for large pictures were rather under than over £50 a piece in + his best days. "The Sea Shore at Rhyl," for which he + received £100, has been since sold for £2,300; "The + Vale of Clwyd," for which he accepted £95, brought + £2,500. Two pictures for which he received £40 each in + 1847, were sold in 1872 for £1,575 and £1,550 + respectively. Two others at £40 each have sold since for + £2,300 and £2,315 5s. respectively. His church at + "Bettws-y-Coed" one of the finest of his paintings, fetched + £2,500 at a sale in London, in March, 1884. In the hall of the + Royal Oak Inn, Bettws-y-Coed (David's favourite place), there is + fixed a famous signboard which Cox painted for the house in 1847, and + which gave rise to considerable litigation as to its ownership being + vested in the tenant or the owner, the decision being in the + latter's favour. + </p> + <p> + <i>Cox</i>, William Sands, F.R.S. and F.R.C.S., the son of a local + surgeon, was born in 1801. After "walking the hospitals" in + London and Paris, he settled here in 1825, being appointed surgeon to + the Dispensary, and in 1828, with the co-operation of the late Doctors + Johnstone and Booth, and other influential friends, succeeded in + organising the Birmingham Royal School of Medicine and Surgery, which + proved eminently successful until, by the munificent aid of the Rev. + Dr. Warneford, it was converted into Queen's College by a charter + of incorporation, which was granted in 1843. The Queen's Hospital + was also founded mainly through the exertions of Mr. Sands Cox, for + the education of the medical students of the College. In 1863 Mr. Cox + retired from practice, and went to reside near Tamworth, afterwards + removing to Leamington and Kenilworth, at which latter place he died, + December 23rd, 1875. He was buried in the family vault at Aston, the + coffin being carried to the grave by six old students at the College, + funeral scarfs, hatbands, and "other such pieces of mummery" + being dispensed with, according to the deceased's wish. He left + many charitable legacies, among them being £15,000, to be dealt + with in the following manner:—£3,000 to be applied in + building and endowing a church then in course of erection at Balsall + Heath, and to be known as St. Thomas-in-the-Moors, and the remaining + £12,000 to be devoted to the erection and endowment of three + dispensaries—one at Balsall Heath, one at Aston, and the other + at Hockley. Two sums of £3,000 were left to found dispensaries + at Tamworth and Kenilworth, and a cottage hospital at + Moreton-in-the-Marsh; his medical library and a number of other + articles being also left for the last-named institution. + </p> + <p> + <i>Davies</i>, Dr. Birt.—By birth a Hampshire man, by descent a + Welshman, coming to Birmingham in 1823, Dr. Davies soon became a man + of local note. As a politician in the pre-Reform days, as a physician + of eminence, and as Borough Coroner for three dozen years, he occupied + a prominent position, well justified by his capacity and force of + character. He took an active part in the founding of the Birmingham + School of Medicine, the forerunner of the Queen's College, and was + elected one of the three first physicians to the Queen's Hospital, + being its senior physician for sixteen years. When the Charter of + Incorporation was granted, Dr. Davies was chosen by the Town Council + as the first Coroner, which office he held until June 8th, 1875, when + he resigned, having, as he wrote to the Council, on the 29th of May + terminated his 36th year of office, and 76th year of his age. Though + an ardent politician, it is from his Coronership that he will be + remembered most, having held about 30,000 inquests in his long term of + office, during the whole of which time, it has been said, he never + took a holiday, appointed a deputy, or slept out of the borough. His + official dignity sat heavily upon him, his temper of late years often + led him into conflict with jurors and medical witnesses, but he was + well respected by all who knew the quiet unpretending benevolence of + his character, never better exhibited than at the time of the cholera + panic in 1832. The doctor had established a Fever Hospital in Bath + Row, and here he received and treated, by himself, the only cases of + Asiatic cholera imported into the town. He died December 11th, 1878. + </p> + <p> + <i>De Lys</i>, Dr.—One of the physicians to the General + Hospital, and the proposer of the Deaf and Dumb Institution. A native + of Brittany, and one of several French refugees who settled here when + driven from their own country, at the time of the Revolution, Dr. De + Lys remained with us till his death, August 24th, 1831, being then in + his 48th year. + </p> + <p> + <i>Digby</i>, John, made Lord Digby in 1618, and Earl of Bristol in + 1622, was born at Coleshill in 1580. He was sent Ambassador to Spain + by James I. to negotiate a marriage between Prince Charles and the + Infanta. He went abroad when the Civil War broke out, and died at + Paris in 1653. + </p> + <p> + <i>Edmonds</i>.—George Edmonds, was a son of the Baptist + minister of Bond Street Chapel, and was born in 1788. For many years + after he grew up George kept a school, but afterwards devoted himself + to the Law, and was appointed Clerk of the Peace on the incorporation + of the borough. For taking part in what Government chose to consider + an illegal meeting Mr. Edmonds had to suffer 12 months' + imprisonment, but it only increased his popularity and made him + recognised as leader of the Radical party. During the great Reform + movements he was always to the fore, and there can be little doubt + that it was to his untiring energy that the Political Union owed much + of its success. In his later years he printed (partly with his own + hands) one of the strangest works ever issued from the press, being + nothing less than an alphabet, grammar, and dictionary of a new and + universal language. On this he must have spent an immense amount of + philosophical and philological research during the busiest years of + his active life, but like other schemes of a similar character it came + into the world some scores of generations too soon. His death took + place (hastened by his own hand) July 1, 1868. + </p> + <p> + <i>Everitt</i>, Allen Edward.—Artist, antiquarian, and + archæologist. It is reported that his portfolio contained more + than a thousand sketches of his own taking, of old churches, mansions, + cottages, or barns in the Midland Counties. Born here in 1824 Mr. + Everitt had reached his 55th year before taking to himself a wife, + whom he left a widow June 11, 1882, through catching a cold while on a + sketching tour. He was much loved in all artistic circles, having been + (for twenty-four years) hon. sec. to the Society of Artists, a most + zealous coadjutor of the Free Libraries Committee, and honorary + curator of tha Art Gallery; in private or public life he spoke ill of + no man, nor could any speak of him with aught but affection and + respect. + </p> + <p> + <i>Fletcher</i>, George.—Author of the "Provincialist" + and other poems, a journeyman printer, and much respected for his + genial character and honest kind-heartedness. Died Feb. 20, 1874, aged + 64. + </p> + <p> + <i>Fothergill</i>, John.—Taken into partnership by Matthew + Boulton in 1762, devoting himself principally to the foreign agencies. + Many of the branches of trade in which he was connected proved + failures, and he died insolvent in 1782, while Boulton breasted the + storm, and secured fortune by means of his steam engines. He did not, + however, forget his first partner's widow and children. + </p> + <p> + <i>Fox</i>, Charles Fox, of the firm of Fox, Henderson and Co., was + born at Derby, March 11, 1810. His first connection with this town + arose from his being engaged with Stephenson on the construction of + the Birmingham and Liverpool line. He was knighted in 1851, in + recognition of his wonderful skill as shown in the erection of the + International Exhibition of that year, and we have a local monument to + his fame in the roof which spans the New Street Station. He died in + 1874, and was buried at Nunhead Cemetery, London. The firm of Fox, + Henderson and Co., was originally Bramah and Fox, Mr. Henderson not + coming in till the death of Mr. Bramah, a well-known ironmaster of + this neighbourhood, and whose name is world-famous for his celebrated + locks. + </p> + <p> + <i>Geach</i>.—Charles Geach was a Cornishman, born in 1808, and + came to Birmingham in 1826 as one of the clerks in the Branch Bank of + England, then opened. In 1836 he was instrumental in the formation of + two of our local banks, and became the manager of one of them, the + Birmingham and Midland. In 1842 he made a fortunate speculation in the + purchase of some extensive ironworks at Rotherham just previous to the + days of "the railway mania." The profits on iron at that + time were something wonderful; as a proof of which it has been stated + that on one occasion Mr. Geach took orders for 30,000 tons at + £12, the cost to him not being more than half that sum! The + Patent Shaft Works may be said to have owed its origin also to this + gentleman. Mr. Geach was chosen mayor for 1847, and in 1851 was + returned to Parliament for Coventry. His death occurred Nov. 1, 1854. + A full-length portrait hangs in the board-room of the bank, of which + he retained the managing-directorship for many years. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gem</i>, Major Thomas Henry.—The well-known Clerk to the + Magistrates, born May 21, 1819, was the pioneer of the Volunteer + movement in this town, as well as the originator of the fashionable + game of lawn tennis. A splendid horseman, and an adept at all manly + games, he also ranked high as a dramatic author, and no amateur + theatricals could be got through without his aid and presence. His + death, November 4, 1881, resulted from an accident which occurred on + June 25 previous, at the camp in Sutton Park. + </p> + <p> + <i>Gillott</i>.—Joseph Gillott was born at Sheffield in 1799, + but through want of work found his way here in 1822, spending his last + penny in refreshments at the old publichouse then standing at corner + of Park Street, where the Museum Concert Hall exists. His first + employment was buckle making, and being steady he soon took a garret + in Bread Street and became his own master in the manufacture of + buckles and other "steel toys." The merchant who used to buy + of him said "Gillott made very excellent goods, and came for his + money every week." It was that making of excellent goods and his + untiring perseverance that secured him success. His sweetheart was + sister to William and John Mitchell, and it is questionable whether + Gillott's first efforts at making steel pens did not spring from + the knowledge he gained from her as to what the Mitchells were doing + in that line. The Sheffield blade, however, was the first to bring the + "press" into the proeess of making the pens, and that secret + he must have kept pretty closely from all but his lass, as Mr. J. + Gillott often told, in after life, how, on the morning of his + marriage, he began and finished a gross of pens, and sold them for + £7 4s. before they went to church. The accumulation of his + fortune began from that day, the name of Gillott in a very few years + being known the wide world over. The penmaker was a great patron of + the artists, gathering a famous collection which at his death realised + £170,000. His first interview with Turner was described in an + American journal a few years back. Gillott having rudely pushed his + way into the studio and turning the pictures about without the artist + deigning to notice the intruder, tried to attract attention by asking + the prices of three paintings. Turner carelessly answered "4,000 + guineas," "£3,000," and "1,500 + guineas." "I'll take the three," said Gillott. Then + Turner rose, with "Who the devil are you to intrude here against + my orders? You must be a queer sort of a beggar, I fancy." + "You're another queer beggar" was the reply. "I am + Gillott, the penmaker. My banker tells me you are clever, and I have + come to buy some pictures." "By George!" quoth Turner, + "you are a droll fellow, I must say." "You're + another," said Gillott. "But do you really want to purchase + those pictures," asked Turner. "Yes, in course I do, or I + would not have climbed those blessed stairs this morning," was + the answer. Turner marvelled at the man, and explained that he had + fixed the prices named under the idea that he had only got an + impertinent intruder to deal with, that two of the pictures were + already sold, but that his visitor could have the first for + £1,000. "I'll take it," said the prince of + penmakers, "and you must make me three or four more at your own + price." If other artists did as well with Mr. Gillott they could + have had but little cause of complaint. Another hobby of Mr. + Gillott's was collecting fiddles, his specimens, of which he once + said he had a "boat load," realising £4,000; while his + cabinet of precious stones was of immense value. The millionaire died + Jan. 5, 1872, leaving £3,000 to local charities. + </p> + <p> + <i>Guest</i>, James.—Originally a brass-founder, but imbued with + the principles of Robert Owen, he became an active member of the + Political Union and other "freedom-seeking" societies, and + opened in Steelhouse Lane a shop for the sale of that kind of + literature suited to ardent workers in the Radical cause. Mr. Guest + believed that "all bad laws must be broken before they could be + mended," and for years he followed out that idea so far as the + taxes on knowledge were concerned. He was the first to sell unstamped + papers here and in the Black Country, and, notwithstanding heavy + fines, and even imprisonment, he kept to his principles as long as the + law stood as it was. In 1830 he published Hutton "History of + Birmingham" in cheap numbers, unfortunately mixing with it many + chapters about the Political Union, the right of a Free Press, + &c., in a confusing manner. The book, however, was very popular, + and has been reprinted from the original stereoplates several times. + Mr. Guest died Jan. 17, 1881, in his 78th year. + </p> + <p> + <i>Hill</i>, Rowland.—The originator of the present postal + system, born at Kidderminster, December 3, 1795, coming to Birmingham + with his parents when about seven years old. His father opened a + school at the corner of Gough Street and Blucher Street, which was + afterwards (in 1819) removed to the Hagley Road, where, as + "Hazlewood School" it became more than locally famous. In + 1825 it was again removed, and further off, this time being taken to + Bruce Castle, Tottenham, where the family yet resides. Rowland and his + brother, Matthew Davenport Hill, afterwards Recorder of Birmingham, + who took part in the management of the school, went with it, and + personally Rowland Hill's connection with our town may be said to + have ceased. Early in 1837 Mr. Hill published his proposed plans of + Post Office reform, but which for a long time met with no favour from + either of the great political parties, or in official quarters, where, + it has been said, he was snubbed as a would-be interloper, and cursed + as "a fellow from Birmingham coming to teach people their + business"— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2"> + "All office doors were closed against him—hard + </p> + <p class="i2"> + All office heads were closed against him too, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + 'He had but worked, like others, for reward,' + </p> + <p class="i2"> + 'The thing was all a dream.' 'It would not + do.'" + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + In 1839, more than 2,000 petitions were presented to Parliament in + favour of Mr. Hill's plans, and eventually they were adopted and + became law by the 3rd and 4th Vict., cap. 96. The new postage law by + which the uniform rate of fourpence per letter was tried as an + experiment, came into operation on the 5th of December, 1839, and on + the 10th January, 1840, the reduced uniform rate of 1d. per letter of + half-an-ounce weight was commenced. Under the new system the privilege + of franking letters enjoyed by members of Parliament was abolished, + facilities of prepayment were afforded by the introduction of postage + stamps, double postage was levied on letters not prepaid, and + arrangements were made for the registration of letters. Mr. Hill + received an appointment in the Treasury, but in 1841, he was told his + services were no longer required. This flagrant injustice caused great + indignation, and a national testimonial of £15,000 was presented + to him June 17, 1846. On a change of Government Mr. Hill was appointed + Secretary to the Postmaster General, and, in 1854, Secretary to the + Post Office, a position which he retained until failing health caused + him to resign in March, 1864, the Treasury awarding him for life his + salary of £2,000 per year. In the same year he received a + Parliamentary grant of £20,000, and in 1860, he was made a + K.C.B., other honours from Oxford, &c., following. Sir Rowland was + presented with the freedom of the City by the London Court of Common + Council, June 6, 1879, the document being contained in a suitable gold + casket. It was incidentally mentioned in the course of the + proceedings, that at the time Sir Rowland Hill's system was + inaugurated the annual amount of correspondence was 79 millions, or + three letters per head of the population; while then it exceeded 1,000 + millions of letters, 100 millions of post-cards, and 320 millions of + newspapers, and the gross receipt in respect of it was + £6,000,000 sterling. Sir Rowland Hill died Aug. 27, 1879, + leaving but one son, "Pearson Hill," late of the Post + Office. + </p> + <p> + <i>Hollins</i>, George—The first appointed organist of the Town + Hall (in 1834), having been previously organist at St. Paul's, in + the graveyard of which church he was buried in 1841, the funeral being + attended by hundreds of friends, musicians, and singers of the town + and neighbourhood. + </p> + <p> + <i>Holt</i>, Thomas Littleton.—A Press man, whose death (Sept. + 14, 1879) at the age of 85, severed one of the very few remaining + links connecting the journalism of the past with the present. It was + to him that the late Mr. Dickens owed his introduction to Dr. Black, + then the editor of the <i>Morning Chronicle</i>. Mr. Holt was + proprietor of the <i>Iron Times</i>, which started during the railway + mania. When his friend Leigh Hunt was imprisoned for libelling the + Prince Regent, he was the first to visit him. He took an active part + in popularising cheap literature, and it was greatly owing to him that + the advertisement duty was repealed. He also took an active part in + the abolition of the paper duty. Besides starting many papers in + London in the latter period of his life, he returned to his native + town, Birmingham, where he started <i>Ryland's Iron Trade + Circular</i>, to the success of which his writings largely + contributed. + </p> + <p> + <i>Humphreys</i>, Henry Noel.—This eminent naturalist and + archæologist's career closed in June, 1879. A son of the + late Mr. James Humphreys, he was born in Birmingham in 1809, and was + educated at the Grammar School here. He was the author of many + interesting works connected with his zoological and antiquarian + researches. Among the most important of the latter class may be + specified:—"Illustrations of Froissart's + Chronicles," "The Parables of our Lord Illustrated," + "The Coins of England," "Ancient Coins and + Medals," "The Illuminated Books of the Mediæval + Period," the "Coin Collector's Manual," the + "Coinage of the British Empire," "Stories by an + Archæologist," and especially his <i>magna opera</i>, so to + speak, "The Art of Illumination," and "The History of + the Art of Writing from the Hieroglyphic Period down to the + introduction of Alphabets." + </p> + <p> + <i>James</i>, William.—A Warwickshire engineer, born at + Henley-in-Arden, June, 13, 1771. Mr. James has been called the first + projector of railways, as there was none started previous to his + laying out a line from here to Wolverhampton, which was given up in + favour of the Canal Companies. The wharves in Newhall Street were + constructed on the site of his proposed railway station. He afterwards + projected and surveyed many other lines including Birmingham to + Manchester through Derbyshire, the Birmingham and London, etc. West + Bromwich owes no little of its prosperity to this gentleman, who + opened many collieries in its neighbourhood. At one time Mr. James was + said to have been worth £150,000, besides £10,000 a year + coming in from his profession, but he lost nearly all before his + death. + </p> + <p> + <i>Jeffery</i>.—George Edward Jeffery, who died Dec. 29th, 1877, + aged 33, was a local writer who promised to make a name had he lived + longer. + </p> + <p> + <i>Johnstone</i>, Dr. John, a distinguished local physician, was born + at Worcester in 1768. Though he acquired a high reputation for his + treatment of diseases, it was noticeable that he made a very sparing + use of medicines. Died in 1836. + </p> + <p> + <i>Johnstone</i>, John, whose death was the result of being knocked + down by a cab in Broad Street in Oct. 1875, was one of those all-round + inventive characters who have done so much for the trades of this + town. He was born in Dumfriesshire in 1801, and was apprenticed to a + builder, coming to this town in 1823. He was soon noticed as the first + architectural draughtsman of his day, but his genius was not confined + to any one line. He was the first to introduce photographic vignettes, + he invented the peculiar lamp used in railway carriages, he improved + several agricultural implements, he could lay out plans for public + buildings or a machine for making hooks and eyes, and many well-to-do + families owe their rise in the world to acting on the ideas put before + them by Mr. Johnstone. In the latter portion of his life he was + engaged at the Cambridge Street Works as consulter in general. + </p> + <p> + <i>Kempson</i>, James—In one of those gossiping accounts of the + "Old Taverns" of Birmingham which "S.D.R." has + written, mention is made of a little old man, dear to the musicians + under the name of "Daddy Kempson," who appears to have been + the originator of our Triennial Musical Festivals in 1768, and who + conducted a performance at St. Paul's as late as the year 1821, he + being then 80 years of age. + </p> + <p> + <i>Küchler</i>, C.H.—A medalist, for many years in the + employ of Boulton, for whom he sunk the dies for part of the copper + coinage of 1797, &c. The 2d. piece is by him. He was buried in + Handsworth Churchyard. + </p> + <p> + <i>Lightfoot</i>.—Lieut.-General Thomas Lightfoot, C.B., Colonel + of the 62nd Regiment, who died at his residence, Barbourne House, + Worcester, Nov. 15, 1858, in his 84th year, and who entered the + British army very early in life, was the last surviving officer of the + famous 45th, the "Fire-eaters" as they were called, that + went to the Peninsula with Moore and left it with Wellington. + Lightfoot was in Holland in 1799. He was present in almost every + engagement of the Peninsular War. He received seven wounds; a ball + which caused one of these remained in his body till his death. He + obtained three gold and eleven silver medals, being one more than even + those of his illustrious commander, the Duke of Wellington. One silver + medal was given him by the Duke himself, who said on the occasion he + was glad to so decorate one of the brave 45th. Lightfoot was made a + C.B. in 1815. Before he became Major-General he was Aide-de-Camp to + William IV. and Queen Victoria, and as such rode immediately before + her Majesty in her coronation procession. Lieutenant-General Lightfoot + was a native of this town, and was buried in the family vault in St. + Bartholomew's Church, his remains being escorted to the tomb by + the 4th (Queen's Own) Light Dragoons, commanded by Colonel Low. + </p> + <p> + <i>Lloyd</i>.—The founder of the well-known banking firm of + Lloyds appears to have been Charles Lloyd, for some time a minister of + the Society of Friends, who died in 1698. + </p> + <p> + <i>Machin</i>, William.—Born here in 1798, began his musical + career (while apprenticed to papier-mâché making), as a + member at the choir at Cannon Street Chapel. As a favourite bass + singer he was engaged at many of the festivals from 1834 to that of + 1849. His death occurred in September, 1870. + </p> + <p> + <i>Malins</i>, David.—Brassfounder, who in course of his life + filled several of the chief offices of our local governing bodies. + Born June 5, 1803; died December, 1881. Antiquarian and persevering + collector of all works throwing light upon or having connection with + Birmingham or Warwickshire history. Mr. Malins, after the burning of + the Free Library, generously gave the whole of his collection to the + formation of the New Reference Library, many of the books being most + rare and valuable, and of some of which no other copies are known to + exist. + </p> + <p> + <i>Mellon</i>, Alfred.—Though actually born in London, Mr. + Mellon's parents (his father was a Frenchman) were residents in + Birmingham, and we must claim this popular conductor as a local + musician of note. He was only twelve when he joined the Theatre Royal + band, but at sixteen he was the leader and remained so for eight + years, removing to London in 1844. In 1856 Mr. Mellon conducted the + opening performances at the Music Hall in Broad Street (now Prince of + Wales's Theatre): and will be long remembered for the + "Promenade Concerts" he gave at Covent Garden and in the + provinces. He died from the breaking of a blood-vessel, March 27, + 1867. + </p> + <p> + <i>Mogridge</i>, George, born at Ashted Feb. 17th, 1787, and brought + up as a japanner, was the original "Old Humphrey" of our + childhood's days, the author of "Grandfather Grey," + "Old Humphrey's Walks in London," "Old + Humphrey's Country Strolls," and other juvenile works, of + which many millions of copies have been sold in England, America, and + the Colonies. "Peter Parley's Tales" have been also + ascribed to our townsman, who died Nov. 2, 1854. + </p> + <p> + <i>Munden</i>, T.—In the year 1818, Mr. Munden (born in London + in 1798) came to this town as organist of Christ Church, and was also + chosen as teacher of the Oratorio Choral Society, and to this day it + may be said that the reputation of our Festival Choir is mostly based + on the instruction given by him during his long residence among us. + From 1823 till 1849 Mr. Munden acted as Assistant-conductor at the + Festivals, retiring from public life in 1853. + </p> + <p> + <i>Muntz</i>.—The Revolution in 1792 drove the Muntz family to + emigrate from their aristocratic abode in France, and a younger son + came to this town, where he married a Miss Purden, and established + himself in business. From this alliance sprung <i>our</i> race of the + Muntzes. George Frederic, the eldest, was born in November, 1794, and + losing his father in early life, was head of the family in his 18th + year. He devoted himself for many years, and with great success, to + mercantile affairs, but his most fortunate undertaking, and which has + made his name known all over the world, was the manufacture of + sheathing metal for ships bottoms. It has been doubted whether he did + any more than revive another man's lapsed patent, but it has never + been questioned that he made a vast sum of money out of the + "yellow metal." In politics, G.F.M. took a very active part, + even before the formation of the Political Union in 1830, and for many + years he was the idol of his fellow-townsmen. He was elected M.P. for + Birmingham, in January, 1840, and held the seat till the day of his + death, which took place July 30, 1857. His name will be found on many + a page of our local history, even though a statue of him is not yet + posed on a pedestal. + </p> + <p> + <i>Murdoch</i>, William.—Born at Bellow Mill, near Old Cumnock, + Ayrshire, in 1750, and brought up as a millwright, came here in search + of work in 1777. He was employed by Boulton at 15s. per week for the + first two years, but he soon became the most trusted of all the many + engaged at Soho, and never left there though offered £1,000 a + year to do so. The first steam engine applied to drawing carriages was + constructed by him in the shape of a model which ran round a room in + his house at Redruth in 1784, and which is still in existence. As an + inventor, he was second only to Watt, his introduction of gas lighting + being almost equal to that of the steam engine. He lived to be 85, + dying November 15, 1839, at his residence, Sycamore Hill, Handsworth. + His remains lie near those of his loved employers, Boulton and Watt, + in the parish church. + </p> + <p> + <i>Pettitt</i>.—Mr. Joseph Pettitt, who died Sept. 9, 1882, in + his 70th year, was a local artist of note, a member of the Society of + Artists, and for many years a regular exhibitor at the Royal Academy, + our local, and other exhibitions. In his younger years Mr. Pettitt was + employed in the papier-mâché trade, a business peculiarly + suited to persons gifted with artistic faculties. His earliest + specimens of landscape attracted attention, and Mr. Joseph Gillott + commissioned the painter to furnish a number of Swiss views for the + collection of pictures he had began to gather. Mr. Pettitt pleased the + penmaker, and soon made a name for himself, his works being + characterised by fine colour and broad vigorous handling. + </p> + <p> + <i>Phillips</i>, Alderman, died Feb. 25, 1876. A member of the first + Town Council, and Mayor in 1844. Mr. Phillips long took active part in + municipal matters, and was the founder of the Licensed + Victuallers' Asylum. + </p> + <p> + <i>Pickard</i>, James.—A Birmingham button maker, who patented, + Aug. 23, 1780, the use of the crank in the steam engine to procure + rotary motion. He is supposed to have got the idea from overhearing + the conversation of some Soho workmen while at their cups. The first + engine in which it was used (and the fly-wheel) was for a manufacturer + in Snow Hill, and was put up by Matthew Washborough, of Bristol. + </p> + <p> + <i>Plant</i>.—Mr. T.L. Plant, who died very suddenly in a + railway carriage in which he was coming into town on the morning of + August 31, 1883, came to Birmingham in 1840. As a meteorologist, who + for more than forty years had kept close record of wind and weather, + he was well known; his letters to the newspapers on this and kindred + subjects were always interesting, and the part he took in advanced + sanitary questions gained him the friendship of all. Mr. Plant was a + native of Yorkshire, and was in his 64th year at the time of his + death. + </p> + <p> + <i>Playfair</i>, William (brother of the eminent Scotch mathematician) + was engaged as a draughtsman at the Soho Works, after serving + apprenticeship as a millwright. He patented various inventions, and + was well known as a political writer, &c. Born, 1759; died, 1823. + </p> + <p> + <i>Postgate</i>, John.—This name should be honoured in every + household for a life's exertion in the obtainment of purity in + what we eat and drink. Beginning life as a grocer's boy, he saw + the most gross adulteration carried on in all the varieties of + articles sold by his employers, and afterwards being with a medical + firm, he studied chemistry, and devoted his life to analysing food and + drugs. Coming to this town in 1854, he obtained the assistance of Mr. + Wm. Scholefield, by whose means the first Parliamentary Committee of + Enquiry was appointed; the revelations were astounding, but it was not + till 1875 that anything like a stringent Act was passed whereby the + adulterators could be properly punished. The author of this great + national benefit was allowed to die almost in poverty, uncared for by + his countrymen at large, or by his adopted townsmen of Birmingham. + Born October 21, 1820, Mr. Postgate died in July, 1881. + </p> + <p> + <i>Ragg</i>, Rev. Thomas.—Once a bookseller and printer, editor + and publisher of the <i>Birmingham Advertiser</i>, and author of + several works, one of which secured for him the goodwill of the Bishop + of Rochester, who ordained him a minister of the Established Church in + 1858. He died December 3rd, 1881, in his 74th year, at Lawley, Salop, + having been perpetual curate thereof from 1865. His parishioners and + friends subscribed for a memorial window, and a fund of a little over + £200 was raised for the benefit of the widow, but a very small + part thereof went from Birmingham. + </p> + <p> + <i>Ratcliffe</i>.—Mr. John Ratcliffe, who had in past years been + a Town Commissioner, a Low Bailiff, a Town Councillor, and Alderman, + was chosen as Mayor in 1856, and, being popular as well as wealthy, + got reappointed yearly until 1859. In the first-named year, H.R.H. the + Duke of Cambridge was the Mayor's guest when he came to open + Calthorpe Park. When the Princess Royal was married, in 1858, the + Mayor celebrated the auspicious event by giving a dinner to more than + a thousand poor people, and he headed the deputation which was sent + from here to present England's royal daughter with some articles + of Birmingham manufacture. On the occasion of the Queen's visit to + open Aston Park, Mr. Mayor received the honour of Knighthood, and + became Sir John, dying in 1864, in his 67th year. + </p> + <p> + <i>Rennie</i>, John.—The celebrated engineer and architect, who + built Waterloo and Southwark Bridges, Plymouth Breakwater, &c., + was for a short time in the employ of Boulton and Watt. + </p> + <p> + <i>Roebuck</i>, Dr. John, grandfather of the late John Arthur Roebuck, + M.D. was born at Sheffield in 1718; came to Birmingham in 1745. He + introduced better methods of refining gold and silver, originated more + economical styles of manufacturing the chemicals used in trade + (especially oil of vitriol), and revived the use of pit coal in + smelting iron. After leaving this town he started the Carron Ironworks + on the Clyde, and in 1768 joined James Watt in bringing out the + latter's steam engine. Some mining investments failed before the + engine was perfected, and his interest thereon was transferred to Mr. + Boulton, the doctor dying in 1794 a poor man. + </p> + <p> + <i>Rogers</i>.—John Rogers, one of "the glorious army of + martyrs," was burnt at Smithfield (London) on February 4, 1555. + He was born in Deritend about the year 1500, and assisted in the + translation and printing of the Bible into English. He was one of the + Prebendaries of St. Paul's, London, but after Queen Mary came to + the throne he gave offence by preaching against idolatry and + superstition, and was kept imprisoned for eighteen months prior to + condemnation and execution, being the first martyr of the Reformation. + He left a wife and eleven children. See "<i><a class="internal" + href="#Birm20">Statues and Memorials</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <i>Russell</i>.—William Congreve Russell, Esq., J.P., and in + 1832 elected M.P. for East Worcestershire, who died Nov. 30, 1850, + aged 72, was the last of a family whose seat was at Moor Green for + many generations. + </p> + <p> + <i>Ryall</i>, Dr. John.—The first headmaster of the Edgbaston + Proprietary School, which opened under his superintendence in January, + 1838, his connection therewith continuing till Christmas, 1846. He was + a man of great learning, with a remarkable command of language, and a + singularly accurate writer. Born March 11, 1806, his intellectual + acquirements expanded so rapidly that at sixteen he was able to + support himself, and, passing with the highest honours, he had taken + his degree and accepted the head mastership of Truro Grammar School + before his 21st birthday. For the last 30 years of his life he filled + the post of Vice-President of Queen's College, Cork, departing to + a better sphere June 21, 1875. + </p> + <p> + <i>Ryland</i>, Arthur.—Descendant of a locally long-honoured + family this gentleman, a lawyer, added considerably to the prestige of + the name by the prominent position he took in every work leading to + the advancement of his townsmen, social, moral, and political. + Connected with almost every institution in the borough, many of which + he aided to establish or develop. Mr. Ryland's name is placed + foremost among the founders of the Birmingham and Midland Institute, + the Art Gallery, the public Libraries, the Hospitals for Women and + Children, the Sanatorium, &c., while he was one of the greatest + friends to the Volunteer movement and the adoption of the School + Board's system of education. During life he was appointed to all + the leading offices of citizenship, in addition to being chosen + President of the Law Society and other bodies. He died at Cannes, + March 23, 1877, in his 70th year. + </p> + <p> + <i>Scholefield</i>, William.—Son of Joshua Scholefield, was + chosen as the first Mayor after the incorporation, having previously + been the High Bailiff of the Court Leet. In 1847 he was elected M.P., + holding that office through five Parliaments and until his death July + 9, 1867 (in his 58th year). In the House, as well as in his private + life and business circles, he was much esteemed for the honest fixity + of purpose which characterised all his life. + </p> + <p> + <i>Shaw</i>, Charles, commonly known as "Charley" Shaw, was + a large manufacturing merchant, and held high position as a moneyed + man for many years down to his death. He was as hard as a nail, rough + as a bear, and many funny tales have been told about him, but he is + worth a place in local history, if only for the fact that it was + principally through his exertions that the great monetary panic of + 1837 was prevented from becoming almost a national collapse. + </p> + <p> + <i>Sherlock</i>.—Though not to be counted exactly as one of our + Birmingham men, Thomas Sherlock, Bishop of London, who purchased the + manor estates in or about 1730, must have a place among the + "noteworthies." Hutton states that when the Bishop made his + bargain the estate brought in about £400 per annum, but that in + another thirty years or so it had increased to twice the value. The + historian goes on to say that "the pious old Bishop was + frequently solicited to grant building leases, but answered, 'his + land was valuable, and if built upon, his successor, at the expiration + of the term, would have the rubbish to carry off:' he therefore + not only refused, but prohibited his successor from granting such + leases. But Sir Thomas Gooch, who succeeded him, seeing the great + improvement of the neighbouring estates, and wisely judging fifty + pounds per acre preferable to five, procured an Act in about 1766, to + set aside the prohibiting clause in the Bishop's will. Since + which, a considerable town may be said to have been erected upon his + property, now (1787) about £2,400 per annum." Bishop and + historian alike, would be a little astonished at the present value of + the property, could they see it. + </p> + <p> + <i>Small</i>, Dr. William.—A friend of Boulton, Watt, and + Priestley, and one of the famous Lunar Society, born in county Angus, + Scotland, in 1734, dying here in 1778. A physician of most extensive + knowledge, during a residence in America he filled the chair of + Professor of Natural Philosophy at the University of Williamsburg, + Virginia. In the beautiful pleasure grounds of Soho House, when + Matthew Boulton lived, there was an urn inscribed to the memory of Dr. + Small, on which appeared some impressive lines written by Dr. Darwin, + of Derby:— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2"> + "Here, while no titled dust, no sainted bone, + </p> + <p class="i4"> + No lover weeping over beauty's bier, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + No warrior frowning in historic stone, + </p> + <p class="i4"> + Extorts your praises, or requests your tear; + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Cold Contemplation leans her aching head, + </p> + <p class="i4"> + On human woe her steady eye she turns, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Waves her meek hand, and sighs for Science dead, + </p> + <p class="i4"> + For Science, Virtue, and for SMALL she mourns." + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + <i>Smith</i>.—Mr. Brooke Smith (of the well-known firm of + Martineau and Smith), a valued supporter of Penn Street and Dale + Street Industrial Schools, the Graham Street Charity, and other + institutions connected with the welfare of the young, died in April, + 1876, in his 78th year. A Liberal in every way, the sound common sense + of Mr. Brooke Smith, who was noted for an unvarying courtesy to all + parties and creeds, kept him from taking any active share in local + politics where urbanity and kindliness is heavily discounted. + </p> + <p> + <i>Sturge</i>, Joseph.—Born August 2, 1793, at Alberton, a + village on the Severn, was intended for a farmer, but commenced + trading as a cornfactor at Bewdley, in 1814, his brother Charles + joining him in 1822, in which year they also came to Birmingham. Mr. + Sturge was chosen a Town Commissioner, but resigned in 1830, being + opposed to the use of the Town Hall being granted for oratorios. He + was one of the directors of the London and Birmingham Railway when it + was opened in 1836, but objecting to the running of Sunday trains, + withdrew from the board. In 1838 he was elected Alderman for St. + Thomas's Ward, but would not subscribe to the required declaration + respecting the Established religion. At a very early date he took an + active part in the Anti-slavery movement, and his visit to the West + Indies and subsequent reports thereon had much to do with hastening + the abolition of slavery. When the working-classes were struggling for + electoral freedom and "the Charter," Mr. Sturge was one of + the few found willing to help them, though his peace-loving + disposition failed to induce them to give up the idea of + "forcing" their rights. Having a wish to take part in the + making of the laws, he issued an address to the electors of Birmingham + in 1840, but was induced to retire; in August, 1842, he contested + Nottingham, receiving 1,801 votes against his opponent's 1885; in + 1844 he put up for Birmingham, but only 364 votes were given him; and + he again failed at Leeds in 1847, though he polled 1,976 voters. In + 1850 he visited Schleswig-Holstein and Denmark, and in February, 1854, + St. Petersburgh, each time in hopes of doing something to prevent the + wars then commencing, but failure did not keep him from Finland in + 1856 with relief for the sufferers. In 1851 he took a house in Ryland + Road and fitted it up as a reformatory, which afterwards led to the + establishment at Stoke Prior. Mr. Sturge died on May 14, 1859, and was + buried on the 20th in Bull Street. His character needs no comment, for + he was a Christian in his walk as well as in his talk. + </p> + <p> + <i>Taylor</i>, John.—Died in 1775, aged 64, leaving a fortune of + over £200,000, acquired in the manufacture of metal buttons, + japanned ware, snuff boxes, &c. It is stated that he sent out + £800 worth of buttons weekly, and that one of his workmen earned + 70s. per week by painting snuff boxes at 1/4d. each. Mr. Taylor must + have had a monopoly in the latter, for this one hand at the rate named + must have decorated some 170,000 boxes per annum. + </p> + <p> + <i>Tomlins</i>.—Samuel Boulton Tomlins, the son of a local iron + merchant (who was one of the founders of the Birmingham Exchange) and + Mary Harvey Boulton (a near relative to Matthew) was born September + 28, 1797, at Park House, in Park Street, then a vine-covered residence + surrounded by gardens. His mother was so great a favourite with + Baskerville that the celebrated printer gave her one of two + specially-printed Bibles, retaining the other for himself. After + serving an apprenticeship to a bookseller, Mr. Tomlins was taken into + Lloyd's Bank as a clerk, but was soon promoted to be manager of + the branch then at Stockport, but which was taken over afterwards by a + Manchester Banking Company, with whom Mr. Tomlins stayed until 1873, + dying September 8, 1879. + </p> + <p> + <i>Ulwin</i>.—Though nearly last in our list, Ulwin, or Alwyne, + the son of Wigod, and the grandson of Woolgeat, the Danish Earl of + Warwick, must rank first among our noteworthy men, if only from the + fact that his name is absolutely the first found in historical records + as having anything to do with Birmingham. This was in King Edward the + Confessor's time, when Alwyne was Sheriff <i>(vice-comes)</i> and + through his son Turchill, who came to be Earl of Warwick, the Ardens + and the Bracebridges trace their descent from the old Saxon kings, + Alwyne's mother being sister to Leofric, III., Earl of Mercia. + Whether Alwyne thrived on his unearned increment or not, the + politicians of the time have not told us, but the possessions that + came to him by the Dano-Saxon marriage of his parents seems to have + been rather extensive, as it is written that he owned not only the + manor of Birmingham, but also Halesowen, Escelie, Hagley, and Swinford + in Wirecescire (Worcestershire), Great Barr, Handsworth, Penn, Rushall + and Walsall, in Staffordshire, as well as Aston, Witton, Erdington, + and Edgbaston. The modern name of Allen is deducible from Alwyne, and + the bearers thereof, if so inclined, may thus be enabled to also claim + a kingly descent, and much good may it do them. + </p> + <p> + <i>Underwood</i>, Thomas.—The first printer to introduce the art + of lithography into Birmingham, and he is also credited with being the + discoverer of chromo-litho, and the first to publish coloured + almanacks and calendars. He did much to foster the taste for art, but + will probably be most generally recollected by the number of views of + old Birmingham and reproductions of pictures and maps of local + interest that he published. Mr. Underwood died March 14, 1882, in his + 73rd year. + </p> + <p> + <i>Van Wart</i>.—Henry Van Wart, was born near New York, Sept. + 25, 1783, and took up his abode with us in 1808. By birth an American, + by descent a Dutchman, he became a Brum through being naturalised by + special Act of Parliament, and for nearly seventy years was one of our + principal merchants. He was also one of the first Aldermen chosen for + the borough. Died Feb. 15, 1873, in his 90th year. + </p> + <p> + <i>Ward</i>.—Humble Ward, son of Charles I.'s jeweller, who + married the daughter of the Earl of Dudley, was created Baron Ward of + Birmingham. Their son Edward thus came to the title of Lord Dudley and + Ward in 1697. + </p> + <p> + <i>Warren</i>.—Thomas Warren was a well-known local bookseller + of the last century. He joined Wyatt and Paul in their endeavours to + establish the Cotton Spinning Mill, putting £1,000 into the + speculation, which unfortunately landed him in bankruptcy. He + afterwards became an auctioneer, and in 1788 had the pleasure of + selling the machinery of the mill in which forty years previous his + money had been lost. + </p> + <p> + <i>Watt</i>, James, was born at Greenock, Jan. 19, 1736, and (if we + are to credit the somewhat apocryphal anecdote of his testing the + power of steam as it issued from his aunt's teakettle when a + little lad barely breeched) at an early age he gave evidence of what + sort of a man he would be. In such a condensed work as the present + book, it is impossible to give much of the life of this celebrated + genius; but fortunately there are many biographies of him to which the + student can refer, as well as scientific and other tomes, in which his + manifold inventions have been recorded, and in no corner of the earth + where the steam-engine has been introduced can his name be unknown. + After many years' labour to bring the new motive power into + practical use, Watt, helped by his friend Dr. Roebuck, took out his + first patent in 1769. Roebuck's share was transferred to Matthew + Boulton in 1773, and in the following year James Watt came to + Birmingham. An Act of Parliament prolonging the patent for a term of + twenty-four years was obtained in May, 1775, and on the first of June + was commenced the world-famous partnership of Boulton and Watt. Up to + this date the only engine made to work was the one brought by Watt + from Scotland, though more than nine years had been spent on it, and + thousands of pounds expended in experiments, improvements, and + alterations. Watt's first residence here was in Regent's + Place, Harper's Hill, to which (Aug. 17, 1775) he brought his + second wife. He afterwards removed to Heathfield, where the workshop + in which he occupied his latest years still remains, as on the day of + his death. In 1785, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society; in + 1806, the University of Glasgow conferred the degree of LL.D. upon + him, and in 1808 he was elected a member of the National Institute of + France. One of the latest inventions of James Watt was a machine for + the mechanical copying of sculpture and statuary, its production being + the amusement of his octogenarian years, for, like his partner + Boulton, Watt was permitted to stay on the earth for longer than the + so-called allotted term, his death taking place on the 19th of August, + 1819, when he was in his 83rd year. He was buried in Handsworth + Church, where there is a monument, the features of which are said to + be very like him. A statue was erected to his memory in Westminster + Abbey in 1824, and others have been set up in Birmingham, Manchester, + Greenock, and Glasgow. The following is the inscription (written by + Lord Brougham) on the tomb of Watt in Westminster Abbey, towards the + cost of which George IV. contributed £500:— + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + "Not to perpetuate a name which must endure while the peaceful + arts flourish, but to show that mankind have learned to honour + those who best deserve their gratitude, the King, his ministers, + and many of the nobles and commoners of the realm, raised this + monument to JAMES WATT, who, directing the force of an original + genius, early exercised in philosophical research, to the + improvement of the steam-engine, enlarged the resources of his + country, increased the power of man, and rose to an eminent place + among the most illustrious followers of science and the real + benefactors of the world. Born at Greenock, 1736; died at + Heathfield, in Staffordshire, 1819." + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + One of James Watt's sons, Gregory, who devoted himself to science + and literature, died in 1804, at the early age of 27. James, born Feb. + 5, 1769, resided for a number of years at Aston Hall, where he died in + 1848. In 1817 he voyaged to Holland in the first steam vessel that + left an English port, the engines having been manufactured at Soho. He + was of a very retiring disposition, and not particularly popular with + the public, though valued and appreciated by those admitted to closer + intimacy. + </p> + <p> + <i>West</i>.—Though he did not come to Birmingham until close + upon sixty years of age, being born in 1770, William West, in his + "History of Warwickshire," published one of the best + descriptions of this town ever yet prepared. He had establishments in + London and Cork, and was the author of several amusing and interesting + works, such as "Tavern Anecdotes," "Fifty Years' + Recollections of an Old Bookseller." &c., now scarce, though + "West's Warwickshire" may often be met with at the + "Chaucer's Head," and other old bookshops. + </p> + <p> + <i>Williams</i>, Fleetwood, who died in 1836, at the early age of 29, + was the author of sundry locally interesting prose works and poetical + "skits." He was connected with several debating clubs, and + showed talent that promised future distinction. + </p> + <p> + <i>Willmore</i>.—James Tibbets Willmore, a native of Handsworth, + was an eminent landscape engraver, famed for his reproductions of + Turner's works. His death occurred in March, 1863, in his 63rd + year. + </p> + <p> + <i>Winfield</i>.—Mr. Robert Walter Winfield, though he took + comparatively little part in the public life of our town, deserves a + prominent place among our men of note as a manufacturer who did much + towards securing Birmingham a somewhat better name than has + occasionally been given it, in respect to the quality of the work sent + out. Starting early in life, in the military ornament line, Mr. + Winfield began in a somewhat small way on the site of the present + extensive block of buildings known as Cambridge Street Works, which + has now developed into an establishment covering several acres of + land. Here have been manufactured some of the choicest specimens of + brass foundry work that could be desired, no expense being spared at + any time in the procuring of the best patterns, and (which is of + almost equal importance) the employment of the best workmen. The goods + sent from Cambridge Street to the first Great Exhibition, 1851, + obtained the highest award, the Council's Gold Medal, for + excellence of workmanship, beauty of design, and general treatment, + and the house retains its position. Mr. Winfield was a true man, + Conservative in politics, but most, truly liberal in all matters + connected with his work-people and their families. In the education + and advancement of the younger hands he took the deepest interest, + spending thousands in the erection of schools and the appointment of + teachers for them, and not a few of our present leading men have to + thank him for their first step in life. The death of his only son, Mr. + J.F. Winfield, in 1861, was a great blow to the father, and caused him + to retire from active business through failing health. His death (Dec. + 16, 1869), was generally felt as a loss to the town. + </p> + <p> + <i>Wyatt</i>.—John Wyatt, one of Birmingham's most ingenious + sons, invented (in 1738) the spinning of cotton by means of rollers, + but unlike Richard Arkwright, who afterwards introduced a more perfect + machine and made a fortune, the process was never other than a source + of loss to the original inventor and his partners, who vainly tried to + make it a staple manufacture of the town. The weighing machine was + also the work of Wyatt's brain, though he did not live to see the + machine in use, dying Nov. 29, 1766, broken down by misfortune, but + honoured by such men as Baskerville and Boulton who, then rising + themselves, knew the worth of the man whose loss they deplored. + Wyatt's grave is on the Blue Coat School side of St. Philip's + churchyard. + </p> + <p> + <i>Wyon</i>.—A celebrated local family of die-sinkers and + medalists. William Wyon (born in 1795) receiving the gold medal of the + Society of Arts, for his medal of Ceres, obtained in 1816 the post of + second engraver at the Mint, his cousin, Thomas Wyon, being then the + chief. One of the finest medals engraved by him was that of Boulton, + struck by Thomason, in high relief, and 4in. in diameter. He died in + 1851, having produced all the coins and medals for Queen Victoria and + William IV., part of George IV.'s, and prize medals for many + societies. His son, Leonard Wyon, produced the Exhibition medals in + 1851. + </p> + <p> + The preceding are really but a few of the men of note whose connection + with Birmingham has been of historical interest, and the catalogue + might be extended to great length with the names of the De + Birminghams, the Smalbrokes, Middlemores, Colmores, and others of the + old families alone. Scores of pages would not suffice to give even the + shortest biographies of the many who, by their inventive genius and + persistent labour, placed our town at the head of the world's + workshops, the assistants and followers of the great men of Soho, the + Thomasons, Taylors, and others living in the early part of the + century, or the Elkingtons, Chances, &c., of later days. A volume + might easily be filled with lives of scientific and literary men of + the past, Hutton the historian, Morfitt, poet and barrister; Beilby, + Hodgetts, Hudson, and other bookmen, to say naught of the many Press + writers (who in their day added not a little to the advancement of + their fellow-townsmen), or the venerable doctors, the school teachers + and scholars, the pastors and masters of the old School and the old + Hospital. Mention is made of a few here and there in this book; of + others there have been special histories published, and, perchance + <i>some</i> day "Birmingham men" will form the title of a + more comprehensive work. + </p> + <p> + <b>Novel Sight.</b>—The appearance in the streets of Birmingham + of a real war vessel would be a wonderful thing even in these days of + railways and steam. Sir Rowland Hill, speaking of his childhood's + days, said he could recollect once during the war with Napoleon that a + French gunboat was dragged across the country, and shown in Birmingham + at a small charge. He had never then seen any vessel bigger than a + coal barge, but this was a real ship, with real anchor and real ship + guns. + </p> + <p> + <b>Numbering of Houses.</b>—We are rapidly improving in many + ways, and the gradual introduction of the system of alternate + numbering, the odd numbers on one side of the street, and the evens on + the other, is an advance in the right direction. Still, the fixing of + the diminutive figure plate on the sideposts of a door, or, as is + frequently found to be the case, in the shadow of a porch, is very + tantalising, especially to the stranger. Householders should see that + the No. is placed in a conspicuous spot, and have the figures painted + so that they can be well seen even on a dusky evening. + </p> + <p> + <b>Nunneries.</b>—See "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm32">Religious Associations</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Nurseries.</b>—The outskirts, and indeed many parts of the + town, less than a century back were studded with gardens, but the + flowers have had to give place to the more prosaic bricks and mortar, + and householders desirous of floral ornaments have now in a great + measure to resort to the nursery grounds of the professed + horticulturists. Foremost among the nurseries of the neighbourhood are + those of Mr. R.H. Vertegans, Chad Valley, Edgbaston which were laid + out some thirty-five years ago. The same gentleman has another + establishment of even older date at Malvern, and a third at Metchley. + The grounds of Messrs. Pope and Sons, at King's Norton, are also + extensive and worthy of a visit. There are other nurseries at Solihull + (Mr. Hewitt's), at Spark hill (Mr. Tomkins'), at Handsworth + (Mr. Southhall's), and in several other parts of the suburbs. The + <i>Gardeners' Chronicle</i>, the editor of which is supposed to be + a good judge, said that the floral arrangement at the opening of the + Mason Science College surpassed anything of the kind ever seen in + Birmingham, Mr. Vertegans having supplied not less than thirty van + loads, comprising over 5,000 of the choicest exotic flowers and + evergreens. + </p> + <p> + <b>Oak Leaf Day.</b>—In the adjoining counties, and to a certain + extent in Birmingham itself, it has been the custom for carters and + coachmen to decorate their horses' heads and their own hats with + sprays of oak leaves on the 29th of May, and 99 out of the 100 would + tell you they did so to commemorate Charles II. hiding in the oak tree + near to Boscobel House. It is curious to note how long an erroneous + idea will last. The hunted King would not have found much shelter in + his historical oak in the month of May, as the trees would hardly have + been sufficiently in leaf to have screened him, and, as it happened, + it was the 4th of September and not the 29th of May when the event + occurred. The popular mistake is supposed to have arisen from the fact + that Charles made his public entry into London on May 29, which was + also his birthday, when the Royalists decked themselves with oak in + remembrance of that tree having been instrumental in the King's + restoration. + </p> + <p> + <b>Obsolete Street Names.</b>—Town improvements of one sort and + another have necessitated the entire clearance of many streets whose + names may be found inscribed on the old maps, and their very sites + will in time be forgotten. Changes in name have also occurred more + frequently perhaps than may be imagined, and it will be well to note a + few. As will be seen, several streets have been christened and + re-christened more than once. + </p> + <p> + Baskerville-street is now Easy-row. + </p> + <p> + Bath-road is Bristol-street. + </p> + <p> + Beast Market was that part of High-street contiguous to New-street; + also called English Market. + </p> + <p> + Bewdley-street, afterwards Ann-street, now Colmore-row. + </p> + <p> + Birch Hole-street has been improved to Birchall street. + </p> + <p> + Black Boy Yard is now Jamaica-row. + </p> + <p> + Brick Kiln lane is the Horse Fair. + </p> + <p> + Broad-street—Dale End was so called in the 15th century. + </p> + <p> + Buckle-row. Between Silver-street and Thomas-street. + </p> + <p> + Button Alley—Bishop-street, Masshouse-lane. + </p> + <p> + Butts-lane—Tanter-street; The Butts being Stafford-street. + </p> + <p> + Catherine-street—Whittal-street. + </p> + <p> + Cawsey (The Causeway)—Lower part of Digbeth. + </p> + <p> + Chapel-street—Bull-street was so called in the 14th century. + </p> + <p> + Chappel-row—Jennens'-row and Buck-street. + </p> + <p> + Charles or Little Charles-street—Now part of New Edmund-street. + </p> + <p> + Cock-street—Upper part of Digbeth; also called Well-street. + </p> + <p> + Colmore-street—From Worcester-street to Peck-lane. + </p> + <p> + Cony Greve street is now Congreve-street. + </p> + <p> + Cooper's Mill-lane is Heathmill-lane. + </p> + <p> + Corbett's Alley—Union-street. + </p> + <p> + Corn Cheaping or Corn Market was part of the Bull Ring. + </p> + <p> + Court-lane—Moat-lane. + </p> + <p> + Cottage-lane—Sheepcote-lane. + </p> + <p> + Crescent-street—Part of King Edward's Road. + </p> + <p> + Cross-street—Vauxhall-street. + </p> + <p> + Crown-street, afterwards Nelson-street is now Sheepcote-street. + </p> + <p> + Deadman's Lane—Warstone-lane. + </p> + <p> + Ditch—The Gullet was The Ditch. + </p> + <p> + Dock Alley—New Inkleys. + </p> + <p> + Dudwall-lane—Dudley-street + </p> + <p> + Farmer-street—Sand-street. + </p> + <p> + Ferney Fields—Great Hampton-street + </p> + <p> + Feck-lane or Peck-lane—Covered by New-street Station. + </p> + <p> + God's Cart-lane—Carrs-lane. + </p> + <p> + Grindstone-lane—Westfield-road. + </p> + <p> + Hangman's-lane, or Hay Barns-lane—Great Hampton-row. + </p> + <p> + Harlow-street—Edmund-street. + </p> + <p> + Haymarket—one of the names given to Ann-street. + </p> + <p> + High Town—Upper part of Bull Ring. + </p> + <p> + Hill-street—Little Charles-street. + </p> + <p> + Jennings-street—Fox-street. + </p> + <p> + King-street and Queen-street, as well as Great Queen-street, have made + way for New-street Station. + </p> + <p> + Lake Meadow-hill—Bordesley-street and Fazeley-street. + </p> + <p> + Lamb-yard—Crooked-lane. + </p> + <p> + Long-lane—Harborne-road. + </p> + <p> + Ludgate-hill was part of Church-street. + </p> + <p> + Martin-street—Victoria-street. + </p> + <p> + Mercer-street, or Spicer-street—Spiceal-street. + </p> + <p> + Mount Pleasant—Ann-street. + </p> + <p> + New road—Summer-row. + </p> + <p> + Old Meeting-street has at various periods been known as Grub-street, + Littleworth street, New-row, and Phillips-street. + </p> + <p> + Pemberton's-yard, Lower Minories, or + Coach-yard—Dalton-street. + </p> + <p> + Pitt-street and Porter-street were portions of Old Cross-street. + </p> + <p> + Priors Conigree-lane, or Whitealls-lane is now Steelhouse-lane. + </p> + <p> + Priory-lane—Monmouth-street. + </p> + <p> + Rother Market—New-street next to High-street and High-street + next to New-street was once so called. + </p> + <p> + Sandy-lane—Snow Hill in the 16th century. Lee Bank-road has also + been called Sandy-lane. + </p> + <p> + Shambles—Part of Bull Ring. + </p> + <p> + Swan Alley—Worcester-street. + </p> + <p> + Swinford-street—Upper end of New-street. + </p> + <p> + Temple Alley, also called Tory-row—Temple-row. + </p> + <p> + Walmer-lane (in the 15th century Wold Moors)—Lancaster-street. + </p> + <p> + Water-street—Floodgate-street. + </p> + <p> + Welch End or Welch Market—Junction of Bull-street, High-street, + and Dale End. + </p> + <p> + Westley's-row, Westley-street, or London 'Prentice-street + forms part of Dalton-street. + </p> + <p> + Withering-street—Union-street. + </p> + <p> + Wyllattes Green—Prospect Row. + </p> + <p> + <b>Old Cock Pump.</b>—This was the old pump formerly under St. + Martin's Churchyard wall, from which the water-carriers and others + obtained their supply of drinking water. The rule of the pump was + "last come last served," and frequently a long string of + men, women, and children might be seen waiting their turn. Many of us + can recollect the old Digbeth men, with their shoulder-yoke and two + buckets, plodding along to find customers for their + "Wartâ;" and certain elderly ladies are still in + existence who would fear the shortening of their lives were their + tea-kettles filled with aught but the pure Digbeth water, though it + does not come from the pump at St. Martin's, for that was removed + in 1873. It has been written that on one occasion (in the days before + waterworks were practicable, and the old pump was a real blessing), + when the poor folks came to fill their cans early in the morning, they + found the handle gone, and great was the outcry thereat. It soon + afterwards transpired that a blacksmith, short of iron, had taken the + handle to make into horseshoes. + </p> + <p> + <b>Old Meeting House Yard.</b>—The name gives its own origin. + One of the earliest built of our Dissenting places of worship was here + situated. + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm121"></a>Old Square.</b>—There are grounds for + believing that this was the site of the Hospital or Priory of St. + Thomas the Apostle; the reason of no foundations or relics of that + building having been come across arising from its having been erected + on a knoll or mount there, and which would be the highest bit of land + in Birmingham. This opinion is borne out by the fact that the Square + was originally called The Priory, and doubtless the Upper and Lower + Priories and the Minories of later years were at first but the + entrance roads to the old Hospital, as it was most frequently styled + in deeds and documents. Mr. John Pemberton, who purchased this portion + of the Priory lands in 1697, and laid it out for building, would + naturally have it levelled, and, not unlikely from a reverent feeling, + so planned that the old site of the religious houses should remain + clear and undesecrated. From old conveyances we find that 20s. per + yard frontage was paid for the site of some of the houses in the + square, and up to 40s. in Bull Street; the back plots, including the + Friends' burial ground (once gardens to the front houses) being + valued at 1s. to 2s. per yard. Some of the covenants between the + vendor and the purchasers are very curious, such as that the latter + "shall and will for ever hereafter putt and keep good bars of + iron or wood, or otherwise secure all the lights and windows that are + or shall be, that soe any children or others may not or cannot creep + through, gett, or come through such lights or windows into or upon the + same piece of land." Here appears the motive for the erection of + the iron railings so closely placed in front of the old houses. + Another covenant was against "putting there any muckhill or + dunghill places, pigstyes or workhouses, shopps or places that shall + he noysome or stink, or be nautionse or troublesome," and also to + have there "no butcher's or smith's slaughter house or + smithey harth." One of the corner houses, originally called + "the Angle House," was sold in 1791 for £420; in 1805 + it realised £970; in 1843, £1,330? and in 1853, + £2,515. The centre of the Square was enclosed and neatly kept as + a garden with walks across, for the use of the inhabitants there, but + (possibly it was "nobody's business") in course of time + it became neglected, and we have at least one instance, in 1832, of + its being the scene of a public demonstration. About the time of the + Parliamentary election in that year, the carriageway round the Square + had been newly macadamised, and on the polling day, when Dempster + Heming opposed William Stratford Dugdale, the stones were found very + handy, and were made liberal use of, as per the usual order of the day + at that time on such occasions. The trees and railings were removed in + 1836 or 1837 in consequence of many accidents occurring there, the + roadways being narrow and very dangerous from the numerous angles, the + Street Commissioners undertaking to give the inhabitants a wide and + handsome flagging as a footpath on all sides of the square, + conditionally with the freeholders of the property giving up their + rights to and share in the enclosure. + </p> + <p> + <b>Omnibuses.</b>—The first omnibus was started in 1828, by Mr. + Doughty, a fishmonger, and its route lay between the White Swan, Snow + Hill, to the Sun, in Bristol Road. In 1836 an "Omnibus Conveyance + Co," was proposed, with a magnificent capital of £5,000. + The projectors would have been a little startled if they could have + seen the prospectuses of some of our modern conveyance + companies.—See "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm27">Tramways</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Open Spaces.</b>—March 8, 1883, saw the formation of the + Birmingham Association for the Prevention of Open Spaces and Public + Footpaths, the object of which is to be the securing of the rights of + the public to the open spots, footpaths, and green places, which, for + generations, have belonged to them. There are few such left in the + borough now, but the Association may find plenty to do in the near + neighbourhood, and if its members can but save us one or two of the + old country walks they will do good service to the community. + </p> + <p> + <b>Orange Tree.</b>—This public-house was built in 1780, the + neighbourhood being then known as "Boswell Heath." A walk to + the Orange Tree over the "hilly fields," where Conybere and + other streets now are, was a pleasant Sunday morning ramble even forty + years back. + </p> + <p> + <b>Oratory.</b>—See "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm4">Places of Worship</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm128"></a>Organs.</b>—According to the oft-quoted + extract from the Halesowen Churchwardens' books—"1497. + Paid for repeyling the organs to the organ maker at Bromycham + 10s,"—organ-building must have been one of the few + recognised trades of this town at a very early date. It is a pity the + same accounts do not give the maker's name of the instruments for + which in 1539 they "paid my lord Abbot 4 marks," or name the + parties who were then employed and paid for "mending and setting + the organs up, 40s." Whether any of the most celebrated organs in + the country have, or have not, been made here, is quite uncertain, + though the Directories and papers of all dates tell us that makers + thereof have never been wanting. In 1730, one Thomas Swarbrick made + the organ for St. Mary's Church, Warwick, and the Directory for + 1836 gives the name of Isaac Craddock (the original maker of the taper + penholder), who repaired and in several cases enlarged the instruments + at many of our places of worship, as well as supplying the beautiful + organ for St. Mary's, at Coventry.—The tale has often been + told of the consternation caused by the introduction of a barrel organ + into a church, when from some catch or other it would not stop at the + finish of the first tune, and had to be carried outside, while the + remainder of its repertoire pealed forth, but such instruments were + not unknown in sacred edifices in this neighbourhood but a short time + back [see "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm105">Northfield</a></i>"].—A splendid organ was + erected in Broad Street Music Hall when it was opened, and it was said + to be the second largest in England, costing £2,000; it was + afterwards purchased for St. Pancras' Church, London.—The + organ in the Town Hall, constructed by Mr. Hill, of London, cost + nearly £4,000 and, when put up, was considered to be one of the + finest and most powerful in the world, and it cannot have lost much of + its prestige, as many improvements have since been made in it. The + outer case is 45ft. high, 40ft. wide, and 17ft. deep, and the timber + used in the construction of the organ weighed nearly 30 tons. There + are 4 keyboards, 71 draw stops, and over 4,000 pipes of various forms + and sizes, some long, some short, some trumpet-like in shape, and + others cylindrical, while in size they range from two or three inches + in length to the great pedal pipe, 32ft. high and a yard in width, + with an interior capacity of 224 cubic feet. In the "great + organ" there are 18 stops, viz.: Clarion (2ft.), ditto (4ft.), + posanne, trumpet, principal (1 and 2), gamba, stopped diapason, four + open diapasons, doublette, harmonic flute, mixture sesquialtra, + fifteenth, and twelfth, containing altogether 1,338 pipes. In the + "choir organ" there are nine stops, viz.: Wald flute, + fifteenth stopped flute, oboe flute, principal, stopped diapason, hohl + flute, cornopean, and open diapason, making together 486 pipes. The + "swell organ" contains 10 stops, viz.: Hautbois, trumpet, + horn, fifteenth, sesquialtra, principal, stopped diapason, open + diapason, clarion, and boureon and dulciana, the whole requiring 702 + pipes. In the "solo organ" the principal stops are the + harmonica, krum, horn, and flageolet, but many of the stops in the + swell and choir organs work in connection with the solo. In the + "pedal organ" are 12 stops, viz.: Open diapason 16ft. + (bottom octave) wood, ditto, 16ft., metal, ditto, 16ft. (bottom + octave) metal, bourdon principal, twelfth, fifteenth, sesquialtra, + mixture, posanne, 8ft. trumpet, and 4ft. trumpet. There are besides, + three 32ft. stops, one wood, one metal, and one trombone. There are + four bellows attached to the organ, and they are of great size, one + being for the 32ft. pipes alone. The Town Hall organ had its first + public trial August 29, 1834, when the Birmingham Choral Society went + through a selection of choruses, as a kind of advance note of the then + coming Festival. + </p> + <p> + Orphanages.—The first local establishment of the nature of an + orphanage was the so called Orphan Asylum in Summer Lane, built in + 1797 for the rearing of poor children from the Workhouse. It was a + very useful institution up to the time of its close in 1852, but like + the Homes at Marston Green, where the young unfortunates from the + present Workhouse are reared and trained to industrial habits, it was + almost a misnomer to dub it an "orphan asylum."—An + Orphanage at Erdington was begun by the late Sir Josiah Mason, in + 1858, in connection with his Almshouses there, it being his then + intention to find shelter for some three score of the aged and + infantile "waifs and strays" of humanity. In 1860 he + extended his design so far as to commence the present Orphanage, the + foundation stone of which was laid by himself Sept. 19 in that year, + the building being finished and first occupied in 1863. In addition to + the expenditure of £60,000 on the buildings, the founder endowed + the institution with land and property to the value of £250,000. + No publicity was given to this munificent benevolence until the twelve + months prescribed by the statute had elapsed after the date of the + deed, when, on the 29th of July, 1869, the Orphanage and estates were + handed over to seven trustees, who, together with Sir Josiah himself, + formed the first Board of Management. At his death, as provided by the + trust deed, seven other trustees chosen by the Birmingham Town Council + were added to the Board. The inmates of the Orphanage are lodged, + clothed, fed, maintained, educated, and brought up at the exclusive + cost of the institution, there being no restriction whatever as to + locality, nationality, or religious persuasion of parents or friends. + In 1874 the building was enlarged, so as to accommodate 300 girls, 150 + boys, and 50 infants, the original part being reserved for the girls + and infants and a new wing built for the boys. The two are connected + by the lofty dining hall, 200ft. long, with tables and seats for 500 + children. Every part of the establishment is on a liberal scale and + fitted with the best appliances; each child has its separate bed, and + the playgrounds are most extensive.—The Princess Alice + Orphanage, of which the foundation-stone was laid Sept. 19, 1882, has + rather more than a Birmingham interest, as it is intended in the first + instance for the reception of children from all parts of the country + whose parents have been Wesleyans. In connection with the Wesleyan + Thanksgiving Fund, Mr. Solomon Jevons, of this town, made an offer to + the committee that if from the fund they would make a grant of + £10,000 towards establishing an orphanage in the neighbourhood + of Birmingham, he would supplement it by a donation of £10,000. + After due consideration the offer was accepted. Plans were prepared by + Mr. J.L. Ball for as much of the building as it was proposed + immediately to erect, and the contract was let to Messrs. J. Wilson + and Sons, of Handsworth. The sanction of her Majesty the Queen was + obtained to call the building the "Princess Alice" + Orphanage, in memory of her lamented daughter, the late Princess of + Hesse. The site chosen is about halfway between Erdington and Sutton + Coldfield on the Chester Road, and very near to the "Beggar's + Bush." Facing the road, though forty yards from it, is the + central block of buildings, 250 feet in length, including the + master's house, board room and offices, store rooms, &c., with + a large hall, 90 feet by 33 feet, for use as a dining hall, general + gatherings, morning prayers, &c., the children's homes being + in cottages at varying distances, so that when the whole twenty-four + homes (twelve each for boys and girls) are erected it will be like a + miniature village, sundry farm buildings and workshops being + interspersed here and there. Each cottage is intended to be the home + of about twenty children, but at first, and until the funds for the + maintenance of the orphanage have been increased, the inmates will be + limited to the accommodation that can be provided at the central block + and the nearest two or three homes, the rest being built as occasion + offers. + </p> + <p> + <b>Oscott College.</b>—See "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm8">Schools</a></i>," &c. + </p> + <p> + <b>Oxford, (Edward).</b>—The boy Oxford who shot at the Queen, + on June 10, 1840, was born here and had worked at several shops in the + town. + </p> + <p> + <b>Oxygen.</b>—It was on the first of August, 1774, that Dr. + Priestley discovered the nature of oxygen or "dephlogisticated + air." If he could visit Oxygen Street in this town in August of + any year, he would probably say that the air there to be breathed + required dephlogisticating over and over again. + </p> + <p> + <b>Packhorses.</b>—In and about the year 1750 the only method of + conveying parcels of goods from here to London was by means of + packhorses, the charge being at the rate of £7 to £9 per + ton; to Liverpool and Bristol, £5. + </p> + <p> + <b>Panorama.</b>—A circular erection in New Street, and now + partly incorporated in the Society of Artists building, where early in + the century panoramas of various kinds were exhibited. + </p> + <p> + <b>Panoramic View.</b>—A peculiar view of this town was + published in 1847 by Ackermann of London, and was thus called, as it + purported to give the thoroughfares pictorially, showing the houses as + they would appear from a balloon over Moseley Street. The size was + 27-1/2 in. by 14-3/4 in. As a curiosity it is prizable, but its + correctness of delineation is marred very much by the plan adopted. + </p> + <p> + <b>Pantechnetheca.</b>—A large place of general business, opened + in 1824, at the New-street end of Union-passage. In 1817, there stood + on this spot a publichouse, known as the "Old Crown," the + entrance to which was in a large, open gateway at its side, through + which a path led to the cherry orchard. The Pantechnetheca was one of + "the sights" of the town, the exterior being ornamented with + pillars and statues; while the name was not only a puzzle to the + "Black Country" visitors, but quite a subject of dispute as + to its etymology among the Greek scholars of the Grammar School + opposite. + </p> + <p> + <b>Paradise Street.</b>—The footpath on the Town Hall side used + to be several feet higher than the causeway, and was supplied with + iron railings. If the name had been given in late years, it might be + supposed to have been chosen because the doors of the Parish Offices + are in the street. + </p> + <p> + <b>Parish Offices.</b>—See "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm33">Public Buildings</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Parkesine.</b>—A material used for knife handles and other + purposes, so named after its maker, Alexander Parkes, a well-known + local manufacturer, who said it was made from refuse vegetable fibre, + pyroxyline, oil, naphtha, and chloride of sulphur. + </p> + <p> + <b>Park Lane.</b>—From Aston Cross Tavern to the Birchfield + Road, originally being the road outside the wall of Aston Park. The + first lots of land for building that were sold were those fronting + Church Lane, and they fetched an average price of 2s. 2d. per yard, + each lot being 12 yards by 60 yards. The next were the lots marked out + by the side of Park Lane, and it was at about the middle of Park Lane + that the first house was built in Aston Park in 1854 or 1855. + </p> + <p> + <b>Park Road.</b>—Leading over the hill from Aston Cross to + Aston Church, was the first laid out, and the first opened to the + public (Easter Monday, 1855) through the old grounds belonging to the + Holts. + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm130"></a>Parks.</b>—Thanks to the munificence of + Miss Ryland, Lord Calthorpe, Sir Charles Adderley, and Mr. W. + Middlemore, with the concurrent generosity of the Church authorities, + in whom the freehold of our churchyards was invested, Birmingham + cannot be said to be short of parks and public grounds, though with + all put together the area is nothing like that taken from the + inhabitants under the Enclosures Acts of last century. The first + movement for the acquisition of public parks took the shape of a + town's meeting, Dec. 22, 1853, when the burgesses approved the + purchase, and in 1854 an Act was obtained for the formation thereof. + The first to be opened was Adderley Park, Aug. 30, 1856, the gift of + Sir Charles Adderley. Its area is 10A. Or. 22P., and it is held + nominally on a 999 years' lease, at a rental of 5s. per year. + Calthorpe Park was opened June 1, 1857; its area being 31A. 1R. 13P., + and it is held under a grant by the Calthorpe family that is + equivalent to a conveyance in fee. Aston Park was opened Sept. 22, + 1864; its area is 49A. 2R. 8P., and it belongs to the town by + purchase. Cannon Hill Park, the gift of Miss Ryland, was opened Sept. + 1, 1873; its area being 57A. 1R. 9P. In 1874, the Town Council gave + the Trustees of Holliers' Charity the sum of £8,300 for the + 8A. 8R. 28P. of land situated between the Moseley Road and Alcester + Street, and after expending over £5,400 in laying out, fencing, + and planting, opened it as Highgate Park June 2, 1876. In 1876 + Summerfield House and grounds covering 12A. 0R. 20P. were purchased + from Mr. Henry Weiss for £9,000, and after fencing, &c., was + thrown open as Summerfield Park, July 29, 1876. In the following year, + Mr. William Middlemore presented to the town a plot of ground, 4A. 1R. + 3p. in extent, in Burbury Street, having spent about £3,500 in + fencing and laying it out, principally as a recreation ground for + children (the total value being over £12,000), and it was opened + as Hockley Park, December 1, 1877.—Small Heath Park, comprising + 41A. 3R. 34p., is another of the gifts of Miss Ryland, who presented + it to the town June 2, 1876, and in addition provided £4,000 of + the £10,000 the Town Council expended in laying it out. The + formal opening ceremony took place April 5, 1879. There are still + several points of the compass directing to suburbs which would be + benefited by the appropriation of a little breathing place or two, and + possibly in due time they will be acquired. The Nechells people have + had laid out for their delectation the waste ground near the gas works + which may be called Nechells Park for the time being. The Earl of + Dartmouth in June, 1878, gave 56 acres out of Sandwell Park to the + inhabitants of West Bromwich, and they call it Dartmouth Park. + </p> + <p> + <b>Park Street</b> takes its name from the small park or wood + surrounding Park House, once existing somewhere near to the burial + ground. + </p> + <p> + <b>Park Street Gardens</b>—As they are now called, comprise the + Park Street Burial Ground and St. Bartholomew's Churchyard, the + possession of which (under a nominal lease for 999 years) was given by + the Rectors of St. Martin's and St. Bartholomew's to the + Corporation according to the provisions of the Closed Burial Grounds + Act. The whole area included a little over five acres, and the size + thus given was valued at £50,000. About half an acre was devoted + to the widening of the surrounding streets, the remainder being + properly fenced in and laid out as recreating grounds and gardens. The + opening ceremony took place, June 25, 1880. + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm11"></a>Parliamentary + Elections.</b>—Notwithstanding the safeguards provided by the + Ballot Act, and all the deterrent measures enacted against bribery and + intimidation, and those peculiar tactics known as "getting up + steam," the period of an election for Parliamentary + representatives is a time of great excitement even in these days. But + it is comparatively naught to what it used to be, when the art of + kidnapping Tory voters, or "bottling" Whigs, was considered + as only a small part of the education required by aspiring political + agents. Leading burly prizefighters to clear the hustings on + nomination day, upsetting carriages containing voters going to poll, + and such like practical jokes were all <i>en regle</i>, and as such + "goings-on" were to be found as much on the one side as the + other, neither party's pot had a right to call the opponent's + kettle black. Prior to the enfranchisement of the borough, one of the + most exciting elections in which the Brums had been engaged was that + for the county of Warwick in 1774, when Sir Charles Holte, of Aston + Hall, was returned. The nomination took place Oct. 13, the candidates + being Mr. Shipworth (a previous member), Mr. (afterwards Lord) + Mordaunt, and Sir Charles, who for once pleased the Birmingham folks + by calling himself an "Independent." The polling, which + commenced on the 20th, was continued for ten days, closing on the + 31st, and as Mr. Mordaunt had the lead for many days the excitement + was intense, and the rejoicings proportionate at the end when the + local candidate came in with flying colours. The voting + ran:—Shipwith, 2,954; Holte, 1,845; Mordaunt, 1,787.—A + Birmingham man was a candidate at the next great county contest, + forty-six years after. This was Mr. Richard Spooner, then (1820) a + young man and of rather Radical tendencies. His opponent, Mr. Francis + Lawley, was of the old-fashioned Whig party, and the treatment his + supporters received at the hands of the Birmingham and Coventry people + was disgraceful. Hundreds of special constables had to be sworn in at + Warwick during the fourteen days' polling, business being + suspended for days together, but Radical Richard's roughs failed + to influence the election, as Mr. Lawley obtained 2,153 votes against + Mr. Spooner's 970. As Mr. Spooner grew older he became more + prominent in commercial circles, and was peculiarly <i>au fait</i> in + all currency matters, but he lost his hold on local electors by + turning to the Conservative side of politics. Of this he was more than + once reminded in after years, when speaking in the Town Hall, by + individuals taking off their coats, turning them inside out, and + having put them on again, standing prominently in front of + "Yellow Dick" as they then called him. + </p> + <p> + That the inhabitants of Birmingham, so rapidly increasing in numbers + and wealth, should be desirous of direct representation in the House + of Commons, could be no wonder even to the most bigoted politicians of + the last and early part of the present century. Possibly, had there + been '91 Riots, nor quite so much "tall talk," the + Legislature might have vouchsafed us a share in the manufacture of our + country's laws a little earlier than they did, and the attempt to + <i>force</i> a member through the doors of the House could not have + added to any desire that may have existed in the minds of the + gentlemen inside to admit the representative of Birmingham. The + Newhall Hill meeting of July 12th, 1819, may be reckoned as the first + pitched battle between the invaders and defenders of the then existing + Parliamentary Constitution. The appointment of Sir Charles Wolesey as + "Legislatorial Attorney and Representative," with + instructions to take his seat as M.P. for the town (and many so styled + him), even though made at a meeting of 20,000 would-be electors, does + not appear to have been the wisest way to have gone to work, + notwithstanding the fact that Sir Charles himself said <i>he</i> had + no doubt of their right to send him up as their Member. Prosecution of + the leaders followed, as a matter of course, and if the + twenty-and-odd-thousands of the local Conservative electors of to-day + were thus to try to obtain <i>their</i> due share of representation in + the House, most likely the leaders of such a movement would be as + liberally dealt with. The "battle of freedom," as the great + Reform movement came to be called, has often been described, and + honour been given to all who took part in it. The old soldiers of the + campaign should be allowed, if they choose, to "fight their + battles o'er again," as long as they live, but it is about + time that the hatchet of party spite, (hitherto so freely used in + local political warfare) was buried out of sight, and all sides be as + willing to give equal rights as their fathers were to fight for + theirs. Birmingham, however, was not without <i>some</i> friends in + Parliament, and on the occasion of the disfranchisement of the borough + of East Retford in 1827, it was proposed by Mr. Charles Tennyson that + the two seats thus voided should be given to Birmingham. Mr. George + Attwood was High Bailiff at the time, and he at once called a public + meeting to support Mr. Tennyson's proposition by petition. The + Public Office was not large enough for those who attended the meeting + (June 22, 1827) and they adjourned to Beardsworth's Repository, + where speeches were delivered by the leading men of all parties. + Petitions to both Houses were drawn up and signed, the county members, + Dugdale Stratford Dugdale and Francis Lawley, Esqrs., being asked to + introduce the one to the House of Commons, and Lord Dudley and Ward + (Baron of Birmingham) and Lord Calthorpe to support the + petitioners' prayer in the Upper House. Mr. Tennyson (who + afterwards took the name of D'Eyncourt) brought in his Bill, but + notwithstanding all that could be said or done by the friends of the + town they were outvoted (March 21, 1828), and the Bill was thrown out. + The next four years were full of trouble, and the news of the passing + of the Reform Bill (June 7, 1832), which at last gave Birmingham its + long-sought political rights was most welcome indeed. The first + election day was fixed for December 12, and for some time it was + rumoured that Mr. Richard Spooner would stand in opposition to Messrs. + Thomas Attwood and Joshua Scholefield, the chosen representatives of + the Liberals; but the Conservative party, deeming it but right that + those who had borne the brunt of the constitutional fight should be + allowed the first honours of the local victory, declined to oppose + those gentlemen, and they were accordingly returned without + opposition. The hustings had been erected on a plot of land opposite + the Public Offices and here the nominations took place at the early + hour of 8 a.m. The proceedings were over by nine o'clock, but the + "victory," as the popular party chose to consider it, did + not satisfy them, and as there was an election on at Walsall the same + day it was determined that the Birmingham Liberals should go there to + help Mr. Bosco Attwood in his contest with Mr. Foster. A procession of + some thousands, with bands and banners, according marched the whole of + the distance so Walsall, and if their behaviour there represented what + they were prepared to do at home had they not been allowed to have + their own way, it was well for Birmingham they were not opposed. Long + before evening this town was in the most fearful excitement, the + passengers and guards of the various coaches which had passed through + Walsall bringing the direst news of fire and riot, mixed with reports + of the military being called out and firing on the people, numbers + being killed, &c. Fortunately there was much exaggeration in these + tales, and by degrees most of the Birmingham men found their way home, + though many were in sad plight through the outrageous behaviour of + themselves and the "victorious" crew who went off so gaily + with them in the morning. The elections in after years may be briefly + chronicled. + </p> + <p> + 1835.—At the general election, which occurred this year, the + Town Hall was first used as the place of nomination (Jan. 7th). During + the proceedings the front of the great gallery gave way and + precipitated those sitting there on to the heads of the people below, + but providentially, the injuries received were not of a serious + character. Mr. R. Spooner was most impatiently heard, and the show of + hands was decidedly against him. The state of the poll showed:— + </p> + <table cellspacing="10" summary="Election results 1835"> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Thomas Attwood + </td> + <td> + 1,718 + </td> + <td align="center"> + votes + </td> + <td rowspan="2"> + <span style="font-size: 2em">}</span>Returned + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Joshua Scholefidd + </td> + <td> + 1,660 + </td> + <td align="center"> + " + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Richard Spooner + </td> + <td> + 915 + </td> + <td align="center"> + " + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + 1837, August.—At this election the late sitting members were + opposed by Mr. A. G. Stapleton, but unsuccessfully, the voting being + </p> + <table cellspacing="10" summary="Election results 1837"> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Thomas Attwood + </td> + <td> + 2,145 + </td> + <td rowspan="2"> + <span style="font-size: 2em">}</span>Returned + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Joshua Scholefield + </td> + <td> + 2,114 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + A.G. Stapleton + </td> + <td> + 1,046 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + 1840, January.—Mr. Attwood having resigned, Sir Charles + Wetherell appeared in the Conservative interest against Mr. G.F. + Muntz. Mr. Joseph Sturge, who also issued an address to the electors, + retiring on the solicitation of his friends, on the understanding that + the whole Liberal party would support him at the next vacancy. The + result was in favour of Mr. Muntz, thus— + </p> + <table cellspacing="10" summary="Election results 1840"> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Geo. Fred. Muntz + </td> + <td> + 1,454 + </td> + <td> + Returned. + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Sir C. Wetherell + </td> + <td> + 915 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + 1841, July.—Mr. Richard Spooner, who opposed Messrs. Muntz and + Scholefield, was again defeated, through receiving the suffrages of + double the number of electors who voted for him in 1835. The returns + were— + </p> + <table cellspacing="10" summary="Election results 1841"> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Geo. Fred. Muntz + </td> + <td> + 2,176 + </td> + <td rowspan="2"> + <span style="font-size: 2em">}</span>Returned + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Joshua Scholefield + </td> + <td> + 1,963 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Richard Spooner + </td> + <td> + 1,825 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + 1842, August.—Mr. Joseph Sturge fought Mr. Walter (of <i>The + Times</i>) for the honour of representing Nottingham, but the plucky + "Birmingham Quaker Chartist," as <i>The Times</i> called + him, came off second best, the votes given being 1,799 for Walter, and + 1,725 for Sturge. + </p> + <p> + 1843, March.—Mr. Newdegate was first returned for North + Warwickshire, and he retains his seat to the present day. + </p> + <p> + 1844, July.—On the death of Mr. Scholefield, his son William was + nominated to fill the vacant seat for Birmingham. Mr. Sturge, relying + on the promises made him in 1840, also put in a claim, but his + connection with the working classes, and his "complete + suffrage" dream, had estranged many of his friends, and the split + in the party enabled Mr. Spooner at last to head the poll, and for the + first and only time (up to June 1885) a Conservative member went to + the House as representative for Birmingham. + </p> + <table cellspacing="10" summary="Election results 1844"> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Richard Spooner + </td> + <td> + 2,095 + </td> + <td rowspan="2"> + <span style="font-size: 2em">}</span>Returned + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + William Scholefield + </td> + <td> + 1,735 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Joseph Sturge + </td> + <td> + 346 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + 1847, August—Mr. Spooner this time had to make way for Mr. + Scholefleld; Mr. Serjeant Allen, who also tried, being + "nowhere" in the running, the figures being:— + </p> + <table cellspacing="10" summary="Election results 1847"> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Geo. Fred. Muntz + </td> + <td> + 2,830 + </td> + <td rowspan="2"> + <span style="font-size: 2em">}</span>Returned + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + William Scholefield + </td> + <td> + 2,824 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Richard Spooner + </td> + <td> + 2,302 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Serjeant Allen + </td> + <td> + 80 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + Mr. Spooner was soon consoled for his defeat here by being returned + for North Warwickshire along with Mr. Newdegate, though not without a + hard struggle, his opponent, the Hon. W.H. Leigh, polling 2,278 votes + against Spooner's 2,454, and Newdegate's 2,915. Mr. Spooner + retained his seat for North Warwick until his death in 1864. + </p> + <p> + 1852, July.—No one opposed the re-election of Messrs. Muntz and + Scholefield. + </p> + <p> + 1857, March.—The same gentlemen were again returned without + opposition. + </p> + <p> + 1857, August.—On the death of Mr. Muntz, though the names of + George Dawson and others were whispered, the unanimous choice fell + upon Mr. John Bright, "the rejected of Manchester," and it + may be truly said he was at that time the chosen of the people. + Birmingham men of all shades of politics appreciating his eloquence + and admiring his sterling honesty, though many differed with his + opinions. Addresses were early issued by Baron Dickenson Webster and + Mr. M'Geachy, but both were at once withdrawn when Mr. Bright + consented to stand and <i>his</i> address appeared. + </p> + <p> + 1859, April.—At the election of this year, though defeat must + have been a foregone conclusion, Mr. Thomas D. Acland waged battle + with Messrs. Scholefield and Bright, and the result was:— + </p> + <table cellspacing="10" summary="Election results 1859"> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + William Scholefield + </td> + <td> + 4,425 + </td> + <td rowspan="2"> + <span style="font-size: 2em">}</span>Returned + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + John Bright + </td> + <td> + 4,282 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + T.D. Acland + </td> + <td> + 1,544 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + 1864, December.—On the death of Mr. Spooner, Mr. + Davenport-Bromley, (afterwards Bromley-Davenport) was elected + un-opposed, and retained his seat until his death, June 15, 1884. + </p> + <p> + 1864.—Householders, whose rates were compounded for by their + landlords, had hitherto not been allowed to exercise their right of + voting, but the decision given in their favour, Feb. 17, 1864, was the + means of raising the number of voters' names on the register to + over 40,000. + </p> + <p> + 1865, July.—Whether from fear of the newly-formed Liberal + Association (which was inaugurated in February for the avowed purpose + of controlling the Parliamentary elections in the borough and + adjoining county divisions), or the lack of a sufficiently popular + local man, there was no opposition offered to the return of Messrs. + Scholefield and Bright at the election of this year. + </p> + <p> + 1867, July.—On the death of Mr. Scholefield, Mr. George Dixon + was nominated by the Liberals and opposed by Mr. Sampson S. Lloyd The + result was:— + </p> + <table cellspacing="10" summary="Election results 1867"> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Geo. Dixon + </td> + <td> + 5,819 + </td> + <td> + Returned. + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + S.S. Lloyd + </td> + <td> + 4,214 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + 1868, November.—This was the first election after the passing of + the Reform Bill of 1867, by which Birmingham became entitled to send + three members to the House of Commons; and as the Bill contained a + proviso (generally known as the "minority clause") that each + voter should be limited to giving his support to two only of the + candidates, an immense amount of interest was taken in the interest + that ensued. The Conservatives brought forward Mr. Sampson S. Lloyd + and Mr. Sebastian Evans, the Liberal Association nominating Messrs. + John Bright, George Dixon, and Philip Henry Muntz (brother to the old + member G.F. Muntz). The election has become historical from the + cleverly-manipulated scheme devised by the Liberal Association, and + the strict enforcement of their "vote-as-you're-told" + policy, by which, abnegating all personal freedom or choice in the + matter the electors under the influence of the Association were moved + at the will of the chiefs of their party. That the new tactics were + successful is shown by the returns:— + </p> + <table cellspacing="10" summary="Election results 1868"> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + George Dixon + </td> + <td> + 15,188 + </td> + <td valign="middle" rowspan="3"> + <span style="font-size: 3em">}</span>Returned + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + P.H. Muntz + </td> + <td> + 14,614 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + John Bright + </td> + <td> + 14,601 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + S.S. Lloyd + </td> + <td> + 8,700 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + S. Evans + </td> + <td> + 7,061 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + 1868, Dec. 21.—Mr. Bright having been appointed President of the + Board of Trade, was re-elected without opposition. He held office till + the close of 1870, but for a long time was absent from Parliament + through illness. + </p> + <p> + 1873, Aug. 6.—Mr. John Jaffray, one of the proprietors of the + <i>Daily Post</i>, contested East Staffordshire against Mr. Allsopp, + but he only obtained 2,893 votes, as against Mr. Allsopp's 3,630. + </p> + <p> + 1873, Oct. 18.—Soon after recovery of health Mr. Bright returned + to his seat, and being appointed to the office of the Chancellor of + the Duchy of Lancaster, was re-elected in due course. + </p> + <p> + 1874, Jan. 30.—No opposition was made to the re-election of + Messrs. Bright, Dixon, and Muntz. + </p> + <p> + 1876, June 27.—Mr. Joseph Chamberlain was elected without + opposition on the resignation of Mr. Dixon. + </p> + <p> + 1880, March 31.—Though free from all the rioting and possible + bloodshed that would have attended such an occasion a hundred years + ago, the election of 1880 was the most exciting and hardest-fought + battle between the two great political parties of the town yet + recorded in local history. The candidates were Messrs. John Bright, + Joseph Chamberlain and Philip Henry Muntz, the previous members and + nominees of the Liberal Association, and Major Burnaby and the Hon. + A.C.G. Calthorpe, Conservatives. There were 139 polling stations, and + no less than 47,776 out of the 63,398 persons whose names were on the + register, recorded their votes under the protection of the Ballot Act + of 1870, now first brought into use at a Parliamentary election. The + usual courtesies (!) appertaining to political contests were indulged + in to considerable extent, and personalities of all sorts much too + freely bandied about, but the election altogether passed off in the + most creditable manner. The returns of the polling stood thus— + </p> + <table cellspacing="10" summary="Election results 1880"> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Philip Henry Muntz + </td> + <td> + 22,803 + </td> + <td valign="middle" rowspan="3"> + <span style="font-size: 3em">}</span>Returned} + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + John Bright + </td> + <td> + 21,986 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Joseph Chamberlain + </td> + <td> + 19,476 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Major Burnaby + </td> + <td> + 15,716 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Hon. A.C.G. Calthorpe + </td> + <td> + 14,270 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + An analysis of the polling issued by the Mayor about a week after the + election showed that 16,098 voters supported the Conservative + candidates and 33,302 the Liberals. Deducting the 2,004 who + "split" their votes between the parties, and 380 whose + papers were either rejected or not counted as being doubtful, the + total gives 47,396 as the actual number whose votes decided the + election. As a curiosity and a puzzle for future politicians, the + Mayor's analysis is worth preserving, as here re-analysed:— + </p> + <table cellspacing="10" summary="Analysis of election results 1880"> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + PLUMPERS. + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Calthorpe only + </td> + <td> + 42 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Burnaby only + </td> + <td> + 164 + </td> + <td> + 206 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Chamberlain only + </td> + <td> + 50 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Muntz only + </td> + <td> + 199 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Bright only + </td> + <td> + 86 + </td> + <td> + 335 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + SPLIT VOTES. + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Calthorpe and Muntz + </td> + <td> + 153 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Calthorpe and Chamberlain + </td> + <td> + 83 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Burnaby and Muntz + </td> + <td> + 1,239 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Burnaby and Chamberlain + </td> + <td> + 182 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Bright and Calthorpe + </td> + <td> + 104 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Bright and Burnaby + </td> + <td> + 243 + </td> + <td> + 2,004 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + CON. PARTY VOTES. + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Burnaby and Calthorpe + </td> + <td> + 13,888 + </td> + <td> + 13,888 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + LIBERAL PARTY VOTES. + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Chamberlain and Muntz + </td> + <td> + 9,410 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Bright and Muntz + </td> + <td> + 11,802 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Bright and Chamberlain + </td> + <td> + 9,751 + </td> + <td> + 30,963 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Voting papers rejected and doubtful + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + 380 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + <hr style="width: 100%;" /> + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Total number of voters polled + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + 47,776 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + Mr. Bright having been again appointed Chancellor of the Duchy of + Lancaster, and Mr. Chamberlain chosen as President of the Board of + Trade, they were re-elected, without opposition, early in May + following the election. Three other local Liberal gentlemen were + returned to Parliament during this general election, viz.:—Mr. + Jesse Collings for Ipswich (receiving 3,074 votes), Mr. H. Wiggin for + East Staffordshire (4,617 votes), and Mr. J.S. Wright for Nottingham + (8,085 votes). The last-named, however, did not live to take his seat, + dying very suddenly while attending a committee-meeting at the Council + House, Birmingham, on the 15th April.—See "<i><a class= + "internal" href="#Birm20">Statues</a></i>," &c According to + the published returns of January, 1884, Birmingham was then the + largest borough constituency in England, the number of electors on the + register then in force being 63,221: Liverpool coming next with + 61,336; and Lambeth third, with 55,588; but Glasgow was the largest in + the United Kingdom, with 68,025. The largest county constituency in + England and Wales was Middlesex, with 41,299 electors; the next being + South-West Lancashire, with 30,624; the third, South-East Lancashire, + with 28,728; and the fourth, the southern division of the West Riding, + with 27,625. The total electorate for England and Wales, was + 2,660,444; Scotland, 331,264; and Ireland, 230,156. + </p> + <p> + The following statistics have been taken from the returns named, + showing in respect of each constituency in this neighbourhood, the + area of each borough, city, or county division, the population, the + number of inhabited houses, the number of voters and their + qualifications, and the Members sent to Parliament prior to the + passing of the Franchise and Redistribution Bills of 1885, and are + worth preserving for future local reference:— + </p> + <table cellspacing="5" summary="Breakdown of electorate 1880" style= + "font-size: 80%;"> + <tr align="right" valign="bottom"> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td align="center" colspan="2"> + Population in + </td> + <td align="center" colspan="2"> + Inhabited Houses in + </td> + <td align="center" colspan="4"> + City or Borough Electors + </td> + <td align="center" colspan="3"> + County Electors + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right" valign="bottom"> + <td align="left"> + Borough, City or County Division + </td> + <td> + Area in Square Miles. + </td> + <td> + 1871 + </td> + <td> + 1881 + </td> + <td> + 1871 + </td> + <td> + 1881 + </td> + <td> + £10 Occupiers and Inhabitant House-<br /> + holders. + </td> + <td> + Lodgers + </td> + <td> + Freehold and Burgage Tenants. + </td> + <td> + Free-<br /> + men or Voters by Ancient Rights + </td> + <td> + £12 Occupiers. + </td> + <td> + £50 Tenants. + </td> + <td> + Owners. + </td> + <td> + Total No. of Electors. + </td> + <td> + M.P.'s Returned + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Birmingham + </td> + <td> + 13 + </td> + <td> + 343,787 + </td> + <td> + 400,774 + </td> + <td> + 68,532 + </td> + <td> + 78,301 + </td> + <td> + 63,149 + </td> + <td> + 72 + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + 63,221 + </td> + <td> + 3 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Bewdley + </td> + <td> + 11¼ + </td> + <td> + 7,614 + </td> + <td> + 8,678 + </td> + <td> + 1,717 + </td> + <td> + 1,839 + </td> + <td> + 273 + </td> + <td> + 2 + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + 1 + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + 1,276 + </td> + <td> + 1 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Bridgnorth + </td> + <td> + 17 + </td> + <td> + 7,317 + </td> + <td> + 7,212 + </td> + <td> + 1,565 + </td> + <td> + 1,52[**] + </td> + <td> + 055 + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + 163 + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + 1,218 + </td> + <td> + 1 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Coventry + </td> + <td> + 10 + </td> + <td> + 41,348 + </td> + <td> + 46,563 + </td> + <td> + 9,334 + </td> + <td> + 10,185 + </td> + <td> + 4,733 + </td> + <td> + 12 + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + 3,995 + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + 8,740 + </td> + <td> + 2 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Droitwich + </td> + <td> + 43 + </td> + <td> + 9,510 + </td> + <td> + 9,858 + </td> + <td> + 1,931 + </td> + <td> + 2,006 + </td> + <td> + 1,409 + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + 1 + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + 1,410 + </td> + <td> + 1 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Dudley + </td> + <td> + 12 + </td> + <td> + 82,249 + </td> + <td> + 87,527 + </td> + <td> + 15,985 + </td> + <td> + 16,889 + </td> + <td> + 14,833 + </td> + <td> + 1 + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + 14,834 + </td> + <td> + 1 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + E. Staffordshire + </td> + <td> + 218 + </td> + <td> + 101,564 + </td> + <td> + 138,439 + </td> + <td> + 19,960 + </td> + <td> + 26,003 + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + 5,106 + </td> + <td> + 141 + </td> + <td> + 6,481 + </td> + <td> + 11,728 + </td> + <td> + 2 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + E. Worcestershr. + </td> + <td> + 324 + </td> + <td> + 147,685 + </td> + <td> + 117,257 + </td> + <td> + 30,551 + </td> + <td> + 35,781 + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + 4,745 + </td> + <td> + 567 + </td> + <td> + 6,931 + </td> + <td> + 12,243 + </td> + <td> + 2 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Evesham + </td> + <td> + 3½ + </td> + <td> + 4,888 + </td> + <td> + 5,112 + </td> + <td> + 1,001 + </td> + <td> + 1,050 + </td> + <td> + 794 + </td> + <td> + 11 + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + 20 + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + 825 + </td> + <td> + 1 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Kidderminster + </td> + <td> + 3¾ + </td> + <td> + 20,814 + </td> + <td> + 25,633 + </td> + <td> + 4,292 + </td> + <td> + 5,062 + </td> + <td> + 3,898 + </td> + <td> + 5 + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + 3,903 + </td> + <td> + 1 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Lichfield + </td> + <td> + 5 + </td> + <td> + 7,347 + </td> + <td> + 8,349 + </td> + <td> + 1,543 + </td> + <td> + 1,678 + </td> + <td> + 1,095 + </td> + <td> + 7 + </td> + <td> + 101 + </td> + <td> + 39 + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + 1,242 + </td> + <td> + 1 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Newcastle (Stff.) + </td> + <td> + 1 + </td> + <td> + 15,948 + </td> + <td> + 17,493 + </td> + <td> + 3,180 + </td> + <td> + 3,393 + </td> + <td> + 2,431 + </td> + <td> + 5 + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + 679 + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + 3,115 + </td> + <td> + 2 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + N. Staffordshire + </td> + <td> + 396 + </td> + <td> + 120,217 + </td> + <td> + 132,684 + </td> + <td> + 24,194 + </td> + <td> + 26,403 + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + 3,008 + </td> + <td> + 1,071 + </td> + <td> + 7,141 + </td> + <td> + 11,220 + </td> + <td> + 2 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + N. Warwickshire + </td> + <td> + 383 + </td> + <td> + 134,723 + </td> + <td> + 170,086 + </td> + <td> + 29,032 + </td> + <td> + 35,151 + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + 5,878 + </td> + <td> + 516 + </td> + <td> + 5,603 + </td> + <td> + 11,997 + </td> + <td> + 2 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + S. Warwickshire + </td> + <td> + 462 + </td> + <td> + 96,905 + </td> + <td> + 99,592 + </td> + <td> + 20,803 + </td> + <td> + 21,485 + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + 2,561 + </td> + <td> + 688 + </td> + <td> + 3,253 + </td> + <td> + 6,502 + </td> + <td> + 2 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Stafford + </td> + <td> + 1 + </td> + <td> + 15,946 + </td> + <td> + 18,904 + </td> + <td> + 2,939 + </td> + <td> + 3,385 + </td> + <td> + 2,764 + </td> + <td> + 22 + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + 798 + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + 3,584 + </td> + <td> + 2 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Stoke-on-Trent + </td> + <td> + 14 + </td> + <td> + 130,575 + </td> + <td> + 152,394 + </td> + <td> + 24,582 + </td> + <td> + 28,350 + </td> + <td> + 21,131 + </td> + <td> + 13 + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + 21,144 + </td> + <td> + 2 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Tamworth + </td> + <td> + 18 + </td> + <td> + 11,493 + </td> + <td> + 14,101 + </td> + <td> + 2,357 + </td> + <td> + 2,772 + </td> + <td> + 2,220 + </td> + <td> + 6 + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + 3 + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + 2,229 + </td> + <td> + 2 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Walsall + </td> + <td> + 11¾ + </td> + <td> + 49,018 + </td> + <td> + 59,402 + </td> + <td> + 9,566 + </td> + <td> + 11,140 + </td> + <td> + 9,821 + </td> + <td> + 3 + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + .. + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + 9,824 + </td> + <td> + 1 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Warwick + </td> + <td> + 8½ + </td> + <td> + 10,986 + </td> + <td> + 11,800 + </td> + <td> + 2,418 + </td> + <td> + 2,518 + </td> + <td> + 1,742 + </td> + <td> + 4 + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + 15 + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + 1,761 + </td> + <td> + 2 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Wednesbury + </td> + <td> + 17¾ + </td> + <td> + 116,809 + </td> + <td> + 124,437 + </td> + <td> + 22,621 + </td> + <td> + 23,443 + </td> + <td> + 19,807 + </td> + <td> + 3 + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + 19,810 + </td> + <td> + 1 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + W. Staffordshire + </td> + <td> + 434 + </td> + <td> + 100,413 + </td> + <td> + 117,737 + </td> + <td> + 20,134 + </td> + <td> + 23,261 + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + 2,715 + </td> + <td> + 661 + </td> + <td> + 8,570 + </td> + <td> + 11,946 + </td> + <td> + 2 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + W. Worchestershr + </td> + <td> + 341 + </td> + <td> + 66,419 + </td> + <td> + 67,139 + </td> + <td> + 13,895 + </td> + <td> + 13,928 + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + 1,142 + </td> + <td> + 1,033 + </td> + <td> + 4,426 + </td> + <td> + 6,601 + </td> + <td> + 2 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Wolverhampton + </td> + <td> + 29½ + </td> + <td> + 156,978 + </td> + <td> + 164,332 + </td> + <td> + 30,424 + </td> + <td> + 31,475 + </td> + <td> + 23,559 + </td> + <td> + 31 + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + 23,590 + </td> + <td> + 2 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Worcester + </td> + <td> + 5 + </td> + <td> + 38,116 + </td> + <td> + 40,354 + </td> + <td> + 8,043 + </td> + <td> + 8,539 + </td> + <td> + 5,948 + </td> + <td> + 59 + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + 355 + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + 6,362 + </td> + <td> + 1 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + <b>Parsonage.</b>—The Old Parsonage, at the corner of Smallbrook + Street and Pershore Street, an old-fashioned two-storey gabled house, + was moated round and almost hidden by trees, and has been preserved + for future historians in one of David Cox's sketches, which + remains as a curious memento of the once rural appearance of what are + now some of the busiest spots in town. The house was pulled down in + 1826. + </p> + <p> + <b>Parson and Clerk.</b>—A noted publichouse on the old Chester + Road is the Royal Oak, better known as "The Parson and + Clerk." An old pamphlet thus gives the why and wherefore: + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + "There had used to be on the top of the house two + figures—one of a parson leaning his head in prayer, while the + clerk was behind him with uplifted axe, going to chop off his head. + These two figures were placed there by John Gough, Esq., of Perry + Hall, to commemorate a law suit between him and the Rev. T. Lane, + each having annoyed the other. Mr. Lane had kept the Squire out of + possession of this house, and had withheld the licenses, while the + latter had compelled the clergyman to officiate daily in the + church, by sending his servants to form a congregation. Squire + Gough won the day, re-built the house in 1788, and put up the + figures to annoy Parson Lane, parsons of all sorts being out of his + good books." + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm36"></a>Parsons, Preachers, and Priests of the + Past.</b>—It would be a lengthy list or make note of all the + worthy and reverend gentlemen who have, from pulpit or platform, + lectured and preached to the people in our town, or who have aided in + the intellectual advancement and education of the rising generation of + their time. Church and Chapel alike have had their good men and true, + and neither can claim a monopoly of talent, or boast much of their + superiority in Christian fellowship or love of their kind. Many + shepherds have been taken from their so-called flocks whose places at + the time it was thought could never be filled, but whose very names + are now only to be found on their tombs, or mentioned in old magazines + or newspapers. Some few are here recalled as of interest from their + position, peculiarities, &c. + </p> + <p> + <i>John Angell James</i>.—A Wiltshire man was John Angell James, + who, after a short course of itinerary preaching came to Birmingham, + and for more than fifty years was the idolised minister of Carr's + Lane congregation. He was a good man and eloquent, having a certain + attractive way which endeared him to many. He lived, and was loved by + those who liked him, till he had reached the age of 74, dying Oct. 1, + 1859, his remains being buried like those of a saint, under the pulpit + from which he had so long preached. + </p> + <p> + <i>Samuel Bache</i>.—Coming as a Christmas-box to his parents in + 1804, and early trained for the pulpit, the Rev. Samuel Bache joined + the Rev. John Kentish in his ministrations to the Unitarian flock in + 1832, and remained with us until 1868. Loved in his own community for + faithfully preaching their peculiar doctrines, Mr. Bache proved + himself a man of broad and enlightened sympathies; one who could + appreciate and support anything and everything that tended to elevate + the people in their amusements as well as in matters connected with + education. + </p> + <p> + <i>George Croft</i>.—The Lectureship of St. Martin's in the + first year of the present century was vested in Dr. George Croft, one + of the good old sort of Church and King parsons, orthodox to the + backbone, but from sundry peculiarities not particularly popular with + the major portion of his parishioners. He died in 1809. + </p> + <p> + <i>George Dawson</i>.—Born in London, February 24, 1821, George + Dawson studied at Glasgow for the Baptist ministry, and came to this + town in 1844 to take the charge of Mount Zion chapel. The cribbed and + crabbed restraints of denominational church government failed, + however, to satisfy his independent heart, and in little more than two + years his connection with the Mount Zion congregation ceased (June 24, + 1846). The Church of the Saviour was soon after erected for him, and + here he drew together worshippers of many shades of religious belief, + and ministered unto them till his death. As a lecturer he was known + everywhere, and there are but few towns in the kingdom that he did not + visit, while his tour in America, in the Autumn of 1874, was a great + success. His connection with the public institutions of this town is + part of our modern history, and no man yet ever exercised such + influence or did more to advance the intelligence and culture of the + people, and, as John Bright once said of Cobden "it was not until + we had lost him that we knew how much we loved him." The + sincerity and honesty of purpose right through his life, and exhibited + in all his actions, won the highest esteem of even those who differed + from him, and the announcement of his sudden death (Nov. 30, 1876) was + felt as a blow by men of all creeds or politics who had ever known him + or heard him. To him the world owes the formation of the first + Shakesperian Library—to have witnessed its destruction would + indeed have been bitter agony to the man who (in October, 1866) had + been chosen to deliver the inaugural address at the opening of the + Free Reference Library, to which he, with friends, made such an + addition. As a preacher, he was gifted with remarkable powers; as a + lecturer, he was unsurpassed; in social matters, he was the friend of + all, with ever-open hand to those in need; as a politician, though + keen at repartee and a hard hitter, he was straightforward, and no + time-server; and in the word of his favourite author, "Take him + all in all, we ne'er shall look on his like again."—See + "<i><a class="internal" href="#Birm20">Statues</a></i>," + &c. + </p> + <p> + <i>W. D. Long</i>.—The Rev. Wm Duncan Long (who died at + Godalming, April 12, 1878), according to the <i>Record</i>, was + "a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith." In + our local records he is noted as being distinguished for hard work + among the poor of St. Bartholomew's, of which parish he was + minister for many years prior to 1851. + </p> + <p> + <i>Thomas Swann</i>.—The Rev. Thomas Swann, who came here in + January 1829, after a few years' sojourn in India, served the + Cannon Street body for 28 years, during which time he baptised 966 + persons, admitting into membership a total of 1,233. Mr. Swann had an + attack of apoplexy, while in Glasgow, on Sunday, March 7, 1857, and + died two days afterwards. His remains were brought to Birmingham, and + were followed to the grave (March 16) by a large concourse of persons, + a number of ministers taking part in the funeral service. + </p> + <p> + <i>W. L. Giles</i>.—The Rev. W. Leese Giles, who filled the + pulpit in Cannon Street from Oct., 1863, to July, 1872, was peculiarly + successful in his ministrations, especially among the young. + </p> + <p> + <i>Lewis Chapman</i>.—The Rev. Lewis Chapman (taken to his + fathers Oct. 2, 1877, at the age of 81), after performing the duties + and functions of Rabbi to the local Jewish community for more than + forty-five years, was, from his amiability and benevolence, + characterised by many Gentile friends as "an Israelite indeed, in + whom is no guile." + </p> + <p> + <i>Hon. G. M. Yorke</i>.—Brother to the late Earl of Hardwicke, + and born in 1809, Mr. Yorke, on finishing his University education, + entered the army, obtaining a commission in the Fourth Dragoons; and, + considering his subsequent connection with Birmingham in a widely + different character, it is curious that his first visit here should + have been paid as an officer of dragoons in the Chartist riots of + 1839. Mr. Yorke's personal tastes, however, led him to prefer the + Church to the army, and he entered into holy orders, the Bishop of + Worcester, in 1814, presenting him to the rectory of St. Philip's: + and at a later period he was nominated Rural Dean. Mr. Yorke held the + living of St. Philip's for the long period of thirty + years—until 1874—when the Prime Minister appointed him + Dean of Worcester. During his residence in Birmingham Mr. Yorke did + much public service in connection with various educational + institutions. He promoted good schools in St. Philip's parish, and + was an active member of the committee of the Educational Prize Scheme, + and then of the Education Aid Society, both of them institutions which + were of great value in their day. He also took a strong interest in + the affairs of Queen's College, of which he was for many years the + Vice-president. In the Diocesan Training College, at Saldey, he + likewise took part as a member of the managing body and he was + interested in the School of Art and the Midland Institute. Wherever, + indeed, there was educational work to be done, the Rector of St. + Philip's was sure to be found helping in it; and though there have + been many Rectors at the church it can be truly said that none left + more regretted by the poor, notwithstanding the aristocratic handle to + his name, than did Mr. Yorke. The Hon. and Rev. gentleman died at + Worcester, Oct. 2, 1879. + </p> + <p> + <i>J.C. Miller</i>.—The Rev. John Cale Miller (born at Margate, + in 1814), though only thirty-two, hail already attracted the notice of + the Evangelical Party in the Church, and his appointment to St. + Martin's (Sept. 1846), gave general satisfaction. His reputation + as a preacher had preceded him, and he soon diffused a knowledge of + his vigour as a worker, and his capacity as an administrator. Few men + have entered so quickly into popular favour as Dr. Miller did, which + may, perhaps, be accounted for by the fact that he not only showed a + sincere desire to live in harmony with the Dissenters of all shades, + but that he was prepared to take his full share in the public work of + the town, and determined to be the minister—not of any section + of the people, but of the parish altogether. Under his direction St. + Martin's became a model parish. New facilities were afforded for + public worship, schools were established, parochial institutions + multiplied under his hand, an ample staff of curates and + scripture-readers took their share of labour, and the energies of the + lay members of the congregation were called into active exercise. To + the Grammar School, the Midland Institute, the Free Libraries, the + Hospitals and Charities of the town, the Volunteer movement, &c., + he gave most assiduous attention, and as long as he remained with us, + his interest in all public matters never failed. In the early part of + 1866, Dr. Miller was presented to the living at Greenwich, taking his + farewell of the townspeople of Birmingham at a meeting in the Town + Hall, April 21, when substantial proof of the public goodwill towards + him was given by a crowded audience of all creeds and all classes. A + handsome service of plate and a purse of 600 guineas, were presented + to him, along with addresses from the congregation of St. + Martin's, the Charity Collections Committee, the Rifle Volunteers + (to whom he had been Chaplain), the Committees of the Hospitals, and + from the town at large. The farewell sermon to St. Martin's + congregation was preached April 29. In 1871 Dr. Miller was appointed + residential Canon of Worcester, which preferment he soon afterwards + exchanged for a Canonry at Rochester as being nearer to his home, + other honours also falling to him before his death, which took place + on the night of Sunday, July 11, 1880. + </p> + <p> + <i>George Peake</i>.—The Rev. G. Peake, Vicar of Aston, from + 1852 to his death, July 9, 1876, was a ripe scholar and + archæologist, a kind-hearted pastor, and an effective preacher. + </p> + <p> + <i>Isaiah Birt</i>.—Mr. Isaiah Birt, a native of Coleford, + undertook the pastorship of Cannon Street in 1800, holding it until + Christmas, 1825, when from ill-health he resigned. The congregation + allowed Mr. Birt an annuity of £100 until his death, in 1837, + when he had reached 80 years of age. + </p> + <p> + <i>Thomas Potts</i>.—The Rev. Thomas Potts, who died in the + early part of December, 1819, at the age of sixty-and-six, was, + according to the printed funeral oration pronounced at the time, + "an accurate, profound, and cautious theologian," who had + conducted the classical studies at Oscott College for five-and-twenty + years with vigour and enthusiasm, and "a grandeur of ability + peculiarly his own." + </p> + <p> + <i>Sacheveral</i>.—Dr. Sacheveral, the noted and noisy worthy + who kicked up such a rumpus in the days of Queen Anne, was a native of + Sutton Coldfield, and his passing through Birmingham in 1709 was + considered such an event of consequence that the names of the fellows + who cheered him in the streets were reported to Government. + </p> + <p> + <i>Pearce</i>.—Ordained pastor of Cannon Street, Aug. 18, 1790. + Mr. Pearce, in the course of a short life, made himself one of the + most prominent Baptist divines of the day, the church under his charge + increasing so rapidly that it became the source of great uneasiness to + the deacons. Mr. Pearce took great interest in the missionary cause, + preaching here the first sermon on behalf of the Baptist Missionary + Society (Oct., 1792), on which occasion £70 was handed in; he + also volunteered to go to India himself. Suffering from consumption he + preached his last sermon Dec. 2, 1798, lingering on till the 10th of + October following, and dying at the early age of 33. He was buried at + the foot of the pulpit stairs. + </p> + <p> + <i>Slater</i>.—Hutton says that an apothecary named Slater made + himself Rector of St. Martin's during the days of the + Commonwealth, and that when the authorities came to turn him out he + hid himself in a dark corner. This is the individual named in + Houghton's "History of Religion in England" as being + brought before the Court of Arches charged with having forged his + letters of orders, with preaching among the Quakers, railing in the + pulpit at the parishioners, swearing, gambling, and other more + scandalous offences. + </p> + <p> + <i>Scholefield</i>.—The pastor of the Old Meeting Congregation + in 1787 was named Scholefield, and he was the first to properly + organise Sunday Schools in connection with Dissenting places of + worship. + </p> + <p> + <i>Robert Taylor</i>.—The horrible title of "The + Devil's Chaplain" was given the Rev. Robert Taylor, B.A., who + in 1819-20 was for short periods curate at Yardley and at St. + Paul's in this town. He had been educated for the Church, and + matriculated well, but adopted such Deistical opinions that he was + ultimately expelled the Church, and more than once after leaving here + was imprisoned for blasphemy. + </p> + <p> + <i>Charles Vince</i>.—Charles Vince was the son of a carpenter, + and was a native of Surrey, being born at Farnham in 1823. For some + years after reaching manhood Mr. Vince was a Chartist lecturer, but + was chosen minister of Mount Zion Chapel in 1851, and remained with us + till Oct. 22, 1874, when he was removed to the world above. His death + was a loss to the whole community, among whom he had none but friends. + </p> + <p> + <i>John Webb</i>.—The Rev. John Webb, who about 1802 was + appointed Lecturer at St. Martin's and Minister of St. + Bartholomew's was an antiquarian scholar of some celebrity; but + was specially valued here (though his stay was not long) on account of + his friendship with Mendelssohn and Neukomm, and for the valued + services he rendered at several Festivals. He wrote the English + adaptation of Winter's "Timoteo," or "Triumph of + Gideon," performed at the Festival of 1823, and other effective + pieces before and after that date, interesting himself in the success + of the Triennials for many years. He died February 18, 1869, in + Herefordshire. + </p> + <p> + <i>William Wollaston</i>.—That eminent English divine, the Rev. + William Wollaston, who was born in the neighbouring county of + Stafford, in 1659, was for several years assistant, and afterwards + head master at our Free Grammar School, but, coming into a rich + inheritance, retired. He died in 1724. + </p> + <p> + And so the list might go on, with such names as the Rev. Charles + Curtis, of St. Martin's (1784) the Rev. E. Burn, of St. Mary's + (1818), the Rev. John Cook, of St. Bartholomew's (1820), the Rev. + W.F. Hook, of Moseley (1822), afterwards Dean of Christchurch; Dr. + Outram, of St. Philip's (who died in 1821); Rann Kennedy, of St. + Paul's; G.S. Bull, of St. Thomas's; with I. C. Barratt, of St + Mary's, and many other clergymen and ministers, who have departed + in these later years. + </p> + <p> + <b>Patents.</b>—The first patent granted to a Birmingham + inventor is dated May 22, 1722, it being granted to Richard Baddeley + for having "with much pains, labour, and expense, invented and + brought to perfection 'An Art for making streaks for binding Cart + and Wagon Wheels and Box Smoothing Irons' (never yet practised in + this our kingdom) which will be more durable and do three times the + service of those made of bar iron," &c., &c. It is not + particularly wonderful that the toyshop of England should stand first + on the list as regards the number of patent grants applied for and + taken out. As Bisset said— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2"> + Inventions curious, various kinds of toys, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Engage the time of women, men, and boys; + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And Royal patents here are found in scores, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + For articles Minute—or pond'rous ores. + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + By the end of 1799 the list shows that 92 patents had been granted to + Birmingham men after Richard Baddeley had brought out his "patent + streaks," and during the present century there have been many + hundreds of designs patented or registered, scores of fortunes being + made and thousands of hands employed, but often the inventors + themselves have sold their rights for trifling amounts or succumbed to + the difficulties that stood in the way of bringing their brainwork + into practical use. Could the records of our County Asylums be + thoroughly inspected, it is to be feared that disappointed inventors + would be found more numerous than any other class of inmates. The + costs of taking out, renewing, and protecting patents were formerly so + enormous as practically to prevent any great improvements where + capital was short, and scores of our local workers emigrated to + America and elsewhere for a clearer field wherein to exercise their + inventive faculties without being so weighted down by patent laws. The + Patent Law Amendment Act of 1852 was hailed with rejoicing, but even + the requirements of that Act were found much too heavy. The Act which + came into force Jan. 1, 1884, promises to remedy many of the evils + hitherto existing. By this Act, the fees payable on patents are as + follows:—On application for provisional specification, £1; + on filing complete specification, £3; <i>or</i>, on filing + complete specification with the first application, £4. These are + all the fees up to the date of granting a patent. After granting, the + following fees are payable: Before four years from date of patent, + £50; and before the end of eight years from the date of patent, + £100. In lieu of the £50 and the £100 payments, the + following annual fees may be paid: Before the end of the fourth, + fifth, sixth, and seventh years. £10 each year; before the end + of the eighth and ninth years, £15 each year; and before the end + of the tenth, eleventh, twelfth, and thirteenth years, £20 each + year.—If the number of words contained in the specifications + constitutes the value of a patent, that taken out by our townsman, + James Hardy (March 28, 1844), for an improvement in tube-rolling must + have been one of the most valuable ever known. The specifications + filled 176 folios, in addition to a large sheet of drawings, the cost + of an "office copy" being no less than £12 18s! The + <i>Mechanics' Magazine</i> said it could have all been described + in 176 words. + </p> + <p> + <b>Patriotic Fund.</b>—The local collection for this fund was + commenced October, 25, 1854, and closed February 22, 1858, with a + total of £12,936 17s. 3d. + </p> + <p> + <b>Paving.</b>—A "patent" was obtained in 1319, 12th + Edw. II., to "take toll on all vendible commodities for three + years, to pave the town of Birmingham;" and as the funds thus + raised were not sufficient for such a "town improvement," + another "patent" for the purpose was procured in 1333, 7th + Edw. III., the toll being fixed at one farthing on every eight bushels + of corn. What the paving was in the early part of the present century + is best told in the following extract from Bissett's + "Magnificent Directory," published in 1800:— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2"> + The streets are pav'd, 'tis true, but all the stones + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Are set the wrong end up, in shape of cones; + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And strangers limp along the best pav'd street, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + As if parch'd peas were strew'd beneath their feet, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Whilst custom makes the Natives scarcely feel + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Sharp-pointed pebbles press the toe or heel. + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + About 1819-20 the roadways were stoned with the aid of a steam + paving-engine, supplied with a row of six heavy rammers, which dropped + on the uneven stones and drove them into the roads, the engine moving + about a foot after each series of blows. A wood roadway was laid in + Moor Street in April, 1873; and in June, 1874, the Council decided + also so to pave New Street, High Street, and Bull Street. At their + meeting, June 1876, it was resolved to spend £30,000 a year for + six years in paving streets, and they have done all <i>that</i>. + </p> + <p> + <b>Pawnbrokers.</b>—In December, 1789, a Bill was prepared for + presentation to Parliament "to suppress all pawnbrokers within + the town." and to establish in lieu a general office for pledges. + Wonder what our uncles thought of it. + </p> + <p> + <b>Peace.</b>—A branch of the Workmen's Peace Association + was formed December 18, 1871. + </p> + <p> + <b>Pebble Mill Pool.</b>—The last few years a favourite spot for + suicides, no less than thirty-nine persons having drowned themselves + there since 1875. Strangely enough there was not a single similar case + in the four years preceding, and only three cases of accidental + drownings in the last 27 years. + </p> + <p> + <b>Peck Lane.</b>—Originally called Feck Lane, leading out of + New Street, next to the Grammar School, was closed and cleared for the + Railway Station. Steep and narrow as the old thoroughfare was, it was + at one time thought quite as much of as Bull Street. + </p> + <p> + <b>Pearls and Pearl Fisheries.</b>—A few small pearls are + occasionally found enclosed in the nacre (or mother-of-pearl) of + shells cut up for buttons, &c., but seldom of much value, though + it is related that a few years back a pearl thus discovered by a + workman, and handed over to his employer, was sold for £40, + realising £150 afterwards. In March, 1884, Mr. James Webb, + Porchester Street, had the good fortune to find a pearl weighing 31 + grains in an Australian shell he was cutting up, and it has been + valued at £100. As there is a good market here for pearls, no + doubt many others have been found that "have not come to + light." A few years back, "pearl fisheries" of rather + an extraordinary kind were here and there to be found in the + outskirts, the prices of good workable shell having risen to to such + an extent that it paid to hunt for and dig up the scrap flung away in + former years, as much as 15s. to 20s. per bag being obtained for some + of these finds. One smart little master who recollected where his + scrap was deposited some years before, in the neighbourhood of St. + Luke's, paid the spot a visit, and finding it still unbuilt upon, + set to work, and carted most of it back, and having improved tools, + made a handsome profit by this resurrection movement.— See + "<i><a class="internal" href="#Birm15">Trades</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Pens.</b>—The question as to who made the first steel pen has + often been debated; but though Perry and Mason, Mitchell and Gillott, + and others besides, have been named as the real original, it is + evident that someone had come before them; for, in a letter written at + least 200 years back (lately published by the Camden Society), the + writer, Mary Hatton, offered to procure some pens made of steel for + her brother, as "neither the glass pens nor any other sort was + near so good." Silver pens were advertised for sale in the + <i>Morning Chronicle</i>, in June, 1788, as well as "fountain + pens;" and it has been claimed that an American supplied his + friends with metallic pens a dozen years prior to that date. There was + a Sheffield artisan, too, before our local men came to the front, who + made some pens on the principle of the quill, a long hollow barrel, + pointed and split; but they were considered more in the light of + curiosities than for use, and fetched prices accordingly. Mr. James + Perry is said to have given his workmen 5s. each for making pens, as + late as 1824; and Mr. Gillott got 1s. each for a gross he made on the + morning of his marriage. In 1835, the lowest wholesale price was 5s. + per gross; now they can be had at a trifle over 1d. per gross. Even + after the introduction of presses for the manufacture of steel pens + (in 1829), there was considerable quantities of little machines made + here for cutting quill pens, the "grey goose quill" being in + the market for school use as late as 1855, and many bankers and others + have not yet discarded them. In May, 1853, a quantity of machinery was + sent out to America, where many skilled workmen had gone previously; + and now our Yankee cousins not only make their own pens, and run us + close in all foreign markets, but actually send their productions to + Birmingham itself.—See "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm15">Trades</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>People's Hall.</b>—The foundation stone of the + People's Hall, corner of Loveday and Princip Streets, was laid on + Easter Monday, 1841, by General (then Colonel) Perronet Thompson. The + cost of the building was £2,400, and, as its name implies, it + was intended, and for a short time used, as a place for assemblies, + balls, and other public purposes. Like a number of other + "institutions for the people," it came to grief, and has + long been nothing more than a warehouse. + </p> + <p> + <b>Pershore Road</b> was laid out in 1825. + </p> + <p> + <b>Perry Barr.</b>—Three miles from Birmingham, on the road to + Lichfield, is one of the ancient places that can claim a note in + Domesday. Prior to the eighteenth century there had been a wooden + bridge over the Tame, the present curiously-built stone erection, with + its recesses to protect the wayfarers from contact with crossing + vehicles, being put up in 1711-12 by Sir Henry Gough, who received + £200 from the county, and contributions from the neighbouring + parishes, towards the cost. The date of the early church is unknown, + the present one being built and endowed by Squire Gough in 1832. Like + other suburbs Perry Barr bids fair to become little more than an + offshoot to Birmingham, the road thereto fast filling up with villa + and other residences, while churches, chapels, and schools may be seen + on all hands. The Literary Institute, built in 1874, at a cost of + £2,000, contains reading and class rooms, lecture hall, &c., + while not far off is a station on the L. and N.W. line. Ferry Hall, + the seat of the Hon. A.C.G. Calthorpe, has been the home of the Lords + of the Manor for many generations. + </p> + <p> + <b>Pest and Plague.</b>—The year 1665 is generally given as the + date of "the great plague" being here; but the register of + St. Martin's Church does not record any extraordinary mortality in + that year. In some of the "news sheets" of the 17th century + a note has been met with (dated Sept. 28, 1631), in which the Justices + of the Peace inform the Sheriff that "the plague had broken out + in Deritend, in the parish of Aston, and spread far more dangerously + into Birmingham, a great market town." St. Martin's registers + of burials are missing from 1631 to 1655, and those of Aston are not + get-at-able, and as the latter would record the deaths in Deritend, + there does not appear any certain data to go upon, except that the + plague was not a casual visitor, having visited Coventry in 1603 and + 1625, Tamworth in 1606 and 1625, and Worcester in 1825 and 1645, the + date generally given (1665) being that of the year when the most + deaths 68,596, occurred in London. The tradition is that the plague + contagion was brought here in a box of clothes conveyed by a carrier + from London. It is said that so many persons died in this town that + the churchyard would not hold the bodies, and the dead were taken to a + one-acre piece of waste land at Ladywood Green, hence known for many + generations as the "Pest Ground." The site has long been + built over, but no traces of any kind of sepulture were found when + house foundations were being laid. + </p> + <p> + <b>Pewter.</b>—To have bright pewter plates and dishes ranged on + their kitchen shelves was once the delight and the pride of all + well-to-do housewives, and even the tables of royalty did not disdain + the pewter. At the grand dinner on George IV.'s Coronation-day, + though gold and silver plate was there in abundance for the most noble + of the noble guests, the majority were served on brightly-burnished + pewter, supplied from Thomason's of Birmingham. The metal is + seldom seen now except in the shape of cups and measures used by + publicans. + </p> + <p> + <b>Philanthropic Collections.</b>—The following are a few not + mentioned in previous pages:—A local fund for the relief of + sufferers by famine in Asia Minor was opened May 6, 1875, the amount + collected being £682.—In 1875, a little over £1,700 + was gathered to aid the sufferers from the inundations in France that + year.—November 25, 1878, at a meeting held to sympathise with + the losers through the failure of the Glasgow Bank more than + £1,000 was subscribed; £750 being gathered + afterwards.—The Mayor's Relief Fund, in the winter-time of + 1878-79, totalled up to £10,242, of which £9,500 was + expended in relief, £537 in expenses, and the balance divided + between the Hospitals. The number of separate gifts or donations to + the poor was 500,187, equivalent to relieving once 108,630 families. + </p> + <p> + <b>Philanthropic Societies.</b>—Are as numerous as they are + various, and the amount of money, and money's worth, distributed + each year is something surprising. The following are the principal + ones:— + </p> + <p> + <i>Aged Women</i>.—A society was commenced here in 1824 for the + relief of poor women over 60 years of age, and there are now on the + books the names of nearly 200 who receive, during the year, in small + amounts, an average of 17s to 18s. each. Miss Southall, 73, Wellington + Road, is one of the Hon. Sees., who will be pleased to receive + additional subscriptions. Fifty other aged women are yearly benefitted + through Fentham's Trust.—See "<i><a class="internal" + href="#Birm112">Blue Coat School</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <i>Architects</i>.—There is a Benevolent Society in connection + with the Royal Institute of British Architects, for relieving poor + members of the profession, their widows, or orphans. The local + representative is Mr. F. Cross, 14A, Temple Row. + </p> + <p> + <i>Aunt Judy's Work Society</i>.—On the plan of one started + in London a few years back; the object being to provide clothes for + poor children in the Hospitals. The secretary is Mrs. W. Lord, + Brakendale, Farquhar Road, Edgbaston. + </p> + <p> + <i>Bibles, etc</i>.—The Birmingham Depository of the British and + Foreign Bible Society is at 40, Paradise Street; and that of the + Christian Knowledge Society is at 92, New Street. + </p> + <p> + <i>Boarding-out Poor Children</i>.—A Ladies' Society for + Befriending Pauper Children by taking them from the Workhouse and + boarding them out among cottagers and others in the country, had been + quietly at work for some dozen years before the Marston Green Homes + were built, but whether the latter rule-of-thumb experiment will prove + more successful than that of the ladies, though far more costly, the + coming generation must decide. + </p> + <p> + <i>Boatmen's Friend Society</i>.—A branch of the British + Seamen's and Boatmen's Friend Society, principally for the + supply of religious education to the boatmen and their families on the + canals, the distribution among them of healthy literature, and the + support of the work carried on at the Boatmen's Hall, Worcester + Wharf, where the Superintendent (Rev. R.W. Cusworth) may be found. The + subscriptions in 1882 amounted to £416. + </p> + <p> + <i>Church Pastoral Aid Society</i>.—The name tells what + subscriptions are required for, and the Rev. J.G. Dixon, Rector of St. + George's, will be glad to receive them. The grants of the Parent + Society to Birmingham in 1882 amounted to £3,560, while the + local subscriptions were only £1,520. + </p> + <p> + <i>Clergymen's Widows</i>.—The Society for Necessitous + Clergy within the Archdeaconry of Coventry, whose office is at 10, + Cherry Street, has an income from subscriptions, &c., of about + £320 per year, which is mainly devoted to grants to widows and + orphans of clergymen, with occasional donations to disabled wearers of + the cloth. + </p> + <p> + <i>Deritend Visiting and Parochial Society</i>, established in 1856. + Meeting at the Mission Hall, Heathmill Lane, where Sunday Schools, + Bible classes, Mothers' Meetings, &c., are conducted. The + income for 1883 was £185 7s. 4d., and the expenditure £216 + 16s. 7d., leaving a balance to be raised. + </p> + <p> + <i>District Nursing Society</i>, 56, Newhall Street, has for its + object the nursing of sick poor at their own homes in cases of + necessity. In 1883 the number of cases attended by the Society's + nurses was 312, requiring 8,344 visits. + </p> + <p> + <i>Domestic Missions</i>, of one kind and another, are connected with + all the principal places of worship, and it would be a difficult task + to enumerate them. One of the earliest is the Hurst Street Unitarian, + dating from 1839. + </p> + <p> + <i>Flower Mission</i>.—At No. 3, Great Charles Street, ladies + attend every Friday to receive donation of flowers, &c., for + distribution in the wards of the Hospitals, suitable texts and + passages of Scripture accompanying the gifts to the patients. + </p> + <p> + <i>Girls' Friendly Society</i>.—The local Branch, of which + there are several sub (or parochial) branches, has on its books near + upon 1,400 names of young women in service, &c., whose welfare and + interests are looked after by a number of clergymen and ladies in + connection with the Church of England. + </p> + <p> + <i>Humane Society</i>.—A Branch on the plan of the London + Society was established here in 1790, but it was found best to + incorporate it with the General Hospital in 1803. + </p> + <p> + <i>India</i>.—A Branch of the Christian Vernacular Education + Society for India was formed here in 1874. There are several branches + in this town and neighbourhood of the Indian Female Normal School and + Instruction Society for making known the Gospel to the women of India, + and about £600 per year is gathered here. + </p> + <p> + <i>Iron, Hardware, and Metal Trades' Pension Society</i> was + commenced in this town in 1842. Its head offices are now in London; + the local collector being Mr. A. Forrest, 32, Union Street. + </p> + <p> + <i>Jews and Gentiles</i>.—There are local Auxiliary Branches + here of the Anglo-Jewish Association, the Society for Promoting + Christianity among the Jews, and the British Society for Propagating + the Gospel among Jews, the amounts subscribed to each in 1882 being + £72, £223, and £29 respectively. + </p> + <p> + <i>Kindness to Animals</i>.—Mainly by the influence and efforts + of Miss Julia Goddard, in 1875, a plan was started of giving prizes + among the scholars and pupil teachers of the Board Schools for the + best written papers tending to promote kindness to animals. As many as + 3,000 pupils and 60 teachers send papers in every year, and the + distribution of 500 prizes is annually looked forward to with + interest. Among the prizes are several silver medals—one (the + champion) being given in memory of Mr. Charles Darwin, another in + memory of Mr. E.F. Flower, a third (given by Mr. J.H. Chamberlain) in + memory of Mr. George Dawson, and a fourth given by the Mayor. + </p> + <p> + <i>Ladies' Useful Work Association</i>.—Established in 1877 + for the inculcating habits of thrift and the improvement of domestic + life among mothers of families and young people commencing married + life. A start was made (Oct. 4) in the shape of a series of + "Cookery Lessons," which were exceedingly well attended. + Series of useful lectures and lessons have followed since, all bearing + on home life, and as it has been shown that nearly one-half of the + annual number of deaths in Birmingham are those of children under 5 + years of age, it is to be hoped that the "useful work" the + ladies of the Association have undertaken may be resultive in at least + decreasing such infantile mortality. Office, No. 1, Broad Street + Corner. In March, 1883, the ladies had a balance in hand of £88. + </p> + <p> + <i>Needlework Guild</i>,—Another Ladies' Association of a + similar character to the above was established April 30, 1883. + </p> + <p> + <i>Negroes' Friends</i>.—When slavery was as much a British + as American institution it was not surprising that a number of lady + residents should form themselves, in 1825, into a Negroes' Friend + Society. The funds now collected, nearly £170 a year, are given + in grants to schools on the West Coast of Africa and the West Indies, + and in donations to the Freedmen's Aid Society, the Anti-Slavery + Society, &c. + </p> + <p> + <i>Old Folks' Tea Party</i>.—In 1857, a few old people were + given a treat just prior to Christmas, and the good folks who got it + up determined to repeat it. The next gatherings were assembled at the + Priory Rooms, but in a few years it became needful to engage the Town + Hall, and there these treats, which are given biennially, are + periodically held. At the last gathering there attended over 700, not + one of whom was under sixty years of age, while some were long past + their three-score and ten, and a few bordered on ninety. The funds are + raised by the sale of tickets (to be given by the purchasers to such + old people they think deserve it), and by subscriptions, the + recipients of the treat not only having that enjoyment, but also take + home with them warm clothing and other usefuls suited to their time of + life. + </p> + <p> + <i>Prevention of Cruelty to Animals</i>.—Birmingham Society for + this purpose was established in 1852, and its officers have frequently + been the means of punishing inhuman brutes who cruelly treated the + animals entrusted to their care. Cases of this kind should be reported + to Mr. B. Scott, the Society's Secretary, 31, Bennett's Hill. + In 1882, 125 persons were summoned, and 107 of them convicted, the + year's expenditure being £344. + </p> + <p> + <i>Religious Tract Society</i>.—A local auxiliary was + established here in 1853 in which year £409 were realised, by + the sale of books, tracts, and religious periodicals; in 1863 that + amount was quadrupled; in 1873 the receipts were nearly £2,000. + Last year (1883) the value of the sales reached £2,597, and, in + addition, there had been free grants made of more than 13,000 tracts + and magazines—the Hospitals, Lunatic Asylums, Workhouses, Police + Stations, Cabmen's Rests, &c., being supplied gratuitously. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. John Ambulance Association</i>.—The Birmingham Branch of + this Association was organised in 1881, and some hundreds of both + sexes have since then passed the examination, and obtained + certificates of their proficiency in ambulance work, and in the + treatment of ordinary cases of accident or sudden illness. It would be + a good thing if every man and woman in the town had similar knowledge, + and would make use of it when occasions require quick thought and + ready hand. The secretary is Mr. J.K. Patten, 105, Colmore Row. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Thomas's Day Charity</i>.—A very old custom in + Edgbaston has been the collection of donations for a Christmas + distribution to the poor and old of the parish. Regular accounts have + been booked for over fifty years, but how much longer the custom has + existed is uncertain. At first, money only was given, afterwards part + was given in bread and packets of tea, while of later years a stock of + about 500 blankets has been provided for lending out. The receipts per + year are about £200. + </p> + <p> + <i>True Blues</i>.—In 1805 a number of young men who had been + brought up at the Blue Coat School and who called themselves the + "Grateful Society," united their contributions and presented + that charity with £52 10s. 3d. in gratitude for the benefits + they had received, a worthy plan which was followed for several years. + These same young men originated the "United Society of True + Blues" (composed of members who had been reared in the School) + for the purpose of forming a fund for the relief of such of their + number as might be in distress, and further to raise periodical + subscriptions for their old school, part of which is yearly expended + in prizes among the children. + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm7"></a>Philanthropic and Benevolent + Institutions</b>—Birmingham cannot be said ever to have wanted + for charitable citizens, as the following list of philanthropic + institutions, societies, and trusts will show:— + </p> + <p> + <i>Blind Institution</i>, Carpenter Road, Edgbaston.—The first + establishment in this town for teaching the blind was opened at 113, + Broad Street, in March, 1847, with five boarders and twelve day + pupils. At Midsummer, in the following year, Islington House was + taken, with accommodation for thirteen resident and twelve day + scholars, but so well did the public meet the wishes of the patrons + and committee of the Institution, that the latter were soon in a + position to take upon lease a site for a permanent building (two + acres, at £40 a year for 99 years), and on the 23rd of April, + 1851, the corner-stone was laid of the present handsome establishment + near to Church Road, the total cost of completion being about + £7,000. Nearly another £7,000 has since been expended in + the erection of workrooms, master's residence, in furniture, + musical instruments, tools, &c., and the Institution may be + considered in as flourishing a condition as any in the town. The 37th + annual report (to Lady-day, 1884), stated that the number of in-door + pupils during the past year had been 86—viz., 51 males and 35 + females. In the same period 4 paid teachers, 15 out-door blind + teachers and workmen, and 4 females had been employed. The number of + adult blind residing at their own homes, and visited by the blind + teachers engaged in this department of the work was 253. The total + number of persons benefited by the institution was therefore 362. The + financial statement showed that the expenditure had been £6,067 + 2s. 7d., of which £1,800 had been invested in Birmingham + Corporation Stock. The receipts amounted to £6,403 7s. 9d., + leaving a balance of £336 5s. 2d. in the treasurer's hands. + The statement of receipts and payments on behalf of the adult blind + home-teaching branch, which are kept separately, showed a balance due + to the treasurer of £71 5s. 9d. + </p> + <p> + <i>Bloomsbury Institution</i>.—Commencing in 1860 with a small + school, Mr. David Smith has gradually founded at Bloomsbury an + institution which combines educational, evangelistic, and missionary + agencies of great value to the locality. The premises include a + mission hall, lecture room, class rooms, &c., in addition to + Cottage Homes for orphan and destitute children, who are taught and + trained in a manner suited to the future intended for them in Canada. + The expenditure of the Institution is now about £1,500 a year, + but an amount equal to that is wanted for enlargement of buildings, + and other philanthropists will do well to call upon their brother + Smith. + </p> + <p> + <i>Children's Day Nursery</i>, The Terrace, Bishopgate Street, was + first opened in 1870, to take care of the children in cases where the + mothers, or other guardians, have to go to work. + </p> + <p> + About 6,000 of the little ones are yearly looked after, at a cost of + somewhat under £200. Parties wishing to thus shelter their + children must prove the latter's legitimacy, and bring a + recommendation from employer or some one known to the manager. + </p> + <p> + <i>Children's Emigration Homes</i>, St. Luke's + Road.—Though ranking among our public institutions, the + philanthropic movement of picking up the human waifs and strays of our + dirty back streets may be said to have hitherto been almost solely the + private work of our benevolent townsman, Mr. Middlemore. The first + inmate received at the Homes (in 1872) was a boy who had already been + in prison three times, and the fact that that boy is now a prosperous + man and the owner of a large farm in Canada, should be the best of all + claims to the sympathy and co operation of the public in the + beneficent work of placing out "Street Arabs" in new homes + where they will have equal chances of getting on in the world. The + batch of children leaving this town (June 11, 1884), comprised 110 + boys and 50 girls, making the total number of 912 sent out by Mr. + Middlemore in the twelve years.—In connection with the + Bloomsbury Institution there is also a Children's Home, from which + 23 children have been sent to Canada, and at which some 30 others are + at present being trained ready to go. + </p> + <p> + <i>Deaf and Dumb Institution</i>, Church Road, Edgbaston.—This + is the only institution of its kind within a radius of a hundred + miles, and was the second established in England. Its founder was Dr. + De Lys, an eminent physician, resident here in 1810, in which year a + society was established for its formation. The first house occupied + was in Calthorpe Road (1812), Lord Calthorpe giving the use of the + premises until the erection of the institution in Church Road, in + 1814. The school, at first, would accommodate only a score of pupils, + but from time to time additions were made, and in 1858 the whole + establishment was remodelled and enlarged, at a cost of £3,000, + so that now there is room for 120. The number on the books at + Midsummer, 1883, was 109—64 boys and 45 girls. The year's + receipt's amounted to £3,152 12s. 4d., and the expenditure + to £2,932 12s. 8d. The children, who are elected at the annual + meeting of subscribers in September, are received from all parts of + the kingdom, but must not be under eight or over thirteen years of + age. Subscribers of a guinea have the right of voting at the + elections, and the committee have also power to admit children, on an + annual payment of £25. The parents or guardians of the elected + candidates, must pay £6 per year towards clothing, &c. The + office of the Secretary is at City Chambers, 82 New Street. + </p> + <p> + <i>Friendless Girls</i>.—The Ladies' Association + (established 1878) for the recovery of girls who have given way to + temptation for a short time, or who have been convicted of a first + offence, has been the means of rescuing many from the streets and from + a life of crime. The Home is in Spring Road, and Mrs. Pike, Sir + Harry's Road, is the treasurer, to whom contributions can be sent; + and that they will be welcome is shown by the fact that there is a + balance at present against the Institution's funds. + </p> + <p> + <i>Girls' Home</i>, Bath Row, established in 1851, to provide + shelter for young women of good character, when out of situations. A + free registry is kept, and over 300 girls avail themselves of the Home + every year. + </p> + <p> + <i>Girls' Training Institution</i>, George Road, Edgbaston, was + opened in 1862, to prepare young girls from twelve to fifteen, for + domestic service. + </p> + <p> + <i><a id="Birm131"></a>Industrial and Reformatory + Schools</i>.—Gem Street Industrial School, for the recovery of + boys who had began a life of crime, was opened in 1850, and at the + close of 1883 it contained 149 boys, under the charge of nine + officers. + </p> + <p> + According to the report of Her Majesty's Inspector, the boys cost + 7s. 8d. per head per week, but there was an industrial profit of + £601 11s. 4d., £309 0s. 11d. having been received for hire + of boys' labour. The Treasury paid £1,350 14s., the rates no + less than £1,007 18s. 11d., and subscriptions brought in + £83 13s. Of 125 discharges, only 40 per cent, were reported to + be doing well, 4 per cent, convicted, 16 per cent, doubtful, and as + many as 40 per cent, unknown.—<i>Penn Street</i> School, an + establishment of a similar character, was certified in Jan., 1863. + There were 60 boys and 5 officers. The boys cost only 5s. 6d. per head + per week. The school received £67 16s. 11d. from the Treasury, + £275 0s. 10d. from the rates, £93 2s. from subscriptions, + and £100 9s. 3d. from the hire of boy labour. There is an + industrial profit of £136 19s, 11d. Of 37 discharges 70 per + cent, are said to be doing well, 6 per cent, to be re-convicted, 3 per + cent, dead, and 21 per cent, unknown.—At <i>Shustoke</i> School, + certified in February, 1868, there were 130 boys, under 11 officers. + The boys cost 6s. 8d. per head per week. £1,580 17s. 11d. had + been received from the Treasury; £1,741 16s. from the rates, of + which, however, £1,100 had been spent in building, &c.; + industrial profit, £109 3s. 7d. Of 27 discharges 74 per cent, + were reported to be doing well, 18 per cent, to be convicted, 4 per + cent, to be doubtful, and 4 per cent, to be + unknown.—<i>Saltley</i> Reformatory was established in 1852. + There were 91 boys under detention and 16 on license at the time of + the inspector's visit; 9 officers. This school received + £1,371 14s. 3d. from the Treasury, £254 19s. 1d. from the + rates, and £99 16s. 6d. from subscriptions. The boys cost 6s 8d. + per head per week, and there was £117 9s. 10d. industrial + profit, representing the produce of their labour. Of 74 boys + discharged in 1879-81, 69 per cent are reported to be doing well, 19 + per cent. to be reconvicted, and 12 per cent. unknown.— At + <i>Stoke Farm</i> Reformatory, established in 1853, there were 78 boys + under detention, in charge of 10 officers; and 19 on license. Stoke + received £1,182 19s. 8d. from the Treasury, £102 17s. 6d. + from the rates, and £100 from subscriptions. The boys cost 6s. + 11d. per head per week, and there was an industrial profit of + £18 14s. 11d. Of 62 boys discharged in 1879-81, 76 per cent, + were reported to be doing well, 16 per cent. to be convicted of crime, + 5 per cent. doubtful, 11/2 per cent. dead, 11/2 per cent. unknown. + </p> + <p> + <i>Licensed Victuallers' Asylum</i>, Bristol Road, founded in + 1848, to receive and maintain for life distressed members of the trade + and their wives or widows.—The Secretary is Mr. H.C. Edwards, + The Quadrant, New Street.—See. "<i><a class="internal" + href="#Birm81">Trade Societies</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <i>Little Sisters' Home</i>.—Founded in 1864, by three + French and two English members of the Catholic "Order of Little + Sisters of the Poor," the first home being at one of the large + houses in the Crescent, where they sheltered, fed, and clothed about + 80 aged or broken-down men and women. In 1874 the Sisters removed to + their present establishment, at Harborne, where they minister to + nearly double the number. The whole of this large family are provided + for out of the scraps and odds-and-ends gathered by the Sisters from + private houses, shops, hotels, restaurants, and bars of the town, the + smallest scraps of material crusts of bread, remains of meat, even to + cigar ends, all being acceptable to the black robed ladies of charity + daily seen in the town on their errand of mercy. Though essentially a + Catholic institution, the "Little Sisters" bestow their + charity irrespective of creed, Protestants being admitted and allowed + freely to follow their own religious notions, the only preference made + being in favour of the most aged and destitute. + </p> + <p> + <i>Magdalen Asylum and Refuge</i>.—First established in 1828, + the chapel in Broad Street being opened in 1839. Removed to Clarendon + Road, Edgbaston, in 1860. There are usually from 35 to 40 inmates, + whose labour provides for great part of the yearly expenditure; and it + is well that it is so, for the subscriptions and donations from the + public are not sent in so freely as could be wished. The treasurer is + Mr. S.S. Lloyd. + </p> + <p> + <i>Medical Mission</i>.—Opened in Floodgate Street, Deritend, in + 1875. While resembling other medical charities for the relief of + bodily sickness, this mission has for its chief aim the teaching of + the Gospel to the sick poor, and in every house that may be visited. + That the more worldly part of the mission is not neglected is shown by + the fact that the expenditure for the year ending Michaelmas, 1883, + reached £643. + </p> + <p> + <i>Night Refuges</i>.—Mr. A.V. Fordyce, in July, 1880, opened a + night asylum in Princess Road, for the shelter of homeless and + destitute boys, who were supplied with bed and breakfast. The + necessity for such an institution was soon made apparent by larger + premises being required, and the old police station, corner of + Bradford Street and Alcester Street, was taken. This has been turned + into a "Home," and it is never short of occupants, other + premises being opened in 1883, close to Deritend Bridge, for the + casual night-birds, the most promising of whom are transferred to the + Home after a few days' testing. A somewhat similar Refuge for + Girls has also been established, and if properly supported by the + public, these institutions must result in much good. + </p> + <p> + <i>Nurses</i>.—Tim Birmingham and Midland Counties' Training + Institution for Nurses, organised in 1868, has its "Home" in + the Crescent. It was founded for the purpose of bringing skilled + nursing to the homes of those who would otherwise be unable to obtain + intelligent aid in carrying out the instructions of their medical + attendants. The subscription list for 1882 amounted to £282 1s., + and the sum to the credit of the nurses pension fund to £525 1s. + The committee earnestly appeal for increased support, to enable them + to extend the work of the institution, from which at present the + services of four nurses are granted to the District Nursing Society, + Newhall Street, for attendance on the sick poor. The staff included 66 + trained nurses, with 18 probationers, the latter passing for their + training through the General, Children's, and Homoeopathic + Hospitals. The nurses from the "Home" attend on an average + over 500 families in the year, those from the District Society + conferring their services on nearly 200 other families. + </p> + <p> + <i>Protestant Dissenting Charity School</i>, Graham Street.—This + is one of the oldest of our philanthropical institutions, having been + established in 1760—the first general meeting of subscribers + being held June 22, 1761. The first house taken for the purposes of + the charity was in New Meeting Street, and both boys and girls were + admitted, but since 1813 only girls have received its benefits. These + are taken from any locality, and of any Protestant denomination, being + housed, fed, clothed, educated and trained for domestic servants. + There are usually about 45 to 48 inmates, the cost per child averaging + in 1883 (for 56 girls) nearly £20 per head. At the centenary in + 1861 a fund of nearly £1,500 was raised by public subscription + in aid of the institution, which has but a small income from + investments. Subscribers of a guinea per year have the right of + nominating and voting for the admission of one child every year. The + present home in Graham Street was erected in 1839, and application + should be made to the matron for information or for servant girls. + </p> + <p> + <i>Sanatorium</i>, situated at Blackwell, near Bromsgrove.—This + establishment, which cost £15,750, of which £2,000 was + given by Miss Ryland, was built to provide a temporary home, with pure + air, rest, and nourishing diet for convalescent patients, who + otherwise might have had to pine away in the close-built quarters of + this and neighbouring towns. The buildings, which will accommodate + sixty persons, were opened April 16, 1873, and take the place of a + smaller establishment to which Miss Ryland had devoted for some years + a house at Sparkbrook. The average number of inmates is put at fifty, + and the number who passed through the house in 1883 was 1,052, the + expenditure for the year being £1,780 8s. The income was derived + from annual subscriptions, £901 10s.; special subscriptions, + £347 11s. 6d.; paid by hospitals for maintenance of patients, + £192 6s.; grant from the General Hospital, £26 5s.; share + of Hospital Saturday collection, £211 Os. 4d. The Secretary, + from whom all information can be received as to terms of special and + other tickets, is Mr. E.J. Bigwood, 3, Temple Row West. + </p> + <p> + <i>Servants' Home and Training Institution</i>, established in + 1860, finds shelter for a time to as many as 240 young women in the + course of a year, many looking upon it as the only home they have when + out of a situation. In connection with it is a "training + school" and laundry, where a score or more girls are taught. Both + parts of the institution pay their way, receipts and expenditure + (£180 and £350 respectively) generally balancing. The + Servants' Home is at 30, Bath Row, where there is a Registry for + servants, and also for sick and monthly nurses. + </p> + <p> + <i>Town Mission</i>—Established in 1837, and re-modelled in + 1850. This institution seeks work in a variety of ways, its agents + visiting the homes of the poor, the wards of the Hospitals, the + lodging-houses, and even the bedsides of the patients in the smallpox + and fever hospitals. In addition to the providing and looking after + the "Cabmen's Rests," of which there are sixteen in the + town, the Mission employs a Scripture reader specially to deal with + the deaf and dumb members of the community, about 200 in number. At + the Noel Road Refuge (opened in 1859) about 40 inmates are received + yearly, and at Tindal House (opened in 1864) about half that number, + the two institutions having (to end of 1883) sheltered 1,331 females, + of whom nearly a thousand have been brought back to moral and + industrious habits. The income of the Society for 1883 was + £1,690 17s. 3d., the expenditure being a little over that + amount, though the laundries connected with the Refuges more than pay + their way. The office is at the Educational Chambers; 90, New Street. + </p> + <p> + <i>Young Men's Christian Association</i>.—Instituted in + 1849; incorporated in 1873. For many years its meetings were held at + the Clarendon Chambers, but when the notorious "Sultan + Divan" was closed in Needless Alley, it was taken for the + purposes of this institution, the most appropriate change of tenancy + that could possibly be desired, the attractions of the glaring + dancing-rooms and low-lived racket giving place to comfortable + reading-rooms, a cosy library, and healthy amusements. Young men of + all creeds may here find a welcome, and strangers to the town will + meet friends to guide them in choice of companions, or in securing + comfortable homes.—A similar Association is that of the Church + of England Y.M.C.A., at 30, Paradise Street, which was commenced in + 1849, and numbers several hundred members.—At a Conference held + Nov. 24, 1880, it was decided to form a Midland District Union of + Y.M.C.A.s in this and the surrounding counties. + </p> + <p> + <i>Young Women's Christian Association</i>, 3, Great Charles + Street.—The idea of forming an institute for young women was + first mooted in 1874, a house being taken for the purpose in Colmore + Row in 1876, but it was removed to Great Charles Street in 1882, where + lodgings may be obtained for 2s. 6d. a week. From returns sent in from + various branches in connection with the Association, it would appear + that the number of members in Birmingham was 1,500, which says much or + its popularity among the class it was intended to benefit. + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm83"></a>Philanthropic Trust Funds.</b>—That our + predecessors forgot not charity is well proved, though some of the + "Trusts" read strangely in these days. + </p> + <p> + <i>Apprenticing Poor Boys</i>.—A favourite bequest in past days + was the leaving of funds for apprenticing poor lads to useful trades, + and when workmen were so scarce and valuable that the strong arm of + the law was brought in to prevent their emigrating or removing, + doubtless it was a useful charity enough. Now-a-days the majority of + masters do not care about the small premiums usually paid out of these + trusts, and several such charities have been lost sight of or become + amalgamated with others. The funds, however, left by George Jackson, + 1696, and by Richard Scott, 1634, are still in the hands of trustees, + and to those whom it may concern, Messrs. Horton and Lee, Newhall + street, solicitors to both trusts, will give all needful information. + </p> + <p> + <i>Banner's Charity</i>.—Richard and Samuel Banner, in 1716, + left some land at Erdington, towards providing clothing for two old + widows and half-a-dozen old men, the balance, if any, to be used in + apprenticing poor boys in Birmingham, + </p> + <p> + <i>Dudley Trust</i>.—Mr. William Dudley, at his decease in 1876 + left £100,000 on trust for the purpose of assisting young + tradesmen commencing business on their own account, to relieve aged + tradesmen of the town who had not succeeded in life, and lastly to + benefit the charities of the town. The rules require that applicants + must be under fifty years of age; that they must reside within the + limits of the borough; that they must not have been set up in business + more than three years; that they must give satisfactory proof of their + honesty, sobriety, and industry; and that they must give satisfactory + security to the Trustees, either personal, viz., by bond with two or + more sureties [each surety must give two or three references], or upon + freehold, copyhold, or leasehold properties. All these conditions + being satisfactorily met, the loans, which will be made free of cost, + will bear interest at 2-1/2 per cent. per annum, payable half-yearly, + and must be repaid within five years, and if the money is wanted for + more than two years, repayments by instalments must then commence. The + benefactions to aged persons take the shape of grants, annual or + otherwise, not exceeding £20 in any one year, in favour of + persons who fulfil the following requirements: They must be of the age + of sixty years at least, they must have been tradesmen within the + limits of the borough; and they must be able to show to the + satisfaction of the Trustees that they are of good character and need + assistance, and that they have not received any parochial relief. The + Trustees have made several large grants to charitable institutions. + Offices: 20, Temple Row. + </p> + <p> + <i>Fentham's Charity</i>.—In 1712 George Fentham left about + one hundred acres of land in Handsworth and Erdington Parishes, in + trust, to teach poor children to read, and to clothe poor widows. The + property, when devised, was worth £20 per year. At the end of + the century it was valued at £100 per year; and it now brings in + nearly £460. The twenty children receiving the benefits of this + charity are admitted to the Blue Coat School, and are distinguished by + their dress of dark green. Some fifty widows yearly share in the + clothing gifts. + </p> + <p> + <i>Food and Clothing</i>.—John Crowley, in 1709, bequeathed an + annuity o 20s. chargeable on property in the Lower Priory, to be + expended in "sixpenny bread" for the poor at + Christmas.—Some land at Sutton Coldfield was left, in 1681, by + John Hopkins, to provide clothing and food for the poor of St. + Martin's.—Palmer's Charity, 1867, finds about £40 + per annum, which is distributed among eighty recipients selected by + the Town Council, the majority being poor old women, who go for their + doles Dec. 12th.—In addition to the above there have been a + number of minor charities left to the churchwardens for providing food + and clothing which have either been lost sight of, or mixed up with + others, some dating as far back as 1629-30. + </p> + <p> + <i>George Hill's Charity</i> is now of the value of nearly + £5,000, bringing in about £120 yearly. Of this 52s. goes + to the churchwardens of the parish church to provide bread for the + most necessitous and aged poor; 20s. to the incumbent of Deritend, and + the residue in pensions of not more than £20 to decayed + schoolmasters and schoolmistresses. + </p> + <p> + <i>Hollier's Charity</i> was devised in 1789, the land now known + as Highgate Park (originally 10 acres) being left to clothe, annually, + twenty poor persons, twelve from Birmingham and eight from Aston. The + purchase money paid by the Corporation has been invested, and, under + the direction of the Charity Commissioners, the income of this charity + is appropriated thus:—£50 for clothing for twelve poor men + or women of Birmingham, and eight ditto of Aston; £25 for + relieving deserving and necessitous persons discharged from Borough + Lunatic Asylum; £150 to the Dispensaries of Birmingham and + Aston; £25 each to the Children's Hospital and the + Sanatorium; and the remainder to the General Hospital. + </p> + <p> + <i>James's Trust</i>, of 1869, which realises about £1,000 + per year, was left to provide homes and pensions for deserving widows + and others; five annuities for poor and decayed gentlewomen; and a + scholarship at the Grammar School. The Secretary is the Vicar of St. + Clement's, Nechells. + </p> + <p> + <i>Kylcuppe's Charity</i>.—Sept. 19, 1611. Richard Kylcuppe + devised certain land at Sparkbrook for charitable purposes, the income + of which is now handed to the General Hospital and General Dispensary, + as nearly as possible following the testator's wishes. + </p> + <p> + <i>Lench's Trust</i>, which dates from 1539, is one of the most + important charities of the town, and has an income of over + £3,000 a year at present. The original objects of the trust were + repairing the streets of the town and relief to poor. From time to + time other charities have been incorporated, and the funds + administered with those of Lench's Trust. Among these are the + "Bell Rope" fund for purchasing ropes for St. Martin's + Belfry, the donor of which is not known; Colmore's Charity, dating + from 1585, for relieving the poor and repairing streets; Redhill's + and Shilton's (about 1520), for like purposes; Kylcuppe's + 1610, for the poor, and a small sum towards repairing the church; + Vesey's 1583, known as the "Loveday Croft" gift; + Ward's 1573, and Wrexam's, 1568, both for gifts to the poor on + Good Friday; Ann Scott's, 1808, providing small amounts to be + given to the inmates of the Almshouses, &c. The Trust now + maintains four sets of almshouses (Conybere Street, Hospital Street, + Ravenhurst Street, and Ladywood), accommodating 184 inmates, all + women, who receive 5s. a week each, with firing, medical advice and + medicines when necessary, and sundry other small comforts beloved by + old grannies. The solicitors to the Trust are Messrs. Horton and Lee, + Newhall Street. The income of Lench's Trust for the year 1883 + amounted to £3,321 10s., of which £1,825 14s. went to the + almswomen, £749 1s. 8d. for matrons, doctors, and expenses at + the almshouses, £437 9s. 4d. for repairs, insurance, rates, and + taxes, and £309 5s. for clerks, collectors, auditors, law and + surveyor's charges, printing, &c. + </p> + <p> + <i>Milward's Charity</i>.—John Milward in 1654 left property + then worth £26 per annum and the Red Lion public-house (worth + another £26, but which could never be traced out), to be devided + between the governors of the Free Grammar Schools of Birmingham and + Haverfordwest and Brazennose College, for the support at the said + college of one student from the above schools in rotation. The Red + Lion having been swallowed up at a gulp; the other property would + appear to have been kept as a nibbling-cake, for till the Charity + Commissioners visited here in 1827 no scholar had ever been sent to + college by its means. The railways and canals have taken most of the + property of this trust, the invested capital arising from the sales + bringing in now about £650 per year, which is divided between + the two schools and the college above named, the Birmingham portion + being sufficient to pay for two scholarships yearly. + </p> + <p> + The <i>Nichol Charity</i> provides for the distribution of bread and + coals to about 100 people on New Year's Day, by the vicar and + churchwardens of St. David's. + </p> + <p> + <i>Old Maids and Widows</i>.—About £40 per year are + divided by the Rector and Churchwardens of St. Philip's amongst + ten old maids "or single women of virtuous character," and + twelve poor widows attending divine service there, the invested money + arising from Shelton's Charity, 1826, and Wilkinson's Charity, + 1830.—Thomas Pargeter (of Foxcote) in 1867, left money in trust, + to provide annuities of £20 each, to unmarried ladies of + fifty-five or more, professing Unitarianism, and about 100 are now + reaping the fruit of his charity. Messrs. Harding and Son, Waterloo + Street, are the solicitors. + </p> + <p> + <i>Ridduck's Trust</i>, for putting poor boys out apprentice, was + devised in 1728, the property consisting of a farm at Winson Green. By + direction of the Court of Chancery, the income is now divided, + £70 to Gem Street Free Industrial School, and £20 to the + British School, Severn Street. The Trustees include the Mayor, the + Rectors of St. Martin's, St. Philip's, St. Thomas's, St. + George's, several Nonconformist ministers, and the Registrar of + the Society of Friends. + </p> + <p> + <i>Preaching Sermons</i>.—By Salusbury's Charity, 1726, the + Rectors of St. Martin's and St. Philip's are entitled to the + sum of 15s to preach sermons once a year for the benefit of the Blue + Coat School—Ingram's Charity, 1818, consisting of the yearly + interest of £500 4 per cent. India Stock, was intended to insure + the preaching of an annual sermon on the subject of kindness to + animals (especially to the horse) by a local clergyman of the + Established Church, but the Governors of King Edward's School, who + are the trustees, have obtained the sanction of the Charity + Commissioner to a scheme under which sermons on kindness to animals + may take the form of one or more free lectures on the kind treatment + of animals, and especially of the horse, to be delivered in any place + of public worship, or other building or room approved by the trustees, + and not necessarily, as heretofore, by a clergyman of the Established + Church, and in a church. + </p> + <p> + <i>Scripture Reading</i>.—In 1858 Admiral Duff left a sum of + money, which brings in about £45 per year, for the maintenance + of a Scripture Reader for the town of Birmingham. The trustee of this + land is the Mayor for the time being, and the Scripture Reader may be + heard of at the Town Clerk's office. + </p> + <p> + <i>The Whittingham Charity</i>, distributed at St. James's, + Ashted, in March, furnishes gifts to about eighty poor people + (principally widows), who receive blankets, sheets, quilts, flannel, + &c., in addition to bread and coal. + </p> + <p> + <b>Philosophical Society.</b>—A society with this name was + formed in 1794 for the promulgation of scientific principles among + mechanics. Its meetings were held in an old warehouse in the Coach + Yard, and from the fact that many workmen from the Eagle Foundry + attended the lectures, delivered mainly by Mr. Thomas Clarke, the + members acquired the name of "the cast-iron philosophers." + Another society was formed in 1800, for the diffusion of scientific + knowledge amongst the middle and higher classes, and by the year 1814 + it was possessed of a handsome Lecture Theatre, a large Museum, with + good collections of fossils and minerals, a Library, Reading Room, + &c., in Cannon Street. Like many other useful institutions of + former days, the philosophical has had to give way to the realistic, + its library of dead men's writings, and its fossils of the ancient + world, vanishing in face of the reporters of to-day's doings, the + ubiquitous throbs of the "Walter" and "Hoe" steam + presses resounding where erst the voice of Science in chronicling the + past foreshadowed the future. + </p> + <p> + <b>Pillory.</b>—This ancient machine for the punishment of prigs + formerly stood in High Street. The last time it was used was in 1813. + We pillory people in print now, and pelt them with pen and ink. The + Act for abolishing this method of punishment was not passed until June + 30, 1837. What became of the pillory here is not known, but there is, + or was lately, a renovated specimen of the article at Coleshill. + </p> + <p> + <b>Pinfold Street</b> takes its name from the "pound" or + "pinfold" that existed there prior to 1752. There used to be + another of these receptacles for straying animals near to the Plough + and Harrow in Hagley Road, and a small corner of Smithfield was railed + off for the like purpose when the Cattle market was there established. + The "Jacob Wilsons" of a previous date held a field under + the Lords of the Manor wherein to graze their captured cattle, but one + of the Town Criers mortgaged it, and his successors lost their right + to the land which was somewhere about Caroline Street. + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm4"></a>Places of Worship.</b>—<i>Established + Church</i>.—In 1620 there were 358 churches in Warwickshire, 130 + in Staffordshire, and 150 in Worcestershire; but St. Martin's, + Edgbaston, Aston, Deritend, and Handsworth, churches were all that + Birmingham could boast of at the beginning of last century, and the + number had not been increased to a very large extent even by the year + 1800. As will be seen from the dates given in following pages, + however, there was a goodly number of churches erected in the first + half of this century, about the end of which period a "Church + extension" movement was set on foot. The success was so apparent + that a society was formed (Jan., 1865), and in March, 1867, it was + resolved to raise a fund of £50,000, for the purpose of at once + erecting eight other new churches in the borough, Miss Ryland heading + the list of donations with the munificent gift of £10,000. It is + difficult to arrive at the amount expended on churches previous to + 1840, but the annexed list of churches, built, enlarged, or repaired + in this neighbourhood from 1840 to 1875, will give an approximate idea + of the large sums thus invested, the whole of which was raised solely + by voluntary contributions. + </p> + <table cellspacing="10" summary="Expenditure on church buildings"> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Acock's Green + </td> + <td> + £6,405 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Aston Brook + </td> + <td> + 5,000 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Balsall Heath + </td> + <td> + 8,500 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Bishop Ryder's + </td> + <td> + 886 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Christ Church + </td> + <td> + 1,000 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Christ Church, Sparkbrook + </td> + <td> + 9,163 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Edgbaston + </td> + <td> + 2,200 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Hay Mills + </td> + <td> + 6,500 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Immanuel + </td> + <td> + 4,600 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + King's Heath + </td> + <td> + 3,900 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + King's Norton + </td> + <td> + 5,092 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Moseley + </td> + <td> + 2,491 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Saltley + </td> + <td> + 7,139 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + St. Alban's + </td> + <td> + 2,800 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + St. Andrew's + </td> + <td> + 4,500 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + St. Anne's + </td> + <td> + 2,700 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + St. Anne's, Moseley + </td> + <td> + 7,500 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + St. Asaph's + </td> + <td> + 7,700 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + St. Augustine's + </td> + <td> + 7,800 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + St. Barnabas' + </td> + <td> + 3,500 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + St. Bartholomew's + </td> + <td> + 1,260 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + St. Clement's + </td> + <td> + 3,925 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + St. Cuthbert's + </td> + <td> + 5,000 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + St. David's + </td> + <td> + 6,185 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + St. Gabriel's + </td> + <td> + 4,307 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + St. George's Edgbaston + </td> + <td> + 1,583 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + St. James's Edgbaston + </td> + <td> + 6,000 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + St. John's, Ladywood + </td> + <td> + 7,200 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + St. Lawrence's + </td> + <td> + 4,380 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + St. Luke's + </td> + <td> + 6,286 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + St. Martin's + </td> + <td> + 30,134 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + St. Matthew's + </td> + <td> + 4,850 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + St. Matthias's + </td> + <td> + .5,361 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + St. Mary's + </td> + <td> + 4,503 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + St. Mary's, Selly Oak + </td> + <td> + 5,400 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + St. Nicholas' + </td> + <td> + 4,288 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + St. Paul's + </td> + <td> + 1,400 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + St. Philip's + </td> + <td> + 9,987 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + St. Saviour's + </td> + <td> + 5,273 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + St. Silas's + </td> + <td> + 4,677 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + St. Stephen's + </td> + <td> + 3,200 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + St. Stephen's, Selly Oak + </td> + <td> + 3,771 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + To the above total of £228,336 expended on churches in or close + to the borough, there should be added £57,640 expended in the + erection, &c., of churches close at hand in the adjoining diocese + of Lichfield; £25,000 laid out at Coleshill, Northfield, and + Solihull (the principal residents being from Birmingham); and a still + further sum of £150,000 spent on Church-school buildings. These + figures even do not include the vast amounts invested for the + endowments of the several churches and schools, nor is aught reckoned + for the value of the land or building materials where given, nor for + the ornamental decorations, fonts, pulpits, windows, and furnishings + so munificently lavished on our local churches. Since the year 1875 it + has been calculated that more than £100,000 has been devoted to + similar local church-building purposes, so that in less than fifty + years much more than half-a-million sterling has been voluntarily + subscribed by the Churchmen of the neighbourhood for the religious + welfare and benefit of their fellow men. Still there is room for more + churches and for more preachers, and the Church Extension Society are + hoping that others will follow the example of the + "Landowner," who, in the early part of the year (1884) + placed £10,000 in the hands of the Bishop towards meeting the + urgent need of additional provision for the spiritual wants of the + inhabitants.—Short notes of the several churches can alone be + given. + </p> + <p> + <i>All Saints'</i>, in the street of that name, leading out of + Lodge Road, is a brick erection of fifty years' date, being + consecrated September 28, 1833. It was built to accommodate about 700 + and cost £3,850, but in 1881 it was enlarged and otherwise + improved at an outlay of over £1,500, and now finds sittings for + 1,760, a thousand of the seats being free. The Rev. P.E. Wilson, M.A., + is the Rector and Surrogate, and the living (value £400) is in + the gift of the Birmingham Trust. The Nineveh schoolroom is used for + services on Sunday and Thursday evenings in connection with All + Saints. + </p> + <p> + <i>All Saints'</i>, King's Heath, is built of stone in the + perpendicular Gothic style, and cost £3,200, the consecration + taking place on April 27th, 1860. There are sittings for 620, one half + being free. The Rev. J. Webster, M.A., is the Vicar; the living (value + £220) being in the gift of the Vicar of Moseley, King's + Heath ecclesiastical parish being formed out of Moseley parish in + 1863. + </p> + <p> + <i>All Saints'</i>, Small Heath.—Rev. G.F.B. Cross, M.A., + Vicar. Soon after the death of the Rev. J. Oldknow, D.D., of Holy + Trinity, in 1874, it was resolved to carry out his dying wishes by + erecting a church in the fast-filling district of Small Heath. At + first the iron building formerly used as a place of worship in Cannon + Hill Park was put up, and the Vicar was instituted in October, 1875. + The foundation-stone of a permanent building was laid Sept. 8, 1882, + which accommodates over 1,000 worshippers. That part of the future + "Oldknow Memorial Church" at present finished, comprising + the nave, north aisle, and north transept, with seating for nearly 700 + (all free), was consecrated July 28, 1883. The patronage is vested in + trustees, the incumbent's stipend being £150. + </p> + <p> + <i>All Saints'</i>, Stechford.—A temporary church of iron + and wood, erected at a cost of £620, to accommodate 320 persons, + all seats being free, was dedicated Dec. 18, 1877. + </p> + <p> + <i>Aston Church</i>.—It is impossible to fix the date of + erection of the first church for the parish of Aston, but that it must + have been at a very early period is shown by the entry in the Domesday + Book relative to the manor. The parish itself formerly included + Bordesley and Deritend, Nechells and Saltley, Erdington and Witton, + Castle Bromwich, Ward End, and Water Orton, an area so extensive that + the ecclesiastical income was very considerable. In Henry III.'s + reign the Dean and Chapter of Lichfield received twenty marks yearly + out of the fruits of the rectory, the annual value of which was + sufficient to furnish £26 13s. 4d. over and above the twenty + marks. Records are in existence showing that the church (which was + dedicated to St. Peter and St. Paul) was considerably enlarged about + 300 years after the Conquest, and a renovation was carried out nearly + a century back, but the alterations made during the last few years + (1878-84) have been so extensive that practically it may be said the + edifice has been rebuilt. The seating capacity of the old church was + limited to about 500, but three times that number of persons will, in + future, find accommodation, the cost of the extensions and alterations + having been nearly £10,000. The ancient monuments, windows, and + tablets have all been carefully replaced in positions corresponding to + those they filled formerly, with many additions in the shape of + coloured glass, heraldic emblazonments, and chaste carvings in wood + and stone. The old church, for generations past, has been the + centre-point of interest with local antiquarians, as it was, in the + days far gone, the chosen last resting-place of so many connected with + our ancient history—the Holtes, the Erdingtons, the Devereux, + the Ardens, the Harcourts, the Bracebridgss, Clodshalls, Bagots, + &c. Here still may be seen the stone and alabaster effigies of + lords and ladies who lived in the time of the Wars of the Roses, two + showing by their dress that while one was Lancasterian, the other + followed the fortunes of York. The tablets of the Holte' family, + <i>temp</i>. Elizabeth and Charles, and the Devereux monument of the + Jacobean era, are well preserved, while all around the shields and + arms of the ancient families, with their many quarterings, form the + best heraldic collection anywhere near Birmingham. The parish + registers date from the 16th century, and the churchwardens accounts + are preserved from the year 1652. Among the facts recorded in the + former we may note the burial of the dozen or so Royalist soldiers who + lost their lives while defending Aston Hall from the attacks made on + it by the Birmingham men in December, 1643; while in both there are + quaint entries innumerable, and full of curious interest to the + student and historian. The Rev. W. Eliot, M.A., the present vicar, was + instituted in 1876 (commencing duty Feb. 25, 1877), the living + (£1,600 value) being in the presentation of trustees. In + connection with the Church, there are Mission Rooms in Tower Road and + in Alfred Street, with Sunday Schools, Bible classes, Dorcas, and + other societies. The first portion of the late additions to the Church + was consecrated July 5, 1880; the new chancel on Sept. 8, 1883 + </p> + <p> + <i>Bishop Rider's</i>, a square-towered brick edifice in Gem + Street, was built in 1837-38, the laying of the foundation stone + (August 23, 1837) being characterised by the almost unheard-of conduct + of the low denizens of the neighbourhood, who pelted the Bishop of + Lichfield with mud on the occasion. The consecration took place Dec. + 18, 1838, and the building cost £4,600. The living, valued at + £300, is in the hands of trustees, the present vicar being the + Rev. J.P. Gardiner. The vicarage, which was completed in 1862 at a + cost of £2,240, is in Sutton Street, Aston Road— too near + a residence to the church not being deemed advisable even + five-and-twenty years after the opening ceremony of 1837. In 1879 the + galleries were removed, and the church re-pewed and otherwise + renovated, the re-opening taking place July 28, there being now 860 + free sittings. + </p> + <p> + <i>Christ Church</i>, New Street.—At first known as "The + Free Church," this edifice was for no less than ten years in the + hands of the builders. The cornerstone was laid July 22, 1805, by Lord + Dartmouth, in the absence of George III., who had promised, but was + too ill, to be present. His Majesty, however, sent £1,000 + towards the building fund. It was consecrated July 13, 1813; finished + in 1816; clock put in 1817. The patron is the Bishop of Worcester, and + to the living (valued at £350), is attached a Prebendary in + Lichfield Cathedral. The present Vicar, since 1881, is the Rev. E.R. + Mason, M.A. There is accommodation for 1,500, all the seats being + free, but at one time the worshippers were limited in their freedom of + sitting by the males having to take their places on one side and the + females on the other, a custom which gave rise to the following + epigram: + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2"> + "Our churches and chapels we generally find + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Are the places where men to the women are joined; + </p> + <p class="i2"> + But at Christ Church, it seems, they are more cruelhearted, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + For men and their wives go there and get parted." + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + Mission services in connection with Christ Church are held in the + Pinfold Street and Fleet Street Schoolrooms. + </p> + <p> + <i>Christ Church</i>, Gillott Road, Summerfield. The foundation stone + of a church to be erected to the memory of the late Rev. George Lea + (for 43 years connected with Christ Church and St. George's, + Edgbaston) was laid Nov. 27, 1883. It is intended to accommodate 850 + persons, and will cost about £8,000, exclusive of a tower 110ft. + high which will be added afterwards at a further cost of £1,200. + </p> + <p> + <i>Christ Church</i>, Quinton, was erected in 1841, at a cost of + £2,500, and will seat 600, two-thirds being free. The living is + valued at £200, is in the gift of the Rector of Halesowen (in + whose parish Quinton was formerly included), and is held by the Rev. + C.H. Oldfield, B.A. + </p> + <p> + <i>Christ Church</i>, Sparkbrook, is a handsome Gothic erection, built + on land given by Mr. S.S. Lloyd, the first stone being laid April 5, + 1866, and the opening ceremony on October 1, 1867. The living, a + perpetual curacy, is in the gift of trustees, and is valued at + £350 per annum, and has been held hitherto by the Rev. G. Tonge, + M.A. The building of the church cost nearly £10,000, the + accommodation being sufficient for 900 persons, one-half the seats + being free. The stained window in chancel to the memory of Mrs. S.S. + Lloyd, is said by some to be the most beautiful in Birmingham, the + subject being the Resurrection. There are Mission Rooms and Sunday + Schools in Dolobran Road, Montpellier Street, Long Street, and + Stratford Road, several thousands having been spent in their erection. + </p> + <p> + <i>Christ Church</i>, Yardley Wood, was built and endowed by the late + John Taylor, Esq., in 1848, the consecration taking place April 4, + 1849. Vicarage, value £185; patrons, trustees; Vicar, Rev. C.E. + Beeby, B.A. Seats 260, the 60 being free. + </p> + <p> + <i>Edgbaston Old Church</i>.—It is not known when the first + church was built on this site, some writers having gone so far back as + to fix the year 777 as the probable date. The present edifice, though + it incorporates some few remains of former erections, and will always + be known as the "old" church, really dates but from 1809-10, + when it was re-built (opened Sept 10, 1810) but, as the Edgbastonians + began to increase and multiply rapidly after that time, it was found + necessary to add a nave and aisle in 1857. There is now only + accommodation for 670, and but a hundred or so of the seats are free, + so that possibly in a few more years the renovators and restorers will + be busy providing another new old church for us. The patron is Lord + Calthorpe, and the living is valued at £542, but the power of + presenting has only been exercised three times during the last 124 + years, the Rev. John Prynne Parkes Pixell, who was appointed vicar in + 1760, being succeeded by his son in 1794, who held the living + fifty-four years. At his death, in 1848, the Rev. Isaac Spooner, who + had for the eleven previous years been the first incumbent of St. + George's, Edgbaston, was inducted, and remained vicar till his + death, July, 1884. In the Church there are several monuments to + members of the Calthorpe family, and one in memory of Mr. Joshua + Scholefield, the first M.P. for Birmingham, and also some + richly-coloured windows and ancient-dated tablets connected with the + oldest families of the Middlemores and others. + </p> + <p> + <i>Hall Green Church</i> was built in Queen Anne's reign, and has + seats for 475, half free. It is a vicarage (value £175), in the + gift of trustees, and now held by the Rev. R. Jones, B.A. + </p> + <p> + <i>Handsworth Church</i>.—St. Mary's, the mother church of + the parish, was probably erected in the twelfth century, but has + undergone time's inevitable changes of enlargements, alterations, + and rebuildings, until little, if any, of the original structure could + possibly be shown. Great alterations were made during the 15th and + 17th centuries, and again about 1759, and in 1820; the last of all + being those of our own days. During the course of the + "restoration," now completed, an oval tablet was taken down + from the pediment over the south porch, bearing the inscription of + "John Hall and John Hopkins, churchwardens, 1759," whose + economising notions had led them to cut the said tablet out of an old + gravestone, the side built into the wall having inscribed on its face, + "The bodye of Thomas Lindon, who departed this life the 10 of + April, 1675, and was yeares of age 88." The cost of the + rebuilding has been nearly £11,000, the whole of which has been + subscribed, the reopening taking place Sept. 28, 1878. There are + several ancient monuments in fair preservation, and also + Chantrey's celebrated statue of Watts. The living is valued at + £1,500, the Rector, the Rev. W. Randall, M.A., being his own + patron. The sittings in the church are (with a few exceptions only) + all free and number over 1,000, Sunday and other services being also + held in a Mission Room at Hamstead. + </p> + <p> + <i>Holy Trinity</i>.—The first stone of the Church of the Holy + Trinity in Camp Hill, was placed in position Sept. 29, 1820. The + building was consecrated Jan. 23, 1823, and opened for services March + 16 following. The cost was £14,325, and the number of sittings + provided 1,500, half to be free. The services have from the first been + markedly of a Ritualistic character, and the ornate decorations of the + church have been therefore most appropriate. The living (value + £230) is a vicarage in the gift of trustees, and is at present + held by the Rev. A.H. Watts, who succeeded the Rev. R.W. Enraght after + the latter's suspension and imprisonment.— See "<i><a + class="internal" href="#Birm114">Ritualism</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <i>Holy Trinity</i>, Birchfields.—First stone placed May 26, + 1863; consecrated May 17, 1864. Cost about £5,000. The living + (value £320) is a vicarage in the gift of the Rector of + Handsworth, and is now held by the Rev. P.T. Maitland, who "read + himself in" May 16, 1875. + </p> + <p> + <i>Holy Trinity</i>, North Harborne, was built in 1838-39 at a cost of + £3,750, and will seat 700, one half being free. The living + (value £300) is in the gift of the Dean and Chapter of + Lichfield. + </p> + <p> + <i>Immanuel Church</i>, Broad Street.—The foundation stone was + laid July 12, 1864; the consecration took place May 7, 1865; the cost + of erection was a little over £4,000; there are seats for 800, + of which 600 are free; and the living (valued at £300), has been + held until now by the Rev. C.H. Coleman, the presentation being in the + hands of trustees. The "Magdalen" Chapel was formerly on the + site. + </p> + <p> + <i>Iron Churches</i>.—May 22, 1874, an edifice built of iron was + opened for religious purposes in Canon Hill Park, but the congregation + that assembled were so scanty that in July, 1875, it was deemed + expedient to remove it to Small Heath where it was used as a temporary + "Oldknow Memorial" Church. Other iron churches have been + utilised in the suburbs since then, and there is now no novelty in + such erections, a score of which may be found within half the number + of miles. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Agnes'</i>, Moseley, off Wake Green Road.—The + foundation stone was laid October 3, 1883, and its estimated cost is + put at about £8,000. At present only a part sufficient to + accommodate 400 persons is being proceeded with, but when completed + the edifice will hold double that number, and will be 127 ft. long by + 48 ft. wide, a tower and spire rising from the centre of the west end + to a height of 137 ft. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Alban's</i>.—A Mission chapel, dedicated to St. + Alban, was opened in Leopold Street in September, 1865. This now forms + a school belonging to the adjoining church, which was opened March 7, + 1872. The curacy is held by the Revds. J.S. and T.B. Pollock, but the + friends of those gentlemen have since ejected a far handsomer edifice, + the Church of St. Alban the Martyr, at the corner of Conybere Street + and Ryland Street, at a cost estimated at + £20,000—£1,500 being paid for the site. The first + stone of this magnificent building was laid January 31, 1880, the + opening service taking place at 6.30 a.m., May 3, 1881. There is free + seating for 1,000 in the new church, for 460 in St. Alban's, + Leopold Street, and for a further 400 in the Mission Room—the + services being entirely dependent on the gifts to the offertory, + &c. On the Saint's day the special collections have for years + been most remarkable, seldom less than £1,000 being given, while + occasionally the amount has been more than four times that sum, The + services are "High Church," with three daily celebrations + and seven on Sunday. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Andrew's</i>, Bordesley.—The foundation-stone was + laid July 23, 1844, and consecration took place, Sept. 30, 1846. The + cost of the building was about £5,000, the site being given. The + value of the living is £320, the Bishop and trustees having the + right of preferment alternately. There is accommodation for 800, + one-fourth of the seats being free. The present Vicar is the Rev. J. + Williamson, M.A. The iron-built church of S. Oswald, opposite Small + Heath Park, Coventry-road, is attached to S. Andrew's. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Anne's</i>, Duddeston, consecrated Oct. 22, 1869, is a + brick building, giving accommodation for 810, half the seats being + free. The Bishop presents the living, being of the nett value of + £260. Rev. T.J. Haworth is the Vicar. Services also at the + Mission Room, Great Francis Street. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Anne's</i>, Park Hill, Moseley.—This Chapel-of-Ease + to Moseley was built at the expense of Miss Anderton, of Moseley Wake + Green, the consecration taking place Sept. 22, 1874. The living is + valued at £150, and is in the gift of the Vicar of Moseley, the + present incumbent being the Rev. J. Leverett, M.A. Half the 400 seats + are free. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Asaph's</i>, Great Colmore Street,—the freehold of + the site was given by Mr. Cregoe Colmore, and the erection of the + church, which yet wants the tower and spire, cost £5,450. The + cornerstone was laid Aug. 22, 1867, and the building was consecrated + Dec. 8, 1868. There are 950 sittings, of which 500 are free. Trustees + present. The living, value £300, being now held by the Rev. R. + Fletcher, M.A. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Augustine's</i>, Hagley Road, the foundation stone of which + was laid Oct. 14, 1867, was consecrated September 12, 1868, the first + cost being a little over £9,000, but a tower and spire (185 ft. + high) was added in 1876 at a further cost of £4,000. It is a + Chapel-of-ease to Edgbaston, in the gift of the Bishop. Value + £500. Held by Rev. J.C. Blissard, M.A. Seats, 650. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Barnabas</i>, Erdington.—This church, originally built in + 1823, at a cost of about £6,000, with accommodation for 700 + only, has lately been enlarged so as to provide 1,100 sittings (600 + free)—£2,700 being expended on the improvements. The Vicar + of Aston is patron, and the living is valued at £300. The + re-opening took place June 11, 1883. Rev. H.H. Rose, M.A., has been + Vicar since 1850. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Barnabas'</i>, Ryland Street.—First stone laid Aug. + 1, 1859; consecrated Oct. 24, 1860; renovated in 1882. Has sittings + for 1,050, of which 650 are free. Value £300, in the gift of + trustees. Present Vicar, Rev. P. Waller. Services also at Mission + Room, Sheepcote Street. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Bartholomew's</i>.—The building of this church was + commenced in 1749, the site being given by William Jennens, Esq., and + £1,000 towards the building by his mother, Mrs. Anne Jennens. + Lord Fielding also gave £120 to pay for an altar-piece, which is + greatly admired. Surrounded for very many years by a barren-looking + graveyard, the huge brick-built edifice was very unsightly, and being + close to the Park Street burial ground it was nicknamed "the + paupers' church." Since the laying out of the grounds, + however, it has much improved in appearance. The Rector of St. + Martin's presents, and the living is valued at £280. There + are 1,800 sittings, 1,000 being free. Week-night services are also + held in Mission Room, Fox Street. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Catherine's</i>, Nechells.—Foundation stone laid July + 27, 1877; consecrated November 8, 1878; cost nearly £7,000; + seats 750, more than half being free. Yearly value £230; in the + gift of trustees. Present vicar, Rev. T.H. Nock, M.A. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Catherine's</i> Rotton Park.—The Mission Room in + Coplow St., in connection with St. John's, Ladywood, is the + precursor of this church yet to be built. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Clement's</i>, Nechells.—First stone laid, October + 27, 1857; consecrated August 30, 1859. Seats 850 (475 free). Vicarage, + value £300, in the gift of Vicar of St. Matthew's. Present + incumbent, Rev. J.T. Butlin, B.A. Services also at Mission Room, High + Park Street. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Cuthbert's</i>, Birmingham Heath, was commenced April 19, + 1871; opened March 19, 1872, and has seats for 800, half being free. + Yearly value £250; in the hands of trustees. Present incumbent, + Rev. W. H. Tarleton, M.A. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Cyprian's</i>, Hay Mill.—The foundation-stone of this + church (built and endowed by J. Horsfall, Esq.), was laid April 14, + 1873, and the opening services were held in the following January. The + ceremony of consecration did not take place until April 23, 1878, when + a district was assigned to the church. Rev. G.H. Simms is the present + Vicar, and the living (value £150) is in the gift of the Bishop. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. David's</i>, Bissell Street—First stone was laid July + 6, 1864, and the building was consecrated in the same month of the + following year. The cost of erection was £6,200, and there is + accommodation for 955, 785 seats being free. The living (value + £300) is in the gift of trustees, and is at present held by Rev. + H. Boydon, B.A. Week night services also at Mission Room, Macdonald + Street. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Edburgh's</i>,—The parish church of Yardley, dating + from Henry VII.'s reign, contains monuments relating to several of + our ancient families of local note. The living is a vicarage (value + £525) in the gift of the Rev. J. Dodd, the present vicar being + the Rev. F.S. Dodd, M.A. There is accommodation for 600, a third of + the seats being free. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Gabriel's</i>, Pickford Street.—The first stone was + laid in September, 1867, and the consecration took place Jan. 5, 1869. + The sittings number 600, most being free. The living (value + £300) is in the gift of the Bishop, and is held by the Rev. J.T. + Tanse, vicar. A mission room at the west end of the church was opened + Dec. 14, 1878. It is 105ft. long by 25ft. wide, and will seat 800. The + cost was about £3,500, and it is said the Vicar and his friends + saved £2,500 by building the rooms themselves. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. George's</i>.—When first built, there were so few + houses near Great Hampton Row and Tower Street, that this church was + known as "St. George's in the Fields," and the site for + church and churchyard (3,965 square yards) was purchased for + £200. The foundation stone was laid April 19, 1820, and the + consecration took place July 30, 1822. The tower is 114ft. high, and + the first cost of the building was £12,735. Renovated in 1870, + the church has latterly been enlarged, the first stone of a new + chancel being placed in position (June, 1882) by the Bishop of + Ballarat, formerly rector of the parish. This and other additions has + added £2,350 to the original cost of the church, which provides + accommodation for 2,150, all but 700 being free seats. The living + (value £500) is in the gift of trustees, and the present Rector + is the Rev. J.G. Dixon, M.A. The church was re-opened March 13, 1883, + and services are also conducted in New Summer Street and in Smith + Street Schoolrooms. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. George's</i>, Edgbaston.—First stone laid Aug. 17, + 1836; consecrated Nov. 28, 1838. Cost £6,000. Perpetual curacy + (value £300), in the gift of Lord Calthorpe. 1,000 sittings, of + which one-third are free, but it is proposed to considerably enlarge + the building, and possibly as much as £8,000 will be spent + thereon, with proportionate accommodation. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. James's</i>, Ashted.—Originally the residence of Dr. + Ash, this building was remodelled and opened as a place of worship, + Oct. 9, 1791. As Ashted Chapel it was sold by auction, May 3, 1796. + Afterwards, being dedicated to St. James, it was consecrated, the + ceremony taking place Aug. 7, 1807. The living (value £300) is + in the gift of trustees, the present vicar being the Rev. H.C. Phelps, + M.A. Of the 1,350 sittings, 450 are free, there being also a mission + room in Vauxhall Road. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. James's</i>, Aston.—The mission room, in Tower Road, + in connection with Aston Church, is known as St. James's Church + Room, it being intended to erect a church on an adjoining site. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. James's</i>, Edgbaston, which cost about £6,000, was + consecrated June 1, 1852, and has 900 sittings, one-fourth being free. + Perpetual curacy (value £230) in the gift of Lord Calthorpe. The + 25th anniversary of the incumbency of the Rev. P. Browne, M.A., was + celebrated June 7, 1877, by the inauguration of a new organ, + subscribed for by the congregation. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. James's</i>, Handsworth, was built in 1849, and has 800 + sittings, of which one half are free. The living (value £300) is + in the gift of the Rector of Handsworth, and the present vicar is the + Rev. H.L. Randall, B.A. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. John's</i>, Deritend.—The "Chapel of St. + John's," was commenced in 1375; it was licensed in 1381 by + the monks of Tickford Priory, who appointed the Vicars of Aston, in + which parish Deritend then was; it was repaired in 1677, and rebuilt + in 1735. The tower was added in 1762, and clock and bells put in in + 1776. This is believed to have been the first church in which the + teachings of Wycliffe and the Reformers were allowed, the grant given + to the inhabitants leaving in their hands the sole choice of the + minister. This rite was last exercised June 15, 1870, when the present + chaplain, the Rev. W.C. Badger, was elected by 3,800 votes, against + 2,299 given for a rival candidate. There is accommodation for 850, of + which 250 seats are free. It is related that when the present edifice + was erected (1735) a part of the small burial ground was taken into + the site, and that pew-rents are only charged for the sittings + covering the ground so occupied. The living is valued at £400. + For a most interesting account of this church reference should be made + to "Memorials of Old Birmingham" by the late Mr. Toulmin + Smith. Services also take place at the School Room, and at the Mission + Room, Darwin Street. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. John's</i>, Ladywood, built at a cost of £6,000, the + site being given by the Governors of the Free Grammar School, and the + stone for building by Lord Calthorpe, was consecrated March 15, 1854. + In 1881, a further sum of £2,350 was expended in the erection of + a new chancel and other additions. The Rector of St. Martin's is + the patron of the living (valued at £330), and the present Vicar + is the Rev. J.L. Porter, M.A. The sittings number 1,250, of which 550 + are free. Services are also conducted at the Mission Room, Coplow + Street, and on Sunday evenings in Osler Street Board School. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. John's</i>, Perry Barr, was built, endowed, and a fund left + for future repairs, by "Squire Gough," of Perry Hall, the + cost being about £10,000. The consecration took place Aug. 6, + 1833, and was a day of great rejoicing in the neighbourhood. In 1868 + the church was supplied with a peal of eight bells in memory of the + late Lord Calthorpe. The living (valued at £500) is in the gift + of the Hon. A.C.G. Calthorpe. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. John the Baptist</i>, East Harborne, which cost rather more + than £4,000, was consecrated November 12, 1858. It has sittings + for 900, of which number one half are free. Living valued at + £115; patron Rev. T. Smith, M.A.; vicar, Rev. P. Smith, B.A. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. John the Evangelist</i>, Stratford Road.—A temporary iron + church which was opened April 2, 1878, at a cost of £680. A + Mission Room, in Warwick Road, Greet, is in connection with above. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Jude's</i>, Tonk Street, which was consecrated July 26, + 1851, has 1,300 sittings, of which 1,000 are free. In the summer of + 1879, the building underwent a much-needed course of renovation, and + has been still further improved by the destruction of the many + "rookeries" formerly surrounding it. The patronage is vested + in the Crown and Bishop alternately, but the living is one of the + poorest in the town, only £150. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Lawrence's</i>, Dartmouth Street.—First stone laid + June 18, 1867; consecrated June 25, 1868; has sittings for 745, 400 + being free. The Bishop is the patron, and the living (value + £320) is now held by the Rev. J.F.M. Whish, B.A. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Luke's</i>, Bristol Road.—The foundation stone of + this old Norman-looking church was laid July 29, 1841, but it might + have been in 1481 to judge by its present appearance, the unfortunate + choice of the stone used in the building giving quite an ancient look. + It cost £3,700, and was consecrated Sept. 28, 1842. There are + 300 free seats out of 800. The trustees are patrons, and the living + (value £430) is held by the Rev. W.B. Wilkinson, M.A., vicar. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Margaret's</i>, Ledsam Street.—The cost of this + church was about £5,000; the first stone was laid May 16, 1874; + the consecration took place Oct. 2, 1875, and it finds seating for + 800, all free. The Bishop is the patron of the living (a perpetual + curacy value £300), and it is now held by the Rev. H.A. Nash. + The schoolroom in Rann Street is licensed in connection with St. + Margaret's. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Margaret's</i>, Olton, was consecrated Dec. 14, 1880, the + first stone having been laid Oct. 30, 1879. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Margaret's</i>, Ward End, built on the site, and partly + with the ruins of an ancient church, was opened in 1836, and gives + accommodation for 320 persons, 175 seats being free. The living, value + £150, is in the gift of trustees, and is held by the Rev. C. + Heath, M.A., Vicar. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Mark's</i>, King Edward's Road.—First stone laid + March 31, 1840; consecrated July 30, 1841. Cost about £4,000, + and accommodates 1,000, about a third of the seats being free. A + vicarage, value £300; patrons, trustees; vicar, Rev. R.L.G. + Pidcock, M.A. + </p> + <p> + <i><a id="Birm115"></a>St. Martins</i>.—There is no authentic + date by which we can arrive at the probable period of the first + building of a Church for the parish of Birmingham. Hutton + "supposed" there was a church here about A.D. 750, but no + other writer has ventured to go past 1280, and as there is no mention + in the Domesday Book of any such building, the last supposition is + probably nearest the mark. The founder of the church was most likely + Sir William de Bermingham, of whom there is still a monumental effigy + existing, and the first endowment would naturally come from the same + family, who, before the erection of such church, would have their own + chapel at the Manor House. Other endowments there were from the + Clodshales, notably that of Walter de Clodshale, in 1330, who left + twenty acres of land, four messuages, and 18d. annual rent, for one + priest to say mass daily for the souls of the said Walter, his wife, + Agnes, and their ancestors; in 1347, Richard de Clodshale gave ten + acres of land, five messuages, and 10s. yearly for another priest to + say mass for him and his wife, and his father and mother, "and + all the faithful departed"; in 1428, Richard, grandson of the + last-named, left 20s. by his will, and bequeathed his body "to be + buried in his own chapel," "within the Parish Church of + Bermyngeham." Besides the Clodshale Chantry, there was that of + the Guild of the Holy Cross, but when Henry VIII. laid violent hands + on all ecclesiastical property (1535) that belonged to the Church of + St. Martin was valued at no move than £10 1s. From the few + fragments that were found when the present building was erected, and + from Dugdale's descriptions that has come down to us, there can be + little doubt that the church was richly ornamented with monuments and + paintings, coloured windows and encaustic tiles, though its income + from property would appear to have been meagre enough. Students of + history will readily understand how the fine old place came gradually + to be but little better than a huge barn, the inside walls whitewashed + as was the wont, the monuments mutilated and pushed into corners, the + font shoved out of sight, and the stained glass windows demolished. + Outside, the walls and even the tower were "cased in brick" + by the churchwardens (1690), who nevertheless thought they were doing + the right thing, as among the records of the lost Staunton Collection + there was one, dated 1711, of "Monys expended in public charitys + by ye inhabitants of Birmingham, wth in 19 years last past," + viz.:— + </p> + <table cellspacing="10" width="60%" summary= + "Expenditure on St. Martin's church"> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + In casing, repairing, &c., ye Old Church + </td> + <td> + £1919 + </td> + <td> + 01 + </td> + <td> + 9½ + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Adding to ye Communion Plate of ye said Church 275 ounces of new + silver + </td> + <td> + 80 + </td> + <td> + 16 + </td> + <td> + 06 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Repairing ye high ways leading to ye town wth in these 9 years + </td> + <td> + 898 + </td> + <td> + 00 + </td> + <td> + 01 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Subscribed by ye inhabitants towards erecting a New Church, now + consecrated, and Parsonage house + </td> + <td> + 2234 + </td> + <td> + 13 + </td> + <td> + 11 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + </td> + <td> + <hr style="width: 100%;" /> + </td> + <td> + <hr style="width: 100%;" /> + </td> + <td> + <hr style="width: 100%;" /> + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + In all + </td> + <td> + £5132 + </td> + <td> + 12 + </td> + <td> + 3½ + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + In the matter of architectural taste the ideas of the church wardens + seem curiously mixed, for while disfiguring the old church they + evidently did their best to secure the erection of the splendid new + church of St. Philip's, as among other entries there were several + like these:— + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + "28pds. 2s. wch Mr. Jno. Holte has collected in Oxford towards + building ye New Church." + </p> + </blockquote> + <blockquote> + <p> + "Revd. £30 from Sir Charles Holte, Baronet, for the use + of the Com.e of the New Church." + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + From time to time other alterations were made, such as new roofing, + shutting up the clerestory windows, piercing the walls of the chancel + and the body of the church for fresh windows attaching a vestry, + &c. The churchyard was partly surrounded by houses, and in 1781 + "iron pallisadoes" were affixed to the wall. In this year + also 33ft. of the spire was taken down and rebuilt. In 1807 the + churchyard was enlarged by the purchase of five tenements fronting + Spiceal Street, belonging to the Governors of the Free Grammar School, + for £423, and the Commissioners having cleared the Bull Ring of + the many erections formerly existing there the old church in its + hideous brick dress was fully exposed to view. Noble and handsome + places of worship were erected in other parts of the town, but the old + mother church was left in all its shabbiness until it became almost + unsafe to hold services therein at all. The bitter feelings engendered + by the old church-rate wars had doubtless much to do with this neglect + of the "parish" church, but it was not exactly creditable to + the Birmingham men of '49, when attention was drawn to the + dangerous condition of the spire, and a general restoration was + proposed, that what one gentleman has been pleased to call "the + lack of public interest" should be made so manifest that not even + enough could be got to rebuild the tower. Another attempt was made in + 1853, and on April 25th, 1854, the work of restoring the tower and + rebuilding the spire, at a cost of £6,000, was commenced. The + old brick casing was replaced by stone, and, on completion of the + tower, the first stone of the new spire was laid June 20, 1855, the + "topping" being successfully accomplished November 22nd + following. The height of the present spire from the ground to the top + of the stone-work is 185ft. 10 1/2in., the tower being 69ft. 6in., and + the spire itself 116ft. 4 1/2in., the vane being an additional 18ft. + 6in. The old spire was about 3in. lower than the present new one, + though it looked higher on account of its more beautiful form and its + thinner top only surmounted by the weathercock, now to be seen at + Aston Hall, The clock and chimes were renewed at a cost of £200 + in 1858; the tunes played being "God save the Queen" [Her + Majesty visited Birmingham that year], "Rule Britannia," + "Blue Bells of Scotland," "Life let us cherish," + the "Easter Hymn," and two other hymns. Twenty years after + (in 1878) after a very long period (nine years) of inaction, the + charming apparatus was again put in order, the chimes being the same + as before, with the exception of "Auld lang syne," which is + substituted for "God save the Queen," in consequence of the + latter not giving satisfaction since the bells have been repaired + [vide "<i>Mail</i>"]. The clock dial is 9ft. 6in. in + diameter. The original bells in the steeple were doubtless melted in + the troublesome days of the Commonwealth, or perhaps, removed when + Bluff Hal sequestered the Church's property, as a new set of six + (total weight 53cwt. 1qr. 15lbs.) were hung in 1682. During the last + century these were recast, and addition made to the peal, which now + consists of twelve. + </p> + <table cellspacing="10" summary="Casting dates and weights of bells"> + <tr align="center"> + <td> + Treble, + </td> + <td> + cast in + </td> + <td> + 1772, + </td> + <td> + weight not noted. + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="center"> + <td> + Second, + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + 1771, + </td> + <td> + ditto. + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="center"> + <td> + Third, + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + 1758, + </td> + <td> + weighing + </td> + <td> + 6 + </td> + <td> + 2 + </td> + <td> + 16 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="center"> + <td> + Fourth, + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + 1758, + </td> + <td> + " + </td> + <td> + 6 + </td> + <td> + 3 + </td> + <td> + 27 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="center"> + <td> + Fifth, + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + 1758, + </td> + <td> + " + </td> + <td> + 8 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + <td> + 20 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="center"> + <td> + Sixth, + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + 1769, + </td> + <td> + " + </td> + <td> + 8 + </td> + <td> + 2 + </td> + <td> + 12 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="center"> + <td> + Seventh + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + 1768, + </td> + <td> + " + </td> + <td> + 9 + </td> + <td> + 3 + </td> + <td> + 12 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="center"> + <td> + Eighth, + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + 1758, + </td> + <td> + " + </td> + <td> + 11 + </td> + <td> + 3 + </td> + <td> + 6 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="center"> + <td> + Ninth, + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + 1758, + </td> + <td> + " + </td> + <td> + 15 + </td> + <td> + 1 + </td> + <td> + 17 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="center"> + <td> + Tenth, + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + 1758, + </td> + <td> + " + </td> + <td> + 17 + </td> + <td> + 3 + </td> + <td> + 2 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="center"> + <td> + Eleventh + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + 1769, + </td> + <td> + " + </td> + <td> + 27 + </td> + <td> + 3 + </td> + <td> + 16 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="center"> + <td> + Tenor, + </td> + <td> + </td> + <td> + 1768, + </td> + <td> + " + </td> + <td> + 35 + </td> + <td> + 0 + </td> + <td> + 8 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + The ninth bell was recast in 1790; fourth and fifth have also been + recast, by Blews and Son, in 1870. In the metal of the tenor several + coins are visible, one being a Spanish dollar of 1742. The following + lines appear on some of the bells;— + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + On Seventh:—"You singers all that prize your health and + happiness, be sober, merry and wise and you will the same + possess." + </p> + <p class="i2"> + On Eighth.—"To honour both of God and King, our voices + shall in concert ring." + </p> + <p class="i2"> + On Tenth.—"Our voices shall with joyful sound make, + hills and valleys echo round." + </p> + <p class="i2"> + On Tenor.—"Let your ceaseless changes raise to our Great + Maker still new praise." + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + The handsome appearance of the tower and spire, after restoration, + contrasted so strongly with the "dowdy" appearance of the + remainder of the church, that it was little wonder a more determined + effort should be made for a general building, and this time (1872) the + appeal was no longer in vain. Large donations were given by friends as + well as by many outside the pale of the Church, and Dr. Wilkinson, the + Rector, soon found himself in a position to proceed with the work. The + last sermon in the old church was preached by Canon Miller, the former + Rector, Oct. 27, 1872, and the old brick barn gave place to an + ecclesiastical structure of which the town may be proud, noble in + proportions, and more than equal in its Gothic beauty to the original + edifice of the Lords de Bermingham, whose sculptured monuments have at + length found a secure resting-place in the chancel of the new St. + Martin's. From east to west the length of the church is a little + over 155ft., including the chancel, the arch of which rises to 60ft.; + the width, including nave (25ft.) and north and south aisles, is + 67ft.; at the transepts the measure from north to south gives 104ft. + width. The consecration and re-opening took place July 20, 1875, when + the church, which will accommodate 2,200 (400 seats are free) was + thronged. Several stained windows have been put in, the organ has been + enlarged, and much done in the way of decoration since the + re-building, the total cost being nearly £25,000. The living + (£1,048 nett value) is in the gift of trustees, and has been + held since 1866 by the Rev. W. Wilkinson, D.D., Hon. Canon of + Worcester, Rural Dean, and Surrogate. The burial ground was closed + Dec. 9, 1848. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Mary's</i>, Acock's Green, was opened Oct. 17, 1866. + The cost of erection was £4,750, but it was enlarged in 1882, at + a further cost of £3,000. There are 720 sittings, 420 being + free. The nett value of the living, in the gift of trustees, is + £147, and the present vicar is the Rev. F.T. Swinburn, D.D. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Mary's</i>, Aston Brook, was opened Dec. 10, 1863. It seats + 750 (half free), and cost £4,000; was the gift of Josiah Robins, + Esq., and family. Perpetual curacy, value £300. The site of the + parsonage (built in 1877, at a cost of £2,300), was the gift of + Miss Robins. Present incumbent, Rev. F. Smith, M.A. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Mary's</i>, Moseley.—The original date of erection is + uncertain, but there are records to the effect that the tower was an + addition made in Henry VIII.'s reign, and there was doubtless a + church here long prior to 1500. The chancel is a modern addition of + 1873; the bells were re-cast about same time, the commemorative peal + being rung June 9, 1874; and on June 8, 1878, the churchyard was + enlarged by the taking in of 4,500 square yards of adjoining land. The + living, of which the Vicar of Bromsgrove is the patron, is worth + £280, and is now held by the Rev. W. H. Colmore, M.A. Of the 500 + sittings 150 are free. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Mary's</i>, Selly Oak, was consecrated September 12, 1861, + having been erected chiefly at the expense of G.R. Elkington and J.F. + Ledsam, Esqrs. There are 620 sittings, of which 420 are free. The + living is in the gift of the Bishop and trustee; is valued at + £200, and the present vicar is the Rev. T. Price, M.A. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Mary's</i>, Whittall Street, was erected in 1774, and in + 1857 underwent a thorough renovation, the reopening services being + held August 16. There are 1,700 sittings of which 400 are free. The + living is a vicarage, with an endowment of £172 with parsonage, + in the gift of trustees, and is now held by the Rev. J.S. Owen. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Matthew's</i>, Great Lister Street, was consecrated October + 20, 1840, and has sittings for 1,400, 580 seats being free. The + original cost of the building was only £3,200, but nearly + £1,000 was expended upon it in 1883. Five trustees have the gift + of the living, value £300, which is now held by the Rev. J. + Byrchmore, vicar. The Mission Room, in Lupin Street, is served from + St. Matthew's. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Matthias's</i>, Wheeler Street, commenced May 30th, 1855, + was consecrated June 4, 1856. Over £1,000 was spent on + renovations in 1879. The seats (1,150) are all free. The yearly value + of the living is £300, and it is in the gift of trustees. The + vicar is the Rev. J.H. Haslam, M.A. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Michael's</i>, in the Cemetery, Warstone Lane, was opened + Jan. 15, 1854, the living (nominal value, £50) being in the gift + of the directors. Will accommodate 400—180 seats being free. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Michael's</i>, Northfield.—Of the original date of + erection there is no trace, but it cannot be later than the eleventh + century, and Mr. Allen Everett thought the chancel was built about + 1189. The five old bells were recast in 1730, by Joseph Smith of + Edgbaston, and made into six. The present building was erected in + 1856-7, and has seating for 800, all free. The living, valued at + £740, is held by the Rev. R. Wylde, M.A., and connected with it + is the chapel-of-ease at Bartley Green. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Michael's</i>, Soho, Handsworth, was opened in 1861. It has + 1,000 sittings, one-half of which are free. The living is valued at + £370, is in the gift of the Rector of Handsworth, and is now + held by the Rev. F.A. Macdona. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Nicolas</i>, Lower Tower Street—The foundation stone was + laid Sept. 15, 1867; the church was consecrated July 12, 1868, and it + has seats for 576 persons, the whole being free. The Bishop is the + patron of the living, value £300, and the Vicar is the Rev. W.H. + Connor, M.A. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Nicholas</i>, King's Norton.—This church is another + of the ancient ones, the register dating from 1547. It was partially + re-erected in 1857, and more completely so in 1872, morn than + £5,000 being expended upon it. The Dean and Chapter of Worcester + are the patrons of the living (nett value £250), and the Vicar + is the Rev. D.H.C. Preedy. There are 700 sittings, 300 of which are + free. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Oswald's</i>, situated opposite Small Heath Park, is an + iron structure, lined with wood. It will seat about 400, cost + £600, and was opened Aug. 10, 1882, being for the present in + charge of the clergyman attached to St. Andrew's. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Patrick's</i>, Highgate Street.—Erected in 1873, at a + cost of £2,300, as a "School-chapel" attached to St. + Alban's, and ministered unto by the Revds. J.S. and T.B. Pollock. + 800 seats, all free. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Paul's</i>, in St. Paul's Square.—The first stone + was laid May 22, 1777, and the church was consecrated June 2, 1779, + but remained without its spire until 1823, and was minus a clock for a + long time after that. The east window in this church has been classed + as the A1 of modern painted windows. The subject, the "Conversion + of St. Paul," was designed by Benjamin West, and executed by + Francis Eggington, in 1789-90. In May, 1876, the old discoloured + varnish was removed, and the protecting transparent window re-glazed, + so that the full beauty and finish of this exquisite work can be seen + now as in its original state. Of the 1,400 sittings 900 are free. The + living is worth £300, in the gift of trustees, and is held by + the Rev. R.B. Burges, M.A., Vicar. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Paul's</i>, Lozells.—The first stone was laid July + 10, 1879, and the building consecrated September 11, 1880. The total + cost was £8,700, the number of sittings being 800, of which one + half are free. Patrons, Trustees. Vicar, Rev. E.D. Roberts, M.A. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Paul's</i>, Moseley Road, Balsall Heath.—Foundation + stone laid May 17, 1852, the building being opened that day + twelvemonth. Cost £5,500 and has sittings for 1,300, of which + number 465 are free. The Vicar of King's Norton is the patron of + the living (value £300), and it is held by the Rev. W.B. + Benison, M.A. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Peter's</i>, Dale End, was begun in 1825, and consecrated + Aug. 10, 1827, having cost £19,000. Considerable damage to the + church was caused by fire, Jan. 24,1831. There are 1,500 sittings, all + free. The living is valued at £260, is in the gift of the + Bishop, and is held by the Rev. R. Dell, M.A., Vicar. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Philip's</i>.—The parish of St. Philip's was + created by special Act, 7 Anne, c. 34 (1708), and it being the first + division of St. Martin's the new parish was bound to pay the + Rector of St. Martin's £15 per year and £7 to the + Clerk thereof, besides other liabilities. The site for the church + (long called the "New Church") and churchyard, as near as + possible four acres, was given by Mrs. Phillips, which accounts for + the Saint's name chosen. George I. gave £600 towards the + building fund, on the application of Sir Richard Gough, whose crest of + a boar's head was put over the church, and there is now, in the + form of a vane, as an acknowledgment of his kindness. Other + subscriptions came in freely, and the £5,000, first estimated + cost, was soon raised. [See "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm115">St. Martins</a></i>"]. The building was commenced in + 1711, and consecrated on October 4th, 1715. but the church was not + completed until 1719. The church was re-pewed in 1850, great part + restored in 1859-60, and considerably enlarged in 1883-84. The height + of the tower is 140ft., and there are ten bells, six of them dating + from the year 1719 and the others from 1761. There is accommodation + for 2,000 persons, 600 of the seats being free. The nett value of the + living is £868, the Bishop being patron. The present Rector, the + Rev. H.B. Bowlby, M.A., Hon. Canon of Worcester, and Surrogate, has + been with us since 1875, + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Saviour's</i>, Saltley, was consecrated July 23, 1850. The + cost of building was £6,000; there are 810 seats, 560 being + free; the living is vnlued at £240, and is in the gift of Lord + Norton; the present Vicar is the Rev. F. Williams, B.A. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Saviour's</i>, Villa Strest, Hockley.—Corner-stone + laid April 9, 1872; consecrated May 1, 1874. Cost £5,500, and + has seats for 600, all free. The living (value £250) is in the + gift of trustees, and is now held by the Rev. M. Parker, Vicar. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Silæs's</i> Church Street, Lozells, was consecrated + January 10, 1854, the first stone having been laid June 2, 1852. It + has since been enlarged, and has now 1,100 sittings, 430 being free. + The living (value £450) is a perpetual curacy, in the gift of + trustees, and is held by the Rev. G. C. Baskerville, M.A. The Mission + Room in Burbury Street is served from St. Silas's. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Stephen's</i>, Newtown Row, was consecrated July 23, 1844. + The building cost £3,200; there are 1,150 sittings, of which 750 + are free; the living is valued at £250, is in the gift of the + Bishop and the Crown alternately, and is now held by the Rev. P. + Reynolds, Vicar, who also provides for the Mission Room in Theodore + Street. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Stephen's</i>, Selly Hill, was consecrated August 18, 1871, + the first stone having been laid March 30, 1870. The patrons are the + Bishop and trustees; the living is valued at £200; it is a + perpetual curacy, and the incumbent is the Rev. R. Stokes M.A. Of the + 300 sittings 100 are free. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Thomas's</i>, Holloway Head.—First stone laid Oct. 2, + 1826; consecrated Oct. 22, 1829, having cost £14,220. This is + the largest church in Birmingham, there being 2,600 sittings, of which + 1,500 are free. In the Chartist riots of 1839, the people tore up the + railings round the churchyard to use as pikes. The living (value + £550) is in the gift of trustees, and is held by the Rev. T. + Halstead, Rector and Surrogate. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Thomas-in-the-Moors</i>, Cox Street, Balsall Heath.—The + church was commenced to be built, at the expense of the late William + Sands Cox, Esq., in the year 1868, but on account of some quibble, + legal or ecclesiastical, the building was stopped when three parts + finished. By his will Mr. Cox directed it to be completed, and left a + small endowment. This was added to by friends, and the consecration + ceremony took place Aug. 14, 1883. The church will accommodate about + 600 persons. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Thomas the Martyr</i>.—Of this church, otherwise called + the "Free Chapel," which was richly endowed in 1350 (See + "Memorials of Old Birmingham" by Toulmin Smith), and to + which the Commissioners of Henry VIII., in 1545, said the inhabitants + did "muche resorte," there is not one stone left, and its + very site is not known. + </p> + <p> + <i>Stirchley Street</i> School-Church was erected in 1863, at a cost + of £1,200, and is used on Sunday and occasional weekday + evenings. + </p> + <p> + <b>Places Of Worship.</b>—<i>Dissenters'</i>.—A + hundred years ago the places of worship in Birmingham and its + neighbourhood, other than the parish churches, could have been counted + on one's fingers, and even so late as 1841 not more than four + dozen were found by the census enumerators in a radius of some miles + from the Bull Ring. At the present time conventicles and tabernacles, + Bethels and Bethesdas, Mission Halls and Meeting Rooms, are so + numerous that there is hardly a street away from the centre of the + town but has one or more such buildings. To give the history of half + the meeting-places of the hundred-and-one different denominational + bodies among us would fill a book, but notes of the principal + Dissenting places of worship are annexed. + </p> + <p> + <i>Antinomians</i>.—In 1810 the members of this sect had a + chapel in Bartholomew Street, which was swept away by the L. and N.W. + Railway Co., when extending their line to New Street. + </p> + <p> + <i>Baptists</i>.—Prior to 1737, the "Particular + Baptists" do not appear to have had any place of worship of their + own in this town, what few of them there were travelling backwards and + forwards every Sunday to Bromsgrove. The first home they acquired here + was a little room in a small yard at the back of 38, High Street (now + covered by the Market Hall), which was opened Aug. 24, 1737. In March + of the following year a friend left the Particulars a sum of money + towards erecting a meeting-house of their own, and this being added to + a few subscriptions from the Coventry Particulars, led to the purchase + of a little bit of the Cherry Orchard, for which £13 was paid. + Hereon a small chapel was put up, with some cottages in front, the + rent of which helped to pay chapel expenses, and these cottages formed + part of Cannon Street; the land at the back being reserved for a + graveyard. The opening of the new chapel gave occasion for attack; and + the minister of the New Meeting, Mr. Bowen, an advocate of religious + freedom, charged the Baptists (particular though they were) with + reviving old Calvinistic doctrines and spreading Antinomianism and + other errors in Birmingham; with the guileless innocence peculiar to + polemical scribes, past and present. Mr. Dissenting minister Bowen + tried to do his friends in the Bull Ring a good turn by issuing his + papers as from "A Consistent Churchman." In 1763 the chapel + was enlarged, and at the same time a little more land was added to the + graveyard. In 1780 a further enlargement became necessary, which + sufficed until 1805, when the original buildings, including the + cottages next the street, were taken down to make way for the chapel + so long known by the present inhabitants. During the period of + demolition and re-erection the Cannon Street congregation were + accommodated at Carr's Lane, Mr. T. Morgan and Mr. John Angell + James each occupying the pulpit alternately. The new chapel was opened + July 16, 1806, and provided seats for 900, a large pew in the gallery + above the clock being allotted to the "string band," which + was not replaced by an organ until 1859. In August, 1876, the + Corporation purchased the site of the chapel, the graveyard, and the + adjoining houses, in all about 1,000 square yards in extent, for the + sum of £26,500, the last Sunday service being held on October 5, + 1879. The remains of departed ministers and past members of the + congregation interred in the burial-yard and under the chapel were + carefully removed, mostly to Witton Cemetery. The exact number of + interments that had taken place in Cannon Street has never been + stated, but they were considerably over 200; in one vault alone more + than forty lead coffins being found. The site is now covered by the + Central Arcade. Almost as old as Cannon Street Chapel was the one in + Freeman Street, taken down in 1856, and the next in date was "Old + Salem," built in 1791, but demolished when the Great Western + Railway was made. In 1785 a few members left Cannon Street to form a + church in Needless Alley, but soon removed to Bond Street, under Mr. + E. Edmonds, father of the well-known George Edmonds.—In the year + 1870 fifty-two members were "dismissed" to constitute a + congregation at Newhall Street Chapel, under the Rev. A. + O'Neill.—In the same way a few began the church in Graham + Street in 1828.—On Emancipation Day (Aug. 1, 1838), the first + stone was laid of Heneage Street Chapel, which was opened June 10, + 1841.—In 1845 a chapel was erected at Shirley; and on Oct. 24, + 1849, the Circus in Bradford Street was opened as a Baptist Chapel. + Salem Chapel, Frederick Street, was opened Sept. 14, + 1851.—Wycliffe Church, Bristol Road, was commenced Nov. 8, 1859, + and opened June 26, 1861.—Lombard Street Chapel was started Nov. + 25, 1864.—Christ Church, Aston, was opened April 19, + 1865.—The Chapel in Balsall Heath Road was opened in March, + 1872; that in Victoria Street, Small Heath, June 24, 1873; and in + Great Francis Street, May 27, 1877. When the Cannon Street Chapel was + demolished, the trustees purchased Graham Street Chapel and schools + for the sum of £14,200, other portions of the money given by the + Corporation being allotted towards the erection of new chapels + elsewhere. The Graham Street congregation divided, one portion + erecting for themselves the Church of the Redeemer, in Hagley Road, + (opened May 24, 1882), while those living on the Handsworth side built + a church in Hamstead Road (opened March 1, 1883), each building + costing over £10,000. The first stone of the Stratford Road + Church (the site of which, valued at £1,200, was given by Mr. W. + Middlemore) was laid on the 8th of June, 1878, and the building, which + cost £7,600, was opened June 3, 1879. Mr. Middlemore also gave + the site (value £2,200) for the Hagley Road Church, £6,000 + of the Cannon Street money going to it, and £3,500 to the + Stratford Road Church.—The Baptists have also chapels in + Guildford Street, Hope Street, Lodge Road, Longmore Street, Great King + Street, Spring Hill, Warwick Street, Yates Street, as well as at + Erdington, Harborne, King's Heath, Selly Oak, Quinton, &c. + </p> + <p> + <i>Catholic Apostolic Church</i>, Summer Hill Terrace.—This + edifice, erected in 1877, cost about £10,000, and has seats for + 400. + </p> + <p> + <i>Christian Brethren</i>.—Their head meeting-house is at the + Central Hall, Great Charles Street, other meetings being held in + Bearwood Road, Birchfield Road, Green Lanes, King Street, (Balsall + Heath), New John Street, Wenman Street, (opened in June, 1870), and at + Aston and Erdington. + </p> + <p> + <i>Christadelphians</i> meet at the Temperance Hall, Temple Street. + </p> + <p> + <i>Church of the Saviour</i>, Edward Street.—Built for George + Dawson on his leaving the Baptists, the first turf being turned on the + site July 14, 1846, and the opening taking place Aug. 8, 1847. + </p> + <p> + <i>Congregational</i>.—How the Independents sprang from the + Presbyterians, and the Congregationalists from them, is hardly matter + of local history, though Carr's Line Chapel has sheltered them all + in rotation. The first building was put up in 1747-48, and, with + occasional repairs lasted full fifty years, being rebuilt in 1802, + when the congregation numbered nearly 900. Soon after the advent of + the Rev. John Angell James, it became necessary to provide + accommodation for at least 2,000, and in 1819 the chapel was again + rebuilt in the form so well known to the present generation. The + rapidity with which this was accomplished was so startling that the + record inscribed on the last late affixed to the roof is worth + quoting, as well on account of its being somewhat of a novel + innovation upon the usual custom of foundation-stone memorial stone, + and first-stone laying and fixing:— + </p> + <p> + "Memoranda. On the 30th day of July, 1819, the first stone of + this building was laid by the Rev. John Angell James, the minister. On + the 30th day of October, in the same year, this the last slate was + laid by Henry Leneve Holland, the builder, in the presence of Stedman + Thomas Whitwell, the Architect.—<i>Laus Deo</i>." + </p> + <p> + In 1875-76 the chapel was enlarged, refronted, and in many ways + strengthened and improved, at a cost of nearly £5,000, and it + now has seats for 2,250 persons.—Ebenezer Chapel, Steelhouse + Lane, which will seat 1,200, was opened Dec. 9, 1818. Its first + pastor, the Rev. Jehoida Brewer, was the first to be buried + there.—The first stone of Highbury Chapel, which seats 1,300, + was laid May 1, 1844, and it was opened by Dr. Raffles in the + following October.—Palmer Street Chapel was erected in + 1845.—The first stone of the Congregational Church in Francis + Road was laid Sept. 11, 1855, the opening taking place Oct. 8, + 1856.—The first stone of the Moseley Road building was laid July + 30, 1861, and of that in the Lozells, March 17, 1862.—The chapel + at Small Heath was commenced Sept. 19, 1867, and opened June 21, 1868; + that at Saltley was began June 30, 1868, and opened Jan. 26, + 1869.—The chapel in Park Road, Aston, was began Oct. 7, 1873; + the church on Soho Hill, which cost £15,000, was commenced April + 9, 1878, and opened July 16, 1879.—The memorial-stones of the + church at Sutton Coldfield, which cost £5,500, and will seat + 640, were laid July 14, 1879, the opening taking place April 5, 1880; + the Westminster Road (Birchfield) Church was commenced Oct. 21, 1878, + was opened Sept. 23, 1879, cost £5,500, and will seat 900; both + of these buildings have spires 100ft. high.—The foundation-stone + of a chapel at Solihull, to accommodate 420, was laid May 23, + 1883.—Besides the above, there is the Tabernacle Chapel, Parade, + chapels in Bordesley Street, Gooch Street, and St. Andrew's Road, + and others at Acock's Green, Erdington, Handsworth, Olton, + Yardley, &c. + </p> + <p> + <i>Disciples of Christ</i> erected a chapel in Charles Henry Street in + 1864; in Geach Street in 1865; in Great Francis Street in 1873. + </p> + <p> + <i>Free Christian Church</i>, Fazeley Street—Schoolrooms were + opened here in 1865 by the Birmingham Free Christian Society, which + were enlarged in 1868 at a cost of about £800. Funds to build a + church were gathered in succeeding years and the present edifice was + opened April 1, 1877, the cost being £1,300. + </p> + <p> + <i>Jews</i>.—The Hebrew Synagogue in Blucher Street was erected + in 1856, at a cost of £10,000. + </p> + <p> + <i>Methodists</i>.—The Primitive Methodists for some time after + their first appearance here held, their meetings in the open air or in + hired rooms, the first chapel they used being that in Bordesley Street + (opened March 16, 1823, by the Wesleyans) which they entered upon in + 1826. Other chapels they had at various times in Allison Street, + Balloon Street, Inge Street, &c. Gooch Street Chapel was erected + by them at a cost of over £2,000 (the first stone being laid + August 23, 1852) and is now their principal place of worship, their + services being also conducted in Chapels and Mission Rooms in Aston + New Town, Garrison Lane, Long Acre, Lord Street, Morville Street, + Wells Street, Whitmore Street, The Cape, Selly Oak, Perry Barr, + Sparkbrook, and Stirchley Street.—<i>The Methodist New + Connexion</i> have chapels in Heath Street, Kyrwick's Lane, + Ladywood Lane, Moseley Street, and Unett Street—The first stone + of a chapel for the <i>Methodist New Congregational</i> body was + placed July 13, 1873, in Icknield Street West.—The <i>Methodist + Reformers</i> commenced to build a chapel in Bishop Street, November + 15, 1852.—The <i>Methodist Free Church</i> has places of worship + in Bath Street, Cuckoo Road, Muntz Street, Rocky Lane, and at Washwood + Heath. + </p> + <p> + <i>New Church</i>.—The denomination of professing Christians, + who style themselves the "New Church," sometimes known as + "The New Jerusalem Church," and more commonly as + "Swedenborgians," as early as 1774 had a meeting room in + Great Charles Street, from whence they removed to a larger one in + Temple Row. Here they remained until 1791, when they took possession + of Zion Chapel, Newhall Street, the ceremony of consecration taking + place on the 19 of June. This event was of more than usual interest, + inasmuch as this edifice was the first ever erected in the world for + New Church worship. The rioters of 1791, who professed to support the + National Church by demolishing the Dissenting places of worship, paid + Zion Chapel a visit and threatened to burn it, but the eloquence of + the minister, the Rev. J. Proud, aided by a judicious distribution of + what cash he had in his pocket, prevailed over their burning desires, + and they carried their torches elsewhere. On the 10th of March, 1793, + however, another incendiary attempt was made to suppress the New + Church, but the fire was put out before much damage was done. What + fire and popular enmity could not do, however, was accomplished by a + financial crisis, and the congregation had to leave their Zion, and + put up with a less pretentious place of worship opposite the Wharf in + Newhall Street. Here they remained till 1830, when they removed to + Summer Lane, where a commodious church, large schools, and + minister's house had been erected for them. In 1875 the + congregation removed to their present location in Wretham Road, where + a handsome church has been built, at a cost of nearly £8,000, to + accommodate 500 persons, with schools in the rear for as many + children. The old chapel in Summer Lane has been turned into a + Clubhouse, and the schools attached to it made over to the School + Board. The New Church's new church, like many other modern-built + places for Dissenting worship, has tower and spire, the height being + 116ft. + </p> + <p> + <i>Presbyterians</i>.—It took a long time for all the nice + distinctive differences of dissenting belief to manifest themselves + before the public got used to Unitarianism, Congregationalism, and all + the other isms into which Nonconformity has divided itself. When + Birmingham was as a city of refuge for the many clergymen who would + not accept the Act of Uniformity, it was deemed right to issue unto + them licenses for preaching, and before the first Baptist chapel, or + the New Meeting, or the Old Meeting, or the old Old Meeting (erected + in 1689), were built, we find (1672) that one Samuel Willis, styling + himself a minister of the Presbyterian persuasion, applied for + preaching licenses for the school-house, and for the houses of John + Wall, and Joseph Robinson, and Samuel Taylor, and Samuel Dooley, and + John Hunt, all the same being in Birmingham; and William Fincher, + another "minister of the Presbyterian persuasion," asked for + licenses to preach in the house of Richard Yarnald, in Birmingham, his + own house, and in the houses of Thomas Gisboon, William Wheeley, John + Pemberton, and Richard Careless, in Birmingham, and in the house of + Mrs. Yarrington, on Bowdswell Heath. In Bradford's map (1751) + Carr's Lane chapel is put as a "Presbiterian chapel," + the New Meeting Street building close by being called + "Presbiterian Meeting." It was of this "Presbiterian + Chapel" in Carr's Lane that Hutton wrote when he said it + <i>was</i> the road to heaven, but that its surroundings indicated a + very different route. Perhaps it was due to these surroundings that + the attendants at Carr's Lane came by degrees to be called + Independents and the New Meeting Street folks Unitarians, for both + after a time ceased to be known as Presbyterians. The Scotch Church, + or, as it is sometimes styled, the Presbyterian Church of England, is + not a large body in Birmingham, having but three places of worship. + The first Presbytery held in this town was on July 6, 1847; the + foundation-stone of the Church in Broad Street was laid July 24, 1848; + the Church at Camp Hill was opened June 3, 1869; and the one in New + John Street West was began July 4, 1856, and opened June 19, 1857. + </p> + <p> + <i>Salvation Army</i>.—The invasion of Birmingham by the + soldiers of the Salvation Army was accomplished in the autumn of 1882, + the General (Mr. Booth) putting in an appearance March 18, 1883. They + have several rendezvous in the town, one of the principal being in + Farm Street, from whence the "soldiers" frequently sally + out, with drums beating and colours flying, much to their own + glorification and other people's annoyance. + </p> + <p> + <i>Unitarians</i>.—The building known for generations as the Old + Meeting, is believed to have been the first Dissenting place of + worship erected in Birmingham; and, as its first register dates from + 1689, the chapel most likely was built in the previous year. It was + doubtless but a small building, as in about ten years (1699) a + "Lower Meeting House" was founded in Meeting House Yard, + nearly opposite Rea Street. The premises occupied here were gutted in + the riots of 1715, and the owner promised the mob that it should no + more be used as a chapel, but when calmer he repented and services + were held until the New Meeting House in Moor Street was opened. The + rioters in 1715 partly destroyed the old Meeting and those of 1791 did + so completely, as well as the New Meeting, which (began in 1730) was + opened in 1732. For a time the congregations united and met at the + Amphitheatre in Livery Street, the members of Old Meeting taking + possession of their re-erected chapel, October 4, 1795. New Meeting + being re-opened April 22, 1802. The last-named building remained in + the possession of the Unitarians until 1861, when it was sold to the + Roman Catholics. The last services in Old Meeting took place March 19, + 1882, the chapel and graveyard, comprising an area of 2,760 square + yards, being sold to the L. & N. W. R. Co., for the purpose of + enlarging the Central Station. The price paid by the Railway Company + was £32,250, of which £2,000 was for the minister and + £250 towards the expense of removing to private vaults the + remains of a few persons whose friends wished that course. A portion + of Witton Cemetery was laid out for the reception of the remainder, + where graves and vaults have been made in relative positions to those + in the old graveyard, the tombstones being similarly placed. A new + church has been erected in Bristol Street for the congregation, with + Sunday Schools, &c., £7,000 being the sum given for the + site.—In 1839, Hurst Street Chapel was built for the Unitarian + Domestic Mission. May 1, same year, the first stone was laid of the + Newhall Hill Chapel, which was opened July 10, 1840.—The Church + of the Messiah, Broad Street, was commenced Aug. 12, 1860, and opened + Jan. 1, 1862. This church, which cost £10,000 and will seat + nearly 1,000 is built over a canal, one of the strangest sites ever + chosen for a place of worship. In connection with this church, there + is a chapel in Lawrence Street. + </p> + <p> + <i>Welsh Chapels</i>.—The Welsh Calvinistic Methodists meet in + the little chapel, bottom of Hockley Hill, and also in Granville + Street, near Bath Row.—The Welsh Congregationalists + (Independents) assemble at Wheeler Street Chapel, opened May 1, 1839. + </p> + <p> + <i>Wesleyans</i>.—The first Wesleyan Chapel in Birmingham was + opened by John Wesley, March 21, 1764, the building having been + previously a theatre. Cherry Street Chapel, opened July 7, 1782, was + rebuilt in 1823.— Bradford Street Chapel was opened in 1786, + Belmont Row in 1789, and Bath Street in 1839.—In 1825, a chapel + was built in Martin Street, which was converted into a school on the + opening (Nov. 10, 1864) of the present edifice, which cost + £6,200.—Newtown Row Chapel was built in 1837 and Great + Hampton Street and Unett Street Chapels in 1838, the latter being + enlarged in 1844.—Branston Street Chapel was opened April 18, + and Moseley Road, May 1, 1853.—The Bristol Road Chapel was + opened January 18, 1854, and that in King Edward's Road, January + 18, 1859.—The first stones were laid for the chapels in Villa + Street April 21, 1864, Handsworth Oct. 21, 1872, Selley Oak Oct. 2, + 1876, Peel Street, August 30, 1877, Cuckoo Road, June 10, 1878, + Nechells Park Road Oct. 25, 1880, Mansfield Road Feb. 19, 1883. + Besides the above there are chapels in Coventry Road, Inge Street, + Knutsford Street, Lichfield Road, Lord Street, New John Street, + Monument Road, and Warwick Road, as well as mission rooms in several + parts of the town and suburbs. Acock's Green, Erdington. Harborne, + King's Heath, Northfield, Quinton, &c. have also Wesleyan + Chapels.—<i>The Wesleyan Reformers</i> meet in Floodgate Street, + and in Upper Trinity Street. + </p> + <p> + <i>Miscellaneous</i>.—Lady Huntingdon's followers opened a + chapel in King Street in 1785, and another in Peck Lane in 1842 (both + sites being cleared in 1851), and a third in Gooch Street, Oct. 26th, + 1851.—The believers in Joannah Southcote also had chosen spots + wherein to pray for their leader, while the imposture + lasted.—The celebrated Edward Irving opened Mount Zion Chapel, + March 24th, 1824. "God's Free Church," in Hope Street, + was "established" June 4th. 1854.—Zoar Chapel was the + name given to a meeting-room in Cambridge Street, where a few + undenominational Christians met between 1830 and 1840. It was + afterwards used as a schoolroom in connection with Winfield's + factory.—Wrottesley Street Chapel was originally built as a + Jewish Synagogue, at a cost of about 2,000. After they left it was + used for a variety of purposes, until acquired by William Murphy, the + Anti-Catholic lecturer. It was sold by his executors, Aug. 2nd, 1877, + and realised £645, less than the cost of the bricks and mortar, + though the lease had 73 years to run. + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm19"></a>Places of Worship.</b>—<i>Roman + Catholics</i>.—From the days of Queen Mary, down to the last + years of James II.'s reign, there does not appear to have been any + regular meeting-place for the Catholic Inhabitants of Birmingham. In + 1687, a church (dedicated to St. Mary Magdalen and St. Francis) was + built somewhere near the site of the present St. Bartholomew's but + it was destroyed in the following year, and the very foundation-stones + torn up and appropriated by Protestant plunderers. [See "<i><a + class="internal" href="#Birm116">Masshouse Lane</a></i>."] + </p> + <p> + It was a hundred years before the next church, St. Peter's, near + Broad Street, was erected, and the Catholic community has increased + but slowly until the last thirty years or so. In 1848 there were only + seven priests in Birmingham, and but seventy in the whole diocese. + There are now twenty-nine in this town, and about 200 in the district, + the number of churches having increased, in the same period, from 70 + to 123, with 150 schools and 17,000 scholars. The following are local + places of worship:— + </p> + <p> + <i>Cathedral of St. Chad</i>,—A chapel dedicated to St. Chad + (who was about the only saint the kingdom of Mercia could boast of), + was opened in Bath Street, Dec. 17, 1809. When His Holiness the Pope + blessed his Catholic children hereabouts with a Bishop the + insignificant chapel gave place to a Cathedral, which, built after the + designs of Pugin, cost no less than £60,000. The consecration + was performed (July 14, 1838) by the Right Rev. Doctor (afterwards + Cardinal) Wiseman, the district bishop, in the presence of a large + number of English noblemen and foreign ecclesiastical dignitaries, and + with all the imposing ceremonies customary to Catholic celebrations of + this nature. The adjoining houses detract much from the outside + appearance of this reproduction of medieval architecture, but the + magnificence of the interior decorations, the elaborate carvings, and + the costly accessories appertaining to the services of the Romish + Church more than compensate therefor. Pugin's plans have not even + yet been fully carried out, the second spire, that on the north tower + (150ft. high), being added in 1856, the largest he designed still + waiting completion. Five of a peal of eight bells were hung in 1848, + and the remainder in 1877, the peculiar and locally-rare ceremony of + "blessing the bells" being performed by Bishop Ullathorne, + March 22nd, 1877. + </p> + <p> + <i>Oratory</i>, Hagley Road—Founded by the Fathers of the Order + of St. Philip Neri, otherwise called Oratorians. The Father Superior + is the Rev. Dr.J. H. Newman (born in 1801), once a clergyman of the + Church of England, the author of the celebrated "Tract XC.," + now His Eminence Cardinal Newman. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Anne's</i>, Alcester Street.—In 1851, some buildings + and premises originally used as a distillery were here taken on a + lease by the Superior of the Oratory, and opened in the following year + as a Mission-Church in connection with the Congregation of the Fathers + in Hagley Road. In course of time the property was purchased, along + with some adjacent land, for the sum of £4,500, and a new church + has been erected, at a cost of £6,000. The foundation-stone was + laid Sept. 10th, 1883, and the opening ceremony took place in July, + 1884, the old chapel and buildings being turned into schools for about + 1,500 children. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Catherine of Sienna</i>, Horse Fair.—The first stone was + laid Aug. 23, 1869, and the church was opened in July following. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Joseph's</i>, Nechells, was built in 1850, in connection + with the Roman Catholic Cemetery. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Mary's</i>, Hunter's Lane, was opened July 28, 1847. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Mary's Retreat</i>, Harborne, was founded by the Passionist + Fathers, and opened Feb. 6, 1877. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Michael's</i>, Moor Street, was formerly the Unitarian New + Meeting, being purchased, remodelled, and consecrated in 1861. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Patrick's,</i> Dudley Road, was erected in 1862. + </p> + <p> + <i>St. Peter's</i>, Broad Street, built in 1786, and enlarged in + 1798, was the first Catholic place of worship erected here after the + sack and demolition of the church and convent in Masshouse Lane. With + a lively recollection of the treatment dealt out to their brethren in + 1688, the founders of St. Peter's trusted as little as possible to + the tender mercies of their fellow-townsmen, but protected themselves + by so arranging their church that nothing but blank walls should face + the streets, and with the exception of a doorway the walls remained + unpierced for nearly seventy years. The church has lately been much + enlarged, and the long-standing rebuke no more exists. + </p> + <p> + <a id="Birm32"></a>In addition to the above, there are the Convents of "The Sisters + of the Holy Child," in Hagley Road; "Sisters of Notre + Dame," in the Crescent; "Little Sisters of the Poor," + at Harborne; "Our Lady of Mercy," at Handsworth; and others + connected with St. Anne's and St. Chad's, besides churches at + Erdington, &c. + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm30"></a>Police.</b>—Though the Court Leet provided + for the appointment of constables, no regular body of police or + watchmen appear to have existed even a hundred years ago. In February, + 1786, the magistrates employed men to nightly patrol the streets, but + it could not have been a permanent arrangement, as we read that the + patrol was "resumed" in <i>October, 1793</i>, and later on, + in March, 1801, the magistrates "solicited" the + inhabitants' consent to a re-appointment of the night-watch. After + a time the Commissioners of the Streets kept regular watchmen in their + employ—the "Charleys" occasionally read of as finding + sport for the "young bloods" of the time—but when + serious work was required the Justices appear to have depended on + their powers of swearing-in special constables. The introduction of a + police force proper dates from the riotous time of 1839 [See + "<i><a class="internal" href="#Birm117">Chartism</a></i>"], + for immediately after those troublous days Lord John Russell + introduced a Bill to the House of Commons granting special powers for + enforcing a rate to maintain a police force here, under the command of + a Commissioner to be appointed by the Government. The force thus + sought to be raised, though paid for by the people of Birmingham, were + to be available for the whole of the counties of Warwick, Worcester + and Stafford. + </p> + <p> + Coercive measures were passed at that period even quicker than + Government can manage to get them through now a-days, and + notwithstanding Mr. Thos. Attwood's telling Little Lord John that + he was "throwing a lighted torch into a magazine of + gunpowder" and that if he passed that Bill he would never be + allowed to pass another, the Act was pushed through on the 13th of + August, there being a majority of thirteen in favour of his + Lordship's policy of policeing the Brums into politeness. The + dreaded police force was soon organised under Mr. Commissioner Burges + (who was paid the small salary of £900 a year), and became not + only tolerated but valued. It was not till some years after, and then + in the teeth of much opposition, that the Corporation succeeded in + getting into their own hands the power of providing our local + guardians of the peace. Mr. Inspector Stephens was the first Chief + Superintendent, and in March, 1860, his place was filled by the + promotion of Mr. George Glossop. In April, 1876, the latter retired on + an allowance of £400 a year, and Major Bond was chosen (June + 2nd). The Major's term of office was short as he resigned in Dec. + 1881. Mr. Farndale being appointed in his stead. In May, 1852, the + force consisted of 327, men and officers included. Additions have been + made from time to time, notably 50 in August, 1875, and so early in + 1883, the total rank and file now being 550, equal to one officer for + every 700 of population. February 8, 1876, the unpopular Public-house + Inspectors were appointed, but two years' experience showed they + were not wanted, and they were relegated to their more useful duties + of looking after thieves and pickpockets, instead of poking their + noses into private business. In 1868, £200 was expended in the + purchase of guns, pistols, and swords for the police and officers at + the Gaol. The Watch Committee, in May, 1877, improved the uniform by + supplying the men with "spiked" helmets, doubtless to please + the Major, who liked to see his men look smart, though the military + appearance of the force has been greatly improved since by the said + spikes being silvered and burnished. + </p> + <p> + <b>Political Union.</b>—See "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm118">Reform Leagues</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Polling Districts.</b>—The sixteen wards of the borough are + divided into 131 polling districts. + </p> + <p> + <b>Polytechnic.</b>—This was one of the many local literary, + scientific, and educational institutions which have been replaced by + our Midland Institute, Free Libraries, &c. It was founded in + April, and opened in October, 1843, and at the close of its first year + there were the names of very nearly 500 members on the books, the + rates of subscription being 6s. per quarter for participation in all + the benefits of the institution, including the lectures, library, + classes, baths, &c. With the "People's Instruction + Society," the "Athenic Institute," the "Carr's + Lane Brotherly Society" (said to have been the first + Mechanics' Institution in Britain), the Polytechnic, in its day, + did good work. + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm22"></a>Poor Law and Poor Rates.</b>—Local history + does not throw much light upon the system adopted by our early + progenitors in their dealings with the poor, but if the merciless laws + were strictly carried out, the wandering beggars, at all events must + have had hard lives of it. By an act passed in the reign of Henry + VIII., it was ordered that vagrants should be taken to a market town, + or other convenient place and there to be tied to the tail of a cart, + naked, and beaten with whips until the body should be bloody by reason + of the punishment. Queen Elizabeth so far mitigated the punishment + that the unfortunates were only to be stripped from the waist upwards + to receive their whipping, men and women, maids and mothers, suffering + alike in the open street or market-place, the practice being, after so + using them, to conduct them to the boundary of the parish and pass + them on to the next place for another dose, and it was not until 1791 + that flogging of women was forbidden. The resident or native poor were + possibly treated a little better, though they were made to work for + their bread in every possible case. By the new Poor Act of 1783, which + authorised the erection of a Workhouse, it was also provided that the + "Guardians of the Poor" should form a Board consisting of + 106 members, and the election of the first Board (July 15th, 1783), + seems to have been almost as exciting as a modern election. In one + sense of the word they were guardians indeed, for they seem to have + tried their inventive faculties in all ways to find work for the + inmates of the House, even to hiring them out, or setting them to make + worsted and thread. The Guardians would also seem to have long had + great freedom allowed them in the spending of the rates, as we read it + was not an uncommon thing for one of them if he met a poor person + badly off for clothes to give an order on the Workhouse for a fresh + "rig out." In 1873 the Board was reduced to sixty in number + (the first election taking place on the 4th of April), with the usual + local result that a proper political balance was struck of 40 Liberals + to 20 Conservatives. The Workhouse, Parish Offices, Children's + Homes, &c., will be noted elsewhere. Poor law management in the + borough is greatly complicated from the fact of its comprising two + different parishes, and part of a third. The Parish of Birmingham + works under a special local Act, while Edgbaston forms part of + King's Norton Union, and the Aston portion of the town belongs to + the Aston Union, necessitating three different rates and three sets of + collectors, &c. If a poor man in Moseley Road needs assistance he + must see the relieving officer at the Parish Offices in the centre of + the town if he lives on one side of Highgite Lane he must find the + relieving officer at King's Heith; but if he happens to be on the + other side he will have to go to Gravelly Hill or Erdington. Not long + ago to obtain a visit from the medical officer for his sick wife, a + man had to go backwards and forwards more than twenty miles. The + earliest record we have found of the cost of relieving the poor of the + parish is of the date of 1673 in which year the sum of £309 was + thus expended. In 1773 the amount was £6,378, but the pressure + on the rates varied considerably about then, as in 1786 it required + £11,132, while in 1796 the figures rose to £24,050. + According to Hutton, out of about 8,000 houses only 3,000 were + assessed to the poor rates in 1780, the inhabitants of the remaining + number being too poor to pay them. Another note shows up the peculiar + incidence of taxation of the time, as it is said that in 1790 there + were nearly 2000 houses under £5 rental and 8,000 others under + £10, none of them being assessed, such small tenancies being + first rated in 1792. The rates then appear to have been levied at the + uniform figure of 6d. in the £ on all houses above £6 + yearly value, the ratepayers being called upon as the money was + required—in and about 1798, the collector making his appearance + sixteen or eighteen times in the course of the year. The Guardians + were not so chary in the matter of out-relief as they are at present, + for in 1795 there were at one period 2,427 families (representing over + 6,000 persons, old and young) receiving out-relief. What this system + (and bad trade) led to at the close of the long war is shown in the + returns for 1816-17, when 36 poor rates were levied in the + twelvemonth. By various Acts of Parliament, the Overseers have now to + collect other rates, but the proportion required for the poor is thus + shown:— + </p> + <table cellspacing="10" summary="Rates 1851-1881"> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + Year + </td> + <td> + Rate in <br /> + £. s.d. + </td> + <td> + Amount <br /> + collected £ + </td> + <td> + Paid to <br /> + Corporation £ + </td> + <td> + Cost of In and <br /> + Out Relief £ + </td> + <td> + Other Parochial <br /> + Expenditure £ + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1851 + </td> + <td> + 4 0 + </td> + <td> + 78,796 + </td> + <td> + 39,573 + </td> + <td> + 17,824 + </td> + <td> + 21,399 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1861 + </td> + <td> + 3 8 + </td> + <td> + 85,986 + </td> + <td> + 36,443 + </td> + <td> + 34,685 + </td> + <td> + 14,878 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1871 + </td> + <td> + 3 2 + </td> + <td> + 116,268 + </td> + <td> + 44,293 + </td> + <td> + 37,104 + </td> + <td> + 34,871 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1881 + </td> + <td> + 4 8 + </td> + <td> + 193,458 + </td> + <td> + 107,520 + </td> + <td> + 42,880 + </td> + <td> + 48,058 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + The amounts paid over to the Corporation include the borough rate and + the sums required by the School Board, the Free Libraries, and the + District Drainage Board. In future years the poor-rate (so-called) + will include, in addition to these, all other rates levyable by the + Corporation. The poor-rates are levied half-yearly, and in 1848,1862, + and 1868 they amounted to 5s. per year, the lowest during the last + forty years being 3s. in 1860; 1870, 1871, and 1872 being the next + lowest, 3s. 2d. per year. The number of persons receiving relief may + be gathered from the following figures:— + </p> + <table cellspacing="10" summary="Figures 1876-1883"> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + </td> + <td> + Highest + </td> + <td> + Lowest + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + Year. + </td> + <td> + No. daily + </td> + <td> + No. daily + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1876 + </td> + <td> + 7,687 + </td> + <td> + 7,058 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1877 + </td> + <td> + 8,240 + </td> + <td> + 7,377 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1878 + </td> + <td> + 8,877 + </td> + <td> + 7,242 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1879 + </td> + <td> + 14,651 + </td> + <td> + 8,829 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1880 + </td> + <td> + 13,195 + </td> + <td> + 7,598 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1881 + </td> + <td> + 11,064 + </td> + <td> + 7,188 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1882 + </td> + <td> + 9,658 + </td> + <td> + 7,462 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td> + 1883 + </td> + <td> + 8,347 + </td> + <td> + 7,630 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + Not long ago it was said that among the inmates of the Workhouse were + several women of 10 to 45 who had spent all their lives there, not + even knowing their way into the town. + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm49"></a>Population.</b>—Hutton + "calculated" that about the year 750 there would be 3,000 + inhabitants residing in and close to Birmingham. Unless a very rapid + thinning process was going on after that date he must have been a long + way out of his reckoning, for the Domesday Book gives but 63 residents + in 1085 for Birmingham, Aston, and Edgbaston. In 1555 we find that 37 + baptisms, 15 weddings, and 27 deaths were registered at St. + Martin's, the houses not being more than 700, nor the occupiers + over 3,500 in number. In 1650, it is said, there were 15 streets, + about 900 houses, and 5,472 inhabitants. If the writer who made that + calculation was correct, the next 80 years must have been "days + of progress" indeed, for in 1700 the town is said to have + included 28 streets, about 100 courts and alleys, 2,504 houses, one + church, one chapel, and two meeting-houses, with 15,032 inhabitants. + In 1731 there were 55 streets, about 150 courts and alleys, 3,719 + houses, two churches, one chapel, four Dissenting meeting-houses, and + 23,286 inhabitants. The remaining figures, being taken from census + returns and other reliable authorities, are more satisfactory. + </p> + <table cellspacing="10" summary="Population 1741-1881"> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Year. + </td> + <td> + Inhabitants. + </td> + <td> + Houses. + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + 1741 + </td> + <td> + 24,660 + </td> + <td> + 4,114 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + 1773 + </td> + <td> + 30,804 + </td> + <td> + 7,369 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + 1778 + </td> + <td> + 48,252 + </td> + <td> + 8,042 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + 1781 + </td> + <td> + 50,295 + </td> + <td> + 8,382 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + 1791 + </td> + <td> + 73,653 + </td> + <td> + 12,681 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + 1801 + </td> + <td> + 78,760 + </td> + <td> + 16,659 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + 1811 + </td> + <td> + 85,755 + </td> + <td> + 19,096 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + 1821 + </td> + <td> + 106,721 + </td> + <td> + 21,345 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + 1831 + </td> + <td> + 142,251 + </td> + <td> + 29,397 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + 1841 + </td> + <td> + 182,922 + </td> + <td> + 36,238 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + 1851 + </td> + <td> + 232,841 + </td> + <td> + 48,894 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + 1861 + </td> + <td> + 296,076 + </td> + <td> + 62,708 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + 1871 + </td> + <td> + 343,787 + </td> + <td> + 77,409 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + 1881 + </td> + <td> + 400,774 + </td> + <td> + 84,263 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + The inhabitants are thus divided as to sexes: + </p> + <table cellspacing="10" summary="Males and females 1861-1881"> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Year. + </td> + <td> + Males. + </td> + <td> + Females. + </td> + <td> + Totals. + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + 1861 + </td> + <td> + 143,996 + </td> + <td> + 152,080 + </td> + <td> + 296,076 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + 1871 + </td> + <td> + 167,636 + </td> + <td> + 176,151 + </td> + <td> + 343,787 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + 1881 + </td> + <td> + 194,540 + </td> + <td> + 206,234 + </td> + <td> + 400,774 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + The increase during the ten years in the several parts of the borough + shows: + </p> + <table cellspacing="10" summary="Figures 1871-1881"> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + </td> + <td> + Birmingham<br /> + parish. + </td> + <td> + Edgbaston<br /> + parish. + </td> + <td> + Part of Aston<br /> + in borough. + </td> + <td> + Totals. + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + 1881 + </td> + <td> + 246,352 + </td> + <td> + 22,778 + </td> + <td> + 131,644 + </td> + <td> + 400,774 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + 1871 + </td> + <td> + 231,015 + </td> + <td> + 17,442 + </td> + <td> + 95,330 + </td> + <td> + 343,787 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + </td> + <td> + <hr style="width: 100%;" /> + </td> + <td> + <hr style="width: 100%;" /> + </td> + <td> + <hr style="width: 100%;" /> + </td> + <td> + <hr style="width: 100%;" /> + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Increase + </td> + <td> + 15,337 + </td> + <td> + 5,336 + </td> + <td> + 36,314 + </td> + <td> + 156,987 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + These figures, however, are not satisfactorily correct, as they simply + give the totals for the borough, leaving out many persons who, though + residing outside the boundaries are to all intents and purposes + Birmingham people; and voluminous as census papers usually are, it is + difficult from those of 1871 to arrive at the proper number, the + districts not being subdivided sufficiently. Thus, in the following + table Handsworth includes Soho and Perry Barr, Harborne parish + includes Smethwick, Balsall Heath is simply the Local included + district, while King's Norton Board is Moseley, Selly Oak, &c. + </p> + <table cellspacing="10" summary="Population 1871"> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Places. + </td> + <td> + Inhabitants. + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Aston Parish + </td> + <td> + 139,998 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Aston Manor + </td> + <td> + 33,948 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Balsall Heath + </td> + <td> + 13,615 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Handsworth + </td> + <td> + 16,042 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Harborne Parish + </td> + <td> + 22,263 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Harborne Township + </td> + <td> + 5,105 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + King's Norton Parish + </td> + <td> + 21,845 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Yardley Parish + </td> + <td> + 5,360 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + For the census of 1881, the papers were somewhat differently arranged, + and we are enabled to get a nearer approximation, as well as a better + notion of the increase that has taken place in the number of + inhabitants in our neighbourhood. + </p> + <table cellspacing="10" summary="Population 1881"> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Place + </td> + <td> + 1871 + </td> + <td> + 1881 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Acock's Green + </td> + <td> + 1,492 + </td> + <td> + 2,796 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Aston Manor + </td> + <td> + 33,948 + </td> + <td> + 53,844 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Aston Parish + </td> + <td> + 139,998 + </td> + <td> + 201,287 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Aston Union + </td> + <td> + 146,808 + </td> + <td> + 209,869 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Balsall Heath + </td> + <td> + 13,615 + </td> + <td> + 22,734 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Birchfield + </td> + <td> + 2,544 + </td> + <td> + 3,792 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Castle Bromwich + </td> + <td> + 689 + </td> + <td> + 723 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Erdington + </td> + <td> + 4,883 + </td> + <td> + 7,153 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Handsworth + </td> + <td> + 16,042 + </td> + <td> + 22,903 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Harborne + </td> + <td> + 5,105 + </td> + <td> + 6,433 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + King's Heath + </td> + <td> + 1,982 + </td> + <td> + 2,984 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + King's Norton + </td> + <td> + 21,845 + </td> + <td> + 34,178 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + King's Norton Union + </td> + <td> + <hr style="width:30" /> + </td> + <td> + 96,143 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Knowle + </td> + <td> + 1,371 + </td> + <td> + 1,514 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Moseley + </td> + <td> + 2,374 + </td> + <td> + 4,224 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Northfield + </td> + <td> + 4,609 + </td> + <td> + 7,190 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Olton + </td> + <td> + <hr style="width:30" /> + </td> + <td> + 906 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Perry Barr + </td> + <td> + 1,683 + </td> + <td> + 2,314 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Quinton + </td> + <td> + 2,010 + </td> + <td> + 2,145 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Saltley + </td> + <td> + <hr style="width:30" /> + </td> + <td> + 6,419 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Selly Oak + </td> + <td> + 2,854 + </td> + <td> + 5,089 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Smethwick + </td> + <td> + 17,158 + </td> + <td> + 25,076 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Solihull + </td> + <td> + 3,739 + </td> + <td> + 5,301 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Ward End + </td> + <td> + <hr style="width:30" /> + </td> + <td> + 866 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Water Orton + </td> + <td> + <hr style="width:30" /> + </td> + <td> + 396 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Witton + </td> + <td> + 182 + </td> + <td> + 265 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Yardley + </td> + <td> + 5,360 + </td> + <td> + 9,741 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + The most remarkable increase of population in any of these districts + is in the case of Aston Manor, where in fifty years the inhabitants + have increased from less than one thousand to considerably more than + fifty thousand. In 1831, there were 946: in 1841, the number was + 2,847; in 1851 it was 6,429; in 1861 it reached 16,337; in 1871 it had + doubled to 33,948; in 1881 there were 53,844. Included among the + inhabitants of the borough in 1881 there were + </p> + <table cellspacing="10" summary="Figures 1881"> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + </td> + <td> + Males. + </td> + <td> + Females. + </td> + <td> + Totals. + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Foreigners + </td> + <td> + 1,288 + </td> + <td> + 859 + </td> + <td> + 2,147 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Irish + </td> + <td> + 3,488 + </td> + <td> + 3,584 + </td> + <td> + 7,072 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Scotch + </td> + <td> + 912 + </td> + <td> + 755 + </td> + <td> + 1,667 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Welsh + </td> + <td> + 1,575 + </td> + <td> + 1,742 + </td> + <td> + 3,317 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Colonial + </td> + <td> + 428 + </td> + <td> + 477 + </td> + <td> + 905 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Born at sea + </td> + <td> + 29 + </td> + <td> + 21 + </td> + <td> + 50 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + Of the English-born subjects of Her Majesty here 271,845 were + Warwickshire lads and lasses, 26,625 came out of Staffordshire, 21,504 + from Worcestershire, 10,158 from Gloucestershire, 7,941 from London, + 5,622 from Shropshire, and 4,256 from Lancashire, all the other + counties being more or less represented. The following analysis of the + occupations of the inhabitants of the borough is copied from the + <i>Daily Post</i>, and is arranged under the groups adopted by the + Registrar-General:— + </p> + <table cellspacing="10" summary="Occupations"> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Occupations of Persons. + </td> + <td> + Males. + </td> + <td> + Females. + </td> + <td> + Total. + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Persons engaged in general or local government + </td> + <td> + 1,145 + </td> + <td> + 79 + </td> + <td> + 1,224 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Army and navy + </td> + <td> + 307 + </td> + <td> + -- + </td> + <td> + 307 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Clerical profession and their subordinates + </td> + <td> + 287 + </td> + <td> + 98 + </td> + <td> + 335 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Legal ditto + </td> + <td> + 445 + </td> + <td> + -- + </td> + <td> + 445 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Medical ditto + </td> + <td> + 336 + </td> + <td> + 496 + </td> + <td> + 832 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Teachers + </td> + <td> + 512 + </td> + <td> + 1,395 + </td> + <td> + 1,907 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Literary and scientific + </td> + <td> + 70 + </td> + <td> + 4 + </td> + <td> + 74 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Engineers and surveyors + </td> + <td> + 111 + </td> + <td> + --- + </td> + <td> + 111 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Artists, art-workers musicians, &c. + </td> + <td> + 729 + </td> + <td> + 398 + </td> + <td> + 1,127 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Engaged in exhibitions, shows, games, &c. + </td> + <td> + 102 + </td> + <td> + 17 + </td> + <td> + 119 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Domestic service + </td> + <td> + 1,444 + </td> + <td> + 13,875 + </td> + <td> + 15,319 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Other service + </td> + <td> + 176 + </td> + <td> + 4,058 + </td> + <td> + 4,234 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Commercial occupations + </td> + <td> + 6,172 + </td> + <td> + 422 + </td> + <td> + 6,594 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Engaged in conveyance of men, goods, and messages + </td> + <td> + 2,442 + </td> + <td> + 1,839 + </td> + <td> + 11,281 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Engaged in agriculture + </td> + <td> + 881 + </td> + <td> + 25 + </td> + <td> + 906 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Engaged about animals + </td> + <td> + 771 + </td> + <td> + 5 + </td> + <td> + 776 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Workers and Dealers in Books, prints and maps + </td> + <td> + 1,888 + </td> + <td> + 428 + </td> + <td> + 2,316 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Machines and implements + </td> + <td> + 11,189 + </td> + <td> + 3,385 + </td> + <td> + 14,574 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Houses, furniture, and decorations + </td> + <td> + 12,781 + </td> + <td> + 1,209 + </td> + <td> + 13,990 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Carriages and harness + </td> + <td> + 2,748 + </td> + <td> + 466 + </td> + <td> + 3,214 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Ships and boats + </td> + <td> + 67 + </td> + <td> + --- + </td> + <td> + 67 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Chemicals and their compounds + </td> + <td> + 507 + </td> + <td> + 250 + </td> + <td> + 757 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Tobacco and pipes + </td> + <td> + 200 + </td> + <td> + 851 + </td> + <td> + 551 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Food and lodging + </td> + <td> + 8,126 + </td> + <td> + 2,124 + </td> + <td> + 10,247 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Textile fabrics + </td> + <td> + 1,229 + </td> + <td> + 920 + </td> + <td> + 2,149 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Dress + </td> + <td> + 6,894 + </td> + <td> + 12,946 + </td> + <td> + 19,840 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Various animal substances + </td> + <td> + 1,481 + </td> + <td> + 744 + </td> + <td> + 2,175 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Ditto vegetable substances + </td> + <td> + 2,277 + </td> + <td> + 2,237 + </td> + <td> + 4,514 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Ditto mineral substances + </td> + <td> + 36,933 + </td> + <td> + 9,582 + </td> + <td> + 46,515 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + General or unspecified commodities + </td> + <td> + 10,542 + </td> + <td> + 2,631 + </td> + <td> + 18,173 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Refuse matters + </td> + <td> + 246 + </td> + <td> + 18 + </td> + <td> + 264 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Without specific occupations + </td> + <td> + 45,691 + </td> + <td> + 116,892 + </td> + <td> + 162,583 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Children under five years + </td> + <td> + 28,911 + </td> + <td> + 29,133 + </td> + <td> + 58,044 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Total + </td> + <td> + 194,540 + </td> + <td> + 206,234 + </td> + <td> + 400,774 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + The comparative population of this and other large towns in England is + thus given:— + </p> + <table cellspacing="10" summary="Comparative populations"> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + </td> + <td> + Pop. + </td> + <td> + Inc. 1881. + </td> + <td> + Inc. 1871. + </td> + <td> + Prcent of inc. + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + London + </td> + <td> + 3,707,130 + </td> + <td> + 3,254,260 + </td> + <td> + 452,870 + </td> + <td> + 13.89 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Liverpool + </td> + <td> + 549,834 + </td> + <td> + 493,305 + </td> + <td> + 56,429 + </td> + <td> + 11.35 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Birmingham + </td> + <td> + 400,774 + </td> + <td> + 343,787 + </td> + <td> + 56,893 + </td> + <td> + 16.52 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Manchester + </td> + <td> + 364,445 + </td> + <td> + 351,189 + </td> + <td> + 13,256 + </td> + <td> + 3.70 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Salford + </td> + <td> + 194,077 + </td> + <td> + 124,801 + </td> + <td> + 69,276 + </td> + <td> + 55.64 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Leeds + </td> + <td> + 326,158 + </td> + <td> + 259,212 + </td> + <td> + 66,946 + </td> + <td> + 25.81 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Sheffield + </td> + <td> + 312,943 + </td> + <td> + 239,946 + </td> + <td> + 72,997 + </td> + <td> + 30.38 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Bristol + </td> + <td> + 217,185 + </td> + <td> + 182,552 + </td> + <td> + 24,633 + </td> + <td> + 13.47 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Bradford + </td> + <td> + 203,544 + </td> + <td> + 145,830 + </td> + <td> + 57,614 + </td> + <td> + 39.50 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Nottingham + </td> + <td> + 177,934 + </td> + <td> + 86,621 + </td> + <td> + 91,343 + </td> + <td> + 105.81 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Hull + </td> + <td> + 152,980 + </td> + <td> + 121,892 + </td> + <td> + 31,088 + </td> + <td> + 25.62 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Newcastle + </td> + <td> + 151,822 + </td> + <td> + 128,443 + </td> + <td> + 23,379 + </td> + <td> + 17.96 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Portsmouth + </td> + <td> + 136,671 + </td> + <td> + 113,569 + </td> + <td> + 23,102 + </td> + <td> + 20.35 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Leicester + </td> + <td> + 134,350 + </td> + <td> + 95,220 + </td> + <td> + 39,130 + </td> + <td> + 41.05 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Oldham + </td> + <td> + 119,658 + </td> + <td> + 82,629 + </td> + <td> + 37,029 + </td> + <td> + 45.11 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Sunderland + </td> + <td> + 118,927 + </td> + <td> + 98,242 + </td> + <td> + 20,685 + </td> + <td> + 90.40 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Brighton + </td> + <td> + 109,062 + </td> + <td> + 90,011 + </td> + <td> + 19,051 + </td> + <td> + 21.11 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Norwich + </td> + <td> + 86,437 + </td> + <td> + 80,386 + </td> + <td> + 6,051 + </td> + <td> + 7.50 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + W'lvrhmptn + </td> + <td> + 76,850 + </td> + <td> + 68,291 + </td> + <td> + 8,569 + </td> + <td> + 12.46 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Plymouth + </td> + <td> + 75,700 + </td> + <td> + 68,758 + </td> + <td> + 4,942 + </td> + <td> + 7.10 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + <b>Portugal House.</b>—See "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm119">The Royal</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Post Offices.</b>—Charles I. must be credited with founding + the present Post Office system, as in 1635 he commanded that a running + post or two should be settled "to run night and day between + London and Edinburgh, to go thither and come back again in six days, + and to take with them all such letters as shall be directed to any + post town in or near that road." Other "running posts" + were arranged to Exeter and Plymouth, and to Chester and Holyhead, + &c., and gradually all the principal places in the country were + linked on to the main routes by direct and cross posts. It has often + been quoted as a token of the insignificance of Birmingham that + letters used to be addressed "Birmingham, near Walsall;" but + possibly the necessity of some writer having to send here by a + cross-country route, <i>viâ</i> Walsall, will explain the + matter. That our town was not one of the last to be provided with + mails is proved by Robert Girdler, a resident of Edgbaston Street in + 1652, being appointed the Government postmaster. Where the earlier + post offices were situated is uncertain, but one was opened in New + Street Oct. 11, 1783, and it is generally believed to have been the + same that existed for so many years at the corner of Bennett's + Hill. As late as 1820 there was no Bennett's Hill, for at that + time the site opposite the Theatre was occupied (on the side nearest + to Temple Street) by a rickyard, with accommodation for the + mailcoaches and stabling for horses. Next to this yard was the + residence of Mr. Gottwaltz, the postmaster, the entrance doorway being + at first the only accommodation allowed to the public, and if more + than four persons attended at one time the others had to stand in the + street. When Bennett's Hill was laid out, the post office was + slightly altered, so as to give a covered approach on that side to the + letterbox and window, the mailcoaches being provided and horsed by the + hotelkeepers to whom the conveyance of the mails was entrusted, the + mail guards, or mail-postmen, remaining Government officials. The next + office was opened Oct. 10, 1842, on premises very nearly opposite, and + which at one period formed part of the new Royal Hotel. The site is + now covered by the Colonnade, the present convenient, but not + beautiful, Central Post Office, in Paradise Street, being opened Sep. + 28, 1873. There are 65 town receiving offices (52 of which are Money + Order Offices and Savings' Banks and 13 Telegraph Stations), and + 103 pillar and wall letter-boxes. Of sub-offices in the surrounding + districts there are 64, of which more than half are Money Order + Offices or Telegraph Offices. For the conduct of the Central Office, + Mr. S. Walliker, the postmaster, has a staff numbering nearly 300, of + whom about 250 are letter carriers and sorters. The Central Postal + Telegraph Office, in Cannon Street, is open day and night, and the + Central Post Office, in Paradise Street, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. On + Sunday the latter office is open only from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., but + letters are dispatched by the night mails as on other days. The Head + Parcels Post Office is in Hill Street, on the basement floor of the + Central Post Office, from which there are four collections and + deliveries daily. + </p> + <p> + <b>Postal Notes.</b>—In 1748 letters were conveyed from here by + post on six days a week instead of three as previously. To help pay + the extra expense it was enacted that any person sending letters by + private hands should be liable to a fine of £5 for every + letter.—In 1772 a letter sent by "express" post was + charged at the rate of 3d. per mile, with a 6d. fee for each stage and + 2s. 6d. for the sending off.—Mails for the Continent were made + up fortnightly, and once a month for North America. —In 1780, + when James Watt was at Truro and Boulton at Birmingham, it took + thirteen days for the one to write to and get an answer from the + other, and on one occasion a single letter was eleven days on the + road. —A local "penny post" was commenced September 4, + 1793, but there was only one delivery per day and the distance was + confined to one mile from the office.—The postage on letters for + London was reduced to 7d., December 1, 1796, but (and for many years + after) if more than one piece of paper was used the cost was + doubled.—In 1814 the postage of a letter from here to Warwick + was 7d.—The system of "franking" letters was abolished + in 1839. This was a peculiar privilege which noblemen, Members of + Parliament, and high dignitaries possessed of free postage for all + their correspondence, and very strange use they made of the privilege + sometimes, one instance being the case of two maidservants going as + laundresses to an Ambassador who were thus "franked" to + their destination. This privilege cost the Post office about + £100,000 a year. —The penny postage system of Rowland Hill + came into operation January 10th, 1840.—In 1841-2 there were + only two deliveries per day in the centre of the town, and but one + outside the mile circle, an extra penny being charged on letters + posted in town for delivery in the outer districts.—The + collection of a million postage stamps for the Queen's Hospital + closed Sep. 5, 1859.—Halfpenny stamps for newspapers were first + used in 1870.—The telegraphs were taken to by the Post Office in + 1876, the first soirée in celebration thereof being held at + Bristol Street Board School, Jan. 29, 1877.—The Inland Parcels + Post came into operation on August 1, 1883, the number of parcels + passing through our local office being about 4,000 the first day, such + trifles as beehives, umbrellas, shoes, scythes, baskets of + strawberries, &c., &c, being among them. The number of + valentines posted in Birmingham on Cupid's Day of 1844 was + estimated at 125,000 (the majority for local delivery), being about + 20,000 more than in the previous year. + </p> + <p> + <b>Power.</b>—That the letting of mill-power would be a great + advantage to hundreds of the small masters whose infinitude of + productions added so enormously to the aggregate of our local trade + was soon "twigged" by the early owners of steam engines. The + first engine to have extra shafting attached for this purpose was that + made by Newcomen for a Mr. Twigg in Water Street (the premises are + covered by Muntz's metal works now), who, in 1760, advertised that + he had "power to let." + </p> + <p> + <b>Presentations.</b>—No local antiquarian has yet given us note + of the first public presentation made by the inhabitants of this town, + though to the men they have delighted to honour they have never been + backward with such flattering and pleasing tokens of goodwill. Some + presentations have been rather curious, such as gold-plated buttons + and ornate shoe buckles to members of the Royal Family in hopes that + the patronage of those individuals would lead to changes in the + fashion of dress, and so influence local trade. The gift of a sword to + Lord Nelson, considering that the said sword had been presented + previously to a volunteer officer, was also of this nature. The + Dissenters of the town gave £100 to the three troops of Light + Horse who first arrived to quell the riots in 1791, and a similar sum + was voted at a town's meeting; each officer being presented with a + handsome sword. Trade should have been good at the time, for it is + further recorded that each magistrate received a piece of plate valued + at one hundred guineas.—Since that date there have been hundreds + of presentations, of greater or lesser value, made to doctors and + divines, soldiers and sailors, theatricals and concert-hall men, + lawyers and prizefighters, with not a few to popular politicians and + leading literary men &c. Lord Brougham (then plain Mr.) being the + recipient at one time (July 7, 1812); James Day, of the Concert Hall, + at another (0ct. 1,1878); the "Tipton Slasher" was thus + honoured early in 1865, while the Hon. and Very Rev. Grantham Yorke, + D.D., was "gifted" at the latter end of 1875. Among the + presentations of later date have been those to Dr. Bell Fletcher, Mr. + Gamgee, Mr. W.P. Goodall, and other medical gentlemen; to Canon + O'Sullivan, the late Rev. J.C. Barratt, and other clergymen; to + Mr. Edwin Smith, secretary of Midland Institute; to Mr. Schnadhorst of + the Liberal Association; to Mr. Jesse Collings, for having upheld the + right of free speech by turning out of the Town Hall those who + differed with the speakers; and to John Bright in honour of his having + represented the town in Parliament for twenty-five year.—On + April 30, 1863, a handsome silver repoussé table was presented + to the Princess of Wales on the occasion of her marriage, the cost, + £1,500, being subscribed by inhabitants of the town. + </p> + <p> + <b>Price Of Bread.</b>—At various times during the present + century the four-pound loaf has been sold here as follows:—At + 4-1/2d. in 1852; at 7-1/2d. in 1845; at 9-1/2d. in June, 1857, and + June, 1872; at l0d. in December, 1855, June, 1868, and December, 1872; + at l0-1/2d. in February, 1854, December, 1855, December, 1867, and + March, 1868, at 11d. in December, 1854, June, 1855, and June 1856; at + ll-1/2d. in November, 1846, May and November, 1847, and May, 1848; at + 1s. and onwards to 1s. 5-1/2d. in August, 1812, and again in July, + 1816; and may God preserve the poor from such times again.—See + "<i><a class="internal" href="#Birm120">Hard Times</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Prices of Provisions, &c.</b>—In 1174, wheat and barley + sold at Warwick for 2-1/2d. per bushel, hogs at 1s. 6d. each, cows + (salted down) at 2s. each, and salt at 1-4/5d. per bushel. In 1205 + wheat was worth 12 pence per bushel, which was cheap, as there had + been some years of famine previous thereto. In 1390 wheat was sold at + 13d. per bushel, so high a price that historians say there was a + "dearth of corn" at that period. From accounts preserved of + the sums expended at sundry public feasts at Coventry (Anno 1452 to + 1464) we find that 2s. 3d. was paid for 18 gallons of ale, 2s. 6d. for + 9 geese, 5d. for 2 lambs, 5d. for a calf, l0d. for 9 chickens, 3d. for + a shoulder of mutton, 1s. 3d. for 46 pigeons, 8d. for a strike of + wheat and grinding it, &c. An Act of Parliament (24, Henry VIII.) + was passed in 1513 that beef and pork should be sold at a half-penny + per pound. In 1603 it was ordered that one quart of best ale, or two + of small, should be sold for one penny. In 1682 the prices of + provisions were, a fowl 1s., a chicken 5d., a rabbit 7d.; eggs three + for 1d.; best fresh butter, 6d. per lb.; ditto salt butter, 3-1/2d.; + mutton 1s. 4d. per stone of 8lb.; beef, 1s. 6d. per stone; lump sugar, + 1s per lb.; candles, 3-1/2d. per lb.; coals, 6d. per sack of 4 + bushels; ditto charcoal, 1s. 2d. best, 8d. the smallest. Wheat + averaged 50s. per quarter, but the greatest part of the population + lived almost entirely on rye, barley, oats, and peas. Cottages in the + country were let at about 20s. per annum. In 1694 a pair of shoes cost + 3s. 6d.; a pair of stockings, 1s. 4d.; two shirts, 5s. 4d.; leather + breeches, 2s.; coat, waistcoat, and breeches, 16s.; a coffin, 5s.; a + shroud and a grave for a poor man, 3s. l0d. In November, 1799, the + quartern loaf was sold in London, at 1s. l0-1/2d. and in this town at + 1s. 4d., the farmers coming here to market having to be protected by + constables for months together. + </p> + <p> + <b>Priory.</b>—History gives us very little information + respecting the Hospital or Priory of St. Thomas the Apostle [See + "<i><a class="internal" href="#Birm121">Old Square</a></i>"] + and still less as the Church or Chapel of St. Thomas the Martyr. The + site of the Priory was most probably where the Old Square was laid + out, though during the many alterations that have latterly been made + not a single stone has been discovered to prove it so. A few bones + were found during the months of Aug. and Sept., 1884, and it is said + that many years back a quantity of similar remains were discovered + while cellars were being made under some of the houses in Ball Street, + and one late writer speaks of cellars or crypts, which were hastily + built up again. From these few traces it is not unlikely that the + Chapel existed somewhere between the Minories and Steelhouse Lane, + monkish chants probably resounding where now the members of the + Society of Friends sit in silent prayer. Ancient records tell us that + in 1285 three persons (William of Birmingham, Thomas of Maidenhacche, + and Ranulph of Rugby) gave 23 acres of land at Aston and Saltley (then + spelt Saluteleye) for the "endowment" of the Hospital of St. + Thomas the Apostle, but that rather goes to prove the previous + existence of a religious edifice instead of dating its foundation. In + 1310 the Lord of Birmingham gave an additional 22 acres, and many + others added largely at the time, a full list of these donors being + given in Toulmin Smith's "Memorials of old Birmingham." + In 1350, 70 acres in Birmingham parish and 30 acres in Aston were + added to the possessions of the Priory, which by 1547, when all were + confiscated, must have become of great value. The principal portions + of the Priory lands in Aston and Saltley went to enrich the Holte + family, one (if not the chief) recipient being the brother-in-law of + Sir Thomas Holte; but the grounds and land surrounding the Priory and + Chapel appear to have been gradually sold to others, the Smallbroke + family acquiring the chief part. The ruins of the old buildings + doubtless formed a public stonequarry for the builders of the 17th + century, as even Hutton can speak of but few relics being left in his + time, and those he carefully made use of himself! From the mention in + an old deed of an ancient well called the "Scitewell" + (probably "Saints' Well"), the Priory grounds seem to + have extended along Dale End to the Butts (Stafford Street), where the + water was sufficiently abundant to require a bridge. It was originally + intended to have a highly-respectable street in the neighbourhood + named St. Thomas Street, after the name of the old Priory, a like + proviso being made when John Street was laid out for building. + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm44"></a>Prisons.</b>—Before the incorporation of + the borough all offenders in the Manor of Aston were confined in + Bordesley Prison, otherwise "Tarte's Hole" (from the + name of one of the keepers), situate in High Street, Bordesley. It was + classed in 1802 as one of the worst gaols in the kingdom. The prison + was in the backyard of the keeper's house, and it comprised two + dark, damp dungeons, twelve feet by seven feet, to which access was + gained through a trapdoor, level with the yard, and down ten steps. + The only light or air that could reach these cells (which sometimes + were an inch deep in water) was through a single iron-grated aperture + about a foot square. For petty offenders, runaway apprentices, and + disobedient servants, there were two other rooms, opening into the + yard, each about twelve feet square. Prisoners' allowance was 4d. + per day and a rug to cover them at night on their straw. In 1809 the + use of the underground rooms was put a stop to, and the churchwardens + allowed the prisoners a shilling per day for sustenance. Those + sentenced to the stocks or to be whipped received their punishments in + the street opposite the prison, and, if committed for trial, were put + in leg-irons until called for by "the runners." The place + was used as a lock-up for some time after the incorporation, and the + old irons were kept on show for years.—The old Debtors' + Prison in 1802 was in Philip Street, in a little back courtyard, not + fourteen feet square, and it consisted of one damp, dirty dungeon, ten + feet by eleven feet, at the bottom of a descent of seven steps, with a + sleeping-room, about same size, over it. In these rooms male and + female alike were confined, at one time to the number of fifteen; each + being allowed 3d. per day by their parishes, and a little straw on the + floor at night for bedding, unless they chose to pay the keeper 2s. a + week for a bed in his house. In 1809 the debtors were removed to the + Old Court House [See "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm122">Court of Requests</a></i>"], where the sleeping + arrangements were of a better character. Howard, the "Prison + Philanthropist," visited the Philip Street prison in 1782, when + he found that the prisoners were not allowed to do any work, enforced + idleness (as well as semi-starvation) being part of the punishment. He + mentions the case of a shoemaker who was incarcerated for a debt of + 15s., which the keeper of the prison had to pay through kindly + allowing the man to finish some work he had begun before being locked + up. In these enlightened days no man is imprisoned for owing money, + but only because he does not pay it when told to do so.—See also + "<i><a class="internal" href="#Birm59">Dungeon</a></i>" and + "<i><a class="internal" href="#Birm43">Gaols</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Privateering.</b>—Most likely there was some truth in the + statement that chains and shackles were made here for the slave-ships + of former days, and from the following letter written to Matthew + Boulton in October, 1778, there can be little doubt but that he at + least had a share in some of the privateering exploits of the time, + though living so far from a seaport:—"One of the vessels + <i>our</i> little brig took last year was fitted out at New York, and + in a cruise of thirteen weeks has taken thirteen prizes, twelve of + which are carried safe in, and we have advice of 200 hogsheads of + tobacco being shipped as part of the prizes, which if now here would + fetch us £10,000," &c. + </p> + <p> + <b>Progress of the Town.</b>—The Borough Surveyor favours us + yearly with statistics giving the number of new buildings erected, or + for which plans have been approved, and to show how rapidly the town + is progressing in extent, we give a few of the figures. The year 1854 + is memorable in the building trade, as there were 2,219 new houses + erected, the average for years after not being 1,000. In 1861 the + number was but 952; in 1862, 1,350; in 1863, 1,694; in 1864, 1,419; in + 1865, 1,056; in 1866, 1,411; in 1867, 1,408; in 1868, 1,548; in 1869, + 1,709; in 1870, 1,324; in 1871, 1,076; in 1872, 1,265; in 1873, 993. + The building report for the last ten years is thus tabulated:— + </p> + <table cellspacing="10" summary="Building works 1874-1883"> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + </td> + <td> + 1874 + </td> + <td> + 1875 + </td> + <td> + 1876 + </td> + <td> + 1877 + </td> + <td> + 1878 + </td> + <td> + 1879 + </td> + <td> + 1880 + </td> + <td> + 1881 + </td> + <td> + 1882 + </td> + <td> + 1883 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Houses and Shops + </td> + <td> + 1611 + </td> + <td> + 3395 + </td> + <td> + 2903 + </td> + <td> + 2700 + </td> + <td> + 1205 + </td> + <td> + 1197 + </td> + <td> + 1301 + </td> + <td> + 1236 + </td> + <td> + 666 + </td> + <td> + 938 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Churches + </td> + <td> + 1 + </td> + <td> + 1 + </td> + <td> + 1 + </td> + <td> + 1 + </td> + <td> + -- + </td> + <td> + -- + </td> + <td> + -- + </td> + <td> + -- + </td> + <td> + 2 + </td> + <td> + 2 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Chapels + </td> + <td> + 2 + </td> + <td> + 2 + </td> + <td> + 5 + </td> + <td> + 3 + </td> + <td> + 1 + </td> + <td> + -- + </td> + <td> + 1 + </td> + <td> + 1 + </td> + <td> + -- + </td> + <td> + 1 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Schools + </td> + <td> + 9 + </td> + <td> + 15 + </td> + <td> + 6 + </td> + <td> + 6 + </td> + <td> + 4 + </td> + <td> + -- + </td> + <td> + -- + </td> + <td> + 2 + </td> + <td> + 6 + </td> + <td> + 1 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Manufactories and Warehouses + </td> + <td> + 76 + </td> + <td> + 80 + </td> + <td> + 107 + </td> + <td> + 86 + </td> + <td> + 64 + </td> + <td> + 102 + </td> + <td> + 64 + </td> + <td> + 91 + </td> + <td> + 64 + </td> + <td> + 73 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Miscellaneous + </td> + <td> + 42 + </td> + <td> + 48 + </td> + <td> + 43 + </td> + <td> + 90 + </td> + <td> + 96 + </td> + <td> + 101 + </td> + <td> + 71 + </td> + <td> + 84 + </td> + <td> + 62 + </td> + <td> + 97 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Alterations + </td> + <td> + 47 + </td> + <td> + 67 + </td> + <td> + 52 + </td> + <td> + 167 + </td> + <td> + 290 + </td> + <td> + 225 + </td> + <td> + 222 + </td> + <td> + 180 + </td> + <td> + 163 + </td> + <td> + 158 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + </td> + <td> + <hr style="width:30" /> + </td> + <td> + <hr style="width:30" /> + </td> + <td> + <hr style="width:30" /> + </td> + <td> + <hr style="width:30" /> + </td> + <td> + <hr style="width:30" /> + </td> + <td> + <hr style="width:30" /> + </td> + <td> + <hr style="width:30" /> + </td> + <td> + <hr style="width:30" /> + </td> + <td> + <hr style="width:30" /> + </td> + <td> + <hr style="width:30" /> + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + </td> + <td> + 1788 + </td> + <td> + 3608 + </td> + <td> + 3117 + </td> + <td> + 3053 + </td> + <td> + 1660 + </td> + <td> + 1625 + </td> + <td> + 1659 + </td> + <td> + 1594 + </td> + <td> + 963 + </td> + <td> + 1235[1] + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + [1] [Transcriber's note: This is an error; the column adds up to + 1270] + </p> + <p> + Under the heading of "Miscellaneous" are included such + erections as libraries, public halls, clubs, arcades, slaughterhouses, + cowsheds, and all other necessary and useful buildings appertaining to + human hives, but which need not be particularised. + </p> + <p> + <b>Probate.</b>—The Probate Registry Office is at No. 15, Old + Square. + </p> + <p> + <b>Promenades</b>—When Corporation Street is finished, and its + pathways nicely shaded with green-leaved trees, it will doubtless be + not only the chief business street of the town, but also the most + popular promenade. At present the gay votaries of dress and fashion + principally honour New Street, especially on Saturday mornings. Hagley + Road, on Sunday evenings, is particularly affected by some as their + favourite promenade. + </p> + <p> + <b>Proof House.</b>—The foundation stone of the Proof House, + Banbury Street, was laid October 4th, 1813, the yearly number of gun, + rifle, and pistol barrels proved at the establishment averages over + half a million.—See "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm15">Trades</a></i>" + </p> + <p> + <b>Property.</b>—The Birmingham Property Owners' and + Ratepayers' Protection Association was formed in May, 1872. Out of + 70,000 separate assessments the owners pay the rates in more than + 50,000 cases. + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm126"></a>Provident Dispensaries.</b>—See "<a + class="internal" href="#Birm126">Dispensaries</a>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Provident Societies.</b>—See "<i><a class="internal" + href="#Birm6">Friendly,benevolent, and Provident + Institutions</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Provincialisms.</b>—Like the inhabitants of most other parts + of the country Birmingham people are not without their peculiarities + of speech, not so strongly characterised perhaps as those of the good + folks of Somersetshire, or even some of our neighbours in the Black + Country, but still noticeable. For instance, few workmen will take a + holiday; they prefer a "day's out" or "play." + They will not let go or abandon anything, but they "loose" + it. They do not tell you to remove, but "be off." They + prefer to "pay at twice" in lieu of in two instalments. The + use of the word "her" in place of "she" is very + common, as well as the curious term "just now," for an + indefinite time to come, as "Her'll do it just now," + instead of "She will do it soon." In vulgar parlance this + book is not your own or our own, but "yourn" or + "ourn," or it may be "hisn" or "hern." + In pronunciation as well, though perhaps not so markedly, our people + are sometimes peculiar, as when they ask for a "stahmp" or + put out their "tong," &c., stress being often laid also + on the word "and," as well as upon syllables not requiring + it, as diction<i>ary</i>, volun<i>teers</i>, &c. + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm33"></a>Public Buildings.</b>—The Guild Hall, in + New Street, and the Roundabout House in High Street were at one time + the only public buildings in the town, besides the Parish Church, the + Lockups, and the Pinfold. The Market Cross, Public Office, Workhouse, + &c., came after, and it is only of late years we have been able to + boast of Town Hall, Market Hall, Parish Office, Council House and all + the other establishments so necessary to the dignity of a town ranking + as third largest in the Kingdom. The huge piles that have been erected + during the last dozen years or so are of so varied a character that it + becomes somewhat difficult to draw a line between those which are + strictly of a private nature and the so-called "public" + buildings; under which heading perhaps even Railway Stations, Banks, + and Theatres might properly come. The following are some of the chief + edifices not noted elsewhere:— + </p> + <p> + <i>County Court</i>.—The new County Court, at the corner of + Corporation Street and Newton Street, was erected from the plans of + Mr. J. Williams at a cost of about £20,000. It is built of + Hollington Stone, in Italian style, though, like that other + Government-built edifice, the new Post Office, it is of too heavy an + appearance. The two entrances for the general public are in Newton + Street, the Registrar's and principal Courts being on the first + floor, though neither are near large enough for the business intended + to be practised therein. The entrance to the Judge's rooms is in + Corporation Street, under a portico with Doric columns. + </p> + <p> + <i><a id="Birm147"></a>Drill Hall</i>—In 1880 a company was + formed, with a capital of £5,000 in £20 shares, for the + purpose of building a Drill Hall and suitable head-quarters for the + local Volunteers. A site in Thorpe Street, containing 2,287 square + yards, was taken on lease for 99 years at £100 rental, and very + suitable premises have been erected, the frontage to the street (183 + ft.) allowing the formation of a lofty drill hall, 180 ft. long by 85 + ft. wide, at the rear of the usual and useful offices and rooms + required. The latter comprise on the ground floor an orderly room and + strong room, sergeant-major's office, armoury, clothing store, + non-commissioned officers' room, privates' meeting room, + sergeant-major's and staff-sergeant's quarters, and stables. + On the first floor there are an officers' meeting room, a + sergeants' meeting room, long galleries, &c.; the whole + building being characteristically laid out for military purposes. + </p> + <p> + <i><a id="Birm54"></a>Fire Engine Stations</i>.—The Central Fire + Brigade Station, which is in telephonic communication with all the + police stations, the theatres, various public buildings, and chief + manufactories, is situated in the Upper Priory, between the Old Square + and Steelhouse Lane, and is easily distinguishable by the large red + lamp outside its gate. There are here kept ready for instant use three + manual and one steam engine, the latter being capable of throwing 450 + gallons of water per minute to a height of 120 feet, the other also + being good specimens of their class. Each manual engine has on board + its complement of hose, branches (the brass pipes through which the + water leaves the hose), stand-pipes for connecting the hose with the + water mains, &c., while at its side hang scaling-ladders, in + sections which can readily be fitted together to reach a considerable + height. The engine-house also contains a tender to the steam machine, + a horse hose-cart, a hand hose-cart, and a number of portable + hand-pumps. It is with these hand-pumps that the majority of the fires + in Birmingham are extinguished, and one of them forms a portion of the + load of every engine. Several canvas buckets, which flatten into an + inconceivably small space, are also taken by means of which, either by + carrying or by passing from hand to hand, the reservoirs of the pump + can be kept filled, and a jet of water be made available where, + perhaps, it would be difficult or impossible to bring hose. The hose + kept at the station amounts to a total length of 2,487-1/2 yards, of + which about 1,700 yards is always kept on the engines, hose-carts, + tender, and fire-escapes ready for instant use. The remainder forms a + reserve to allow for repairs, drying, &c. Between the engine-house + and the street is a commodious house for the assistant-superintendent, + with a very pleasant yard on the roof of the engine-house. Adjoining + the engine-house on the other side, is the stable, where five splendid + horses are kept. In the yard stand three fire-escapes, each fitted + with a box containing hose, stand-pipes and branches, so that it may + be utilised for extinguishing fires independent of the engines. The + total strength of the brigade is twenty-five, including the + superintendent (Mr. A.R. Tozer), the assistant superintendent (Mr. J. + Tiviotdale), two engineers, and an assistant engineer. Eighteen of the + brigade reside at the central station, the others being quartered at + the seven divisional police stations and at the fire station in + Bristol Street (opposite the Bell Inn), at each of which places are + kept an escape, or an hose-cart, and one or two hand-pumps with the + needful hose and appliances. The cost of the buildings in the Upper + Priory, including the site (1,500 square yards at seven guineas per + yard), was about £20,000, there being in addition to the offices + and stables, a waiting-room (in which two men are on duty night and + day), a drill ground 153 ft. long by 40 ft. wide, an engine-room large + enough for six engines, good-sized recreation rooms, baths, &c. + The residences are erected upon the "flat" system, and have + a special interest in the fact that they constitute the first + important introduction of that style of building in Birmingham. The + advantages and the drawbacks, if any, of the system may here be seen + and judged of by all who are interested in the matter. On the ground + floor there are three residences, each having a living room, which may + be used as a kitchen and two bed rooms adjoining. A semicircular open + staircase gives access to the flats, and on the first floor there are + four residences, one being formed over the firemen's waiting room + and office. On this floor additional bed rooms are provided for men + with families requiring them; and the second floor is a reproduction + of the first. On the top of all there is a flat upon which are erected + five wash-houses, the remainder of the space being used as a drying + ground or play ground for children, the whole enclosed with iron + palisades. In the basement there is a lock-up cellar for each of the + residences. + </p> + <p> + <i>Fish Market</i>.—A rather plain-looking erection, of the + open-shed style of architecture was put up at the corner of Bell + Street in 1870. the foundation stone being laid July 14. It has since + been enlarged, and is now much more ornamental as well as being + useful. The estimated cost of the alterations is put at £16,000 + including fittings. The original area was only 715 square yards, but + to that has been added 909 square yards, and Bell Street (to which it + will have a frontage of 240 feet), which will be widened to 16 yards, + is to be covered with iron and glass roof, Lease Lane is also to be + widened for access to the market. + </p> + <p> + <i>Lincoln's Inn</i>.—This is a huge block of offices + erected in Corporation Street, opposite the County Court, in 1883. and + which, like its London namesake, is intended for the accommodation of + solicitors, accountants, and other professional gentlemen. There are a + number of suites of offices surrounding an inner court (66ft. by + 60ft.), with from two to eight rooms each, the street frontages in + Corporation Street and Dalton Street being fitted as shops, while + there is a large room under the court (48ft. by 42ft.) suitable for a + sale room or other purpose. The outside appearance of the block is + very striking, having a large entrance gateway with a circular bay + window over it, surmounted by a lofty lower. The tower has four clock + faces, pinnacles at the angles, and a steep slate roof and is 120 feet + high. There are also two flanking towers, at the extreme ends of the + front. These have canted bay windows below them, and their pediments + are surmounted by figures representing Mercury and Athæne. The + space on each side between the central and the flanking tower is + divided into three bays, having ornamental dormers above them, and + being divided by niches, which will serve to hold allegorical figures + of the arts. The windows are ornamented by tracery, and the + façade is enriched by a free use of carving. The architect is + Mr. W.H. Ward, and the cost of the pile about £22,000. + </p> + <p> + <i>Market Hall</i>.—The foundation stone was laid Feb. 28, 1833, + and it was opened for business Feb. 14, 1835. The building, which is + constructed of freestone, from the designs of Mr. Edge, cost about + £30,000, though considerable sums have since been spent on it. + The large vaults constructed under the Hall in 1875 coat about + £4,000. It contains an area of 39,411 square feet, being 365 + feet long, 108 feet broad, and 60 feet high, and was originally + planned to give stall-room for 600 dealers. The liquor shop, house, + and vaults beneath, at corner of Bell Street, were let on lease by + auction (Nov. 1833) for 100 years, for the sum of £5,400 and a + 20s. yearly rental. In 1876 the Corporation gave £15,000 to + resume possession, afterwards reletting the premises at £800 a + year, with a further £100 for the vaults. The Street + Commissioners, when retiring from office, placed in the centre of the + Hall a fountain of very appropriate design (uncovered Dec. 24, 1851), + and ornamented with bronze figures characteristic of Birmingham + manufactures, but which has been removed to Highgate Park. A clock was + put above the spot where the fountain stood, in April, 1852, which + cost £60.—A Market Hall was erected in Prospect Row in + 1837, but was very little used as such. A few years back it was partly + turned into a depot for American meat, but is now simply used for + warehouses. + </p> + <p> + <i>Masonic Hall</i>.—The first stone of this building, situated + at the corner of New Street and Ethel Street, was laid Sept. 30, 1865, + the ceremony of dedication taking place April 26th, 1870. + </p> + <p> + <i>Municipal Buildings</i>.—The advancement of the town in trade + and prosperity, population, and wealth, made it necessary years ago + for our local governors to look out for a central spot on which could + be gathered the many offices and officers appertaining to the + Corporation of a large town like Birmingham. They were fortunate in + being able (in 1854) to secure so eligible a site, in such a central + position, and with such commanding elevation, as the one at the corner + of Ann Street and Congreve Street, though at first glance the + acquisition would appear to have been a costly one. The price of the + land and reversion thereto was £39,525, but during the years + that elapsed before the ground was cleared ready for building (1872) + the interest brought that sum up to nearly £70,000. The total + area was 11,540 square yards, of which 4,455 square yards were thrown + into the streets. Thus, though the original price was but 68s. 6d. per + yard, by the time the buildings were erected the actual site cost over + £9 per yard. The plans were approved Feb. 11, 1873, the contract + for building being £84,120, but during the course of erection + many important additions and alterations were made to the original + plans, raising the cost to £144,743. Part of the ground was + originally intended to be covered with Assize Courts, but have been + devoted to the erection of a magnificent Art Gallery, &c., so that + more than a quarter million sterling will ultimately have been spent + on the spot. The foundation stone was laid by the then Mayor, Mr. + Joseph Chamberlain, June 17, 1874, and the erection took about five + years, the "hoarding" being removed July 18, 1879. The + design of the Municipal Buildings is essentially classical, but not of + any particular style, Mr. Yeoville Thomasson, the architect, having + given free rein to his own conceptions of what was required in a + modern erection of the nature of a local Parliament House. The south, + or principal front (to Ann Street), has a length of 296 feet, the + frontage to Congreve Street is 122 feet, and that to Eden Place is 153 + feet. From the ground to the top of the main cornice the height is 65 + feet; the pediment over the central entrance is 90 feet high; the + stone cornice of the dome 114 feet; and the top of the finial 162 + feet, the dome rising behind the central pediment from the main + staircase. Looked at from a distance, the features of the building + that at first strike the spectator are the carved groups of life-sized + figures in the six pediments. The Ann Street and Congreve Street + frontages have a pediment at each end, of semicircular shape, and the + Eden Place frontage has one at the end where it joins the principal + front. The pediment in the centre of the south front is triangular in + shape, and contains a group of sculptured figures representing + "Britannia rewarding the Birmingham manufacturers." In the + other pediments the groups represent Manufacture, Commerce, + Literature, Art, and Science. Under the central pediment, and within a + semicircular arch over the central entrance, is a large and beautiful + figure-subject in mosaic, executed by Messrs. Salviati and Co., of + London. Besides the central entrance, which is reached through a + portico supported by square and round columns, and is reserved for the + use of the Town Council and state occasions, there are four entrances + to the building, one at each end of the principal front, one in Eden + Place, and the other within the gateway which runs through the + Congreve Street wing into the courtyard at the back. By the + last-mentioned staircase access is obtained by the general public to + the Council Chamber. The building contains 94 rooms of various sizes, + three of the largest devoted to occasions of ceremony, and the rest to + the uses of the different departments of the Corporation work. The + central of the three reception rooms is 30 feet square, and is divided + from the other two by an open screen of marble columns, both rooms + being 64ft. by 30ft. The Council Chamber is 39ft. wide and, including + the gallery for spectators, is 48ft. long, the fittings and furniture + being of the most substantial character as well as ornamental. In + various parts of the building accommodation has been found for the + Town Clerk, the Borough Treasurer, Surveyor, Analyst, Chief Constable, + and every other department of Corporation work. The furnishing of the + Council Chamber and the other parts of the Municipal Buildings + amounted to £15,603, the laying in of the gas and water services + being £2,418 additional. + </p> + <p> + <i>Odd-Fellows' Hall</i>.—Before the New Street Railway + Station was erected there was an Odd-Fellows' Hall in King Street. + The first stone of the present building in Upper Temple Street was + laid early in 1849, the opening ceremony taking place Dec. 3 same + year. The principal room or "hall" will accommodate about + 1,000 persons, the remaining portion of the premises being let off in + offices. + </p> + <p> + <i>Parish Offices</i>.—The meeting-place of the Board of + Guardians and their necessary staff of officers has from the earliest + days of Poor Law government been the most frequented of any of our + public buildings. Formerly the headquarters were at the Workhouse in + Lichfield Street, but when that institution was removed to Birmingham + Heath, the large building at the corner of Suffolk Street and Paradise + Street was built for the use of the parish officers, possession being + taken thereof Feb. 26, 1853. Thirty years seems but a short period for + the occupation of such a pile of offices, but as it has been necessary + several times to enlarge the Workhouse, as well as to collect very + much larger sums from the ratepayers, it is but in the natural order + of things that the Overseers, Guardians, and all others connected with + them should be allowed more elbow-room. A parish palace, almost + rivalling our Municipal Buildings in magnificence of ornate + architecture, has therefore been erected at the junction of Edmund + Street and Newhall Street, where poor unfortunate people going to the + Workhouse, and whose ultimate destination will possibly be a + pauper's grave, may have the gratification of beholding beautiful + groups of statuary sculpture, Corinthian columns of polished granite, + pilasters of marble, gilded capitals, panelled ceilings, coloured + architraves, ornamental cornices, encaustic tiles, and all the other + pretty things appertaining to a building designed in a "severe + form of the style of the French Renaissance," as an architectural + paper critic calls it. Ratepayers will also have pleasure in taking + their money to and delivering it over in "one of the most + convenient suites of poor-law offices in the kingdom," possibly + deriving a little satisfaction from the fact that their descendants in + less than a hundred years' time will have to build another such + suite of offices, or buy this over again, as the Guardians only hold + the site (1,700 square yards) upon a ninety-nine years' lease at a + yearly rental of £600 (7s. per yard). The building contract was + for £25,490, besides extras, the architect being Mr. W.H. Ward, + and the fittings, internal decoration, and furnishing was estimated at + about £5,000 more, though possibly as the chairs in the + Boardroom are put down at £5 each, if other articles be in + proportion, both sums will be materially increased. The work was + commenced in June, 1882, the memorial stone being laid February 15th, + the following year. The building, which has five storeys, stands on + three sides of a square courtyard, and faces into Edmund Street. + Newhall Street, and a new thoroughfare made in continuation of Bread + Street. In general character the three faces are alike, the masonry + being rusticated in Coxbench stone to the line of the second floor, + the chiselling finishing with an entablature, and the remaining two + storeys included in one order of Corinthian red granite pillars, which + support the main entablature. The front in Edmund Street, 105 feet in + length, is symmetrically divided by a central tower, on either side of + which the Corinthian pillars are discontinued until the two corners + are almost reached, where they support pediments. The tower, which for + a distance above the root is square, contains four clock-faces and + supports an octagonal storey, covered by a panelled stone dome, + surmounted in turn by a lantern and its finial. The height of the + tower from the level of the street is 105 feet, the slated towers over + the lateral pediments being smaller. The Newhall Street façade, + 160 feet long, is broken into three portions of nearly equal length, + and the middle portion is treated differently from the other two. + Above the line of the second floor entablature the windows, instead of + being in a double row in correspondence with the storeys, are in this + middle section of the façade carried almost to the height of + the columns, and the section is surmounted in its centre by an + ornamental pedestal, which bears a group of sculpture, and at its + extremes by slated flagstaff towers, whose sides are concave. The + purpose of these larger windows is the effectual lighting of the + Boardroom, which is of the height of two storeys. The length of the + Bread Street front is 90 feet. The Boardroom is 60 feet long, 36 feet + wide and 24 feet high, the room being lighted by two sunburners + suspended from the ceiling panels, and is handsomely decorated + throughout. The offices of the Registrar of births, marriages and + deaths are entered from Newhall Street, and there is a special waiting + room for the use of marriage parties whilst they are preparing to go + before the Registrar, a provision which will no doubt be fully + appreciated by many blushing maidens and bashful bachelors. + </p> + <p> + <i>Public Office</i>.—The office for the meetings of the + Justices was at one time in Dale End, and it was there that "Jack + and Tom" were taken in November, 1780, charged with murdering a + butcher on the road to Coleshill. The first stone of the Public Office + and Prison in Moor Street was laid September 18, 1805, the cost being + estimated at £10,000. It was considerably enlarged in 1830, and + again in 1861, and other improving alterations have been made during + the last three years, so that the original cost has been more than + doubled, but the place is still inadequate to the requirements of the + town. + </p> + <p> + <i>Smithfield Market</i>.—Laid out by the Street Commissioners + in 1817, at a cost of £6,000, as an open market, has been + enlarged by taking in most of the ground bordered by Jamaica Row, St. + Martin's Lane and Moat Lane, and is nearly all covered in for the + purposes of a wholesale market, the work being commenced in November, + 1880. The main entrance is in the centre of the St. Martin's Lane + front, and consists of a central roadway for carts and wagons, 15ft. + wide and 24ft. high, together with a wide entrance on either side for + foot passengers. The main piers supporting the large archway are of + stone, but the arch itself is constructed of terra-cotta, richly + moulded and carved. Over the archway are two sculptured figures in red + terra-cotta, representing "Flora" and "Pomona." + The whole of the carving and sculptured work has been executed by Mr. + John Roddis. The archways are fitted with massive wrought-iron gates, + manufactured by Messrs. Hart, Son, Peard, and Co. The entrances in + Jamaica Row and Moat Lane have arched gateways and gates to match, + though much higher to allow of the passage of laden wains. The market + superintendent's office is on the left of the man entrance. + Greatest part of the St. Martin's Lane front is occupied by the + new Woolpack Hotel, and the remainder by shops. The buildings, which + are from the designs of Messrs. Osborne and Reading, are designed in + the style of the English Renaissance of the Stuart period, and are + constructed of red brick, with red terra-cotta dressings. At each end + of the St. Martin's Lane front are circular turrets, with conical + roof, flanked by ornamental gables, and in the centre is a gable with + octagonal turret on each side. + </p> + <p> + <i>Temperance Hall</i>.—The foundation stone of this building, + which is in Upper Temple Street, was laid Jan. 12, 1858, and it was + opened Oct. 11 following. + </p> + <p> + <i>The Cobden</i>.—Though the property of a private company, who + have twenty other establishments in the town, the "Cobden," + in Corporation Street, may rank as a public building if only from its + central position and finished architecture. It was opened by John + Bright, Esq., Aug. 29, 1883, and cost about £10,000. In style it + may be said to be French-Gothic of early date, with Venetian features + in the shape of traceried oriel windows, &c., the frontage being + of Corsham Down and Portland stone. + </p> + <p> + <i>Town Hall</i>.—For many years the pride and the boast of + Birmingham has been its noble Town Hall, which still remains the most + conspicuous building, as well as the finest specimen of architecture, + in the town. It was erected by the Street Commissioners, who obtained + a special Act for the purpose in 1828, to enable them to lay a rate to + pay for it. The architect was Mr. T. Hansom, of the firm of Messrs. + Hansom and Welch, who, by a curious provision, were also bound to be + the contractors. Their original estimate was £17,000, with + extras, which would have raised it to about £19,000, but so far + were their figures out that £30,000 were expended prior to the + first meeting being held in the Hall, and that sum had been increased + to £69,520 when the building was finally completed in 1850 by + the addition of the pillars and pediments at the back. The foundations + and solid parts of the structure are built of brick, the casing or + outside of the walls, the pillars, and the ornamental portions being + of Anglesey marble, given to the contractors by the owner of Penmaen + quarries, Sir Richard Bulkeley, Bart. The building was commenced April + 27, 1832, and opened Sept. 19, 1834, being used for the Festival of + that year; the first public meeting held in the Hall being on Nov. + 28th. The outside measurements of the Hall are— Length 175ft., + breadth 100ft., height 83ft., viz., basement 23ft., columns 36ft., + cornice 9ft., and pediment 15ft,. The forty columns are each 3-1/2ft. + diameter. The hall, or great room, is 145ft. long, 65ft. broad, and + 65ft. high; including the orchestra it will seat a few over 3,000 + persons, while it is said that on more than one occasion 10,000 have + found standing room. Considerable sums have been spent in trying to + improve the ventilation and lighting of the Hall, as well as in + redecorating occasionally, the medallions of eminent composers and + other worthies being introduced in 1876. For description of Town Hall + organ see "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm128">Organs</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <i>Windsor Street Gas Works</i> with its immense gas-holders, + retort-houses, its own special canal and railway approaches, covers an + area of about twenty-six acres, extending almost from Dartmouth Street + to Aston Road. Though there can be no grand architectural features + about such an establishment certain parts of the works are worthy of + note, the two principal gas-holders and the new retort-house being + among the largest of their kind in the world. The holders, or + gasometers as they are sometimes called, are each 240ft. in diameter, + with a depth of 50ft., the telescope arrangement allowing of a rise of + 170ft., giving a containing capacity equal to the space required for + 6,250,000 cubic feet of gas. The new retort house is 455ft. long by + 210ft. wide, and will produce about nine million cubic feet of gas per + day, the furnaces being supplied with coal and cleared of the coke by + special machinery of American invention, which is run upon rails + backwards and forwards from the line of coal trucks to the furnace + mouths. The quantity of coal used per week is nearly 4,000 tons, most + of which is brought from North Staffordshire, and the reserve coal + heap is kept as near as convenient to a month's supply, or 16,000 + tons. The machinery for the purification of the gas, the extracting of + the ammoniacal liquor, tar and residuals, which make the manufacture + of gas so remunerative, are of the most improved description. + </p> + <p> + <i>Workhouse</i>.—The first mention of a local institution thus + named occurs in the resolution passed at a public meeting held May 16, + 1727, to the effect that it was "highly necessary and convenient + that a Public Work House should be erected in or near the town to + employ or set to work the poor of Birmingham for their better + maintenance as the law directs." This resolution seems to have + been carried out, as the Workhouse in Lichfield Street (which was then + a road leading out of the town) was built in 1733 the first cost being + £1,173, but several additions afterwards made brought the + building account to about £3,000. Originally it was built to + accommodate 600 poor persons, but in progress of time it was found + necessary to house a much larger number, and the Overseers and + Guardians were often hard put to for room; which perhaps accounts for + their occasionally discussing the advisability of letting some of + their poor people out on hire to certain would-be taskmasters as + desired such a class of employees. In the months of January, February, + and March, 1783, much discussion took place as to building a new + Workhouse, but nothing definite was done in the matter until 1790, + when it was proposed to obtain an Act for the erection of a Poorhouse + at Birmingham Heath, a scheme which Hutton said was as airy as the + spot chosen for the building. Most likely the expense, which was + reckoned at £15,000, frightened the ratepayers, for the project + was abandoned, and for fifty years little more was heard on the + subject. What they would have said to the £150,000 spent on the + present building can be better imagined than described. The + foundation-stone of the latter was laid Sept. 7, 1850, and the first + inmates were received March 29, 1852, in which year the Lichfield + Street establishment was finally closed, though it was not taken down + for several years after. The new Workhouse is one of the largest in + the country, the area within its walls being nearly twenty acres, and + it was built to accommodate 3,000 persons, but several additions in + the shape of new wards, enlarged schools, and extended provision for + the sick, epileptic and insane, have since been made. The whole + establishment is supplied with water from an artesian well, and is + such a distance from other buildings as to ensure the most healthy + conditions. The chapel, which has several stained windows, is capable + of seating 800 persons and in it, on May 9, 1883, the Bishop of + Worcester administered the rite of confirmation to 31 of the inmates, + a novelty in the history of Birmingham Workhouse, at all events. Full + provision is made for Catholics and Nonconformists desiring to attend + the services of their respective bodies. In connection with the + Workhouse may be noted the Cottage Homes and Schools at Marston Green + (commenced in October, 1878) for the rearing and teaching of a portion + of the poor children left in the care of the Guardians. These + buildings consist of 3 schools, 14 cottage homes, workshops, + infirmary, headmaster's residence, &c., each of the homes + being for thirty children, in addition to an artisan and his wife, who + act as heads of the family. About twenty acres of land are at present + thus occupied, the cost being at the rate of £140 per acre, + while on the buildings upwards of £20,000 has been spent. + </p> + <p> + <b>Public houses.</b>—The early Closing Act came into operation + here, November 11, 1864; and the eleven o'clock closing hour in + 1872; the rule from 1864 having been to close at one and open at four + a.m. Prior to that date the tipplers could be indulged from the + earliest hour on Monday till the latest on Saturday night. Mr. Joseph + Chamberlain and his friends thought so highly of the Gothenburg scheme + that they persuaded the Town Council into passing a resolution (Jan. + 2, 1877) that the Corporation ought to be allowed to buy up all the + trade in Birmingham. There were forty-six who voted for the motion + against ten; but, when the Right Hon. J.C.'s monopolising motion + was introduced to the House of Commons (March 13, 1877), it was + negatived by fifty-two votes. + </p> + <p> + <b>Pudding Brook.</b>—This was the sweetly pretty name given to + one of the little streams that ran in connection with the moat round + the old Manorhouse. Possibly it was originally Puddle Brook, but as it + became little more than an open sewer or stinking mud ditch before it + was ultimately done away with, the last given name may not have been + inappropriate. + </p> + <p> + <b>Quacks.</b>—Though we cannot boast of a millionaire + pill-maker like the late Professor Holloway, we have not often been + without a local well-to-do "quack." A medical man, named + Richard Aston, about 1815-25, was universally called so, and if the + making of money is proof of quackery, he deserved the title, as he + left a fortune of £60,000. He also left an only daughter, but + she and her husband were left to die in the Workhouse, as the quack + did not approve of their union. + </p> + <p> + <b>Quakers.</b>—Peaceable and quiet as the members of the + Society of Friends are known to be now, they do not appear to have + always borne that character in this neighbourhood, but the punishments + inflicted upon them in the time of the Commonwealth seem to have been + brutish in the extreme. In a history of the diocese of Worcester it is + stated that the Quakers not only refused to pay tithes or take off + their hats in courts of justice, but persisted in carrying on their + business on Sundays, and scarcely suffering a service to be conducted + without interruption, forcing themselves into congregations and + proclaiming that the clergymen were lying witnesses and false + prophets, varying their proceedings by occasionally running naked + through the streets of towns and villages, and otherwise misbehaving + themselves, until they were regarded as public pests and treated + accordingly. In the year 1661, fifty-four Quakers were in Worcester + gaol, and about the same time seven or eight others were in the lockup + at Evesham, where they were confined for fourteen weeks in a cell 22 + ft. square and 6 ft. high, being fed on bread and water and not once + let out during the whole time, so that people could not endure to past + the place; female Quakers were thrust with brutal indecency into the + stocks and there left in hard frost for a day and night, being + afterwards driven from the town. And this went on during the whole of + the time this country was blessed with Cromwell and a Republican + Government.—See "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm129">Friends</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Quaint Customs.</b>—The practice of "heaving" or + "lifting" on Easter Monday and Tuesday was still kept up in + some of the back streets of the town a few years back, and though it + may have died out now with us those who enjoy such amusements will + find the old custom observed in villages not far away.—At + Handsworth, "clipping the church" was the curious + "fad" at Easter-time, the children from the National + Schools, with ladies and gentlemen too, joining hands till they had + surrounded the old church with a leaping, laughing, linked, living + ring of humanity, great fun being caused when some of the link loosed + hands and let their companions fall over the graves.—On St. + John's Days, when the ancient feast or "wake" of + Deritend Chapel was kept, it, was the custom to carry bulrushes to the + church, and old inhabitants decorated their fireplaces with + them.—In the prosperous days of the Holte family, when Aston + Hall was the abode of fine old English gentlemen, instead of being the + lumber-room of those Birmingham rogues the baronets abominated, + Christmas Eve was celebrated with all the hospitalities usual in + baronial halls, but the opening of the evening's performances was + of so whimsical a character that it attracted attention even a hundred + years ago, when queer and quaint customs were anything but strange. An + old chronicler thus describes it:—"On this day, as soon as + supper is over, a table is set in the hall; on it is set a brown loaf, + with twenty silver threepences stuck on the top of it, a tankard of + ale, with pipes and tobacco; and the two oldest servants have chairs + behind it, to sit in as judges, if they please. The steward brings the + servants, both men and women, by one at a time, covered with a + winnow-sheet, and lays their right hand on the loaf, exposing no other + part of the body. The oldest of the two judges guesses at the person, + by naming a name; then the younger judge, and, lastly, the oldest + again. If they hit upon the right name, the steward leads the person + back again; but if they do not he takes off the winnow-sheet, and the + person receives a threepence, makes low obeisance to the judges, but + speaks not a word. When the second servant was brought the younger + judge guessed first and third; and this they did alternately till all + the money was given away. Whatever servant had not slept in the house + the previous night forfeited his right to the money. No account is + given of the origin of this strange custom, but it has been practised + ever since the family lived there. When the money is gone the servants + have full liberty to drink, dance, sing, and go to bed when they + please." + </p> + <p> + <b>Railways:</b> <i>London and North Western</i>.—The first + proposal for converting Birmingham with the outer world by means of a + railway seems to have originated in 1824, as we read of the share-book + for a Birmingham and London line being opened here on December 14 of + that year. There was a great rush for shares, 2,500 being taken up in + two hours, and a £7 premium offered for more, but as the scheme + was soon abandoned it is probable the scrip was quickly at a discount. + Early in 1830 two separate companies were formed for a line to the + Metropolis, but they amalgamated on September 11, and surveys were + taken in the following year. Broad Street being chosen as the site for + a station. The Bill was introduced into the House of Commons February + 20, 1832, but the Lords rejected it in June. Another Bill, with + variations in the plans, was brought in in the session of 1833, and it + passed on May 6, the work being commenced at the London end in July, + and at Birmingham in June of the following year. The line was to be + 112-1/2 miles long and estimated to cost £2,500,000, but the + real cost amounted to £4,592,700, of which £72,868 18s. + 10d. was spent in obtaining the Act alone. The line was opened in + sections as completed, the first train running from Euston to Boxmoor, + 24-1/2 miles, on July 20, 1837. The average daily number of persons + using the line during the first month was 1,428, the receipts being at + the rate of £153 per day. On April 9, 1838, the trains reached + Rugby, and on Aug. 14, the line was completed to Daddeston Row, the + directors taking a trial trip on the 20th. There were only seventeen + stations on the whole line, over which the first passenger train ran + on Sept. 17.—The prospectus of the Grand Junction Railway (for + Liverpool and Manchester) was issued May 7, 1830, and the line from + Vauxhall Station to Newton (where it joined the Manchester and + Liverpool line) was opened July 4, 1837. The importance of this line + of communication was shown by the number of passengers using it during + the first nine weeks, 18,666 persons travelling to or from Liverpool, + and 7,374 to or from Manchester, the receipts for that period being + £41,943.—The Birmingham branch of the South Staffordshire + Railway was opened Nov. 1, 1847; the Birmingham and Shrewsbury line, + Nov. 12, 1849; and between Dudley and Walsall May 1, 1850. The Stour + Valley line was partially brought into use (from Monument Lane) Aug. + 19, 1851, the first train running clear through to Wolverhampton July + 1, 1852. The line to Sutton Coldfield was opened June 2, 1862, and the + Harborne line (for which the Act was obtained in 1866) was opened Aug. + 10, 1874. The Act for the construction of the Birmingham and Lichfield + line, being a continuation of the Sutton Coldfield Railway, passed + June 23, 1874; it was commenced late in October, 1881, and it will + shortly be in use. The Bill for the Dudley and Oldbury Junction line + passed July 15, 1881. A new route from Leamington to Birmingham was + opened in Sept. 1884, shortening the journey to London. + </p> + <p> + <i>Midland</i>.—The Derby and Birmingham Junction line was + opened through from Lawley Street Aug. 12th, 1839. The first portion + of the Birmingham and Gloucester line, between Barnt Green and + Cheltenham, was opened July 1, 1840, coaches running from here to + Barnt Green to meet the trains until Dec. 15, 1840, when the line was + finished to Camp Hill, the Midland route being completed and opened + Feb. 10, 1842. The first sod was cut for the West Suburban line Jan. + 14, 1873, and it was opened from Granville Street to King's Norton + April 3, 1876. This line is now being doubled and extended from + Granville Street to New Street, at an estimated cost of + £280,400, so that the Midland will have a direct run through the + town. + </p> + <p> + <i>Great Western</i>.—The first portion of the Oxford and + Birmingham Railway (between here and Banbury) was opened Sept. 30, + 1852, the tunnel from Moor Street to Monmouth Street being finished on + June 6th previous. The original estimated cost of this line was but + £900,000, which was swelled to nearly £3,000,000 by the + bitter fight known as the "Battle of the Gauges." The line + from Snow Hill to Wolverhampton was opened Nov. 14, 1854. The first + train to Stratford-on-Avon was run on Oct. 9, 1860. The Oxford, + Worcester, and Wolverhampton line was opened in May, 1852. The broad + gauge was altered in 1874. + </p> + <p> + <b>Railway Jottings.</b>—The London and Birmingham line cost at + the rate of £23,000 per mile, taking nearly five years to make, + about 20,000 men being employed, who displaced over 400,000,000 cubic + feet of earth. The Grand Junction averaged £16,000 per mile, and + at one time there were 11,000 men at work upon it. Slate slabs were + originally tried for sleepers on the Birmingham and London line. + </p> + <p> + The first railway carriages were built very like to coaches, with an + outside seat at each end for the guard, though passengers often sat + there for the sake of seeing the country. + </p> + <p> + The fares first charged between Birmingham and London were 30s. by + first class, and 20s. second class (open carriages) by day trains; + 32s. 6d. first class and 25s. second class, by night. In 1841 the + fares were 30s. first, 25s. second, and 20s. 3d. third class; they are + now 17s. 4d., 13s. 6d., and 9s. 5d. + </p> + <p> + "Booking" was a perfectly correct term when the lines were + first used, as when passengers went for their tickets they had to give + their names and addresses, to be written on the tickets and in the + book containing the counterfoils of the tickets. + </p> + <p> + The day the Grand Junction line was opened was kept as a general + holiday between here and Wolverhampton, hundreds of tents and picnic + parties being seen along the line. + </p> + <p> + The directors of the Birmingham and Gloucester line ordered eleven + locomotives from Philadelphia at a cost of 85,000 dollars, and it was + these engines that brought their trains to Camp Hill at first. In + comparison with the engines now in use, these Americans were very + small ones. The trains were pulled up the incline at the Lickey by + powerful stationary engines. + </p> + <p> + On the completion of the London line, the engineers who had been + employed presented George Stephenson at a dinner held here with a + silver tureen and stand worth 130 guineas. This celebrated engineer + made his last public appearance at a meeting in this town of the + Institute of Mechanical Engineers, July 16, 1848, his death taking + place on the 12th of the following month. + </p> + <p> + The L. & N.W.R. Co. have 46,000 men in their employ. + </p> + <p> + The G.W.R. has the longest mileage of any railway in England, + 2,276-1/2 miles; the L. and N.W.R., 1,774-1/2 miles; the Midland, + 1,225 miles. + </p> + <p> + The returns of the L. and N.W., Midland and G.W.R. Companies for 1878 + showed local traffic of 936,000 tons of goods, 693,000 tons of coal, + coke and other minerals, 20,200 loads of cattle, and 7,624,000 + passengers. + </p> + <p> + The south tunnel in New Street was blocked April 18, 1877, by a + locomotive turning over. In October, 1854, an engine fell over into + Great Charles Street. + </p> + <p> + The unused viaduct between Bordesley and Banbury Street belongs to the + G.W.R. Co. and was intended to connect their lines with the other + Companies. It now stands as a huge monument of the "Railway + Mania" days. + </p> + <p> + The extensive carrying trade of Crowley and Co. was transferred to the + L. & N.W.R. Co. May 17, 1873. + </p> + <p> + <b>Railway Stations.</b>—As noted on a previous page, the first + railway stations were those in Duddeston Row, Lawley Street, Vauxhall, + the Camp Hill, but the desirability of having a Central Station was + too apparent for the Companies to remain long at the outskirts, and + the L. & N.W.R. Co. undertook the erection in New Street, of what + was then (and will soon be again) the most extensive railway station + in the kingdom, making terms with the Midland for part use thereof. + The work of clearance was commenced in 1846, the estimated cost being + put at £400,000, £39,000 being paid to the Governors of + the Grammar School for land belonging to them. Several streets were + done away with, and the introduction of the station may be called the + date-point of the many town improvements that have since been carried + out. The station, and the tunnels leading thereto, took seven years in + completion, the opening ceremony taking place June 1, 1853. The iron + and glass roof was ihe largest roof in the world, being 1,080 ft. + long, with a single span of 212 ft. across at a height of 75 ft. from + the rails. This immense span has since been surpassed, as the roof of + the St. Pancras Station, London, is 243 ft. from side to side. The + roof of Lime Street Station, Liverpool, is also much larger, being + 410ft wide, but it is in two spans. The station has been since greatly + enlarged, extending as far as Hill Street, on which side are the + Midland Booking Offices. The tunnels have been partially widened or + thrown into open cuttings, additional platforms constructed, and miles + of new rails laid down, one whole street (Great Queen Street) being + taken bodily into the station for a carriage drive. The station now + covers nearly 12 acres, the length of platforms exceeding 1-1/2 miles. + The cost of this enlargement was over half-a-million sterling. + </p> + <p> + As in the case of New Street Station, the introduction of the Great + Western Railway caused the removal of a very large number of old + buildings, but the monster wooden shed which did duty as the Snow Hill + Station for many years was as great a disgrace to the town as ever the + old tumbledown structures could have been that were removed to make + way for it. This, however, was remedied in 1871, by the erection of + the present building, which is extensive and convenient, the platforms + having a run of 720 feet, the span of the roof being 92 feet. + </p> + <p> + <b>Rateable Values.</b>—In 1815 the annual rateable value of + property in the borough was totaled at £311,954; in 1824 the + amount stood at £389,273, an increase of £77,319 in the + ten years; in 1834 the return was £483,774, the increase being + £94,501; in 1814 it was £569,686, or an increase of + £85,912; in 1854 the returns showed £655,631, the + increase, £85,934, being little more than in the previous + decennial period. The next ten years were those of the highest + prosperity the building trade of this town has ever known, and the + rateable values in 1864 went up to £982,384, an increase of + £326,763. In 1870 a new assessment was made, which added over + £112,000 to the rateable values, the returns for 1874 amounting + to £1,254,911, an increase in the ten years of £272,527. + In 1877 the returns gave a total of £1,352,554; in 1878 + £1,411,060, an increase in the one year of £58,506; but + since 1878 the increase has not been so rapid, the average for the + next three years being £36,379; and, as will be seen by the + following table, the yearly increase of values during the last three + years is still less in each of the several parish divisions of the + borough:— + </p> + <table cellspacing="10" summary="Rateable values 1881-1883"> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + </td> + <td> + 1881 + </td> + <td> + 1882 + </td> + <td> + 1883 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Birmingham parish + </td> + <td> + £985,081 + </td> + <td> + £991,445 + </td> + <td> + £1,001,541 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="right"> + Yearly increase + </td> + <td> + 18,483 + </td> + <td> + 6,364 + </td> + <td> + 10,096 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Edgbaston parish + </td> + <td> + £179,328 + </td> + <td> + £180,327 + </td> + <td> + £181,552 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="right"> + Yearly increase + </td> + <td> + 8,474 + </td> + <td> + 999 + </td> + <td> + 1,225 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Aston, part of parish + </td> + <td> + £355,788 + </td> + <td> + £362,337 + </td> + <td> + £365,875 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="right"> + Yearly increase + </td> + <td> + 9,419 + </td> + <td> + 6,549 + </td> + <td> + 3,538 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + </td> + <td> + <hr style="width: 30;" /> + </td> + <td> + <hr style="width: 30;" /> + </td> + <td> + <hr style="width: 30;" /> + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Total rateable value of the Borough + </td> + <td> + £1,520,179 + </td> + <td> + £1,534,109 + </td> + <td> + £1,548,968 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="right"> + Yearly increase + </td> + <td> + 36,379 + </td> + <td> + 13,912 + </td> + <td> + 14,859 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + <b>Rainfall.</b>—The mean annual rainfall in the eleven years + ending with 1871, in this neighbourhood, was 29.51 inches, in the + following eleven years 36.01 inches, the two heaviest years being 1872 + with 47.69 inches, and 1882 with 43.06 inches. The depth of rain + registered in the last three months of 1882 (14.93 inches), was the + largest for any three consecutive months ever recorded by our + painstaking meteorologist, the late Mr. T.L. Plant, of Moseley. + </p> + <p> + <b>Ravenhurst.</b>—The old house at Camp Hill, which gave names + to Hurst Street and Ravenhurst Street, leading in the direction of the + mansion, where in 1810 there were found a number of coins and tokens + of the period of Queen Elizabeth and Charles I., as well as sundry + Scotch "bawbees." + </p> + <p> + <b>Rea.</b>—This little river takes its rise among the Lickey + Hills, and from certain geological discoveries made in 1883, there is + every reason to believe that, in Saxon days, it was a stream of + considerable force. The name Rea, or Rhea, is of Gaelic derivation, + and, with slight alteration, it is the name of some other watercourses + in the kingdom. From time to time, alterations have been made in the + course of the Rea, and prior to the introduction of steam its waters + were used extensively for mill-power, dams, fleams, and shoots + interfering with the free running in all directions. Long little + better than an open sewer, there is a prospect that, within a few + years, it may be cleansed and become once more a limpid stream, if the + sanitary authorities will but find some more convenient site as + burial-place for unfortunate canines and felines. + </p> + <p> + <b>Rebellion of 1745.</b>—The first news of the Rebellion and of + the landing of the Young Pretender reached here Aug. 19, 1745. The + Scotch did not come so far as Birmingham, but [though thousands of + swords were made here for "Bonnie Prince Charlie"] some + little preparation was made to receive them. At a meeting held October + 5, 1745, it was proposed to form a regiment of volunteers against + them, and Sir Lister Holte found 250 horses to pursue the unfortunate + "Pretender," whose great-grandfather had been the guest of + Sir Lister's ancestor. + </p> + <p> + <b>Rebus.</b>—Poking fun at our town is no new game, as may be + seen by the following local rebus (by "Dardanus") copied + from the <i>Gentlemen's Magazine</i> of 1752:— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2"> + "Take three-fourths of a creature which many admire, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + That's often confined in a castle of wire; + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Three-fourths of a herb that the garden doth yield, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And a term used by husbandmen ploughing the field; + </p> + <p class="i2"> + With that part of a swine which is now much in fashion, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And a town you'll discover in this brave English + nation." + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + The answer was <i>Bir</i>d, <i>Min</i>t, <i>G</i>, and + <i>Ham</i>—Birmingham, the scribe who poetically replied, + [**]inding-up by saying that it was + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2"> + "A town that in trading excels half the nation, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Because, Jove be thanked, there is no Corporation!" + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + <b>Recorders.</b>—The first Recorder appointed for the borough + was Mr. Matthew Davenport Hill, whose name is so intimately connected + with the history of Reformatory and Industrial Schools. Mr. Arthur + Robarts Adams, Q.C., who succeeded Mr. M.D. Hill on his resignation in + January, 1866, was a native of the county, and had acted as + Deputy-Recorder for some years. He died in an apoplectic fit, while + out shooting (Dec. 19, 1877), in Bagley Wood, near Oxford, in his 65th + year. The present Recorder is Mr. John Stratford Dugdale, of Blythe + Hall, Coleshill. + </p> + <p> + <b>Recreation Grounds.</b>—Early in 1854 Joseph Sturge set apart + a field in Wheeley's Lane as a public playground for children, and + this must rank as the first recreation ground. The last is the disused + burial ground of St. Mary's Church, which, after an expenditure of + about £1,500 was thrown open to the public as "St. + Mary's Garden," October 16, 1882.—see "<i><a + class="internal" href="#Birm130">Parks</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm34"></a>Red Book.</b>—Quite a local institution is + the yearly publication known as "The Birmingham Red Book," + which was first issued in 1865. + </p> + <p> + <b>Reformatories.</b>—See "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm131">Industrial Schools</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm118"></a>Reform Leagues.</b>—The first local + affair of this kind that we have note of (though likely enough there + had been "reform clubs" before that date) seems to have + originated at a meeting of some dozen or so gentlemen at the Royal + Hotel, Dec 14, 1829. On the 25th of Jan., 1830, a public meeting to + organise a kind of local political body was held at Beardsworth's + Repository, and it is chronicled that about 15,000 persons were + present. The result was the formation of the celebrated Birmingham + Political Union, though the full name was "The General Political + Union between the Lower and Middle Classes of the People." The + Union's "Petition of Rights" was issued Dec. 13, and the + "Declaration of Council" Dec. 20, 1830. This is not the + place to enter upon a history of the doings of the Political Union, + which was dissolved by mutual consent of the leaders May 10, 1834, but + there can be no doubt that it did have considerable influence on the + political changes of the period. In 1848 an attempt was made to + resuscitate the Old Union, though the promoters of the new + organisation called it the "Political Council," and in 1865 + another League or Union was started, which has a world-wide fame as + "The Caucus." Indeed, it may be safely said the town has + never, during the past sixty years or so, been without some such body, + the last appointed being the "Reform League," started Sept. + 2, 1880, by the Rev. Arthur O'Neill and his friends, to agitate + for a change in the Constitution of the House of Lords. + </p> + <p> + <b>Reform Meetings.</b>—We have had a few big meetings of the + kind one time and another, and give the dates of the principal. + Newhall Hill used to be the favourite spot, and the first meeting held + there was on January 22, 1817.—On July 22, 1819, there were + 60,000 there, and a member was chosen to represent the town in + Parliament. (See "<i><a class="internal" href="#Birm132">Newhall + Hill</a></i>.") The meeting of October 3, 1831, had only 150,000 + persons at it, but May 7, in following year, saw 200,000 on the + Hill.—The "great" Reform meetings at Brookfields were + on August 27, 1866, and April 22, 1867.—A procession to, and + demonstration at Soho Pool, Aug. 4, 1884, at which 100,000 persons are + said to have been present, is the last big thing of the kind. + </p> + <p> + <b>Regattas.</b>—Usually the A1 amusement of places blessed with + sea or river space, but introduced to us (Aug 2, 1879), on the + Reservoir, by the Y.M.C.A., whose members had to compete with some + crack rowers from Evesham, Shrewsbury, Stratford, Stourport, and + Worcester. + </p> + <p> + <b>Registers.</b>—At what date a parish register was first kept + here is not known, but Mr. Hamper, the antiquarian, once found some + old parts stowed away under the pulpit staircase, and he had them + bound and preserved. There are very few perfect registers in this + neighbourhood, though Aston can boast of one dated from 1544, + King's Norton 1547, Handsworth 1558, Northfield 1560, Castle + Bromwich 1659, and Moseley 1750—The Registration Act was passed + Aug. 17, 1836. + </p> + <p> + <b>Register Offices.</b>—The custom of hiring servants at + "statute fairs" and "mops" still exists in theory + if not in practice, in several parts of the adjoining counties but + thanks to the low scale for advertising, such a system is not needed + now. The introduction of register offices was a great improvement, the + first opened in Birmingham being at 26, St. John Street (then a + respectable neighbourhood), in January 1777, the fee being 6d. for + registering and 3d. for an enquiry. There are a number of respectable + offices of this kind now, but it cannot be hidden that there have been + establishments so called which have been little better than dens of + thievery, the proprietors caring only to net all the half-crowns and + eighteen-pences they could extract from the poor people who were + foolish enough to go to them. + </p> + <p> + <b>Rejoicing, Days of.</b>—Great were the rejoicings in + Birmingham, October 9, 1746, when the news came of the battle of + Culloden. The capture of Quebec, in 1759, was celebrated here on + December 3, by a gneral illumination; the peace-loving Quakers, + however, had to rejoice over broken windows, for the mob smashed them, + one unfortunate Friend having to provide 115 squares of glass before + his lights were perfect again. We were <i>loyal</i> in those days, and + when we heard of our gallant boys thrashing their opponents, up went + our caps, caring not on whose heads lay "the + blood-guiltiness," and so there was shouting and ringing of bells + on May 20, 1792, in honour of Admiral Rodney and his victory. The next + great day of rejoicing, however, was for the Peace of Amiens in 1802, + and it was notable the more especially from the fact of Soho Works + being illuminated with gas, for the first time in the world's + history used for such a purpose. In 1809, we put up the first statue + in all England to the hero of Trafalgar, and we made the 6th of June + the day to rejoice over it, because forsooth, it happened to be the + jubilee day of George the Third. What <i>he</i> had done for us to + rejoice about would be hard to tell; even more difficult is the query + why we were so gleeful and joyous on February 1, 1820, when his + successor was proclaimed. George IV.'s Coronation was celebrated + here by the public roasting of oxen, and an immense dinner party in + front of Beardsworth's Repository. + </p> + <p> + <b>Religious Queerosities.</b>—Among all its multifarious + manufactures it would have been strange, indeed, if Birmingham had not + produced something new in religious matters, and accordingly we find + that in 1840 some of our advanced townsmen had formed themselves into + a "Universal Community Society of Rational Religionists." We + have not met with a copy of their rules, though Tidd Pratt registered + them as of a Friendly Society (under cap. 4, Will. IV.), but the + county magistrates, at the November Quarter Sessions would not pass + them nor seal them. Of late years there have been introduced amongst + us several other curiosities in the way of religious bodies, like the + Theists, the Polytheists, the Positivists, the Secularists, the + Latter-day Saints, and others. + </p> + <p> + <b>Religious Societies.</b>—In addition to those noted + elsewhere, there have been many societies formed here which may come + under this heading, such as the Lay Association for the Refutation of + Infidelity, founded in 1839; the Protestant Association, commenced in + 1847; the Christian Evidence Society, began in 1869; the Church + Defence and Reform Association, formed in 1871, the Protestant and + Church Association, inaugurated May 23, of same year, &c. + </p> + <p> + <b>Repository.</b>—Before the building of the Town Hall, there + was no place in which a town's meeting could be held, except the + Public Office in Moor Street, besides Beardsworth's Repository. As + its name implies, it was originally built as a sale-room for horses + and carriages, but some of the most important meetings known in + Birmingham history have been held within its walls, grand banquets + were often laid out there, popular lecturers have discoursed, and + popular pugilists exhibited their prowess in the same arena, and the + building has even been used as a barracks. + </p> + <p> + <b>Republicanism.</b>—In 1873 a small band of Brummagem bouncers + patriotically provided us with a real "Republican Club," and + proud of the feat announced the world-stirring fact to the "Hero + of Caprera." The simple honest-hearted General, who knew not the + guile of their hearts, was deluded into wishing them success. Ten + years have passed since "Mio Caro Cattell" secured + Garibaldi's autograph, but still Victoria remains Queen of Great + Britain, Empress of Hindostan, and the best-beloved sovereign on the + earth. + </p> + <p> + <b>Reservoir.</b>—See "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm133">Canals</a></i>" and "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm134">Roach Pool</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Restaurants.</b>—Our grandfathers knew them not. They took + their chop or steak at their inn or hotel, or visited the tripe + houses. Indeed, Joe Allday's tripe shop in Union Street (opened + about 1839-40) may be called the first "restaurant" + established here, as it was the favourite resort of many Town + Councillors and leading men of the town. A vegetarian restaurant was + opened in Paradise Street in July, 1881, and 1883 saw the commencement + of another novelty in the line, a fish restaurant in the old Warwick + Passage.—See "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm40">Luncheon Bars</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Rifle Clubs.</b>—The Midland Rifle Club was started in 1875, + the Staffordshire Rifle Association dating from 1861. Both clubs use + the range at Sandwell Park, by permission of the Earl of Dartmouth. At + the International Match at Creedmore, New York, in 1881, the + representatives of this neighbourhood scored high numbers, Corporal + Bates (of the M.R.C.) taking the only first prize secured by visitors + in the open competitions of the U.S. Associations. + </p> + <p> + <b>Rights of Man.</b>—An effigy of Tom Paine, author of + "The Rights of Man," was paraded through the streets, Feb. + 12, 1793, and ignominiously burned in the evening. + </p> + <p> + <b>Ringers.</b>—The St. Martin's Society of Change Ringers, + date from 1755, and have always held high rank among the bellringers + of the country. Many old newspapers have chronicled their mighty + doings with bobs and treble bobs, caters and cinques, in all their + courses and changes. In Southey's "Doctor" (vol. 1, p. + 303) mention is made of "eight Birmingham youths who ventured + upon a peal of 15,120 bob major, but after ringing for eight hours and + a half were so fatigued that the caller brought them round at the + 14,224th change, perhaps the longest peal that had ever been + rung." On February 28, 1881, the ringers achieved a true peal of + Stedman cinques, containing 9,238 change, in 6-3/4 hours, being the + longest peal ever rung in that method, and noteworthy as the + composition of H. Johnson, senr., and rung in honour of his 72nd + birthday. In former days the local ringers were also famed for their + skill with handbells, one celebrated performer being Elijah Roberts, + an extraordinary adept, who died in 1865. One of this worthy's + feats was the ringing (at Liverpool, [**]ch 23, 1837) a peal + comprising [**] of Kent treble bob maxi[**] hours—See + "<i><a class="internal" href="#Birm136">Bells</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Riots.</b>—In times past the Brums had a bad name for + rioting, and when the list is looked over many may think it not + undeserved.—In July, 1715, the Old Meeting House was destroyed + in a riot.—In 1737 the nail-makers from Worcestershire marched + into this town and forced the ironmongers to sign a paper allowing an + advance in prices.—Some bigoted brutes got up an anti-Methodist + movement in 1751, which culminated in a general riot on Oct. 19, the + pulpit and seats being taken out of the meeting-house and + burnt.—The history of "the Birmingham Riots" of 1791 + is world-known, and there is no necessity to repeat the disgraceful + tale. The damage was estimated at £60,000; the sufferers + recovered only £27,000,—On Oct. 24, 1793, caused by the + enforced collection of the rates levied to pay damages done in riots + of 1791. Two more lives lost. —June 22, 1795. on account of + scarcity of food and the high prices thereof. Soldiers called out, and + they gave two unfortunates leaden food enough to kill them.—May + 28, 1810, two women fell out over the price of some potatoes, others + joined in and a scrimmage ensued. Constables came and men mauled them, + and the result of the unruly wagging of those two women's tongues + was a riot, which lasted four days. Three men were sentenced to grow + potatoes at Botany Bay the rest of their lives.—March 22, 1813, + the chapels in Bond Street, Belmont Row, and Ladywell Walk, with the + Jews' Synagogue in Severn Street, were damaged by a riotous mob. + The Jabet Riots in 1816 were primarily caused by the proprietor of + <i>Jabet's Herald</i> publishing an address showing that "a + man, wife, and six children could live on 6s. a week." Some cheap + food was presented to the printer in the shape of potatoes, with which + his windows were smashed.—Claims for damages arising out of the + Chartist riots of 1839 were made to the amount of £16,283, of + which £15,027 were allowed, and rates were made on the Hundred + of Hemlingford for £20,000 to cover the same and the expenses + attendant thereon. It was a curious coincidence that the rioters of + 1839 should have chosen July the 15th for their fiery pranks, the + roughs of 1791 having on the same day of the same month, burnt + Hutton's and other houses. At the Warwick Assizes, Aug. 8, 1839, + Jeremiah Howell, Francis Roberts, and John Jones were sentenced to be + hung, Thomas Aston had sentence of death recorded against him, and 13 + other hot-heads were ordered various terms of imprisonment, for taking + part in the mischief.—At Snow Hill Flour Mills, June 29, 1847, + arising out of the seizure of sundry short weights.—The + "Murphy Riots" commenced on Sunday, June 16, 1867, when + William Murphy, the Anti-Papal lecturer, delivered his first oration. + The police had to clear Carrs Lane with their cutlasses, and Park + Street was nearly demolished. An Irishman who threatened Morris + Roberts in his public-house was shot by him on the 17th, and the act + was declared to be justifiable.—There was a disgraceful row + (which may well be classed under this heading) at St. Alban's + Church, Oct. 13, 1867, in consequence of some ecclesiastical + excommunicatory proceedings.—The Navigation Street riot of + roughs, in which Police-officers Lines and Fletcher were stabbed, took + place March 7, 1875. Lines died on the 24th, and was buried at Aston + the 29th. The sum of £840 14s. was gathered to support his wife + and daughter. The Assizes, held in the following July, may be called + "the Roughs' Reprisals," as one was sentenced to death, + four to penal servitude for life, six to fifteen years each (three of + them were flogged as well), one to ten years, one to seven years, and + four to five years each.—A Conservative + "demonstration" held at the Lower Grounds, October 13th, + 1884, was broken into and disturbed by Liberals, who held a meeting + outside and then breached the walls, spoilt the fireworks, and added + another to the long list of Birmingham riots. + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm114"></a>Ritualism.</b>—Though there has been many + instances of local clergymen adopting practices which usually come + under the name of ritualistic, we have had but one "Martyr to the + Cause," in the person of the Rev. R.W. Enraght, of the Church of + the Holy Trinity, Bordesley. Among the numerous practices of which + complaint was made against him were the following:—The use of + lighted candles, the wearing of the alb and chasuble, the ceremonial + mixing of water and wine, the making of the sign of the cross towards + the congregation, the use of wafers instead of bread, standing with + his back to the congregation during the prayer for consecration, not + continuing to stand the whole time during the prayer, elevation of the + cup and paten more than is necessary, causing the <i>Agnus Dei</i> to + be sung immediately after the consecration, standing instead of + kneeling during the Confession, and kissing the Prayer Book. + Remonstrance, monition, and inhibition, not being sufficient to teach + him the error of his ways, Mr. Enraght was committed for contempt Nov. + 20, 1880, and taken to Warwick gaol on the 27th. He was released soon + after Christmas, and another Vicar filleth his place. + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm134"></a>Roach Pool.</b>—In the years 1825-26 the + proprietors of the old Birmingham Canal purchased about 130 acres of + land, partly in Edgbaston and partly in Birmingham parishes, for the + purpose of forming reservoirs or feeders for their canal. Part of the + area included Roach Pool, through which the boundary line ran, and the + pleasant path then by its side is now 15ft., or 16ft. under water. In + Ragg's "Edgbaston" is an allusion to this:— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i4"> + "In Rotton Park + </p> + <p class="i2"> + No more doth Roach Pool smile. Its humble mirror, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Wherein the stars were once content to gaze + </p> + <p class="i2"> + On their reflected forms, is buried now + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Some fathoms deep. Yea, with the humble path + </p> + <p class="i2"> + That led beside its banks." + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + <b>Roads.</b>—Same of the roads leading into and out of + Birmingham in the olden days were little better than deep ruts, which + were more or less levelled about the middle of last century. The + making of the great Holyhead coachroad also graded some of the steeper + spots as well as the lowest, but the modern town improvements must be + credited as the greatest factor in the levelling of the roads, none of + which, however, were "macadamised," until 1818. The total + length of highways "taken to" and repairable by the + Corporation at the commencement of 1884, amounted to 185-1/2 miles, + there being other 12-1/2 miles undeclared. Ten years ago the figures + stood at 143 and 40 respectively; but as during the last six years, + owners of property have been paying at the rate of £17,820 per + annum, for completion of the streets and highways so as to bring them + in charge of the Corporation, the undeclared roads will soon be few + and far between. To keep the roads fit for travelling on, requires + about 60,000 tons of stone per year. + </p> + <p> + <b>Rogues, Thieves, and Vagabonds.</b>—According to some + calculations made by the late Rev. Micaiah Hill, Sec. to the Town + Mission, there were, on a given day, in 1880, 1,272 known thieves and + bad characters at large in the town, of whom 177 were under sixteen + years of age. There were 71 houses kept by receivers of stolen goods, + 118 others known to be frequented by the criminal classes, and 188 + houses of ill-fame, in which 262 women were found on the same day. + </p> + <p> + <b>Rolling Mills.</b>—There was one at Nechells as early as + 1690, though the exact date of the erection of nearly all these places + is a matter of the greatest uncertainty. The first steam rolling mill, + with the exception of the one at Soho, was put up at Bradley + ironworks. + </p> + <p> + <b>Rotton Park.</b>—In the list of the tenants of Edward + Birmingham, whose estate was confiscated (circ. 1536), there appears + the name of John Praty, as "farmer" of the office of + "keeper of the Park called Rotton (or Roten) Park," with all + the profits thereof, and the "wyndefal wood and lopwood," + building timber excepted. + </p> + <p> + <b>Rowley Rag.</b>—The fusibility of basalt having been + theoretically demonstrated, Mr. Henry Adcock, C.E., in 1851 took out + letters patent for the manufacture of a number of articles from the + Rowley ragstone. Furnaces were erected at Messrs. Chance Brothers, and + the experiment thoroughly carried out, a number of columns, + window-sills, doorways, steps, and other architectural pieces being + the result. The process, however, was too expensive, and had to be + given up. A number of the articles were used in the erection of + Edgbaston Vestry Hall, where the curious may inspect them if so + inclined. + </p> + <p> + <b>Royal Visitors.</b>—It is believed that Richard III. was the + guest of Baron de Bermingham in November, 1189, and possibly King John + may have visited the Manor, as he was more than once in the immediate + neighbourhood (1206-08), but with those exceptions Charles I. was the + first Sovereign who honoured us with a visit. He was at Aston Hall, + October 16 and 17, 1642. and on the 18th he went to Packington. He was + also in the neighbourhood on Friday, July 13, 1644. Queen Henrietta + Maria, his Consort, was hereabouts on July 10, 1643, passing from + Walsall to meet Prince Rupert at King's Norton. Charles II. does + not appear to have been nearer than at Erdington. Prince Rupert paid + his memorable visit April, 1643. In 1742, the Duke of Cumberland, with + his forces, on their way to Scotland, encamped on Meriden Heath, near + Packington Park.—October 21, 1765, Edward, Duke of York, was + here, and grumbled at the inconvenient ball-room in which he danced, + an event which probably led to the erection of the Royal + Hotel.—The Duke of Gloucester May 4, 1805, slept at the Royal, + and in the following July, King George III. was expected to lay the + foundation stone of Christ Church, but was too ill to come, and the + next Royal visitors were his grand-daughter (and our Most Gracious + Queen) Victoria, and her mother the Duchess of Kent, who on August 4, + and 5, 1830, inspected some of our principal manufactories. On a + similar errand came the late Prince Consort, November 29, 1843; his + next visit being made Nov. 12, 1849 to see the Exposition of Art and + Manufactures at the Old Bingley Hall in Broad Street, which occasion + Birmingham men proudly believe led to the great Hyde Park Exhibition + of 1851. Her Majesty passed through the town on the 30th of August, + 1852, when an address was presented to her. Prince Albert laid the + foundation stone of the Midland Institute, November 22, 1855. The Duke + of Cambridge, June 1, 1857, planted a tree in Calthorpe Park, as part + of the opening ceremony. In the following year, June 15, 1858, the + Queen and Prince Albert inaugurated the "People's Park," + at Aston, and Her Majesty said it was the finest reception she had + ever met with. Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught, opened the + Horticultural Exhibition at Lower Grounds, June 24, 1872. The Duke of + Edinburgh was at the Musical Festival, Aug. 26, and following days, + 1873. The Prince and Princess of Wales visited the town Nov. 3, 1874, + and received a most enthusiastic welcome. Prince and Princess Teck + were here Dec., 6, 1875; and the Prince and Princess Christian, with + the Marquis of Lorne, visited the Cattle and Dog Shows, Dec., 1883. + The Prince of Wales having accepted the Presidentship of the + Agricultural Exhibition Society, it is believed he will again visit + the town shortly. + </p> + <p> + <i>Royal Visitors from Abroad</i>.—The great workshops of + Birmingham, and especially the Soho Works (in their day), have, for + the last hundred years, attracted many crowned and coronetted heads + from other parts of the world, though, in many respects, it is to be + feared our town no longer holds the pre-eminence in manufacture it + once did. The Hereditary Prince of Brunswick came here, January 2, + 1766. The Empress of Russia inspected Soho in 1776. The Duc de + Chartres came on a similar visit, February 22, 1785, and there were + newspaper flunkies then as now, for it was gravely recorded that the + Duke's horses were stabled at the Swan Inn. His Serene Highness + the Statholder and the Prince of Orange called at Boulton's, + August 8, 1796. The Grand Duke Nicholas, afterwards Emperor of Russia, + was here, November 9, 1816. His Serene Highness Prince Nicolas + Esterhazy, visited us in the month of August, 1821. Prince Louis + Napoleon, afterwards Napoleon III., was seen here occasionally while + in exile. The King of Portugal went the round of the manufactories, + June 26, 1854; Prince Oscar of Sweden, May 8, 1862; the Emperor of + Brazil, July 28, 1871; the Sultan of Zanzibar, July 2, 1875; Archduke + Randolph, Crown Prince of Austria, and Prince Esterhazy, January 31 + 1878; and the Duke of Braganza, Crown Prince of Portugal, in December, + 1883. + </p> + <p> + <b>Sabbath Breaking.</b>—In 1776 the churchwardens threatened to + punish everyone caught playing at ball on the Sabbath. In 1779 they + frequently stopped waggons travelling on that day, and fined the + owners for so doing. In December, 1781, thirty-eight publicans were + fined for allowing "tippling" on Sundays. + </p> + <p> + <b>Sailor's Return.</b>—There are several public-houses in + the town with the sign of "The Sailor's Return," but few + of the landlords can tell the history of the first so-named, which is + in Watery Lane, at the bottom of Lawley Street. It is near a hundred + years ago since "Old Dr. Spencer" was Vicar of Aston Church, + and, though he was fond of hunting, and could be "a jolly good + fellow" occasionally, few parsons have gone to the grave more + lamented, for he was a man without cant,—a Christian who never + thought himself better than his neighbours, be they rich or poor. His + only son was mortally wounded in one of Nelson's battles, but he + lived just long enough to give his watch and a few trifles for his + father to the sailor who waited on him. 'Twas some time before the + "old salt" got to land, and he had been in another brush + with the French, and had left a leg behind him. When he delivered his + message to the Dr., the latter asked what he could do for him. + "Why, sir," said the sailor, "I should like to keep a + public-house;" and he did, the Dr. christening it "The + Sailor's Return." + </p> + <p> + <b>Saltley.</b>—So far as our ancient histories can tell us, + there was a mansion here long previous to the Conquest, and the + diligent antiquarian may still find an old Saltley Hall, though it + looks wretchedly neglected and desolate. Saltley is one of the busiest + of our suburbs, there being very extensive Railway Carriage and Wagon + Works here, besides other factories and the Corporation Gas-works, the + population being about 7,000. + </p> + <p> + <b>Sandwell Hall and Park.</b>—Seat of the Earl of Dartmouth, + who frequently permits the Park to be used for public purposes. Of + late, however, it has acquired a far greater interest through the + discovery of coal underneath its surface. The extension of the coal + seams in this direction was long a debateable question, and the + originators of the Sandwell Park Colliery Company were deemed by many + to be very foolish people to risk their money in such a venture, but + after a four years' suspense their most sanguine expectations were + more than realised, and their shares, which at one period were hardly + saleable, ranked amongst the best investments of the country. By their + agreement with the owner, the Company have the right of mining under + an area of 185 acres, at a royalty of 6d. per ton, with the option of + taking a further area of 1,515 acres at a like royalty. The first sod + was cut April 12, 1870, the thick coal being struck May 28, 1874, at a + depth of 418 yards, the shaft, which is 10ft. diameter, being carried + down to a total depth of 440 yards—a quarter of a mile; the + second shaft, which was commenced June 24, 1874, is 15ft. in diameter. + The following are the "winnings"; brooch coal, 2ft. 6in. + thick, at a depth of 380 yards; best coal, 20ft. 6in. thick, at 418 + yard; heathen coal 4ft. thick, at 427 yards; white ironstone, of + excellent quality, at 434 yards, and good fire-clay, 6ft. thick, under + that, besides thin seams of gubbin ironstone, and new mine coal. + </p> + <p> + <b>Saturday Half-holiday.</b>—The introduction of this boon to + workingmen took place in 1851, Mr. John Frearson, of Gas-street, + claiming the honour of first giving it to his employees.—See + "<i><a class="internal" href="#Birm137">Excursions</a></i>". + </p> + <p> + <b>Scandalous Schoolmasters.</b>—The Rev. Mr. Wills, of + Brumingham, with several county esquires and gentlemen, were appointed + Commissioners under an Act passed towards the close of "The Long + Parliament," to summon and examine any "publique preachers, + inefficient ministers, and scandalous schoolmasters who shall be + proved guilty of drunkenness, common haunting of taverns or alehouses, + dealing with lewd women, frequent quarrelling or fighting, frequent + playing at cards or dice, profaning the Sabbath Day, or do incourage + or countenance by word or practice any Whitsun ales, wakes, + Morris-dances, Maypoles, stage plays, &c.," and to remove the + same where needed. A <i>little</i> quarrelling or fighting, or playing + at cards, was apparently no offence. + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm9"></a>School Board.</b>—The first election took + place Nov. 28, 1870, there being the following twenty-eight + candidates, the first fifteen named being the chosen elected by the + number of votes attached to their names, viz., Canon O'Sullivan, + 35,120; S.S. Lloyd, 30,799; Dr. Burges, 21,925; Dr. Wilkinson, 19,829; + John Gough, 17,481; Rev. F.S. Dale, 17,365; G. Dawson. 17,103; G. + Dixon, M.P., 16,897; W. Dale, 16,387; C. Vince, 15,943; J.S. Hopkins, + 15,696; W.L. Sargant, 15,683; J. Chamberlain, 15,090; J.S. Wright, + 15,007; A.J. Elkington, 14,925; G. Baker, J.A. Cooper, Jesse Collings, + Rev. H.W. Crosskey, Dr. Sebastian Evans, Rev. H.W. Holland, + —— Kirkwood, G.B. Lloyd, Dr. Merson, W. Middlemore, W. + Radford, —— Raffles, and Archdeacon Sandford. 29,183 + voters, out of 52,340, recorded their votes. A considerable amount of + party feeling was shown in the contest, the candidates being divided + (with one or two exceptions) into two distinct classes, the Liberals + who wanted the Bible read in the schools without explanation or + comment, and the Churchmen who went in for Scriptural teaching. The + latter party obtained the majority by electing the whole of the eight + they put in nomination, the Liberals, who thought they could run the + whole fifteen, find that by grasping at too much they had lost all the + power they had fondly hoped to acquire. The first meeting of the Board + was held Dec. 15, Mr. Sargant being elected chairman and Mr. S.S. + Lloyd vice-chairman. During the three years' reign of this Board + the religious question was a continual bone of contention, the payment + of school fees for the teaching of the Bible in denominational schools + being denounced in the strongest of terms in and out of the Board-room + by the "Irreconcileables," as the Nonconforming minority + were termed. The practical results of the Board's proceedings may + be summed up thus: The Education Department decided that school + accommodation was required for 15,000 children; the School Board + borrowed £40,000, received £20,500 from the rates, built + five schools (in Lingard-street, Jenkins-street, Farm-street, + Garrison-lane, and Steward-street), which would hold about 6,000 + children, boys, girls, and infants, and engaged fifteen teachers, 52 + pupil teachers, and two assistants. They also allowed the sum of 1s. + per week for every child detained in a certified industrial school, + committed by the borough magistrates, enforced in some measure the + compulsory clauses of the Education Act, entered into negotiations for + the building of four other schools, quarrelled with the Town Council, + and dissolved without thanking their chairman.—The second + election of the School Board took place Nov. 17, 1873, when eighteen + persons were nominated, as follow (the three last being the + unsuccessful candidates):—G. Dixon, M.P., 39,447 votes; J. + Chamberlain, 38,901; Miss Sturge, 37,260; C. Vince, 36,505; J.S. + Wright, 36,417; R.W. Dale, 34,986; G. Dawson, 34,301; Jesse Collings, + 33,877; Canon O'Sullivan, 32,087; S.S. Lloyd, 29,783; Dr. Burges, + 24,582; A.J. Elkington, 24,213; W.L. Sargant, 24,207; Rev. F.S. Dale, + 23,864; Dr. Wilkinson, 23,157; G. Heaton, 23,140; W.H. Greening, + 22,881; and W. Warlow, 19,193. This election was fought with all the + rancour of a political contest, Tory and Liberal being pitted against + one another in the name of religion, the Book of Books being dragged + through the mire of party warfare in the most outrageous manner, + discreditable to both sides, and especially so to those teachers of + the Gospel, who delighted in the almost blasphemous alliterations of + "Bible and beer," "gin and Jesus," &c., so + freely bandied about. The Liberal party this time gained the + ascendancy, their first "liberal" action being to take away + the allowance granted to the Industrial Schools, and reversing as much + as possible the policy of their predecessors. It would be waste of + space to comment upon the doings of the Board during the past ten + years otherwise than to summarise them. The Liberal party have + maintained their ascendancy, and they have provided the town with a + set of schools that cannot be equalled by any town in the kingdom, + either for number, magnificence of architecture, educational + appliance, high-class teachers, or (which is the most important) means + for the advancement of the scholars, to whom every inducement is held + out for self-improvement, except in the matter of religion, which, as + nearly as possible, is altogether banished from the curriculum. At the + end of 1833, the thirty completed schools provided accommodation for + 31,861 children, 10,101 boys, 9,053 girls, and 12,707 infants, but the + number of names on the books reached nearly 40,000. Other schools are + being built, and still more are intended; and, as the town increases, + so must this necessary expenditure, though, at first sight, the tax on + the ratepayers is somewhat appalling. In 1878 the "precept" + was for £46,500; in 1879, £44,000; in 1880, £39,000; + in 1881, £42,000; in 1882, £48,000; in 1883, + £54,000; in 1884, £55,000. The receipts and expenditure + for the half-year ended 25th March, 1884, gives the following + items:—Balance in hand 29th September, 1883 £10,522 1s. + 7-1/2d.; rates (instalment of precept), £27,250; + maintenance—grants from Committee of Council on Education, + £9,866 18s. 4d.; school fees, £4,806 3s. 8d.; books, + &c., sold, £223 18s. 6d.; rent of Board schools, £655 + 9s.; needlework sold, £215 12s. 2d.; grant from Science and Art + Department, £306 Os. 3d.; total, £16,074 1s. 11d.; + scholarships, £114 13s.; sundries, £44 Os. 3d.; total + income, £54,004 16s. 9-1/2d. The following was the expenditure: + Repayment of loans, &c., £11,016 13s, 6d.; maintenance, + £30,040 16s. 1d. (including £23,300, salaries of + teachers); scholarships, £126 13s. 3d.; compulsion and + management, £3,857 3s. 4d.; sundries, £28 4s.; amount + transferred from capital account, £30 1s. 10d.; balance in hand, + £8,905 4s. 9-1/2d.; total, £54,004 16s. 9-1/2d. + </p> + <p> + A Central Seventh Standard Technical School has been originated + through the offer of Sir. George Dixon to give the use of premises in + Bridge Street, rent free for five years, he making all structural + alterations necessary to fit the same for the special teaching of boys + from the Board Schools, who have passed the sixth standard, and whose + parents are willing to keep their sons from the workshops a little + longer than usual. The course of the two years' further + instruction proposed, includes (besides the ordinary code subjects, + the three R's) mathematic, theoretical, and practical mechanics, + freehand, geometry, and model drawing, machine construction and + drawing, chemistry and electricity, and the use of the ordinary + workshop tools, workshops being fitted with benches, lathes, &c., + for the lads' use. The fee is 3d. per week, and if the experiment + succeeds, the School Board at the end of the five years will, no + doubt, take it up on a more extended scale. + </p> + <p> + <i>Aston School Board</i>.—The first election took place July + 29, 1875, and, as in Birmingham, it was fought on the usual political + basis, the Liberals gaining the day. The Board has nine Schools, with + an average attendance of 11,500 children, out of nearly 15,000 on the + registers; 187 teachers, and a debt of £110,000 + </p> + <p> + <i>King's Norton Board</i>.—The first election took place + March 19, 1876. Eight Schools have been built since that date. + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm8"></a>Schools and Colleges.</b>—What with thirty + board schools, about sixty church and chapel schools, and nearly 300 + private enterprise schools, Birmingham cannot be said to be short of + educational establishments, even for the 100,000 children we have + amongst us. At the end of 1881 there were 93,776 children in the + borough between the ages of three and thirteen. Next to the Free + Grammar School, the oldest public school in the town must be the + Lancasterian School, which was opened September 11, 1809, and was + rebuilt in 1851. The National School in Pinford Street was opened in + 1813, the Governors of the Free Grammar School having the privilege of + sending sixty children in lieu of rent for the site. The Madras school + was formerly at the bottom of King Street. The first Infant Schools we + read of were opened in 1825. The first stone of the Industrial School + in Gem Street was laid April 13, 1849. Ragged Schools were opened in + Vale Street, September 11, and in connection with Bishop Ryder's, + September 17, 1862, and in Staniforth Street, January 11, 1868. The + schools in the Upper Priory were erected in 1860; those in Camden + Drive in 1869. The Unitarian Schools, Newhall Hill, were opened in + 1833; the New Meeting Street Schools in 1844. Winfield's in one + sense must be called a public school, though connected with a factory + and built (at a cost of over £2,000) for the education of the + young people there employed. The respected owner of the Cambridge + Street Works, like many other Conservatives, was one of the most + liberal-minded men, and hundreds owe not only their education, but + their present position in life to the care bestowed upon them at this + school.—A Roman Catholic School was opened in Bartholomew + Street, October 1, 1872; in Brougham Street, December 27, 1872; and + new Schools in Shadwell Street, (costing about £4,500), June 25, + 1883—The Palmer Street Congregational Schools, which cost + £2,500, were opened February 12, 1877. The old Wesleyan chapel, + in Martin Street, was fitted up for schools in 1865. The same body + opened schools at Summer Hill, in 1874; in Icknield Street West, + January 1, 1875; and laid the first stone of another school in + Sterling Road, September 22, 1884.—the Hebrew National Schools, + Hurst Street, were opened May 21, 1844. + </p> + <p> + The Birmingham and Edgbaston Proprietary School, Hagley Road, was the + property of a company constituted by deed of settlement, dated + February 28, 1839. The cost of the land chosen to build upon and the + handsome edifice erected was £10,500, the school being opened in + 1841. In 1874 there was originated a Birmingham Higher Education + Society, and in 1876 a scheme was adopted for a High School for Girls + in conjunction with the Proprietary School, a company being formed, + with a nominal capital of £20,000, for the purchase of the + property; but the days of the School's prosperity seem to have + passed away, and in August,1881, it was bought over by the Governors + of the Free Grammar School. + </p> + <p> + <i><a id="Birm112"></a>Blue Coat School</i> (facing St. Phillip's + Churchyard) founded in 1721, and was erected in 1724, provision having + been made in the Act for building St. Philip's Church for securing + the necessary land required for the school for a term of 1,000 years + at 10s. per year. The first cost of the building was about + £3,000, but many alterations and extensions have since been made + thereto, the quaint little statues in the front being put up in 1770; + they are the work of Mr. Edward Grubb, and are said to have been + portraits of two of the children then actually in the school. The + first bequest recorded is that of Mrs. Elizabeth White, who in 1722 + left nearly 30 acres of land worth about £250 per year for the + support of the school. In 1726 Benjamin Salusbury left 30s. per year + for the preaching of a sermon at St. Martin's and St. + Philip's, and a further 40s. per year as a subscription; as did + also Thomas Dunscombe in 1729. In 1795 the Lord of the Manor presented + the school with a slice of Birmingham Heath, above five acres in + extent, which is now let on a long lease at £96 10s. per year. + In 1806 other land was devised, and from time to time considerable + sums have been invested in like manner and in consols, so that a fair + income is derived from these sources, in addition to the voluntary and + annual subscriptions, but judging from the past and the admirable way + in which the funds have been administered it may be truly said that if + the income were doubled or trebled so would be the benefits in like + proportion. At first opening 22 boys and 10 girls were admitted, and + 10 others of each sex were taught and clothed; the latter system, + however, had many inconveniences, and was soon discontinued. At + present the average number is 150 boys and 100 girls on the original + foundation, 20 being paid for out of Fentham's Trust. + </p> + <p> + <i>Bourne College</i> is situated at Quinton, and is an institution + for the education of the sons of friends belonging to the Primitive + Methodist denomination. The memorial stones were laid June 6, 1881, + and the College was opened October 24, 1882, with accommodation for 70 + boys. + </p> + <p> + <i>Church Schools</i>.—St. Alban's Schools were commenced in + 1865. Bishop Ryder's Schools were opened in December 1860, and for + girls in March 1866. Christ Church Schools were built in 1837 at a + cost of nearly £4,000 St. George's Schools were built in + 1842; St. John's (Sparkhill) in 1884; St. Mary's, Bath Street, + in 1824, the present schools dating from January, 1847. St. + Martin's Church Schools were opened Nov. 1, 1846, but were + transferred to the School Board, July 9, 1879; St. Matthew's, + Lupin Street, October 20, 1841; St. Paul's, December 18, 1845; the + Legge Lane Schools being erected in 1869. St. Anne's School, + Deritend, was opened May 31, 1870; St. Mary's, Aston Brook, April + 16, 1872. + </p> + <p> + <i>King Edward the VIth's Schools</i>.—For 300 years known + as the Free Grammar School, having been founded in 1551, the fifth + year of the reign of Edward VI., and endowed with part of the property + taken by his reforming father Henry VIII., in 1536, from the religious + foundation known as the "Guild of the Holy Cross." At the + time the charter was granted (Jan. 2, 1552) these lands were valued at + about £20 per annum, and so little was it imagined that + Birmingham would ever be more than the small hamlet it then was, that + a funny tale has come down to the effect that the good people of + King's Norton, when offered their choice of similar lands or a sum + equal thereto, wisely as they thought chose the "bird in + hand" and asked for the £20 per year for their school, + leaving the Brums to make what they could out of the bare fields once + belonging to the brotherhood of the Holy Cross. Like the majority of + so-called charity schools, this foundation was for many generations so + managed that the funds went into almost any channel except the purpose + for which it was designed—the free education of the + poor—and even now it would be an interesting question to find + out how many boys are receiving the advantages thereof whose parents + are well able to pay for their learning elsewhere. The property of the + charity is widely scattered over the town, here a piece and there a + piece, but it is rapidly increasing in value from the falling in of + leases the rentals, which in 1827 were about £3,000 per annum, + being in 1840 £8,400, in 1860 £12,600, and now + £25,000; by the expiration of this century it will be at least + £50,000. The earliest existing statutes are dated October 20, + 1676, one of the most comical being that the assistant masters were + not to marry. The head master's salary in 1676 was fixed at + £68 15s., with a house and land; in 1738 he was allowed + £20 in lieu of the house, in 1788 the salary was increased to + £150; in 1726 to £200; in 1816 to £400; and now it + is about £1,200. The second master at first received £34 + 6s. 8d.; in 1874 he received £300. The first school was the old + Guildhall of the Holy Cross, which was pulled down at the commencement + of the 18th century, a new school being erected in 1707, and removed + in 1833, to make way for the present edifice, which was erected in + 1840, from the designs of Mr. Barry, at a cost of £67,000. The + school has a frontage of 174 feet, with a depth of 125 feet, being 60 + feet high. The "schoolroom" proper is 120 feet, by 30 feet + and 45 feet high. In the last century the governors "set up" + branch schools in Shut Lane, Dudley Street, Freeman Street, London + 'Prentice Street, and other localities; and in 1838 elementary + schools were erected in Gem Street, Edward Street, and Meriden Street, + as preparatory adjuncts to the New Street School. Extensive changes + have lately been made in the government and management of the Grammar + School, which can no longer be called a "Free School." + Formerly the governors were self-elected, but by the new scheme, which + was approved by the Queen in Council, March 26, 1878, the number is + limited to twenty-one, eight of them being appointed by the Town + Council, one by the school teachers, one each by the Universities of + Oxford, Cambridge, and London, and the remaining nine to be chosen by + the Governors themselves. The first meeting of the new Board of + Governors was held May 15, 1878. The New Street School is divided into + a High School for boys, a High School for girls, and a Middle School, + the other schools being respectively called Grammar Schools. The fees + now payable at the Five Ways School (formerly the Proprietary School), + and at the new schools at Camp Hill and Albert Road, Aston are 2s. 6d. + on admission, and £3 annually; to the High Schools the entrance + fee is 10s., and the tuition fees £9 per annum; to the Middle + Schools, 5s., and £3 per annum. The number of children in all + the schools is about 2,000, and the fees amount to about £4,000 + per annum. There are a number of foundation scholarships, which + entitle the successful competitors from the Grammar Schools to free + tuition at the High Schools, and ten exhibitions arising out of the + Milward's, and Joanna Leuch's Trusts, for the Universities, + besides yearly class prizes of considerable value. + </p> + <p> + <i>Mason's Scientific College</i>.—The foundation of this + College, situated in Edmund Street, opposite the Free Library, was + laid on the 23rd February, 1875, by Sir Josiah Mason, the founder, who + in that manner celebrated his 80th birthday; and it was opened October + 1, 1880. The College, which is estimated to have cost £100,000, + was built entirely by the founder who also endowed it with an income + of about £3,700 per annum, with the intention of providing + instruction in mathematics, abstract and applied; physics, + mathematical and experimental; chemistry, theoretical, practical, and + applied; the natural sciences, geology, metallurgy and mineralogy; + botany, zoology and physiology; English, French and German, to which + have since been added Greek, Latin, English literature, civil and + mechanical engineering; the chemistry, geology, theory and practice of + coal mining, &c. The entire management is in the hands of eleven + trustees, five of whom are appointed by the Town Council, and there is + no restriction on their powers, save that they must be laymen and + Protestants. The students may be male or female of any creed, or of + any birthplace, though preference is given to candidates from + Mason's Orphanage, and to persons born in Birmingham or + Kdderminster, other things being equal. The site contains a little + over an acre of land, extending through from Edmund Street, with a + frontage of 149 feet, to Great Charles Street, with a frontage of 127 + feet. About one half of the area is covered by the present buildings, + which were erected from the designs of Mr. J.A. Cossins, who chose the + 13th century style, with elaborations of a French character, its stone + balconies, lofty gables, oriel and dormer windows, picturesque + turrets, and numberless architectural enrichments, forming a contour + quite unique in the Birmingham district, though much of its beauty is + lost through the narrowness of the thoroughfare. The College is built + in two blocks communicating by corridors, and contains several lecture + and other large rooms, laboratories, class-rooms, &c., so arranged + that the attendants on one department in no way interfere with others, + there being about 100 apartments altogether, in addition to library, + reading-rooms, private rooms, &c. The report for the year ending + Founder's Day, February 23, 1884, showed the number of students in + the day classes during the session to have been 366—viz., 229 + male and 137 female students; while in the evening classes there were + 118 male and 54 female students, 20 students attending some day as + well as evening classes. The number of individual students registered + during the session 1882-3, as attending day or evening classes, was + 518, as against 462 in 1881-82, and 181 in 1880-81. The accounts + showed an expenditure for the year of £8,095 12s. 2d., of which + £4,258 7s. 9d. was in respect of the teaching staff. The + expenditure exceeded the income by £764 0s. 8d., principally on + account of additional buildings, repairs, &c. The trustees have + lately made provision for nine scholarships, including two entrance + scholarships of £30 each; one of £30, for students of one + year's standing; two of £30 each, for two years' + students; two of £20 each for honour students in the + examinations of the University of London; and two technical + scholarships of £30 each, one in the chemical and the other in + the engineering department. The two last are known as the Tangye, + Scholarships, having been given by Messrs. R. and G. Tangye, and funds + are being raised for several others. + </p> + <p> + <i>Queen's College</i>.—Originally established in 1828 as + the School of Medicine; being patronised afterwards by William IV., it + being known as The Royal School of Medicine and Surgery, under which + name it existed until incorporated by Royal Charter in 1843, when it + was rechristened as The Queen's College. The first building + erected for the use of the Royal School was located in Snow Hill, the + ceremony of laying the foundation stone of the present handsome Gothic + edifice in Paradise Street being performed August 18, 1843, the chapel + being consecrated in the following year. At first there was but a + medical department, but, at the incorporation, a theological + department was added, and for many years, principally through the + exertions of Dr. Warneford and Mr. W. Sands Cox, it was one of the + most thriving and popular Colleges in the kingdom, the courses of + study qualifying for degrees at the University of London, and for + diplomas of the Society of Apothecaries, and the Royal College of + Surgeons; while theological students, with the College certificate, + could go up for their B.A. degree, with only a twelve months' + residence at the University. A department in connection with the Arts, + Manufacture, and Commerce was opened in May, 1853, and a High School + of Trade and Commerce, for giving an education specially adapted for + youths intended for mercantile pursuits, was commenced in the autumn + of 1877. An attempt to extend the medical education to female students + was made at one time, but the ladies were refused permission to attend + the College June 27, 1873; they are still debarred from studying + surgery here, and none have as yet entered their names on the list of + theological students. In the other departments greater facilities have + been allowed the fair sex, a Central High School for girls being + opened at the College September 17, 1879, accommodation being provided + for eighty pupils. The Museum of Natural History formed at the College + soon after its opening, long one of the town attractions for visitors, + was presented to the Corporation, and formed the nucleus of the + heterogenous collection at Aston Hall. The medical students have the + advantage of an extensive Anatomical Museum, and there is, besides, a + library of about 6,000 volumes of the best works and books of + reference that could be obtained. + </p> + <p> + <i>Oscott College</i>.—The old Roman Catholic College of St. + Mary's, at Oscott, was first used as such in 1808. The present + building was commenced in 1835, and opened May 31, 1838, and is + considered one of the chief English seminaries for Catholic students + in theology. The chapel is 112 ft. long by 33 ft. wide, and is richly + decorated, having side chapels and several handsome memorial windows. + The College library is very extensive, and includes many very rare, + valuable, and ancient works, some choice MSS., and a number of + "old masters," the latter having been contributed by the + late Earl of Shrewsbury. + </p> + <p> + <i>Saltley Training College</i>, which covers nearly seven acres of + land, was instituted in 1847, and was opened at Easter, 1852, for the + education of future schoolmasters in connection with the Established + Church. The building cost nearly £18,000 and will accommodate + 100 students who undergo a two years' training, the College being + under the inspection of the Committee of Council on Education. + Government grants amount to about two-thirds of the income, the + balance being raised by public subscription and from fees. In addition + to over fifty scholarships tenable by students who pass their + examination, there are four exhibitions arising from a sum of + £2,000 given in October, 1874, by the late Mr. Arthur Ryland + (for a donor who desired to be anonymous) to the governing body of + this College "to found a trust for promoting the teaching of + teachers the laws of health, and inducing teachers to make that + subject one of the things statedly taught in their own schools," + and a further £1,000 for four exhibitions to students. + </p> + <p> + <i>Severn Street First Day Adult School</i>.—The name tells + pretty well that this school was commenced by some members of the + Society of Friends, though there is really nothing sectarian about it. + Established in 1815, in a simple way and with but few classes, there + is hardly an institution in the town that can be compared to it in the + matter of practical usefulness, and certainly none at which there has + been exhibited such an amount of unselfish devotedness on the part of + teachers and superintendents. The report to the end of 1883 stated + that during the year the progress of the school had been of an + encouraging character. The following statistics were given of the + total attendance at all the schools connected with the + movement:—Number of teachers, 57 males, 25 females—total, + 82, average attendance, 51 males, 23 females—total 74. + Elementary teachers, 173 males, 21 females—total, 194; average + attendance, 152 males, 19 females—total, 171. Number of + scholars, 3,370 males, 653 females—total, 4,023; average + attendance, 2,510 males, 510 females—total 3,080. The total + number admitted since the men's school commenced in 1845, and the + women's in 1848, had been 40,350. In connection with the school + there are a number of organisations of great utility, such as sick + societies, building societies, savings' funds, libraries, + excursions clubs, &c. In the savings' fund the balance in hand + reached £14,000, while over £18,000 had been paid into the + building societies. There are a dozen other "adult schools" + in the town which have sprung from Severn Street. + </p> + <p> + <i>Spring Hill College</i>.—For the education and training of + Independent ministers, was first opened in 1838, in the mansion of Mr. + George Storer Mansfield, at Spring Hill, that gentleman giving certain + landed property towards its future support. The present edifice, near + Moseley, to which the old name was given, was opened in June, 1857, + the cost of the building, &c., nearly £18,000, being raised + by voluntary contributions. It has room for 36 students. + </p> + <p> + <i>Sunday Schools</i>.—Sunday classes for the teaching of the + Catechism, &c., date from a very early period of Church history, + but Sunday Schools as they are now known seem to have been locally + organised about a hundred years ago, the Sunday after Michaelmas Day + in 1784 being marked as a red-letter-day on account of there being + twenty-four schools then opened, though the course of instruction went + no further than teaching the children to read. In 1789 some young men + formed the "Sunday Society" as an addition thereto, the + object being to teach writing and arithmetic to boys and youths of the + artisan class. In 1796 the society was extended, other classes being + formed, lectures delivered, &c., and it was then called the + "Brotherly Society." Mr. James Luckcock and Mr. Thos. + Carpenter were the leaders, and this is claimed to have been the + origin of Mechanics' Institutes. The Unitarians date their Sunday + Schools from 1787: the Baptists and Methodists from 1795. Deritend + Sunday School was opened by Mr. Palmer in 1808, with but six scholars; + in a month they were so numerous that part had to be taught in the + street. The first prizes given to the children were new Boulton + pennies. On Emancipation Day (August 1, 1838) there was a procession + of over 3,000 scholars from the Baptist Sunday Schools. In 1812 the + Birmingham Sunday School Union was organised. The medallists of this + town sent out about 800,000 commemoration medals in 1880, when the + Sunday School Centenary was kept. Nearly 2,000 teachers attend the + Church schools and about 2,500 attend Dissenting and other schools, + the number of children on the books of Sunday Schools in Birmingham + being estimated at— + </p> + <table cellspacing="10" summary= + "Numbers of children on Sunday School books"> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + </td> + <td> + 14 years and over + </td> + <td> + Under 14 years + </td> + <td> + Total. + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Church of England schools + </td> + <td> + 5,500 + </td> + <td> + 16,500 + </td> + <td> + 22,000 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Sunday School Union + </td> + <td> + 7,312 + </td> + <td> + 13,660 + </td> + <td> + 20,972 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Wesleyan and others + </td> + <td> + 2,745 + </td> + <td> + 6,627 + </td> + <td> + 9,372 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Roman Catholic + </td> + <td> + 1,200 + </td> + <td> + 1,950 + </td> + <td> + 3,150 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Unitarian + </td> + <td> + 692 + </td> + <td> + 1,359 + </td> + <td> + 1,961 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + Other schools + </td> + <td> + 550 + </td> + <td> + 750 + </td> + <td> + 1,250 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + </td> + <td> + <hr style="width: 30;" /> + </td> + <td> + <hr style="width: 30;" /> + </td> + <td> + <hr style="width: 30;" /> + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + </td> + <td> + 17,859 + </td> + <td> + 40,846 + </td> + <td> + 58,705 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + <i>Wesleyan College</i>.—The five memorial stones of a College + for training Wesleyan ministers, at the corner of Priory and College + Roads, Handsworth, were laid June 8, 1880. The site includes 17-1/2 + acres, and cost over £7,000, the total cost of the College when + completed and furnished being estimated at £40,000. About fifty + students are accommodated at present, but there is room for thirty + more. + </p> + <p> + <b>Scraps of Local History.</b>—A foreign visitor here in the + reign of James II., wrote that our tradesmen were in the habit of + spending their evenings in public-houses, and were getting into lazy + habits, so that their shops were often not opened before 7 a.m. + </p> + <p> + Another intelligent foreigner (<i>temp</i> Charles II.) has left it on + record that not only was smoking common among women here, but that the + lads took a pipe and tobacco with them to school, instead of + breakfast, the schoolmaster teaching them at the proper hour how to + hold their pipes and puff genteelly. + </p> + <p> + Hutton believed that the scythe-blades attached to the wheels of Queen + Boadicea's war chariots (A.D. 61), as well as the Britons' + swords, were made in this neighbourhood. + </p> + <p> + When escaping from Boscobel, in the guise of Miss Lane's servant, + Charles II. had to appeal to a blacksmith at Erdington to re-shoe his + horse. The knight of the hammer was a republican, and his majesty + chimed in with the man's views so readily, that the latter + complimented his customer on "speaking like an honest man." + Miss Lane afterwards married Sir Clement Fisher, of Packington, and + her portrait may be still seen at the Hall. + </p> + <p> + During the battle of Waterloo, the Duke of Wellington saw a little + fellow in plain clothes riding about on a cob, and, beckoning him up, + told him he was in danger. The litlle man, however, said be had come + to see a fight, and meant to stop it out. Shortly after, the Duke + wanting a messenger, employed the rider of the cob to take a message + across the field, directing a certain regiment to charge the enemy. + This was done, and the Duke took his messenger's card and saw no + more of him at that time; but afterwards, finding that the little man + was the traveller to a Birmingham button maker, he appointed him to a + situation in the Mint, at £800 a year. + </p> + <p> + In 1766, it was necessary to have 25 constables ready to protect the + farmers coming to market with their corn, the times were so hard with + the poor. In the following year large quantities of rice were + purchased by subscription, and one gentleman, it is said, himself gave + away half-a-ton per day for ten days. + </p> + <p> + In 1853, a premium of £30 was offered for the best design of an + illuminated clock, to be erected on the open space in front of Christ + Church. + </p> + <p> + A Queen Anne's farthing of rare type was turned up in the Bull + Ring, in July, 1879. + </p> + <p> + The body of William Woodward was found (March 21, 1878) in the + branches of a tree in Little Green Lane, he having climbed up there + previous to death. + </p> + <p> + The giving of free breakfasts on a Sunday morning to the poor children + of the streets, was commenced July 4, 1875, at Park Street Ragged + Schools. A system of supplying school-children with penny dinners is + the latest philanthropic movement. + </p> + <p> + The hottest day recorded in our local history was June 23, 1868. + </p> + <p> + The Orsini bombs used in Paris, January 15, 1858, were made in this + town. + </p> + <p> + A hundred years back, meetings of the inhabitants were called by the + tolling of one of St. Martin's bells. + </p> + <p> + The declaration of war, or cessation thereof, used to be proclaimed in + the market by the High Bailiff. + </p> + <p> + The 7th Earl of Stirling officiated in this town as a Nonconformist + minister, simply styling himself the Rev. John Alexander; he died Dec. + 29, 1765, and was buried in the Old Meeting grave-yards. His sister, + who became Countess in her own right, was married to a local + manufacturer, William Humphrys. + </p> + <p> + <b>Sessions.</b>—The first of the Borough Quarter Sessions was + held July 5, 1839, M.D. Bill, Esq., Recorder. On the 25th of November + following the magistrates began to sit daily at Petty Sessions. + </p> + <p> + <b>Secular Club and Institute.</b>—The members having bought the + remainder of lease (32 years) of No. 18, Crescent, for £340, + have fitted it up for the purposes of their club and on June 1, 1877, + the foundation-stone was laid of a lecture hall at the rear, 70ft. + long by 19ft. wide. St. George's Hall, Upper Dean Street, was + their former meeting place. + </p> + <p> + <b>Sewerage and Sanitary Works.</b>—The disposal of the sewage + of a large town away from the sea or tidal rivers has at all times + been a source of difficulty, and Birmingham forms no exception to the + rule. When it was in reality but the little "hardware + village" it has so often been called, the Rea was sufficient to + carry off the surface waters taken to its channel by the many little + rills and brooks of the neighbourhood, but as the town increased, and + house drainage defiled that limped stream, it became necessary to + construct culverts, so as to take the most offensive portion of the + sewage to a distance from inhabited houses. A great improvement was + looked for after the introduction of the Waterworks, allowing the use + of water-flushed closets in the better class of houses, instead of the + old style of accommodation usually provided at the end of the garden, + but even this system became a nuisance, especially to residents near + the river Tame, the receptacle of all liquid filth from our streets, + closets, middens, and manufactories, and legal as well as sanitary + reasons forced upon the Corporation the adoption of other plans. Our + present sanitary system comprises the exclusion, as far as possible, + of closet refuse and animal and vegetable matters from the sewers, and + secondly, the purification by filtration, &c., of the outpourings + of the sewers, after the partial separation therefrom of the more + solid constituents. In 1871, when the real sanitary work of the + borough may be said to have practically commenced, out of about 73,200 + houses only 3,884 were provided with water-closets, the remainder + being served by middens, drained and undrained, the greater part + uncovered and polluting the atmosphere, while the soakage fouled the + earth and contaminated the wells. From these places in 1873 there were + removed 160,142 loads of ashes, &c., the number of men employed + being 146, and the cost, allowing for sales, over £20,000, or + £55 10s. per 1,000 of the Population. In the following year the + Council approved of "the Rochdale system," closet-pans and + ash-tubs taking the place of the old style with middens, the contents + being removed weekly instead of being left to accumulate for months. + At first the new system was far from perfect, and met with much + opposition, notwithstanding the certainty of its being a more healthy + plan than the old one; but improvements have been made, and it is now + generally confessed that the pans and tubs are the right things in the + right places. The number of pans in use in 1874 was 3,845; in 1875, + 7,674; in 1876, 15,992; in 1877, 22,668; in 1883, 37,287, equal to a + collection of 1,900,000 pans per year. The sanitary force now numbers + 622 men, who, in addition to the above, removed in 1883, from tubs, + middens, &c., 128,966 loads of ashes. The chief depot for this + accumulation of refuse and rubbish is at the Corporation's wharf, + in Montague Street, where over £52,000 has been laid out in + buildings and machinery for its due disposal. At first, nearly two + thirds of the mass had to be taken by canal into the country, where it + was "tipped," the expense being so heavy that it entailed a + loss of about 6s. 6d. per ton on the whole after allowing for that + part which could be sold as manure. Now, however, the case is + different. Extensive machinery has been introduced, and the contents + of the pans are dried to a powder, which finds a good market; the + ashes, &c., are used in the furnaces for the drying process, and + the residue therefrom, or clinkers, forms a valuable substance for + roadmaking or building purposes, &c., in the shape of concrete, + paving flags, mantelpieces, tabletops, and even sepulchral monuments + being constructed with it, so that in a short time the receipts will, + it is expected, more than balance the expenditure in this department + of local sanitary work. The pollution of the river Tame in past years + led to continuous litigation until the year 1877, when, as the result + of an exhaustive inquiry, it was determined to form a United Drainage + District Board, with powers to construct and maintain intercepting + sewers sufficient for carrying the drainage of the whole district, + comprising Aston, Aston Manor, Balsall Heath, Birmingham, Handsworth, + Harborne, King's Norton, Northfield, Perry Barr, Saltley, and + Smethwick. The first meeting of this Board was held December 6, 1877, + when it took over the sewage farm at Saltley belonging to the + Corporation (about 262 acres), the plant and stock, &c. Up to the + present time (end of 1884), nearly half a million sterling has been + spent by the Board, whose "farm" of 1,500 acres, extends + from Saltley to Tyburn, two and a half miles, and who have now to deal + with the sewage brought there from 188 miles of main sewers, extending + as far as King's Norton and Selly Oak, Harborne, Smethwick, + &c. The whole of the black and turgid stream of liquid filth + brought down by the sewers is utilised upon the farm, some 200 cubic + yards of mud being lifted daily from the settling tanks, to be dug in, + while the overflow is taken by carriers to the most distant parts, and + allowed to filtrate through the soil, until the resulting effluent is + as clear as crystal, while immense crops are gathered yearly from the + land so treated. An analysis made a little time back of a natural + deposit from the town sewerage, formed near the embouchure of several + sewers emptying into one of the great arterial mains, showed the + absence of all ammoniacal salts and a scarcity of phosphates, + particularly alkaline phosphates, and at the same time the presence of + a large quantity of protoxide of iron, also of zinc, copper, and other + metals in the state of oxides and sulphurets. These metallic salts + absorb the sulphuretted hydrogen and ammonia generated by decaying + vegetable, and animal matter, and doubtless so contributes to promote + the health of the town, but nevertheless every precaution should be + taken against the possible admission to the house of "sewer + gas," which at all times is injurious to health. The analysed + deposit contained when dried only 1.4 per cent. of nitrogen (not as + ammonia) and 3.5 of earthy phosphates; but about 11.7 of protoxide of + iron, besides zinc, copper, and other metals to the extent of 2 or 3 + per cent. The latter-named proportions may in some measure account for + "what becomes of the pins?" as in the deposit named (which + was nearly solid) those useful little articles were exceedingly + conspicuous. + </p> + <p> + <b>Shambles.</b>—The name given to the meat market in Jamaica + Row. In the map of 1731, "The Shambles" are marked as a long + block of buildings, a little higher than opposite the end of Bell + Street, and in 1765 they still remained there, forming a kind of + "middle row," among the incongruous collection of tenements, + stallages, &c., that encumbered our Bull Ring, down to the gates + of the church itself. + </p> + <p> + <b>Ship Inn.</b>—The old Ship Inn, at Camp Hill, where Prince + Rupert had his headquarters in 1643, was pulled down in 1867; the + present Ship Hotel being opened February 6, 1868. It was sold in July, + 1882, for £12,050. + </p> + <p> + <b>Shirley.</b>—Situated in the parish of Solihull, though but a + village with some half hundred cottages, has of late become a favorite + spot for those fond of a Sunday drive. + </p> + <p> + <b>Shoeblacks.</b>—An attempt was made in 1875 to form a + shoeblack brigade, but only ten gentlemen attended the meeting (called + June 21), and the business was left to the irregulars. + </p> + <p> + <b>Smallbrook Street.</b>—A small stream, formerly ran its + course along part of this site, proceeding by way of Smithfield + Passage to the moat, and thence through the mill-pool, back of + Bradford Street, to the Rea. The ancient family of the Smallbrokes + held considerable lands in the neighbourhood, but whether the + street's name came from the small brook or the Smallbrokes is a + matter of doubt. + </p> + <p> + <b>Smallpox.</b>—From the opening of the Smallpox Hospital in + May, 1882, to July 10, 1884, the duration of the late epidemic, there + were 1,591 cases admitted. Among the 1,384 patients who had been + vaccinated there occurred 59 deaths; among the 207 unvaccinated, 90 + deaths. No re-vaccinated person died. + </p> + <p> + <b>Snow Hill.</b>—There is a difference of 60ft. between the top + level next Bull Street and the Bottom of Snow Hill. + </p> + <p> + <b>Soho.</b>—Prior to 1756 the country on the Handsworth side of + Birmingham was little better than barren heath, the home of conies and + a few beggarly squatters, until Mr. Edward Ruston leased from the Lord + of the Manor the whole of the piece of common that lay between Nineveh + and Hockley on the left of the West Bromwich Road. He deepened the + channel of Hockley brook, and built a small mill by its side, which + being purchased from him in 1764 by Matthew Boulton (who soon acquired + the freehold also) formed the site of the once world-renowned Soho + Works. In 1774, according to "Swinney's Birmingham + Directory," these works consisted of four squares of buildings, + with workshops, &e., for more than a thousand workmen. Many more + than that number, however, were afterwards employed on the grounds, + and for long years Soho House, as Boulton's residence was called, + was the resort of lords and ladies, princes and philosophers, savants + and students, to a far greater extent than many of the European + courts. Of this home of the steam engine, and the birthplace of + inventions too numerous to count, there is now no vestige left, the + foundry being removed to Smethwick in 1848, the celebrated Mint, with + the warehouses and shopping, being cleared out early in 1850, and the + walls razed to the ground in 1853. + </p> + <p> + <b>Soho Hill.</b>—The top is 177ft. higher than at Hockley + Bridge, the foot of the hill. + </p> + <p> + <b>Soho Pool</b> was formed by the make of an embankment (1756-60) + impounding the waters of Hockley brook, and for some years after the + demolition of the Soho Works it was a favourite place for boating, + &c.. The pool was drained in 1866, and, having been filled up, its + site will ere long be covered with streets of houses. + </p> + <p> + <b>Solihull.</b>—This very pleasant village, but a few miles + distant, could boast of a Free School for its children at a very early + date, for we read of the buildings being repaired in 1573. In 1882 the + School was rebuilt, at a cost of about £5,700, and its + endowments, some of which were given in the reign of Richard II., are + yearly becoming of greater value as building progresses. The present + population is nearly 6,000, the rateable value of property being + £45,202, from an area of 12,000 acres. The parishes in the Union + comprise Baddesley, Balsall, Barston, Bushwood, Elmdon, Knowle, + Lapworth, Nuthurst, Packwood, Solihull, Tanworth, and Yardley, + including an area of 46,302 acres, a population of 21,000, with a + rateable value amounting to £157,000. + </p> + <p> + <b>Spanish Armada.</b>—The nobility and gentry of this and + adjoining counties, at the time of the threatened invasion by the + Spaniards, contributed sums of money sufficient to hire and equip no + less than 43 ships of war. Among the names we note the following local + subscribers of £25 each:—William Kinge and William Collmer + (Colmore), of Burmingham; Richard Middlemore, Edgbaston; Mrs. + Margarett Knowlys, Nuneton; Gabriell Powltney, Knowle; Richard + Corbett, Meryden, &c. + </p> + <p> + <b>Speaking Stile Walk.</b>—In a footpath leading from Holloway + Head to Edgbaston Church, there was a stile at a spot from which an + exceedingly clear echo, could be raised, and the footpath being partly + thrown into a lane the latter became "Speaking Stile Lane." + The short street or road at present existing preserves the name, but + that is all, the echo, the stile, and the footpath having vanished + long, long ago. + </p> + <p> + <b>Spelling Bee.</b>—The first "Spelling Bee" held in + Birmingham took place January 17th, 1876. Like many other Yankee + notions, it did not thrive here, and the humming of those bees soon + ceased. + </p> + <p> + <b>Springs.</b>—In Hutton's time there was, "a short + distance from Birmingham, in the manor of Duddeston, and joining the + turnpike road to Coleshill," a chalybeate spring of which he + speaks very highly, though even then it was neglected and thought but + little of. In 1849 Mr. Robert Rawlinson making inquiries, was told by + the Town Clerk that "the chalybeate spring in Duddeston was + turned into a culvert by the railway people when the Birmingham and + Liverpool Railway was constructed," to the great regret of the + inhabitants of the neighbourhood who spoke strongly of the virtues of + the water in diseases of the eye. It was suggested in 1862 that an + attempt should be made to reopen the spring for public use, but as it + was nobody's business nobody did it. There was (sixty years ago) a + spring a little below Saturday Bridge opposite Charlotte Street, which + always give forth a constant stream of beautifully clear soft water. + Another in Coventry Road, where 25 years or so ago an old man stooping + to quench his thirst fell head foremost, and not being able to recover + his equilibrium, was drowned, leading to the spring being covered up. + Several mineralised springs existed in Gooch Street, and thereabouts, + and there was one that sprung out close to where Kent Street Baths are + now. The spring which gives name to Spring Street and Spring Vale, and + which has been turned so that its waters run into the sewers, is + estimated to discharge 20,000 gallons of pure limpid water per hour. + The little stream arising from this spring constituted part of the + boundary line between the Birmingham and Edgbaston parishes and at far + less cost than it has taken to waste its water it could have been + utilised for the above-named Baths, less than a thousand yards off, + and with a natural fall of 6ft. or 8ft. Spring Hill takes its name + from a spring now non-existent, but which was once a favourite with + the cottagers who lived near to it. + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm25"></a>Sporting Notes.</b>—It is not for a moment + to be admitted that the men of Birmingham in past years were one whit + more brutal in their "sports" than others of their + countrymen, but it must be confessed they somehow managed to acquire a + shocking bad name to that effect. This of course must be laid to the + credit of the local supporters of "the noble art of + self-defence," the Brummagem bruisers. Bullbaiting and + cockfighting were no more peculiar to this neighbourhood than + parson-pelting or woman ducking at Coventry, where the pillory and + ducking-stool were in use long after they had been put aside in + Birmingham. + </p> + <p> + <i>Archery</i> at one period of history was so little of a sporting + nature that laws were passed for the erection of shooting-butts, the + provision of bows and arrows, and the enforcement of constant practice + by all young men and apprentices. The monk's mixture of brimstone, + charcoal, and salt-petre, however, in course of time left the old + English clothyard shaft with its grey goose feather and the + accompanying six-foot bow of yew to be playthings only, or but fit to + use in shooting squirrels or other small deer. The "Woodmen of + Arden" is the oldest society (in this county) of toxopholites as + the modern drawers of the long bow are called, which society was + "revived" in 1785, the Earl of Aylesford giving a silver + bugle horn and his lady a silver arrow as first and second prizes. The + members of a local society may in summer months be sometimes seen + pacing their measured rounds on an allotted portion of the Edgbaston + Botanical Gardens. + </p> + <p> + <i>Athletics</i>—The Birmingham Athletic Club opened the + Gymnasium in King Alfred's Place, in Aug 1866, and hold their + annual display and assault-at-arms in the Town Hall in the month of + March. Certain hours are allotted to the ladies' classes, and + special terms are made for young men and schoolboys. + </p> + <p> + <i>Bowling Greens</i> and Quoit Grounds were once favourite places of + amusement, many even of the town taverns having them attached. There + was one at the Salutation, bottom of Snow Hill, in 1778, and at an + earlier date at the Hen and Chickens, in High Street. In 1825 a + bowling green was laid out at the corner of Highfield Road and + Harborne Road, for "a very select party" of Edgbastonians. + There was also one at the Plough and Harrow, and several may stil be + found in the neighbourhood. + </p> + <p> + <i>Chess</i>, aristocratic game as it is, is far from being unknown + here, a Chess Club having been established half-a-century back, which + has nearly a hundred members. Its present headquarters are at the + Restaurant, 1, Lower Temple Street. + </p> + <p> + <i>Cock-fighting</i>.—Early numbers of <i>Aris's Gazette</i> + frequently contained notices of "mains" fought at Duddeston + Hall. + </p> + <p> + <i>Cricket</i>.—There was a Cricket Club in existence here in + 1745, and it has been chronicled that a match was being played on the + same day on which the battle of Culloden was fought. Of modern clubs, + whose name is Legion, the oldest is the Birmingham C.C., started in + 1819, the members including the young <i>élite</i> of the town, + who had their field opposite the Monument at Ladywood. The Birchfield + C.C. was organised in 1840. Among the noteworthy matches of late years + are those of the All England Eleven against a local twenty-two, at the + Lower Grounds, June 5, 1871, the visitors winning; the Australian + Eleven <i>v</i>. Pickwick and District Twenty-two, at Bournbrook, June + 24 to 26, 1878, the game not being finished, the first innings showing + 105 runs for the Eleven, against 123; the Australians <i>v</i>. Eleven + of England, at Lower Grounds, May 26, 1884, when the Colonials put + together 76 against 82 in the first innings, the second innings of 33 + against England's 26 being won with five players left to bat. + </p> + <p> + <i>Croquet</i> was introduced in 1867; the first code of laws being + published in October, 1869. + </p> + <p> + <i>Cycling</i>, though quite the rage at the present time, is by no + mems a modern amusement, as running a race with + "dandy-horses" was considered good sport in the days of the + fourth Royal George. These vehicles consisted of two wheels united + tandem fashion, the bar being fitted with saddle-shaped seat as in the + first bicycles, but the motive power was applied through the contact + of the riders' feet with the ground.—The "track" + at the Lower Grounds measures 501 yards. + </p> + <p> + <i>Football</i> is a game as old as the hills, and there are hundreds + of clubs in the town and district, the best meadow for the purpose (at + the Lower Grounds) being about 125 yards long by 75 yards broad. The + Aston Villa is the chief club. + </p> + <p> + <i>Hare and Hounds</i>.—Every suburb and district has its club + of Harriers or Hare and Hounds, an annual cross-country amateur + championship contest being started in 1879. At the last (Feb. 9, 1884) + the Birchfield Harriers scored their fourth victory against the + Moseley Harriers twice. + </p> + <p> + <i>Hunting</i>.—Time was when the sight of scarlet coats and + hounds was no novelty in Birmingham, but those who would now join in + the old English sport of hunting must go farther afield, the nearest + kennels being at Atherstone. The announcements of the meets in this + and adjoining counties appear regularly in the <i>Midland + Counties' Herald</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>Jumping</i>.—At the Lower Grounds in July, 1881, Mr. P. + Davine, of Belfast, jumped 6ft. 3in. the highest previous record + having been 6ft. 2-1/2in., the performance of Mr. M.J. Brookes, + (Oxford U.A.C.) at Lillie Bridge, March, 1874. + </p> + <p> + <i>Lacrosse</i>, a popular Canadian game, was introduced here June 23, + 1883, by a team of Canadian Amateurs and Iroquois Indians, who + exhibited their prowess at the Lower Grounds. + </p> + <p> + <i>Lawn Tennis</i>, at first known as Lawn Racquet, was the invention + of the late Major Gem, who played the first game in 1865 with his + friend Mr. Perera. of Great Charles Street. + </p> + <p> + <i>Pedestrianism</i>.—Among the earlist noted achievements of + local peds. is that of George Guest, who having wagered to walk 1,000 + miles in 28 days finished his task Feb. 1, 1758, with five hours to + spare, doing six miles in the last hour he footed it.—Mr. E.P. + Weston, the walker <i>par excellence</i>, was at Bingley Hall in + April, 1876, and at the Lower Grounds in Jan., 1884, when on his walk + of 5,000 miles in 100 days.—A six days "go-as-you + please" match came off at Bingley Hall in Sept., 1882, and a + ridiculous exhibition of a similar nature occurred in the following + year, when women were induced to walk for the sport of gaping idiots. + </p> + <p> + <i>Pigeon-flying</i> has been for several generations the favourite + amusement of numbers of our workers, and the flyers have a club of + their own, which dates from August, 1875. + </p> + <p> + <i>Pigeon-shooting</i> is a cruel sport, not much favoured in this + locality, and now that a cheap clay pigeon has been invented for use + in this game, instead of the live birds, it is to be hoped that the + disgraceful practice will be confined to the Hurlingham boys. + </p> + <p> + <i>Prize-fighting</i> was long the popular sport of high and low life + blackguards, and Birmingham added many a redoubtable name to the long + list of famous prize-fighters, whose deeds are recorded in + "Fistiana" and other chronicles of the ring. Among the most + conspicuous of these men of might, were Harry Preston, Davy Davis, + Phil Sampson, Topper Brown, Johnny and Harry Broome, Ben Caunt, Sam + Simmonds, Bob Brettle, Tass Parker, Joe Nolan, Peter Morris, Hammer + Lane, and his brothers, with a host of other upholders of fisticuffs, + the record of whose battles will <i>not</i> be handed down to + posterity in the pages of <i>Showell's Dictionary of + Birmingham</i>, though, as a matter of history, it may be noted that + the earliest account we have of a local prize-fight is of that which + took place in Oct. 1782, for 100 guineas a side, between Jemmy + Sargent, a professional, and Isaac Perrins, one of the Soho workmen. + Jemmy knuckled under after being knocked down thirteen times, in as + many rounds, by the knock-kneed hammerman fiom Soho, whose mates, it + is said, won £1,500 in bets through his prowess. Attempts have + lately been made to revive the old sport, but the sooner the would-be + adepts learn that their occupation is gone the better it will be for + them, and all men. + </p> + <p> + <i>Racing and Steeplechasing</i> was not, unknown to the Brums of the + 18th century, as the <i>Gentleman's Magazine</i> makes note of the + races at Birmingham, May 27 to 29, 1740, but where the old racecourse + was situated it is impossible to tell. Indeed it is doubtful whether + any special course has ever long been in existence, as at various + dates we read of races being held at Aston, Bordesley, Deritend, + Walmer Lane, and other places. The Four Oaks Park, adjoining Sutton + Park, formerly the property of a private gentleman, was bought by a + company in June, 1879, for the purpose of laying out a racecourse in + this neighbourhood, of a similar nature to that of Ascot, and other + great racing centres. In addition to the Hall, the buildings comprise + a grand stand (the memorial stone of which was laid June 2, 1880), and + a club stand, each 70ft. by 66ft., with two galleries of seats + refreshment, private, and other rooms. Also a second stand for the + general public, 62ft. by 31ft. and a press and jockey stand, 53ft. by + 31ft. The "paddock" occupies nearly three acres, while an + area of 115ft. by 72ft. is devoted to "the Ring." The cost + of these various buildings and their necessary adjuncts is estimated + at about £12,000, the structures themselves, which are built of + red brick with stone facings, accommodating 3,000 persons. The course + is about a mile and a half in circumference, and the + "straight" about five furlongs in length. The Park includes + an area of 130 acres, and the first race was run March 1, + 1881.—No steeplechases have been run on the old Wolverhampton + course since 1855, and no flat races since Aug. 1877. + </p> + <p> + <i>Running Records</i>.—Mr. W.G. George, of the Moseley + Harriers, won a two mile handicap at Stamford Bridge, April 24, 1884, + in 9 min. 17 2-5 secs. On May 17, same year, he ran four miles, in 19 + min. 39 4-5 secs. On July 28 following, he covered, in the hour, 11 + miles, 932 yds., 9 in., being 37 yds. 2 ft. 3 in. less than the + hitherto unsurpassed hour record of the celebrated Deerfoot in 1862. + Another of George's feats took place May 1, 1882, when he ran ten + miles in 52 min. 56-1/2 secs. + </p> + <p> + <i>Skating Rinks</i> were opened at the Lower Grounds May 1, 1875; at + Bingley Hall, Oct. 2, 1875; at Moseley, Dec. 6, 1876; and at + Handsworth, Oct. 8, 1877; and, for a time, the amusement was + exceedingly popular, more than one fortune accruing from the + manufacture of patent and other roller skates. One of the most + noteworthy feats on the slippery rinks was the skating of 200 miles in + 24 hours by a Mr. F. Betteridge at Bingley Hall, Aug. 20, 1878. + </p> + <p> + <i>Swimming</i>.—The Birmingham Leander Club commenced their + aquatic brotherhood in June, 1877, and the members do themselves + honour by gratuitously attending the public baths in the summer months + to teach the art of swimming to School Board youngsters. [See + "<i><a class="internal" href="#Birm138">Baths</a></i>,"] The + celebrated swimmer, Captain Webb, who was drowned at Niagara, July 24, + 1883, visited this town several times, and the Athletic Club presented + him with a gold medal and purse December 4, 1875. + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm20"></a>Statues, Busts, and Memorials.</b>—For + many years it was sneeringly said that Birmingham could afford but one + statue, that of Nelson, in the Bull Ring, but, as the following list + will show, the reproach can no longer be flung at us. Rather, perhaps, + it may soon be said we are likely to be over-burdened with these + public ornaments, though to strangers who know not the peculiarities + of our fellow-townsmen it may appear curious that certain local + worthies of the past have not been honoured in marble or bronze. + </p> + <p> + <i>Attwood</i>.—The figure of Thomas Attwood, in Stephenson + Place, New Street, is the work of Mr. John Thomas, who did much of the + carving at the Grammar School. The cost was about £900, and the + statue was unveiled June 6, 1859. + </p> + <p> + <i>Blue Coat Children</i>.—The stone figures of a Blue Coat boy + and girl over the entrance to the School in St. Phillip's + Churchyard, were sculptured by Mr. Edward Grubb, in 1770, and Hutton + thought they were executed "with a degree of excellence that a + Roman statuary would not blush to own." In 1881 the appearance of + the figures was <i>improved</i> by their being painted in correct + colours. + </p> + <p> + <i>Bright</i>.—At the time of the Bright Celebration in 1883, + the Birmingham Liberal Association commissioned Mr. A. Bruce Joy to + execute for them a marble statue of Mr. Bright, which the Association + intend placing in the new Art Gallery. The statue itself is expected + to be finished in 1885, but Mr. Bright has expressed his satisfaction + with the model, which represents him standing erect in an attitude of + dignified tranquility, easy and natural with his left hand in the + breast of his coat, while the other hangs down by his side, emblematic + of the Christian charity so characteristic of our distinguished + representative. + </p> + <p> + <i>Boulton</i>.—There is a fine bust of Matthew Bolton in + Handsworth, and as the owner of the great Soho Works certainly did + much to advance the manufactures of this town, foreigners have often + expressed surprise that no statue has been erected to <i>his</i> + memory. + </p> + <p> + <i>Buddha</i>.—The bronze statue of Buddha, now in Aston Hall, + is supposed to be 2,500 years old, and was found buried among the + ruins of a temple at Soottan, on the Ganges, Dec 6, 1862. It was + presented to this town in 1864 by Mr. Samuel Thornton. + </p> + <p> + <i>Chamberlain, J</i>.—The memorial at the rear of the Town Hall + bears the following inscription:— + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + "This memorial is created in gratitude for public service + given to this town by Joseph Chamberlain, who was elected town + councillor in November, 1869, Mayor in 1873, and resigned that + office in June, 1876, on being returned as one of the + representatives of the borough of Birmingham in Parliament, and + during whose mayoralty many great works were notably advanced, and + mainly by whose ability and devotion the gas and water undertakings + were acquired for the town, to the great and lasting benefit of the + inhabitants." + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + The memorial was desisigned by Mr. J.H. Chamberlain, of the firm of + Martin and Chamberlain, and was presented to the town October 26, + 1880, during the mayoralty of Mr. Richard Chamberlain. The medallion + of the right hon. gentleman is the work of Mr. Thomas Woolner, R.A. + </p> + <p> + <i>Chamberlain, J.H.</i>—The sum of £2,744 13s. 6d. raised + by subscription for the founding of a memorial of the late Mr. John + Henry Chamberlain, was given to the Midland Institute, with which the + lamented gentleman was so intimately connected. + </p> + <p> + <i>Dawson</i>.—A public meeting was held Jan. 3, 1877, to decide + on a memorial of George Dawson, and the sum of £2,287 13s. 9d. + was subscribed for a statue to be erected at the rear of the Town + Hall, but it was esteemed so poor a portrait that after a little while + it was removed, in favour of the present statue. A very pleasing bust, + which is a very striking likeness and really characteristic portrait + was unveiled at the Church of the Saviour, Aug. 8, 1882. It bears the + following inscription:— + </p> + <div style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1em;"> + IN LOVING MEMORY OF<br /> + GEORGE DAWSON, M.A. + </div> + <blockquote> + <p class="i2"> + Coming to this town in the year 1844, he gathered round him a band + of followers, who found in his teaching a fervent religious spirit, + and a fearless trust in God as our Heavenly Father, in union with + an earnest search after truth. To perpetuate such union they built + this Church, which he opened August 8. 1847, and in which he + ministered until his death. Not in this Church only, but throughout + the land did he everywhere teach to nations: that they are exalted + by righteousness alone—to men: "To do justly, love + mercy, and walk humbly with God." + </p> + <p class="i2"> + He was born February 24. 1821, and died November 10, 1876. + </p> + </blockquote> + <div style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1em;"> + "I HAVE FOUGHT THE GOOD FIGHT." + </div> + <p> + Mr. T.J. Williamson, who executed this bust was entrusted with the + order for the new statue. + </p> + <p> + <i>George IV</i>.—The first bronze statue ever cast in + Birmingham was that of George IV., the work of Sir Edward Thomason, in + 1823. Sir Edward employed the best of talent and spared no pains to + turn out a splendid work of art, but he never found a customer for it. + The statue is 6ft. high, weighing 2-1/2 tons, and costing over + £1,500, but was sold in November, 1880, to a gentleman in the + neighborhood for £150, little more than the value of the metal. + <i>Goldsmith</i>.—The statue of Goldsmith, in the hall of the + Reference Library, is a plaster cast of the bronze statue manufactured + by Messrs. Elkington for the City of Dublin. <i>Hill</i>.—The + sum of £1,500 was raised by public subscription, for the purpose + of erecting a statue of Sir Rowland Hill. The work was executed in + marble by Mr. P. Hollins, and pending the erection of the new Post + Office buildings, the charge of the statue was accepted by the + Exchange Buildings Committee, September 12, 1870 and remained in the + Birmingham Exchange until the year 1874, when it was removed to the + position in which it at present stands, in the corner of the principal + room of the Post Office, Paradise Street. + </p> + <p> + <i>Hill, M.D.</i>—A very fine bust of Matthew Davenport Hill, + the first Recorder for the borough, is placed in the Art Gallery at + the Reference Library. + </p> + <p> + <i>James</i>.—A bust of the Rev. Angell James may be seen at + Aston Hall. + </p> + <p> + <i>King Edward VI.</i>—When the old Grammar School was taken + down the statue of the King, which had stood in its niche in the front + of the old building for generations, was broken to pieces on account + of so many gentlemen (including governors) wanting it; as all could + not have it, it was destroyed! + </p> + <p> + <i>Mason</i>.—The erection of a statue in his honour as proposed + in 1870 not meeting with the approval of Sir Josiah Mason (then Mr.), + the Town Council paid Mr. E.G. Papworth, the chosen sculptor, a + solatium or honorarium of 150 guineas. The worthy knight not being now + alive to veto the project, a figure of him has been placed opposite + the College in Edmund Street. + </p> + <p> + <i>Murdoch</i>.—There is a bust of William Murdoch, the + introducer of coal-gas as an illuminant, in Handsworth Church. Another + would not be out of place in the new Gas Office. + </p> + <p> + <i>Nelson</i>—The bronze statue of Lord Nelson in the Bull Ring + was executed by Westmacott, and uncovered June 6, 1809. The artist + received £2,500, but the total cost (raised by subscription) + with the pedestal, lamps, and palisading, was nearly £3,000. The + corner posts are old cannon from the Admiral's ship the Victory. + </p> + <p> + <i>Peel</i>.—The statue of Sir Robert Peel, near the Town Hall, + cost £2,000, and was unveiled August 27, 1855. He faced towards + Christ Church at first, and was protected from Tories and + Protectionists by iron railings, until March, 1878, when his bonds + were loosed, and he was allowed to look down New Street. + </p> + <p> + <i>Priestley</i>.—The statue of the discoverer of oxygen, near + the Town Hall, was uncovered August 1, 1884. The amount subscribed as + a Priestley memorial fund was £1,820, of which £972 went + for the philosopher's stone effigy, about £10 for a tablet + on the site of his house at Fair Hill, and £653 to the Midland + Institute to found a scholarship in chemistry. + </p> + <p> + <i>Prince Albert and the Queen</i>.—In 1862, after the death of + the Prince Consort, a Memorial Committee was formed and a fund raised + for a statue, the execution of which was entrusted to Mr. Foley, and + it is said to be one of his finest productions. It was placed in the + old Art Gallery, and uncovered August 27, 1863. It was in the + reading-room at the time of the fire, but fortunately escaped injury. + The balance of the fund was deemed sufficient for a companion statue + of Her Majesty, and Mr. Foley received the commission for it in 1871. + At his death the order was given to Mr. Woolner, who handed over his + work to the town in May, 1884, the ceremony of unveiling taking place + on the 9th of that month. According to the <i>Athanæum</i> it is + "one of the finest portrait statues of the English School, + combining a severe yet elegant design with execution of the highest + kind, every element being thoroughly artistic." Thousands have + seen it alongside the Prince's statue in the hall of the Reference + Library, but few indeed have been heard to say they like it. Both + statues are ultimately intended to be placed in the Council House. + </p> + <p> + <i>Rogers</i>.—A memorial bust of John Rogers, a native of + Deritend, and one of the first martyrs of the Reformation, was + unveiled in St. John's, October 29, 1883. + </p> + <p> + <i>Scholefield</i>.—A bust of William Scholefield, M.P., for the + borough, is at Aston Hall. + </p> + <p> + <i>Sturge</i>.—The statue, and most appropriate memorial of + Edmund Sturge, at the Five Ways, which cost about £1,000, was + undraped June 4, 1862. Messrs. Bright and Scholefield, M.P.'s, + being present. + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2"> + With a true sorrow that rebuked all feigning, + </p> + <p class="i4"> + By lone Edgbaston's side + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Stood a great city in the sky's sad reigning + </p> + <p class="i4"> + Bareheaded and wet-eyed. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2"> + Silent for once the restless hive of labour, + </p> + <p class="i4"> + Save the low funeral tread, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Or voice of craftsman whispering to his neighbour + </p> + <p class="i4"> + The good deeds of the dead. + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + <i>Timmins</i>.—An almost life-speaking marble bust of Mr. Sam. + Timmins was placed in the Reference Library, April 26, 1876. It was + destroyed in the fire, but has been replaced, and few could tell the + present bust is not the original one. + </p> + <p> + <i>Tyndale</i>.—The Londoners have honoured themselves by + erecting on the Thames Embankment a statue to the memory of the + Reformer Tyndale, whom we have partly to thank for the English version + of the Bible. To help pay for their ornament it was decided that the + names of all towns subscribing £100 or more should be inscribed + on the pedestal, and the Bible-lovers of Birmingham scraped together + £86 15s. 3d. for the purpose, leaving the Mayor (Mr. Wm. White) + to dip into his own pocket for the remaining £13 4s. 9d. + </p> + <p> + <i>Unett</i>.—The granite obelisk in St. Philip's + churchyard, opposite Temple Street, was erected to the memory of + Lieut. Colonel Unett, who fell at the storming of Sebastopol. It was + uncovered June 19, 1857. + </p> + <p> + <i>Watt</i>.—One of the finest productions of Francis Chantrey, + the sculptor, is generally acknowledged to be the monument in + Handsworth Church to James Watt, which was placed there in September, + 1827. The figure is said to bear a very remarkable resemblance to Mr. + Watt, who is represented seated in a Grecian chair, with compasses and + open book, as though tracing on the open page. On the front of the + pedestal is inscribed:— + </p> + <div style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1em"> + JAMES WATT,<br /> + BORN<br /> + 19 JANVARY,<br /> + 1736.<br /> + DIED<br /> + 23 AVGVST,<br /> + 1819,<br /> + PATRI OPTIME MERITO.<br /> + E.M.P. + </div> + <p> + The statue in Ratcliffe Place was subscribed for in 1867, and the + figure is very like the portrait of Watt. It was unveiled Oct. 2, + 1868. + </p> + <p> + <i>Whateley</i>.—A marble bust (by Peter Rollins) of J.W. + Whateley, Esq., M.D., was placed in the Board Room of the General + Hospital, June 1, 1877. + </p> + <p> + <i>Wright</i>.—Mr. John Bright, June 15, 1883, uncovered the + statue erected in memory of Mr. J.S. Wright, in front of the Council + House. The inscription upon it is as follows:— + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + "John Skirrow Wright, born February 2, 1822, died April 13, + 1880. In memory of the simplicity, kindliness, and integrity of his + life and of his unselfish, untiring, and patriotic devotion as a + public man, this monument is erected by the united gifts of all + classes in the town he loved and for which he laboured." + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <b>Steam Engines.</b>—The first steam engine (then called a fire + engine) used for the purpose of pumping water from coal mines was put + up in 1712 by Newcomen and Calley, at a colliery near Wolverhampton, + owned by Mr. Back, the ironwork, &c., being made in Birmingham, + and taken hence to the pit-head. The first of Watt's engines made + at Soho, was to "blow the bellows" at John Wilkinson's + ironworks at Broseley, in 1776. Watt's first pumping engine was + started at Bloomfield Colliery, March 8, 1776. Having overcome the + rotary motion difficulties, Watt applied steam to tilt hammers and + rolling mills in 1781, and to corn-grinding mills in 1782; taking out + patents in 1784 for the "governor," "parallel + motion," &c., including also specifications for a travelling + engine, though it was William Murdoch who first made a practical + working model of a locomotive. The first engine worked by steam in + this town that we have record of was put up at same works in Water + Street, in 1760. + </p> + <p> + <b>Steamships.</b>—If we do not build steamships in Birmingham, + it was James Watt who proposed the use of screw propellers (in 1770); + Wm. Murdoch, who invented the oscillating cylinder (in 1785); Watt and + Boulton, who furnished engines (in 1807) for the first regular steam + picket in America; and James Watt, jun., who made the first steam + voyage on the sea (October 14, 1817), crossing the Channel in the + <i>Caledonia</i>, and taking that vessel up the Rhine. + </p> + <p> + <b>Stirchley Street</b>, about a mile and a quarter north-east of + King's Norton, has a Post Office, a Police Station, a Board + School, and a Railway Station. Notwithstanding these signs of modern + civilisation, and the near proximity of Cadbury's Cocoa + Manufactory, Stirchley Street is, as it has been for many a + generation, a favourite country outing place for weary Brums having a + chance hour to spend on change of scene. + </p> + <p> + <b>Stocks.</b>—Putting people in the stocks appears to have been + a very ancient mode of punishment, for the Bible tells us that + Jeremiah, the prophet, was put in the stocks by Pashur, and the gaoler + who had charge of Paul and Silas at Philippi made fast their feet in a + similar way. Whether Shakespeare feared the stocks when he refused to + go back to "drunken Bidford," after sleeping off the effects + of one carouse with the "Sipper's Club" there, is not + chronicled, but that the stocks were not unknown to him is evident by + their being introduced on the stage in "King Lear." The + <i>Worcester Journal</i> of Jan. 19, 1863, informs us that "this + old mode of punishment was revived at Stratford-on-Avon, for + drunkenness, and a passer-by asking a fellow who was doing penance how + he liked it, the reply was—'I beant the first mon as ever + were in the stocks, so I don't care a fardin about it." + Stocks used to be kept at the Welsh Cross, as well as a pillory; and + when the Corporation closed the old prison in High Street, Bordesley, + they took over the stocks which formerly stood alongside the + whipping-post, on the bank in front of the present G.W.R. Station. The + last date of this punishment being inflicted in this town is 1844, + when the stocks were in the yard of the Public Office in Moor Street. + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm71"></a>Storms and Tempests.</b>—A great storm + arose on Wednesday, November 24, 1703, which lasted three days, + increasing in force. The damage, all over the kingdom, was immense; + and at no period of English history has it been equalled. 15,000 sheep + were drowned in one part of Gloucestershire. We have no record of the + immediately local loss.—In a storm on March 9, 1778, the + windmill at Holloway Head was struck by lightning, the miller was + hurt, and the sails shattered.—January 1, 1779, there was a + violent gale, which, while it wrecked over 300 vessels on our coasts + did great damage as far inland as Birmingham—Snowstorms were so + heavy on January 23 and 24, 1814, that all communication between here + and London was stopped for five days.—There was a strong gale + September 26, 1853, during which some damage was done to St. + Mary's Church, to the alarm of the congregation therein + assembled.—A very heavy storm occurred June 15, 1858, the day + after the Queen's visit, lasting for nearly three hours, during + which time three inches of rain fell, one half in twenty + minutes.—Some property in Lombard Street was destroyed by + lightning, June 23, 1861; and parts of Aston, Digbeth, and the Parade + were flooded same time.—There was a terrific thunderstorm, + August 26, 1867; the rainfall being estimated at seventy-two tons per + acre.—During a heavy thunderstorm, June 17, 1875, the lightning + set fire to a workshop in Great Charles Street: killed a women in + Deritend, and fourteen sheep and lambs at Small Heath.—In a + heavy gale, January 30, 1877, a chimney stack was blown down in + Jennen's Row, killing two men; and a wall was levelled in Harborne + Road, on February 20, another poor fellow losing his + life.—During the night of August 2 and 3, 1879 (when many parts + of the outskirts were flooded in comparatively the shortest time in + memory), the residence of W.E. Chance, Esq., Augustus Road, was struck + by lightning, and considerable damage done; but no personal injuries + were reported.—During the storm of October 14, 1881, much local + damage was done, while round Coventry and Tamworth districts many + hundreds of trees were broken or uprooted. In Windsor Park, 960 trees + were blown down and more than a thousand damaged; 146 shipwrecks + occurred on the coasts.—During a gale December 11, 1883, a large + stained glass window of St. Philip's Church was shattered; part of + a house in Charles Henry Street was blown down, two persons being + killed; a child was killed at Erdington, by chimney falling through + roof, several persons had limbs fractured, and there was generally a + great injury to property.—On Sunday, June 15, 1884, St. + Augustine's Church, Hagley Road, and the Congregational Chapel, + Francis Road, were struck by lightning during a tempest, and the + Chapel was somewhat injured. + </p> + <p> + <b>Streets.</b>—It is not every street that is a street in + Birmingham, for, according to the Post Office Street List, besides a + dozen or so to which distinctive names have been given, like + Cheapside, Deritend, Digbeth, Highgate, Islington, &c., and 726 + streets called Streets, there are in the borough 178 Roads, 86 Lanes, + 69 Rows, 19 Squares, 11 Crescents, 2 Quadrants, 5 Arcades, 1 + Colonnade, 5 Parades, 484 Terraces, 1,572 Places, 26 Passages, 20 + Yards, 47 Courts (named, and twenty times that number numbered), 16 + Mounts (twelve of them Pleasant), 24 Hills, 5 Vales, 2 Valleys, 23 + Groves, 4 Retreats, 11 Villas, 14 Cottages, 2 Five-Dwelling, 179 + Buildings, 14 Chambers, 12 Walks, 4 Drives, 3 Avenues, 5 Gullets, 1 + Alley (and that is Needless), 1 Five-Ways, 1 Six-Ways, 6 Greens, 2 + Banks, 2 Villages, 3 Heaths, 3 Ends, and 1 No Thoroughfare. + </p> + <p> + <b>Sultan Divan.</b>—Formerly a questionable place of amusement + in Needless Alley, but which was bought for £7,500, and opened + by the Young Men's Christian Association, January 7, 1875. + </p> + <p> + <b>Sunday in Birmingham.</b>—Sunday dogfights <i>have</i> been + heard of in this town, but it was sixty years ago, when brutal sports + of all kinds were more rife than now. Prior to that, however, many + attempts were made to keep the Sabbath holy, for we read that in 1797 + the heavy wagons then in use for transport of goods were not allowed + to pass through the town, the authorities fining all offenders who + were so wicked as to use their vehicles on the Lord's Day. The + churchwardens were then supported by the inhabitants, who held several + public meetings to enforce the proper observance of the day, but there + have been many changes since. In January, 1856, a Sunday League, for + opening museums, libraries, &c., on the Sabbath, was started here. + In the last session of Parliament in 1870, there were eighteen + separate petitions presented from this town against opening the + British Museum on Sundays. The Reference Library and Art Gallery + commenced to be opened on Sundays, April 28, 1872, and they are well + frequented. Sunday labour in the local Post Offices was stopped Aug. + 10, 1873. In 1879 a society was formed for the purpose of delivering + lectures, readings, and addresses of an interesting nature, on the + Sunday evenings of the winter season, the Town Hall, Board Schools, + and other public buildings being utilised for the purpose (the first + being held in the Bristol Street Schools, Oct. 19, 1879), and very + popular have they been, gentlemen of all sects and parties taking + part, in the belief that + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + A Sabbath well spent<br /> + Brings a week of content. + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + In 1883, during an inquiry as to the extent of drunkenness on the + Sabbath, it was shown that the county of Warwick (including + Birmingham) was remarkably clear, as out of a population of 737,188 + there had only been 348 convictions during 1882. For Staffordshire, + with a population of 980,385, the convictions were 581. + Northumberland, 687 convictions out of 434,074. Durham, 1,015 out of + 867,586. Liverpool 1,741 out of 552,425. Manchester, 1,429 out of + 341,508. + </p> + <p> + <b>Sutton Coldfield</b>, on the road to Lichfield, is celebrated even + more for its park than its antiquity. The former was left to the town + by the Bishop of Exeter (John Harman), otherwise known as Bishop + Vesey, who was a native of Sutton, and whose monument is still to be + seen in the old Church. He procured a charter of incorporation in + 1528, and also founded the Grammar School, and other endowed + charities, such as the Almshouses, the Poor Maidens' Portions, + &c., dying in 1555, in his 103rd year. Thirty years' back, the + park contained an area of 2,300 acres, but a small part was sold, and + the railways have taken portions, the present extent, park and pools, + being estimated at 2,034 acres, the mean level of which is 410 feet + above the sea level. A good length of Icknielde Street, or the Old + Roman Road, is distinctly traceable across a portion of the park. King + John visited Sutton manor-house in April, 1208. On the 18th of + October, 1642, Charles I. reviewed his Staffordshire troops here, + prior to the battle of Edgehill, the spot being long known as + "The King's Standing." The mill-dams at Sutton burst + their banks July 24, 1668, and many houses were swept away. The + population is about 8,000, and the rateable value is put at + £50,000, but as, through the attraction of the park, the town is + a very popular resort, and is rapidly increasing, it may ultimately + become a place of importance, worthy of municipal honours, which are + even now being sought. The number of visitors to the park in the + Whit-week of 1882, was 19,549; same week in 1883, it was 11,378; in + 1884, it was 17,486; of whom 14,000 went on the Monday. + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm70"></a>Taxes.</b>—Would life be worth living if + we had to pay such taxes as our fathers had to do? Here are a + few:—The hearth or chimney tax of 2s. for every fire-place or + stove in houses rated above 20s. per annum was imposed in the + fifteenth year of Charles II.'s reign, but repealed in the first + year of William and Mary, 1689; the owners of Edgbaston Hall paid for + 22 chimneys before it was destroyed in 1668. In 1642, there was a duty + of £4 a pair on silk stockings. A window tax was enacted in 1695 + "to pay for the re-coinage of the gold coin," and was not + entirely removed till July 24, 1851; from a return made to Parliament + by the Tax Office in 1781, it appeared that the occupiers of 2,291 + houses paid the window tax in Birmingham; there was collected for + house and window tax in 1823, from the inhabitants of this town, the + sum of £27,459 12s. 1-3/4d., though in the following year it was + £9,000 less. Bachelors and widowers were rated by 6 and 7 + William III., c. 6, "to enable the King to carry on the war + against France with rigour." Births, marriages, and deaths were + also made liable to duties by the same Act. The salt duties were first + levied in 1702, doubled in 1732, and raised again in 1782, ceasing to + be gathered in 1825. The price of salt at one period of the long + Peninsular war rose to £30 per ton, being retailed in Birmingham + at 4l. per lb. Carriages were taxed in 1747. Armorial bearings in + 1798. Receipts for money and promisory notes were first taxed in 1782. + Hair powder tax, of 21s. per annum, was first levied in 1795. In 1827, + there was a 1s. 3d. duty on almanacks. The 3s. advertisement duty was + reduced to 1s. 6d. in 1833, and abolished August 4, 1853. The paper + duty, first put on in 1694, was repealed in 1861; that on bricks taken + off in 1850; on soap in 1853; on sugar in May, 1874, and on horses the + same year. Hats, gloves, and linen shirts were taxed in 1785; patent + medicines, compound waters, and codfish, in 1783; in fact every + article of food, drink, and clothing required by man from the moment + of his birth until his burial, the very shroud, the land he trod on, + the house he lived in, the materials for building, have all been + taxed. For coming into the world, for living in it, and for going out + of it, have Englishmen had to pay, even though they grumbled. + Now-a-days the country's taxes are few in number, and per head are + but small in amount, yet the grumbling and the growling is as heavy as + of old. <i>Can</i> it arise from the pressure of our local rates? + Where our fathers paid 20s. to the Government, we do not pay 5s.; but + where the old people gave 5s. in rates, we have to part with 25s. + </p> + <p> + <b>Telegraphs.</b>—The cable for the first Atlantic telegraph + was made here. Its length was 2,300 nautical miles, and it required + 690,000 lbs. of copper in addition to the iron wire forming the + strand, of which latter there was about 16,000 miles' length. The + first time the "Queen's Speech" was transmitted to this + town by the electric telegraph was on Tuesday, November 30, 1847, the + time occupied being an hour and a half. The charge for sending a + message of 20 words from here to London, in 1848, was 6s. 6d. The + Sub-Marine Telegraph Co. laid their wires through Birmingham in June + and July, 1853. + </p> + <p> + <b>Temperance.</b>—There appears to have been a sort of a kind + of a temperance movement here in 1788, for the Magistrates, at their + sitting August 21, strongly protested against the increase of + dram-drinking; but they went on granting licenses, though. Father + Matthew's first visit was September 10, 1843; J.B. Gough's, + September 21, 1853; Mr. Booth's, in May, 1882. The first local + society for inculcating principles of temperance dates from September + 1, 1830; U.K. Alliance organised a branch here in February, 1855; the + first Templars' Lodge was opened September 8, 1868; the Royal + Crusaders banded together in the summer of 1881; and the Blue Ribbons + were introduced in May, 1882. This novelty in dress ornamentation was + adopted (so they said) by over 40,000 inhabitants, but at the end of + twelve months the count was reduced to 8,000, including Sunday School + children, popular parsons, maidens looking for husbands, old maids who + had lost their chances, and the unco' guid people, who, having + lost their own tastes, would fain keep others from their cakes and + ale. + </p> + <p> + <b>Temple Row.</b>—A "parech meeting" in 1715 ordered + the purchase of land for a passage way out of Bull Street to St. + Philip's Church. It was not until 1842 when part of the Royal + Hotel stables were taken down, that it was made its present width. In + 1837 the churchyard had some pleasant walks along the sides, bounded + by a low wooden fence, and skirted with trees. + </p> + <p> + <b>Temple Street</b> takes its name from the old summer arbour, + wittily called "the Temple," which once stood in a garden + where now Temple Row joins the street. An advertisement in + <i>Gazette</i> of December 5, 1743, announced a house for sale, in + Temple Street, having a garden twelve yards wide by fifty yards long, + adjoining the fields, and with a prospect of four miles distance. + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm39"></a>Theatrical Jottings.</b>—What + accommodation, if any, was provided here for "their + majesties' servants," the playactors, in the times of Queen + Anne and her successor, George I., is not known, but as Hutton tells + us that in 1730 the amusements of the stage <i>rose</i> in elegance so + far that threepenny performances were given "in a stable in + Castle Street," we may be sure the position held by members of + the profession was not very high in the estimation of our townsfolk + previous to that period. Indeed, it would almost seem as if the acting + of plays was quite an innovation at the time named, and one that met + with approval, for shortly after we read of there being theatres in + Smallbrook Street, in New Street, and "a new theatre" in + Moor Street. The first-named closed in 1749 or 1750; the second is + <i>supposed</i> to have been on the site of the present Theatre Royal, + but it could not have been a building of much importance as we find no + note of it after 1744; the third, built in 1739, was taken possession + of by the disciples of Wesley, and on March 21, 1764, was opened as a + chapel. Previous to the last event, however, another theatre had been + erected (in 1752) in King Street, leading out of New Street, near to + the Free School, which, being enlarged in 1774, is described by Hutton + as having few equals. In this year also (1774) the Theatre Royal was + erected (at a cost of nearly £5,700) though the latter half of + its title was not assumed until August, 1807, on the occasion of the + Royal assent being given to the house being "licensed." A + bill had been introduced into the House of Commons for this purpose on + the 26th of March, 1777, during the debate on which Burke called + Birmingham "the great toyshop of Europe," but it was thrown + out on the second reading. The King Street Theatre, like its + predecessor in Moor Street, after a time of struggle, was turned into + a place of worship in 1786, a fate which, at a later date, also befell + another place of public entertainment, the Circus, in Bradford Street, + and the theatrical history of the town, for a long term of years + centred round the Theatre Royal, though now and then spasmodic + attempts were made to localise amusements more or less of a similar + nature. One of these, and the earliest, was peculiarly unfortunate; + early in 1778 a wooden pavilion, known as the "Concert + Booth," was erected in the Moseley Road, dramatic performances + being <i>given</i> between the first and last parts of a vocal and + instrumental concert, but some mischievous or malicious incendiary set + fire to the building, which was burnt to the ground Aug. 13 of the + same year. Four years later, and nearly at the same date (Aug. 17) the + Theatre in New Street met with a like fate, the only portion of it + left being the stone front (added in 1780) which is still the same, + fortunately coming almost as safely through the next conflagration. + The proprietors cleared away the ruins, and erected a more commodious + structure, which, under the management of Mr. William Macready, was + opened June 22, 1795. In the meantime, the King Street Theatre having + been chapelised, the town appears to have been without any recognised + place for dramatic entertainments other than those provided in the + large rooms of the hotels, or the occasional use of a granary + transmogrified for the nonce into a Thespian arena. On the night of + the 6th of January, 1820, after the performance of + "Pizarro," the Theatre Royal was again burnt out, but, + possibly from having their property insured up to £7,000, the + proprietors were not so long in having it rebuilt, the doors of the + new house being opened on following Aug. 14. This is, practically, the + same building as the present, which has scats for about 3,500, the + gallery holding 1,000. Many of the first artists of the profession + have trod the boards of the Old Theatre since the last-named date, and + Birmingham has cause to be proud of more than one of her children, + who, starting thence, have found name and fame elsewhere. The scope of + the present work will not allow of anything move than a few brief + notes, and those entirely of local bearing, but a history of the + Birmingham stage would not be uninteresting reading. + </p> + <p> + A wooden building in Moor Street, formerly a circus, was licensed + March, 19, 1861; closed in 1863, and cleared off the ground in 1865. + </p> + <p> + Theatrical performances were licensed in Bingley Hall in 1854. + </p> + <p> + The Prince of Wales Theatre, previously Broad Street Music Hall, was + opened in 1862. It was reconstructed in 1876, and has accommodation + for an audience of 3,200. + </p> + <p> + The Holte Theatre was opened May 12, 1879, the license to the Lower + Grounds Co. being granted November 29, 1878. + </p> + <p> + The last new Theatre, the Grand, in Corporation Street, must rank as + one of the handsomest edifices in the town. It faces what was once the + Old Square, and has a frontage of 120ft., the height to the cornice of + the roof being 52ft., the whole being capped with a dome, supporting a + winged figure of Auroro, which, drawn in a car by prancing horses, is + 15ft. high. The interior is laid out in the most improved modern + style, ornately decorated throughout, and provides accommodation for + over 3,000 persons. The cost is put at £30,000, of which + £17,000 went to the builders alone, and the theatre is the + property of Mr. A. Melville. The opening day was Nov. 14th, 1883. + </p> + <p> + The "Interlude of Deritend Wake, with the representation of a + Bull-baiting" was part of the performance announced at the King + street Theatre, May 31, 1783. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Sarah Siddons, whose <i>début</i> in London the previous + season had been anything but successful, came to Birmingham for the + summer season of 1776. Henderson, one of her colleagues here, + notwithstanding the Drury Lane veto, declared that she was "an + actress who never had an equal nor would ever have a + superior"—an opinion quickly verified. + </p> + <p> + One of Kean's benefits was a total failure. In the last scene of + the play "A New Way to Pay Old Debts," wherein allusion is + made to the marriage of a lady, "Take her," said Kean, + "and the Birmingham audience into the bargain." + </p> + <p> + Garrick was visiting Lord Lytton at Hagley on one occasion when news + was brought that a company of players were going to perform at + Birmingham. His lordship suggested that Garrick should write an + address to the audience for the players. "Suppose, then," + said he, "I begin thus: + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + "Ye sons of iron, copper, brass and steel, Who have not heads + to think, nor hearts to feel." + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + "Oh," cried his lordship, "if you begin like that, they + will hiss the players off the stage, and pull the house down." + "My lord," replied Garrick, "what is the use of an + address if it does not come home to the business and bosoms of the + audience?" + </p> + <p> + A "Birmingham Garrick," was the name given to an actor named + Henderson (1782), whose friends did not think him quite so great a + tragedian as he fancied himself. + </p> + <p> + Kemble made his last appearance on the Birmingham stage July 9, 1788. + </p> + <p> + Robinson Crusoe, or Harlequin Friday, was the pantomime in 1790. + </p> + <p> + Madame Catalini first appeared at Royal in 1807. + </p> + <p> + Incledon, the famous tenor, sang here first time in same year. + </p> + <p> + William Charles Macready made his <i>debût</i> on the stage of + the Royal as <i>Romeo</i>, June 7, 1810. He took his farewell benefit + Aug. 13, 1871. + </p> + <p> + Alfred Bunn had the Theatre in 1823, during which year there appeared + here Mr. and Mrs. C. Kemble, W.C. Macready, Joey Grimaldi, Miss Ellen + Tree (afterwards Mrs. Charles Kean), W. Farrer, Braham, Elliston, + Dowton, Rignold and Power. + </p> + <p> + Barry Sullivan was born here in 1824. + </p> + <p> + In 1824 the whole town was up in arms taking part in the "Battle + of the Preachers and the Players," which was commenced by the + Rev. J. Augell James delivering a series of sermons bitterly + inveighing against the theatre, as a place of amusement, and pouring + forth the most awful denunciations against the frequenters thereof. + Alfred Bunn, the manager, was not slow to retort. He put "The + Hypocrite" on the boards, Shuter, the clever comedian and mimic, + personating Mr. James in the part of <i>Mawworm</i> so cleverly that + the piece had an immense run. The battle ended in a victory for both + sides, chapel and theatre alike being crammed. If it pleased the godly + it was a god-send for Bunn whose exchequer it filled to repletion. + </p> + <p> + Signer Costa was at the Festival in 1829, and he afterwards appeared + on the stage at the Royal. + </p> + <p> + Paganini first fiddled at the Royal, January 22, 1832. + </p> + <p> + Sheridan Knowles, Macready, Paganini, Matthews, and Miss Ellen Tree + were among the Stars at the Royal in 1833. + </p> + <p> + Mercer H. Simpson took the management of the Royal in 1838. His + farewell benefit was on December 16, 1864, and he died March 2, 1877, + aged 76. + </p> + <p> + Sims Reeves' first visit to this town was in May, 1843; his last + appearance at the Festivals was in 1873; at the Royal in May, 1875, + and at the Town Hall, March 25, 1884. + </p> + <p> + Jenny Lind first sang here Aug. 29, 1847; she sang for the Queen's + Hospital at Town Hall, Dec. 28, 1848; her last concerts were Jan. + 22-23, 1862. + </p> + <p> + Madle. Rachael first played here Aug. 19, 1847. + </p> + <p> + Charles Dickens and his amateur friends gave their special + performances in aid of the Shakespeare House Fund, at the Royal, June + 6 and 27, 1848, the receipts amounting to £589. + </p> + <p> + Variety was not wanting at our New Street Theatre in 1852. Among the + artistes advertised to appear were: A strong Man who had 5 cwt. of + stone broken (by a sledge hammer) on his chest nightly; performing + Dogs and Horses; Madame Grisi, Signor Mario, Haymarket Company, + Benjamin Webster, and Madame Celeste, etc., etc. + </p> + <p> + Miss Menken, the female <i>Mazeppa</i>, appeared at Prince of + Wales', May 15 1865, and at the Royal in Nov. 1807. + </p> + <p> + Miss Neilson's first appearance here was in Nov. 1868, in an + adaptation, by Mr. C. Williams, a local dramatist, of Miss + Braddon's "Captain of the Vulture." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Irving first appeared as <i>Hamlet</i> in this town at Prince of + Wales', Dec., 1877. + </p> + <p> + Sarah Bernhardt was at Prince of Wales', July 4-6, 1881. + </p> + <p> + Kyrle Beilew last appeared here at Prince of Wales', Sept, 17, + 1881. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Langtry was at Prince of Wales', May 29, 1882. + </p> + <p> + Edwin Booth's first appearance here was at the Royal, as + <i>Richelieu</i>, Dec. 11, 1882. + </p> + <p> + Bobby Atkins, whose real name was Edward, was the most popular + comedian of the Royal, with which he had been connected for more than + twenty-five years. He died in 1882, in his 64th year. His bosom + friend, John Barton, made his exit from the world's stage April + 16, 1875. + </p> + <p> + Sir. George Rignold's mother is stated by Mr. Thomas Swinbourne + (himself a native) to have been a leading actress of the Theatre Royal + and very popular, as indeed she would necessarily be, her <i>role</i> + of parts including <i>Hamlet</i> and <i>Virginius</i>. The father was, + says Mr. S., "an admirable terpsichorean artiste, and George + inherits the talents of both parents, with a dash of music besides, + for, like <i>William</i>, in 'Black-eyed Susan,' he 'plays + on the fiddle like on angel.'" + </p> + <p> + Two or three of our places of amusement have been turned into chapels + permanently, and therefore it was hardly a novelty to hold + "Gospel services" in the Prince of Wales's Theatre, + October 3, 1875, but it was to their credit that "the gods" + behaved themselves. + </p> + <p> + <b>Time.</b>—When it is exactly twelve at noon here in + Birmingham, it is 7min. 33secs. past at Greenwich, 12min. 50secs. past + at Dover, and 16min. 54secs. past at Paris; while it wants 1-1/2mins. + to the hour at Manchester, 9-1/2min. at Glasgow, 17min. 50secs. at + Dublin, and 26-1/2mins. at Cork. At Calcutta, the corresponding time + would be 6.1-1/2 p.m., Canton 7.40 p.m., Japan 9.15 p.m., Mexico 5.34 + a.m., New Orleans 8.5 a.m., New York 7.11 a.m., New Zealand 11.45 + p.m., Nova Scotia 7.55 a.m., San Francisco 4.5 a.m., St., Petersburg + 2.10 p.m., Sydney 10.12 p.m., and at Washington just seven o'clock + in the morning. + </p> + <p> + <b>Tithes.</b>—One hundred and fifty years ago (if not, + considerably later) the Rector of St. Martin's was paid tithes in + cash based on the value of the crops, &c., one acre of good wheat + being tithed at 7s. 6d.; an acre of good barley at 4s. 4-1/2d.; an + acre of flax and hemp, if pulled, at 5s.; an acre of good oats, peas, + or potatoes, and all kinds of garden stuff at 3s. 9d.; for meadow land + 4d. an acre, and 2d. for leasow (or leasland); 3d. being claimed for + cow and her calf. 1-1/2d. for each lamb, &c. In course of time + these payments were changed into a fixed tithe rent, but before + matters were comfortably settled, the Rector found it necessary to + give notice (April, 1814) that he should enforce the ancient custom of + being paid "in kind." The gun trade was brisk at that time, + but whether the reverend gentleman took his tenths of the guns, what + he did with them, or how the parties came to terms is not + recorded.—The tithes formerly due in kind to the Vicar of + Edgbaston were commuted by Act passed June 8, 1821, into art annual + "corn rent," payable by the occupiers or all kinds in the + parish. + </p> + <p> + <b>Tower.</b>—Originally, all guns made here for Government, had + to be put together in London, but when the French Revolution broke + out, it was seen that a quicker mode of procedure was necessary, and + an establishment in Bagot Street was erected in 1798, where all guns + for Government were viewed and stamped with the "Tower" + mark. Hence the name. + </p> + <p> + <b>Town Criers</b> were first appointed in 1526. Jacob Wilson entered + into office May 4, 1853, and was pensioned off with 15s. a week in + August, 1879, after a family tenure of the office, according to Jacob, + of about 350 years. Surely it was a crying shame to stop the children + of that family from crying in the future. The last of the criers did + not last long after deposition from office, Jacob's last words + being uttered in 1881. + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm73"></a>Town Improvements.</b>—Some fifty and odd + years ago Dobbs, a local comedian, used to sing, + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2"> + "Brumagem has altered so, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + There's scarce a place in it I know; + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Round the town you now must go + </p> + <p class="i2"> + To find old Brumagem." + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + Had he lived till these days he might well have sung so, for + improvements are being carried out so rapidly now that in another + generation it is likely <i>old</i> Birmingham will have been improved + off the face of the earth altogether. Prior to the days of steam, our + forefathers went about their work more leisurely, for it was not until + 1765 that the Act was obtained for the "enlightening" of the + streets, and four years later when the first Act was passed (April 21, + 1769) for street improvements. The Street Commissioners appointed by + this Act, and who held their first meeting May 22, 1769, for many + years did little more than regulate the traffic of the streets, keep + them clean<i>ish</i>, and look after the watchmen. In course of time + the operations of the said Commissioners were extended a little, and + it is to them that we owe the existence of the central open space so + long known as the Bull Ring, for they gave £1,730, in 1801, for + the removal of nine tenements there and then blocking the way. Money + must have been of more value then than now, for if such a purchase was + necessary at the present date one or two more figures would require + being added to the amount. This town improvement was completed in + 1806, when the Commissioners purchased the remaining houses and shops + round St. Martin's, but property owners had evidently learned + something during the five years, for whereas the Commissioners at + first estimated the further cost at £10,957, they reluctantly + had to provide no less than £22,266, the additional sum required + being swallowed up by "incidental expenses." The poet + already quoted had apparently been absent during these alterations, + for he wailingly bemoaned— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2"> + "Poor old Spiceal Street half gone, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + The poor old Church stands all alone, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And poor old I can only groan, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + That I can't find Brumagem." + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + Though an Improvement Act for Duddeston and Nechells was obtained in + 1829, the town improvements for the next forty years consisted + principally of road making, street paving, market arranging, &c., + the opening-up ideas not getting well-rooted in the minds of our + governors until some time after the Town Council began to rule the + roast. That a great deal of work <i>was</i> being done, however, is + shown by reference to the Borough accounts for 1840, in which year + £17,366 was expended in lighting, watching, and otherwise + improving the thoroughfares, in addition to £13,794 actually + spent on the highways. 1852 saw the removal of the turnpikes, at a + cost of over £3,200; in the same year £5,800 was expended + in widening the entrance to Temple Row from Bull Street, and + £1,800 for rounding off the corner of Steelhouse Lane and Snow + Hill. In October, 1853, it was decided to obtain for £33,000 the + 11,540 square yards of land at the corner of Ann Street and Congreve + Street, where the Municipal Buildings, Art Gallery, and new Gas Office + now stand. Almost every year since has seen the purchase of properties + more or less required for substantial improvements, though some of + them may not even yet have been utilised. A few fancy prices might be + named which have had to be paid for odd bits of property here and + there, but about the dearest of all was £53 10s. per yard, which + the Council paid (in 1864) for the land required to round off the + corner of New Street and Worcester Street, a further £1,300 + going, in 1873, to extinguish certain leasehold rights. This is by no + means the highest figure given for land in the centre of the town, as + Mr. John Feeney, in 1882, paid at the rate of £66 per yard for + the site at corner of Cannon Street and New Street, the portion + retained for his own use costing him even more than that, as he + generously allowed the Corporation to take 30-1/2 yards for + £1,000. The introduction of the railways, and consequent + obliteration of scores of old streets, courts, alleys, and passages, + has been of vast service towards the general improvement of the town, + as well in the matter of health and sanitation, as leading to the + construction of many new buildings and the formation of adequate + approaches to the several railway stations, the erection of such + establishments as the Queen's Hotel, the Great Western Hotel, + &c. Nor have private property owners and speculators been at all + backward, as evidenced by our magnificent modern banking + establishments, the huge piles of commercial buildings in Colmore Row, + New Street, and Corporation Street, the handsome shops in New Street, + High Street, and Bull Street, with many other edifices that our + grandfathers never dreamed of, such as the Midland, the Grand, and the + Stork Hotels, the palatial Club Houses, the Colonnade and Arcades, New + Theatres, Inns of Court, &c., &c. Many of these improvements + have resulted from the falling-in of long leases on the Colmore, the + Grammar School, and other estates, while others have been the outcome + of a far-seeing policy on the part of such moneyed men as the late Sir + Josiah Mason, Isaac Horton, and others of somewhat similar calibre. + Going away from the immediate centre of the town architectural + improvements will be noted on all hands, Snow Hill, for one place, + being evidently in the regenerative throes of a new birth, with its + Gothic Arcade opposite the railway station, and the new circus at the + foot of the hill, where for so many long years there has been nothing + but a wreck and a ruin. In close neighbourhood, Constitution Hill, + Hampton Street, and at the junction of Summer Lane, a number of + handsome houses and shops have lately been erected by Mr. Cornelius + Ede, in the early Gothic style, from designs by Mr. J.S. Davis, the + architect of the Snow Hill Arcade, the whole unquestionably forming a + very great advance on many former street improvements. The formation + in 1880 of John Bright Street as an extension of the Bristol Road + (cost £30,000) has led to the erection of many fine buildings in + that direction; the opening-out of Meetinghouse Yard and the + alterations in Floodgate Street (in 1879, at a cost of £13,500), + has done much for that neighbourhood; the widening of Worcester Street + and the formation of Station Street, &c., thanks to the + enlargement of the Central Station, and the remodelling of all the + thoroughfares in the vicinity of Navition Street and Worcester Wharf, + also arising therefrom, are important schemes now in progress in the + same direction; and in fact there is hardly any district within the + borough boundaries in which improvements of more or less consequence + are not being made, or have been planned, the gloomy old burial + grounds having been turned into pleasant gardens at a cost of over + £10,000, and even the dirty water-courses known as the river Rea + and Hockley brook have had £12,000 worth of cleaning out + bestowed upon them. It is not too much to say that millions have been + spent in improving Birmingham during the past fifty years, not + reckoning the cost of the last and greatest improvement of + all—the making of Corporation Street, and the consequent + alterations on our local maps resulting therefrom. The adoption of the + Artizans' Dwelling Act, under the provisions of which the + Birmingham Improvement Scheme has been carried out, was approved by + the Town Council, on the 16th of October, 1875. Then, on the 15th of + March, 1876, followed the Local Government Board enquiry; and on the + 17th of June, 1876, the provisional order of the Board, approving the + scheme, was issued. The Confirming Act received the Royal assent on + the 15th of August, 1876. On the 6th of September, 1880, a modifying + order was obtained, with respect to the inclusion of certain + properties and the exclusion of others. The operations under the + scheme began in August, 1878, when the houses in New Street were + pulled down. In April, 1879, by the removal of the Union Hotel, the + street was continued into Cherry Street: and further extensions have + been made in the following order:— Cherry Street to Bull Street, + August 1881; the Priory to John Street, June 1881; Bull Street to the + Priory, January, 1882; John Street to Aston Street, February, 1882. + Little Cannon Street was formed in August 1881; and Cowper Street in + January, 1881. The first lease of land in the area of the + scheme—to the Women's Hospital—was agreed upon in + January, 1876; and the first lease in Corporation Street—to Mr. + J.W. Danieli— was arranged in May, 1878. In July, 1879, a lease + was agreed upon for the new County Court. The arbitrations in the + purchase of properties under the scheme were begun in June, 1879, and + in June, 1880, Sir Henry Hunt, the arbitrator nominated by the Local + Government Board, made his first award, amounting to £270,405, + the remainder of the properties having been bought by agreement. The + loans borrowed on account of the scheme amount to £1,600,000, + the yearly charge on the rates being over £20,000 per annum, but + as the largest proportion of the property is let upon 75-year leases, + this charge will, in time, not only be reduced yearly by the increase + of ground-rents, as the main and branch streets are filled up, but + ultimately be altogether extinguished, the town coming in for a + magnificent income derived from its own property. The length of + Corporation Street from New Street to Lancaster Street is 851 yards, + and if ultimately completed (as at first intended) from Lancaster + Street to Aston Road, the total length will be 1,484 yards or + five-sixths of a mile. The total area of land purchased for the + carrying-out of the scheme is put at 215,317 square yds. (about 44a. + 1r. 38p.), of which quantity 39,280 square yards has been laid out in + new streets, or the widening of old ones. Of the branch or connecting + streets intended there is one (from Corporation Street to the corner + of High Street and Bull Street, opposite Dale End), that cannot be + made for several years, some valuable leases not expiring until 1890 + and 1893, but, judging by the present rate of building, Corporation + Street itself will be completed long before then. More than a score of + the unhealthiest streets and lanes in the town have been cleared away, + and from a sanitary point of view the improvement in health and saving + of life in the district by the letting in of light and air, has been + of the most satisfactory character, but though the scheme was + originated under the Artisans' Dwelling Act, intended to provide + good and healthy residences in lieu of the pestiferous slums and back + courts, it cannot in one sense be considered much of a success. The + number of artisans' dwellings required was 1,335, about 550 of + which were removed altogether, the rest being improved and relet, or + converted into shops, warehouses, &c. A piece of land between + Newtown Row and Summer Lane, containing an area of 14,250 square yards + was purchased for the purpose of leasing for the erection of + artisans' dwellings, and a 50ft. wide street was laid out and + nicely planted with trees, but, owing either to the badness of trade, + or the over-building of small houses in other parts previously, less + than a sixth of the site has been taken, and but a score of houses + built, a most wonderful contrast to the rapid filling of Corporation + Street with its many magnificent edifices present and prospective, + that promise to make it one of the finest streets in the provinces. + There cannot, however, be such necessity for the erection of small + houses as was imagined when the Act was adopted here, for according to + a return lately obtained, and not reckoning the thousands of little + domiciles on the outskirts, there are in the borough 4,445 houses + usually let at weekly rentals up to 2s. 6d. per week, 24,692 the + rentals of which are between 2s. 6d. and 3s. 6d., and 36,832 others + between 3s. 6d. and 7s. per week, a total of 65,969 working men's + houses, but of which 5,273 (taking one week with another) are always + void. + </p> + <p> + <b>Toyshop of Europe.</b>—It was during the debate in the House + of Commons (March 26, 1777) on the first reading of a Bill to license + the Theatre in Birmingham, that Mr. Burke, who spoke in its favour, + described this town as "the great toyshop of Europe." At + that time, and for long afterwards, hundreds of articles of utility + manufactured here were roughly classed as "light steel + toys," and "heavy steel toys;" though we should hardly + now be likely to consider tinder boxes, steelyards, pokers, + fire-shovels and tongs as playthings. + </p> + <p> + <b>Trade Notes of the Past.</b>—Foreigners were not allowed to + carry on any retail trade here before 1663. The Brums never liked + them. An official document of 1695, states that, the trade of the town + was "chiefly in steel, iron, and other <i>ponderous</i> + commodities." In 1702 it was enacted that if brass, copper, + latten, bell-metal gun-metal, or shruff-metal be carried beyond sea, + clean or mixed, double the value thereof to be forfeited, tin and lead + only excepted. An Act was passed March 20, 1716, prohibiting trade + with Sweden, much to the inconvenience of our local manufacturers, who + imported Swedish iron for conversion into steel in large quantities. + The Act 1 Geo. I., c. 27 (1720), forbidding the <i>exportation</i> of + artizans to foreign countries was not repealed till 1825 (5 Geo. IV., + c. 97). In April, 1729, our manufacturers petitioned that the + colonists in America should be encouraged to send pig iron over here; + ten years previously they bitterly opposed the idea; ten years later + they repented, for their American cousins filled our warehouses with + their manufactured goods. In 1752 it was stated that above 20,000 + hands were employed here in "useful manufactures." In 1785 a + reward of fifty guineas was offered here for the conviction of any + person "enticing workmen to go to foreign countries;" the + penalty for such "enticing" being a fine of £100 and + three months' imprisonment. + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm81"></a>Trade Societies and Trades' Unions</b> are + of modern growth, unless we count the old-style combinations of the + masters to prevent their workmen emigrating, or the still more ancient + Guilds and Fraternities existing in mediæval times. There are in + all, 177 different Trades' Unions in the country (coming under the + notice of the Registrar-General), and most of them have branches in + this town and neighbourhood. The majority have sick and benefit funds + connected with them, and so far should be classed among Friendly, + Benevolent, or Philanthropic Societies, but some few are plainly and + simply trade associations to keep up prices, to prevent interference + with their presumed rights, to repress attacks by the avoidance of + superabundant labour, and to generally protect members when wrongfully + treated, cheated or choused. Prior to 1834, when some 20,000 persons + assembled on Newhall Hill, March 31 to protest against the conviction + of Dorset labourers for trades' unionism, few of these societies + were locally in existence; but the advent of Free Trade seems to have + shown all classes of workers the necessity of protecting their + individual interests by means of a system of Protection very similar, + though on smaller scale, to that abolished by Sir Robert Peel and his + friends. That there was a necessity for such trade societies was + clearly shown by the harsh manner in which they were denounced by John + Bright at a Town Hall banquet, held April 28, 1875, that gentleman + evidently demurring to the anomally of working men being + Protectionists of any kind. Foremost among the local unions is the + National Society of Amalgamated Brassworkers, originated April 18, + 1872 with over 5,000 members now on its books, having in its first + eight years subscribed and paid to members out of employ no less than + £29,000.—The Builders' Labourers combined in 1861, and + pay out yearly over £200 for sick and funeral + benefits.—The National Association of Master Builders was + organised here on Dec, 18, 1877.—The Butcher's Trade and + Benevolent Association, organised in 1877, helps its members in case + of need, keeps a sharp look out when new Cattle Markets, &c., are + proposed, and provides a jury to help the magistrates in any doubtful + case of "scrag-mag," wherein horse-flesh, donkey meat, and + other niceties have been tendered to the public as human + food.—The "gentlemen" belonging to the fraternity of + accountants met on April 20, 1882, to form a local Institute of + Chartered Accountants, and their clients know the result by the extra + charges of the chartered ones.—The Clerks' Provident + Association provides a register for good clerks out of employ for the + use of employers who may want them, and, of course, there can be no + good clerks out of employ except those who belong to the Association. + It was commenced in 1883, from a philanthropic feeling, but must rank + among trade societies as much as many others.—The Coal Merchants + and Consumers' Association, for regulating the traffic charges, + and otherwise protecting the trade (especially the sellers) was + organised in 1869.—The Dairymen and Milksellers' Protection + Society came into existence April 2, 1884, and is intended to protect + the dealers against the encroachments of the Birmingham Dairy Company, + and all customers from the cows with wooden udders or iron + teats.—The dentists in May, 1883, held the first meeting of the + Midland Odentological Society, but it is not expected that the people + at large will be entirely protected from toothache earlier than the + first centenary of the Society.—The Institution of Mechanical + Engineers was formed early in 1847.—The Amalgamated Society of + Engineers dates half-a-century back, its 430 branches having + collectively about 50,000 members, with a reserve fund of + £178,000, though the expenditure in 1883 was £124,000 out + of an income of £134,000. Locally, there are three branches, + with 765 members, having balances in hand of £2,075; the + expenditure in 1883 being £680 to men out of work, £585 to + sick members, £390 to the superannuated, £171 for + funerals, and £70 in benevolent gifts.—The Birmingham and + Midland Counties Grocers' Protection and Benevolent Association, + started in 1871, has a long name and covers a considerable area. It + was designed to make provision for the wives and families of + unfortunate members of the trade when in distress; to defend actions + brought against them under the Adulteration Acts; and most especially + to protect themselves from the encroachments of the merchants, + importers, and manufacturers, who do not always deliver 112 lbs. to + the cwt, or keep to sample.—The Licensed Victuallers first + clubbed together for protection in 1824, and the Retail Brewers and + Dealers in Wine followed suit in 1845, both societies spending + considerable sums yearly in relief for decayed members of the trade, + the Licensed Victuallers having also a residential Asylum for a number + of their aged members or their widows in Bristol Road.—The + journeymen printers opened a branch of the Provincial Typographical + Association Oct. 12, 1861, though there was a society here + previously.— The first local union we find record of was among + the knights of the thimble, the tailors striking for an increase in + wages in 1833; a branch of the Amalgamated Society of Tailors has + lately been organised.—In 1866 a general Trades' Council was + formed, which utilises by combined action the powers of the whole in + aid of any single society which may stand in need of help. + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm15"></a>Trades and Manufactures.</b>—There are no + published returns of any kind that have ever been issued by which more + than a guess can be made at the real value of the trade of Birmingham, + which varies considerably at times. At the present moment (March, + 1885) trade is in a <i>very</i> depressed state, and it would hardly + be correct to give the exact figures, were it even possible to obtain + them, and any statistics that may appear in the following lines must + be taken as showing an average based upon several years. Speaking at a + council meeting, February 19, 1878, Mr. Alderman Joseph Chamberlain + said the best way to ascertain the trade of the town was to take the + local bank returns and the railway traffic "in" and + "out," so far as the same could be ascertained. The deposits + in all the banks that published returns were, at the end of 1877, + £10,142,936, as against £10,564,255 in the previous + year—a falling off of £421,312, or 4 percent. With regard + to bills of exchange held by the banks, the amount was + £3,311,744, against £3,605,067 in the previous + year—a falling off of £293,323, or 8 per cent. The amount + of the advances, however, was £6,041,075, as against + £5,570,920 in the previous year—an increase of + £470,155, or 8-1/2 percent. With regard to the trade of the + town, by the courtesy of the managers of the respective companies, he + was able to give the numbers of tons of goods, of coals, and other + minerals, the loads of cattle, and the number of passengers. The tons + of goods were 973,611, as against 950,042 in 1876—an increase of + 23,569 tons, or about 2-1/2 per cent. The tons of coal were 566,535, + against 575,904—a falling off of 9,372 tons, or 1-1/2 percent. + The other minerals were 119,583 tons, against 100,187—an + increase of 19,369, or 19 per cent. The loads of cattle were 22,462 + last year, against 19,157 in the previous year—an increase of + 3,305 loads, 17 per cent. These were the returns of the "in" + and "out" traffic. The number of passengers was 5,787,616 in + 1877, against 5,606,331—an increase of 181,285, or about 3-1/4 + per cent. So far as the traffic went, as they had been led to expect + from the Board of Trade returns, there had been an increase of + business, but a decrease of profits; and as to the decrease of profits + he had some figures which showed that the profits of trade for the + parish of Birmingham fur the year ending April 1, 1877, were + £3,989,000; and of the preceeding year £4,292,000—a + falling off of £323,000, or a trifle over 8 per cent. These + figures of Mr. Chamberlain's may be accepted as representing the + present state, the increase in numbers and consequent addition to the + traffic "in" being balanced by the lesser quantity of goods + sent out, though it is questionable whether the profits of trade now + reach £3,000,000 per year. Notwithstanding the adverse times the + failures have rather decreased than otherwise, there being 13 + bankruptcies and 313 arrangements by composition in 1883 against 14 + and 324 respectively in 1882. To get at the number of tradesmen, + &c., is almost as difficult as to find out the value of their + trade, but a comparison at dates fifty years apart will be interesting + as showing the increase that has taken place in that period. A + Directory of 1824 gave a list of 141 different trades and the names of + 4,980 tradesmen; a similar work published in 1874 made 745 trades, + with 33,462 tradesmen. To furnish a list of all the branches of trade + now carried on and the numbers engaged therein would fill many pages, + but a summary will be found under "<i>Population</i>," and + for fuller particulars the reader must go to the Census Tables for + 1881, which may be seen at the Reference Library. The variety of + articles made in this town is simply incalculable, for the old saying + that anything, from a needle to a ship's anchor, could be obtained + in Edgbaston Street is really not far from the truth, our + manufacturers including the makers of almost everything that human + beings require, be it artificial eyes and limbs, ammunition, or + armour; beads, buttons, bedsteads, or buckles; cocoa, candlesticks, + corkscrews, or coffee-pots; door bolts, dessert forks, dog collars, or + dish covers; edge tools, earrings, engines, or eyeglasses; fire irons, + fiddle-bows, frying pans, or fishhooks; gold chains, gas fittings, + glass toys, or gun barrels; hairpins, harness, handcuffs, or hurdles; + ironwork, isinglass, inkstands, or inculators; jewellery, javelins, + jews' harps, or baby jumpers; kettles, kitchen ranges, knife + boards, or knuckle dusters; lifting-jacks, leg irons, latches, or + lanterns; magnets, mangles, medals, or matches; nails, needles, + nickel, or nutcrackers; organ pipes, optics, oilcans, or ornaments; + pins, pens, pickle forks, pistols, or boarding-pikes; quart cups, + quoits, quadrats, or queerosities; rings, rasps, rifles, or railway + cars; spades, spectacles, saddlery, or sealing wax; thermometers, + thimbles, toothpicks, or treacle taps; umbrellas or upholstery; + ventilators, vices, varnish, or vinegar; watches, wheelbarrows, + weighing machines or water closets. A Londoner who took stock of our + manufactories a little while back, received information that led him + to say, a week's work in Birmingham comprises, among its various + results, the fabrication of 14,000,000 pens, 6,000 bedsteads, 7,000 + guns, 300,000,000 cut nails, 100,000,000 buttons, 1,000 saddles, + 5,000,000 copper or bronze coins, 20,000 pairs of spectacles, 6 tons + of papier-mache wares, over £20,000 worth of gold and silver + jewellery, nearly an equal value of gilt and cheap ornaments, + £12,000 worth of electro-plated wares, 4,000 miles of iron and + steel wire, 10 tons of pins, 5 tons of hairpins and hooks and eyes, + 130,000 gross of wood screws, 500 tons of nuts and screw-bolts and + spikes, 50 tons of wrought iron hinges, 350 miles' length of wax + for vestas, 40 tons of refined metal, 40 tons of German silver, 1,000 + dozen of fenders, 3,500 bellows, 800 tons of brass and copper wares. + Several of these items are rather over the mark, but the aggregate + only shows about one half a real week's work, as turned out when + trade is good. + </p> + <p> + <i>Agricultural Implements</i>, such as draining tools, digging and + manure forks, hay knives, scythes, shovels, spades, &c., as well + as mowing machines, garden and farm rollers, ploughs, harrows, + &c., are the specialities of some half-dozen firms, the + oldest-established being Messrs. Mapplebeck and Lowe, opposite + Smithfield Market. + </p> + <p> + <i>American Traders</i>.—It has been stated that there is not a + <i>bona fide</i> American trader residing amongst us, though at one + time they were almost as numerous as the Germans now are. Be that as + it may, the following statistics, giving the declared value of exports + from Birmingham to America during the ten years ending Sept. 30, 1882, + (taken from a report made by the American Consul-General in London), + show that a vast trade is still being carried on with our friends on + the other side of the Atlantic:—Year ending September 30 1873, + 7,463,185 dols.; 1874, 5,778,957 dols.; 1875, 4,791,231 dols.; 1876, + 3,135,234 dols.; 1877, 2,842,871 dols.; 1878 2,309,513 dols.; 1879, + 2,435,271 dols.; 1880, 4,920,433 dols.; 1881, 4,376,611 dols.; 1882, + 5,178,118 dols. Total, 43,231,429 dols. + </p> + <p> + <i>Ammunition</i>.—To manufacture ammunition for guns and + pistols so long made here by the scores of thousands would seem but + the natural sequence, but though percussion caps were yearly sent from + here in millions of grosses, the manufacture of the complete cartridge + is a business of later growth. For the invention of gunpowder the + world had to thank a monk, and it is no less curious that we owe + percussion caps to the scientific genius of another Churchman, the + first patent for their construction being taken out by the Rev. Mr. + Forsyth in 1807. They were very little thought of for long after + Waterloo, and not introduced into "the service" until 1839, + several foreign armies being supplied with them before the War Office + allowed them to be used by "Tommy Atkins" with his + "Brown Bess." A machine for making percussion caps was + patented by John Abraham in 1864. The manufacture of such articles at + all times involves several dangerous processes, and Birmingham has had + to mourn the loss of many of her children through accidents arising + therefrom. (See "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm17">Explosions</a></i>.") The ammunition works of Messrs. + Kynoch and Co., at Witton, cover over twenty acres, and gives + employment to several hundred persons, the contrariness of human + nature being exemplified in the fact that the death-dealing articles + are mainly manufactured by females, the future mothers or wives + perchance of men to be laid low by the use of such things. The plant + is capable of turning out 500,000 cartridges per day, as was done + during the Turkish war, and it takes 50 tons of rolled brass, 100 tons + of lead, and 20 tons of gunpowder weekly to keep the factory fully + going, all kinds of ammunition for rifles and machine guns being made + on the premises. Other extensive works are those of the Birmingham + Small Arms and Metal Co., at Adderley Park Mills, and the National + Arms and Ammunition Co., at Small Heath, and Perry Barr. + </p> + <p> + <i>Artificial Eyes and Limbs</i> are necessary articles to some + members of the genus <i>homo</i>, but the demand, fortunately, is not + of such an extensive character as to require many manufacturers; + indeed, the only firm in Birmingham that devotes itself entirely to + supplying artificial limbs is that of Messrs. Best and Son, Summer + Lane, whose specialities in the way of arms and legs are famed in all + English and Continental medical circles as wonderful examples of the + peculiar mechanism requisite to successfully imitate the motions and + powers of natural limbs. There are half-a-dozen makers of + "eyes," human and otherwise, the chief being Messrs. Pache + and Son, Bristol Street, and Mr. Edward Hooper, Suffolk Street, who + hold the almost unique position of being the sole known makers of + artificial human eyes anywhere. Few people would imagine it, but it is + said that there are at least 1,500 persons in Birmingham who carry + glass eyes in their head; while the demand from foreign countries is + something enormous, the United States taking the lead as they fain + would do in everything. But there is no part of the civilised world, + from Spitzbergen to Timbuctoo, where Birmingham made eyes are not to + be seen, even the callous "heathen Chinee" buying them in + large quantities. Naturalists and taxidermists find here eyes to match + those of any creature that has lived and breathed, and + "doll's eyes" are made by the ton. + </p> + <p> + <i>Bedsteads, Metallic</i>.—The making of iron and brass + bedsteads, as a staple trade, dates only from the accession of Her + Majesty; but, unlike that august personage, they were a long time + before they were appreciated as they deserved to be, for, in 1850, + there were only four or five manufacturers in the town, and their + output did not reach 500 a week. Now, about 1,800 hands are employed + in the trade, and the annual value of the work sent out cannot be less + than £200,000. + </p> + <p> + <i>Boilermaking</i>.—The making of iron boilers, gasholders, + sugar-boilers, &c., may be dated as a special trade from about + 1831, when 30 men and boys were employed thereat, turning out about + 150 tons yearly; in 1860, about 200 hands turned out 1,000 tons; in + 1880 the workers were roughly estimated at 750 to 800 and the output + at 4,500 tons. + </p> + <p> + <i>Booksellers</i>.—In 1750, there were but three, Aris, Warren, + and Wollaston: now the booksellers, publishers, and wholesale + stationers are over a hundred, while small shops may be counted to + treble the number. + </p> + <p> + <i>Boots and Shoes</i> are manufactured by about 40 wholesale houses, + several doing a great trade, and of retailers and little men there are + a dozen gross, not counting cobblers who come with the last. + American-made articles were first on sale here in March 1877. Rivetted + boots may be said to have originated (in 1840) through the mistake of + a local factor's traveller, who booked an order for copper sprigs + too extensive for his customer. Another of the firm's commercials + suggested the rivetting if iron lasts were used. A Leicester man, in a + small way, took up the notion, and made a fortune at it, the real + inventor only getting good orders. Ellis's patent boot studs to + save the sole, and the Euknemida, or concave-convex fastening springs, + are the latest novelties. + </p> + <p> + <i>Brass</i>.—The making of goods in brass was commenced here + about 1668, but the manufacturer of brass itself was not carried on + before 1740, when Mr. Turner built his works in Coleshill Street. The + Brass and Spelter Co. was started in February 1781, with a capital of + £20,000 in £100 shares. Brasshouse Passage, Broad Street, + tells of the site of another smelting place, the last chimney of which + was demolished on January 27. 1866. The Waterworks Co. bought the site + for offices. Stamped brass came in through Richard Ford in 1769, and + the process at first was confined to the manufacture of small basins + and pans, but in a very few years it was adapted to the production of + an infinitude of articles. Pressed brass rack pulleys for window + blinds were the invention of Thomas Horne, in 1823, who applied the + process of pressure to many other articles. Picture frames, nicely + moulded in brass, were made here in 1825, by a modeller named Maurice + Garvey. In 1865 it was estimated that the quantities of metal used + here in the manufacture of brass were 19,000 tons of copper, 8,000 + tons of old metal, 11,000 tons of zinc or spelter, 200 tons of tin, + and 100 tons of lead, the total value being £2,371,658. Nearly + double this quantity is now used every year. The number of hands + employed in the brass trade is about 18,000. + </p> + <p> + <i>Buckles</i> were first worn as shoe fastenings in the reign of + Charles II. When in fashion they were made of all sizes and all + prices, from the tiny half-inch on the hatband to the huge shoebuckle + for the foot, and varying from a few pence in price to many guineas + the pair. The extent of the manufactures at one time may be guessed + from the fact of there being over 20,000 buckle makers out of employ + in 1791-2, when vain petitions were made to the royal princes to stem + the change then taking place in the "fashions." Sir Edward + Thomason said his father in 1780 made 1,000 pair par day, mostly of + white metal, but some few plated; by one pattern, known as the + "silver penny," he cleared a profit of £1,000. The + introduction of shoestrings, and naturally so, was much ridiculed in + our local papers, and on one occasion was made the pretext for a + disgraceful riot, the pickpockets mobbing the gentlemen going to and + from one of the Musical Festivals, the wearers of shoestrings being + hustled about and robbed of their purses and watches. + </p> + <p> + <i>Buttons</i>.—The earliest record of button-making we have is + dated 1689, but Mr. Baddeley (inventor of the oval chuck), who retired + from business about 1739, is the earliest local manufacturer we read + of as doing largely in the trade, though sixty or seventy years ago + there were four or five times as many in the business as at present, + blue coats and gilt buttons being in fashion. By an Act passed in the + 4th of William and Mary foreign buttons made of hair were forbidden to + be imported. By another Act, in the 8th of Queen Anne it was decreed + that "any taylor or other person convicted of making, covering, + selling, using, or setting on to a garment any buttons covered with + cloth, or other stuff of which garments are made, shall forfeit five + pounds for every dozen of such buttons, or in proportion for any + lesser quantity;" by an Act of the seventh of George the First, + "any wearer of such unlawful buttons is liable to the penalty of + forty shillings per dozen, and in proportion for any lesser + quantity." Several cases are on record in which tradesmen have + been heavily fined under these; strange laws, and before they were + repealed it is related by Dr. Doran (in 1855) that one individual not + only got out of paying for a suit of clothes because of the illegality + of the tailor in using covered buttons, but actually sued the + unfortunate "snip" for the informer's share of the + penalties, the funniest part of the tale being that the judge who + decided the case, the barrister who pleaded the statute, and the + client who gained the clothes he ought to have paid for, were all of + them buttoned contrary to law. These Acts were originally enforced to + protect the many thousands who at the time were employed in making + buttons of silk, thread, &c., by hand, and <i>not</i>, as is + generally supposed, in favour of the metal button manufacturers, + though on April 4, 1791, Thomas Gem, the solicitor to the committee + for the protection of the button trade, advertised a reward for any + information against the wearers of the unlawful covered buttons. The + "gilt button days" of Birmingham was a time of rare + prosperity, and dire was the distress when, like the old buckles, the + fashion of wearing the gilt on the blue went out. Deputations to + royalty had no effect in staying the change, and thousands were thrown + on the parish. It was sought to revive the old style in 1850, when a + deputation of button makers solicited Prince Albert to patronise the + metallic buttons for gentlemen's coats, but Fashion's fiat was + not to be gainsayed. John Taylor, High Sheriff of Warwickshire in + 1756, is said to have sent out about £800 worth of buttons per + week. Papier maché buttons came in with Henry Clay's patent + in 1778. He also made buttons of slate. Boulton, of Soho, was the + first to bring out steel buttons with facets, and it is said that for + some of superior design he received as much as 140 guineas per gross. + Horn buttons, though more correctly speaking they should have been + called "hoof" buttons, were a great trade at one time, + selling in 1801 as low as 5-1/2d. per gross. "Maltese + buttons" (glass beads mounted in metal) were, in 1812, made here + in large quantities, as were also the "Bath metal drilled shank + button" of which 20,000 gross per week were sent out, and a fancy + cut white metal button, in making which 40 to 50 firms were engaged, + each employing 20 to 40 hands, but the whole trade in these + specialities was lost in consequence of a few men being enticed to or + imprisoned in France, and there establishing a rival manufacture. + Flexible shanks were patented in 1825 by B. Sanders. Fancy silk + buttons, with worked figured tops, were patented by Wm. Elliott, in + 1837. Porcelain buttons, though not made here, were designed and + patented by a Birmingham man, R. Prosser, in 1841. The three-fold + linen button was the invention of Humphrey Jeffries, in 1841, and + patented by John Aston. In 1864 so great was the demand for these + articles that one firm is said to have used up 63,000 yards of cloth + and 34 tons of metal in making them. Cadbury and Green's + "very" button is an improvement on these. Vegetable ivory, + the product of a tree growing in Central America and known as the + Corozo palm, was brought into the button trade about 1857. The shells + used in the manufacture of pearl buttons are brought from many parts + of the world, the principal places being the East Indies, the Red Sea, + the Persian Gulf, the islands of the Pacific Ocean, Panama, and the + coasts of Central America, Australia, New Zealand, &c. The prices + of "shell" vary very much, some not being worth more than + £20 per ton, while as high as £160 to £170 has been + paid for some few choice samples brought from Macassar, a seaport in + India. The average import of shell is about 1,000 tons per year, and + the value about £30,000.—There are 265 button + manufacturers in Birmingham, of whom 152 make pearl buttons, 26 glass, + 8 horn and bone, 14 ivory, 12 gilt metal, 3 wood, and 5 linen, the + other 45 being of a mixed or general character, silver, brass, steel, + wood, and papier maché, being all, more or less, used. Nearly + 6,000 hands are employed in the trade, of whom about 1,700 are in the + pearl line, though that branch is not so prosperous as it was a few + years back. + </p> + <p> + <i>Chemical Manufactures</i>.—About 50,000 tons of soda, soup, + bleaching powder, oil of vitriol, muriatic acid, sulphuric acid, + &c., are manufactured in or near Birmingham, every year, more than + 20,000 tons of salt, 20,000 tons of pyrites, and 60,000 tons of coal + being used in the process. + </p> + <p> + <i>China</i>, in the shape of knobs, &c., was introduced into the + brass founding trade by Harcourt Bros, in 1844. China bowls or wheels + for castors were first used in 1849 by J.B. Geithner. + </p> + <p> + <i>Chlorine</i>.—James Watt was one of the first to introduce + the use of chlorine as a bleaching agent. + </p> + <p> + <i>Citric Acid</i>.—Messrs. Sturge have over sixty years been + manufacturing this pleasant and useful commodity at their works in + Wheeley's Lane. The acid is extracted from the juice of the + citron, the lime, and the lemon, fruits grown in Sicily and the West + Indies. The Mountserrat Lime-Juice Cordial, lately brought into the + market, is also made from these fruits. About 350 tons of the acid, + which is used in some dying processes, &c., is sent out annually. + </p> + <p> + <i>Coins, Tokens, and Medals</i>.—Let other towns and cities + claim preeminence for what they may, few will deny Birmingham's + right to stand high in the list of money-making places. At what date + it acquired its evil renown for the manufacture of base coin it would + be hard to tell, but it must have been long prior to the Revolution of + 1688, as in some verses printed in 1682, respecting the Shaftesbury + medal, it is thus sneeringly alluded to: + </p> + <div class="poem"> + "The wretch that stamped got immortal fame,<br /> + 'Twas coined by stealth, like groats in Birminghame." + </div> + <p> + <br /> + <br /> + Smiles, in his lives of Boulton and Watt, referring to the middle of + the last century, says, "One of the grimmest sights of those days + were the skeletons of convicted coiners dangling from gibbets on + Handsworth Heath." Coining was a capital offence for hundreds of + years, but more poor wretches paid the penalty of their crimes in + London in a single year than here in a century, wicked as the bad boys + of Brummagem were. An immense trade was certainly done in the way of + manufacturing "tokens," but comparatively few counterfeits + of the legal currency were issued, except in cases where "a royal + patent" had been granted for the purpose, as in the instance of + the historical "Wood's half-pence," £100,000 worth + (nominal) of which, it is said, were issued for circulation in + Ireland. These were called in, as being too bad, even for Paddy's + land, and probably it was some of these that the hawker, arrested here + Oct. 31, 1733, offered to take in payment for his goods. He was + released on consenting to the £7 worth he had received being cut + by a brazier and sold as metal, and his advertisements (hand bills) + burnt. These bad half pence weighed about 60 to the lb., 2s. 6d. worth + (nominal) being somewhat less than 10d. in value. In the ten years + prior to 1797 it has been estimated that 700 tons of copper were + manufactured here into tokens, and the issue of the celebrated Soho + pence, providing the nation with a sufficiency of legitimate copper + coin, did not stay the work, the number of tokens in circulation in + the early part of the present century being something wonderful, as + many as 4,000 different varieties having been described by collectors, + including all denominations, from the Bank of England's silver + dollar to a country huckster's brass farthing. More than + nine-tenths of these were made in Birmingham, and, of course, our + tradesmen were not backward with their own specimens. The Overseers + issued the well-known "Workhouse Penny," a copper threepenny + piece, silver shillings and sixpences, paper notes for 2s. 6d., and + leather bonds for 5s. With the exception of the penny these are all + scarce now, particularly the 5s., 2s. 6d., and 6d., a specimen of the + latter lately being sold at auction for 47s. In 1812 Sir Edward + Thomason struck, for a Reading banker (Mr. J.B. Monk), 800 gold tokens + of the nominal value of 40s. each; but this was just a step too far, + and the Government forbade their use. In the same year he also + manufactured two million penny tokens for our soldiers in Spain, which + were <i>not</i> forbidden. The permitted manufacture of token money + came to an end with the year 1817, an Act coming into force Jan. 1, + 1818, forbidding further issue from that date, or the circulation of + them after the end of the year, except in the case of the Overseers of + Birmingham, who were granted grace till Lady-day, 1820, to call in + what they had issued. In 1786 Boulton struck over 100 tons of copper + for the East India Co., and, adding to his presses yearly, soon had + plenty of orders, including copper for the American Colonies, silver + for Sierra Leone, and a beautiful set for the French Republic. To + enumerate all the various coins, medals, and tokens issued from Soho + would take too much space, but we may say that he brought the art of + coining to a perfection very little surpassed even in the present day. + In 1789 he made for the Privy Council a model penny, halfpenny, and + farthing, but red-tapeism delayed the order until 1797, when he began + coining for the Government twopennies (only for one year), pennies, + halfpennies and farthings, continuing to do so until 1806, by which + time he had sent out not less than 4,200 tons weight. In this coinage + of 1797 the penny was made of the exact weight of 1 oz., the other + coins being in proportion. In 1799, eighteen pennies were struck out + of the pound of metal, but the people thought they were counterfeit, + and would not take them until a proclamation ordering their + circulation, was issued December 9th. They became used to a + deprecation of currency after that, and there was but very little + grumbling in 1805, when Boulton was ordered to divide the pound of + copper into 24 pennies. The machinery of Boulton's mint, with the + collection of dies, pattern coins, tokens, and medals, were sold by + auction in 1850. The collection should have numbered 119 different + pieces, but there was not a complete set for sale. The mint, however, + could not be called extinct, as Messrs. Watt and Co. (successors to + Bolton and Watt), who had removed to Smethwick in 1848, struck over + 3,300 tons of copper and bronze coin between 1860 and 1866, mostly for + Foreign countries. The first English copper penny (1797) was struck in + Birmingham, and so was the last. Messrs. Ralph Heaton and Son (the + mint, Warstone Line) receiving the contract in April, 1853. for 500 + tons of copper coin, comprising pence, half-pence, farthings, + half-farthings, and quarter-farthings. The present bronze coinage came + into use December 1st, 1860, and Messrs. Heaton have had several + contracts therefor since then. This firm has acquired a reputation + quite equal to the Soho Mint, and hive supplied the + coins—silver, copper, and bronze—for Belgium, Canada, + China, Chili, Denmark, Germany, Hayti, India, Republic of Columbia, + Sarawak, Sweden, Tunis, Turkey, Tuscany, Venezuela, and other + Principalities and States, including hundreds of tons of silver blanks + for our own Government and others, sending workmen and machinery to + the countries where it was preferred to have the coins struck at home. + Boulton, in his day, supplied the presses and machinery for the Mint + on Tower Hill (and they are still in use), as well as for the Danish, + Spanish, and Russian authorities. Mexico, Calcutta, Bombay, &c. + Messrs. Heaton, and the modern Soho firm, also dealing in such + articles. Foremost among modern local medallists, is Mr. Joseph Moore, + of Pitsford Street, whose cabinet of specimens is most extensive. An + effort is being made to gather for the new Museum and Art Gallery a + collection of all coins, medals, and tokens struck in Birmingham, and + if it can be perfected it will necessarily be a very valuable one. + </p> + <p> + <i>Coal</i>.—Over half-a-million tons of coal are used in + Birmingham annually. + </p> + <p> + <i>Cocoa</i>.—The manufacture of cocoa cannot be classed among + the staple trades of the town, but one of the largest establishments + of the kind in the kingdom, if not in the world, is that of Messrs. + Cadbury, at Bournville, where nearly 400 persons are employed. The + annual consumption of cocoa in this country is estimated at 13,000,000 + lbs., and the proportion manufactured by Messrs. Cadbury, who have + houses in Paris, Sydney, Melbourne, Montreal, &e., may be guessed + at from the fact that their works cover nearly four acres, and + packing-boxes are required at the rate of 12,000 per week. + </p> + <p> + <i>Copying Presses</i> were invented by James Watt in, and patented + in, May, 1780. His partner, Boulton, had a lot ready for the market, + and sold 150 by the end of the year. + </p> + <p> + <i>Compressed Air Power</i>.—A hundred years ago every little + brook and streamlet was utilised for producing the power required by + our local mill-owners, gun-barrel rollers, &c. Then came the + world's revolutioniser, steam, and no place in the universe has + profited more by its introduction than this town. Gas engines are now + popular, and even water engines are not unknown, while the motive + power derivable from electricity is the next and greatest boon + promised to us. Meanwhile, the introduction of compressed air as a + means of transmitting power for long distances marks a new and + important era, not only in engineering science, but in furthering the + extension of hundreds of those small industries, which have made + Birmingham so famous a workshop. In the Birmingham Compressed Air + Power Company's Bill (passed March 12, 1884), the principle + involved is the economic utility of centralising the production of + power, and many engineers are of opinion that no other means can + possibly be found so convenient as the use of compressed air in + transmitting motive power, or at so low a cost, the saving being quite + 20 per cent, compared with the use of steam for small engines. The + Birmingham Bill provides for the supply of compressed air within the + wards of St. Bartholomew, St. Martin, Deritend, and Bordesley, which + have been selected by the promoters as affording the most promising + area. In the three wards named there were rated in March of 1883, as + many as 164 engines, of which the nominal horse-power varied from 1/2 + to 10, fifty-nine from 11 to 20 fifteen from 21 to 30, six from 32 to + 50, ten from 52 to 100, and four from 102 to 289. Assuming that of + these the engines up to 30-horse power would alone be likely to use + compressed air, the promoters count upon a demand in the three wards + for 1,946 nominal, and perhaps 3,000 indicated horse-power. To this + must be added an allowance for the probability that the existence of + so cheap and convenient a power "laid on" in the streets + will attract other manufacturers to the area within which it is to be + available. It is proposed, therefore, to provide machinery and plant + capable of delivering 5,000 indicated horse-power in compressed air, + and to acquire for the works sufficient land to permit of their + dimensions being doubled when extension shall become necessary. The + site which has been chosen is a piece of ground belonging to the + Birmingham and Warwick Canal Company, and situated by the canal, and + bounded on both sides by Sampson Road North and Henley Street. Here + the promoters are putting down four air-compressing engines, driven by + compound and condensing steam engines and which are to be heated by + six sets (four in each set) of elephant boilers. From the delivery + branches of the air-compressors a main 30in. in diameter will be laid + along Henley Street, and, bifurcating, will be taken through Sampson + Road North and Stratford Street at a diameter of 24in. The mains will + then divide, to as to pass down Sandy Lane, Fazeley Street, Floodgate + Street, Bradford Street, Bromsgrove Street, and other thoroughfares, + giving off smaller branches at frequent intervals, and so forming an + elaborate network. The whole cost of buildings, plant, and + construction is estimated at £140,500, but upon this large + outlay it is hoped to realise a net annual profit of £9,164, or + 6-1/2 per cent, on capital. The engineers, reckoning the annual cost + of producing small steam power in Birmingham at £10 per + indicated horse-power, which will probably be regarded as well within + the mark, propose to furnish compressed air at £8 per annum, and + if they succeed in carrying out the scheme as planned, it will without + doubt be one of the greatest blessings ever conferred on the smaller + class of our town's manufacturers. + </p> + <p> + <i>Fenders and Fireirons</i>.—The making of these finds work for + 800 or 900 hands, and stove grates (a trade introduced from Sheffield + about 20 years back) almost as many. + </p> + <p> + <i>Files and Rasps</i> are manufactured by 60 firms, whose total + product, though perhaps not equal to the Sheffield output, is far from + inconsiderable. Machines for cutting files and rasps were patented by + Mr. Shilton, Dartmouth Street, in 1833. + </p> + <p> + <i>Fox, Henderson and Co</i>.—In March, 1853, this arm employed + more than 3,000 hands, the average weekly consumption of iron being + over 1,000 tons. Among the orders then in hand were the ironwork for + our Central Railway Station, and for the terminus at Paddington, in + addition to gasometers, &c., for Lima, rails, wagons and wheels + for a 55-mile line in Denmark, and the removal and + re-election[Transcriber's note: this is probably a typographical + error for "re-erection".] of the Crystal Palace at + Sydenham.-See "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm42">Exhibitions</a>," "<a class="internal" href= + "#Birm62">Noteworthy men</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <i>Galvanised Buckets</i> and other articles are freely made, but the + galvanisers can hardly be pleasant neighbours, as at the works of one + firm 40 to 50 carboys of muriatic acid and several of sulphuric acid + are used every day, while at another place the weekly consumption of + chemicals runs to two tons of oil of vitriol and seven tons of + muriatic acid. + </p> + <p> + <i>German Silver</i>.—To imitate closely as possible the + precious metals, by a mixture of baser ones, is not exactly a + Birmingham invention, as proved by the occasional discovery of + counterfeit coin of very ancient date, but to get the best possible + alloy sufficiently malleable for general use has always been a local + desideratum. Alloys of copper with tin, spelter or zinc were used here + in 1795, and the term "German" was applied to the best of + these mixtures as a Jacobinical sneer at the pretentious appellation + of silver given it by its maker. After the introduction of nickel from + the mines in Saxony, the words "German silver" became + truthfully appropriate as applied to that metal, but so habituated + have the trade and the public become to brassy mixtures that German + silver must always be understood as of that class only. + </p> + <p> + <i>Glass</i>—The art of painting, &c. on glass was brought + to great perfection by Francis Eginton, of the Soho Works, in 1784. He + supplied windows for St. George's Chapel, Windsor, Salisbury and + Lichfield Cathedrals, and many country churches. The east window of + St. Paul's, Birmingham, and the east window of the south aisle in + Aston Church, are by Eginton. One of the commissions he obtained was + from the celebrated William Beckford, Lord Mayor of London, for + windows at Fonthill, to the value of £12,000. He was not, + however, the first local artist of the kind, for a Birmingham man is + said to have painted a window in Haglev Church, in 1756-57, for Lord + Lyttelton, though his name is not now known. William Raphael Eginton + (son of Francis) appeared in the Directory of 1818, as a glass-painter + to the Princess Charlotte, but we can find no trace of his work. + Robert Henderson started in the same line about 1820, and specimens of + his work may be seen in Trinity Chapel; he died in 1848. John Hardman + began in Paradise Street about 1837, afterwards removing to Great + Charles Street, and thence to Newhall Hill, from which place much + valuable work has been issued, as the world-known name well testifies. + Engraving on glass is almost as old as the introduction of glass + itself. There is a beautiful specimen in the Art Gallery. Glass + flowers, fruit, &c., as ornamental adjuncts to brassfoundry, must + be accredited to W. C. Aitken, who first used them in 1846. American + writers claim that the first pressed glass tumbler was made about 40 + years back in that country, by a carpenter. We have good authority for + stating that the first pressed tumbler was made in this country by + Rice Harris, Birmingham, as far back as 1834. But some years earlier + than this dishes had been pressed by Thomas Hawkes and Co., of Dudley, + and by Bacchus and Green, of Birmingham. No doubt the earliest + pressing was the old square feet to goblets, ales, jellies, &c. + Primitive it was, but like Watt's first engine, it was the + starting point, and Birmingham is entitled to the credit of it. It is + very remarkable that none of the samples of Venetian glass show any + pressing, although moulding was brought by them to great perfection. + It would not be fair to omit the name of the first mould-maker who + made the tumbler-mould in question. It was Mr. James Stevens, then of + Camden Street, Birmingham, and it is to him, and his sons, James and + William, that the world is greatly indebted for the pressing of glass. + The older Stevens has been dead some years, and the sons have left the + trade. Previous to this mould being made for tumblers, Mr. James + Stevens made some pressed salt-moulds to order for an American + gentleman visiting Birmingham. Some of the most beautiful works in + glass fountains, candelabra, &c., that the world has ever seen + have been made at Messrs. Oslers, Broad Street, whose show rooms are + always open to visitors. + </p> + <p> + <i>Guns</i>.—The imitative, if not inventive, powers of our + forefathers have been shown in so many instances, that it is not + surprising we have no absolute record of the first gun-maker, when he + lived, or where he worked, but we may be confident that firearms were + not long in use before they were manufactured here. The men who made + 15,000 swords for the Commonwealth were not likely to go far for the + "musquets" with which they opposed Prince Rupert. The honour + of procuring the first Government contract for guns rests with Sir + Richard Newdigate, one of the members for the county in William + III.'s reign, a trial order being given in 1692, followed by a + contract for 2,400 in 1693, at 17/-each. For the next hundred years + the trade progressed until the Government, in 1798, found it necessary + to erect "view-rooms" (now "the Tower", Bagot + Street) in Birmingham. From 1804 to 1817 the number of muskets, + rifles, carbines, and pistols made here for the Government, amounted + to 1,827,889, in addition to 3,037,644 barrels and 2,879,203 locks + sent to be "set up" in London, and more than 1,000,000 + supplied to the East India Co. In the ten years ending 1864 (including + the Crimean War) over 4,000,000 military barrels were proved in this + town, and it has been estimated that during the American civil war our + quarreling cousins were supplied with 800,000 weapons from our + workshops. Gunstocks are chiefly made from beech and walnut, the + latter for military and best work, the other being used principally + for the African trade, wherein the prices have ranged as low as 6s. + 6d. per gun. Walnut wood is nearly all imported, Germany and Italy + being the principal markets;—during the Crimean war one of our + manufacturers set up sawmills at Turin, and it is stated that before + he closed them he had used up nearly 10,000 trees, averaging not more + than thirty gunstocks from each. To give anything like a history of + the expansion of, and changes in, the gun trade during the last + fifteen years, would require a volume devoted solely to the subject, + but it may not be uninteresting to enumerate the manifold branches + into which the trade has been divided—till late years most of + them being carried on under different roofs:—The first portion, + or "makers", include—stock-makers, barrel welders, + borers, grinders, filers, and breechers; rib makers, breech forgers + and stampers; lock forgers, machiners, and filers; furniture forgers, + casters, and filers; rod forgers, grinders, polishers, and finishers; + bayonet forgers, socket and ring stampers, grinders, polishers, + machiners, hardeners, and filers; band forgers, stampers, machiners, + filers, and pin makers; sight stampers, machiners, jointers, and + filers; trigger boxes, oddwork makers, &c. The "setters + up" include machines, jiggers (lump filers and break-off + fitters), stockers, percussioners, screwers, strippers, barrel borers + and riflers, sighters and sight-adjusters, smoothers, finishers + makers-off, polishers, engravers, browners, lock freers, &c., + &c. The Proof-house in Banbury Street, "established for + public safety" as the inscription over the entrance says, was + erected in 1813, and with the exception of one in London is the only + building of the kind in England. It is under the management of an + independent corporation elected by and from members of the gun trade, + more than half-a-million of barrels being proved within its walls + yearly, the report for the year 1883 showing 383,735 provisional + proofs, and 297,704 definitive proofs. Of the barrels subjected to + provisional proof, 29,794 were best birding single, 150,176 best + birding double, and 160,441 African. Of those proved definitively, + 63,197 were best double birding barrels, 110,369 breech-loading + birding, 37,171 breech-loading choke bore, and 54,297 saddle-pistol + barrels. As an instance of the changes going on in the trades of the + country, and as a contrast to the above figures, Birmingham formerly + supplying nearly every firearm sold in England or exported from it, + trade returns show that in 1882 Belgium imported 252,850 guns and + pistols, France 48,496, the United States 15,785, Holland 84,126, + Italy 155,985, making (with 3,411 from other countries) 560,653 + firearms, valued at £124,813, rather a serious loss to the gun + trade of Birmingham. + </p> + <p> + <i>Handcuffs and Leg Irons</i>.—It is likely enough true that + prior to the abolition of slavery shackles and chains were made here + for use in the horrible traffic; but it was then a legal trade, and + possibly the articles were classed as "heavy steel toys," + like the handcuffs and leg irons made by several firms now. A very + heavy Australian order for these last named was executed here in 1853, + and there is always a small demand for them. + </p> + <p> + <i>Hinges</i>.—Cast-iron hinges, secret joint, were patented in + 1775 by Messrs. Izon and Whitehurst, who afterwards removed to West + Bromwich. The patent wrought iron hinge dates from 1840, since which + year many improvements have been made in the manufacture of iron, + brass, wire, cast, wrought, pressed, and welded hinges, the makers + numbering over three score. + </p> + <p> + <i>Hollow-ware</i>.—The invention of tinning iron pots and other + hollow-ware was patented in 1779 by Jonathan Taylor, the process being + first carried out by Messrs. Izon and Whitehurst at their foundry in + Duke Street. The enamelling of hollow-ware was Mr. Hickling's + patent (1799), but his method was not very satisfactory, the present + mode of enamelling dating from another patent taken out in 1839. + Messrs. Griffiths and Browett, Bradford Street, have the lion's + share of the local trade, which is carried on to a much greater extent + at Wolverhampton than here. + </p> + <p> + <i>Hydraulic Machinery</i> is the specialite almost solely of Messrs. + Tangye Bros., who established their Cornwall Works in 1855. + </p> + <p> + <i>Jewellery</i>.—A deputation from Birmingham waited upon + Prince Albert, May 28, 1845, at Buckingham Palace, for the purpose of + appealing to Her Majesty, through His Royal Highness, to take into + gracious consideration the then depressed condition of the operative + jewellers of Birmingham, and entreating the Queen and Prince to set + the example of wearing British jewellery on such occasions and to such + an extent as might meet the royal approval. The deputation took with + them as presents for the Queen, an armlet, a brooch, a pair of + ear-rings, and a buckle for the waist; for the Prince Consort a + watch-chain, seal, and key, the value of the whole being over 400 + guineas. The armlet (described by good judges as the most splendid + thing ever produced in the town) brooch, ear-rings, chain and key were + made by Mr. Thomas Aston, Regent's Place; the buckle and seal + (designed from the Warwick vase) by Mr. Baleny, St. Paul's Square. + It was stated by the deputation that 5,000 families were dependent on + the jewellery trades in Birmingham. The "custom of trade" in + connection with jewellers and the public was formerly of the most + arbitrary character, so much so indeed that at the Great Exhibition of + 1851, the Birmingham jewellers did not exhibit, except through the + London houses they were in the habit of supplying, and the specimens + shewn by these middlemen were of a very unsatisfactory character as + regards design. It is almost impossible to describe them without + appearing to exaggerate. Construction in relation to use went for + nothing. A group of Louis Quatorze scrolls put together to form + something like a brooch with a pin at the back to fasten it to the + dress, which it rather disfigured than adorned; heavy chain-like + bracelet, pins, studs, &c., of the most hideous conceits + imaginable, characterised the jewellery designs of Birmingham until + about 1854-55, when a little more intelligence and enterprise was + introduced, and our manufacturers learned that work well designed sold + even better than the old-styled ugliness. A great advance has taken + place during the past thirty years, and Birmingham jewellers now stand + foremost in all matters of taste and design, the workmen of to-day + ranking as artists indeed, even the commonest gilt jewellery turned + out by them now being of high-class design and frequently of most + elaborate workmanship. At the present time (March 1885) the trade is + in a very depressed condition, thousands of hands being out of employ + or on short time, partly arising, no doubt, from one of those + "changes of fashion" which at several periods of our local + history have brought disaster to many of our industrial branches. It + has been estimated that not more than one-half of the silver jewellery + manufactured in Birmingham in 1883, passed through the Assay Office, + but the total received there in the twelve months ending June 24th, + 1883, amounted to no less than 856,180 ounces, or 31 tons 17 cwt. 4 + lbs. 4 oz., the gold wares received during same period weighing 92,195 + ounces, or 3 tons 7 cwt. 12 lbs. 3 oz., the total number of articles + sent in for assaying being 2,649,379. The directory of 1780 gave the + names of twenty-six jewellers; that of 1880 gives nearly 700, + including cognate trades. The fashion of wearing long silver + guard-chains came in in about 1806, the long gold ones dating a score + years later, heavy fob chains then going out. The yearly make of + wedding rings in Birmingham is put at 5,000 dozen. Precious stones are + not to be included in the list of locally manufactured articles, nor + yet "Paris pastes," though very many thousands of pounds + worth are used up every year, and those anxious to become possessed of + such glittering trifles will find dealers here who can supply them + with pearls from 6d., garnets from 2d., opals from 1s., diamonds, + rubies, emeralds, amethysts, &c., from half-a-crown, the prices of + all running up according to size, &c., to hundreds of pounds per + stone. + </p> + <p> + <i>Latten</i>, the term given to thin sheets of brass, was formerly + applied to sheets of tinned iron. + </p> + <p> + <i>Lockmakers</i> are not so numerous here as they once were, though + several well known patentees still have their works in the borough. + The general trade centres round Willenhall, Walsall, and + Wolverhampton. + </p> + <p> + <i>Looking-glasses</i>.—Messrs. Hawkes's, Sromsgrove Street, + is the largest looking-glass manufactory in the world, more than 300 + hands being employed on the premises. A fire which took place Jan. 8, + 1879, destroyed nearly £12,000 worth of stock, the turnout of + the establishment comprising all classes of mirrors, from those at 2. + a dozen to £40 or £50 each. + </p> + <p> + <i>Mediæval Metalwork</i>.—Mr. John Hardman, who had Pugin + for his friend, was the first to introduce the manufacture of + mediæval and ecclesiastical metal work in this town, opening his + first factory in Great Charles Street in 1845. The exhibits at the old + Bingley Hall in 1849 attracted great attention and each national + Exhibition since has added to the triumphs of the firm. Messrs. Jones + and Willis also take high rank. + </p> + <p> + <i>Metronome</i>, an instrument for marking time, was invented by Mr. + W. Heaton, a local musician, about 1817. + </p> + <p> + <i>Mineral Waters</i>.—The oldest local establishment for the + manufacture of aërated artificial and mineral waters is that of + Messrs. James Goffe and Son, of Duke Street, the present proprietors + of the artesian well in Allison Street. This well was formed some + years ago by Mr. Clark, a London engineer, who had undertaken a + Corporation contract connected with the sewers. Finding himself + embarassed with the flow of water from the many springs about Park + Street and Digbeth, he leased a small plot of land and formed a + bore-hole, or artesian well, to check the percolation into his + sewerage works. After boring about 400 feet he reached a main spring + in the red sandstone formation which gives a constant flow of the + purest water, winter and summer, of over 70,000 gals. per day, at the + uniform temperature of 50 deg. The bore is only 4in. diameter, and is + doubly tubed the whole depth, the water rising into a 12ft. brick + well, from which a 4,000 gallon tank is daily filled, the remainder + passing through a fountain and down to the sewers as waste. Dr. + Bostock Hill, the eminent analyst, reports most favourably upon the + freedom of the water from all organic or other impurities, and as + eminently fitted for all kinds of aërated waters, soda, potass, + seltzer, lithia, &c. The old-fashioned water-carriers who used to + supply householders with Digbeth water from "the Old Cock + pump" by St. Martin's have long since departed, but Messrs. + Goff's smart-looking barrel-carts may be seen daily on their + rounds supplying the real <i>aqua pura</i> to counters and bars + frequented by those who like their "cold without," and like + it good.—Messrs. Barrett & Co. and Messrs. Kilby are also + extensive manufacturers of these refreshing beverages. + </p> + <p> + <i>Nails</i>.—No definite date can possibly be given as to the + introduction of nailmaking here as a separate trade, most smiths, + doubtless, doing more or less at it when every nail had to be beaten + out on the anvil. That the town was dependent on outsiders for its + main supplies 150 years back, is evidenced by the Worcestershire + nailors marching from Cradley and the Lye, in 1737 to force the + ironmongers to raise the prices. Machinery for cutting nails was tried + as early as 1811, but it was a long while after that (1856) before a + machine was introduced successfully. Now there are but a few special + sorts made otherwise, as the poor people of Cradley and the Lye Waste + know to their cost, hand-made nails now being seldom seen. + </p> + <p> + <i>Nettlefold's (Limited)</i>.—This, one of the most + gigantic of our local companies, was registered in March, 1880, the + capital being £750,000 in shares of £10 each, with power + to issue debentures to the vendors of the works purchased to the + extent of £420,000. The various firms incorporated are those of + Messrs. Nettlefold's, at Heath Street, and Princip-street, + Birmingham, at King's Norton, at Smethwick, &c., for the + manufacture of screws, wire, &c., the Castle Ironworks at Hadley, + Shropshire, and the Collieries at Ketley, in the same county; the + Birmingham Screw Co., at Smethwick; the Manchester Steel Screw Co., at + Bradford, Manchester; Mr. John Cornforth, at Berkeley Street Wire and + Wire Nail Works; and Messrs. Lloyd and Harrison, at Stourport Screw + Works. The purchase money for the various works amounted to + £1,024.000, Messrs. Nettlefold's share thereof being + £786,000, the Birmingham Screw Co.'s £143,000, the + Manchester Co.'s £50,000, Messrs. Cornforth, Lloyd and + Harrison taking the remainder. The firm's works in Heath Street + are the most extensive of the kind in existence, the turnout being + more than 200,000 gross of screws per week, nearly 250 tons of wire + being used up in the same period.—See "<i><a class= + "internal" href="#Birm142">Screws</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <i>Nickel</i> owes its introduction here to Mr. Askin, who, in 1832, + succeeded in refining the crude ore by precipitation, previously it + having been very difficult to bring it into use. Electro-plating has + caused a great demand for it. + </p> + <p> + <i>Nuts and Bolts</i>.—In addition to a score or two of private + firms engaged in the modern industry of nut and bolt making, there are + several limited liability Co.'s, the chief being the Patent Nut + and Bolt Co. (London Works, Smethwick), which started in 1863 with a + capital of £400,000 in shares of £20 each. The last + dividend (on £14 paid up) was at the rate of 10 per cent., the + reserve fund standing at £120,000. Messrs. Watkins and Keen, and + Weston and Grice incorporated with the Patent in 1865. Other Co.'s + are the Midland Bolt and Nut Co. (Fawdry Street, Smethwick), the + Phoenix Bolt and Nut Co. (Handsworth), the Patent Rivet Co. (Rolfe + Street, Smethwick), the Birmingham Bolt and Nut Co., &c. + </p> + <p> + <i>Optical and Mathematical Instruments</i> of all kinds were + manufactured here in large numbers eighty years ago, and many, such as + the solar microscope, the kaleidoscope, &c. may be said to have + had their origin in the workshops of Mr. Philip Carpenter and other + makers in the first decade of the present century. The manufacture of + these articles as a trade here is almost extinct. + </p> + <p> + <i>Papier Maché</i>.—This manufacture was introduced here + by Henry Clay in 1772, and being politic enough to present Queen + Caroline with a Sedan chair made of this material, he was patronised + by the wealthy and titled of the day, the demand for his ware being so + extensive that at one time he employed over 300 hands, his profit + being something like £3 out of every £5. It has been + stated that many articles of furniture, &c., made by him are still + in use. Messrs. Jennens and Bettridge commenced in 1816, and + improvements in the manufacture have been many and continuous. George + Souter introduced pearl inlaying in 1825; electro-deposit was applied + in 1844; "gem inlaying" in 1847, by Benj. Giles; aluminium + and its bronze in 1864; the transfer process in 1856 by Tearne and + Richmond. Paper pulp has been treated in a variety of ways for making + button blanks, tray blanks, imitiation jet, &c., the very dust + caused by cutting it up being again utilised by mixture with certain + cements to form brooches, &c. + </p> + <p> + <i>Paraffin</i>.—The manufacture of lamps for the burning of + this material dates only from 1861. + </p> + <p> + <i>Pins</i>.—What becomes of all the pins? Forty years ago it + was stated that 20,000,000 pins were made every day, either for home + or export use, but the total is now put at 50,000,000, notwithstanding + which one can hardly be in the company of man, woman, or child, for a + day without being asked "Have you such a thing as a pin about + you?" Pins were first manufactured here in quantities about 1750, + the Ryland family having the honour of introducing the trade. It + formerly took fourteen different persons to manufacture a single pin, + cutters, headers, pointers, polishers, &c., but now the whole + process is performed by machinery. The proportion of pins made in + Birmingham is put at 37,000,000 per day, the weight of brass wire + annually required being 1,850,000 lbs., value £84,791; iron wire + to the value of £5,016 is used for mourning and hair pins. The + census reports say there are but 729 persons employed (of whom 495 are + females) in the manufacture of the 11,500,000,000 pins sent from our + factories every year. + </p> + <p> + <i>Planes</i>.—Carpenters' planes were supplied to our + factors in 1760 by William Moss, and his descendants were in the + business as late as 1844. Messrs. Atkins and Sons have long been + celebrated makers, their hundreds of patterns including all kinds that + could possibly he desired by the workman. Woodwork is so cut, carved, + and moulded by machinery now, that these articles are not so much in + demand, and the local firms who make them number only a dozen. + </p> + <p> + <i>Plated Wares</i>.—Soho was celebrated for its plated wares as + early as 1766; Mr. Thomason (afterwards Sir Edward) commenced the + plating in 1796; and Messrs. Waterhouse and Ryland, another well-known + firm in the same line, about 1808, the material used being silver + rolled on copper, the mountings silver, in good work, often solid + silver. The directory of 1780 enumerates 46 platers, that of 1799 96 + ditto; their names might now be counted on one's finger ends, the + modern electro-plating having revolutionised the business, vastly to + the prosperity of the town. + </p> + <p> + <i>Puzzles</i>.—The Yankee puzzle game of "Fifteen," + took so well when introduced into this country (summer of 1880), that + one of our local manufacturers received an order to supply 10,000 + gross, and he was clever enough to construct a machine that made 20 + sets per minute. + </p> + <p> + <i>Railway Waggon Works</i>.—With the exception of the carriage + building works belonging to the several great railway companies, + Saltley may be said to be the headquarters of this modern branch of + industry, in which thousands of hands are employed. The Midland + Railway Carriage and Waggon Co. was formed in 1853, and has works of a + smaller scale at Shrewsbury. The Metropolitan Railway Carriage and + Waggon Co. was originated in London, in 1845, but removed to Saltley + in 1862, which year also saw the formation of the Union Rolling Stock + Co. The capital invested in the several companies is very large, and + the yearly value sent out is in proportion, more rolling stock being + manufactured here than in all the other towns in the kingdom put + together, not including the works of the railway companies themselves. + Many magnificent palaces on wheels have been made here for foreign + potentates, Emperors, Kings, and Queens, Sultans, and Kaisers, from + every clime that the iron horse has travelled in, as well as all sorts + of passenger cars, from the little narrow-gauge vehicles of the + Festiniog line, on which the travellers must sit back to back, to the + 60ft. long sleeping-cars used on the Pacific and Buenos Ayers Railway, + in each compartment of which eight individuals can find sleeping + accommodation equal to that provided at many of the best hotels, or + the curious-looking cars used on Indian railways, wherein the natives + squat in tiers, or, as the sailor would say, with an upper and lower + deck. + </p> + <p> + <i>Ropemaking</i> is a trade carried on in many places, but there are + few establishments that can equal the Universe Works in Garrison Lane, + where, in addition to hundreds of tons of twine and cord, there are + manufactured all sorts of wire and hemp ropes for colliery and other + purposes, ocean telegraph cables included. Messrs. Wright introduced + strain machinery early in 1853, and in the following year they + patented a rope made of best hemp and galvanised wire spun together by + machinery. On a test one of these novelties, 4-1/4in. circumference, + attached to two engines, drew a train of 300 tons weight. To supply + the demand for galvanised signalling and fencing cords, the machines + must turn out 15,000 yards of strand per day. + </p> + <p> + <i>Rulemaking</i>, though formerly carried on in several places, is + now almost confined to this town and the metropolis, and as with + jewellery so with rules, very much of what is called "London + work" is, in reality, the produce of Birmingham. Messrs. Rabone + Brothers are the principal makers, and the boxwood used is mostly + obtained from Turkey and the Levant, but the firm does not confine + itself solely to the manufacture of wood rules, their steel tapes, + made up to 200ft in one length, without join of any sort, being a + specialty highly appreciated by surveyors and others. + </p> + <p> + <i>Saddlery</i>.—One of the oldest local trades, as Lelaud, in + 1538, speaks of "lorimers" as being numerous then. That + there was an important leather market is certain (Hutton thought it + had existed for 700 years), and we read of "leather sealers" + among the local officers as well as of a "Leather Hall," at + the east end of New Street. The trade has more than quadrupled during + the last 25 years, about 3,000 hands being now engaged therein, in + addition to hundreds of machines. + </p> + <p> + <i><a id="Birm142"></a>Screws</i>.—In olden days the threads of + a screw had to be filed out by hand, and the head struck up on the + anvil. The next step was to turn them in a lathe, but in 1849 a Gerimn + clockmaker invented a machine by which females could make them five + times as fast as the most skilful workman, and, as usual, the supply + created a demand; the trade for a few years received many additions, + and the "screw girders," as the hard-working lasses were + called, were to be met with in many parts of the town. 1852, 1,500 + hands were employed, the output being from 20 to 25 tons per week, or + 2,000,000 gross per year. Gradually, however, by the introduction and + patenting of many improvements in the machinery, the girls were, in a + great measure, dispensed with, and their employers as well, Messrs. + Nettlefold and Chamberlain having, in 1865, nearly the whole trade in + their hands, and sending out 150,000 gross of screws per week. Nearly + 2,000 people are employed at Nettlefold's, including women and + girls, who feed and attend the screw and nail-making machines. + Notwithstanding the really complicated workings of the machines, the + making of a screw seems to a casual visitor but a simple thing. From a + coil of wire a piece is cut of the right length by one machine, which + roughly forms a head and passes it on to another, in which the blank + has its head nicely shaped, shaved, and "nicked" by a + revolving saw. It than passes by an automatic feeder into the next + machine where it is pointed and "wormed," and sent to be + shook clear of the "swaff" of shaving cut out for the worm. + Washing and polishing in revolving barrels precedes the examination of + every single screw, a machine placing them one by one so that none can + be missed sight of. Most of the 2,000 machines in use are of American + invention, but improved and extended, all machinery and tools of every + description being made by the firm's own workpeople. + </p> + <p> + <i>Sewing Machines</i>.—The various improvements in these + machines patented by Birmingham makers may be counted by the gross, + and the machines sent out every year by the thousands. The button-hole + machine was the invention of Mr. Clements. + </p> + <p> + <i>Sheathing Metal</i>.—In a newspaper called <i>The World</i>, + dated April 16, 1791, was an advertisement beginning + thus—"By the King's patent, <i>tinned copper</i> sheets + and pipes manufactured and sold by Charles Wyatt, Birmingham, and at + 19, Abchurch lane, London." It was particularly recommended for + sheathing of ships, as the tin coating would prevent the corrosion of + the copper and operate as "a preservative of the iron placed + contiguous to it." Though an exceedingly clever man, and the son + of one of Birmingham's famed worthies, Mr. Charles Wyatt was not + fortunate in many of his inventions, and his tinned copper brought him + in neither silver nor gold. What is now known as sheathing or + "yellow" metal is a mixture of copper, zinc, and iron in + certain defined proportions, according as it is "Muntz's + metal," or "Green's patent," &c. Several + patents were taken out in 1779, 1800, and at later dates, and, as is + usual with "good things," there has been sufficient + squabbling over sheathing to provide a number of legal big-wigs with + considerable quantities of the yellow, metal <i>they</i> prefer. + George Frederick Muntz, M.P., if not the direct inventor, had the + lion's share of profit in the manufacture, as the good-will of his + business was sold for £40,000 in 1863, at which time it was + estimated that 11,000 tons of Muntz's mixture was annually made + into sheathing, ships' bolts, &c., to the value of over + £800,000. The business was taken to by a limited liability + company, whose capital in March, 1884, was £180,000, on which a + 10 per cent, dividend was realised. Elliott's Patent Sheathing and + Metal Co. was formed in.1862. + </p> + <p> + <i>Snuff-boxes</i>.—A hundred years ago, when snuff-taking was + the <i>mode</i>, the manufacture of japanned, gilt, and other + snuff-boxes gave employment to large numbers here. Of one of these + workmen it is recorded that he earned £3 10s. per week painting + snuff-boxes at 1/4d. each. The first mention of their being made here + is in 1693. + </p> + <p> + <i>Soap</i>.—In more ways than one there is a vast deal of + "soft soap" used in Birmingham, but its inhabitants ought to + be cleanly people, for the two or three manufactories of hard yellow + and mottled in and near the town turn out an annual supply of over + 3,000 tons. + </p> + <p> + <i>Spectacles</i>.—Sixty and seventy years ago spectacles were + sent out by the gross to all part of the country, but they were of a + kind now known as "goggles," the frames being large and + clumsy, and made of silver, white metal, or tortoise-shell, the fine + steel wire frames now used not being introduced until about 1840. + </p> + <p> + <i>Stereoscopes</i>, the invention of Sir David Brewster, were first + made in this town, Mr. Robert Field producing them. + </p> + <p> + <i>Steel Pens</i>.—Though contrary to the general belief, + metallic pens are of very ancient origin. Dr. Martin Lister, in his + book of Travels, published in 1699, described a "very curious and + antique writing instrument made of thick and strong silver wire, wound + up like a hollow bottom or screw, with both the ends pointing one way, + and at a distance, so that a man might easily put his forefinger + between the two points, and the screw fills the ball of his hand. One + of the points was the point of a bodkin, which was to write on waxed + tables; the other point was made very artificially, like the head and + upper beak of a cock and the point divided in two, just like our steel + pens, from whence undoubtedly the moderns had their patterns; which + are now made also of fine silver or gold, or Prince's metal, all + of which yet want a spring and are therefore not so useful as of steel + or a quill: but the quill soon spoils. Steel is undoubtedly the best, + and if you use China ink, the most lasting of all inks, it never rusts + the pen, but rather preserves it with a kind of varnish, which dries + upon it, though you take no care in wiping it."—Though + Messrs. Gillott and Sons' Victoria Works, Graham Street, stands + first among the pen-making establishments open to the visit of + strangers, it is by no means the only manufactory whereat the useful + little steel pen is made in large quantities, there being, besides, + Mr. John Mitchell (Newhall Street), Mr. William Mitchell (Cumberland + Street), Hinks, Wells and Co. (Buckingham Street), Brandauer and Co. + (New John Street, West), Baker and Finnemore (James Street), G. W. + Hughes (St. Paul's Square), Leonardt and Co. (Charlotte Street), + Myers and Son (Charlotte Street), Perry and Co. (Lancaster Street), + Ryland and Co. (St. Paul's Square). Sansum and Co. (Tenby Street), + &c., the gross aggregate output of the trade at large being + estimated at 20 tons per week. + </p> + <p> + <i>Stirrups</i>.—According to the Directory, there are but four + stirrup makers here, though it is said there are 4,000 different + patterns of the article. + </p> + <p> + <i>Swords</i>.—Some writers aver that Birmingham was the centre + of the metal works of the ancient Britons, where the swords and the + scythe blades were made to meet Julius Cæsar. During the + Commonwealth, over 15,000 swords were said to have been made in + Birmingham for the Parliamentary soldiers, but if they thus helped to + overthrow the Stuarts at that period, the Brummagem boys in 1745 were + willing to make out for it by supplying Prince Charlie with as many as + ever he could pay for, and the basket-hilts were at a premium. + Disloyalty did not always prosper though, for on one occasion over + 2,000 Cutlasses intended for the Prince, were seized <i>en route</i> + and found their way into the hands of his enemies. Not many swords are + made in Birmingham at the present time, unless matchets and case + knives used in the plantations can be included under that head. + </p> + <p> + <i>Thimbles</i>, or thumbells, from being originally worn on the + thumb, are said by the Dutch to have been the invention of Mynheer van + Banschoten for the protection of his lady-love's fingers when + employed at the embroidery-frame; but though the good people of + Amsterdam last year (1884) celebrated the bicentenary of their gallant + thimble-making goldsmith, it is more than probable that he filched the + idea from a Birmingham man, for Shakespeare had been dead sixty-eight + years prior to 1684, and he made mention of thimbles as quite a common + possession of all ladies in his time: + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2"> + "For your own ladies, and pale-visag'd maids, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Like Amazons, come tripping after drums, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Their thimbles into armed gauntlets change; + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Their neelds to lances." + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + <i>King John</i>, Act + v. sc. 3. + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2"> + "Thou liest, thou thread, thou thimble." + </p> + <p class="i2"> + "And that I'll prove upon thee, though thy + </p> + <p class="i2"> + little finger be armed in a thimble," + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + <i>Taming of the + Shrew</i>, Act iv., sc. 3. + </p> + <p> + The earliest note we really have of thimbles being manufactured in + Birmingham dates as 1695. A very large trade is now done in steel, + brass, gold, and silver. + </p> + <p> + <i>Thread</i>.—Strange are the mutations of trade. The first + thread of cotton spun by rollers, long before Arkwright's time, + was made near this town in the year 1700, and a little factory was at + work in the Upper Priory (the motive power being two donkeys), in + 1740, under the ingenious John Wyatt, with whom were other two + well-remembered local worthies—Lewis Paul and Thomas Warren. + Many improvements were made in the simple machinery, but fate did not + intend Birmingham to rival Bradford, and the thread making came to an + end in 1792. + </p> + <p> + <i>Tinderboxes</i>, with the accompanying "fire steels," are + still made here for certain foreign markets, where lucifers are not + procurable. + </p> + <p> + <i>Tinning</i>.—Iron pots were first tinned in 1779, under + Jonathan Taylor's patent. Tinning wire is one of the branches of + trade rapidly going out, partly through the introduction of the + galvanising process, but latterly in consequence of the invention of + "screw," "ball," and other bottle stoppers. There + were but five or six firms engaged in it ten years back, but the then + demand for bottling-wire may be gathered from the fact that one + individual, with the aid of two helpers, covered with the + lighter-coloured metal about 2cwt. of slender iron wire per day. This + would give a total length of about 6,500 miles per annum, enough to + tie up 25,718,784 bottles of pop, &c. + </p> + <p> + <i>Tools</i>—The making of tools for the workers in our almost + countless trades has given employ to many thousands, but in addition + thereto is the separate manufacture of "heavy edge tools." + Light edge tools, such as table and pocket knives, scissors, gravers, + &c., are not made here, though "heavy" tools comprising + axes, hatchets, cleavers, hoes, spades, mattocks, forks, chisels, + plane irons, machine knives, scythes, &c., in endless variety and + of hundreds of patterns, suited to the various parts of the world for + which they are required. Over 4,000 hands are employed in this + manufacture. + </p> + <p> + <i>Tubes</i>.—Immense quantities (estimated at over 15,000 tons) + of copper, brass, iron, and other metal tubing are annually sent out + of our workshops. In olden days the manufacture of brass and copper + tubes was by the tedious process of rolling up a strip of metal and + soldering the edges together. In 1803 Sir Edward Thomason introduced + the "patent tube"—iron body with brass coating, but it + was not until 1838 that Mr. Charles Green took out his patent for + "seamless" tubes, which was much improved upon in 1852 by G. + F. Muntz, junr., as well as by Mr. Thos. Attwood in 1850, with respect + to the drawing of copper tubes. The Peyton and Peyton Tube Co., London + Works, was registered June 25, 1878, capital £50,000 in £5 + shares. Messrs. Peyton received 1,000 paid-up shares for their patent + for machinery for manufacturing welded and other tubes, £3,500 + for plant and tools, the stock going at valuation. + </p> + <p> + <i>Tutania Metal</i> took its name from Tutin, the inventor. It was + much used a hundred years ago, in the manufacture of buckles. + </p> + <p> + <i>Umbrellas</i>.—The name of the man who first carried an + umbrella in this town (about the year 1780) has not yet been enrolled + among our "Birmingham Worthies," but he must have been known + to some of our fathers, for it is not much more than 100 years ago + since Jonas Hanway walked down the Strand, shielding his wig from the + wet with the first umbrella seen in London. The metal work required + for setting-up, technically called "furniture," has long + been made here, and gives employment to about 1,700 hands, two-thirds + of whom are females. + </p> + <p> + <i>Vinegar</i>.—Fardon's Vinegar Brewery, Glover Street, is + worth a visit, if only to look at their five vats, each upwards of + 30ft. high and 24ft. in diameter, and each capable of storing 58,000 + gallons. But, besides these, among the largest of their kind in the + world, there are thirteen 24,000 gallons vats, five 15,000, and twenty + seven 10,000. + </p> + <p> + <i>Vitriol</i>.—The Oil of Vitriol in 1800 was reduced from 3s. + per lb. to 1s.; in 1865 it was sold at 1d. + </p> + <p> + <i>Watchmaking</i>.—Few names of eminent horologists are to be + found in the lists of departed tradesmen; so few indeed that + watchmaking would seem to have been one of the unknown arts, if such a + thing was possible at any period of the last two hundred years of + Birmingham history. Messrs. Brunner (Smallbrook Street), Swinden + (Temple Street), and Ehrardt (Barr Street West) take the lead at + present among private firms, but the introduction of a watch + manufactory is due to Mr. A L. Dennison, who, though not the + originator of the notion, after establishing factories in America (in + or about 1850) and Switzerland, came to this country in 1871, and, + with other gentlemen in the following year started the Anglo-American + Watch Co. (Limited), a factory being erected in Villa Street. The + trade of the Co. was principally with America, which was supplied with + machine-made "works" from here until the Waltham, Elgin, and + other firms over there beat them out of the market, a not very + difficult operation, considering that our fair-trading cousins impose + a 25 per cent. duty on all such goods sent there by the free-traders + of this country. The Villa Street establishment was purchased in 1875 + by Mr. William Bragge, who developed the business under the name of + The English Watch Co., the manufacture being confined almost solely to + English Lever watches, large and small sized, key-winding and keyless. + In January, 1882, Mr. Bragge, for the sum of £21,000 parted with + the business, plant, stock, and premises, to the present English Watch + Co. (Limited), which has a registered capital of £50,000 in + shares of £10 each, the dividend (June, 1884) being at the rate + of 6 per cent. on paid-up capital.—In April, 1883, the + prospectus of The English Double Chronograph Co. (Limited) was issued, + the capital being £50,000 in £10 shares, the object of the + company being to purchase (for £15,000) and work the patents + granted to Mr. W. H. Douglas, of Stourbridge, for improvements in + chronographs, the improvements being of such a nature that ordinary + keyless English levers can be turned into double chronographs at a + trifling cost. + </p> + <p> + <i>Whipmaking</i>, as a trade distinct from saddlery, dates from about + 1750, and it received a great impetus by the introduction, in 1780, of + a machine by Matthew Dean for the easier manipulation of the leather + thongs. + </p> + <p> + <i>Whistles</i> of all sizes and sorts, from the child's tin + whistle to the huge and powerful steam whistles used on board the + American liners, are made in this town, and it might be imagined there + could be but little novelty in any new design. This, however, is not + the case, for when the authorities of Scotland Yard (June, 1884) + desired a new police whistle, samples were sent in from many parts of + the country, from America, and from the Continent. The order, which + was for 40,000, was secured by Messrs. J. Hudson and Co., Buckingham + Street, and so distinct is the speciality, that fifty other places + have followed the example of the Metropolis. + </p> + <p> + <i>Wire</i>.—Wire-drawing, which formerly had to be done by + hand, does not appear to have been made into a special trade earlier + than the beginning of the 18th century, the first wire mill we read of + being that of Penns, near Sutton Coldfield, which was converted from + an iron forge in 1720. Steel wire was not made till some little time + after that date. The increased demand for iron and steel wire which + has taken, place during the last 35 years is almost incredible, the + make in 1850 being not more than 100 tons: in 1865 it was calculated + at 2,000 tons, in 1875 it was put at 12,000 tons, while now it is + estimated to equal 30,000 tons. In March 1853, a piece of No. 16 + copper wire was shown at Mr. Samuel Walker's in one piece, three + miles long, drawn from a bar 6/8ths in diameter. Originally the bar + weighed 128 lbs, but it lost 14lbs in the process, and it was then + thought a most remarkable production, but far more wonderful specimens + of wire-spinning have since been exhibited. A wire rope weighing over + 70 tons, was made in 1876 at the Universe Works, of Messrs. Wright, + who are the patentees of the mixed wire and hemp rope. Birdcages, meat + covers, mouse traps, wire blinds, wire nails, wire latticing, &c., + we have long been used to; even girding the earth with land and ocean + telegraph wire, or fencing in square miles at a time of prairie land, + with wire strong enough to keep a herd of a few thousand buffaloes in + range, are no longer novelties, but to shape, sharpen, and polish a + serviceable pair of penny scissors out of a bit of steel wire by two + blows and the push of a machine, <i>is</i> something new, and it is + Nettlefold's latest. + </p> + <p> + <i>Wire Nails, Staples, &c.</i>, are made at Nettlefold's by + machinery much in advance of what can ba seen elsewhere. In the nail + mill the "Paris points" as wire nails are called, are cut + from the coil of wire by the first motion of the machine as it is fed + in, then headed and pointed at one operation, sizes up to one inch + being turned out at the rate of 360 a minute. In the manufacture of + spikes, the punch for making the head is propelled by springs, which + are compressed by a cam, and then released at each stroke; two cutters + worked by side cams on the same shaft cut off the wire and make the + point. A steel finger then advances and knocks the finished spike out + of the way to make room for the next. Wire staples, three inches long, + are turned out at the rate of a hundred a minute; the wire is pushed + forward into the machine and cut off on the bevel to form the points; + a hook rises, catches the wire, and draws it down into the proper + form, when a staple falls out complete. + </p> + <p> + <i>Wire Gauge</i>.—The following table shows the sizes, weights, + lengths, and breaking strains of iron wire under the Imperial Standard + Wire Gauge, which came into operation March 1, 1884— + </p> + <table cellspacing="10" width="80%" summary="Wire gauge statistics"> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left" rowspan="2" style="width: 10%"> + Size on Wire Gauge + </td> + <td align="center" colspan="2"> + DIAMETER + </td> + <td rowspan="2" style="width: 8%"> + Sectional area in Sq.Inches + </td> + <td align="center" colspan="2"> + WEIGHT OF + </td> + <td> + Length + </td> + <td align="center" colspan="2" style="width: 10%"> + BREAKING STRAINS of + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td style="width: 15%;"> + Inch + </td> + <td style="width: 10%;"> + Millemetres + </td> + <td style="width: 10%;"> + 100 Yards lbs. + </td> + <td style="width: 10%;"> + Mile lbs. + </td> + <td style="width: 10%;"> + Cwt. yds. + </td> + <td style="width: 5%;"> + Annealed lbs. + </td> + <td style="width: 5%;"> + Bright lbs. + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + 7/0 + </td> + <td> + .500 + </td> + <td> + 12.7 + </td> + <td> + .1963 + </td> + <td> + 193.4 + </td> + <td> + 3404 + </td> + <td> + 58 + </td> + <td> + 10470 + </td> + <td> + 15700 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + 6/0 + </td> + <td> + .464 + </td> + <td> + 11.8 + </td> + <td> + .1691 + </td> + <td> + 166.5 + </td> + <td> + 2930 + </td> + <td> + 67 + </td> + <td> + 9017 + </td> + <td> + 13525 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + 5/0 + </td> + <td> + .432 + </td> + <td> + 11.0 + </td> + <td> + .1466 + </td> + <td> + 144.4 + </td> + <td> + 2541 + </td> + <td> + 78 + </td> + <td> + 7814 + </td> + <td> + 11725 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + 4/0 + </td> + <td> + .400 + </td> + <td> + 10.2 + </td> + <td> + .1257 + </td> + <td> + 123.8 + </td> + <td> + 2179 + </td> + <td> + 91 + </td> + <td> + 6702 + </td> + <td> + 10052 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + 3/0 + </td> + <td> + .372 + </td> + <td> + 9.4 + </td> + <td> + .1087 + </td> + <td> + 107.1 + </td> + <td> + 1885 + </td> + <td> + 105 + </td> + <td> + 5796 + </td> + <td> + 8694 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + 2/0 + </td> + <td> + .348 + </td> + <td> + 8.8 + </td> + <td> + .0951 + </td> + <td> + 93.7 + </td> + <td> + 1649 + </td> + <td> + 120 + </td> + <td> + 5072 + </td> + <td> + 7608 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + 1/0 + </td> + <td> + .342 + </td> + <td> + 8.2 + </td> + <td> + .0824 + </td> + <td> + 81.2 + </td> + <td> + 1429 + </td> + <td> + 138 + </td> + <td> + 4397 + </td> + <td> + 6595 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + 1 + </td> + <td> + .300 + </td> + <td> + 7.6 + </td> + <td> + .0598 + </td> + <td> + 69.6 + </td> + <td> + 1225 + </td> + <td> + 161 + </td> + <td> + 3770 + </td> + <td> + 5655 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + 2 + </td> + <td> + .276 + </td> + <td> + 7.0 + </td> + <td> + .0598 + </td> + <td> + 58.9 + </td> + <td> + 1037 + </td> + <td> + 190 + </td> + <td> + 3190 + </td> + <td> + 4785 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + 3 + </td> + <td> + .252 + </td> + <td> + 6.4 + </td> + <td> + .0499 + </td> + <td> + 49.1 + </td> + <td> + 864 + </td> + <td> + 228 + </td> + <td> + 2660 + </td> + <td> + 3990 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + 4 + </td> + <td> + .232 + </td> + <td> + 5.9 + </td> + <td> + .0423 + </td> + <td> + 41.6 + </td> + <td> + 732 + </td> + <td> + 269 + </td> + <td> + 2254 + </td> + <td> + 3381 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + 5 + </td> + <td> + .212 + </td> + <td> + 5.4 + </td> + <td> + .0365 + </td> + <td> + 34.8 + </td> + <td> + 612 + </td> + <td> + 322 + </td> + <td> + 1883 + </td> + <td> + 2824 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + 6 + </td> + <td> + .192 + </td> + <td> + 4.9 + </td> + <td> + .0290 + </td> + <td> + 28.5 + </td> + <td> + 502 + </td> + <td> + 393 + </td> + <td> + 1644 + </td> + <td> + 2316 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + 7 + </td> + <td> + .176 + </td> + <td> + 4.5 + </td> + <td> + .0243 + </td> + <td> + 24.0 + </td> + <td> + 422 + </td> + <td> + 467 + </td> + <td> + 1298 + </td> + <td> + 1946 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + 8 + </td> + <td> + .160 + </td> + <td> + 4.1 + </td> + <td> + .0201 + </td> + <td> + 19.8 + </td> + <td> + 348 + </td> + <td> + 566 + </td> + <td> + 1072 + </td> + <td> + 1608 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + 9 + </td> + <td> + .144 + </td> + <td> + 3.7 + </td> + <td> + .0163 + </td> + <td> + 16.0 + </td> + <td> + 282 + </td> + <td> + 700 + </td> + <td> + 869 + </td> + <td> + 1303 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + 10 + </td> + <td> + .128 + </td> + <td> + 3.3 + </td> + <td> + .0129 + </td> + <td> + 12.7 + </td> + <td> + 223 + </td> + <td> + 882 + </td> + <td> + 687 + </td> + <td> + 1030 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + 11 + </td> + <td> + .116 + </td> + <td> + 3.0 + </td> + <td> + .0106 + </td> + <td> + 10.4 + </td> + <td> + 183 + </td> + <td> + 1077 + </td> + <td> + 564 + </td> + <td> + 845 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + 12 + </td> + <td> + .104 + </td> + <td> + 2.6 + </td> + <td> + .0085 + </td> + <td> + 8.4 + </td> + <td> + 148 + </td> + <td> + 1333 + </td> + <td> + 454 + </td> + <td> + 680 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + 13 + </td> + <td> + .092 + </td> + <td> + 2.3 + </td> + <td> + .0066 + </td> + <td> + 6.5 + </td> + <td> + 114 + </td> + <td> + 1723 + </td> + <td> + 355 + </td> + <td> + 532 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + 14 + </td> + <td> + .080 + </td> + <td> + 2.0 + </td> + <td> + .0050 + </td> + <td> + 5.0 + </td> + <td> + 88 + </td> + <td> + 2240 + </td> + <td> + 268 + </td> + <td> + 402 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + 15 + </td> + <td> + .072 + </td> + <td> + 1.8 + </td> + <td> + .0041 + </td> + <td> + 4.0 + </td> + <td> + 70 + </td> + <td> + 2800 + </td> + <td> + 218 + </td> + <td> + 326 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + 16 + </td> + <td> + .064 + </td> + <td> + 1.6 + </td> + <td> + .0032 + </td> + <td> + 3.2 + </td> + <td> + 56 + </td> + <td> + 3500 + </td> + <td> + 172 + </td> + <td> + 257 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + 17 + </td> + <td> + .056 + </td> + <td> + 1.4 + </td> + <td> + .0025 + </td> + <td> + 2.4 + </td> + <td> + 42 + </td> + <td> + 4667 + </td> + <td> + 131 + </td> + <td> + 197 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + 18 + </td> + <td> + .048 + </td> + <td> + 1.2 + </td> + <td> + .0018 + </td> + <td> + 1.8 + </td> + <td> + 31 + </td> + <td> + 6222 + </td> + <td> + 97 + </td> + <td> + 145 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + 19 + </td> + <td> + .040 + </td> + <td> + 1.0 + </td> + <td> + .0013 + </td> + <td> + 1.2 + </td> + <td> + 21 + </td> + <td> + 9333 + </td> + <td> + 67 + </td> + <td> + 100 + </td> + </tr> + <tr align="right"> + <td align="left"> + 20 + </td> + <td> + .036 + </td> + <td> + .9 + </td> + <td> + .0010 + </td> + <td> + 1.0 + </td> + <td> + 18 + </td> + <td> + 11200 + </td> + <td> + 55 + </td> + <td> + 82 + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + <i>Yates</i>.—At one period this was the favourite slang term of + the smashing fraternity for the metal used in their nefarious + business, the spoons manufactured by Messrs. Yates and Son being the + best material for transmutation into base coin. + </p> + <p> + <b>Trafalgar.</b>—See "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm143">Nelson</a></i>" and "<i><a class="internal" href= + "#Birm20">Statues</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm145"></a>Train Bands.</b>—The Trainbands of former + days may be likened to the militia of the present time, but were drawn + from every parish in the hundreds, according to the population. A + document in the lost Staunton Collection, gave the names and parishes + of the men forming "Lord Compton's Company of Foot for the + Hundred of Hemlingford" in 1615, being part of the + "Warwickshire Trayue Bands." Birmingham supplied six men + armed with pikes and six with muskets; Birmingham and Aston jointly + the same number; Edgbaston one pike; Coleshill three of each; Sutton + Coldfield. four pikes and six muskets; Solihull three pikes and four + muskets; Knowle the same; Berkswell two pikes and five muskets; and + Meriden one pike and two muskets. These Trained Bands numbered 6OO men + from Coventry and the county in 1642, besides the Militia and + Volunteers of Warwickshire, which were called up in that year. These + latter mustered very strongly on the days for review and training, + there being at Stratford-upon-Avon (June 30) 400 Volunteers well armed + and 200 unarmed; at Warwick (July 1 & 2) 650 well armed; at + Coleshill (July 4) 8OO almost all well armed; and at Coventry near 800 + most well armed—the total number being 2,850, making a + respectable force of 3,450 in all, ready, according to the expression + of their officers, "to adhere to His Majestie and both Houses of + Parliament, to the losse of the last drop of their dearest + blood." These fine words, however, did not prevent the + "Voluntiers" of this neighbourhood opposing His Majestie to + the utmost of their power soon afterwards. + </p> + <p> + <b><a id="Birm27"></a>Tramways.</b>—These take their name from + Mr. Outram, who, in 1802, introduced the system of lightening carriage + by running the vehicles on rail in the North of England. The first + suggestion of a local tramway came through Mr. G.F. Train, who not + finding scope sufficient for his abilities in America, paid Birmingham + a visit, and after yarning us well asked and obtained permission (Aug. + 7, 1860) to lay down tram rails in some of the principal + thoroughfares, but as his glib tongue failed in procuring the needful + capital his scheme was a thorough failure. Some ten years after the + notion was taken up by a few local gentlemen, and at a public meeting, + on December 27, 1871, the Town Council were authorised to make such + tramways as they thought to be necessary, a Company being formed to + work them. This Company was rather before its time, though now it + would be considered, if anything, rather backward. The first line of + rails brought into use was laid from the buttom of Hockley Hill to + Dudley Port, and it was opened May 20, 1872; from Hockley to top of + Snow Hill the cars began to run September 7, 1873; the Bristol Road + line being first used May 30, though formally opened June 5, 1876. The + Birmingham and District Tramway Company's lines cost about + £65,000, and they paid the Corporation £910 per year + rental, but in May, 1877, their interest was bought up by the + Birmingham Tramway and Omnibus Company for the sum of £25,000, + the original cost of the property thus acquired being £115,000. + The new company leased the borough lines for seven years at + £1,680 per annum, and gave up the out-district portion of the + original undertaking. That they have been tolerably successful is + shown by the fact that in 1883 the receipts from passengers amounted + to £39,859, while the owners of the £10 shares received a + dividend of 15 per cent. The authorised capital of the company is + £60,000, of which £33,600 has been called up. The Aston + line from Corporation Street to the Lower Grounds was opened for + traffic the day after Christmas, 1882. The Company's capital is + £50,000, of which nearly one-half was expended on the road + alone. This was the first tramway on which steam was used as the + motive power, though Doune's locomotire was tried, Jan. 8, 1876, + between Handsworth and West Bromwich, and Hughes's between + Monmouth Street and Bournbrook on July 2, 1880, the latter distance + being covered in twenty-five minutes with a car-load of passengers + attached to the engine. The next Company to be formed was tha South + Staffordshire and Birmingham District Steam Tramway Co., who + "broke ground" July 26, 1882, and opened their first + section, about seven miles in length (from Handsworth to Darlaston), + June 25, 1883. This line connects Birmingham with West Bromwich, + Wednesbury, Great Bridge, Dudley, Walsall, and intermediate places, + and is worked with 40-horse power engines of Wilkinson's make. The + Birmingham and West Suburban Tramways Co.'s lines, commencing in + Station Street run, by means of branches from several parts, to + various of the suburbs:—1st, by way of Pershore Street, Moat + Row, Bradford Street, and Moseley Road, to Moseley; 2nd, by way of + Deritend, Bordesley, Camp Hill, along Stratford Road, to Sparkhill; + 3rd, leaving Stratford Road (at the Mermaid) and along Warwick Road, + to Acock's Green; 4th, striking off at Bordesley, along the + Coventry Road to the far side of Small Heath Park; 5th, from Moat Row, + by way of Smithfield Street to Park Street, Duddeston Row, Curzon + Street, Vauxhall Road, to Nechells Park Road; 6th, in the same + direction, by way of Gosta Green, Lister Street, and Great Lister + Street, using "running powers" over the Aston line where + necessary on the last-named and following routes; 7th from Corporation + Street, along Aston Street, Lancaster Street, Newtown Row, up the + Birchfield Road; 8th, from Six Ways, Birchfield, along the Lozells + Road to Villa Cross, and from the Lozells Road along Wheeler Street to + Constitution Hill, forming a junction with the original Hockley and + Snow Hill line. The system of lines projected by the Western Districts + Co., include: 1st, commencing in Edmund Street, near the Great Western + Railway Station, along Congreve Street, Summer Row, Parade, Frederick + Street, and Vyse Street, to join the Hockley line; 2nd, as before to + Parade, along the Sandpits, Spring Hill to borough boundary in Dudley + Road, and along Heath Street to Smethwick; 3rd, as before to Spring + Hill, thence in one direction along Monument Road to Hagley Road, and + in the opposite direction along Icknield Street to Hockley; 4th, + starting from Lower Temple Street, along Hill Street, Hurst Street, + Sherlock Street to the borough boundary in Pershore Road, and from + Sherlock Street, by way of Gooch Street, to Balsall Heath; 5th, by way + of Holloway Head, Bath Row, and Islington to the Five Ways. The whole + of the lines now in use and being constructed in the Borough are the + property of the Corporation, who lease them to the several Companies, + the latter making the lines outside the borough themselves, and + keeping them in repair. The average cost of laying down is put at 50s. + per yard for single line, or £5 per yard for double lines, the + cost of the metal rail itself being about 20s. per yard. + </p> + <p> + <b>Trees in Streets.</b>—Though a few trees were planted along + the Bristol Road in 1853, and a few others later in some of the + outskirts, the system cannot be fairly said to have started till the + spring of 1876, when about 100 plane trees were planted in Broad + Street, 100 limes in Bristol Street, 20 Canadian poplars in St. + Martin's church-yard, a score or so of plane trees near Central + Station, and a number in Gosta Green and the various playgrounds + belonging to Board Schools, a few elms, sycamores, and Ontario poplars + being mixed with them. As a matter of historical fact, the first were + put in the ground Nov. 29, 1885, in Stephenson Place. + </p> + <p> + <b>Tunnels.</b>—The tunnel on the Worcester and Birmingham + Canal, near King's Norton, is 2,695 yards long, perfectly + straight, 17-1/2-ft. wide, and 18-ft. high. In the centre a basin is + excavated sufficiently wide for barges to pass without inconvenience; + and in this underground chamber in August, 1795, the Royal Arch Masons + held a regular chapter of their order, rather an arch way of + celebrating the completion of the undertaking. The other tunnels on + this canal are 110, 120, 406, and 524 yards in length. On the old + Birmingham Canal there are two, one being 2,200 yards long and the + other 1,010 yards. On the London and Birmingham Railway (now London + and North Western) the Watford tunnel is 1,830 yards long, the Kisley + tunnel 2,423 yards, and Primrose Hill 1,250 yards. On the Great + Western line the longest is the Box tunnel, 3,123 yards in length. The + deepest tunnel in England pierces the hills between Great Malvern and + Herefordshire, being 600ft. from the rails to the surface; it is 1,560 + yards in length. The longest tunnels in the country run under the + range of hills between Marsden in Yorkshire and Diggle in Lancashire, + two being for railway and one canal use. One of the former is 5,434 + yards, and the other (Stanedge, on the L. & N.W.) 5,435 yards + long, while the canal tunnel is 5,451 yards. + </p> + <p> + <b>Turnpike Gates.</b>—At one time there were gates or bars on + nearly every road out of the town. Even at the bottom of Worcester + Street there was a bar across the road in 1818. There was once a gate + at the junction of Hang'sman Lane (our Great Hampton Row) and + Constitution Hill, which, baing shifted further on, to about the spot + where Green and Cadbury's Works now are, remained till 1839. The + gate in Deritend was removed in August, 1828; the one at Five Ways + July 5, 1841; those at Small Heath, at Sparkbrook, in the Moseley + Road, and in the Hagley Road were all "free'd" in 1851, + and the sites of the toll houses sold in 1853. In the "good old + coaching days" the turnpike tolls paid on a coach running daily + from here to London amounted to £1,428 per year. + </p> + <p> + <b>Union Passage</b>, at first but a field path out of the yard of the + Crown Tavern to the Cherry Orchard, afterwards a narrow entry as far + as Crooked Lane, with a house only at each end, was opened up and + widened in 1823 by Mr. Jones, who built the Pantechnetheca. Near the + Ball Street end was the Old Bear Yard, the premises of a dealer in + dogs, rabbits, pigeons, and other pets, who kept a big brown bear, + which was taken out whenever the Black Country boys wanted a + bear-baiting. The game was put a stop to in 1835, but the + "cage" was there in 1841, about which time the Passage + became built up on both sides throughout. + </p> + <p> + <b>Vaughton's Hole.</b>—An unfortunate soldier fell into a + deep clay pit here, in July, 1857, and was drowned; and about a month + after (August 6) a horse and cart, laden with street sweepings, was + backed too near the edge, over-turned, and sank to the bottom of sixty + feet deep of water. The place was named after a very old local family + who owned considerable property in the neighbourhood of Gooch Street, + &c., though the descendants are known as Houghtons. + </p> + <p> + <b>Vauxhall.</b>—In an old book descriptive of a tour through + England, in 1766, it is mentioned that near Birmingham there "is + a seat belonging to Sir Listen Holte, Bart, but now let out for a + public house (opened June 4, 1758), where are gardens, &c., with + an organ and other music, in imitation of Vauxhall, by which name it + goes in the neighbourhood." The old place, having been purchased + by the Victoria Land Society, was closed by a farewell dinner and + ball, September, 16, 1850, the first stroke of the axe to the trees + being given at the finish of the ball, 6 a.m. next morning. In the + days of its prime, before busy bustling Birmingham pushed up to its + walls, it ranked as one of the finest places of amusement anywhere out + of London. The following verse (one of five) is from an + "Impromptu written by Edward Farmer in one of the alcoves at Old + Vauxhall, March 6. 1850":— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2"> + "There's scarce a heart that will not start,(ind alt) + </p> + <p class="i4"> + No matter what it's rank and station, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And heave a sigh when they destroy, + </p> + <p class="i4"> + This favourite place of recreation. + </p> + <p class="i2"> + If we look back on memory's track, + </p> + <p class="i4"> + What joyous scenes we can recall, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Of happy hours in its gay bowers, + </p> + <p class="i4"> + And friends we met at Old Vauxhall!" + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + <b>Velocipedes.</b>—We call them "cycles" nowadays, + but in 1816-20 they were "dandy-horses," and in the words of + a street billet of the period + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i2"> + "The hobby-horse was all the go + </p> + <p class="i2"> + In country and in town." + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + <b>Views of Birmingham.</b>—The earliest date "view" + of the town appears to be the one given in Dugdale's Warwickshire, + of 1656, and entitled "The Prospect of Birmingham, from + Ravenhurst (neere London Road), in the South-east part of the + Towne." + </p> + <p> + <b>Villa Cross</b> was originally built for and occupied as a school, + and known as Aston Villa School. + </p> + <p> + <b>Visitors of Distinction</b> in the old Soho days, were not at all + rare, though they had not the advantages of travelling by rail. Every + event of the kind, however, was duly chronicled in the <i>Gazette</i>, + but they must be men of superior mark indeed, or peculiarly notorious + perhaps, for their movements to be noted nowadays. Besides the + "royalties" noted elsewhere, we were honoured with the + presence of the Chinese Commissioner Pin-ta-Jen, May 7, 1866, and his + Excellency the Chinese Minister Kus-ta Jen, January 23, 1878. Japanese + Ambassadors were here May 20, 1862, and again November 1, 1872. The + Burmese Ambassadors took a look at us August 14, 1872, and the + Madagascar Ambassadors followed on January 5, 1883.—Among the + brave and gallant visitors who have noted are General Elliott, who + came August 29th, 1787. Lord Nelson, August 30, 1802, and there is an + old Harborneite still living who says he can recollect seeing the hero + come out of the hotel in Temple Row. The Duke of Wellington and Sir + Robert Peel dined at Dee's Hotel, September 23, 1830. The + Duke's old opponent, Marshal Soult, in July 1833, seemed + particularly interested in the work going on among our gun-shops. Lady + Havelock, her two daughters, and General Havelock, the only surviving + brother of Sir Henry, visited the town October 8, 1858. General + Ulysses Grant, American Ex-president, was soft-soaped at the Town + Hall, October 19, 1877.—Politicians include Daniel + O'Connell, January 20, 1832. The Right Hon. Benjamin Disraeli, who + visited the Small Arms Factory, August 18, 1869, was again here August + 22, 1876, immediately after being raised to the peerage as Earl of + Beaconsfield. The Right Hon. W.E. Gladstone was welcomed with a + procession and a "monster meeting" at Bingley Hall. May 31, + 1877. The Right Hon. R.A. Cross, Home Secretary, honoured the + Conservatives by attending a banquet in the Town Hall, Nov. 20, 1876. + Sir Stafford Northcote, then Chancellor of the Exchequer, came here + Oct. 19, 1878, and was at Aston, Oct. 13, 1884, when the Radical + roughs made themselves conspicuous. Lord Randolph Churchill was + introduced to the burgesses, April 15, 1884; and has been here many + times since, as well as the late Col. Burnaby, who commenced his + candidature for the representation of the borough July 23, + 1878.—In the long list of learned and literary visitors occur + the names of John Wesley, who first came here in March, 1738, and + preached on Gosta Green in 1743. Whitfield preached here in Oct., + 1753. Benjamin Franklin was in Birmingham in 1758, and for long + afterwards corresponded with Baskerville and Boulton. Fulton, the + American engineer, (originally a painter) studied here in 1795. + Washington Irving, whose sister was married to Mr. Henry Van Wart, + spent a long visit here, during the course of which he wrote the + series of charming tales comprised in his "Sketch Book." His + "Bracebridge Hall," if not written, was conceived here, our + Aston Hall being the prototype of the Hall, and the Bracebridge family + of Atherstone found some of the characters. Thomas Carlyle was here in + 1824; Mr. and Mrs. Beecher Stowe ("Uncle Tom's Cabin"), + in May, 1853; Sir W. Crofton, Oct. 9, 1862; M. Chevalier, April 28, + 1875; Mr. Ruskin, July 14, 1877; Rev. Dr. Punshon, March 19, and J.A. + Froude, M.A., March 18, 1878; Mr. Archibald Forbes, April 29, 1878; + H.M. Stanley, Nov. 6, 1878; Bret Harte, April 7, 1879; the Rev. T. de + Wilt Talmage, an American preacher of great note, lectured in Town + Hall June 9 and July 7, 1879, on "The Bright side of + Things," and on "Big Blunders;" but, taking the + brightest view he could, he afterwards acknowledged that his coming + here was the biggest blunder he had ever made. Oscar Wilde, March 13, + 1884. Lola Montes lectured here March 2-4, 1859. Dr. Kenealy was here + June 26, 1875. The Tichborne Claimant showed himself at the Town Hall, + August 26, 1872, and again, "after his exile," at the + Birmingham Concert Hall, Jan. 12, 1885. + </p> + <p> + <b>Volunteers in the Olden Time.</b>—A meeting was held October + 5, 1745, for the raising of a regiment of volunteers to oppose the + Scotch rebels, but history does not chronicle any daring exploits by + this regiment. Playing at soldiers would seem to have been formerly a + more popular (or shall we say patriotic) amusement than of late years; + for it is recorded that a local corps was organised in August, 1782, + but we suppose it was disbanded soon after, as in 1797, when the + threatening times of revolution alarmed our peaceful sires, there were + formed in Birmingham two companies, one of horse and one of foot, each + 500 strong, under the commands of Capt. Pearson and Lord Brooke. They + were called the Birmingham Loyal Association of Volunteers, and held + their first parade in Coleshill Street, August 15, 1797. On the 4th of + June following a grand review was held on Birmingham Heath (then + unenclosed) to the delight of the local belles, who knew not which the + most to admire, the scarlet horse or the blue foot. Over 100,000 + spectators were said to have been present, and, strangest thing of + all, the Volunteers were armed with muskets brought from Prussia. The + corps had the honour of escorting Lord Nelson when, with Lady + Hamilton, he visited the town in 1802. At a review on August 2, 1804, + the regiment were presented with its colours, and for years the + "Loyals" were the most popular men of the period. Our + neighbours do not seem to have been more backward than the locals, + though why it was necessary that the services of the Handsworth + Volunteer Cavalry should be required to charge and put to flight the + rioters in Snow Hill (May 29, 1810) is not very clear.—See also + "<i><a class="internal" href="#Birm145">Train + Bands</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Volunteers of the Present Day.</b>—The first official + enrolment of Volunteers of the present corps, was dated Nov. 25, 1859, + though a list of names was on paper some three months earlier. Unlike + sundry other movements which are now of a national character, that for + the formation of a volunteer army was so far from having a local + origin, that for a long time it was viewed with anything but favour in + Birmingham; and, though it is not pleasant to record the fact, it was + not until the little parish of Handsworth had raised its corps of the + First Staffordshire, that the Brums really stepped into the ranks. + Properly the natal day should be reckoned as the 14th of December, + 1859, when a town's meeting was held "for the purpose of + adopting such measures as might seem desirable for placing Birmingham + in its proper position with regard to the great national rifle + movement." The Hon. Charles Granville Scott had been previously + selected by Lord Leigh (the Lord-Lieutenant of the County) as Colonel, + Major Sanders had accepted the Captaincy, Mr. J.O. Mason been + appointed Lieutenant, and 111 names entered on the roll of members of + the 1st Company, but it was not till the above-named day that the + movement really made progress, the Mayor (Mr. Thos. Lloyd), Sir John + Ratcliff, Mr. A. Dixon, and Mr. J. Lloyd each then promising to equip + his twenty men apiece, and sundry other gentlemen aiding to dress up + others of the rank and file. The money thus being found the men were + soon forthcoming too, the end of the year showing 320 names on the + roll call, a number increased to 1,080 by the close of 1860. The + latter year saw the first parade in Calthorpe Park, the opening of the + range at Bournebrook, and the formation of the twelve companies + forming the first battalion, but, notwithstanding many liberal + donations (the gunmakers giving £850), and the proceeds of the + first annual ball, it closed with the corps being in debt over + £1,000. On the formation of the 2nd county battalion, Col. Scott + took command thereof, Major Sanders being promoted. He was followed by + Lieut.-Col. Mason, on whose resignation, in February, 1867, Major + Ratcliff succeeded, the battalion being then 1,161 strong. Col. + Ratcliff retired in June, 1871, and was replaced by Major-General + Hinde, C.B., who held command until his death, March 1, 1881. Major + Gem who temporarily acted as commander, also died the following Nov. + 4, Major Burt filling the post till the appointment of Col. W. Swynfen + Jervis. The first adjutant (appointed in 1860) was Captain McInnis, + who retired in 1870, having received bodily injuries through being + thrown from his horse; he was succeeded by the present + Adjutant-Colonel Tarte. The first uniform of the corps was a grey + tunic with green facings, and a peaked cap with cock's feathers; + in 1863 this was changed for a green uniform with red facings, similar + to that worn by the 60th Rifles, with the exception of a broad red + stripe on the trousers. The trouser stripe was done away with in 1875, + when also the cap and feathers gave place to the busby and glengarry, + the latter in 1884 being exchanged for the regulation army helmet, and + soon perhaps our boys will all be seen in scarlet like their brothers + of the Staffordshire battalions. At no date since its enrolment has + the battalion been free from debt, and it now owes about £1,300, + a state of affairs hardly creditable to the town which sends out + yearly, some half-million firearms from its manufactories. The annual + balls did not become popular, the last taking place in 1864; bazaars + were held October 14-17, 1863, and October 24-27, 1876; athletic + displays have been given (the first in May, 1865), and the cap has + been sent round more than once, but the debt—it still remains. + At the Volunteer Review, July 24, 1861, before the Duke of Cambridge; + at the Hyde Park Review, June, 1865, before the Prince of Wales; at + the Midland Counties' Review at Derby, June, 1867; at the Royal + Review at Windsor in 1868; and at every inspection since, the + Birmingham corps has merited and received the highest praise for + general smartness and efficiency; it is one of the crack corps of the + kingdom, and at the present time (end of 1884) has not one inefficient + member out of its 1,200 rank and file, but yet the town is not Liberal + enough to support it properly. The first march-out of 720 to Sutton + took place June 21, 1875, others joining at the camp, making over 800 + being under canvas, 744 attending the review. The camping-out at + Streetly Wood has annually recurred since that date; the first sham + fight took place June 20, 1877. The "coming-of-age" was + celebrated by a dinner at the Midland Hotel, January 29, 1881, up to + which time the Government grants had amounted to £26,568 14s., + the local subscriptions to £8,780, and the donations to + £1,956 1s. 3d. The Birmingham Rifle Corps is now known as the + First Volunteer Battalion of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, having + been linked to the "Saucy Sixth," under the army scheme of + 1873.—See "<i><a class="internal" href="#Birm147">Public + Buildings—Drill Hall</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Von Beck.</b>—The Baroness Von Beck was a lady intimately + connected with the chiefs of the Hungarian Revolution of 1848, and + appears to have been employed by them in various patriotic services. + In 1851 she visited Birmingham and was a welcome guest until + "someone blundered" and charged her with being an impostor. + On the evening of August 29, she and her copatriot, Constant Derra de + Moroda, were arrested at the house of Mr. Tyndall and locked up on + suspicion of fraud. Her sudden death in the police-court next morning + put a stop to the case; but an action resulted, in which George Dawson + and some friends were cast for heavy damages as a salve for the + injured honour of M. de Moroda. + </p> + <p> + <b>Wages and Work.</b>—In 1272 the wages of a labouring man was + just 1-1/2 d. per day. In Henry VIII.'s reign labourers' wages + averaged 4d. per day; skilled workmen 5-1/2d. per day. The penny at + that time was equal to a shilling of the present day, and would, + relatively, purchase as much. In 1682, the Justices of the Peace + assembled in Quarter Sessions at Warwick fixed the rates of wages to + be paid to the several classes of artificers, labourers, and others, + as enjoined by a statue of Elizabeth. From their order then made, we + find that a master carpenter, his servants, and journeymen, were to + receive 1s each per day; a master bricklayer, a mason, a cartwright, a + thatcher, a tyler, a mower, and a reaper also 1s. per day, other + workmen and labourers averaging from 4d. to 8d. per day, but none of + them to receive more than half these rates if their meat and drink was + found them. The hours of work to be from five in the morning till + half-past seven at night. Any person refusing to work upon these terms + was to be imprisoned, and anyone paying more to forfeit £5 in + addition to ten days' imprisonment, the unfortunate individual + receiving such extra wages to suffer in like manner for twenty-one + days. In 1777, there was a row among the tailors, which led to what + may be called the first local strike. The unfortunate "knights of + the thimble" only got 12s. to 14s. per week. + </p> + <p> + <b>Warstone Lane</b> takes its name from the Hoarstone, supposed to + have been an ancient boundary mark, which formerly stood at the corner + of the lane and Icknield Street, and which is now preserved within the + gateway entrance to the Church of England cemetery. Hutton says that + in 1400 there was a castle, with a moat round it, in Warstone Lane. + The lane has also been called Deadman's Lane, and considering the + proximity of the cemetery that name might even now be applicable. + </p> + <p> + <b>Warwick House</b>, as it now stands was began in 1839 or 1840; + formerly it was composted of two cottages, one with a bit of garden + ground in front, which underwent the usual transformation scene of + being first covered in then built upon. + </p> + <p> + <b>Warwickshire</b>, the county in which Birmingham is situated, has a + total area of 566,458 acres, of which 283,946 acres are permanent + pasture lands, and 210,944 acres under crops or arable land. In 1882 + the live stock in the country, as returned by the occupiers of land, + included 29,508 horses, 5,503 being kept solely for breeding; 93,334 + cattle; 218,355 sheep; and 41,832 pigs. + </p> + <p> + <b>Warwick Castle</b> is open to visitors every day, except Sunday; + when the family are absent from home, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., but if + they are at home, from 9 to 10 a.m. only. + </p> + <p> + <b>Warwick Vase.</b>—The bronze copy in Aston Hall was cast by + Sir Richard Thomason. + </p> + <p> + <b>Warwickshire Regiment.</b>—The 6th Foot recruited in this + county in 1778 so successfully that it was called "The + Warwickshire," Birmingham supplying the largest proportion of the + men, and raising by public subscription £2,000 towards their + equipment. Under Lord Cardwell's army localisation plan of 1873, + the regiment is now called the 1st Royal Warwickshire, and, with the + Warwickshire Militia and Volunteers, forms the 28th Brigade. + </p> + <p> + <b>Watch House.</b>—On the right hand side of Crooked Lane from + High Street, may still be seen the old Watch House, where, fifty years + ago, the "Charleys," or night watchmen, took any drunken or + disorderly characters, or night prowlers, they happened to meet with, + or whom they dare tackle. + </p> + <p> + <b>Waterloo Veterans.</b>—John McKay was born in November, 1792, + and entered the army as a drummerboy in 1803; he died here in July, + 1879. He served 41 years, and was for the last 25 years of his life + office keeper of the Royal Engineers' Office in this town. Another + "Waterloo man," George Taylor, died here, November 6, 1880, + aged 98. + </p> + <p> + <b>Water Pipes.</b>—In 1810 Mr. Murdoch started a Company for + manufacturing stone pipes for water-works, and they made a large + quantity, which were laid down in London and Manchester, but they had + to come up again, as the pipes split—and the Company burst. + </p> + <p> + <b>Waterspouts and Whirlwinds</b> are not of common occurrence + hereabouts. One of the former burst over the Lickey Hills, April 13, + 1792, the resulting flood reaching to Bromsgrove. A whirlwind at + Coleshill, April 4, 1877, played havoc with some hay-ricks, hedges, + trees, &c. + </p> + <p> + <b>Water Street</b>, formerly Water Lane, had a brook running down one + side of it when houses were first built there. + </p> + <p> + <b>Weather Cocks.</b>—Mention is made of Weather Cocks as early + as the ninth century, and it has been supposed that the Cock was + intended as an emblem of the vigilance of the clergy, who irreverently + styled themselves the Cocks of the Almighty, their duty being, like + the cock which roused Peter, to call the people to repentance, or at + any rate to church. These are the longest-lived birds we know of. The + one which had been perched on the old spire of St. Martin's for a + hundred years or more was brought down July 22, 1853, and may still be + seen at Aston Hall, along with the old bird that tumbled off Aston + church October 6, 1877. The last was made of copper in July, 1830, and + contained, among other articles, a copy of Swinney's <i>Birmingham + Chronicle</i> of June 29, 1815, with a full account of the Battle of + Waterloo. + </p> + <p> + <b>Weighing Machines</b> were introduced by John Wyatt, in 1761, and + the first was purchased by the Overseers in 1767, so that the profits + might reduce the poor rates. It was situated at the top corner of Snow + Hill, and so much did the Overseers value it, that they gave notice, + (Feb. 18th, 1783) of their intention of applying to Parliament for the + monopoly of securing "the benefit of weighing out coals to the + town." + </p> + <p> + <b>Welsh Cross.</b>—One of the Old-time Market-houses at the + corner of Bull Street, the bottom portion of the edifice being used by + country people as a butter market. The upper room was for meetings and + occasionally used for the detention of prisoners who came (it has been + said) through the window on to a small platform for the pillory or + cat-o'-nine-tails, according to their sentence. + </p> + <p> + <b>West Bromwich</b>, if we are to credit "Britannia + Depicto," published in 1753, was originally West Bromicham, or + West Birmingham. + </p> + <p> + <b>Wheeley's Lane</b>, though one of the quietest thoroughfares in + Edgbaston, was formerly used as part of the coach-road to Bristol, + those vehicles passing the Old Church and down Priory Road. + </p> + <p> + <b>Windmill.</b>—The old windmill that used to be on Holloway + Head is marked on the 1752 map, and it has been generally understood + that a similar structure stood there for many generations, but this + one was built about 1745. The sails might have been seen in motion + forty or forty-five years ago, and probably corn was then ground + there. After the departure of the miller and his men it was used for a + time as a sort of huge summer house, a camera obscura being placed at + the top, from which panoramic views of the neighbourhood could be + taken. It was demolished but a few years back. + </p> + <p> + <b>Woman's Rights.</b>—A local branch of the Women's + Suffrage Association was formed here in 1868: a Women's Liberal + Association was instituted in October, 1873; a branch of the National + Union or Working Women was organised January 29th, 1875; and a Woman + Ratepayers' Protection Society was established in August, 1881. + With ladies on the School Board, lady Guardians, lady doctors, a + special Women's Property Protection Act, &c., &c., it can + hardly be said that our lady friends are much curtailed of their + liberty. We know there are Ladies' Refreshment Rooms, Ladies' + Restaurants, and Ladies' Associations for Useful Work and a good + many other things, but we doubt if the dear creatures of to-day would + ever dream of having such an institution as Ladies' Card Club, + like that of their Edgbaston predecessors of a century back. + </p> + <p> + <b>Women Guardians.</b>—The introduction of the female element + in the choice of Guardians of the Poor has long been thought + desirable, and an Association for promoting the election of ladies was + formed in 1882. There are now two women Guardians on the Birmingham + Board, and one on the King's Norton Board. Taking lesson of their + political brothers, the members of the Association, experiencing some + difficulty in finding ladies with proper legal qualification to serve + on the Board, "purchased a qualification," and then run + their candidate in. The next step will doubtless be to pay their + members, and, as the last year's income of the Association + amounted to £12 4s. 11d., there can be no difficulty there. + </p> + <p> + <b>Yeomanry Cavalry.</b>—The last official report showed the + Warwickshire regiment could muster 213 on parade; while the + Staffordshire had 422. + </p> + <p> + <b>Y.M.C.A. and Y.W.C.A.</b>—See "<i><a class="internal" + href="#Birm7">Philanthropic Institutions</a></i>." + </p> + <p> + <b>Zoological Association.</b>—Early in 1873 a provisional + committee of gentlemen undertook the formation of a local society + similar to that of the Regent's Park, of London, proposing to + raise a fund of £7,000 towards such an establishment, partly by + donations and partly in shape of entrance fees to Fellowship (fixed at + £5). It was believed that with a fair number of annual 40s. + subscriptions and gate money from the public that such a society might + be made successful; several handsome donations were promised, and a + lot of "fellows" put their names down as good for the + fivers, but when, a little time after, Edmunds' (<i>alias</i> + Wombwell's) agents were trying to find here a purchaser for their + well-known travelling collections, the piecrust proverb was again + proved to be correct. + </p> + <p> + <b>Zoological Gardens.</b>—Morris Roberts, the ex-prizefighter, + opened a menagerie in the grounds of the Sherbourne Hotel, and called + it The Zoological Gardens, May 4, 1873. The animals were sold in + April, 1876, the place not being sufficiently attractive. + </p> + <p> + <b>Obituary.</b> The following short list of local people of interest + may not be an unacceptable addition to the many whose names appear in + various parts of the preceding work:— + </p> + <p> + AITKEN, W.C., the working man's friend, died March 24, 1875, aged + 58. + </p> + <p> + ALBITES, ACHILLE, a respected teacher of French, died June 8, 1872, + aged 63. + </p> + <p> + ARIS, THOMAS, founder of the <i>Gazette</i>, died July 4, 1761. + </p> + <p> + AYLESFORD, LORD, died Jan. 13, 1885, at Big Springs, Texas, aged 35. + </p> + <p> + BANKS, MORRIS, chemist and druggist, died June 21, 1880, aged 75. + </p> + <p> + BANKS, William, long connected with the local Press, died March 1, + 1870, aged 50. + </p> + <p> + BATES, WILLIAM, a literary connoisseur of much talent, died September + 24, 1884. + </p> + <p> + BOULTON, ANN, only daughter of Matthew Boulton, died October 13, 1829. + </p> + <p> + BROWN, Rev. PHILIP, for 32 years Vicar of St. James's, Edgbaston, + died September 15, 1884. + </p> + <p> + BIRD, ALFRED, well-known as a manufacturing chemist, died December 15, + 1878, aged 67. + </p> + <p> + BARRETT, Rev. I.C., for 43 years Rector of St. Mary's, died + February 26, 1881. + </p> + <p> + BRACEBRIDGE, CHARLES HOLTE, a descendant of the Holtes of Aston, died + July 12, 1872, aged 73. He left several pictures, &c., to the + town. + </p> + <p> + BRAILSFORD, Rev. Mr., Head-master Grammar School, died November 20, + 1775. + </p> + <p> + BRAY, SOLOMON, formerly Town Clerk, died January 9, 1859. + </p> + <p> + BREAY, Rev. JOHN GEORGE, seven years Minister of Christ Church, died + December 5, 1839, in his 44th year. + </p> + <p> + BREEDON, LUKE, over fifty years a minister of the Society of Friends, + died in 1740, aged 81. + </p> + <p> + BRIGGS, Major, W.B.R.V., died January 24, 1877, aged 45. + </p> + <p> + BURN, Rev. EDWARD, 52 years Minister at St. Mary's, died May 20, + 1837, aged 77. + </p> + <p> + CADBURY, B.H., died January 23, 1880, in his 82nd year. + </p> + <p> + CHAVASSE, PYE.—A surgeon, well known by his works on the medical + treatment of women and children, died September 20, 1879, in his 70th + year. + </p> + <p> + CHAVASSE, THOS., pupil of Abernethy, and followed his profession in + this town till his 80th year. He died October 19, 1884, aged 84. + </p> + <p> + CHURCH, BENJ., of the <i>Gazette</i>, died July 1, 1874, aged 48. + </p> + <p> + DAVIS, GEORGE, a local poet, as well as printer, died 1819. + </p> + <p> + DAWSON, SUSAN FRANCES, relict of George Dawson, died November 9, 1878. + </p> + <p> + DOBBS, JAMES, a comic song writer and comedian, a great favourite with + his fellow-townspeople, died November 1, 1837, aged 56. + </p> + <p> + EGINGTON, F., an eminent painter on glass, died March 25, 1805, aged + 68. + </p> + <p> + ELKINGTON, GEORGE RICHARDS, the patentee and founder of the + electro-plate trade, died September 22, 1866 aged 65. + </p> + <p> + EVERITT, EDWARD, landscape painter, a pupil of David Cox, and a member + of the original Society of Arts, died July 2, 1880, in his 88th year. + </p> + <p> + FEENEY, J.F., proprietor of <i>Birmingham Journal</i>, died May 12, + 1869. + </p> + <p> + FREETH, Miss JANE, last surviving daughter of poet Freeth, died + September 2, 1860, aged 89. + </p> + <p> + GARBETT, Rev. JOHN, died August 23, 1858, aged 66. + </p> + <p> + GARNER, THOMAS, a distinguished line engraver, died in July, 1868. His + delineations of the nude figure were of the highest excellence. + </p> + <p> + GODFREY, ROBT., for nearly fifty years a minister of the Catholic + Apostolic Church, died Jan. 12, 1883, aged 75. + </p> + <p> + GOUGH, JOHN, an old churchwarden of St. Martin's, died November + 30, 1877, aged 63. + </p> + <p> + HAMMOND, Rev. JOSEPH, Congregational Minister, Handsworth, died March, + 30, 1870. + </p> + <p> + HANMAN, WILLIAM, for twenty-one years Market Superintendent, died Dec. + 1, 1877, aged 51. + </p> + <p> + HILL, M.D., first Borough Recorder, died June 7, 1872, aged 79. + </p> + <p> + HILL, Rev. Micaiah, director of the Town Mission, founder of the + Female Refuge, and Cabmen's Mission, &c., died September 24, + 1884, aged 60. + </p> + <p> + HODGETTS, WILLIAM, the first printer of the <i>Birmingham Journal</i> + (in 1825) and afterwards publisher of <i>Birmingham Advertiser</i>, + died January 2, 1874, aged 83. + </p> + <p> + HODGSON, Mr. JOSEPH, for 27 years one of the surgeons at General + Hospital, died February 7, 1869, aged 82. + </p> + <p> + HOLDER, HENRY, died January 27, 1880, in his 70th year. + </p> + <p> + HOLLINGS, W., architect, died January 12, 1843, aged 80. + </p> + <p> + HORTON, ISAAC, pork butcher, died November 15, 1880, aged 59. His + property in this town estimated at £400,000, besides about + £100,000 worth in Walsall, West Bromwich, &c. + </p> + <p> + HUDSON, BENJAMIN, printer, 54 years in one shop, died December 9, + 1875, aged 79. + </p> + <p> + HUTTON CATHERINE, only daughter of William Hutton died March 31, 1846, + aged 91. + </p> + <p> + HUTTON, Rev. HUGH, many years minister at Old Meeting, died September + 13, 1871, aged 76. + </p> + <p> + IVERS, the Very Rev. BERNARD, canon of St. Chad's Cathedral, and + for thirty years rector of St. Peter's (Roman Catholic) church, + Broad Street, died June 19, 1880. + </p> + <p> + JAFFRAY, JAMES, a pleasant writer of local history, died Jan. 7, 1884. + </p> + <p> + JEUNE, Rev. FRANCIS, Bishop of Peterborough, and once head master of + Free Grammar School, died August 21, 1868, aged 62. + </p> + <p> + KENNEDY, REV. RANN, of St. Paul's died January 5, 1851, aged 79. + </p> + <p> + KENTISH, REV. JOHN, for fifty years pastor at the New Meeting, died + March 6, 1853. + </p> + <p> + KNIGHT, EDWARD, an eminent comic actor, who had long performed at + Drury Lane and the Lyceum, was born in this town in 1774; died Feb. + 21, 1826. + </p> + <p> + LEE, DR. J. PRINCE, the first Bishop of Manchester, and who had been + for many years head master at Free Grammar School, died December 24, + 1869. + </p> + <p> + LLOYD, MR. SAMPSON, banker died December 28, 1807, aged 80. + </p> + <p> + MACREADY, WM., many years manager at Theatre Royal, died April 11, + 1829. + </p> + <p> + MACKENZIE, Rev. JOHN ROBERTSON, D.D., many years at Scotch Church, + Broad Street, died March 2, 1877, aged 66. + </p> + <p> + MADDOCKS, CHARLES, a local democrat of 1819, died April 3, 1856, aged + 78. + </p> + <p> + MARSDEN, Rev. J.B., of St. Peter's, died June 16, 1870. + </p> + <p> + McINNIS, Capt. P., adjutant B.R.V., died February 16, 1880, aged 66 + years. + </p> + <p> + MITCHELL, SIDNEY J., solicitor, accidentally killed at Solihull, March + 22, 1882. + </p> + <p> + MOLE, Major ROBERT, B.R.V., died June 9, 1875, aged 46. + </p> + <p> + MOORE, JOSEPH, "founder of the Birmingham Musical Festival," + died April 19, 1851. + </p> + <p> + MOTTERAM, J., eight years County Court Judge, died Sept. 19, 1884, + aged 67. + </p> + <p> + NETTLEFORD, JOSEPH HENRY, died November 22, 1881, aged 54. He left a + valuable collection of pictures to the Art Gallery. + </p> + <p> + NOTT, Dr. JOHN, born in 1751, studied surgery in Birmingham, but was + better known as an elegant poet and Oriental scholar, died in 1826. + </p> + <p> + OLDKNOW, REV. JOSEPH, Vicar of Holy Trinity, died September 3, 1874, + aged 66. + </p> + <p> + OSLER, THOS. CLARKSON, died Nov. 5, 1876, leaving personal estate + value £140,000. He bequeathed £1,000 to the hospitals, and + £3,000 to the Art Gallery. + </p> + <p> + PAGE, REV. RICHARD, first Vicar of St. Asaph's, died March 9, + 1879, aged 41. + </p> + <p> + PEMBERTON, CHARLES REECE, long connected with Mechanics' + Institute, died March 3, 1840, aged 50. + </p> + <p> + PENN, BENJAMIN, died November 13, 1789. He was one of the old + "newsmen" who, for twenty years, delivered the + <i>Gazette</i> to its readers, and though he travelled nearly 100 + miles a week, never suffered from illness. + </p> + <p> + PETTIT, REV. G., Vicar of St. Jude's, died January 19, 1873, aged + 64. + </p> + <p> + PYE, JOHN, a celebrated landscape engraver, died February 6, 1874, + aged 91. + </p> + <p> + RATCLIFF, Lady JANE, widow of Sir John, died Sept. 12, 1874, aged 72. + </p> + <p> + REDFERN, WILLIAM, the first Town Clerk, died April 23, 1872, aged 70. + </p> + <p> + REECE, W.H., solicitor, died in May, 1873, aged 63. He rebuilt St. + Tudno's Church, on the Ormeshead, and did much to popularise + Llandudno. + </p> + <p> + RICHARDS, Mr. WM. WESTLEY, the world-known filmmaker, died Sept. 14, + 1875, aged 76. + </p> + <p> + ROBINS, EBENEZER, auctioneer, died July 1, 1871. + </p> + <p> + ROTTON, H., died December 13, aged 67. + </p> + <p> + SALT, T.C., a prominent member of the Political Union, died April 27, + 1859, aged 70. + </p> + <p> + SAXTON, Rev. LOT, a Methodist New Connexion Minister of this town, + died suddenly, September, 1880, in his 72nd year. + </p> + <p> + SCHOLEFIELD, JOSHUA, M.P., died July 4, 1814, aged 70. + </p> + <p> + SCHOLEFIELD, Rev. RADCLIFFE, for 30 years pastor of Old Meeting, died + June 27, 1803, aged 70. + </p> + <p> + SMITH, JOHN, attorney, died September 23, 1867. + </p> + <p> + SMITH, TOULMIN, died April 30, 1869. + </p> + <p> + SPOONER, Rev. ISAAC, for 36 years Vicar of Edgbaston, died July 26, + 1884, aged 76. + </p> + <p> + SPOONER, RICHARD, Esq., M.P., died Novembar 24, 1864, aged 81. + </p> + <p> + SPOONER, Mr. WILLIAM, for seventeen years County Court Judge, of the + North Staffordshire district, died May 19, 1880, in his 69th year. + </p> + <p> + STANBRIDGE, THOMAS, Town Clerk died February 10, 1869, aged 52. + </p> + <p> + ST. JOHN, Rev. AMBROSE, of the Oratory, died May 24, 1875, aged 60. + </p> + <p> + SWINNEY, MYLES, 50 years publisher of the <i>Birmingham Chronicle</i>, + died November 2, 1812, aged 74. + </p> + <p> + THORNTON, Capt. F., B.E.V., was thrown from his carriage and killed, + May 22, 1876. He was 35 years of age. + </p> + <p> + TURNER, GEORGE (firm of Turner, Son and Nephew), died March 25, 1875, + aged 68, leaving a fortune of £140,000. + </p> + <p> + UPTON, JAMES, printer, died November 9, 1874. + </p> + <p> + VINCENT, HENRY, the Chartist, died Dec. 29, 1878. + </p> + <p> + WORRALL, WILLIAM, for 30 years Secretary of St. Philip's Building + Society, died May 1, 1880, in his 78th year. + </p> + <p> + WRIGHT, Mr. THOS. BARBER, who died October 11, 1878, was one of the + founders of the <i>Midland Counties Herald</i>, the first to propose + the Hospital Sunday collections, and to establish the Cattle Shows. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + BIRMINGHAM PRINTED BY J.G. HAMMOND & Co 136-8, EDMUND STREET. + </p> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Showell's Dictionary of Birmingham +by Thomas T. 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