Food and Clothing.—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 L40 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.

George Hill's Charity is now of the value of nearly L5,000, bringing in about L120 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 L20 to decayed schoolmasters and schoolmistresses.

Hollier's Charity 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:—L50 for clothing for twelve poor men or women of Birmingham, and eight ditto of Aston; L25 for relieving deserving and necessitous persons discharged from Borough Lunatic Asylum; L150 to the Dispensaries of Birmingham and Aston; L25 each to the Children's Hospital and the Sanatorium; and the remainder to the General Hospital.

James's Trust, of 1869, which realises about L1,000 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.

Kylcuppe's Charity.—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.

Lench's Trust, which dates from 1539, is one of the most important charities of the town, and has an income of over L3,000 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 L3,321 10s., of which L1,825 14s. went to the almswomen, L749 1s. 8d. for matrons, doctors, and expenses at the almshouses, L437 9s. 4d. for repairs, insurance, rates, and taxes, and L309 5s. for clerks, collectors, auditors, law and surveyor's charges, printing, &c.

Milward's Charity.—John Milward in 1654 left property then worth L26 per annum and the Red Lion public-house (worth another L26, 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 L650 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.

The Nichol Charity 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.

Old Maids and Widows.—About L40 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 L20 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.

Ridduck's Trust, 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, L70 to Gem Street Free Industrial School, and L20 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.

Preaching Sermons.—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 L500 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.

Scripture Reading.—In 1858 Admiral Duff left a sum of money, which brings in about L45 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.

The Whittingham Charity, 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.

Philosophical Society.—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.

Pillory.—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.

Pinfold Street 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.

Places of Worship.—Established Church.—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 L50,000, 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 L10,000. 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.

Acock's Green ... ... L6,405 Aston Brook ... ... 5,000 Balsall Heath ... ... 8,500 Bishop Ryder's ... ... 886 Christ Church ... ... 1,000 Christ Church, Sparkbrook 9,163 Edgbaston ... ... ... 2,200 Hay Mills ... ... ... 6,500 Immanuel ... ... ... 4,600 King's Heath ... ... 3,900 King's Norton ... ... 5,092 Moseley ... ... ... 2,491 Saltley ... ... ... 7,139 St. Alban's ... ... 2,800 St. Andrew's ... ... 4,500 St. Anne's ... ... ... 2,700 St. Anne's, Moseley ... 7,500 St. Asaph's... ... ... 7,700 St. Augustine's ... ... 7,800 St. Barnabas' ... ... 3,500 St. Bartholomew's... ... 1,260 St. Clement's ... ... 3,925 St. Cuthbert's ... ... 5,000 St. David's... ... ... 6,185 St. Gabriel's ... ... 4,307 St. George's Edgbaston ... 1,583 St. James's Edgbaston ... 6,000 St. John's, Ladywood ... 7,200 St. Lawrence's ... ... 4,380 St. Luke's ... ... ... 6,286 St. Martin's ... ... 30,134 St. Matthew's ... ... 4,850 St. Matthias's ... ... 5,361 St. Mary's ... ... ... 4,503 St. Mary's, Selly Oak ... 5,400 St. Nicholas' ... ... 4,288 St. Paul's ... ... ... 1,400 St. Philip's ... ... 9,987 St. Saviour's ... ... 5,273 St. Silas's... ... ... 4,677 St. Stephen's ... ... 3,200 St. Stephen's, Selly Oak 3,771



To the above total of L228,336 expended on churches in or close to the borough, there should be added L57,640 expended in the erection, &c., of churches close at hand in the adjoining diocese of Lichfield; L25,000 laid out at Coleshill, Northfield, and Solihull (the principal residents being from Birmingham); and a still further sum of L150,000 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 L100,000 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 L10,000 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.

All Saints', 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 L3,850, but in 1881 it was enlarged and otherwise improved at an outlay of over L1,500, 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 L400) 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.

All Saints', King's Heath, is built of stone in the perpendicular Gothic style, and cost L3,200, 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 L220) being in the gift of the Vicar of Moseley, King's Heath ecclesiastical parish being formed out of Moseley parish in 1863.

All Saints', 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 L150.

All Saints', Stechford.—A temporary church of iron and wood, erected at a cost of L620, to accommodate 320 persons, all seats being free, was dedicated Dec. 18, 1877.

Aston Church.—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 L26 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 L10,000. 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, temp. 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 (L1,600 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

Bishop Rider's, 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 L4,600. The living, valued at L300, 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 L2,240, 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.

Christ Church, 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 L1,000 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 L350), 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:

"Our churches and chapels we generally find Are the places where men to the women are joined; But at Christ Church, it seems, they are more cruelhearted, For men and their wives go there and get parted."

Mission services in connection with Christ Church are held in the Pinfold Street and Fleet Street Schoolrooms.

Christ Church, 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 L8,000, exclusive of a tower 110ft. high which will be added afterwards at a further cost of L1,200.

Christ Church, Quinton, was erected in 1841, at a cost of L2,500, and will seat 600, two-thirds being free. The living is valued at L200, 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.

Christ Church, 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 L350 per annum, and has been held hitherto by the Rev. G. Tonge, M.A. The building of the church cost nearly L10,000, 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.

Christ Church, Yardley Wood, was built and endowed by the late John Taylor, Esq., in 1848, the consecration taking place April 4, 1849. Vicarage, value L185; patrons, trustees; Vicar, Rev. C.E. Beeby, B.A. Seats 260, the 60 being free.

Edgbaston Old Church.—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 L542, 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.

Hall Green Church was built in Queen Anne's reign, and has seats for 475, half free. It is a vicarage (value L175), in the gift of trustees, and now held by the Rev. R. Jones, B.A.

Handsworth Church.—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 L11,000, 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 L1,500, 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.

Holy Trinity.—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 L14,325, 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 L230) 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 "Ritualism."

Holy Trinity, Birchfields.—First stone placed May 26, 1863; consecrated May 17, 1864. Cost about L5,000. The living (value L320) 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.

Holy Trinity, North Harborne, was built in 1838-39 at a cost of L3,750, and will seat 700, one half being free. The living (value L300) is in the gift of the Dean and Chapter of Lichfield.

Immanuel Church, 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 L4,000; there are seats for 800, of which 600 are free; and the living (valued at L300), 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.

Iron Churches.—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.

St. Agnes', Moseley, off Wake Green Road.—The foundation stone was laid October 3, 1883, and its estimated cost is put at about L8,000. 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.

St. Alban's.—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 L20,000—L1,500 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 L1,000 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.

St. Andrew's, Bordesley.—The foundation-stone was laid July 23, 1844, and consecration took place, Sept. 30, 1846. The cost of the building was about L5,000, the site being given. The value of the living is L320, 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.

St. Anne's, 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 L260. Rev. T.J. Haworth is the Vicar. Services also at the Mission Room, Great Francis Street.

St. Anne's, 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 L150, 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.

St. Asaph's, 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 L5,450. 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 L300, being now held by the Rev. R. Fletcher, M.A.

St. Augustine's, Hagley Road, the foundation stone of which was laid Oct. 14, 1867, was consecrated September 12, 1868, the first cost being a little over L9,000, but a tower and spire (185 ft. high) was added in 1876 at a further cost of L4,000. It is a Chapel-of-ease to Edgbaston, in the gift of the Bishop. Value L500. Held by Rev. J.C. Blissard, M.A. Seats, 650.

St. Barnabas, Erdington.—This church, originally built in 1823, at a cost of about L6,000, with accommodation for 700 only, has lately been enlarged so as to provide 1,100 sittings (600 free)—L2,700 being expended on the improvements. The Vicar of Aston is patron, and the living is valued at L300. The re-opening took place June 11, 1883. Rev. H.H. Rose, M.A., has been Vicar since 1850.

St. Barnabas', 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 L300, in the gift of trustees. Present Vicar, Rev. P. Waller. Services also at Mission Room, Sheepcote Street.

St. Bartholomew's.—The building of this church was commenced in 1749, the site being given by William Jennens, Esq., and L1,000 towards the building by his mother, Mrs. Anne Jennens. Lord Fielding also gave L120 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 L280. There are 1,800 sittings, 1,000 being free. Week-night services are also held in Mission Room, Fox Street.

St. Catherine's, Nechells.—Foundation stone laid July 27, 1877; consecrated November 8, 1878; cost nearly L7,000; seats 750, more than half being free. Yearly value L230; in the gift of trustees. Present vicar, Rev. T.H. Nock, M.A.

St. Catherine's 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.

St. Clement's, Nechells.—First stone laid, October 27, 1857; consecrated August 30, 1859. Seats 850 (475 free). Vicarage, value L300, 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.

St. Cuthbert's, Birmingham Heath, was commenced April 19, 1871; opened March 19, 1872, and has seats for 800, half being free. Yearly value L250; in the hands of trustees. Present incumbent, Rev. W. H. Tarleton, M.A.

St. Cyprian's, 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 L150) is in the gift of the Bishop.

St. David's, 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 L6,200, and there is accommodation for 955, 785 seats being free. The living (value L300) 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.

St. Edburgh's,—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 L525) 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.

St. Gabriel's, 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 L300) 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 L3,500, and it is said the Vicar and his friends saved L2,500 by building the rooms themselves.

St. George's.—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 L200. 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 L12,735. 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 L2,350 to the original cost of the church, which provides accommodation for 2,150, all but 700 being free seats. The living (value L500) 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.

St. George's, Edgbaston.—First stone laid Aug. 17, 1836; consecrated Nov. 28, 1838. Cost L6,000. Perpetual curacy (value L300), 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 L8,000 will be spent thereon, with proportionate accommodation.

St. James's, 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 L300) 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.

St. James's, 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.

St. James's, Edgbaston, which cost about L6,000, was consecrated June 1, 1852, and has 900 sittings, one-fourth being free. Perpetual curacy (value L230) 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.

St. James's, Handsworth, was built in 1849, and has 800 sittings, of which one half are free. The living (value L300) is in the gift of the Rector of Handsworth, and the present vicar is the Rev. H.L. Randall, B.A.

St. John's, 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 L400. 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.

St. John's, Ladywood, built at a cost of L6,000, 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 L2,350 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 L330), 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.

St. John's, Perry Barr, was built, endowed, and a fund left for future repairs, by "Squire Gough," of Perry Hall, the cost being about L10,000. 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 L500) is in the gift of the Hon. A.C.G. Calthorpe.

St. John the Baptist, East Harborne, which cost rather more than L4,000, was consecrated November 12, 1858. It has sittings for 900, of which number one half are free. Living valued at L115; patron Rev. T. Smith, M.A.; vicar, Rev. P. Smith, B.A.

St. John the Evangelist, Stratford Road.—A temporary iron church which was opened April 2, 1878, at a cost of L680. A Mission Room, in Warwick Road, Greet, is in connection with above.

St. Jude's, 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 L150.

St. Lawrence's, 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 L320) is now held by the Rev. J.F.M. Whish, B.A.

St. Luke's, 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 L3,700, and was consecrated Sept. 28, 1842. There are 300 free seats out of 800. The trustees are patrons, and the living (value L430) is held by the Rev. W.B. Wilkinson, M.A., vicar.

St. Margaret's, Ledsam Street.—The cost of this church was about L5,000; 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 L300), and it is now held by the Rev. H.A. Nash. The schoolroom in Rann Street is licensed in connection with St. Margaret's.

St. Margaret's, Olton, was consecrated Dec. 14, 1880, the first stone having been laid Oct. 30, 1879.

St. Margaret's, 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 L150, is in the gift of trustees, and is held by the Rev. C. Heath, M.A., Vicar.

St. Mark's, King Edward's Road.—First stone laid March 31, 1840; consecrated July 30, 1841. Cost about L4,000, and accommodates 1,000, about a third of the seats being free. A vicarage, value L300; patrons, trustees; vicar, Rev. R.L.G. Pidcock, M.A.

St. Martins.—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 L10 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.:—

In casing, repairing, &c., ye Old Church L1919 01 9-1/2

Adding to ye Communion Plate of ye said Church 275 ounces of new silver 80 16 06

Repairing ye high ways leading to ye town wth in these 9 years 898 00 01

Subscribed by ye inhabitants towards erecting a New Church, now consecrated, and Parsonage house 2234 13 11 —————— In all L5132 12 3-12

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:—

"28pds. 2s. wch Mr. Jno. Holte has collected in Oxford towards building ye New Church."

"Revd. L30 from Sir Charles Holte, Baronet, for the use of the Com.e of the New Church."

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 L423, 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 L6,000, 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 L200 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 "Mail"]. 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.

Treble, cast in 1772, weight not noted. Second, " 1771, ditto. Third, " 1758, weighing 6 2 16 Fourth, " 1758, " 6 3 27 Fifth, " 1758, " 8 0 20 Sixth, " 1769, " 8 2 12 Seventh " 1768, " 9 3 12 Eighth, " 1758, " 11 3 6 Ninth, " 1758, " 15 1 17 Tenth, " 1758, " 17 3 2 Eleventh " 1769, " 27 3 16 Tenor, " 1768, " 35 0 8

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;—

On Seventh:—"You singers all that prize your health and happiness, be sober, merry and wise and you will the same possess."

On Eighth.—"To honour both of God and King, our voices shall in concert ring."

On Tenth.—"Our voices shall with joyful sound make, hills and valleys echo round."

On Tenor.—"Let your ceaseless changes raise to our Great Maker still new praise."

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 L25,000. The living (L1,048 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.

St. Mary's, Acock's Green, was opened Oct. 17, 1866. The cost of erection was L4,750, but it was enlarged in 1882, at a further cost of L3,000. There are 720 sittings, 420 being free. The nett value of the living, in the gift of trustees, is L147, and the present vicar is the Rev. F.T. Swinburn, D.D.

St. Mary's, Aston Brook, was opened Dec. 10, 1863. It seats 750 (half free), and cost L4,000; was the gift of Josiah Robins, Esq., and family. Perpetual curacy, value L300. The site of the parsonage (built in 1877, at a cost of L2,300), was the gift of Miss Robins. Present incumbent, Rev. F. Smith, M.A.

St. Mary's, 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 L280, and is now held by the Rev. W. H. Colmore, M.A. Of the 500 sittings 150 are free.

St. Mary's, 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 L200, and the present vicar is the Rev. T. Price, M.A.

St. Mary's, 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 L172 with parsonage, in the gift of trustees, and is now held by the Rev. J.S. Owen.

St. Matthew's, 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 L3,200, but nearly L1,000 was expended upon it in 1883. Five trustees have the gift of the living, value L300, which is now held by the Rev. J. Byrchmore, vicar. The Mission Room, in Lupin Street, is served from St. Matthew's.

St. Matthias's, Wheeler Street, commenced May 30th, 1855, was consecrated June 4, 1856. Over L1,000 was spent on renovations in 1879. The seats (1,150) are all free. The yearly value of the living is L300, and it is in the gift of trustees. The vicar is the Rev. J.H. Haslam, M.A.

St. Michael's, in the Cemetery, Warstone Lane, was opened Jan. 15, 1854, the living (nominal value, L50) being in the gift of the directors. Will accommodate 400—180 seats being free.

St. Michael's, 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 L740, is held by the Rev. R. Wylde, M.A., and connected with it is the chapel-of-ease at Bartley Green.

St. Michael's, Soho, Handsworth, was opened in 1861. It has 1,000 sittings, one-half of which are free. The living is valued at L370, is in the gift of the Rector of Handsworth, and is now held by the Rev. F.A. Macdona.

St. Nicolas, 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 L300, and the Vicar is the Rev. W.H. Connor, M.A.

St. Nicholas, 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 L5,000 being expended upon it. The Dean and Chapter of Worcester are the patrons of the living (nett value L250), and the Vicar is the Rev. D.H.C. Preedy. There are 700 sittings, 300 of which are free.

St. Oswald's, situated opposite Small Heath Park, is an iron structure, lined with wood. It will seat about 400, cost L600, and was opened Aug. 10, 1882, being for the present in charge of the clergyman attached to St. Andrew's.

St. Patrick's, Highgate Street.—Erected in 1873, at a cost of L2,300, 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.

St. Paul's, 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 L300, in the gift of trustees, and is held by the Rev. R.B. Burges, M.A., Vicar.

St. Paul's, Lozells.—The first stone was laid July 10, 1879, and the building consecrated September 11, 1880. The total cost was L8,700, the number of sittings being 800, of which one half are free. Patrons, Trustees. Vicar, Rev. E.D. Roberts, M.A.

St. Paul's, Moseley Road, Balsall Heath.—Foundation stone laid May 17, 1852, the building being opened that day twelvemonth. Cost L5,500 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 L300), and it is held by the Rev. W.B. Benison, M.A.

St. Peter's, Dale End, was begun in 1825, and consecrated Aug. 10, 1827, having cost L19,000. Considerable damage to the church was caused by fire, Jan. 24,1831. There are 1,500 sittings, all free. The living is valued at L260, is in the gift of the Bishop, and is held by the Rev. R. Dell, M.A., Vicar.

St. Philip's.—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 L15 per year and L7 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 L600 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 L5,000, first estimated cost, was soon raised. [See "St. Martins"]. 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 L868, 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,

St. Saviour's, Saltley, was consecrated July 23, 1850. The cost of building was L6,000; there are 810 seats, 560 being free; the living is vnlued at L240, and is in the gift of Lord Norton; the present Vicar is the Rev. F. Williams, B.A.

St. Saviour's, Villa Strest, Hockley.—Corner-stone laid April 9, 1872; consecrated May 1, 1874. Cost L5,500, and has seats for 600, all free. The living (value L250) is in the gift of trustees, and is now held by the Rev. M. Parker, Vicar.

St. Silaes's 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 L450) 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.

St. Stephen's, Newtown Row, was consecrated July 23, 1844. The building cost L3,200; there are 1,150 sittings, of which 750 are free; the living is valued at L250, 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.

St. Stephen's, 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 L200; it is a perpetual curacy, and the incumbent is the Rev. R. Stokes M.A. Of the 300 sittings 100 are free.

St. Thomas's, Holloway Head.—First stone laid Oct. 2, 1826; consecrated Oct. 22, 1829, having cost L14,220. 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 L550) is in the gift of trustees, and is held by the Rev. T. Halstead, Rector and Surrogate.

St. Thomas-in-the-Moors, 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.

St. Thomas the Martyr.—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.

Stirchley Street School-Church was erected in 1863, at a cost of L1,200, and is used on Sunday and occasional weekday evenings.

Places Of Worship.—Dissenters'.—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.

Antinomians.—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.

Baptists.—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 L13 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 L26,500, 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 L14,200, 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 L10,000. The first stone of the Stratford Road Church (the site of which, valued at L1,200, was given by Mr. W. Middlemore) was laid on the 8th of June, 1878, and the building, which cost L7,600, was opened June 3, 1879. Mr. Middlemore also gave the site (value L2,200) for the Hagley Road Church, L6,000 of the Cannon Street money going to it, and L3,500 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.

Catholic Apostolic Church, Summer Hill Terrace.—This edifice, erected in 1877, cost about L10,000, and has seats for 400.

Christian Brethren.—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.

Christadelphians meet at the Temperance Hall, Temple Street.

Church of the Saviour, 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.

Congregational.—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:—

"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.—Laus Deo."

In 1875-76 the chapel was enlarged, refronted, and in many ways strengthened and improved, at a cost of nearly L5,000, 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 L15,000, was commenced April 9, 1878, and opened July 16, 1879.—The memorial-stones of the church at Sutton Coldfield, which cost L5,500, 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 L5,500, 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.

Disciples of Christ erected a chapel in Charles Henry Street in 1864; in Geach Street in 1865; in Great Francis Street in 1873.

Free Christian Church, Fazeley Street—Schoolrooms were opened here in 1865 by the Birmingham Free Christian Society, which were enlarged in 1868 at a cost of about L800. Funds to build a church were gathered in succeeding years and the present edifice was opened April 1, 1877, the cost being L1,300.

Jews.—The Hebrew Synagogue in Blucher Street was erected in 1856, at a cost of L10,000.

Methodists.—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 L2,000 (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.—The Methodist New Connexion have chapels in Heath Street, Kyrwick's Lane, Ladywood Lane, Moseley Street, and Unett Street—The first stone of a chapel for the Methodist New Congregational body was placed July 13, 1873, in Icknield Street West.—The Methodist Reformers commenced to build a chapel in Bishop Street, November 15, 1852.—The Methodist Free Church has places of worship in Bath Street, Cuckoo Road, Muntz Street, Rocky Lane, and at Washwood Heath.

New Church.—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 L8,000, 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.

Presbyterians.—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 was 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.

Salvation Army.—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.

Unitarians.—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 L32,250, of which L2,000 was for the minister and L250 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., L7,000 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 L10,000 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.

Welsh Chapels.—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.

Wesleyans.—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 L6,200.—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.—The Wesleyan Reformers meet in Floodgate Street, and in Upper Trinity Street.

Miscellaneous.—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 L645, less than the cost of the bricks and mortar, though the lease had 73 years to run.

Places of Worship.—Roman Catholics.—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 "Masshouse Lane."]

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:—

Cathedral of St. Chad,—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 L60,000. 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.

Oratory, 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.

St. Anne's, 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 L4,500, and a new church has been erected, at a cost of L6,000. 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.

St. Catherine of Sienna, Horse Fair.—The first stone was laid Aug. 23, 1869, and the church was opened in July following.

St. Joseph's, Nechells, was built in 1850, in connection with the Roman Catholic Cemetery.

St. Mary's, Hunter's Lane, was opened July 28, 1847.

St. Mary's Retreat, Harborne, was founded by the Passionist Fathers, and opened Feb. 6, 1877.

St. Michael's, Moor Street, was formerly the Unitarian New Meeting, being purchased, remodelled, and consecrated in 1861.

St. Patrick's, Dudley Road, was erected in 1862.

St. Peter's, 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.

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.

Police.—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 October, 1793, 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 "Chartism"], 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.

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 L900 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 L400 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, L200 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.

Political Union.—See "Reform Leagues."

Polling Districts.—The sixteen wards of the borough are divided into 131 polling districts.

Polytechnic.—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.

Poor Law and Poor Rates.—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 L309 was thus expended. In 1773 the amount was L6,378, but the pressure on the rates varied considerably about then, as in 1786 it required L11,132, while in 1796 the figures rose to L24,050. 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 L5 rental and 8,000 others under L10, 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 L on all houses above L6 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:—

Rate Amount Paid to Cost of In and Other Parochial Year in L collected Corporation Out Relief Expenditure s.d. L L L L 1851 4 0 78,796 39,573 17,824 21,399 1861 3 8 85,986 36,443 34,685 14,878 1871 3 2 116,268 44,293 37,104 34,871 1881 4 8 193,458 107,520 42,880 48,058

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:—

Highest Lowest Year. No. daily No. daily 1876 7,687 7,058 1877 8,240 7,377 1878 8,877 7,242 1879 14,651 8,829 1880 13,195 7,598 1881 11,064 7,188 1882 9,658 7,462 1883 8,347 7,630



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.