A DESCRIPTIONOFMODERNBIRMINGHAMWHEREUNTO ARE ANNEXED, OBSERVATIONS

_Made during an Excursion round the Town_, IN THE SUMMER OF 1818, INCLUDING

Warwick and Leamington

_BY CHARLES PYE_;

WHO COMPILED A DICTIONARY OF ANCIENT GEOGRAPHY

 * * * * *

[symbol] May be had of all Booksellers. _Anti-Jacobin, May, 1804. _

PYE'S DICTIONARY OF ANCIENT GEOGRAPHY. 

The author's avowed object, is to arrange the ancient and modernnames, in a clear and methodical manner, so as to give a readyreference to each; and in addition to this arrangement of ancientappellations both of people and places, with the modern names, he hasgiven a concise chronological history of the principal places; bywhich the book also serves in many cases as a gazetteer. We find uponthe whole a clear and practical arrangement of articles which aredispersed in more voluminous works. Mr. Pye has condensed within anarrow space the substance of Cellarius, Lempriere, Macbean, &c. Inshort the work will be found very useful and convenient to all personsreading the classics or studying modern geography, and to all readersof history, sacred or profane. 

_British Critic, June, 1804. _

PYE'S DICTIONARY OF ANCIENT GEOGRAPHY. 

This may be recommended as a very convenient, useful, and relativelycheap publication of the kind, and may very properly be recommendedfor schools. The author very modestly desires that such errors andomissions as will unavoidably appear in an attempt of this nature maybe pointed out to him, for the benefit of a future edition. 

_Monthly Review, October, 1805. _

We prefer the old mode of having separate divisions; the one includingancient and the other modern geography, to that of uniting both underthe same alphabetical arrangement. When the title of this work isconsidered, it is somewhat incongruous that the account of placesshould be inserted under the modern names, and a mere reference underthat of the ancient. These accounts appear to be in general correct, but they are in our judgment too brief to be satisfactory. As theabove writer says he prefers two alphabets to one; the editor herebysets him at defiance to produce two books in any language (howeverlarge they are, ) from whence the student or traveller can collect suchinformation as is contained in this small volume, price 7s. 

Mr. Pye also published a correct and complete representation of allthe provincial copper coins, tokens of trade, and cards of address, oncopper, that were circulated as such between the years 1787 and 1801;when they were entirely superseded by a national copper coinage. The whole on fifty-five quarto plates, price 20s. Being a necessaryappendage to every library; there being a very copious index. 

TO Wm. Damper, Esq. 

_One of his Majesty's Justices of the Peace_

FOR THE

COUNTIES OF WARWICK AND WORCESTER. 

_SIR_, _As you occasionally amuse yourself with topographical pursuits, deignto accept of the following pages, from

Your most obedient, Humble Servant_, CHARLES PYE. 

_ADVERTISEMENT_. 

Whoever may take the trouble of looking into the following pages, willsoon perceive that in some instances the editor has been very brief inhis description of the public institutions; to which he pleads guilty, and accounts for it by observing, that the undermentioned card[1] waswritten and delivered by him personally, to every public institution, at the respective places where the business is transacted, and whenhe called again, after a lapse of two months, there were severalinstances where all information was withheld. [2] Having, as hethought, proceeded in the most genteel way, by soliciting assistancein a private manner, he feels doubly disappointed in not being able togive the public such information as might reasonably be expected in apublication of this kind. --Had his endeavors been seconded by thosewho are to a certain degree interested in the event, there are severalpoints that would have been explained more at large; but beingdeprived of such assistance, he ventures to appear before the tribunalof the public, and to give them the best information that he has beenable to obtain. Any person who discovers errors or omissions, thatwill take the trouble of rectifying them, and conveying the samethrough the medium of the publisher, will confer an inestimable favouron

Their obedient servant, _CHARLES PYE_. 

[Footnote 1:--are respectfully informed, that it is in contemplationto publish a Description of Modern Birmingham, and the adjacentcountry for some miles around it; therefore any information they maythink proper to communicate will be strictly attended to by Theirobedient servant, CHARLES PYE. ]

[Footnote 2: The Birmingham Fire Office, the three Canals, &c. ]

LINES

_Written by the late John Morfitt, Esq. Barrister. _

 Illustrious offspring of vulcanic toil! Pride of the country! glory of the isle! Europe's grand toy-shop! art's exhaustless mine! These, and more titles, Birmingham, are thine. From jealous fears, from charter'd fetters free, Desponding genius finds a friend in thee: Thy soul, as lib'ral as the breath of spring, Cheers his faint heart, and plumes his flagging wing. 

 'Tis thine, with plastic hand, to mould the mass, Of ductile silver, and resplendant brass; 'Tis thine, with sooty finger to produce Unnumber'd forms, for ornament and use. 

 Hark! what a sound!--art's pond'rous fabric reels, Beneath machinery's ten thousand wheels; Loud falls the stamp, the whirling lathes resound, And engines heave, while hammers clatter round: What labour forges, patient art refines, Till bright as dazz'ling day metallic beauty shines. 

 Thy swords, elastic, arm our hero's hands; Thy musquets thunder in remotest lands; Thy sparkling buttons distant courts emblaze; Thy polish'd steel emits the diamond's rays; Paper, beneath thy magic hand assumes A mirror brightness, and with beauty blooms. With each Etruscan grace thy vases shine, And proud Japan's fam'd varnish yields to thine. 

 Thine, too, the trinkets, that the fair adorn, But who can count the spangles of the morn? What pencil can pourtray this splendid mart. This vast, stupendous wilderness of art? Where fancy sports, in all her rainbow hues, And beauty's radiant forms perplex the muse. The boundless theme transcends poetic lays, -- Let plain historic truth record thy praise. 

_The Roads pointed out_

TO PLACES DISTANT FROM BIRMINGHAM. 

 Miles Folio Alcester . . 21 186 Atherstone . . 20 178 Banbury . . 42 134 Barr-beacon . . 7 188 Barr-park . . 5 122 Bath . . 87 176 Bilstone . . 11 101 Blenheim . . 52 133 Bristol . . 84 176 Bromsgrove . . 13 176 Buxton . . 61 163 Cheltenham . . 51 176 Chester . . 75 101 Coalbrook Dale . . 30 101 Coleshill . . 10 180 Coventry . . 18 161 Derby . . 40 163 Dublin . . 218 101 Dudley, thro' Oldbury . . 9 130 Dudley, thro' Tipton . . 10 125 Dunchurch . . 29 161 Edgbaston . . 1 190 Edinburgh . . 298 113&163 Evesham . . 31 186 Glocester . . 52 176 Hagley . . 12 169 Halesowen . . 7 169 Handsworth . . 2-1/2 106 Harborne . . 3 182 Henley-in-Arden . . 14 133 Hockley House . . 10 133 Holyhead . . 158 101 Kidderminster . . 18 169 King's Norton . . 6 186 Knowle . . 10 134 Leamington . . 22 133&134 Leeds . . 109 113&163 Leicester . . 43 180 Lichfield . . 16 163 Liverpool . . 104 113&163 London, thro' Coventry . . 109 161 ----, Henley-on-Thames . . 118 133 ----, Uxbridge . . 114 133 ----, Warwick & Banbury . . 119 134 Malvern . . 32 176 Manchester . . 82 113&163 Matlock . . 55 163 Meriden . . 12 161 Northampton . . 42 161 Northfield . . 6 176 Nottingham . . 50 163 Oxford . . 61 133 Rowley . . 7 193 Rugby . . 31 161 Sedgley . . 14 110 Sheffield . . 76 163 Shenstone . . 13 163 Shrewsbury . . 45 101 Smethwick . . 2 130 Solihull . . 7 135 Stafford, thro' Walsall . . 26 113 ----, Wolverhamp. . . 30 101 Stourbridge . . 12 130&169 Stratford-upon-Avon . . 22 133 Sutton Coldfield . . 8 163 Tamworth . . 16 163 Tipton . . 8 125 Walsall . . 9 113 Warwick, by Knowle . . 20 134 ----, by Hockley House . . 20 133 Wednesbury . . 8 110 West-Bromwich . . 6 108 Wolverhampton . . 14 101 Worcester . . 26 176 Yardley . . 3 192 York . . 132 113&163

INDEX. 

 Air, Assay office, Assembly rooms, Asylum for children, ---- for deaf & dumb, Ball rooms, Baptist's meeting, Barracks, Baths, Beardsworth's repository Birmingham canal, ---- fire office, ---- metal comp. , Births and burials, Blue coat school, Bodily deformity, Brass, ---- works, Breweries, Brickwork, neat, Burial ground, Butchers, Calvinist's meeting, Canal, Birmingham, ----, Warwick, ----, Worcester, Carriers by water, Catholic chapel, Chamber of commerce, Chapel, St. Bartholomew, ---- St. James's, ---- St. John's, ---- St. Mary's, ---- St. Paul's, Charities, private, Church, Christ, ---- St. Martin's, ---- St. Philip's, Clubs, Coaches, Coaches, stage, Copper, Corn mill, Court leet, ---- of requests, Crescent, Crown copper company, Crowley's trust, Deaf and dumb, Deritend house, Dispensary, Dissenter's school, Duddestonhall, Factoring, origin of, Fairs, Fentham's trust, Fire office, Fish shops, Free grammar school, General hospital, ---- provident society, Glass houses, Gold and silver, Gun trade, account of, Hackney coach fares, Hen and chicken's inn, Hides, raw, Hospital, Hotel, hen and chicken's, ----, Nelson's, ----, royal, ----, swan, Houses, Humane society, Huntingdon's meeting, Jew's synagogue, Ikenield street, Improvements in the town, Inland commercial society, Innovation of the post office, Interesting information John-a-Dean's hole Lady well Lancasterian school Lench's trust Liberality of the town Library, new ----, public ----, theological Magistrates Manufactories Markets Metal company Methodist meeting Mining and copper comp. Miscellaneous information Musical festival National school Neat brick work Nelson's statue ---- tavern New library ---- meeting Newspapers New union mill Old meeting Origin of factoring Panorama Parsonage house Philosophical society Piddock's trust Places of worship Population Post office ---- innovation Principal manufactories Prison Private charities Proof house Protection of trade Provident society Public breweries ---- library ---- office ---- scales Quaker's meeting Raw hides Remarkable circumstance Roman road Rose copper company Royal hotel Scales, public Schools Situation Smithfield Square Stage coaches Statue of Lord Nelson Steam engines improved Steel house Sunday schools Swan hotel Swedenburgians Theatre Theological library Town improved Trade protected Trust, Crowley's ---- Fentham's ---- Jackson's ---- Lench's ---- Piddock's Vase, a remarkable one Vauxhall Union mill Warwick canal Water Worcester canal Workhouse Worship, places of

MODERN

BIRMINGHAM, EMPHATICALLY TERMED

_THE TOY-SHOP OF EUROPE. _

This extensive town, which, from its manufactures, is of so muchimportance to the nation, is distinguished in the commercial annalsof Britain, for a spirit of enterprize and persevering industry. Itsinhabitants are ever on the alert, and continually inventing some newarticles for traffic, or making improvements in others, that have beenintroduced in foreign countries; and by their superior skill, aidedby machinery, are enabled to bring into the foreign market an endlessvariety of manufactured goods, both useful and ornamental, which theysell at a more moderate price than any other manufacturers of similararticles in the known world. 

Comparisons are odious, and therefore to be avoided. That theinhabitants are become wealthy, there is indisputable evidence, but towhom they are indebted for their opulence, different opinions prevail. 

The writer of these pages was born in the year 1749, and having beenan attentive observer more than fifty years, he is convinced that theextensive trade now carried on in this town, is principally to beattributed to the enterprising spirit of the late Matthew Boulton, Esq. Who, by his active and unremitting exertions, the indefatigableperseverance of himself and his agents, together with the liberalmanner in which he patronized genius, laid the foundation. 

This town is situated near the centre of the kingdom, in the northwest extremity of the county of Warwick, and so near the verge of it, that within the distance of one mile and a half from the centre, on the road to Wolverhampton, a person removes himself intoStaffordshire, and on the road to Alcester, about the same distancefrom the centre, you are in the county of Worcester. 

The superficial contents of the parish is two thousand, eight hundred, and sixty-four acres. 

The situation of the town is very uneven in its surface, but not inany part flat; on which account the rains and superfluous water, remove all obstructions, and contributes in a considerable degree tothe salubrity of the air. 

From the remarkable dry foundation of the houses, and the moderateelevation on which they are erected, the celebrated Dr. Priestleypronounced the air of this town to be equally pure as any he hadanalysed. The water is also allowed by medical practitioners, to beof a superior quality, and very conducive to the health of theinhabitants, who are scarcely ever afflicted with epidemic diseases. 

The foundation of the houses is, with very few exceptions, a dry massof sandy rock, from whence there are not any noxious vapours arise, and on that account, the cellars might be inhabited with safety, butthat is not customary here. 

In approaching the town, you ascend in every direction, except fromHalesowen; on which account the air has free access to every part ofit, and the sun can exercise its full powers in exhaling superfluousmoisture. 

In this favoured spot, the inhabitants enjoy four of the greatestbenefits that can attend human existence; air more pure than in manyother places; water of an excellent quality; the genial influence ofthe sun; and a situation not in the least subject to damps. 

The adjacent lands are of an inferior quality, but by cultivation theyare rendered tolerably productive; those immediately surrounding thetown, are almost in every direction converted into gardens, which arein general rented from one to two guineas per year, and without adoubt are very conducive to the health of the inhabitants. 

The waste lands about the town being inclosed in the year 1800 werefound to contain two hundred and eighty nine acres, which land nowlets from thirty to fifty shillings per acre. 

The only stream of water that flows to this town is a small rivulet, denominated the river Rea, which takes its rise upon Rubery Hill, nearone mile north of Bromsgrove Lickey, about eight miles distant, fromwhence there being a considerable descent, numerous reservoirs havebeen made, which enables the stream, within that short space, todrive ten mills, exclusive of two within the town; and what is veryremarkable, some person has erected a windmill very near its banks, where the ground is not in the least elevated. This curiosity of awindmill being erected in a valley, is very visible soon after youhave passed the buildings on the road to Bromsgrove. 

Notwithstanding there is only one stream of water, the streets are sointersected by canals, that there is only one entrance into the townwithout coming over a bridge, and that is from Worcester. 

At the top of Digbeth, very near the church-yard of St. Martin's, there is a never-failing spring of pure soft water, wherein is affixedwhat is called the cock pump; which being free to all the inhabitants, it is a very common thing to see from twelve to twenty people, each ofthem with a pair of large tin buckets, waiting for their turn to fillthem, and this in succession through the whole day. From this verypowerful spring there is a continual stream that runs through thecellars, on each side of the street, and several of the inhabitantshave therein affixed pumps, from which innumerable water carts arefilled every hour of the day; notwithstanding which, during thegreatest heats and droughts, there is always a super-abundance of thatnecessary and valuable article. 

Immediately above the same church-yard, and near to the principalentrance, there is another pump, constructed in such a singularmanner, that I have no hesitation in saying, there never was one ofthe same before, nor ever will be in future. 

_LADY WELL. _

This inexhaustible spring of soft water has for a series of years beenencircled by a brick wall, which forms a very capacious reservoir;from whence there are at least forty people obtain a livelihood, byconveying the water in buckets to different parts of the town. Anattempt was made in July, 1818, to prevent the public from havingaccess to this invaluable water; but by the commissioners of thestreet acts interfering, it remains open to the public. 

No town in existence can be more plentifully supplied with water thanthis is, nor in a more commodious manner, for every respectable houseeither has a pump to itself, or one pump to serve two houses; and inevery court, where there are a number of small houses, that usefulappendage is not in any instance wanting, for the accommodation of thetenants. 

In various parts of the town the water is soft, but it is not soin general; and to supply that defect, numerous people find theiradvantage in conveying that useful article in carts, and innumerableothers in carrying it with a yoke and two buckets, to those who are inwant of it, which they sell at the rate of from ten to twelve gallonsfor one penny, according to the distance. 

Near one mile and a half from the centre of the town, there is, on theroad towards Coleshill, a chalybeate spring, which some years back wasin general repute, but now little attention is paid to it. 

The lands in the vicinity of this town are beyond all doubt higherthan any other in the kingdom; there being three instances of springsissuing from them that take two different courses. One instance isupon Bromsgrove Lickey, from whence two springs arise, one of whichflows into the Severn, and the other into the Trent. --Another instanceis at the Quinton, on the road to Halesowen, from whence there issuestwo springs, each of them taking the same course as those fromBromsgrove Lickey. The third is at Corley, in the vicinity ofPackington, where they pursue the same courses. These springs arise ina triangular direction, Birmingham being in the centre. 

To demonstrate what has been advanced respecting the salubrity of theair and purity of the water, the hotel, in Temple-row, was erected inthe year 1772, upon the tontine principle. There being fifty shares, of course the same number of lives must be nominated at that time, of whom there were, in the middle of October, 1818, forty-five stillliving. 

Another instance may be adduced, equally appropriate. There are at thepresent time, 1818, still living, and in health, seventeen persons, (and there may be several more), who all of them received theireducation under one schoolmaster, the youngest of whom is sixty-nineyears of age. 

And what is still more remarkable, although there were in the middleof November more than three hundred and eighty children in the asylum, there was not one sick person in that numerous family. 

_ST. MARTIN's CHURCH_

Is undoubtedly of great antiquity, and to trace its foundation isat present impossible, tradition itself not giving any clue. It wasoriginally erected with stone, but the exterior being decayed by time, in the year 1690 the body of the church, and also the tower, werecased with bricks of an admirable quality, and mortar suitable tothem, for at this time there is scarcely any symptoms of decay. Theelegant spire has been several times injured by lightning, and duringits repairs the workmen have contracted the length of it considerably. It was at one time (whatever it is now) the loftiest spire in thekingdom, measuring from its base to the weathercock. The person whorepaired it in 1777 made the observation. --There are, no doubt, several steeples more lofty, measuring from the ground, the towersof which extend to a great height, whilst this at Birmingham is verylow. --There are within the church two marble monuments, with recumbentfigures upon them, but no inscription, and are, like the church, ofsuch ancient date, that no person has yet presumed to say when theywere executed nor for whom, (only by conjecture); but let the artistsbe who they would, the effigies do them great credit, and were highlydeserving of better treatment than they have experienced. In thechurch is a fine-toned organ. In the steeple are twelve musical bells, and a set of chimes, that play with great accuracy a different tuneevery day in the week, at the hour of three, six, nine and twelve; andthey are so contrived, that they shift from one tune to another, bymeans of their own machinery. On the south side of the tower there isa meridian line, which was affixed there by Ferguson, the astronomer, so that when the sun shines, the hour of twelve may be ascertained toa certainty. Birmingham is only one parish, except for church fees, and in that respect, the rector of St. Philip's presides over a smallpart within the town. The Rev. Charles Curtis is rector of Birmingham:the Rev. Edmund Outram being rector of St. Philip's, in Birmingham. The regimental colours, late belonging to the Loyal BirminghamAssociation, are suspended in the east window, over the altar. Thischurch is computed to accommodate 2200 persons. 

_ST. PHILIP's CHURCH. _

The scite of the church-yard, parsonage, and blue-coat school was thegift of Mrs. Elizabeth Phillips, and her son and daughter in law, Mr. And Mrs. William Inge, the ancestors of William Phillips Inge, Esq. Without stipulating for the presentation. This superb edifice wasdesigned in the year 1710, by Thomas Archer, Esq. [3] who was gentlemanof the bed chamber to her majesty Queen Anne, and who, it isuniversally allowed by all who have taken particular notice of thisbuilding, was possessed of superior abilities, and a refined taste asan architect. An act of parliament being obtained for the erection ofit in the year 1709, the same was begun in 1711, under a commission, granted to twenty of the neighbouring gentry, who were appointed bythe bishop of the diocese, under his episcopal seal; whose commissionwas to expire twelve months after the church should be erected. It wasconsecrated in the year 1715, but not finished till 1719, when thecommissioners resigned their authority into the hands of the diocesan, in whom the presentation rests. 

[Footnote 3: He also designed the church of St. John, in Westminster. ]

The money expended by the commissioners, two years after theconsecration, did not amount to quite £5000; but then it must berecollected, that a very large proportion of the materials were given, and conveyed to the spot free of expence. A considerable sum of moneybeing left unpaid; this circumstance was made known to his majesty, George Ist, by the intercession of Sir Richard Gough, when he, in1725, generously contributed six hundred pounds towards the completionof it; and the inhabitants, to express their gratitude for thisfavour, affixed the crest of Sir Richard Gough, as a vane, on the topof it. 

The urns upon the parapet of the church, which contribute in aconsiderable degree to its appearance, were placed there when thecelebrated Baskerville was church-warden, in the year 1750. The organposseses full tone and great power; the paintings, mouldings, andgildings are superb, and do great credit to those who were employed. Under the centre of the church there is a capacious vault, whichextends the whole length of it. The dome in some degree resemblesthat of St. Paul's, in London, and in the tower underneath it are tenmusical bells, and a set of chimes that play a different tune everyday in the week, at the hours of one, four, seven, and ten; whichtunes shift of themselves by means of the machinery. On the south sideof the tower there is a meridian line affixed, by means of which, if the sun shines, the hour of twelve is known to a certainty. This elegant pile of building has been examined with the greatestminuteness, by numerous architects, both within and without, and byall of them declared to be the work of a master; it being equallyconvenient as it is elegant. The church-yard, by which it issurrounded, corresponds with the building; its area contains fouracres of ground, wherein are numerous gravel walks, ornamented withdouble rows of lime trees, which during summer form shady walks, andbeing surrounded with excellent buildings, it represents such a sceneas probably cannot be surpassed in Europe. The parsonage-house is atthe south east corner of the church-yard, where the present rector, the Rev. Edmund Outram, D. D. Resides. This church is calculated toaccommodate 2000 auditors. --At the north east corner is a spaciousbuilding, with a stone front, which is a charity school, wherein thereare at this time one hundred and eight boys and fifty-four girls, receiving their education. --(_See Blue Coat School. _)

_CHRIST CHURCH. _

The land whereon this edifice is erected was the gift of WilliamPhillips Inge, Esq. Whose ancestors about a century ago generouslygave the scite upon which the church of St. Philip's stands. It issituated at the upper end of New-street, and the first stone of it wasintended to have been laid by his present majesty, George the 3d, in person; but it having pleased the Almighty to afflict him withindisposition, that ceremony was performed by the Earl of Dartmouth, on the 22d of July, 1805, in presence of the bishop of the diocese, who was attended by numbers of the nobility, clergy, gentry, thetrustees appointed under the act of parliament, and a numerousassemblage of the inhabitants. Although his majesty's malady did notadmit of his being present upon this occasion, as it is understoodhe very much wished to be, he in a very condescending manner gavedirections for the payment of one thousand pounds, from his privatepurse, towards the completion of the building. The body of the churchbeing free to all description of persons, is fitted up with benchesfor their accommodation; but rent being paid to the clergyman forkneelings in the galleries, they are finished in a style of elegance, with mahogany, supported by light pillars of the doric order. Thechurch was consecrated with great solemnity on the 13th of July, 1813, by the Honourable and Right Rev. James Cornwallis, bishop of Lichfieldand Coventry, and an appropriate sermon preached by the Rev. EdmundOutram, D. D. The worthy rector of St. Philip's church, who selectedhis text from one of the beatitudes--"_The poor have the gospelpreached unto them. _"--The bishop, in whom the presentation rests, afterwards gave to the Rev. J. Hume Spry, whom he had appointed to theliving, the sum of one hundred pounds, to purchase bibles and prayerbooks, for the use of the congregation, or that part of it whom heperceived to be the most regular in their attendance. Divine servicewas first performed by the aforesaid clergyman, on Sunday the 18th ofJuly, at half past ten o'clock in the morning, and in the evening atsix o'clock. The ascent to the galleries is by a double geometricalstaircase, of stone, with ballustrades of iron, coated with brass, which appear light and produces an elegant effect; these, with therailing at the altar, were an entire new manufacture, invented by Mr. B. Cooke, whose manufactory is carried on at Baskerville House. Thealtar piece, designed by Mr. Stock, of Bristol, is of mahogany, abovewhich is a painting by Mr. Barber, representing a cross, apparentlyin the clouds. These being completed in June, 1815, an elegantwell-finished organ, built by Elliott, of London, was erected aboutthe same time; and is considered to be one of the most powerful andwell-arranged instruments in this part of the kingdom. The presentorganist is Mr. Munden. The portico and spire were both of themerected by Mr. Richardson, of Handsworth; the former at the expense of£1200 and the latter £1500, which was completed in 1816. In the year1817, a clock was affixed in the tower, by Mr. Allport, which has fourdials, and each of them both hour and minute hands. This place ofworship is computed to accommodate 1500 hearers. 

Isaac Hawkins Brown, Esq. The late worthy representative forBridgnorth, who had on several occasions rendered his powerfulservices to this town, being co-trustee with the Rev. Thomas Gisborne, under the will of Isaac Hawkins, Esq. They had considerable sums ofmoney at their disposal, for benevolent purposes, and out of thosefunds he proposed to appropriate the sum of one thousand poundstowards the erection of a free church in Birmingham. 

In consequence of this liberal suggestion, a town's meeting wasconvened, whereat it was unanimously resolved to petition parliamenton the subject, under sanction of the bishop of the diocese, whoin the most handsome manner proposed to annex the prebendary ofTachbrooke, in aid of the said benefice. A liberal subscriptionimmediately commenced among the inhabitants, who were most powerfullyassisted with large sums contributed by the nobility and gentry, resident in the vicinity. Considerably more expenses being incurredduring the erection of the building than what had been calculatedupon, it was considered necessary to make a second application toparliament, to empower the trustees to convert the arches under thechurch into catacombs, under the idea that they would be readilydisposed of at the rate of four pounds each; the trustees purchasingone third of them. In this calculation they have been very muchdisappointed, there having as yet only two corpse been interred there;but it is presumed, that when the inhabitants are familiarised to thatmode of sepulture, they will prefer them to the present custom oferecting vaults, which are attended with considerably more expense. 

The erection of this free church confers great credit on the town, asthe want of such accommodation was very apparent, from the increasedpopulation; and this is manifest by its being so well attended;the congregation being considerably more numerous than can beaccommodated, and they express their satisfaction by decent andorderly behaviour. 

_ST. BARTHOLOMEW's CHAPEL. _

The land whereon this chapel is erected was the gift of John Jennens, Esq. Who possessed a considerable estate in and near this town. It waserected in the year 1749, in the centre of an extensive burial ground, and is fitted up in a very neat and commodious manner. Mrs. Jennenscontributed towards its erection the sum of one thousand pounds, andthe remainder was raised by subscription. The altar piece was the giftof Basil, Earl of Denbigh, and the communion plate, consisting of182 ounces, that of Mary Careles. There has since been erected afine-toned organ. The present chaplain is the Rev. Charles Warneford. This chapel is calculated to accommodate 800 auditors. 

_ST. MARY'S CHAPEL. _

Mrs. Weaman being possessed of some land at that time on the outsideof the town, made a present of the ground whereon it is built, reserving to herself the presentation. It was erected in the year1774, in an octagon form, and being very spacious, the diminutivesteeple attached to it, is not by any means proportionate. The presentincumbent is the Rev. Edward Burn, A. M. --This place of worship iscomputed to accommodate 2000 hearers. 

_ST. PAUL'S CHAPEL. _

This elegant pile of building was erected in the year 1779, uponland the gift of Charles Colmore, Esq. Reserving to himself thepresentation. The ground whereon it stands being a declivity, is notaltogether suitable for such a pile of building, but at that time itwas the most eligible spot at his disposal. The attendants upon thisplace of worship raised a subscription, and in the year 1791 causeda beautiful window of stained glass to be placed over the communiontable, representing the conversion of St. Paul; by that ingeniousartist Francis Eginton; price four hundred guineas. Although theinside is thus ornamented, the steeple remains to be erected, it beingat present only delineated upon paper. The present incumbent is theRev. Rann Kennedy. This chapel is calculated to accommodate 1130persons. 

_ST. JOHN'S CHAPEL, DERITEND_

Was originally founded in 1382, during the reign of Richard 2d. Thisplace of worship, which is a chapel of ease to the parish of Aston, appears to have been erected in the year 1735, and to which the towerwas added in 1762, wherein eight musical bells and a clock wereaffixed in 1777. The perpetual curate is the Rev. John Darwall, A. M. This chapel is calculated to accommodate 700 persons. 

_ST. JAMES'S CHAPEL, ASHSTED. _

This structure was erected by an eminent physician, John Ash, M. D. Forhis own residence, but before the building was completed, he went toreside in London; and having disposed of this property to Mr. JohnBrooke, he converted it into a place of worship, which was consecratedin the year 1810. Minister, the Rev. Edward Burn, A. M. This place ofworship is capable of containing 1200 auditors. --N. B. The two last arein the parish of Aston. 

_Burial Ground. _

The different cemeteries within the town being crowded with the bodiesof the deceased, it was considered proper to purchase three acres ofland near to the chapel of St. Bartholomew, as an additional buryingground; for which the sum of £1600 was paid to the governors of theFree School. This ground is divided into two parts, each of which isinclosed by a brick wall, surmounted by iron palisadoes, and gatesof the same at the entrance, which are secured by locks. It wasconsecrated on the 6th of July, 1813, by the bishop of the diocese. 

_Births and Burials. _

It will undoubtedly be expected that something should be said underthis head, but the different sectaries, who never come near the churchupon either occasion, are so numerous, that nothing like a regularestimate can be made. 

_Chapel in Broad-street, _

FOR CATHOLICS. 

The religious of this persuasion erected a place of worship in theyear 1789, which was considerably improved in 1800; it is situated inBroad-street, and fitted up in a commodious manner, with an organ. They have also another chapel in Shadwell-street. 

_Meeting in Bull-street, _

FOR THE SOCIETY OF FRIENDS. 

This pile of building, although destitute of ornaments has a veryrespectable appearance, and the inside of it is fitted up in a veryappropriate manner. There is at the back of it an extensive cemetery, and another small one in Monmouth-street. 

_Old Meeting, _

FOR PROTESTANT DISSENTERS. 

This substantial and well-constructed pile of building, particularlythe roof, was erected about the year 1793; the old one, which gavename to the street, having been destroyed by fire in 1791. Had thismeeting been erected in a more spacious street, it might have beenseen to advantage, but its beauties are here lost. The interior isfitted up to correspond with the exterior, and therein is affixed afine-toned organ. The officiating ministers are the Rev. R. Kell andthe Rev. John Corrie. There is a spacious burial ground attached tothis meeting. 

_New Meeting, _

FOR PROTESTANT DISSENTERS. 

This substantial edifice, being cased with stone, fronts towardsMoor-street; the former erection, which gave name to the street, beingdestroyed by fire in 1791. This, like the old meeting, is fitted up ina neat and convenient manner, in every respect, being furnished withan organ suitable to the size of the building. The Rev. John Kentishand the Rev. James Yates are the ministers. 

_Meeting in Carres Lane, _

FOR CALVINISTS. 

This is a neat and commodious pile of building, in every respectsuitable for the purpose intended. --In Livery-street the Calvinistsconverted a riding-school into a place of worship, which iscommodiously fitted up and will hold a numerous congregation. 

This religious society have another place of worship inBartholomew-street, and have lately completed a fourth, upon a veryextensive scale, in Steelhouse-lane, which was opened for divineservice on the 9th of Dec. 1818. It is fitted up with pews, capable ofcontaining 2000 auditors, and is lighted by means of gas, in themost superb manner. A scion from this meeting has lately fitted up awarehouse in Bristol-street, as a place of worship. 

_Meeting in Cherry-street, _

FOR METHODISTS. 

This building was erected in the year 1782, and opened as a placeof worship by the celebrated John Wesley, it being fitted up in acommodious manner for the purpose. 

This sect has increased in a surprising manner; they havingsince erected one extensive meeting in Belmont-row, another inBradford-street, and a fourth in Oxford-street. 

_Meeting in Cannon-street, _ FOR PARTICULAR BAPTISTS. 

This extensive and well-arranged pile of building was erected in theyear 1804; and at the back of it is a school upon a large scale, forthe youth of that persuasion. 

This society have become so numerous, that they possess a meeting uponan extensive scale in Newhall-street, and another in Bond-street. There is also a meeting for general baptists in Lombard-street, Deritend. 

_Meeting in King-street, _

FOR THE FOLLOWERS OF LADY HUNTINGDON. 

This place of religious worship was originally a theatre; where someof the most celebrated performers have made their appearance; but ithas for several years been appropriated to the performance of divineservice, being fitted up in a commodious manner for that purpose. 

_New Jerusalem Temple, _

FOR SWEDENBURGIANS. 

This small place of worship is situated in Newhall-street, directlyopposite the coal wharf, and is fitted up for the accommodation ofthose who embrace the tenets of Swedenburg. 

_Synagogue_, FOR THE JEWS. 

The Israelites having from some cause abandoned their ancient place ofworship, have erected another suitable for their devotion, which isfinished in a neat manner, and makes a respectable appearance, inSevern-street, near the Lancasterian School. 

In this town every individual worships his maker in whatever way hisinclination leads him, without the least notice being taken or remarksmade; if a person's conduct is exemplary, or if he does not give wayto any vicious propensities, no one will interrupt or interfere withhim. 

_Lench's Trust. _

In the time of Henry the 8th, an inhabitant, named William Lench, bequeathed some land, which is vested in sixteen trustees, for thepurpose of keeping the streets within a certain district in repair, and to erect almshouses, which the trustees have complied with, therebeing twelve of that description erected by them at the bottom ofSteelhouse-lane, for the benefit and residence of the same numberof aged people. There are nine others in Dudley-street, and four inPark-street, wherein fifty-two aged females reside. The present rentalis about £600 per ann. 

_Fentham's Trust. _

In the year 1712, --Fentham bequeathed £100 per annum to teach poorchildren to read, and for cloathing ten poor widows of Birmingham. Thechildren educated by this trust, are maintained and educated in theblue coat charity school, being for distinction sake cloathed ingreen. 

_Crowley's Trust. _

In the year 1733, Mrs. Crowley left six houses in trust; the rents ofwhich were to support ten girls, who are also in the same school. 

PRIVATE CHARITIES. 

_Society for cloathing destitute Women and Children. _

In the year 1800, a few ladies impressed with benevolent ideasassociated together, and formed a society for the above purpose: thesubscriptions were fixed at three shillings and five shillings perquarter; the former to distribute five shillings and the latter sevenshillings, in articles of cloathing. 

There have in general been from ninety to one hundred and tensubscribers, who have annually relieved near four hundred persons, byaccommodating them with comfortable cloathing, by the aggregate sumarising from these small contributions. 

It is hoped that this very slight sketch of the institution may inducemany others to unite in this most beneficial mode of relieving thepoor. Subscriptions and donations for this charity are received at Mr. Cadbury's, in Bull-street. 

_The Female Benevolent Society. _

This highly commendable institution was established in the year 1802, for the purpose of relieving indigent married women when they areconfined by reason of child-birth, or other infirmities. Two visitorsare appointed, who examine into every person's situation that appliesfor assistance, and they administer such relief as the nature of thecase seems to require. A subscriber of three shillings per quarter, may, if they think proper, recommend one object to receive fiveshillings, and a subscriber of six shillings, two objects, who mayeach of them receive five shillings, or one woman when she lies in mayreceive ten shillings, or one poor widow or sick person may receivenine-pence per week during the quarter. In the first nine years ofthis establishment, the sum of £417. 16s. Was distributed among sickand indigent females, and since that time the society has been uponthe increase, but no report has been printed. Subscriptions anddonations for this charity will be received by Mrs. Dickenson, Summer-hill. 

_The Depositing Society_

Have for their object, to improve the condition of the poor, byinciting them to diligence and habits of economy; encouraging them todeposit any sum of money weekly with a committee of ladies, who allowsmall premiums upon every shilling that is deposited with them. Theirview is, to enable the poor to discharge debts, redeem pledges, purchase coals, cloathing, bedding, &c. The last printed reportstates, that from the 1st of January, 1815, to Midsummer, 1816, thedeposits amounted to £538. 11s. 6d. And that the sum of £120. 3s. 2d. Had been paid in premiums to 189 poor persons, making in the whole thesum of £658. 14s. 8d. By this statement it appears that the poorwere benefited more than 22 per cent, on their deposits, which isundoubtedly very great encouragement. Subscriptions and benefactionsin aid of this society will be received by Mr. J. Dickenson, treasurer, Summer-hill. This society appears to have been establishedfifteen years. 

_Institution for providing Nurses for poor married Women, when lyingin. _ This laudable society of ladies originated in the year 1814, andsince its establishment more than 700 persons have by their means beenattended to, in a comfortable manner; their assistance having beenextended to 129 objects of charity during the last year, and to 77 ofthem money has been distributed. 

_Institution for providing Clothes for new-born Infants. _

The object of this society is to raise a fund, and to purchase linen, flannel, &c. Which the ladies make into suitable cloathing for theintended purpose. Each subscriber of two shillings and six-penceannually, may recommend one object to receive a suit of cloathing, andin proportion for a larger sum. 

_Lying-in Charity at the Five Ways. _

This is supported entirely by voluntary contribution and liberaldonations; several of its contributors, much to their honour, havingin a benevolent manner assisted the charity by their industry inmaking different articles with their own hands. Its object is tosupply poor married women with linen, during the time they areconfined from child-birth, and also to furnish them with a set oflinen for the infant. They are at the same time presented with twoshillings and six-pence towards paying the midwife. 

_Deritend and Bordesley Society for assisting the sick_ _Poor withclean Linen. _

This charity was instituted in the year 1806, and is conducted bya committee, consisting of six visitors, a treasurer, and astore-keeper. Any person wanting relief must procure a note, anddeliver it to one of the visitors, who having seen the sick person, gives an order for such linen as appears necessary, and this theyretain so long as the visitor thinks they have occasion for it; andwhen requisite, the house is cleaned, and money given for theirsupport. 

If the stock of linen will admit of it, women are accommodated for thespace of one month, whilst they are lying-in. Since this society wasfirst instituted, more than nine hundred poor persons have derivedbenefit from it, within the limited district of Deritend andBordesley. 

_Sick Society, Cannon-street_. 

This society has been established for a series of years, for theweekly visiting, relieving, and instructing the sick poor, of everydenomination; about three hundred of whom are visited and relieved bythis society annually. 

A society was established about seven years back, and is stillcontinued, for lending blankets to poor people during the winterseason. 

At St. Mary's chapel there is a benevolent society, for relieving theindigent sick; and the congregation have likewise established aschool of industry, for females, which is supported by voluntarysubscription. 

The editor is given to understand, that every religious society in thetown has a charitable institution belonging to it, that are each ofthem confined to their own congregation. There is an Auxiliary BibleSociety and also a branch of the Missionary Society. 

_The Free Grammar School_

Was founded by King Edward 6th, in the fifth year of his reign, andendowed with lands, which, by the increased value of such property, now produce more than two thousand pounds per annum. The presentbuilding was erected in the year 1707, and is well adapted for theintended purpose. 

This seminary has the privilege of sending ten exhibitioners to theuniversities of Oxford and Cambridge, who are each of them allowedthirty-five pounds per annum, for the space of seven years. 

The management of these revenues is vested in twenty governors, whoannually, from their own body, select a bailiff; and when any governordies, they are empowered to elect another to supply his place. In thecentre of the building there is a small tower, with a whole-lengthfigure of the founder. This school is regulated by a chief master, whoreceives a liberal salary, a second master, and two ushers, who areassisted by a person to teach writing and another to instruct thepupils in drawing. The present head master is the Rev. John Cooke. There is also a librarian. In the large room there is an elegantmarble bust of the founder, by Scheemaker, which is much admired forits sculpture. 

The governors of this school support one extensive preparatory schoolin Shut-lane, and there are four others for boys, to each of whichthere are two sets of pupils: one of them attends by day and the otherin the evening. There are also two others for girls. 

_The Blue Coat School_

Is situated in St. Philip's church-yard: it was erected in the year1724, but considerably enlarged in 1794, at the expense of £2800. It possesses an annual income of £700, and therein are educated, maintained, and cloathed 108 boys and 54 girls, in the arts ofreading, writing, arithmetic, sewing, knitting, &c. In front of thisbuilding there are two statues, a boy and a girl, in the habit of theschool; they were executed by a statuary of this town, named Grubb, and do him infinite credit, for they would not disgrace a Romanartist. Adjoining to the school there is a spacious area, for theamusement and recreation of the boys, and a separate one for thegirls. The inhabitants subscribe liberally towards its support, andevery six months, sermons are preached at all the places of worshipupon the establishment, and afterwards there is always a collection, to which many people contribute in a very liberal manner. To thisinstitution some considerable legacies have been bequeathed; and inthe year 1795, the lord of the manor granted a lease for 999 years, offour acres of land upon Birmingham Heath, at one shilling per annum, for its benefit. --Persons desirous of viewing the interior of thepremises may be accommodated upon making application to the master, Mr. Jones. 

It appears by the printed accounts of this school, published in theyear 1817, that some young men, who received their education there, have formed an association, under the title of _'True Blues, '_ each ofwhom contributes a weekly sum towards the parent institution, and thatthe trustees have received at different times from this associationthe sum of one hundred and fifteen pounds and three-pence. 

_The Protestant Dissenters' Charity School_

Is situated in Park street, commodious premises having been purchasedfor that purpose. In this school females only are admitted, to thenumber of thirty-six, who are maintained, cloathed, and educated, byvoluntary subscription, and collections made after sermons, which arepreached annually at the old and new meeting houses. 

_The National School_

Is situated in Pinfold-street, where a substantial pile of buildingwas erected in the year 1813, capable of containing on the groundfloor, five hundred boys, and on the upper story, four hundred girls. This seminary is only intended for the instruction of those childrenwho are brought up according to the established religion, and isconducted upon the Madras system, originally invented by Dr. Bell. This building is inclosed by a lofty brick wall, within which there isvacant ground for the recreation of boys and girls separately. Thisinstitution is under the management of Mr. Martin for the boys, andMrs. Chawner for the girls. Since the institution of this school, 1906boys and about 1000 girls have received instruction. 

_The Royal Lancasterian Free School_

Was erected in Severn-street in the year 1809, where boys of alldenominations are instructed in reading, writing, and accounts. Theroom is calculated to accommodate four hundred pupils, and since itserection 1800 have derived the benefit of education. In this seminaryvisitors are uniformly received with kindness, and respectfullyinformed of any particulars they may think proper to enquire after, by the master, Mr. Thomas Baker. An examination taking place everySaturday, no visitors are admitted on that day between the hoursof ten and twelve; but at any other time, the school is open forinspection during school hours. During the year 1818, 215 boysleft the school, having been instructed in reading, writing, andarithmetic. 

Upon a similar plan there is a school established for the instructionof females, which is situated in Park-street. 

_Sunday Schools. _

These institutions are exceedingly numerous, in every part of thetown, and not only so, but they are remarkably well attended to, bythose of the established religion; and each denomination of dissentersendeavours to out-vie the other in these establishments. The childrenare all of them neatly cloathed of a Sunday, numbers of them bycontributing one penny per week to that purpose, which with donationsthat are made, effectually answers the end proposed. 

_The General Hospital. _

The exterior of this substantial building was erected in the year 1766under the superintendance of an eminent physician, John Ash, M. D. Butfor want of funds, it lay dormant for the space of twelve years; when, in 1778, some well-disposed people stepped forward, and solicitedsubscriptions in so earnest a manner, that during the next year thehospital was prepared to receive patients, and during the first ninemonths there was admitted, IN-PATIENTS. 

Discharged cured . . . . . . 135

Relieved . . . . . . 38

Absented themselves . . . . . . 3

For irregularity . . . . . . 2

Incurable . . . . . . 1

Died . . . . . . . . 5

Remained on the books . . . . . . 41

OUT-PATIENTS. 

Discharged cured . . . . . . 108

Relieved . . . . . . 55 For non-attendance . . . . . . 5

Made in-patients . . . . . . 5

Remained on the books . . . . . . 71

By this statement it is evident that the faculty exerted their skill, and exercised their humanity, by giving their attendance gratis. Ina few years, the patients became so numerous, that in 1790 it wasconsidered necessary to add two wings to the building. It is supportedby voluntary subscription, and once in three years a music meeting isheld, from which it derives unprecedented advantage. At the meetingwhich took place in 1817, the gross receipts, during the three days'performance, amounted to the sum of £8476. 6s. 9d. , of which thetreasurers of the hospital received the sum of £4290. 10s. 10d. ; therenot being an instance upon record of any institution receiving so muchbenefit, or such extensive patronage, from a similar source. A list ofthe donations and benefactions are recorded in the hall, which enablethe committee to extend relief to numerous individuals, who otherwisemight perish for want of medical assistance. 

In the year ending Midsummer 1818, there were relieved 1167in-patients and 2541 out-patients, including 766 for the cow-pock, who all of them did well. The under-mentioned physicians and surgeonsattend gratuitously, and give their advice and assistance in themost humane manner; it being impossible to enumerate any place wheregreater attention and humanity are practised. 

 PHYSICIANS. 

 DR. J. JOHNSTONE, DR. MALE, DR. BOOTH, DR. DE LYS. 

 SURGEONS. 

 MR. FREER, MR. DICKENSON, MR. WOOD, MR. VAUX. 

 House Apothecary, Mr. ALFRED JUKES. Matron, . . Mrs. RANDALL. 

_The Dispensary. _

This laudable institution originated among a select society, and wascarried on in a private manner for some time; until they were joinedby the late Matthew Boulton, Esq. Who took it under his patronagein the year 1793, when a house was taken in Temple-row, and anestablishment formed; he taking upon himself the office of treasurer, saying, "if the funds of the institution are not sufficient for itssupport, I will make up the deficiency. " It continued in Temple-row, supported by voluntary subscriptions and donations, until the year1808, when a commodious building having been erected for the purpose, in Union-street, at the expense of more than two thousand pounds, the establishment, consisting of a house apothecary, another for thecompounding and dispensing of the medicines, and a midwife, removedthere. Those who have previously received a recommendation, are hereaccommodated with medical advice and assistance, gratis, and thefemales in the time of need are attended at their own dwellings bythe midwife, as are also sick patients, who are too ill to attendpersonally. Since this dispensary was first established, there havebeen 37139 sick patients, 6223 midwifery, and 13964 persons inoculatedin the vaccine manner, at the expense of the institution; of whom 2523sick, 387 midwifery, and 434 vaccine inoculation, were attended toduring the last year, ending Michaelmas, 1818; the subscriptionsamounting to £599. 11s. 

PHYSICIANS. 

 DR. DE LYS, DR. ECCLES, DR. LEE, SURGEONS. 

 MR. BARR, MR. RUSSELL, MR. VICKERS, MR. INGLEBY, MR. J. S. BLOUNT, MR. HODGSON. 

 Resident Surgeon and Apothecary, Mr. J. M. BAYNHAM. Dispensing Apothecary, Mr. JOHN TOMPSON. 

_The Workhouse. _

This extensive establishment for the accommodation of the poor, issituated in Lichfield-street, and is under the management of twelveoverseers; six of whom are made choice of at Lady-day and the othersix at Michaelmas; so that there are always some in office, who havingbeen initiated, understand the rules and customs of the house. Inaddition to the overseers, there are one hundred and eight guardians, elected by the inhabitants who pay levies, and they continue in officefor three years, during which time they possess all the power andauthority of overseers, except making and collecting of rates, fromboth of which they are exempt, nor can they be compelled to assisttherein as guardians; but the serving of this office does not excusethem from being chosen into any other. 

The church-wardens and overseers for the time being are guardians byvirtue of their office; and at the expiration of the year, they maycontinue to act as such, or not, at their option. The appointmentof treasurers, clerks, governors, and other officers, with theirservants, is vested in the guardians; who are required to keep regularaccounts of their proceedings, which must be signed by the chairmanat every meeting they hold. All fines, forfeitures, and other publicmonies are required to be paid into the hands of the guardians, whoseduty it is to meet every week, and also after every quarter-day. 

In the year 1816, trade being at a very low ebb, the applicationsfor relief were so very numerous, that in order to support thisestablishment, between Michaelmas in that year and the same time in1817, it was necessary to collect thirty-six levies, which producedthe astonishing sum of sixty thousand two hundred and fourteen pounds, seventeen shillings, and six-pence. From Michaelmas, 1817, to the sametime in 1818, there was twenty-eight levies, which produced the sumof fifty-one thousand nine hundred and forty-three pounds, nineshillings, and nine pence halfpenny. 

_Asylum for the Infant Poor belonging to the Parish of_ _Birmingham_. 

In the year 1797 the overseers and guardians being convinced of theevils that arose from the system then pursued, of placing the childrenout at nurse, in the vicinity of the town, formed the resolutionof taking certain premises situated in Summer-lane, where all thechildren might be properly attended to and taken care of. 

This being done, a committee of overseers and guardians were appointedto superintend the institution: they being made choice of annually, meet every Monday for the purpose of examining the demands on theasylum drawing cheques for the amount of the bills on the cashier ofthe workhouse, and inspecting the state of the institution. 

The average number of children who have been maintained, cloathed, and educated, for the last twelve months, has been three hundred andeighty; of whom three hundred are employed in manufacturing of pins, straw plat, and lace. The produce of the children's labour since theinstitution was established, has been progressively accumulating, and that to such a degree, that the committee have been enabled topurchase the premises they inhabit, with about two acres of land, which with the additional buildings and improvements, are now worthnearly six thousand pounds, and are the property of the parish. 

The whole of this information is very interesting, but what follows ishighly deserving of attention. This account was written at the asylum, in the middle of November, 1818, when there was not in this numerousfamily one sick person. 

_Philosophical Society. _

This institution is indebted for its origin to a few scientificinhabitants, who held a meeting in the year 1800, and having disclosedtheir ideas to others, they afterwards formed themselves into asociety, who having engaged premises and procured proper apparatus, devoted a considerable portion of their time to experimentalphilosophy; occasionally delivering lectures among their own members. This being carried on as a private society for several years, continually increasing in numbers, they in the year 1813 purchasedcommodious premises in Cannon-street, which they fitted up in asimilar manner to the Royal Institution in London, and it is nowbecome a most valuable establishment. The various lectures that havebeen delivered by the different fellows of this society, on mechanism, chemistry, mineralogy, and metallurgy, have produced very beneficialeffects, and contributed in a considerable degree to the improvementof gilding, plating, bronzing, vitrification, and metallurgiccombinations. At one of these lectures, in the year 1812, Dr. De Lysdescanted upon the advantages an unfortunate class of society (thedeaf and dumb) might derive, if they were put under proper management;and to elucidate the subject, he introduced a girl, about eight yearsof age, who, labouring under those defects, he and his friend Mr. A. Blair, had been very attentive to, --she, being in other respectsendowed with an excellent capacity, paid great attention to what wasgoing forward, and with promptness executed, or rather anticipated, the wishes of her instructors, which proved a very animating andaffecting spectacle. This circumstance gave rise to _A GeneralInstitution for the Instruction of Deaf and_ _Dumb Children. _

A few days after this girl had been brought forward, a private meetingtook place, when it was determined to establish an institution, underthe above title. 

On the 4th of December, 1812, a general meeting was held, and acommittee appointed, who, after making numerous enquiries to find aperson properly qualified to superintend the concern, did at lengthfix upon Mr. Thomas Braidwood, who at that time conducted a privateschool of the same description, at Hackney; he being initiated in themystery by his father and grandfather. 

When the plan of this institution was made known to the grand jury atthe summer assizes for the county of Warwick, in the year 1813, it wasuniversally patronized by them; and when the magistrates, and otherleading characters in the county of Stafford, were apprised of it, they, with the greatest liberality, gave it their support, as didthe Earl of Plymouth, and other persons of high consideration in thecounties of Worcester, Salop, and Derby. 

On the 11th of January, 1814, the school was opened, with a fewchildren, as day scholars, and a short time after, the number wasincreased to fifteen; three of whom came from a distance, and wereprovided for, free of any expense to the institution, which wasat that time held in the town. Lord Calthorpe having erected somebuilding at Edgbaston, in a delightful situation, on an eminence, that commands a view of Birmingham and the adjacent country for somedistance, he, at the suggestion of Dr. Edward Johnstone, granted anadvantageous lease of it, together with some surrounding land, for theuse of this institution. 

At the anniversary which took place on the 29th August, 1814, hisGrace the Duke of Devonshire, as president of this institution, attended in person, when the committee announced, that every annualsubscriber of one guinea, and every donor of ten pounds are entitledby lot to nominate a child into this institution, and that the sum offour shillings per week be required with every child, for lodging, maintenance, and instruction in the asylum. --At the anniversary heldon the 4th of August, 1815, the committee made a report, that theasylum was opened on the 4th of January last, and that twenty childrenhad been admitted, to which number they recommended the subscribers toballot for the admission of eleven others, the funds being adequate tosupport that number, with the four shillings per week. 

At the anniversary held on the 16th of August, 1816, the committeerecommended a ballot for six additional boys, and proposed to reducethe weekly sum paid with each pupil from four to three shillings. 

In the year 1817, no circumstance took place deserving of notice, butat the anniversary in 1818 the Marquis of Anglesea presided, and therewere four additional pupils admitted. The whole number in the asylumat the present time being thirty-two, several of whom have made greatproficiency in drawing. 

_General Institution for the Relief of Persons labouring under bodilyDeformity. _

This institution, which is supported by voluntary contributions, wasestablished in New-street on the 24th of June, 1817, under patronageof the Earl of Dartmouth, and during the first year of itsestablishment, 235 patients were relieved, under the care of Mr. JohnFelton. 

_Magistrates_. 

The county magistrates who act for this town, some of whom attend atthe public office, in Moor-street, every Monday and Thursday, are theRev. Dr. Spencer, of Aston; William Villers, Esq. Of Moseley; GeorgeSimcox and Theodore Price, Esqrs. Of Harborne; Wm. Withering, Esq. Ofthe Larches; William Bedford, Esq. Of Birch's Green; William Hamper, Esq. Deritend House; Edmund Outram, D. D. St. Philip's Parsonage; andIsaac Spooner, Esq. Of Witton. 

_The Public Office_

Is a neat stone-fronted building, erected in the year 1806, at theexpense of £9000, in Moor-street; the ground floor of which isappropriated to the use of the commissioners of the street acts, andon the upper floor, the magistrates transact the public business ofthe town, for which purpose some of them attend every Monday andThursday. At other times, when it is requisite to convene a publicmeeting of the inhabitants, it is made use of for that purpose. Behindthis building there are apartments for the prison-keeper and hisattendants, also. 

_The Prison. _

Which is a spacious building, with a commodious well-paved yard, forthe accommodation of those unfortunates who are therein confined; itbeing divided into two parts by a lofty brick wall, for the purpose ofseparating the male from the female prisoners, who have each of themtheir separate apartments during the day, and at night they aresecured in distinct cells. 

_The Prison, in Bordesley. _

This being a licensed public house, numerous objections may be made toit; but under the superintendance of that humane magistrate, WilliamHamper, Esq. Every accommodation and convenience that the placewill admit of is appropriated to the benefit of those who are thereconfined, consistent with their security. 

_Court Leet. _

In the latter end of October, a court leet is held for the lord of themanor, when the low bailiff summonses a jury, and the annual officersare appointed by them: the low bailiff, in whom all the power isvested; the high bailiff, whose duty it is to see that justice is donebetween buyer and seller, by rectifying the weights and dry measures;two constables; one headborough, who, if he thinks proper to bevigilant, can act as constable; but if either of them are in town, heis not compelled to act; two high tasters, who should examine into thequality of the ale and its measures; two low tasters, or meat conners, whose duty it is to examine all meat brought to market, and if anythat is unwholesome is exposed to sale, they are to destroy it; twoaffeirers, who ratify the rent and amercements between the lord andhis tenants; and two nominal officers, under the title of leathersealers, who have no business to attend to, except a good dinner twicea year. 

Deritend being a hamlet of Birmingham, its inhabitants attend thiscourt leet, where a constable being elected for them, he and theofficers for the town are all sworn, in the name of the lord of themanor. The constables of Birmingham are empowered to act in Deritend, but the constable of Deritend cannot act in Birmingham. 

_Court of Requests. _

In the year 1808, the commissioners of this court, who are seventy-twoin number, were empowered by act of parliament to decide any pecuniarydifferences between parties, not exceeding the sum of five pounds. Thecommissioners, three of whom are a quorum, meet every Friday morning, at the office, in a court, about the centre of High-street, and nearlyopposite to New-street. Two clerks are constituted by the act toattend the court, who being always of the law, give their judicialassistance; they are chosen alternately by the lord of the manor andthe commissioners, being continued for life. At the expiration of twoyears, ten of the commissioners are balloted out, and ten other of theinhabitants are made choice of, as their successors. From the decisionof this court there is no appeal, and there are frequently two hundredcauses decided in one day; there are two sets of commissioners sittingat the same time, for the dispatch of business, who in general give somuch satisfaction to both parties, that it is very unusual to hear anyremarks made upon their decision. 

_Humane Society. _

In the year 1790, a society was formed, under the above title, toassist in the recovery of persons apparently drowned, which is nowtransferred to the hospital. 

_Society for the Protection of Trade against fraudulent Bankrupts, Swindlers, &c. _

This society was formed in the year 1804, to prevent any flagrantattempts to impose on the honest and unwary, by fraudulent bankruptsand swindlers, and to detect cheats of every description; also toprevent the friends and suspected accomplices of such persons frombeing appointed assignees or trustees, to the detriment of thecreditors at large. 

_Chamber of Commerce. _

In July, 1813, a public meeting was convened, for the purpose ofestablishing a bond of union among the mercantile interests in thistown, under the above title; but at present it does not appear to havemade much progress. 

_The Assay Office_

Is situated in Little Cannon-street, where all plate manufacturedin this town and its vicinity must be sent, for the purpose ofascertaining the quality of the silver and being stamped with theproper marks, denoting that it is standard, and has paid the properduties. 

_Gold and Silver. _ The quantity of these precious metals consumed inthis town and neighbourhood every week is incalculable, and if itcould be ascertained would appear incredible; there being in wroughtplate about two thousand ounces; but the quantity of silver used inplating of different articles, it is not possible to discover, nor canthe quantity of gold used in different manufactories be made known, but it is computed by those who have the best means of obtaininginformation on the subject, that there are more than one hundredounces of gold purchased by the gilders every week, which is spreadover the articles in such a superficial manner, that not a singleounce of it ever returns to the crucible again. From the same sourceof information, it is computed that there are more than one thousandounces of silver used every week, which never reverts back again inits pristine state as silver. 

_Copper. _

There being a great consumption of this article in the differentmanufactories, a society was formed in the year 1790, under the titleof _The Birmingham Mining and Copper Company. _

Who, having established connexions at Redruth, in Cornwall, andSwansea, in Wales, the copper is brought to this town, and disposed ofamong the manufacturers, to the mutual advantage of both parties. 

In the year 1793, there being a great demand for this article, onaccount of a national copper coinage, an association was entered into, who stiled themselves _The Rose Copper Company, _

Who established smelting works at Swansea, in Wales, and principallyvend the article in this town. 

Trade continuing to increase, a third establishment took place, in1803, under the name of _The Crown Copper Company, _

Who erected smelting houses, and render the article in a proper statefor sale, at Neath, in Wales. 

Envious of other people's prosperity, a fourth company obtruded itselfupon the public, called the Union, who having overstocked the market, disposed of their concern to the other companies, and dissolveditself. 

Under this head, the editor considers it no more than an act ofjustice, to observe, that the manufacture of copper bolts, forfastening the timbers of ships together, was invented by Mr. JohnWestwood, an inhabitant of this town. 

_Brass. _

This article, so necessary to the manufacturers in this town, was fora great length of time procured from the wealthy people of Bristol, which caused a manufactory, of brass to be established here, about theyear 1740, but that being upon a small scale, the principal supplycame from the place before-mentioned, until the year 1781, whena number of manufacturers associated together, and established amanufactory of brass, upon an extensive scale, in this town, under thedenomination of _The Birmingham Metal Company. _

For the purpose of supplying themselves and their neighbours with thatarticle, at a regular rate; the Bristol people being accustomed toraise or fall the price at discretion. This gave rise to anothercompany, who erected extensive works, and established a manufactory ofbrass, at Smethwick. 

Trade increasing, a third company was formed, who erected works, andcommenced manufacturing of brass, at Spon-lane, West-bromwich; so thatthe town is now amply supplied with that article; for the companies ata distance have their agents, who dispose of large quantities. 

_Steel House. _

In the beginning of the last century, a furnace was erected on theoutside of the town, for the conversion of iron into steel, and housesbeing erected in its vicinity, they were denominated Steelhouse-lane. That the woollen manufactory is of great importance to this kingdommust be admitted, but if the demand for fine steel goods should everrevive again, and be equally brisk as it was thirty years back, thereis not in my mind a doubt, but the iron and steel trade would producemore profit to the nation than that of woollen, if it does not at thepresent time. Wool is produced from the surface of the earth, and ironis by dint of labour collected from its bowels; consider the numeroushands employed in the mines and the furnaces to bring it into a roughstate, either for casting or the forge, and when it is in a properstate for either, the endless variety of articles it is manufacturedinto; the whole export of which, being all produced by labour, isevery shilling of it profit to the nation. Gold can only be wroughtin any quantities to a certain determinate value, but who can fix theprice at which articles made of steel may be sold. Should it pleasethe Almighty to continue the blessings of a general peace, the peopleon the continent will soon recover themselves, and whenever that isthe case, and money circulates freely among them, they will then turntheir thoughts to superfluities, and as no other article will bear sohigh a polish and appear so brilliant as those which are manufacturedof steel, there is the greatest probability of that trade beingrevived. --An attempt to enumerate the different articles now made iniron and steel, would be in vain; yet none of the more valuable are atthis time in request. 

Previous to the year 1760, there were very few travellers, (if any, )went from Birmingham with intent to sell the manufactures; the customat that time, and for many years afterwards, was, for the ironmongersin different parts of the kingdom to bring their money and orders withthem, and to wait until the goods were brought in, and see thempacked before they left the town. The ironmongers in large townsthen supplied their neighbours in smaller places with the differentarticles, and numbers of people used to attend different markets, where they kept a stock of goods. 

This mode of conducting business being both troublesome and expensive, the ironmongers, instead of coming twice a year as some of them did, deputed some person to receive goods on their account, allowing acommission for so doing. This opened the eyes of those who receivedthe goods, and induced them to collect patterns and travel on theirown account; which being found advantageous, it has been practisedever since. 

Twenty years back the trades carried on in this town were, with fewexceptions, light articles, that depended upon fancy, but since thattime, there have been numerous works established for manufacturinguseful and substantial articles, both for the foreign market and homeconsumption; and the orders are so extensive that several people keepcarts, for the purpose of delivering their own manufacture to themerchant. 

_Principal Manufactories. _

Within this town are manufactured every metallic article, both for useand ornament, that can be necessary in a house; the variety of japangoods, both useful and ornamental, is prodigious; the brass foundersproduce an infinite variety of articles; and the platers also; themanufacturers of buttons, guns, swords, locks of every kind, jewelleryand toys, employ the greatest part of the population. To these may beadded a great variety of articles, exclusively for the foreign trade. Lately a manufactory of watches has been established, upon a veryextensive scale, in gold, silver, metal, and covered cases. 

_Birmingham Canals. _

In the year 1767 an act of parliament was obtained to cut a canalfrom this town to the collieries, which was completed in 1769, at theexpence of £70000, being 500 shares at £140. Each, which in 1782 wassold for £370. In 1792, £1170 was the price of them, and when thefirst meeting was held respecting the grand junction canal, in thechurch, at Stony Stratford, one was there sold for £1375. Since thattime, the proprietors have been authorised by parliament to divideeach share into two parts, which is in fact doubling the number ofshares, in order that they may be rendered more saleable, and for oneof these divided shares, £900 was offered and refused in the summer of1818. There is now a regular communication by water between thistown, London, Liverpool, Manchester, and Bristol; to the three formerplaces, goods are delivered on the fourth day, upon a certainty; therebeing relays of horses stationed every fifteen miles. 

_The Worcester Canal_

Was opened for the passage of boats, by forming a junction with theBirmingham canal, on the 21st of July, 1815, by means of which goodsmay be conveyed from the upper part of this town, to London, one wholeday sooner than they can by steering immediately into the Warwickcanal. At King's-Norton, this canal is conveyed under ground, by meansof a tunnel, two miles in length, which is in width 16 feet and inheight 18 feet, yet it is so admirably constructed, that any person bylooking in at one end, may perceive day-light at the other extremity. The pound of water extends on a level for the space of fourteen miles, when it descends into the river Severn by means of fifty-eight locks. 

_The Warwick Canal_

Was opened for the passage of boats, by forming a junction with theBirmingham canal, in the year 1800. 

A communication being opened between the Birmingham and Worcestercanals, in the year 1815, there are now two different routes by whichgoods may be conveyed from this town to London, by water; one of themis, by an immediate junction of the Birmingham canal with the Warwick, which is accomplished by means of nineteen locks; the other is, bypassing into the Worcester canal, on the same level; from thence intothe Stratford canal, which is also on the same level, and from thenceinto the Warwick canal. 

Boats from the wharfs within the town; Bird's, White-house's, Robinson's, and Crowley's, are capable of delivering goods in Londonone whole day sooner by the latter route than they can do by theother, and the merchants and ironmongers in the metropolis are herebyinformed of that circumstance. The boat-owners by proceeding on thisroute, are necessitated to advance a small sum of immediate money, fortonnage, more than they do on the other route; to counterbalance that, the boats are exempt from the wear and tear of passing through twelvelocks, and an extra day's expense; therefore, when both circumstancesare taken into consideration, the expenses cannot vary much eitherway, and to the London merchant one day is, at times, of the utmostimportance. --On that account, there is no doubt that those who areapprised of this circumstance, will order their goods to be conveyedby way of the Stratford canal. 

The trade of this town has within the last fifteen years increased inan astonishing manner; for in the year 1803, six weekly boats weresufficient to convey all the merchandize to and from this town toManchester and Liverpool, but at the present time, there are at leasttwenty boats weekly employed in that trade. 

At the same period, the competition was so great between the carriersto London, that they procured a number of boats, but it was withdifficulty they could find lading for five or six in a week; whereas, at the present time, there are at least eighteen boats per week, constantly employed at the different wharfs in that traffic. 

_The Theatre. _

This superb pile of building was erected in 1774, and an additionalportico in 1780, the whole together forming one of the most eleganttheatres in Europe. There are in the front of it, over the atticwindows, two busts, in bas relief, of exquisite workmanship; onerepresenting Shakespear, and the other Garrick. 

In the month of August, 1792, the interior of this building was in amalicious manner set on fire, which consumed all the scenery, dresses, &c. And although liberal rewards were offered for the discovery of theincendiaries, no proof could be established, though suspicions werevery strong. Thus circumstanced, the proprietors purchased severaladjoining houses, and in the space of four years re-erected thetheatre, upon an enlarged scale, so that it will contain more than2000 people. In the centre building, towards the front, is an elegantassembly room, which is fitted up in a sumptuous style, and the twowings are occupied as a tavern, which, from the great author of thedrama, is called the Shakespear. In the year 1807, it was made a royaltheatre, and on that account the proprietors are entitled to let itfor such performances as other royal theatres are, without being undercontroul of the magistrates. 

As a theatre, it opens in June and closes in September. 

This substantial and well-constructed pile of building, being on aline with the street, it cannot be seen to any advantage, except youascend the roof of St. Philip's church. This theatre is now lighted bymeans of gas, in a most brilliant manner. 

_Musical Festival. _

Once in three years, during the month of October, the vocal andinstrumental performers of the first class are assembled here ingreater numbers than any other part of the kingdom can boast. Theyare collected together at a prodigious expense, for the purpose ofperforming oratorios, three successive mornings, in the church of St. Philip. In the evening of each day, select concerts are performed inthe theatre; and when those performances are closed, the company whoare assembled, whilst they are under the same roof, are ushered intoan elegant and well-furnished ball room, where they amuse themselvesfor the remainder of the evening; refreshments being provided upon thespot. These performances are conducted in such a superior style, thatgreat numbers of the nobility and gentry who reside at a considerabledistance, are induced to attend. The profits arising from thesemusical entertainments being appropriated to the benefit of theGeneral Hospital, many of them contribute in a very liberal manner bydonations to that institution. The last performances took place inOctober, 1817, when the committee of managers, after they had defrayedall incidental expences, paid to the treasurers of the generalhospital the sum of £4296. 10s. 10d. The total receipts being £8476. 6s. 9d. 

The next festival is intended to be celebrated in October, 1820. 

There being two rooms of large dimensions, that are each of themfitted up in a style of elegance, as ball rooms, one at the hotel inTemple-row, and the other adjoining the theatre in New-street, thereare during winter, subscription concerts and assemblies held at eachof them. 

Independant of these, private concerts are occasionally held at eachof them; those at the hotel being of some years' establishment, theroom, although eighty feet in length and thirty-three in breadth, isso completely occupied, that any person who is desirous of becoming amember must probably wait two or three years before they can obtainadmission. 

_Panorama. _

A pile of building was erected in New-street, for the purpose ofexhibiting paintings of this description, which has lately beenconverted into an auction room. 

_Deritend House. _

This stone-fronted mansion was erected in 1786, as a tavern, under thename of the Apollo, and in consequence of its bowling green, was forseveral years much frequented. It was afterwards divided into twoprivate houses; but in 1816 being purchased by Wm. Hamper, Esq. Thatgentleman greatly improved the premises and again converted it intoone dwelling, which he makes his residence, and which, from itsextensive gardens and pleasant situation, is much admired. 

_Duddeston or Vauxhall, _

So called after that place of fashionable resort near London, islittle more than a mile from the centre of the town. 

This was the ancient residence of the Holt family, and within memorycontained some good paintings, as the gardens did a number of leadstatues, large as life, and some smaller ones; but depredations beingcommitted by stealing some of them, the others were removed. 

These delightful gardens, which contain a very spacious bowling green, an orchestra, a great number of commodious gravel walks, on theborders of which are numerous lofty trees, of various kinds, togetherwith parterres, where flowers of different sorts were accustomed to beseen, were, till of late years, resorted to by none but the genteelersort of people, and from their retired situation, are every waycapable of being made one of the most rural retreats for publicamusement of any in the kingdom. Times are now completely changed, itbeing turned into an alehouse, where persons of all descriptions maybe accommodated with that or any other liquor, on which account theupper classes of the inhabitants have entirely absented themselves. 

By adopting this method, the editor is of opinion, that thepresent occupier is accumulating more money than any of hispredecessors. --There are, during summer, fire works occasionallyexhibited, and sometimes concerts of vocal and instrumental music. 

_The Crescent. _

Several years have now elapsed since a plot of ground, 1182 feet inlength, forming a terrace seventeen feet above the wharfs, was laidout for the purpose of erecting some superior buildings in that form, and the wings were soon after constructed according to the plan; butas yet very little progress has been made in the central buildings. 

_The Barracks. _

In the year 1793, government took a lease of five acres of land, nearAshsted chapel, at the rate of one penny per square yard, whereonthey expended the sum of thirteen thousand pounds, in the erectionof barracks to accommodate one hundred and sixty-two men, with theirhorses. 

_Birmingham Fire Office. _

In the month of March, 1805, the monied interest in this town openedan institution under the above title; there being three hundredsubscribers, at £1000. Each. Their office is in Union-street, whichfor chasteness of design is equal to any other building in the town. 

_The Inland Commercial Society. _

The merchants, and others, who were accustomed to send goods to, or receive them from Liverpool, having experienced, not only greatdelays, but the packages being pilfered, to their great prejudice, established this concern, in order to counteract such proceedings infuture. 

_Theological Library. _

The first rector of St. Philip's church, the Rev. Wm. Higgs, havingbequeathed this library for the use of the clergy in Birmingham, and its vicinity, and the sum of two hundred pounds to make furtherpurchases, a handsome library was erected by the Rev. Spencer Madan, in the year 1792 for its reception, adjoining to the parsonage house, he being at that time rector. 

_Public Library. _

An institution under this title was established in the year 1779, andis now held in an elegant pile of building, erected on the tontineprinciple, by the subscribers, situated in Union-street. In front ofthe building is the following inscription:

 AD MERCATURAM BONARUM ARTIUM PROFECTUS, ET TIBI ET OMNIBUS DITESCES. 

Which is thus englished, --

 RESORTING TO THE MART THE SCIENCES, YOU WILL GROW RICH, BOTH FOR YOURSELF AND OTHERS. 

This library contains about sixteen thousand volumes, and there areabout five hundred and sixty subscribers. 

_New Library. _

Some disagreement arising among the subscribers to the public library, gave rise to this institution, which was established in the year 1796, in a commodious room for the purpose, situated at the lower part ofCannon-street, where there are about three thousand volumes. --From thecommittee of this library I have received every assistance, and fromthe librarian every information it was in his power to give. 

_General Provident Society. _

This society originated in the year 1800, for the benefit of theworking class; it consists of upwards of four hundred members, who areaided by about fifty-five honorary members, who contribute annually tothe fund, which consists of three thousand four hundred pounds, fundedproperty. A member when sick receives eight shillings per week, andwhen past the age of sixty-five, he receives four shillings per weekduring his life. The dependant subscribers contribute no more thanfour-pence per week, although, in addition to the foregoing, theyreceive medical assistance gratia. 

_Clubs. _

Under this denomination, the workmen assemble at the public-housesthey usually resort to, and by contributing a small sum weekly, theyraise a fund, from whence, if any member is afflicted with illness, hereceives a certain sum for his support, according to the rules of thesociety to which he belongs; every separate club having rules andorders peculiar to themselves. 

_Piddock's Trust. _

In the year 1728, William Piddock devised his farm, containing aboutnine acres of land, at Winson Green, in trust, for the purpose ofeducating and putting out apprentice, poor boys belonging to theparish of Birmingham, or other discretional charities. It is vested inthe constables, church-wardens, and overseers for the time being. Thisestate now produces about I cannot learn what. 

The baneful effects produced by spirituous liquors, which has madesuch dreadful havoc among the populace in many other manufacturingtowns, is, to the credit of the working people, very littleencouraged. 

To the credit of the inhabitants, the spirit of gambling is almostunknown here; there being more of it practised in many small townsthan there is in this extensive one. The magistrates invariablysuppress those public houses where it is encouraged. 

_Wilday's Royal Hotel, Temple-row. _

As a proof how salubrious the air is in this neighbourhood, thiscapacious and substantial pile of building was erected in the year1772, upon the tontine principle; divided into fifty shares, at £100per share, and there are at this time, October, 1818, forty-five ofthe parties, whose lives were nominated, now alive. 

It has an elegant entrance through a capacious saloon, at theextremity of which there is a noble flight of stairs, leading toan elegant and spacious assembly room, in length, including theorchestra, wherein there is a handsome and fine-toned organ, eightyfeet, and in breadth thirty-three feet. It is fitted up in a tastefuland decorative manner, with three rich cut-glass chandeliers, fivelustres, and six large mirrors. 

This hotel is considered one of the first in point of comfort andaccommodation, and not being subject to the annoyance of stagecoaches, makes it a very desirable residence for families who thinkproper to reside any time in the town, to inspect the differentmanufactories and show rooms. 

This hotel has been honoured with the presence of Prince William ofGloucester, Lord Nelson, the Duke of Wellington, the Grand Duchess ofOldenburgh (now Queen of Wirtemberg, and sister of Alexander, Emperorof Russia), the King of France, the Grand Dukes Nicholas and Michael, &c. &c. This house is also considered one of the first in the kingdomfor the accommodation of posting, where an extensive supply of horsesand carriages are always in readiness. 

_Statue to the Memory of Lord Nelson. _

Nearly at the top of the market-place, and fronting St. Martin'schurch, a statue of this never-to-be-forgotten hero was exposed topublic view, on the 25th of October, 1809; the day on which wascelebrated the jubilee of our august sovereign George 3d. It wasexecuted in bronze, by Westmacott, a statuary of the first eminence, at the expense of £2500, which was raised by voluntary subscription, to immortalize the memory of that much-lamented admiral. The attitudeof the figure is expressive of that dignity and serenity with whichthe original was characterised, and the resemblance is upon the wholeadmitted to be more than usually correct. The circular pedestalwhereon it is erected, is ornamented with figures in alto relievo, ina bold and masterly style, the limbs being so disposed, that exceptreal violence is used, they are not liable to be injured. The relativeproportion of the whole is admirable, and the general effect itproduces gives the utmost satisfaction. As an artist, every praise isdue to Mr. Westmacott, for the admirable skill he has displayed, andalso for his unassuming conduct in presence of the committee, who hadbeen appointed to superintend its execution. 

On the scaffolding being removed, and the statue exhibited to publicinspection, the following illustration of it was distributed by Mr. Westmacott:--

"In this work, intended to perpetuate the greatest example of navalgenius, simplicity has been the chief object in the arrangement. Thehero is represented in a reposed and dignified attitude, his left armreclining upon an anchor: he appears in the costume of his nativecountry, invested with the insignia of those honours by which hissovereign and distant princes distinguished him. To the right ofthe statue, the grand symbol of the naval profession is introduced. Victory, the constant attendant upon her favourite hero, embellishesthe prow. To the left is disposed a sail, which being placed behindthe statue, gives breadth to that view of the composition. Above theship is a facsimile of the Flag Staff Truck of l'Orient, which wasfished up by Sir Samuel Hood, the day following the battle of theNile, and presented by him to Lord Nelson; the same being depositedat Mitford, as a trophy of that ever-memorable action. This group issurmounted upon a pedestal of statuary marble; a circular form havingbeen selected, as best adapted to the situation. To personify thataffectionate regard which caused the present patriotic tribute to beraised, the town of Birmingham is represented in a dejected attitude, murally crowned, mourning her loss; she being accompanied by groups ofgenii, or children, in allusion to the rising generation, who offerconsolation to her, by producing the trident and the rudder. "

In front of the pedestal is the following inscription:--

 THIS STATUE IN HONOUR OF ADMIRAL LORD NELSON, WAS ERECTED BY THE INHABITANTS OF BIRMINGHAM A. D. MDCCCIX. 

The whole is inclosed by iron palisadoes, in the form of boardingpikes, connected by a twisted cable. At each of the four corners isfixed a cannon, erect, from which issues a lamp post, representing acluster of pikes, supporting a ship lantern. 

The late Mr. Joseph Farror, of this town, at his decease, bequeathedsix-pence per week, to be paid for ever, out of rents arising from ahouse in Bradford-street, for keeping the basement and statue of LordNelson clean and free from dirt, which is received by the wardens ofSt. Martin's church. 

_Proof House. _

Although government have at all times a large store of fire arms inthe tower of London, yet, after the revolution had taken place inFrance, and England was threatened with an invasion, the numerousvolunteers who offered their services at that time, to repel theenemy, required such a profusion to be distributed among them, thatit became necessary to purchase large quantities from any part of thecontinent where they could be procured; and the volunteers of thistown were supplied with muskets from Prussia. The words 'liberty' and'equality', used by the French military, produced such an effect onthe continent, that England was necessitated to manufacture arms forits own defence. Thus situated, application was made to the gun-makersin this town, but the number of hands at that time employed in thetrade was so limited, that they could only supply small quantities;but when war was renewed, after the peace of Amiens, greatencouragement being given by government, the manufacturers of armsin this town were, in the year 1804, enabled to supply five thousandstand of arms monthly. 

At that time, so many workmen had obtained a knowledge of the trade, that in the year 1809 the government were supplied with twentythousand stand of arms monthly, and in 1810, the number was increasedfrom twenty-eight to thirty thousand monthly; and that number wasregularly supplied until the peace of Paris. 

In order to expedite the business, a proof house was established bygovernment, in Lancaster-street, under an inspector from the board ofordnance. 

An act of parliament was obtained in the year 1813, for the erectionof a proof house in this town, where all barrels of guns, pistols, blunderbusses, etc. Must be proved and marked, under a severe penalty;and since that time, the manufacturing of fowling pieces has increasedto a considerable degree. 

It is situated on the banks of the canal, in Banbury-street, and isconducted under the direction of three wardens, who are annuallymade choice of from the body of guardians and trustees, they beingnominated in the act of parliament. [4] In addition to them, the LordsLieutenants for the counties of Warwick, Worcester, and Stafford, themembers serving in parliament for the said counties, for the timebeing, respectively, and the magistrates acting within seven miles ofthe town of Birmingham, are appointed as guardians. 

[Footnote 4:

 John Heeley, Warden. John Adams, Warden and Treasurer. 

 William Allport, | Bartholomew Redfern, | Auditors of Accounts. 

 William Ryan, Warden. 

 Robert Wheeler John Oughton John Jones Richard Sutherland John Smith John Mabson Joseph Tarton John Olive Stephen Wallis]

The corn mill at the bottom of Snowhill was erected about the year1781: the brick work of this extensive building, which is excellentin its kind, was executed by Mr. Edward Jones, according to contract;which was, for bricks, mortar, and labour, one guinea per thousand. This mill, and also that adjoining, were erected by the late Mr. JamesPickard, and were the first steam engines that worked by a rotatorymotion, he being the person who first applied the crank to thosemachines, and for which invention he obtained a patent, but I do notknow that he ever erected any others; for Messrs. Boulton and Watt, in order to evade the patent, substituted the sun and planet wheels, which they continued to use until the patent expired. 

At the latter mill, where metal was rolled and other business carriedon, a pump was fixed, and a boy employed to work it, for the purposeof keeping the machinery cool; but after some time, the youth beinginclined to play, fixed a pole from the engine to the lever of thepump, which gave rise to the practise that was afterwards followed, ofmaking the engine supply itself with water for that purpose. The boyfor his ingenuity was afterwards employed withinside the mill. 

_Union Mill. _

There being a great scarcity of corn in the year 1795, the wealthyinhabitants raised a subscription, and having purchased a largequantity of foreign corn, at Liverpool, it was soon conveyed here, but it very unfortunately happened that at the time, neither wind norwater mills could be worked, to grind it. From this circumstance, Mr. William Bell, a man who possessed a fertile genius, suggested the ideaof erecting a steam mill, and set on foot a subscription for thatpurpose, there being about seven thousand subscribers, at one poundeach. It was for several years very doubtful whether this mill couldbe supported or not; but having surmounted those difficulties, it hasfor several years been a very profitable concern; shares being at thepresent time eagerly sought after, at three pounds ten shillings pershare. 

This mill turning out so beneficial, and the boundaries of the townbeing extended to a considerable degree, the same Mr. Bell projectedanother, which he called _The New Union Mill. _

Upon a more extensive scale than the former, which was in timecarried into effect; but like other things in an infant state, it hasdifficulties to encounter. The committee having expended as much moneyin superfluous buildings, as would have supported the mill in credit. 

Steam engines are erected in every direction round the town, theybeing found to accelerate business, and abridge manual labour. 

_Public Breweries. _

Of these there are three; one of them situated in Warstone-lane, belongs to Forrest and Sons; another in Deritend, is the property ofRichards and Goddington; and the third is near Broad-street, conductedby a public company. 

_Glass Houses. _

The manufacture of flint glass, and the various methods of ornamentingit, gives employment to a great number of people in this town; ithaving within the last twenty years increased to a very considerabledegree; there being at this time, in the town and its immediatevicinity, six glass houses in full work. 

_Beardsworth's Repository for Horses and Carriages, _

Is upon an extensive scale, about sixty yards from the S. W. Corner ofSmithfield, where there are always a variety of both on sale, and apublic auction takes place every Thursday in the forenoon. 

_Smithfield_

Is situated about sixty yards to the S. Of St. Martin's church. Neatcattle, sheep, and pigs being exposed to sale, upon the identical spotwhere the ancient barons of Birmingham were accustomed to hold theirmidnight revels, and to feast their dependants. The hospitable mansionhaving been demolished long since, the moat was filled up, and theground prepared in a very commodious manner for the intended purpose, against Michaelmas Day, 1817, at which time the fair was proclaimed, and it has since been used as a market. 

_Inspection of Raw Hides. _

Parliament having passed an act to prevent frauds from being practisedin raw hides, a very convenient situation was fixed upon for theirexamination, in Park-street, where two persons are annually appointedto inspect them. 

_Public Scales. _

A short distance from the statue of Lord Nelson, one of the beadles isstationed every market day, with the public scales and weights, where any person may weigh whatever articles of provision they havepurchased, free of expense, which is a very laudable institution, andhas proved of the greatest utility. 

_Improvements. _

Within the last twenty years, the interior of the town has experiencedvery considerable improvements; numerous houses adjacent to the churchyard of St. Martin have been entirely removed, and the space theyoccupied is thrown open to enlarge the market place. 

The entrance into several streets have been made considerably wider, and by that means rendered more commodious; some of the streets havebeen re-paved, and the water conveyed by culverts, instead of annoyingthe pedestrian as it used to do. Some parts of the town are alreadylighted by gas, and preparations are making for the general use of it;but in those streets where it has been introduced, a great part of thebrilliant light it produces is obscured for want of clean lamps. Thosewho have the care of them, either do not know how, or will not be atthe trouble of making a strong lie of ash balls and hot water, whichwith a little labour and attention will remove the greasy particlesthat adhere to them. --It having been customary to fix the lampsadjacent to the houses, the same method is still pursued; but if lightcylindrical lamp posts of cast iron were fixed between the curb stoneand the water course, every part of the street would be benefited bythe alteration. The lamps should be made with a hole in the bottom, similar to those used in halls, and fit into a socket at the top ofthe lamp post. 

This fashionable mode of producing artificial light, gives employmentto great numbers of people in this town, not only for the use ofpublic streets, but also elegant branches for the interior of houses. 

_Newspapers. _

There are four published in this town: Aris's Gazette, by Mr. ThomasKnott, jun. On Monday morning; Swinney's Birmingham Chronicle, by Mr. James Ferrall, on Wednesday evening; the Birmingham Commercial Herald, by Messrs. Richard Jabet and Co. On Saturday evening; also, the Argus, on the same evening. 

_The Markets. _

Although there is not any shelter for the country people, yet in themost stormy weather this town is abundantly supplied with provisionsof all kinds, every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday. This being thegrand mart, the fertile vale of Evesham pours forth its fruit andvegetables in great profusion; and as auxiliaries, the vicinity ofTamworth and also of Lichfield send hither great quantities; in short, whatever provisions of a good quality are brought here, the market isnever overstocked. 

The butchers in this town are dispersed over every part of it, wherethey live and enjoy those comforts with their families that it is notpossible to do when they are congregated together in shambles; and inthis extensive town, no person is necessitated to lose much time, orwalk far from home, to provide for his family. 

Considering the distance from hence to the sea coast, the inhabitantsare well supplied with fish of various kinds, and at a moderate price. 

Opposite the quaker's meeting in Bull-street, there is, in frontof the house occupied by Mr. Standley, a most admirable piece ofbrick-work, (the lock-maker's arms, under a most beautiful arch), suchas is very seldom seen, and does infinite credit to whoever executedit; but some simpleton has defaced the arms to a considerable degree, by colouring them to represent stone. This was about as necessary aspaint is for the faces of women:--to make them look worse afterwards. This exquisite performance appears to have been done about one hundredand fifty years; the house having been invariably in the possession ofa person eminent as a lock-maker during the above period. 

In Moor-street, there is another specimen of the same kind, about onehundred yards above the public office, which was executed in the year1671, being arms, a chevron between three goats' heads, and a goat'shead for a crest. Such specimens of brick work as these are veryseldom seen. 

_Square_. 

There is near the centre of the town, what is called the Square; thebuildings which surround it were uniform; but one eighth part was someyears back fronted with stone, and converted into a tavern, which isdenominated the Stork. This house of entertainment, from its privatesituation and being near the centre of the town, is much resorted toby travellers; there being capacious stabling behind, and in frontthere are some shrubs, inclosed by iron pallisadoes. For those who areat leisure, there is an excellent billiard table. 

_John-a-Dean's Hole. _

At the bottom of Digbeth, about forty yards from Deritend Bridge, there is on the left a water course that receives a small drain fromDigbeth, and also from the adjacent lands; which stream separatesthe parishes of Aston and Birmingham, and is known by the name ofJohn-a-Dean's hole, from a person of that name who is said to havelost his life there. 

_Baths, near Lady Well, _

Are always ready for the accommodation of hot or cold bathing, andalso for immersion or amusement, together with sudorific apartments. The swimming bath is in length thirty-six yards, and in breadtheighteen yards, containing more than 2000 hogsheads of spring water, and gradually slopes from the depth of one to five feet; beingsituated in the centre of a garden, wherein are twenty-four apartmentsto undress and dress in; the whole being surrounded by a wall, tenfeet high, and fine lofty trees. There are also very decent baths inNewtown-row, near Lancaster-street. 

_Houses_. 

By an accurate survey, taken in the year 1810, it appears thatthere were then 9196 front houses, and 8214 back houses, within theconnected streets of Birmingham, which, reckoning five and a half toa house, makes the population 97, 405. There appears to be about 400houses erected annually, which will make the number at the presenttime 18510, and the population 101, 805. 

The old Roman road, denominated Ikenield-street, that extends fromSouthampton to Tyremouth, enters this parish near the observatoryin Ladywood-lane, crosses the road to Dudley at the Sand Pits, andproceeding along Warstone-lane, leaves the parish in Hockley-brook;but is distinctly to be seen at the distance of five miles, both inSutton park and on the Coldfield, in perfect repair, as when theRomans left it. 

_The Parsonage House_

Of St. Martin, situated near Smallbrook-street, is in all probabilityone of the most ancient entire buildings in this part of the country;it being a low, half-timbered erection, surrounded by a moat; infront of which is, what was the tythe barn, being near sixty yards inlength, now made use of as warehouses. 

By late regulations in the post office, an innovation has crept inthat is highly reprehensible, and ought not to be continued. Beforemail coaches were established, Coleshill was a place of considerablymore note then, as a post town, than Birmingham, it being very commonfor people in the north to direct their letters for Birmingham, toturn at Coleshill. This being the case, if the directors of the postoffice think proper to change the route for their own convenience, that is no reason why the public should be charged with the expense. Dudley and Coleshill being both of them the same distance fromBirmingham, what reason can be assigned why a letter to Dudley shouldbe four-pence and to Coleshill six-pence?

The country for a few miles round the town is in every directionstudded with houses, belonging to the opulent inhabitants ofBirmingham, or of those who have retired from the busy scenes of life. 

Whoever walks much about this town, will perceive one very remarkablecircumstance: at the top of a street you ascend into the houses by aflight of steps, and in the lower part of the same street, you descendinto some of the houses; this is exemplified in Edmund-street, andparticularly in Newhall-street and Lionel-street. 

There are two fairs in the year, one of them is held on Thursday inthe Whitsun week, and the other on the last Thursday in September:the horses being exposed for sale in Bristol-street; the neat cattle, sheep, and pigs in Smithfield. 

The established market is on Thursday, but the town being so populous, there is a very good market both on Monday and Saturday. Hay and straware exposed for sale every Tuesday, in Smithfield. 

_Jackson's Trust. _

George Jackson, of Birmingham, mercer, gave certain premises, inDeritend, for placing out two apprentices, annually; present rent, sixpounds per annum. 

Some years back, the church of St. Martin being under repair, theworkmen discovered that the four pinnacles, (one at each corner of thetower), were very much decayed, upon which, the powers at that time inauthority concluded, that they should be re-constructed, and to make afinish, fixed a vane upon each of them, without considering, that, the steeple being in the centre, it was not possible for the windinvariably to act upon all alike; consequently, any other terminationwould have been more appropriate. 

In the jurisprudence of this town, there is one remarkablecircumstance; the chief constable of Hemlingford hundred, whereinBirmingham is situated, is of course superior to the two constablesof this town; yet they, by virtue of their office, preside over thecommon prison, and of course the appointment of prison-keeper isvested in them; but, strange to relate, the chief constable of thehundred is keeper of the prison, in Birmingham: consequently, althoughhe is their superior, he is at the same time subservient to them. 

_Private Carriages_. 

Within this town and its immediate vicinity there are more than fiftycarriages, of different descriptions, on four wheels, and upwards ofthree hundred on two wheels, that pay the duty. 

The number of hackney coaches that ply in the streets is twelve, underthe following regulated fares. 

 _Hackney Coach Fares. _ Under one mile . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . 1 6 1 mile and under 1-1/2 . .. .. .. .. . 2 0 1-1/2 mile and under 2 . .. .. .. .. . 3 0 2 miles and under 2-1/2 . .. .. .. .. 4 0 2-1/2 miles and under 3 . .. .. .. .. 5 0 3 miles and under 3-1/2 . .. .. .. .. 6 0 3-1/2 miles and under 4 . .. .. .. .. 7 0

An extra half fare if carrying more than four persons. 

_Time_. 

For every forty minutes, one shilling, and for every twenty minutesafterwards, six-pence in addition. If employed, or kept in waiting, betwixt the hours of twelve o'clock at night and five o'clock in themorning, double the above fares are allowed. 

The late Mr. Baskerville, whose printed works are in such highestimation, both for paper and print, resided at a place called EasyHill, at that time quite distant from the town; the house beingencircled by an extensive paddock. At this place he erected a millfor the making of paper, in which article he excelled all hiscontemporaries, as he also did in the formation of his types, which, to the disgrace of this country, were permitted to be sold intoFrance. This once delightful spot is now surrounded with buildings, the house wherein he resided is converted into a manufactory, and theland into wharfs. 

About twenty yards above the statue in honour of Lord Nelson, therewas within memory the market cross, from whence the roads in everydirection were measured; but from some cause or other, that custom hasbeen altered, and it is difficult to say from what part of the townsome of the roads are now measured; for example, the road to Walsall. This road having been considerably shortened and improved, is nowconsidered to be eight miles distant: (it was some years back, tenmiles); but from the centre of one town to that of the other, willmeasure nine miles; and whoever travels that road must very justly payfor that distance. 

The road to Stourbridge and Kidderminster is another instance wherethe mile stones are not to be depended upon; for the one mile stone onthat road is considerably more than that distance from the centre ofthe town. 

The horse roads round this town were, within memory, from the rains, constant wear, and no repair, worn into such hollow ways, that in someinstances, particularly in Bordesley, a waggon, when loaded with hay, the top of it was not so high as the foot path on the side: it was atone time fifty-eight feet below the surface. There are still remainingtwo specimens of the old roads, but they have been for many yearsuseless, except in going to the adjacent grounds. One of them issituated a little beyond the sign of the Bell, on the right hand sideof the Worcester road, and leads towards the Five Ways. The otherbegins at Edgbaston church, and continues till you arrive at thetoll-gate, on the Bromsgrove road; but, thanks to the trustees ofthe turnpikes, the roads in every direction are now upon a par withothers, and in one respect surpass most of them throughout thekingdom, by having on the side of every one, a foot path, for theaccommodation of pedestrians. 

This town, not being restricted by any charter, strangers fromwhatever quarter they may come, here find an asylum, and pursuetheir avocations with as much freedom, and are no more subject tomolestation, than a native inhabitant. Trade of every kind may beexercised here, and let a person's religious opinions be whatever theymay, he is at liberty to exercise them; there being in this town eightplaces of public worship, according to the establishment, one forthe society of friends, two for protestant dissenters, three forcalvinists, two for Roman catholics, four for methodists, four forbaptists, one for Swedenburgians, one for jews, and one for thefollowers of Lady Huntingdon. 

The buildings in this town extend to the distance of near three milesin every direction, reckoning from the top of Camphill, and it wassome years back, upon a certainty, the largest town in the kingdom. This was ascertained by actual measurement; for soon after Mr. Aikinpublished his history of Manchester, Mr. John Snape, a very accuratesurveyor, drew a plan of this town, upon the same scale as Mr. Aikin's. Since that time, I cannot say which of the two towns haveencreased the most; but, if Manchester has extended its buildings withmore rapidity than Birmingham, it is a very extensive place. 

Notwithstanding the extent of this town, there is very littledistinction between it and a village; all the difference is, its fairsand market, for the smallest town has a constable to preside overit, and this, although so extensive and populous, is governed by twoconstables. 

Although this town is of such considerable magnitude, and one of theprincipal thoroughfares between London and Dublin, there are no morethan three places where the superior class of travellers can beaccommodated with horses and carriages; the Royal Hotel, near St. Philip's church; the Swan Hotel, in High-street, and the Hen andChickens Hotel, in New-street. 

For the accommodation of the next class, there are the followingtaverns and inns: the Stork, in the Square; the Nelson, oppositethe statue of his lordship, in the market-place; the Union, inUnion-street; the Saracen's Head, in Bull-street; the George, and theCastle, in High-street; the Red Lion, the George, and the White Hart, in Digbeth; the Rose, in Edgbaston-street; and the, Woolpack, inMoor-street. 

From the Nelson, the Swan, the Hen and Chickens, the Saracen's Head, the George, or the Castle, those who travel by public carriages may beconveyed to any part of the kingdom. The principal avenue leadingto and from this town is Great Hampton-street, which, as its nameimports, is on the road to Wolverhampton, but it is also the road toWalsall and likewise to Dudley. In this capacious road severalstreets concentrate, but I would recommend a stranger to proceed downSnowhill. 

The next avenue, in point of importance, is Camphill, on the road toStratford, where several streets and roads are united. 

It is deserving of notice, that however large or small the housesare, the partition walls are uniformly brick and mortar, and with fewexceptions, the floors of small houses are laid with quarries, whichin a great degree accounts for there being so few fires of anyconsequence within this extensive town. 

There is not any thing in this town, or its immediate vicinity, thatcan attract the attention of an antiquarian: it appears thatthere once was a castle, encircled by a moat, situated near theIcknield-street, or Warstone-lane; the foundation of which is stillperceptible, and covered an area of twenty square perch; but theground whereon it stood has been so frequently turned over, that it isonly by the difference in the verdure that it can be discovered. 

The present occupier of the land has at different times taken up aboutfour thousand of the bricks, which were burnt very hard, and resembledthose now in use, but were not so large. 

About four miles distant there once stood Weoliegh castle, which wassurrounded by a moat; but the site of the castle is now a garden, andnot a vestige of the building remains, except a small part of thefoundation, which may be discovered at the edge of the moat, thatremaining entire. 

Having concluded my observations respecting the public concerns ofBirmingham, I cannot restrain myself from remarking, that there isat Warwick castle a most magnificent marble bacchanalian vase, ofastonishing dimensions, it being seven feet in diameter and twenty-onein circumference, which is encircled on the outside with fruit, leaves, and branches of the vine, the latter being entwined so as toform two massive handles, with grotesque masks at the end of each; thewhole being in exact proportion to the magnitude of the vase. Thisunique specimen of ancient sculpture was discovered in the baths ofthe Emperor Adrian, and presented by the Queen of Naples to SirWm. Hamilton, the British ambassador at that court, by whom it wasforwarded as a present to the late Earl of Warwick; who, when it wasunpacked, and he had taken a survey of it, immediately gave orders forthe erection of a splendid green-house, wherein it is now deposited. 

Mr. E. Thomason, of this town, who had been a pupil of the late Mr. Boulton, at Soho, no sooner saw this remarkable production of the finearts, than he conceived the idea of forming one of the same magnitudein metal; and accordingly solicited permission to make models from it, which his lordship in the most condescending manner permitted him todo. Mr. Thomason without delay made preparations for the undertaking, and the metallic vase has been under the hands of different artistsabove four years, and is now nearly completed. This unique performancein metal, is in every respect a perfect resemblance of the original, and weighs several tons; the ground of it is bronzed, and at thepresent time highly relieved in light and shade; but I understandit will, when complete, be considerably more so, by two novel anddistinct processes of oxydation, that will endure for ages. 

This sumptuous metallic vase may be seen at Mr. Thomason's, whomanufactures an endless variety of articles, for several of which hehas obtained letters patent. The royal series of medals, and variousothers, are exclusively of his manufacture. Persons of rank who arecurious may there see the art of chasing, or sculpturing in bassoand alto relievo, together with various operations in the art ofmetallurgy. 

 Bankers Draw upon, Taylors and Lloyds, Dale End: Hanbury and Co. 

 Woolley, Moilliet, and Gordon, Cherry-street: Lubbock and Co. 

 Attwoods, Spooner, Goddington, and Co. New-street: Spooner and Co. 

 Smith, Gibbins, Smith, Gibbins, Goode, and Co. Union-street: Esdaile and Co. 

 Freer, Rotton, Lloyd, and Co. New-street: Hanbury and Co. 

 Galtons and James, Steelhouse-lane: Barclay, Tritton, and Co. 

 * * * * *

_Post Office_, UNDER THE SUPERINTENDANCE OF MISS GOTTWALTZ. 

All letters intended to be forwarded by the same day's post, should beput into the box one hour before the time mentioned below. 

_Sheffield Mail_

Every morning, at nine o'clock; which takes all letters for Lichfield, Tamworth, Atherstone, Uttoxeter, Rudgley, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Gainsborough, Brigg, Barton, Kirton, Caister, Coltersworth, Grantham, Grimsby, Lincoln, Market Raisin, Sleaford, and Stamford, inLincolnshire, Rutlandshire, Sheffield, Barnsley, Wakefield, Leeds, Halifax, Rotherham, Bradford, Huddersfield, Keighley, Otley, Doncaster, Ferry-bridge, Howden, Bawtry, and Selby, in Yorkshire. 

_Manchester Mail_

Every morning, at half past nine o'clock; which takes all letters forWalsall, Willenhall, Wolverhampton, Stafford, Stone, and Newcastle, in Staffordshire, Cheshire (except Malpas), Lancashire, Scotland, Northumberland, Durham, Cumberland, Westmoreland, Yorkshire(except those places which go by the Sheffield mail), Conway, inCarnarvonshire, Flintshire (except Overton), Denbighshire (exceptRhuabon, Wrexham, Llangollen, and Chirk), Woore and Market Drayton, inShropshire. 

_Walsall Mail_

Every day, at eleven in the forenoon; which takes all letters for thattown and its delivery. 

_Holyhead Mail_

Every day, at eleven in the forenoon; which takes all letters forWest-bromwich, Wednesbury, Willenhall, Bilston, Wolverhampton, Shiffnall, and the intermediate places, Shrewsbury, Oswestry, Ellesmere, Whitchurch, Bridgnorth, Merioneth, and Montgomeryshire, Rhuabon, Wrexham, Llangollen and Chirk, in Denbighshire, Malpas, inCheshire, and Overton, in Flintshire, Ireland (except the south-westpart, which goes by way of Bristol), Anglesea, and Carnarvonshire(except Conway). 

_Bewdley Mail_

Every day, at half past eleven o'clock; which takes all letters forTipton, Dudley, Stourbridge, Kidderminster, Stourport, and placesadjacent. 

_Oxford Mail_

Every day, at ten minutes before three o'clock; which takes allletters for Henley-in-Arden, Stratford-upon-Avon, all Oxfordshire, Abingdon, Farringdon, Wallingford, Wantage, and Lambourn, inBerkshire, Cricklade, Swindon, Highworth, and Wootton Bassett, inWiltshire, Bourton-on-the-Water, in Gloucestershire, Shipstone, inWorcestershire, High Wycombe and Beaconsfield, in Buckinghamshire, Uxbridge and Southall, in Middlesex. 

_London Mail_

Every day, at four o'clock (except Saturday); which takes all lettersfor Coventry, Nuneaton, Coleshill, Rugby, Southam, Leamington, andWarwick, Northamptonshire, Buckinghamshire (except High Wycombe andBeaconsfield), Wooburn, Dunstable, Bedford, Silsoe, Leighton Buzzard, Tempsford, Potton, and Biggleswade, in Bedfordshire, St. Alban's, Berkhampstead, King's Langley, Tring, Watford, and Barnet, inHertfordshire, Wokingham, in Berkshire, Arlesford, Gosport, Basingstoke, Fareham, Havant, and Petersfield, in Hampshire, GreatBedwin, in Wiltshire, Surrey, Kent, Suffolk, Essex, Sussex, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire, Middlesex (except Uxbridge andSouthall), which go by the Oxford mail. 

_Bristol Mail_

Every day, at five o'clock in the afternoon; which takes all lettersfor the intermediate places: Worcestershire, (except Shipstone andthose parts sent by the Bewdley mail), Stow, Bourton-on-the-Water, andMoreton-in-Marsh, in Gloucestershire, South Wales, Herefordshire andMonmouthshire, Ludlow and Bishop's Castle, in Shropshire, Reading, Hungerford, and Newbury, in Berkshire, Somersetshire, Wiltshire(except those parts which go by way of Oxford and London), Dorsetshire, Devonshire, Cornwall, south-west parts of Ireland, andHampshire (except those places sent by way of London). 

The various posts arriving so early in the day, the office is shut ateight in the evening. 

Overcharges allowed from eight in the morning to half past ten in theforenoon, and from five to eight in the evening. 

_Arrivals_, Bristol, at eight in the morning. London, at twenty-five minutes pastten. Bewdley, at twelve at noon, Oxford, at one. Manchester, at two. Holyhead, at three. Sheffield, at a quarter past four. Walsall, athalf past five. 

This account of the post is corrected up to the 29th of May, 1819. 

COACHES. 

_From the Nelson Hotel, (late the Dog Inn. )_

Bridgnorth, the Union coach, every Monday, Wednesday, and Fridaymornings, at nine o'clock. Dudley, the royal Defiance, everyafternoon, at four. 

Holyhead, the Union, a light post coach, every morning, at nine. 

London, the Oxford royal mail, every afternoon, at three. 

------, the Union, a light coach, through Oxford, every day, at halfpast twelve. 

------, the original post coach, through Oxford, every evening, at aquarter past six. 

------, a coach, every morning, a quarter before six, and arrives inLondon at nine in the evening. 

Shrewsbury, the Union, a post coach, four insides, every morning, atnine. 

Stourbridge, the royal Defiance, every afternoon, at four. 

_From the Swan Hotel. _

Bath, a light coach, through Worcester and Glocester, every morning(except Sunday), at six o'clock. 

Bristol, the Hero, through Worcester, Glocester, &e. Every morning(except Sunday), at half past six. 

Cambridge, a coach through Coventry, Stamford, Stilton, &e. Everymorning, at eight. 

------, the Rising Sun, through Coventry, Dunchurch, and Northampton, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning, at five. 

Chester, the Prince of Orange light coach, through Wolverhampton, Shiffnal, Salop, Ellesmere, and Wrexham, every morning (exceptMonday), in twelve hours, at half past six. 

Coventry, coaches every morning, at five and eight, and afternoon, atone, two, and four. 

Dudley and Stourbridge, a coach every afternoon, at four. 

Holyhead, the royal mail, through Wolverhampton, Shrewsbury, &c. Everymorning, at eleven. 

------, the Prince of Wales, through Salop, every morning at ten, (passengers booked throughout. )

Kidderminster, a coach, every afternoon, at a quarter before four. 

Leamington, a coach, through Knowle, every morning, at eight. 

Leicester, the Alexander, through Coventry, every morning, at eight. 

------, a coach, through Bedworth, Hinckley, &c. Every day (exceptSunday), at one. 

Lichfield, the Cobourg, every afternoon, a quarter before four. 

Liverpool, the Regulator, through Wolverhampton, Stafford, Stone, Stoke, Hanley, Burslem, Lawton, Sandbach, Middlewich, and Northwich, every morning, at six. 

London, the royal mail, through Coventry, &c. Every afternoon at four. ------, a light day coach, carrying four insides and ten out, everymorning, at four, in fifteen hours. 

London, the Royal Balloon, four insides, every afternoon (exceptSunday), at a quarter before three, and on Sunday at one. 

Manchester, the royal mail, the same as from the Hen and Chickens. 

------, the Eclipse, through Wolverhampton, Stafford, &c. Everymorning, at seven. 

Nottingham, the royal mail, the same as from the Hen and Chickens. 

------, a coach, through Derby, every morning, at seven. 

Oxford, a light coach, every morning (except Sunday), at eight. 

Sheffield, the royal mail, the same as from the Hen and Chickens. 

------, the Blucher post coach, through Lichfield, Uttoxeter, &c. Every Saturday, Tuesday, and Thursday morning, at six. 

------, the royal Telegraph, through Lichfield, Burton, Derby, &c. Every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday morning, at seven. 

Shrewsbury, the Prince of Wales, every morning, at eleven. 

------, the royal mail, every morning, at eleven. 

Stourbridge and Kidderminster, every morning, at half past seven. 

Warwick, a coach, through Knowle, every morning, at eight. 

Worcester, the True Blue, through Bromsgrove, every afternoon, atthree. 

_From the Hen and Chickens, _

Bath, a light post coach, every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturdaymorning, at six. 

Bristol, the royal mail, every evening, at five. 

Cambridge, the royal pilot post coach, through Coventry, Leicester, &c. Every day, at half past twelve, except Sunday. 

Cheltenham, the royal post coach, through Bromsgrove, Worcester, &c. To the Plough Hotel, every morning, at eight. 

Holyhead, the Prince of Wales post coach, through Shrewsbury, &c. Every morning, at ten. 

Lichfield, a coach, four times every day. 

London, the Prince of Wales post coach, through Oxford, Henley-on-Thames, &c. To the George and Blue Boar, Holborn. 

Manchester, the royal mail, every morning, at a quarter past ten. 

------, the Express post coach, through Uttoxeter, Leek, Macclesfield, &c. To the Moseley Arms Inn, in twelve hours, certain, every morning, at eight. 

Nottingham, the royal mail, every morning, at a quarter past nine. 

Oxford, the post coach, through Henley, every evening, at six. Sheffield, the royal mail, every morning, at a quarter past nine. 

------, the royal Telegraph coach, through Lichfield, Derby, &c. EveryMonday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday morning, at seven. 

------, the royal Telegraph, through Lichfield, Uttoxeter Ashbourne, and Bakewell, every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday morning, at six. 

Wolverhampton, a coach, four times every day. 

Worcester, the new True Blue post coach, every afternoon, at three. 

------, the royal Defiance post coach, every morning, at eight, andreturns in the evening. 

------, a coach, four times every day. 

_From the Castle and Saracen's Head Inns. _

Aberystwith and Barmouth, a coach, every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursdaymorning, at eleven. 

Alcester, a coach, every morning, at eight. 

Banbury, the Regulator, through Warwick and Leamington, every morning, at eight. 

Bath, the Star coach, through Evesham, Cheltenham, &c. Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday morning, at half past six. 

Bilstone, coaches six times a day. 

Bridgnorth, a coach, through Wolverhampton, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning, at eleven. 

Bristol, the Duke of Wellington, through Bromsgrove, Worcester, andGlocester, every morning, at seven. 

Cambridge, the Rising Sun, every Monday, Wednesday, and Fridaymorning, at half past five, through Daventry, Wellingbrough, andHuntingdon, in one day; carries four insides. 

Carlisle, Edinburgh, and Glasgow, a coach, by way of Preston andLancaster, every morning and evening. 

Cheltenham, a coach, every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings. 

Chester, the Prince of Orange, carrying four insides, every morning, at six, (Mondays excepted. )

Coventry, coaches every day, at a quarter before one and half pasttwo. 

Daventry, coaches, every morning, at five, and every afternoon, athalf past two and four. 

Dudley, coaches, every morning, at seven, and every afternoon, at fourand five. 

Exeter and Plymouth, a coach, every morning, at seven, (Mondayexcepted. )

Holyhead, the royal mail, every morning, at eleven, through Salop andBangor. 

------, a new post coach, every day, at eleven, sleeps at Shrewsbury, and arrives the following day in time for the packet. 

Liverpool, the Bang-up post coach, in fifteen hours, carrying fourinsides only, through Wolverhampton, Stone, Knutsford, and Warrington, every morning, at six. 

------, the Defiance, a light coach, through Lichfield and Rudgley, onMonday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, and through Walsall, Cannock, and Stafford, on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday, every afternoon, atfour. 

London, the royal mail, every afternoon, at four. 

------, the Crown Prince day coach, in sixteen hours, every morning, at five. 

------, the royal Union, through Coventry, every afternoon, at halfpast two, (except Sunday), when it goes at one. 

------, the Defiance, a light coach, through Warwick and Leamington, every afternoon, at half past two, from the Saracen's Head. 

Manchester, the Eclipse, a post coach, through Wolverhampton, Stafford, Stone, Newcastle, and Congleton, in twelve hours, everymorning, at seven. 

Northampton, a coach, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning, returns the same day. 

Nottingham, the royal Dart, a post coach, through Tamworth andAshby-de-la-Zouch, every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday morning, athalf past eight. 

Oxford, the Bang-up post coach, every morning, at eight. 

Shrewsbury and Chester, a post coach, through Ellesmere, everymorning, at six. 

------, the Prince of Wales post coach, through Wolverhampton andShiffnal, every morning, at eleven. 

------, the royal mail, every morning, at eleven. 

Walsall, the royal mail, every day, at twelve, and returns the sameday. 

------, a light coach, every afternoon (except Sunday, ) at five. 

Warwick and Leamington, the Regulator, every morning, at eight, andreturns the same day. 

------, the Telegraph, every afternoon, at three. 

Wolverhampton, seven coaches every day. 

Worcester, the True Blue, a post coach, every afternoon, at three. 

_From St. George's Tavern. _

Bristol, a coach, every morning, at seven. 

Cheltenham, ditto ditto, at seven. 

Chester, ditto, through Wolverhampton, every morning, at six. 

Coventry, ditto, twice everyday. 

Dudley, ditto, every day. 

Holyhead, ditto, through Wolverhampton, every morning, at nine. 

Kidderminster, ditto, every day. 

Lichfield, ditto, ditto. 

Liverpool, ditto, through Wolverhampton, every morning, at nine. 

London, ditto, through Coventry, every afternoon, at three. 

Shrewsbury, ditto, through Wolverhampton, every morning, at nine. 

Stourbridge, ditto, twice every day. 

 * * * * *

Atherstone, a coach, by Samuel Smith, from the Cross Guns, Dale-end, Monday, Thursday, and Saturday. 

Darlaston, a coach, every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, from the Saracen's Head, Snowhill. 

Dudley and Stourbridge, a mail cart, from the Warwick Arms, Snowhill, every day. 

Sutton Coldfield, a coach, by Charles Smith, from the Cross Guns, Dale-end, Monday, Thursday, and Saturday, Warwick, a coach, byWm. Barrows and Co, from the liquor shop, Monmouth-street, everyafternoon, at three. 

Wednesbury, Bilstone, and Wolverhampton, a coach, by Joseph Boddison, every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, at five. 

Willenhall, a coach, by John Alexander, from the Barrel, Snowhill, every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. 

* * * * *

_Carriers by Water. _

Bird, George Ryder, three cranes wharf, Crescent, loads flyboats daily, to Bristol, Dudley, London, Stourbridge, Stourport, Wolverhampton, Worcester, and all parts of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, Herefordshire, Hertfordshire, Middlesex, Northamptonshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, and all partsof the united kingdom. 

Bradley and Co. Broad-street wharf, load fly boats daily, toLiverpool, Manchester, and all parts of the North. 

Crocket and Salkeld, wharf, Great Charles-street, load fly boatsdaily, to Liverpool, Manchester, and all parts of the north. --N. B. No other firm conveys goods all the way to Liverpool by their ownvessels. 

Crowley, Leyland, and Hicklin, Crescent wharf, load fly boats toBristol, Coventry, Derby, Gainsborough, Hull, Liverpool, London, Manchester, and Oxford. --N. B. Wine and spirits are conveyed in boatssecured by locks. 

 Danks, Samuel, and Co. Broad-street wharf, and also one in Gas-street, load boats to Bath, Bridgnorth, Bristol, Gloucester, Kidderminster, Shrewsbury, Stourport, Worcester, and all the western parts of England. 

 Heath, Tyler, and Danks, Great Charles-street, load boats daily, for Dudley, Stourbridge, Wolverhampton, etc. ; also Chester, Derby, Gainsborough, Hull, Liverpool, Manchester, &c. 

 Jackson, Thomas, wharf in Holt-street, loads boats to Atherstone, Coventry, Fazeley, Hinckley, Stourbridge, Tamworth, &c. 

 Pickford and Co. Wharf on the Warwick canal, load boats daily, and convey goods to London, Liverpool, and Manchester; which they deliver on the fourth day at each place; and to all other parts of the kingdom with the greatest expedition. 

 Robinson, Corbet, and Co. Wharf in Broad-street, load fly boats to London, Stourbridge, Stourport, Wolverhampton, Worcester, and all intermediate places; also to Bristol every spring tide. 

 Skey, R. S. Worcester wharf, loads boats daily for Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick, Worcester, and all intermediate places. 

 Smith, Joseph, and Sons, load boats at Worthington and Co. 's wharf, Great Charles-street, for Burton and Gainsborough, from whence the goods are forwarded by a steam vessel of their own, in one day certain, to Hull; they also convey goods to Nottingham. 

 Swaine (late Thomas), Friday-bridge wharf, loads boats three days every week, for Derby, Leicester, Lincoln, Lichfield, Nottingham, Shardlow, Tamworth, &c. 

 Webb, H. And Co. Aston-Junction wharf, load boats to Atherstone, Coton, Coventry, Fazeley, Hinckley, Nuneaton, &c. 

 Wheatcroft, N. And G. Crescent wharf, load fly boats every Tuesday and Friday, for Barnsley, Derby, Leeds, Leicester, Sheffield, Wakefield, and all parts of the north. 

 Whitehouse and Sons, Crescent wharf, load fly boats to London, and all the intermediate places, every Tuesday and Friday; and slow boats daily. 

 Worthington and Co. Wharf, Great Charles-street, load fly boats daily, for Chester, Liverpool, Manchester, &c. And deliver goods to responsible and regular carriers to the north of England, and Scotland. 

To enumerate a long list of carriers by land, would not be in theleast interesting to strangers, nor can it be of any use to theinhabitants, they being published in the Birmingham almanack, and alsoin the directory. 

The number of boats specified above, are sufficient to convinceany person, that the manufactures of this town are of the firstimportance, they being laden with goods manufactured in this town andits vicinity. 

LINES

_Selected by permission of the Author from a manuscript_, ENTITLED

Birmingham, a Fragment

WHICH IS INTENDED FOR PUBLICATION. 

They are supposed to be part of a prophetic oracle, delivered by thepriests of the god Woden. 

 Had we, Oh Birmingham, for thee design'd A trade that's partial, and a sphere confin'd, Thou'dst been a city, near some stream or shore, To bless some _single_ district and no more; But thou must minister to thousand wants, Of cities, countries, islands, continents: Hence _central_ be thy station--thus thy town, Must make each port around the coast her own. 

 Let bright invention rove where no one awes, Unfetter'd by dull, narrow, civic laws, Which shut out commerce, ingenuity. Where bloated pride, in sullen majesty, And drowsy pomp sits notionally great, While she on every stranger shuts her gate. 

 Let ingenuity here keep her seat, For works minute, or works immensely great, We to thy native sons the gift impart, Of bright invention, and of matchless art, Skill'd to devise, to reason, to compute, Quick to suggest, and prompt to execute; What some have but conceiv'd, do thou amend, Mature and perfect, to some noble end. 

 Let fertile genius' bright, inventive powers, In all their vigorous energy be yours. 

 Let savage nations who thy stores behold, Give Britain in return, their useless gold, Their gems, their pearls, their diamonds impart, And boast the change, and prize the gift of art. 

 Thus shall thy polish'd wares of choicer worth, Gain all that's rare, from ev'ry clime on earth. 

 Thy skill superior let our monarchs own, And deem thee _a bright jewel in their crown_. 

OBSERVATIONS

Made during an Excursion

_To Wednesbury in Staffordshire, distant eight miles, on the road toWolverhampton and Shrewsbury_. 

You proceed down Snowhill, and having passed the one mile stone, thereare a few trees close to the road side, and opposite to them thereis an extensive view over Barr-beacon, and the adjacent country, including the lofty trees in Aston park; over whose tops, the elegantspire of that church is seen. In descending the hill, when you havepassed the buildings, the eye is delighted, on the right hand, withan extensive view over Hunter's nursery grounds, and on the left isHockley abbey: this building was erected upon a piece of waste, boggyland, about the 1779, by Mr. Richard Ford, an ingenious mechanic ofBirmingham, who, among other things, invented a one-wheel carriage, which he constructed entirely of iron; and for his ingenuity in theformation of that vehicle, the society of arts presented him withtheir gold medal. As he employed a number of hands, several of whomexpended nine or ten shillings each week at the alehouse, it occurredto him, who was not given to drink, that he would lay aside twoshillings every day; and having done so for a considerable time, ashis business required him to keep a horse and cart; when they were atleisure, he sent them to Aston furnace, [5] to bring away large massesof scoriae, usually termed slag or dross, that lay there in greatabundance. Having collected together a large quantity of it, hebegan to erect this building, to represent ruins; and to add to thedeception, there is in the front of the house, in small pebble stones, the date, 1473; and all this was done, as he informed the writer ofthis article, without advancing any other money than the fourteenshillings per week. It is now nearly overgrown with ivy, and if noaccount had been given of the materials with which it is erected, posterity might have been at a loss to know what substance the wallswere built with. Hubert Galton, Esq. Now resides there, who pays rentfor the house, and about fifteen acres of land, more than £100. Perannum, exclusive of the enormous parochial taxes of Birmingham, whichfor these premises, from Michaelmas, 1816, to Michaelmas, 1817, amounted to the astonishing sum of sixty-one pounds and ten shillings, viz. Thirty-six levies for the poor, at 30s. Each, three highwaylevies, at 30s. Each, and two levies for the church, at 30s. Each. In the back ground, beyond this, is seen a glass-house, belonging toMessrs. Shakespear and Fletcher. 

[Footnote 5: A blast furnace, for the making of pig iron, very near athand. ]

You now cross the Bourn, a small stream of water, that separatesWarwickshire from the county of Stafford, and passing by Mr. Boulton'splantations on the left, when you are about half way up the hill, there is on the right hand, Prospect-house, where the late Mr. Egintoncarried on his manufactory of stained glass. 

At the two mile stone, on the left, is the entrance to Soho, whereMatthew Robinson Boulton, Esq. Resides, who is proprietor of the _SohoManufactory_. 

The road leading to this magnificent pile of building is on the left, when you have passed through the turnpike. The spot upon which it iserected, was, in the year 1764, a sterril, barren heath, and so itcontinued until 1793, when it was inclosed by act of parliament. Thelate Mr. Boulton, in the first instance, expended more than ninethousand pounds in the erection of buildings, exclusive of machinery. He soon after removed his manufactory from Birmingham; and thenthis enterprising genius established a seminary of artists; men ofingenuity being sought after, from all parts of Europe, and patronisedwith the greatest liberality: thus fostered by his benevolence, theysoon produced an imitation of the _or molu_. --These metallic ornamentsin the form of vases, tripods, candelabras, &c. Found a ready sale, not only in this kingdom, but in France, and almost every part ofcivilized Europe. This business being established, silver articleswere manufactured in such profusion, that it became necessary to makeapplication for an assay office to be established in Birmingham;which was carried into effect in the year 1773. About this time, amechanical process was discovered of copying pictures, in oil colours, which was brought to such perfection, that the most experiencedconnoiseurs were sometimes deceived. The process was chiefly underthe direction of Mr. Francis Eginton, who afterwards commenced thebusiness of staining glass. 

Mr. Watt having obtained a patent for the improvement of steamengines, came and settled at Soho, in 1769, where he erected anengine, upon his own principles; which answering the intended purpose, he in 1775, obtained from parliament a prolongation of his term fortwenty-five years. A partnership being now formed between Mr. Boulton and Mr. Watt, an extensive manufactory of these engines wasestablished at Soho, and conveyed from thence to most of the deepmines and extensive works, where great power was requisite. 

In 1788, a mint was erected at Soho, to be worked by the steam engine;from the rolling of the copper into sheets, afterwards passing itthrough steel, polished rollers, and then cutting out the blanks; allwhich was performed with the greatest ease and regularity by girls, instead of employing able men. This was not the whole, for the coiningmachines were worked with greater rapidity and exactness, by boys, from twelve to fourteen years of age, than could be done, by theformer process, by a number of strong men, and their fingers not beingin the least endangered; the machine depositing the blanks upon thedies, and when struck, it displaced one piece and deposited another. 

To facilitate the manufacturing of steam engines, they erected an ironfoundry, at Smethwick, on the banks of the Birmingham canal, wherenearly all the laborious part is consigned to the engine. Enginesare here manufactured from one horse to two hundred horse power, allacting together. Handsworth common being inclosed, enabled Mr. Boultonto extend his grounds to a considerable degree, which form anagreeable separation from his own residence, and forms a much admiredscene of picturesque beauty. 

A person wandering through these secluded walks, or on the banks ofthe various lakes and water falls, which adorn them, may here enjoythe sweets of solitude and retirement, with equal composure, as if hewas far distant from the busy scenes that are close at hand. 

What is here enumerated are all of them manufactured or carried on atthe Soho, at the present time:--steam engines of every description, and for all purposes, where great power is requisite; coining ofmedals, or medallions, of any size required; silver and platedarticles, of every description, such as tea urns, vases, tureens, dishes, candelabras, and every necessary article to decorate the tableor the drawing room; metals of every description are here rolled, toany length or breadth required; patent copying machines; fine polishedsteel fire irons; steel buttons; ornaments for stove grates; fenders, or any other article in steel, where taste and elegance are necessary. 

_Handsworth, in Staffordshire, distant two miles and a half_. LeavingSoho, you come to the elegant village of Handsworth, where, the commonlands of the parish being inclosed by act of parliament, in 1793, theyhave probably been as productive, if not more so, than others of asimilar nature in any other part of the kingdom; for there are nowat least one hundred and fifty respectable houses erected upon theground, which, before it was inclosed, lay entirely waste; and plotsof the same land have been sold from two hundred pounds to a thousandpounds per acre. 

About one quarter of a mile distant from Soho, is the residence ofMiss Boulton, whose house is secluded from public view, by a loftybrick wall; and half a mile farther, going down a lane, by the signof the Queen's head, a landscape of considerable interest exhibitsitself; including Soho, Birmingham, and the intermediate country, tothe monument. In the grounds, on the right, opposite the three milestone, is a grand picturesque view of the whole country, includingBarr-beacon, Aston church, and the lofty trees in the park. About halfa mile farther, you arrive at the verge of Sandwell park, a, seatbelonging to the Earl of Dartmouth, and opposite, on the left, is agrand panoramic view of the country, including the ruins of Dudleycastle. 

The church is an ancient gothic stone building, dedicated to St. Mary, with a square tower, of grey-stone; the body is of an irregular form, the workmanship being rude and tasteless. It appears to be muchneglected, and out of repair, both inside and out; and neither inrespect to size or decorations, does it bear any analogy to the numberof the population, or the wealth of the parishioners. Indeed, if thestructure of the church should be a criterion to judge of the opulenceof the inhabitants, a stranger would certainly conclude, that theywere most of them tenants at rack rent, and greatly burdened withpoor. The only objects deserving of notice, are two monuments; one inthe inside, and the other on the out. The one erected to commemoratethe late Matthew Boulton, Esq. Is the work of the celebrated Flaxman, and adds another wreath of laurel to the brow of that classicalartist. If is of white and blue marble, and is surmounted by a bust, which is the best representation extant of that enterprising anddeserving man, to whose memory it is sacred. The other is an humbletomb-stone, remarkable as being one of the last works, cut by his ownhand, with his name at the top of it, of that celebrated typographer, Baskerville, but this, being neglected by the relations of thedeceased, has been mutilated, although the inscription is stillperfect, but so much overgrown with moss and weeds, that it requiresmore discrimination than falls to the lot of many passing travellersto discover the situation of this neglected gem. To those who arecurious, it will be found close to the wall, immediately under thechancel window. This precious relic of that eminent man is deservingof being removed, at the expense of the parish, and preserved with thegreatest care, withinside the church. Mr. Baskerville was originally astone-cutter, and afterwards kept a school, in Birmingham. [6]

[Footnote 6: Since writing the above, the Rev. T. L. Freer, who isrector, and the wealthy parishioners have entered into a liberalsubscription, and being aided by government with the sum of fivehundred pounds, they have undertaken to rebuild the body of thechurch, according to an elegant plan, designed by W. Hollins, statuary and architect, of Birmingham, without making any rate on theinhabitants. ]

There is only one more of his cutting known to be in existence, andthat has lately been removed and placed withinside the church, atEdgbaston; to which place please to refer. 

_West-Bromwich, in Staffordshire, distant five miles_. 

The church is an old tower structure of stone, dedicated to St. Clement; the body having been of late years rebuilt, has two sideaisles, handsomely pewed, and galleries all round. The officiatingclergyman is the Rev. Charles Townsend. 

The waste lands in this parish being inclosed by act of parliament inthe year 1804, has produced a very beneficial effect; for, by the sideof the main road, which scarcely produced a blade of grass, thereare now numerous houses erected, and the lands about them are veryproductive. The new inclosed lands now let from three pounds to fivepounds per acre, and a great part of it is in tillage. 

In this extensive parish, the new inclosed land has been sold fromone hundred to eight hundred and forty pounds per acre; and theneighbourhood is now become so populous, that it is in contemplationto erect a new church, there being in the beginning of October lastmore than three thousand pounds subscribed for that purpose. 

The following works of considerable magnitude are, alreadyestablished, and now in full work:--

 Birmingham brass company, in Spon-lane. James Taylor, cast steel manufactory. Archibald Kenrick and Co. Iron-founders. Samuel and John Dawes, iron and steel-masters. Izons and Whitehurst, foundry for kitchen furniture. Elwell and Hortons, iron-founders. Thomas Price, iron-master. Bagnall and Son, iron-masters. William Bullock and Co. Iron-founders, and manufacturers of kitchen furniture, improved coffee mills, &c. Charles Bache, manufacturer of bar and sheet iron, old forge. William Chapman, grinder and polisher, Burstelholme mill. Samuel Elwell, iron-master, Friar-park forge, ---- Tickell, iron-master. Isaac Horton, boiler-maker. Edward Fisher and Co. Iron-masters. John U. Rastrick, manufacturer of steam engines. 

Before you arrive at the six mile stone, the road divides, and youproceed on the right hand for another mile, when, on a sudden, the eyeis highly gratified with a view of _Wednesbury_. Which is erected on adeclivity; and on the summit, the church, with its lofty spire, makesa very unusual and respectable appearance. This church is a beautifulgothic edifice; the body and tower of which is coated with Parker'scement, but the chancel remains as before. Tradition says, that onthis spot there was, in former times, a Saxon castle. Withinside thechurch there are numerous ancient monuments, and an inscription, signifying that William Hopkins, yeoman, Richard Hawkes, and RobertCarter, caused the chimes of this church to be made and set up, attheir equal and proper cost and charges, A. D. 1635. The clock, whichis represented to be a remarkable good one, has a pendulum upon anunusual construction, the rod being fourteen yards in length, and theball of it weighs 100 pounds. 

Here are eight musical bells, the two trebles being fixed in 1558; thesixth has an inscription, "William Comberford, lord of this manor, gave this bell, 1623. "--"On the seventh is, Sancta Bartholomew, orapro nobis. " And on the tenor is inscribed, "I will sound and resoundto thee, O Lord, to call thy people to hear thy word. "

The church yard is of considerable extent, and being in such anelevated situation, those who profess to delineate panoramas may herefind ample scope to display their abilities; for there is not only aview of the following churches, but the towns and villages whereinthey are situated, are several of them under the eye of the spectatorfrom this lofty eminence, viz. Walsall, Willenhall, Darlaston, Wolverhampton two churches, Bilstone, Sedgley, Dudley, two churchesand the ruins of the castle, West-bromwich, Tipton, Wednesfield, Brierly-hill, and Rushall; in addition to the above, by ascending theroof of the church, you command Birmingham and Aston, together withnumerous engines that are at work in its vicinity; the whole whencombined form such a rich and variegated scene as probably cannot beequalled in any other situation. 

In the vicinity of Wednesbury there are numerous mines of coal, wherein great numbers of people are employed, whilst others pursue thedifferent branches of gun-making; springs, steps, and other articlesused by coach-makers, are also manufactured here, together with woodscrews, hinges, and of late, apparatus for the gas lights. 

In the year 1742, when the methodists were spreading their doctrinesthrough the kingdom, some disturbances took place here on thataccount; and soon after, Mr. Wesley, the preacher, was waited upon bySir John Gonson, one of the Middlesex justices, who notified to himthat he and his brethren had received orders from above to do justiceto him and his friends, whenever they should make application; hismajesty being determined, that no man in his dominions should bepersecuted for conscience sake. Posterity will scarcely credit, thatin Britain, and at so late a period as 1742, justice was not to beobtained but by an order from court; and that such order was issued, reflects infinite credit on the sovereign, George 2d, who commandedit. This mandate was not by any means premature; for it becameabsolutely necessary, to quell the increasing tumults. InStaffordshire, the populace rose upon their employers, from whom theydemanded money, and if that was not complied with, they threatenedto serve them as they had done the methodists. A quaker, when ridingthrough Wednesbury, was attacked by them, pulled from off his horse, and dragged to a coal pit, where it was attended with difficulty toprevent their throwing him in. This gentleman, not being so muchattached to his principles as to refuse the protection of the law, prosecuted them at the assizes, which caused those tumults to subsidein Staffordshire. 

_Darlaston_. 

This place, being only one mile distant, I went there; but neither onthe road or in the village could I perceive any thing deserving ofattention; the inhabitants being employed in the same pursuits as atWednesbury. 

_Walsall, in Staffordshire, distant nine miles, on the direct road toStafford_. 

You proceed down Snowhill, and having passed the buildings, youperceive on the right hand Hunter's nursery grounds, from whence thereis a good prospect of the town of Birmingham, in a clear day. On theleft, Hockley abbey, and the plantations of Mr. Boulton, present arich scene in front, with a glass-house in the back ground. At thebottom of the hill you cross a small stream of water, which separatesWarwickshire from the county of Stafford. In ascending the oppositehill, on the right hand is Prospect-house, where the late Mr. Egintoncarried on his manufactory of stained glass. Soon after the roaddivides, when, turning to the right hand, it leads you by a row ofrespectable houses, and when through the toll gate, you leave whatwas once Handsworth common, and immediately on the left is a handsomehouse, with a beautiful avenue of lime trees; once the seat of theancient family of Sacheverel, but now the property of Joseph Grice, Esq. 

A little farther on the right is a simple though tasteful lodge, leading to Heathfield, the elegant mansion of the celebrated JamesWatt, Esq. Who is well known to all scientific men, for the greatimprovements he has made in steam engines, and various other usefulworks. A few years back, the adjacent ground was a wild and drearywaste, but it now exhibits all the beauty and luxuriance that artassisted by taste can give it. Woods and groves appear to have startedup at command, and it may now vie with any seat in the neighbourhood, for rural elegance and picturesque beauty. Descending the hill, theparish church of Handsworth presents itself to view, and a shortdistance before you arrive at it, is the parsonage-house, where theRev. Lane Freer resides. --It is a very excellent house, and possessesmore conveniences and luxuries than are usually to be met with in thehabitations of the clergy. About a mile farther on the right is theelegant residence of N. G. Clarke, Esq. One of the king's counsel; agentleman highly distinguished for acuteness and perspicuity in hisprofession, and thorough hospitality in his house. Still farther onthe left, as you descend a steep hill, there is a fine view, at aconsiderable distance, of the domains of Hamstead hall. It is a veryelegant and modern-built mansion, the old one having been taken downsome years since, which was for many generations the seat of theancient and respectable family of the Wyrleys, who possessed the manorand very large property in this parish. On the demise of the lateJohn Wyrley, Esq. The whole of this estate was left by will to GeorgeBirch, Esq. At whose decease it devolved upon his only son, thepresent Wyrley Birch, Esq. It is difficult to conceive a morebeautiful residence than this, as it contains all that hill and dale, wood and water, aided by extensive views, can do, to make a placedelightful and desirable: these seem here to have been combined inthe most beautiful manner; for the river Tame meanders through thisenchanting and extensive domain; on whose banks are numerous grovesof trees, and from a solid rock there arises a lime tree, of unusualmagnitude, whose branches spreading in an horizontal direction becameso heavy, and injured the trunk to such a degree, that in orderto preserve the body, it not only became necessary to lop off theprincipal branches, but to bind it together with iron in differentways, by hooping of it, and passing a bar of iron through it, in thesame manner as buildings are frequently done, to preserve them. At theheight of three feet, it girths twenty-three feet and rises to theheight of seventy feet. The rock upon which this tree grows, is ofsuch a nature, that there is a grotto of considerable size cut init, wherein the roots from this tree spread themselves in differentdirections. This inestimable estate, although for so many generationsthe patrimonial possessions of the family, has been lately transferredby the proprietor to the Earl of Dartmouth, and is now in thepossession of William Wallis, Esq. 

In the valley is a corn mill, worked by the river Tame, over whichthere is a substantial bridge. Near the summit of the opposite hill, the road passes close by the residence of Mr. Wren, who is well knownin Staffordshire, as an agriculturist. Near half a mile farther on theleft is an ancient white house, which has been occupied as a schoolfor a number of years. From the green opposite, if you face about, there is an extensive view over the country; two of the Birminghamchurches and the monument being conspicuous objects. A very shortdistance farther is a gravel pit, opposite to which is a rich andluxuriant view for a considerable distance. At the finger post, twomiles before you arrive at Walsall, there is a beautiful landscape, and when you approach near the town, by looking the contrary way, there is a rich and variegated view over the country. A little beforeyou enter the town, there are two respectable houses, one on each sideof the road; that on the left is the residence of Mr. Richard Jesson, an attorney, and at the other, which is built of stone, Mr. JohnAdams, a merchant, resides. 

This road to Stafford is nearer by five miles than going throughWolverhampton, and the accommodations are in every respect equal:independant of that circumstance, whoever travels this road is notincommoded by the numerous colleries and engines that are adjacent tothe other. 

_Walsall_. 

This town, being considered a borough, by prescription for a number ofyears, was incorporated by letters patent, bearing date 22d February, in the 13th year of King Charles 2d; the government thereof is vestedin a mayor, with the assistance of twenty-four capital burgesses, whoare authorised to sue and are liable to be sued, by virtue of a commonseal. William Webb was appointed the first mayor, whose successor isto be elected and sworn into office on the feast of St. Michael. Themayor and his brethren are authorised to fix upon a recorder and townclerk, who are empowered to hold a court of record, whenever it isrequisite, to determine any actions or pleas, for sums of moneyexceeding forty shillings, and not more than twenty pounds. There arealso two serjeants at mace, who are under their directions; the latemayor, and one other capital burgess, being in the commission ofthe peace for the borough and foreign, they have authority to takecognizance of all crimes committed within their jurisdiction, exceptconspiracy, murder, felony, or any thing touching the loss of life. They are also empowered to have a common prison, where all offendersmay be detained, until discharged by due course of law. By thischarter, the mayor, recorder, and twenty-four capital burgesses areexempt from serving upon any juries at Stafford. 

The seal of this corporation is three fleur de lis and three lionsquarterly, with two lions as supporters; over the arms is a crownwithout an arch, and over the rim of the crown there are five fleur delis. It is nearly the size of a crown piece, with a latin inscription, in very ancient characters. It is deposited with Joseph Stubbs, who istown clerk, and steward of the manor to Lord Bradford. The arms of thetown appear to be a bear with a ragged staff. 

The guildhall is situated in the High-street, one wing of which isthe Dragon inn, and the other is a large room where the corporationassemble to transact business, and is called the mayor's parlour, under which is the prison for the town. 

The ancient wooden staves belonging to the corporation are stilldeposited in the hall, and are curious relics of antiquity, beingornamented with heads of various animals, rudely carved. 

The sheriff of the county, by his deputy, holds a court in this town, at the Castle inn, every third Monday, for the recovery of debts, under forty shillings; but the expenses are excessive to both debtorand creditor, and if the latter loses his cause, his expenses alonewill amount to six or seven pounds. 

In the year 1452, Thomas Mosely, of Moxhull, in Warwickshire, beingthen lord of Bascote, in that county, gave it in trust to William Lyleand Thomas Magot, for the use of the town of Walsall. In 1539, theinhabitants were summoned by the bellman to repair to the church, where a dole was distributed, amounting to the sum of seven pounds, ten shillings, and nine-pence. Some time after, an attempt was madeto discontinue this dole, which caused the populace to assemble, whoforced the same to be continued; at which time it was distributed toabout fourteen thousand people, nine thousand of whom were supposed toreside in Walsall. 

The church is a vicarage, dedicated to St. Matthew, or All Saints: itis an ancient pile of building, singular in its appearance, being inthe form of a cross, the transept of which is composed by large sidechapels, whose roofs lie east and west, parallel to the body of thechurch. The tower, which is situated at the south-west angle of thewest front, is strong, plain, and far from inelegant, being built withcoarse lime stone, on which a new spire was erected since 1775, whena set of eight musical bells were fixed there, by Mr. Rudhall, ofGlocester; the weight of the tenor being more than twenty-threehundred, and the key note E flat. 

The following inscriptions are round the bells:--

1. "When us you ring, we'll sweetly sing. "

2. "Fear God, honour the king. "

3. "Prosperity to the parish. "

4. Ditto ditto. 

5. "The Rev. John Darwall, vicar. "

6. "Thomas Rudhall, Glocester, founder. "

7. "Thomas Hector, Edward Licet, Thomas Overton, Deykin Hemming, church-wardens. "

8. "I to the church the living call, And to the grave do summon all. "

The font of this church is alabaster, of an octagon form, withshields, richly sculptured. 

On each side of the chancel are eleven stalls, very entire, the seatsof which, being lifted up, exhibit a series of grotesque figures, curiously carved, in bas relief; no two of which resemble each other. Over the communion table is a large painting, representing the lastsupper. --The vicarage, where the Rev. Philip Pratt resides, is in adelightful situation, being on an eminence, and encompassed with loftyand majestic trees. 

There are three fairs in the year, viz. February 24th, Tuesday in thewhitsun week, and the Tuesday before St. Michael; at which time theraces take place, and have been for a number of years both numerouslyand genteely attended; as a proof of it, the inhabitants in the year1809 expended the sum of thirteen hundred pounds in the erection ofa grand stand; in the lower apartments of which is a billiard table, where they resort for recreation. The fair at whitsuntide is not heldby charter, but being market day, at that holiday time is considereda fair by prescription. There is in this town a charity school fortwenty-four boys and sixteen girls, who are all cloathed in blue: theyare instructed and cloathed gratis, but neither lodged nor boarded. The expenses attending this school are defrayed by subscriptions, donations, and sermons preached on the wake Sunday, which is theSunday before St. Michael. The school-room is near the George hotel. There is also a free grammar school, near the church, founded by QueenMary, in the first year of her reign, which she endowed with certainlands that are vested in trustees. The High-street is spacious, andtherein are some respectable shops, and a conduit for the use of theinhabitants. --Park-street is also a wide one, but there are numerouslow houses in it. 

The town has a singular appearance; its situation being upon a boldeminence, from whose summit arises a fine old gothic church, with alofty spire, the streets and houses descending in every direction. Inthe vicinity are numerous lime stone quarries, some of which are openfrom the surface, and from others it is drawn up through a shaft, similar to coal mines. 

Mr. Siddons, the husband of the celebrated actress, was born inRushall-street, in this town, whilst his father kept a public-house, known by the sign of the London apprentice, whose death was occasionedby sparring or wrestling with a person named Denston. The present Mr. Siddons was originally a barber, but having an inclination for thestage, he joined the itinerant company of Mr. Kemble, and married oneof his daughters, who afterwards proved the heroine of the stage. Another well-known character was also a native of this town, viz, Thomas Haskey, the celebrated ventriloquist, who was by trade a bridlebit maker; but whilst an apprentice he left his master, and enteredinto the army, where he lost a leg and obtained a pension. When young, he did not know the abilities he possessed, but hearing O'Burn, he endeavoured to imitate him; and when Mr. Stanton's company ofperformers were at Walsall, he repeatedly from the gallery entertainedthe audience by sham dialogues, in two voices, between himself andTommy. He was an ignorant man, but possessing this unusual faculty, hewas frequently sent for by Lord Dudley, to entertain the company atHimley, upon which occasions, he always hired a post chaise to conveyhim there. He afterwards went to London, and performed at Sadler'sWells in the year 1796, and when his benefit came on, he cleared £200. 

About one mile from the town, on the road to Wolverhampton, is astrong chalybeate water, called Alum well. 

About one mile and a half from Walsall, near to Bentley hall, at aplace called Pouck hill, as some workmen were opening a quarry, theydiscovered numerous basaltic columns, some of which are from four tofive feet in diameter, of various lengths, some singularly waved, others straight; some of the joints short and others extend to thelength of five or six feet: they lie nearly in an horizontal position, and resemble at a distance large trees piled one upon another. 

The chief articles manufactured in this town and its vicinity arebridle bitts, stirrups, spurs and other articles either used or soldby the saddlers. 

_Barr Park, distant five miles, on the road to Walsall_. 

The hospitable mansion of Sir Joseph Scott, Bart, is surrounded by apark of considerable extent, wherein there is the greatest varietyof undulating hills and dales, wood and water, together with suchextensive views, as can only be found in this part of the kingdom. Tothis park there are three entrances, and at every avenue the worthyproprietor has erected an elegant lodge, from whence there arecapacious carriage roads to the mansion. One of these lodges is aboutfive miles on the road to Walsall, to which you approach by taking theright hand road, opposite a house of entertainment, the Scott's arms, and then taking the second turning to the left conducts you to thelodge. On entering the park, a circular coach drive leads to the hollywood, through which you proceed by a serpentine road near half a mile, when a beautiful sheet of water presents itself to view, along whosebanks you pass near a mile before you arrive at the mansion. 

The situation of the building is low in front of the water, but beingscreened by rising ground and lofty trees, it must be very warm inthe winter. On the left of the house, a walk leads you to the flowergarden, which is laid out with great taste, containing flowers andsmall shrubs of the choicest and rarest kinds, together with afountain in the centre. From hence there are delightful views, andamong others over the adjacent country, Birmingham is distinctly seen. At the distance of about two miles farther, towards Walsall, there isanother lodge, which is the entrance from Walsall, and leads you by aspacious serpentine road through the Marrian wood, which is composedof various shrubs and evergreens, and conducts you to a most elegantchapel, with a beautiful and well-proportioned spire, underneath whichyou enter into one of the most sumptuous places of worship in theuniverse. There are in the whole eleven lofty windows, and seven ofthem are ornamented in the most elegant manner with stained glass, byEginton: they are all full length figures, large as life, withtheir proper attributes. The first represents Fortitude, the secondTemperance, the third Justice, in the fourth, which is over thecommunion table, is the apotheosis of a child, after the Rev. Mr. Peters, the fifth represents Hope, the sixth Charity, and the seventhPrudence. The pews and every other part correspond, there being asumptuous organ, with a gallery in front of it, which extends on eachside, before two windows. In a spacious cemetary there are some tombs, much more elegant than are usually met with; there is also a yew treeof large dimensions, which is grown much higher than trees of thatspecies do in general, and also some venerable elms, together with thevillage school. Close adjoining is another lodge, and the road fromit conducts you over an elegant bridge, on the right of which is acascade. 

There is also another lodge, at a place called the Quieslet, about sixmiles on the road to Barr-beacon, where a spacious road conducts youfor a considerable distance, by a plantation of oaks, and so throughthe park, wherein there are fixed numerous seats, which commanddelightful and comprehensive prospects, and among others may be seenthe extensive sheet of water in the vale, backed by a grand screen ofvenerable oaks and verdant hills; at same time, from amidst the nearertrees and shrubs, the house appears to emerge, and adds considerablyto the scene. From the various knolls with which this park abounds, there are several that command a view of Birmingham, and also of thewoods in Sandwell park. 

There is also a view of the ruins of Dudley castle, and from anothereminence the churches of Wolverhampton and Wednesbury are seen, withthe elegant spire of Barr chapel in front. From the lodge at theapproach from Walsall there is an extensive view over the country, bounded in the horizon, to the left by Dudley castle, the Rowleyhills, &c. And to the right by the Wrekin and other mountains inShropshire. 

_To Dudley, in Worcestershire, through West-bromwich, ten miles on theroad to Stourbridge_. 

You proceed down Snowhill, pass by the Soho, through Handsworth andWest-bromwich, and along the Wolverhampton road, near six miles, whenthe road divides, and you take to the left, having the ruins of Dudleycastle full in view. After crossing the Birmingham canal, you come to_Tipton, eight miles_. 

In this parish the following works are carried on in an extensivemanner:--

 Blair and Stevenson, soap and lead. Harrison, Oliver, and Co. Horsley iron-works. Walker and Co. Gospel-oak iron-works. Dixon, Turton, and Co. Have three furnaces. Round, Caddick, and Co. Old church forge. Messrs. Parkers, iron-masters. Zephaniah Parkes and Co. Iron-masters. Messrs. Willets, iron-masters. Birmingham Co. Iron-masters. Bagnall and Co. Iron-masters. Moat colliery. Horsley ditto. New Church ditto. Tibbington ditto. Glebe Land ditto. Ockerhill ditto. Puppy Green ditto. Dudley Port ditto. Birmingham Co. Ditto. Brookhouse ditto. 

The church is dedicated to St. Lawrence, of which the Rev. James Bevanis perpetual curate. From hence you pass by the Dudley brewery, andhaving ascended the hill, arrive at _Dudley, ten miles_. 

In this town there are two parish churches, one of which is dedicatedto St. Thomas, and is now rebuilding in a magnificent manner, to whicha lofty spire is attached; it being in height 170 feet, and thereinare ten musical bells: of this church the Rev. Luke Booker, L. L. D. Isvicar. The other is dedicated to St. Edmund, wherein a free galleryhas been erected by subscription; over which the Rev. Proctor Robinsonpresides. 

The different sects of presbyterians, baptists, quakers, methodists, and independants, have each of them their respective places ofworship. 

There is a free school, founded by King Edward 6th, two nationalschools, on the plan of Dr. Bell, and one Lancasterian ditto. Theinhabitants who have a taste for reading, have established a library, wherein there are more than three thousand volumes. 

There are here five glass houses, two of which belong to Messrs. T. And G. Hawkes, where the most superb articles are manufactured;another to Mr. John Roughton; a fourth to Price, Cook, Wood, and Co. ;and the fifth is at Holly-hall, belonging to Zephaniah Parkes and Co. 

There are also the following iron-works established:--

 Zephaniah Parkes and Co. Messrs. Attwoods, three furnaces. Glazebrook and Whitehouse. Salisbury, Hawkes, and Co. ---- Banks. Wainwright, Jones, and Co. 

At the priory, there is a powerful steam engine, belonging to Mr. Benson; and on the road to Birmingham is a brewery, belonging to apublic company. In the environs are numerous mines of coal, ironstone, and lime; which land, where the mines have not been worked, sellsin general for about one thousand pounds per acre. --Nails and heavyiron-work employ a great part of the population. 

The ancient castle, of which there still remains the keep and thegateway, is said to have been erected about the year 700, by a personnamed Dodo, from whom the name of the town is derived. Underneath thehill, whereon the castle was situated, there are stupendous caverns, from whence the lime stone has been conveyed away, which are trulyaugust, being of considerable extent, and proportionably high; theroof being supported by rude pillars of vast dimensions, which havebeen left by the miners for that purpose. There is one tunnel thatperforates the hill entirely, being in length near two miles: it is inheight thirteen feet, in width nine feet, and in one part sixty-fourfeet below the surface. 

These enormous subterranean works, with the method of procuring thestone, are highly deserving the attention of strangers, who have therean opportunity of seeing this useful article forced from its naturalsituation by means of gunpowder; raised from the bowels of the earth, and conveyed through the country by means of inland navigation, toserve the purpose of the agriculturist, and also the architect. Inthese rocks there are numerous marine productions, and among others, one which the miners denominate a locust, for which they have beenknown to refuse its weight in gold; it being understood that there isonly one other place in the kingdom where they are to be found. The mines of coal in this vicinity are from ten to twelve yards inthickness, which circumstance it is said does not take place in anyother part of the kingdom. A stranger approaching Dudley after itis dark, will be astonished to see the numerous fires in differentdirections, which proceed from the furnaces, forges, and collieries;the latter converting their small coal into coke. 

The noble proprietor of these extensive mines and the ruins abovethem has for several successive years planted innumerable trees ofdifferent kinds around the castle hill, and during last summer(1818) he caused avenues to be cut through them, which form the mostromantic, picturesque, and diversified shady walks, extending overnumerous hills and dales, that can be imagined; the views thatoccasionally present themselves when least expected, are enchanting, and when you arrive at the summit, there is a most extensive prospectover the counties of Worcester, Stafford, Derby, Leicester, Warwick, Salop, Hereford, and part of Wales: it is not only extensive, but fullof variety, comprising hills and dales, woods and villages, populoustowns, and busy seats of manufacture; a scene that may be justlytermed, of various view, warm and alive with human habitations. --Fromthis eminence eighteen churches are discernable; viz, those of Dudley, Birmingham, West-bromwich, Walsall, Rushall, Wednesbury, Darlaston, Tipton, Bilston, Wednesfield, Wolverhampton, Sedgley, Briery-hill, Oldswinford, and Pedmore; also the fine obelisk and castle at Hagley;the elegant seat of Lord Westcote; Envil, the admired seat of LordStamford; and part of the woods at Himley, the spacious and beautifulseat of the humane, generous, and noble proprietor of these ruins. Thestupendous mountains of Malvern (though near forty miles distant), bounding the horizon towards the south, are grand and noble featuresin the scene; as are also those of Clent, Abberley, the Cleys, and theWrekin;

 "Mountains, on whose barren breast The lab'ring clouds do often rest. "

_To Dudley, in Worcestershire, through Oldbury, distant_ _nine miles. _

Having passed the Sand-pits and Spring-hill, you cross the Birminghamcanal and enter upon what was Birmingham heath, which being inclosedin the year 1800, was found to contain 289 acres, which land now letsfrom thirty to fifty shillings per acre. 

On the right hand is a boat-builder's yard, and on the left aglass-house, belonging to Messrs. Biddle and Lloyd. Proceeding towardsthe windmill, you perceive at a short distance on the right handanother glass-house, belonging to Messrs. Shakespear and Fletcher. Ascending the hill, there is on the right an extensive view over theadjacent country, including Barr-beacon, Mr. Boulton's plantations, and Winson-green, a neat house, in the possession of Mrs. Steward. Onthe left is Summerfield-house, late the residence of John Iddins, Esq. But now of James Woolley, Esq. And beyond it, a neat white house, occupied by Mr. Hammond. Over an apparently wooded country, you have awindmill in full view, and when at the foot of the hill, on the rightis Smethwick grove, the residence of John Lewis Moilliet, Esq. 

 * * * * *

You now enter Smethwick, which is in Staffordshire, and ascending thehill, a neat brick house makes its appearance on the right hand, whereJohn Reynolds, Esq. Resides, who, by succeeding to what was consideredby Mr. Lane, his predecessor, to be a worn out trade, accumulated aconsiderable fortune, and has retired from business to enjoy it neartwenty years. At the summit of the hill on the left is Shireland hall, which is now converted into a seminary for young ladies, under thesuperintendance of Miss Marmont. 

There are in Smethwick some works of considerable magnitude, viz. Messrs. Boulton and Watt's manufactory for steam engines; an extensivesoap work, belonging to Messrs. Adkins and Nock; a manufactory ofbrass, under the denomination of the Smethwick brass company; and alsoone of British crown glass, belonging to Thomas Shutt and Co. There isa house called the Beakes, where Wm. Wynne Smith, Esq. Resides. 

The place of worship is a chapel of ease to the parish of Harborne, andis a neat modern brick tower building, of a single pace, lofty andcoved, about sixty feet by twenty-four, and well paved, with a galleryat the west end. The present incumbent is the Rev. Edward Dales, whoresides in the neat parsonage-house on the south side of the chapelyard. 

Leaving Smethwick, you proceed towards Oldbury, upon which road thetrustees are making great improvements, by widening the road andturning the course of a brook, over which they are building a bridge, which when finished will be a great accommodation. This villageis situated in the county of Salop, and is a chapel of ease toHalesowen. A new court-house was erected here in the year 1816, where the court of requests is held once a fortnight. The protestantdissenters have here a neat place of worship, as have also themethodists. Close to the village are several coal mines, and a blastfurnace, belonging to Mr. Parker. [7]

[Footnote 7: From this place you have an excellent view of Rowleyhills, the ruins of Dudley castle, and the fine woods in Sandwellpark. ]

About a mile distant, on the left of the road is the Brades, whereMessrs. William Hunt and Sons have established a considerablemanufacture of iron and steel, which they form into scythes, hayknives, trowels, and every kind of hoe now in use. This road fromBirmingham to Dudley is at least one mile nearer than going throughWest-bromwich, and in my opinion will be sufficiently commodious forthe traffic there is between the two towns. The distance is only ninemiles, and in travelling that short space of ground you are in fourdifferent counties; Birmingham being in Warwickshire; Smethwick, inStaffordshire; Oldbury, in Shropshire; and Dudley in the county ofWorcester. 

N. B. Since writing the above, the bridge is completed, and the wholeline of road improved to a considerable degree. 

_To Hockley-house, ten miles, on the road to Stratford-upon-Avon andalso to Warwick. _

You proceed through Deritend, up Camp-hill, and when near the summit, there is on the right hand an ancient brick building, called theRavenhurst, the residence of Mr. John Lowe, attorney, who is equallyrespectable in his profession, as the house is in appearance. A shortdistance beyond on the left is Fair-hill, where Samuel Lloyd, Esq. Resides, and on the opposite side of the road is the Larches, theabode of Wm. Withering, Esq. --This house, when it belonged to Mr. Darbyshire, was known by the name of Foul Lake, but when Dr. Priestleyresided there, he gave it the name of Fair-hill; afterwards, beingpurchased by Dr. Withering, he altered the name of it to the Larches. Having passed through the turnpike, on the left is Sparkbrook-house, John Rotton, Esq. Resident. At the distance of one mile and a half theroad to Warwick branches off to the left, and on the summit of thehill is Spark-hill-house, inhabited by Miss Morris. Opposite the threemile stone is a very neat pile of building, called Green-bank-house, where Benjamin Cooke, Esq. Has taken up his abode. A little beyond, ata place called the Coal-bank, there is a free school, which is endowedwith about forty pounds per annum. 

At a short distance on the left is Marston chapel, which is usuallycalled Hall-green chapel: it was erected and endowed by Job Marston, Esq. Of Hall-green hall, with about ninety acres of land, and otherdonations. 

At the distance of five miles, you pass through a village calledShirley Street; and at the distance of another fire miles, you arriveat Hockley-house; a place of entertainment, where travellers of everydenomination are accommodated in a genteel manner, and on reasonableterms. About one mile from hence, on the road to Stratford, isUmberslade, or Omberslade, where the Archer family were used toreside, but it is now untenanted. 

_From Hockley-house to Warwick, ten miles. _

At the distance of one quarter of a mile, there is on the right a viewof Lapworth church, and on the left is Pack wood-house, which is atpresent unoccupied. At Rowington, the Warwick canal is carried atan immense expense over a deep valley, and also through a tunnel ofconsiderable length; on the left is the village church, to which youascend by steps cut in the solid rock, and near to it is the handsomeresidence of Samuel Aston, Esq. From hence you proceed through Hattonto Warwick. 

_To Warwick, twenty miles_--_Leamington, twenty-two miles. _

You proceed through Deritend and Bordesley, continuing upon theStratford road for one mile and a half, when you turn to the left;and at the distance of two miles there is a view over a well-woodedcountry, with the spire of Yardley church on the left. AtAcock's-green there is a prospect nearly similar; and in a field, opposite the five mile stone, there is an extensive picturesquelandscape, with a sheet of water in front, which covers about thirtyacres;[8] in the midst of which is a small island, with some treesupon it, that adds considerably to the scene. 

[Footnote 8: This sheet of water is the reservoir of the Warwickcanal. ]

_Solihull, distant seven miles. _

This beautiful, neat, and clean village had at one time a market, butthat has been discontinued for a long time. There are still threefairs annually; one on the 29th of April, another on the 11th ofSeptember, and the third on the 12th of October. There are hereseveral genteel and commodious houses; the vicinity being veryrespectable. The, church is an ancient gothic pile of building, withan elegant spire. The Rev. Charles Curtis is rector. 

Leaving the village, on the right you pass by Malvern-hall, theresidence of H. G. Lewis, Esq. And afterwards arrive at Balsall Temple, which in former days belonged to the knights templars, and at theirdissolution the knights hospitallers became possessed of it, inwhom it remained till the general dissolution of the abbies. It wasafterwards converted into an hospital, for the reception of indigentwomen, either unmarried or widows, to be selected from Balsall andLong Itchington, in Warwickshire, Trentham, in Staffordshire, or Lillenhall, in Shropshire. This institution is now in greatprosperity, the annual income amounting to near £1500; the number ofits alms-women is at present thirty. The buildings are extensive andsubstantial, forming a complete square, and healthfully situated onthe verge of a spacious and fertile green. The trustees are the bishopof Lichfield and Coventry, together with the Earls of Warwick andAylesford, assisted by other respectable gentlemen in the county, whohave placed the whole institution under the immediate charge of amaster, with a salary of £150. Per annum, who is at this time the Rev. J. Short. 

To those who admire antiquity, Balsall church will be a pleasingobject, as it now remains nearly in the same state as it was whenfirst erected, about seven hundred years back. Its dimensions are onehundred and two feet long, thirty-eight broad, and fifty-seven high. At the east and west ends are lofty windows, extending from the roofnearly to the ground, and on each side are three noble windows. Theheads of all the windows are ornamented with beautiful tracery, and notwo of them resemble each other. There are no divisions withinside, and what distinguishes the chancel from the body of the church isan ascent of three steps. The walls are very substantial, and soclustered with ivy, that it forces its way through any small fissuresinto the interior. Over the west door there is a low turret, and belowthe cornice is a row of ten heads, in a good state of preservation, which are considered to be of excellent workmanship. 

Near the church is the ancient hall of the templars, formerly asplendid apartment, but now it is converted into a barn, which isrepresented to have been one hundred and forty feet in length. 

A little farther is Springfield, the elegant and delightful mansion ofJoseph Boultbee, Esq. And at a short distance is Knowle, which is asmall old town, on elevated ground, in the midst of fertile fields. This church is of considerable size, and exhibits marks of antiquityin its remains of stained glass and grotesque carved work. 

Not far from hence is Baddesley-Clinton-hall, the seat of EdwardFerrers, Esq. And about one mile beyond is a small inn, known by thename of Tom o'Bedlam, near to which is a venerable oak tree, supposedto be two hundred years old, measuring in girth twenty yards, fromwhich one branch extends across a road thirty feet wide. You nextcome to Wroxhall abbey, the residence of Christopher Wren, Esq. Adescendant from the noted Sir Christopher Wren, who erected St. Paul'scathedral, in London. The church of Wroxhall is an ancient structure, forming one side of a square, the buildings of the abbey forming theother three sides. The windows, which are ornamented with stainedglass, are remarkably fine: the two figures of Moses and Aaron areadmired, not only for the drapery, but also for the splendid colours. 

About one mile before you arrive at Hatton, there is to the left apleasant view over a well-wooded country, in the midst of which theivied towers and magnificent battlements of Kenilworth castlepresent themselves to view. Hatton is a small village over which thecelebrated and learned Dr. Parr presides. At Hatton-hill, near the twomile stone, there is an extensive and diversified prospect over thefertile tract that surrounds Warwick; in every part highly cultivated, and adorned with woods, encircled by gently-rising hills; and in theback ground are seen Shuckburgh-hill on one side and Edge-hill on theother. 

_Warwick_. This ancient town is seated on a rock, to which you ascendin every direction, there being four avenues; one from Birmingham, another from Stratford, a third from Coventry, and a fourth fromBanbury. The eminence on which the town is erected is itself encircledby hills at the distance of from two to three miles, which bound theprospect in every direction, except to the N. E. Where you may seeinto Northamptonshire, and to the S. W. Where the eye ranges overan extensive country, backed by the hills in Glocestershire andWorcestershire. The surrounding country is very fruitful, beingcultivated with great care, and the enclosures separated by beautifulhedges, which are richly adorned with trees in a flourishingcondition, and also by the river Avon, which meanders here in aconsiderable stream, and near Warwick is augmented by the junction ofthe Leam. The town being seated on a dry eminence, is exposed to thegenial influence of the sun, which rarifies the air, and renders theatmosphere so salubrious and warm, that in its vicinity the seasonsare frequently earlier by a fortnight than they are at the distance oftwenty or thirty miles. The four principal streets cross each other atright angles, and lead to the cardinal points. 

Great improvements have of late been made in them, by the introductionof culverts, repaving the carriage roads, and laying the footpathswith flags. Lamps are lighted during the winter months, at the expenseof the corporation, who have in a commendable manner widened thenarrow parts of some streets, and removed numerous obstructions;which gives an air of liveliness to this once sleepy town, and theinhabitants, being rowsed from their lethargy, are now become activeand industrious. --The canal from Birmingham comes to this town, fromwhence it is continued to Napton, where it unites with the Oxford, andby means of it, with the grand junction canal. 

The town is governed by a mayor, twelve aldermen, and twelve principalburgesses, with a town clerk and a recorder, who are empowered to makelaws for the regulation of the borough, and upon all offenders toimpose reasonable fines and penalties. Here are two manufactories ofcotton, one of lace, and one of worsted, all of them upon an extensivescale, which contribute considerably to the cheerful activity andincreasing population. There are here held twelve fairs annually; themarket, which is well supplied, is on a Saturday; the quarter sessionsfor the county, and also the assizes. --The horse races take place inSeptember, and a second meeting of the same kind is held in November. This borough sends two members to parliament, who are elected by thosewho pay scot and lot; the number of electors being about five hundred. 

Here are two churches; one dedicated to St. Mary and the other toSt. Nicholas: there, are also places of worship for presbyterians, quakers, independants, baptists, and Wesleyans. 

In the vicinity, the following places are deserving ofattention:--Guy's cliff, the ruins of Kenilworth castle, Stoneleighabbey, Charlcott-house, and Combe abbey. Passing over the new bridge, on the road to Leamington, there is a grand picturesque view ofWarwick; there being in the foreground the rich meadows, with the Avonmeandering through them, the church of St. Nicholas, and the treesbehind, which form a dark shade. Near to it is the castellatedentrance into the castle, and the elegant tower of St. Peter's chapel. On the right is the priory, with its beautiful woods. The town isperceptible in the centre, with the tower of St. Mary's, which risesabove the variegated and extensive groves of the castle. On the leftis the principal object, the castle, which raises its lofty embattledtowers over the shady groves with which it is surrounded. The elegantbridge, whose span is 105 feet, is a prominent feature in thelandscape. 

On the road leading to Tachbrook, about one mile from the town, theeye is gratified with a rich and luxuriant landscape, wherein appearsthe church of St. Nicholas, the priory, the hospital of St. John, thetower of St. Mary's church, and, to crown the whole, the castle. 

The walks and rides in the vicinity of this town present innumerableobjects deserving of attention, and whoever takes delight in ruralscenery, may here be amply gratified. 

In addition to these works, there is a considerable manufactory ofhats, and an iron-foundry; to which may be added a corn mill, whereinare five pair of stones, and three of them constantly in motion, bywhich means they are enabled to grind and dress three hundred bushelsof flour every day. 

_The County Hall. _

This is an elegant pile of building, with a stone front, ornamentedwith pillars of the Corinthian order, to which, the ascent is by aflight of steps, through folding doors, into a noble room of justproportions, being ninety-four feet in length and thirty-six inbreadth. At each end are semicircular recesses, surmounted by cupolas, and fitted up with convenient galleries, where the two courts ofjustice are held; the criminal court being on the right, and that forcivil causes on the left; between which there is accommodation for theservants and attendants upon the court. Above there is an apartmentwhere the petit juries occasionally retire, and adjoining it is theroom where the grand jury assemble. The quarter sessions for thecounty are also held in this hall, and in it all county meetings areconvened. During the races there is a temporary boarded floor laiddown, and the hall is converted into a ball-room, the two recessesbeing fitted up for card parties: the pillars with which it isornamented are encircled with wreaths of lamps, and what was beforethe solemn court of justice, is now converted into a brilliantand sportive scene, where gaiety and fashion take place of theirpredecessors. 

_The Court House. _

This spacious and elegant pile of building is appropriated to the useof the body corporate, there being two rooms on the ground floor; thaton the right is where the mayor and aldermen hold their assemblies, and the other is fitted up as a court, where the sessions are heldfor the borough. On the second floor, there is a commodious, well-proportioned apartment, sixty feet by twenty-seven, which isfitted up in an elegant manner with superb cut-glass chandeliers oflarge dimensions, at one end of which is an orchestra and also a cardroom adjoining. In this room annual entertainments are given by themayor, and public meetings for the borough are convened. In it publiclectures upon any particular subject are occasionally delivered, andit is also sometimes used as a ballroom. 

_The Market House. _

This substantial building does credit to the town; it being veryconvenient for those who bring the produce of their farms to market. The upper apartments are made use of as store-rooms for the arms andaccoutrements of the military within the county. From its summit thereis a fine view of the town, and also a prospect of the surroundingcountry. 

_The Stone Bridge_. 

This elegant structure, which is erected across the river Avon, consists of one arch, measuring 105 feet in the span, at the expenseof four thousand pounds: one thousand was contributed by thecorporation, and the remainder was defrayed by the Earl of Warwick. 

_The Iron Bridge_. 

The rock whereon this town is erected being cut away, to make a roadinto it twenty-four feet wide, Charles Mills, Esq. One of the membersfor the borough, caused an iron bridge to be erected at his expense, across this road, and thereby formed a junction between themarketplace and the Saltsford. 

_The Theatre_. 

The town not being very extensive, this building was erected tocorrespond with the population: it is no ways remarkable in itsexternal appearance, but it is fitted up in a neat and convenientmanner within, and is always opened during the races. 

_College School_. 

This ancient pile of building is of considerable size, and in it thenative children of the parish, who think proper to take advantage ofthe institution, are educated free of expense; but as the course ofinstruction is prescribed to the learned languages only, its utilityas a free school for general education is very contracted. The salaryof the master, who must be a clergyman of the established religion, is seventy-five pounds, and he having but little employment, has anassistant, who receives annually thirty pounds, exclusive of otheremoluments. To this school two estates were left in trust, to providetwo exhibitions of seventy pounds each, for two young men, natives ofthe town, towards defraying the expense of their education, at Oxford, for the space of seven years. 

There is also a public library, wherein is a considerable collectionof well-chosen books, chiefly of modern literature; but the buildingthat contains it is not deserving of notice. 

The charitable donations and benefactions that have been left to thistown are very numerous, and amount to a large sum of money. 

Here are six different alms-houses, one school wherein thirty-nineboys are taught reading, writing, and arithmetic, and thirty-six girlsare instructed in reading, writing, sewing, and knitting. There isalso a school of industry, and four sunday schools. A lying-in charityis also established here, for the relief of poor married women, residing within the borough, who each of them are accommodated with aset of child-bed linen for one month, one pound of candles, one poundof soap, and during the winter months, with two hundred weight ofcoals. They are also provided with a sufficient quantity of caudle, together with proper attendants, and all necessary medical advice. Inaddition to the before-mentioned there are two poor-houses. 

There is also a very ancient building, denominated Leicester'shospital, for the reception of twelve indigent men, who are termedbrethren, together with a master, who must be a clergyman of theestablished church, and in preference to all others, if he offershimself, the vicar of St. Mary's. It is endowed with land, which atthe time was valued at £200 per annum, but now amounts to near £2000, exclusive of the vicarage of Hampton-in-Arden, which is in the gift ofthe brethren, who usually bestow it upon the master. It had long beenascertained that the clear annual rental of the estate far exceededall that could be required for the support of the number of brethrenin the hospital, and that the salary of the master was fixed at fiftypounds per annum. 

In the year 1813, this important business was brought beforeparliament, when it appeared, that each of the brethren received, clear of all deductions, about £130 per year each, which sum the actleaves them in the possession of; but it provides, as vacancies occur, either by death or otherwise, on the admission of every new member, his annual income shall not exceed £80, and that the surplus £50 shallone half of it go to the increase of the master's salary, until itamounts to £400 per annum, and the remainder is to form a fund for thesupport of ten additional members. The qualification for admissionbeing now fixed at £50 per annum: no candidate is to be possessed ofan income exceeding that. Adjoining to the hospital is a chapel, whichis neatly fitted up for the use of the brethren, the master, and hisfamily, who daily assemble there for morning and evening prayer, except on those days when service is performed at St. Mary's, wheretheir attendance is then required. 

_St. Mary's Church_. 

This stately building taken altogether makes a very respectableappearance, particularly the tower, wherein are eight bells and a setof chimes; what is very remarkable, the principal entrance into thechurch is under the tower; therefore it admits of a grand view downthe middle aisle, which being terminated by the east window, is seento great advantage. There is in this church an excellent organ, andnumerous monuments, but none of them any ways remarkable. From thesouth transept of this church, you descend by a flight of steps to St. Mary's chapel, and enter therein by folding doors, which, when opened, the eye is astonished upon viewing the interior of this beautiful andmagnificent structure, which is considered to be as fine a specimenof gothic architecture as any in the kingdom, it being in the pointedstyle of the middle order. This chapel, having been twenty-one yearsin building, was finished in the year 1464, and including the monumenterected to commemorate the Earl of Warwick, cost £2481, an amazing sumat that period. In the chapel there are five sumptuous monuments. 

_St. Nicholas's Church_. 

This incongruous pile of building is of modern date, being opened fordivine service on the 17th September, 1780. 

_County Gaol. _

This extensive, substantial, and commodious pile of building is ofsolid stone, and in all respects so complete, that every purpose itwas intended to answer is fully accomplished. The area of this prisoncontains near an acre of ground, which is surrounded by a walltwenty-three feet high, and of proportionate strength. 

_County Bridewell. _

This building is of stone, and contains numerous apartments, in everyone of which there is a glazed window and an iron door, the sleepingrooms being furnished with iron bedsteads and chaff beds, with tworugs to each. A donation is made to every prisoner, on being released, according to the distance he is from home and behaviour duringconfinement. One or two shirts or shifts, a pair of shoes, or ajacket, are presented to those who have been in prison six months. 

_The Castle. _

The necessary limits to which this work is confined, will not admit ofdescribing that magnificent and sumptuous pile of building; thereforethose who are desirous of seeing a description of it, are referred tothe local historian. 

_The Priory. _

This ancient edifice is in the immediate vicinity of Warwick: it wasoriginally a complete square, three sides of which still remain, thefourth having been removed. --The western side appears to have beenpart of the ancient chapel, there still remaining part of thebaptismal font, which is of stone, richly ornamented, and is highlydeserving the attention of an antiquarian. 

It is situated on a pleasing eminence, embosomed in the ancient andmajestic groves, surrounded by delightful gardens and an extensivepark, and presents such a beautiful sylvan scene as is rarely to bemet with. The undulated surface of the ground, intermingled withnumerous sheets of water, are richly adorned with trees of variouskinds, of vigorous growth and the most beautiful forms, among whichthe elm and the chesnut are particularly conspicuous. Through thispark there are several footpaths open to the public, and are the mostrural and delightful walks imaginable. 

_Guy's Clift_. 

Leland, the antiquarian, who wrote in the time of Henry 8th, speakingof this delightful and romantic place, says, "It is the abode ofpleasure, and a place delightful to the muses: there are naturalcavities in the rocks, small but shady groves, clear and chrystalstreams, flowery meadows, mossy caves, a gentle murmuring riverrunning among the rocks, and to crown all, solitude and quiet, friendly in so high a degree to the muses. "

The approach to this romantic place is from the Coventry road, by theside of shady plantations, until you arrive at a lofty stone arch, through which you enter the court yard, the whole of which is hewn outof the solid rock, and underneath there are subterraneous passages andcellars, wherein the atmospheric air produces so little effect, thatduring the heats of summer or the colds in winter the thermometer onlyvaries one degree. In this court there are numerous stables excavatedout of the solid rock, as are some of the lower apartments of thehouse, which is an elegant modern mansion, and near to it is theancient chapel, with its embattled towers and gothic windows, as itwas originally built in the reign of Henry 6th, and is still in goodrepair. Those who admire the productions of early genius will here behighly gratified, there being great numbers of original paintings, and some copies, executed by the only son of the worthy proprietor ofGuy's clift, whose premature death at the age of twenty-two, causedinexpressible grief to all who were honoured with his acquaintance. Exclusive of these, there are others by artists of the greatestcelebrity. 

The ancient pleasure grounds exhibit a great variety of pleasingobjects, and also numerous curiosities; among others, a mill that wasin being before the Norman conquest, it being mentioned in doomsdaybook. There is also Guy's well, where this renowned champion wasaccustomed to slake his thirst, which is described by Leland asfollows, it still remaining in the same state as it was then--"Thesilver wells in the meadows were enclosed with pure white sleekstones, like marble, and a pretty house, erected like a cage, one endonly open, to keep comers from the rain. " The apartments under thechapel, where the chantry priests were used to reside, still remainentire, without having undergone any alteration. Near to this spot isGuy's cave, "Where with his hands he hew'd a house, Out of a craggy rock of stone, And lived, like a palmer, poor, Within that house alone. "

This bears the appearance of being a natural eave, for the upper partdoes not exhibit any marks where the tool has been made use of, butthe lower part does; and here, tradition says, this mighty warriorwas interred, and also his wife, fair Phillis. Over this cave is fairPhillis's walk, who, it is related, was accustomed to resort here, whilst her husband, though not known to her as such, was performinghis devotions in the cave below. From these delightful and romanticwalks there are numerous opportunities for an expert draughtsman toexercise his abilities. 

_Leamington Priors. _

The distance between Warwick and Leamington is only two miles, andthere are two distinct roads, both of them excellent; and whether aperson rides or walks, if the mind is susceptible of pleasingideas, neither time nor fatigue will be thought of. The roads aboutLeamington are in excellent order, and present numerous delightful andpicturesque views, which are fully described by Mr. Field, and alsoby Mr. Moncrief in his Guide to Leamington, wherein he has introducedsome appropriate, entertaining, and amusing poetry. Whoever resorts tothese saline springs in search of amusement, if he has money and timeat command, cannot fail, during the season, between May and November, of being highly gratified, except the mind is entirely depraved. Toevery visitant, the guide of Mr. Moncrief will not only be usefulbut entertaining. The poetical epistles of Miss Fidget are not onlydescriptive but very humorous, and the poetry of Mr. Pensile is veryappropriate. 

Before Leamington rose into esteem, there was a facetious man residedthere, named Benjamin Satchwell, by trade a shoemaker, who, when anydifferences arose among the villagers, he was in general the mediator;they not being at that time cursed with either a wrangling lawyeror an hypocritical methodist. He was also the village poet, andfrequently exercised his talents in praise of the waters, and likewiseof any respectable person who came with intent to derive benefitfrom them. He is said to have kept annals in verse of its rise andprogress, and also cases of cures performed by the virtues of thesaline spring, and that he let them out to the visitors for theiramusement, on certain terms. Admitting this to be true, is it notvery singular that Mr. Bisset, nor his predecessor, Mr. Pratt, shouldneither of them introduce these jeu des esprits, for the entertainmentof their readers, or why did not Mr. Moncrief collect them together;they certainly would have increased the sale of his work? As they areoverlooked by the local historians, it is not likely that a casualvisitor should stumble upon them. 

This village having for a series of years been celebrated for a springof saline water, it has for some time become fashionable to resortthere. The first baths were erected in the year 1786, now calledthe Centre well, by Mr. Thomas Abbotts, a native of the place; thebeneficial effects of the water having been noticed and recommended byDr. Kerr, of Northampton, and Dr. Allen. At this time there were twobaths, one of them hot and the other cold, which for several yearsafforded sufficient accommodation for all invalids who resorted there, and were in general lodged at the adjacent cottages, there being nomore than two small inns, the Bowling Green and the sign of the Dog. 

Dr. Edward Johnstone, of Birmingham, having recommended the use ofthese waters to several of his patients, the number of visitantsincreased annually, so that in 1790, Matthew Wise, Esq. Caused anotherwell to be opened, now called the Road well, where he erected arange of baths, more spacious than the others, to which was annexedconsiderably more conveniences, with some pretensions to elegance; butas yet no additional apartments were provided for the accommodation ofstrangers, except a few more of the cottagers fitting up additionalrooms, it being no more than a rural and retired village. 

In the year 1794, Dr. Lambe, a physician of eminence, who residedat Warwick, published in the fifth volume of the Memoirs of theManchester Philosophical Society, an accurate analysis of theLeamington water, by which it appears to possess the same genialinfluence on the human frame as the water of Cheltenham, which wasthen rising into celebrity. There was one very material differencebetween the waters of Leamington and those of Cheltenham, there beingat the former place an abundant supply of the mineral water, not onlyfor drinking but for hot and cold bathing; whilst, on the contrary, the saline spring at Cheltenham scarcely produced a sufficientquantity for drinking. The influx of visitors to Leamington nowincreased with such rapidity, that every cottager exerted himself tofit up lodgings, and every house to which lodgers resorted improvedtheir appearance; in short, new wells were opened, new houses erected, and not only new streets formed in the old town, as it was now called, but a plan was drawn for the erection of a new town, which has withina few years increased in a most astonishing manner. 

The Dukes of Bedford and Gordon, attended by their Duchesses, havingvisited and remained at Leamington for some time, it induced the Earlof Aylesford, who is lord of the manor, and of course, proprietor ofthe spring, to visit Leamington, where, having made the necessaryenquiries, he gave orders that the spring should be properly inclosed, at his expense, securing to the poor the benefit of the waters, andhad he lived, it was his intention to have erected baths for theiraccommodation. The visitants increasing in number, Mr. Wise hasaugmented the number of his baths, there being one cold bath, four hotfor the use of gentlemen, seven for ladies, and one for children, allfitted up with Dutch tiles, or Derbyshire marble, and furnished forthe convenience of invalids, with hand rails: to each of the baths isattached a dressing room, with a fire-place in it. Adjoining thesebaths there is a small but elegant pump-room; the water being raisedby a horse engine. 

In 1810, a fourth well was opened, which is called the Bridge well, and is situated near the bridge, close to the river: it belongs to Mr. Robbins, who has erected one large cold bath, three hot baths, and onefor children. --These, with the exception of the last, are accompaniedby convenient dressing-rooms; the water being raised by a horseengine. 

The South well, the property of the Rev. Mr. Read, was opened in thesame year, (1810), where there are one cold bath, formed with Dutchtiles, three hot baths, one of them being marble, and one forchildren: these baths are very neat, but they have not the convenienceof dressing-rooms. 

During the same year, (1810), a sixth well was opened on the northside of the river, where a magnificent suite of baths and a spaciouspump-room are erected, at the expense of twenty-five thousand pounds;there are twenty in number, hot, cold, tepid, vapour, and shower;one of them being a chair bath, which is an admirable contrivance toimmerge the invalid, on the chair where he was undressed, into thebath, in a secure and easy manner. --These baths are spacious, andadmirably constructed with Dutch tiles, and most of them have theaccommodation of dressing-rooms. The water is raised by a steam engineof two horse power; and to the great credit of the proprietors, theyhave devoted one hot and two cold baths to the use of the poor. Thisextensive building exhibits a noble front, the central part being onehundred and six feet in length and thirty in height, to which thereare two wings, each of them extending thirty-feet and in heighttwenty. A spacious colonade, formed by double pillars of the Doricorder, encompass it on three sides, all of native stone, makes thisbuilding rank among the first and most magnificent structures in thekingdom. It was designed and executed by Mr. C. S. Smith, architect ofLondon. The baths for the use of the ladies are nearest to the river, and those at the other end are for gentlemen, the entrance to thembeing from the two wings. The entrance to the pump-room, which isextensive, lofty, and of exact proportions, is through folding doorsat each extremity of the central building. --The ornaments of theceiling, the cornices, and in fact, the whole interior embellishments, are chaste and simply elegant. On one side the light is introducedthrough seven windows, and on the opposite side by one window of largedimensions, composed of stained glass. Underneath this window thereare two elegant chimney pieces, formed of Kilkenny marble. At thewestern extremity of the room, on an ornamental pedestal of Derbyshiremarble, there is the pump, if it may be so called, it having a basonin the centre, which is enclosed by a neat mahogany ballustrade. Thevisitors receive the water in glasses from beautiful damsels, and towhom it is usual to give a gratuity. The terms for drinking the waterat these baths is 3s. 6d. Per week, exclusive of the gratuity. At theother wells it is 2s. 6d. Per week, and the gratuity. The terms forbathing appear to be in general, 3s. For a warm bath, 2s. For thatof a child, and 1s. 6d. For a cold bath, with a gratuity to theattendant. 

In the year 1816, a seventh well made its appearance inClemens-street, which bears the pompous title of the imperialsulphuric medical font, and ladies' marble baths. There are here fourbaths, with a dressing-room to each, and also an elegant pump-room. 

Lest seven wells and fifty baths should not be sufficient toaccommodate the visitors at Leamington, preparations are making forthe eighth well, near Ranelagh gardens, where the baths are intendedto be more splendid than any of the former, and also the pump-room, under the title of the Spa. 

From the hour of seven to nine in the morning is the accustomed timeto promenade and drink the water, though numbers defer it till afterbreakfast, and bathe in the evening before they retire to rest. 

When the warm baths are not in use, they are invariably kept and shewnempty, being filled in presence of the visitor, or during the time heis preparing to use them; the process of filling not requiring morethan three minutes. The cold baths are in general emptied and ofcourse filled every day, or more frequently if required; but of latethey are not much resorted to, the warm or tepid bath being preferred. The prevailing opinion among medical men is, that the latter is by farthe more efficacious in most disorders, and more conducive to healththan the former; because, where a person continues immersed in salinewater for some time, it enters into the pores of the skin, and by thatmeans is more likely to be of benefit in cutaneous or other disordersfor which it is usually recommended. 

The houses in Union-parade, Upper Union-street, Cross-street, andothers, being erected, some public-spirited gentlemen, in order toattract the attention of the public, in the year 1813 resolved toerect an assembly-room that might vie with, if not excel those of Bathand Cheltenham. 

This, at the expense of ten thousand pounds, was carried intoexecution by a pupil of the celebrated Wyatt. The spacious front ofthis beautiful edifice is constructed with native stone, wherein nosuperfluous ornaments are admitted. In the central part there are arange of seven windows, supported by light pilasters of the Ionicorder, surmounted by a plain entablature. Two handsome wings projectfrom the main building, and judiciously relieve it; they contain thoseapartments that are usual and necessary appendages to a large assemblyroom. --There are two entrances into this building; one on the easternside, from Union-parade, through a small porch, supported by fourIonic columns; the other, the principal entrance, is from UpperCross-street, through a pair of large folding doors in the rightwing, into the hall. The hall is spacious and well-proportioned, the refectory being opposite to the entrance. To the right isa billiard-room, containing a massive mahogany table, made byFernyhough, of London, said to be worth one hundred guineas, and tothe left a flight of stairs conducts you to another billiard-room, which, although it is not quite so spacious, is equally commodious asthe other. On the same side you enter the ball-room through a pair offolding doors: this magnificent room measures in length eighty-twofeet, in width thirty-six, and in height twenty-six. From the ceiling, which is beautifully ornamented with stucco, three superb chandeliersof cut glass are suspended, which with those in the other apartmentsare said to have cost one thousand guineas. The range of windowsaforementioned are furnished with curtains of crimson moreen, edgedwith black fringe. On the opposite side of the room there are twofire-places, the chimney pieces being formed of Kilkenny marble, highly polished, over which are two ornamental mirrors of largedimensions. At the upper end is the orchestra, to the left of whichis a door leading into the card room, which is a spacious and elegantapartment, and beyond it is a reading-room, well provided with theLondon and provincial newspapers, to which are added some of themost esteemed periodical publications. On ball nights, this room isappropriated for tea. From the month of June till November balls areheld every Thursday night, at eight o'clock, and card assembliesoccasionally throughout the season. The whole concern is under thedirection of a committee, the master of the ceremonies being C. Stevenson, Esq. 

Mr. George Stanley, mason, of Warwick, laid the first brick of thefirst house erected at new Leamington, 8th October, 1808. This firsthouse was built by Mr. Frost, of Warwick, and stands at the corner ofUpper Cross-street, opposite the assembly rooms; in honour of himthere is now a street bears his name, (Frost-street. )

_The Theatre. _

This neat building, upon a diminutive scale, was erected in 1814, immediately in front of the Bath hotel, the exterior appears to becoated with Parker's cement, and the interior is ornamented with viewsof Leamington, Warwick, Guy's Clift, &c, and fitted up with sometaste. 

_The Post Office. _

This necessary and convenient place for all descriptions of people toresort to, is situated about two hundred yards east of the church, where there are gardens, kept in neat order, for the accommodationof those who wait with impatience for their letters; or they maypromenade from the office to Gordon house. 

_Ranelagh Gardens_

Are regularly improved every season, and with their variousamusements, are deserving of attention. 

_The Church_

Is an ancient pile of building, dedicated to All Saints, which, from the great influx of visitors, being found too small for theiraccommodation, an entire new wing was constructed in 1816, and itstill requires to be farther extended, or a new one erected. Amoderate subscription from the wealthy visitors would do much towardsit. The officiating minister, the Rev. E. Trotman, is only engagedto do single duty on a Sunday, but to accommodate the visitors, heperforms a second entire service, and to remunerate him for hisattention, subscription books are opened. During the season of 1818, another hotel was begun, upon which twenty thousand pounds beingappropriated to the completion of it, is a sum sufficient to render itequal to any other house of entertainment in the kingdom. 

An elegant suite of rooms have recently been opened, entitled theApollo, where assemblies were held every fortnight, during winter. Boarding houses are continually opening every week, and in everyquarter of the town there are good houses in a state of forwardness, against the present season. 

_A Hint from the Editor_. 

From the rapid manner in which the buildings encrease at Leamington, it is evident that there is a superabundance of money, and as softwater is a scarce article within the town, could not a portion of thatsuperfluous money be advantageously employed in conveying that usefuland necessary article to the respective houses, by means of a steamengine, there being a powerful spring at no great distance?

_To Meriden, twelve miles, on the road to Coventry. _

You proceed through Deritend and Bordesley, when you take the lefthand road, and having crossed the Warwick canal, the ruins ofBordesley house are in full view; they having continued in thatstate ever since the year 1791, when the house was demolished by aninfuriated mob. The land by which it is surrounded has been parcelledout, and advertised to be let for building. On the left is afarm-house, denominated the Garrison, from whence there is anextensive view over the town of Birmingham; and on this eminence itis supposed that Oliver Cromwell planted his artillery to overawe thetown; but the majority of the inhabitants being favourable to hiscause, there was no necessity to make use of it; and what gives weightto this supposition is, that this spot being about one mile and a halffrom Aston hall, it is very probable that from thence the artilleryplayed upon that mansion, as a ball penetrated into the interior ofit. At the distance of three miles and a half, there is a road on theleft, which leads to the village of Yardley. 

Having passed the four mile stone, you ascend a gently rising hill, and when at the summit a delightful and extensive view presentsitself; there being a windmill in the front, and on the left the towerof Sheldon church is seen, and also the steeple of Coleshill church. 

_Elmdon Hall. _

The seat of A. Spooner Lillingston, Esq. Is an elegant modern pile ofbuilding, on the right of the road, at the distance of six miles. Itis situate in an extensive lawn, interspersed with shrubberies, fromwhence there are variegated and extensive prospects, the churches ofBirmingham, Solihull, and Yardley being distinctly seen, backed byBarr-beacon, the Rowley hills, &c. And withoutside of the lawn thespire of Coleshill church is a pleasing object. The church, which is aneat stone building, was erected by Abraham Spooner, Esq. The entranceis under the tower, which admits of exhibiting to great advantage, anelegant window composed entirely of stained glass. In the centre is arepresentation of the last supper, delicately executed in a circle, about nine inches in diameter, date 1532. There are also three ovals, representing Faith, Hope, and Charity, executed in a masterly manner, apparently about the same period. There is also a neat organ, of asize suitable to the place. 

At a short distance farther, there is on the right a church upon aneminence, with a delicate spire, at a place called Church Bickenhill;and a short distance beyond is an extensive and variegated prospect, with Coleshill church on the left. Having crossed the river Cole atStonebridge, at the distance of half a mile on the left is Packingtonhall, the seat of the Earl of Aylesford, which is a substantial modernstone building, situated in a park, wherein are some of the most nobleoak trees that are to be found in the kingdom. There are also numeroussheets of water, and the church, which was erected by the late Earl, after a plan of Bonomi's, which is an immense arch, both interiorand exterior, after the manner of the Italians, and is nearly inthe centre of the park. The organ was made by order of Handel, andpresented by him to the late Earl; it being esteemed a very finetoned one. --The altar-piece represents angels paying adoration to theSaviour, and is painted in a masterly style by Rigaud. 

The archery ground made use of by the woodmen of Ardeu is bounded by aplantation on the left of the road, about one mile before you arriveat Meriden. The members of this society hold several meetings eachsummer, when they shoot for various prizes. On the ground there is anelegant building erected, where the members dine, or take refreshment, and at other times it serves as a general deposit for their bows andarrows. This is almost the only society of woodmen now in the kingdom. At Meriden there is a commodious inn, adjacent to which are delightfulgardens, and the accommodation for travellers are excellent. 

_To Sutton, distant eight miles, on the road to Lichfield. _

You leave Birmingham, through Aston-street and the adjacent buildingsin the parish of Aston, which extend for a considerable distance alongthe road. Having passed the buildings, you soon after cross a smallstream of water, that has performed its office of turning a corn mill, which you perceive on your left hand. This mill was within memory aforge, for the making of bar iron. --There is another mill upon thesame stream, a short distance above, known by the name of Astonfurnace, which was a blast furnace for the purpose of making pig ironto supply the forge below, and must have been made use of as such fora prodigious number of years, the slag or refuse from it forming animmense heap only a few years back, which has been conveyed awayto make and repair the roads, and in some instances to erectbuildings. [9] This mill has been considerably enlarged, and a steamengine erected contiguous to it, and is now used as a paper mill. Froman adjacent hill there is a good view over the town of Birmingham. 

[Footnote 9: See Hockley abbey, on the road to Wolverhampton. ]

A lofty brick wall now presents itself to view, by which the parkbelonging to Aston hall is surrounded: it being by computation threemiles in circumference; within which there is a great abundance ofvaluable timber, and it is also well stocked with deer. When the wallrecedes from the high road, keep by the side of it, which leads you tothe parish church, and also to the mansion house or hall, which is abrick building, erected by Sir Thomas Holt, about the year 1636, atthe same time that he enclosed the park. He also erected alms houses, for five men and five women, which he endowed, with eighty-eightpounds per annum, out of the manor of Erdington. The hall has of lateyears been in the possession of Heneage Legge, Esq. But is at presentunoccupied, and the whole estate is upon sale. [10]

[Footnote 10: Since writing the above, the mansion of Aston, togetherwith the park, has been purchased by Messrs. Greenway and Whitehead, of Warwick, who have converted the house into two tenements, disposedof the deer, turned the park into enclosures, and fallen the timber. ]

The church which is dedicated to St. Peter and Paul, is a stonebuilding, with a lofty spire, and contains several monuments of theHolt family; it is also ornamented with two windows of stained glass, by Eginton. In the church-yard there is a remarkable grave stone, which is fixed east and west. [11] The present incumbant is the Rev. Benjamin Spencer, L. L. D. 

Sir Lister Holt, the late proprietor of this estate, not having anychildren, and being at variance with his only brother, (who succeededto the title), he entailed the estate upon four different families, none of whom had or are likely to have any children, although theyhave been in possession of it for the space of near forty years. 

[Footnote 11: It is a thick stone, about two foot in height, on whichis the following inscription:--

EAST SIDE;

 HERE LIETH THE BODY OF REBECKAH PEMBORTON WIF OF ISAAC PEMBORTON BVRI 27 OF DECEM 1660

 HERE LIETH THE BODY OF ISAAC PEM- BERTON HE DEPARTED DECEM 4: 1697 AGED 76

WEST SIDE. 

 THO I AM HERE LAID LOW IN GRAVE THINK ON THE COVNSEL WICH I GAVE THO TRO VNLES MAY TO Y DECEND: A GRAC LOVS BLESSIN IN THE END

 THE FIRST STONE SET VP IN THIS YARD THO OTHERS SINCE MORE FINLY CARVED WAS IN REMEMBERANCE OF SHE AN OBJECT OF MORTALITY]

Returning into the main road, you perceive on the left a double row oflofty elms, that extend about half a mile; and at the termination ofthe vista, Aston hall and the lofty spire of the church produce agrand effect. On the right there is a sheet of water that turns a millfor the use of the Birmingham manufacturers. You soon after crossSalford bridge, to the right of which is an aqueduct that conveys theBirmingham canal over the river Tame. The village of Erdington doesnot contain any object deserving of attention, but a little beyondon the right is Pipe hall, an ancient seat of the Bagot family, nowoccupied by the Rev. Egerton Bagot. 

In the vicinity there are several neat houses, which are chieflyinhabited by wealthy people, who have retired from Birmingham. A shortdistance from hence Mary Ashford was found drowned on the 27th May, 1817. 

About the fifth mile stone, the eye is gratified on the left withan extensive view over the country, which continually varies fora considerable distance, until a most beautiful and picturesquelandscape presents itself; a white house belonging to a mill and anextensive sheet of water being in front, Barr-beacon in the background, and the woods in Sutton park on the right. 

_Sutton Coldfield. _

This remarkably neat and clean town is situated about midway betweenthe town of Birmingham and the city of Lichfield; lying south from thelatter place, its name is supposed to be derived from South Town, andby corruption, Sutton. There is a very considerable portion of landnear this town, where travellers say the air is equally sharp and coldas it is upon the highlands of Scotland, and from this circumstancethe latter part of its name originates. Independant of this tract ofland, there is another contiguous to it, which is denominated thepark, wherein a part of the Roman road, called Icknield Street, stillremains perfect; there is also a spring called Rounton well, whosewater is remarkably cold and produces a very copious stream, to whichnumerous people who are afflicted with cutaneous disorders resort, and derive considerable benefit from drinking and bathing therein. Itcures the most virulent itch in the human species, and also the mangein dogs, if sufficient care is taken to wash them well in the stream, but a slight washing will not produce the desired effect. 

The church is an ancient stone building, dedicated to the HolyTrinity, and the present rector is the Rev. John Riland, who is alsopatron of the living. Within the church there is an organ, and somemonuments deserving of attention; there are also three vaults, twoof which having been opened, the coffins and their contents weremouldered into dust, although they had been deposited there within thememory of man. 

This town was incorporated by the eighth Henry, at the solicitation ofVesey, bishop of Exeter, who was his chancellor, and a native of thisplace. It is denominated a corporate body, by the name of the wardenand society of the king's town of Sutton Coldfield, and consists oftwenty-four members besides the warden, with a grant to them of thewhole manor and lordship of the parish, together with a tract of wasteground, called the park, containing about 3500 acres, wherein isgreat abundance of valuable timber, on condition of paying into theexchequer a fee farm rent of fifty-eight pounds per annum. 

The said Bishop Vesey erected fifty-one stone houses in the parish andalso a free grammar school, which he liberally endowed with land, andordained by the statutes, that the master should be a layman, which isstrictly adhered to. He also procured for the inhabitants a market, and the extraordinary privilege that every person who erected a housein Sutton, should be entitled to sixty acres of land in the park. 

Here are two fairs annually, for horses, neat cattle, and sheep; theone on Trinity Monday and the other on the 8th of November; when, forevery horse that is sold, a toll must be paid of four-pence, and areputable voucher produced by the person who sells it; the marksand age of the animal being registered. By the same charter, theinhabitants of Sutton are exempt from toll in all fairs and markets. The deputy steward or town clerk holds a court of record every threeweeks, for the trial of civil actions, and holds to bail for fortyshillings and upwards. 

Sessions, court leet, and other customary courts are held, and thecharter expressly says, that they shall have and exercise as muchprivilege and power as the city of Coventry; but this they do notpractise, for they commit felons to the county gaol. Every inhabitantis a landed man, which is drawn by ballot every four years; and nocounty officer can enter this franchise, to arrest, &c. Withoutespecial license. 

The town of Sutton is seated on such an eminence, that although thereare fourteen large pools of water within the parish, and some of themvery extensive, there is not the smallest stream runs into it; thetown being supplied with water by springs within it. The air is verysalubrious, the water in general soft, the situation delightfullypleasant, the neighbourhood genteel, and accommodations in generalvery excellent. In the vicinity is Four-oaks hall, the seat of SirE. C. Hartopp; Moor hall, the residence of ---- Hacket, Esq. AndAshfurlonghouse, which is at present unoccupied. 

_To Halesowen, seven miles, on the road to Hagley, Stourbridge andKidderminster. _

You proceed up Broad-street and Islington, through the five waystoll-gate; when the road inclining to the right, there is a doublerange of respectable houses, denominated Hagley-row, which have beenerected by the opulent inhabitants of Birmingham; where they not onlyenjoy fresh air, but the parochial taxes of Edgbaston do not bearany proportion with those of Birmingham. On the right hand is anobservatory, a lofty brick building, seven stories high, which bearsthe name of the Monument: it was erected by John Perrot, Esq. Aboutthe year 1758, from whence there is an extensive view over theadjacent country in every direction. The house adjourning is theresidence of John Guest, Esq. Having passed the one mile stone, theadmirer of nature will proceed with solemn pace and slow, every stephe takes varying the scene; one object being lost to view, whichis succeeded by another equally beautiful. On the left there isan extensive and picturesque prospect, which continues withoutinterruption for a considerable distance; and when the scene closeson that side, turn your eyes to the right, where there is a landscapeequally fine; which, over the inclosures, takes in Smethwick, withShireland hall in the front. A very short distance farther on the leftthere is an extensive and variegated landscape, with a house calledthe Ravenhurst in full view; the prospect being bounded by BromsgroveLickey and Frankley Beeches. At the three mile stone is theLightwoods, a neat brick house, the property and residence of MissGrundy, from whence there are some enchanting prospects. In thesewoods there are small shrubs grow in great abundance, which produceblack fruit, known by the name of bilberries, of which during someyears the poor people make a plentiful harvest. --Ascending thehill there is a delightful view over the enclosures, commanding thevillages of Harborne and King's Norton; the two parish churches beingconspicuous objects. From the Beech-lane there is a fine view, havingthe hills of Clent and Cofton in the distance. 

At a place called the Quinton, near the five mile stone, there is agrand prospect, and from this eminence there arise two springs, one ofwhich flows into the Severn and the other into the Trent. On the leftis Belle Vue, the residence of James Male, Esq. From whence, as itsname imports, there is a grand panoramic view of the country, thatfills the mind with the most sublime ideas, such as cannot bedescribed either by pen or pencil. In descending the hill oppositesome cottages, there is a road leading to _The Leasowes. _

Wherein the inimitable Shenstone took so much delight, and decoratedin such a manner, that in his days they were spoken of and resorted toby all people of refined taste, who came within a day's ride; and notan individual ever left them without expressions of astonishment atwhat they had seen and heard from the worthy proprietor, who warbledforth his verses in such a melodious manner, and on such subjects, that delighted every ear, as his diversified shady walks did everyeye. 

His remains were interred in the church-yard of Halesowen, to whosememory, some years afterwards, a small stone pillar, with an urn onthe top of it, was fixed near the vestry door, within the church, but has since been removed within the chancel, to make room for amagnificent marble monument, to the memory of Major Halliday, executedby Banks, for which he received about one thousand pounds; there beingon each side of it a figure, large as life; one representing Patienceand the other Fortitude. 

On the pillar to the memory of Shenstone is the followinginscription:--

 Whoe'er thou art, with rev'rence tread These sacred mansions of the dead. Not that the monumental bust, Or sumptuous tomb, here guards the dust Of rich, or great, (let wealth, rank, birth, Sleep undistinguished in the earth. ) This simple urn records a name, That shines with more exalted fame. Reader! if genius, taste refin'd, A native elegance of mind; If virtue, science, manly sense; If wit that never gave offence; The clearest head, the tend'rest heart, In thy esteem e'er claim'd a part; Ah! smite thy breast, and drop a tear; For know, thy Shenstone's dust lies here, R. G. And J. HODGETS. A. O. P. 

The Leasowes are now in the possession of Matthias Attwood, Esq. Andthese delightful walks, although their beauties have been curtailedto a considerable degree, by conveying the Netherton canal across thevalley, close by them, are still highly deserving the attention of allpersons who take delight in rural scenery; and for the accommodationof those who are inclined to meditate and contemplate, numerous seatsare affixed, in different directions. Such scenes as these walksafford are very seldom to be met with in any part of England;therefore those who are in pursuit of amusement, will not regret ifthey devote one day to view them; and as they consist of hill anddale, it will of course cause some fatigue, which may with ease bealleviated, there being close at hand a neat and comfortable house ofentertainment, kept by Betty Taylor. The source of the river Stour isin these grounds. 

When near the bottom of the hill, the road divides; that on the rightleads to Stourbridge, and the other to _Halesowen, in Shropshire. _

This place has been considered as a borough, by prescription, from time immemorial, and is supposed to have been represented inparliament at a very early period; but what ancient writings they werein possession of, being (as I am informed), conveyed to London andnever returned, they have now none to exhibit. A court leet is heldannually, when two officers are appointed, under the appellation ofhigh and low bailiff; but I cannot understand that they enjoy anyemolument, or are in possession of any jurisdiction. In the reign ofKing John, he founded a monastery here, and the church is supposed tohave been erected about the same period; it being an ancient building, dedicated to St. John; with a lofty spire. The present incumbent isthe Rev. ---- Robinson. Near a mile distant there are still someremains of the monastery, and to the professed antiquary there isprobably something deserving of his attention. In digging two holesto fix a gate, a short time since, there was found a considerablequantity of stained glass, in small fragments, some few of which arepreserved, as are also some square tiles or quarries, about fiveinches broad and one thick, with curious devices upon them. It is nowdenominated the manor farm, and is the property of Lord Lyttleton. Dr. Nash, in his appendix to the history of Worcestershire, gives thefollowing extract from the papers of Bishop Lyttleton. 

_Halesowen Abbey. _

This ancient structure was situated about half a mile south of thetown, on what is now called the manor farm, near the road leadingto Northfield. King John, in the 16th year of his reign, granted acharter to Peter de Rupibus, bishop of Winton, by which he gave themanor and advowson of the church of Hales, with its chapels, to founda religious house in this place. In consequence of this grant, aconvent of Praemonstratensians was established A. D. 1218, dedicated tothe Virgin Mary and St. John the evangelist, and furnished with monksfrom the abbey of Welbeck, in Nottinghamshire. This religious orderwere canons, who lived according to the rule of St. Austin, andafterwards reformed by St. Norbet, at Praemonstre, in Picardy. Theywere called white canons, from their habit; which consisted of a whitecossack, with a rotchet over it, a long white cloak, and a white cap. They continued under the jurisdiction of the abbot of Praemonstre, whoreceived contributions from them, till the year 1512, when they wereexempted by Pope Julius 2d. The churches and a large proportion ofthe tythes of Walsall, Wednesbury, Rushall, Clent, and Rowley, weregranted to this convent, by successive monarchs, which was also richlyendowed by opulent individuals. The abbot and convent held ten largefarms in their own hands. In the reign of Henry 8th, the clear incomeamounted to £380 13s 2d. A large sum, considering the value of moneyin those days. In 1489, when the whole number of religious amountedonly to seventeen, there were every week consumed in bread 20 bushelsof wheat and rye. And in the course of the year, 1110 quarters ofbarley, 60 oxen, 40 sheep, 30 swine, and 24 calves; a proof that greathospitality and charity prevailed here at that time. The monasteryconsisted of an abbot, prior, sub-prior, sacrist, chanter, cellarer, and custos infirmorum: the monks never exceeded twenty in number. 

At the visitations of their superiors, punishments if requisite wereinflicted for immoralities. The house and church appear to have beenstately edifices; the chancel, if not the whole of the choir, beingpaved with flat tiles, painted in a curious manner, some of thembeing now occasionally found; and the few ruins still extant coveran extensive plot of ground, exhibiting fine specimens of Saxon andGothic architecture. 

Several persons of note have been buried in the church, particularlyJohn, Lord Botetourt, baron of Weoleigh castle, near the high altar, under a tomb of alabaster; Sir Hugh Burnell, also baron of Weoleigh;Sir William Lyttleton, of Frankley, and others, about the year 1507. 

This monastery was dissolved A. D. 1558, by Henry 8th. The commonsigillum, or chapter seal, was in the reign of Henry 4th, arepresentation of the blessed Virgin, in a sitting posture, with theinfant Christ on her left knee, and in her right hand a sceptre. Thearms of this abbey were, azure a chevron argent, between three fleurde lis. 

The situation of Halesowen is in a deep valley, and the surroundingcountry presents the most majestic appearance; being diversified withhills and dales in such a manner, that at every step you take newbeauties arise, and the scene varies so much, that the eye isunceasingly delighted, without dwelling upon any particular object. This district cannot, properly speaking, be described, either with penor pencil: the innumerable varieties of similar objects that presentthemselves to view, must be seen before any person can form the leastidea of them. 

_To Bromsgrove, in Worcestershire, distant thirteen miles, _ _on theroad to Worcester, Glocester, and Bristol. _

You proceed up Smallbrook-street, when a spacious road opens to theleft, and being clear of the buildings, the spire of King's Nortonchurch, which is six miles distant, forms a pleasing object. 

On the left you have a picturesque view of the country, whichcontinues without any intermission nearly the space of three miles. There is in this valley, what is very unusual to be seen in such asituation, a windmill; and as you proceed, there are in the samevalley several water mills, that are made use of by the Birminghammanufacturers. This view is skirted by buildings erected on the roadto Alcester, and when near the two mile stone, you perceive among thetrees, Moseley hall, which is a modern stone building; the residenceof Mrs. Taylor. Exactly, opposite, on the right hand, is the parishchurch of Edgbaston, and also the hall, which is surrounded by a park, wherein are some lofty trees, and an extensive sheet of water. Thismansion house, or hall, is now occupied by Edward Johnson, M. D. Aperson of considerable eminence in his profession. 

A short distance beyond the three mile stone the road crosses theWorcester canal; from which bridge, if you look towards Birmingham, there is a rich and variegated landscape, consisting of hill, dale, wood, and water. At the four mile stone there is a most extensiveview on each side of the road, and also in front; the spire of King'sNorton church, Frankley Beeches, and the Clent hills, being prominentfeatures. 

Having passed the five mile stone, there is on the right a beautifulview over the enclosures, backed by the beeches, at Frankley. Beforeyou arrive at the six mile stone is Northfield, from whence there ison the left a beautiful landscape; the elegant spire of King's Nortonchurch being distinctly seen. From hence to Bromsgrove is sevenmiles, in great part over the Lickey, where the eye is gratified withnumerous extensive views, from one of the highest spots of land in thekingdom. This is ascertained by two springs that issue from it, one ofwhich, flows into the Severn and the other into the Trent. 

_To Coleshill, distant ten miles, on the road to Atherstone. _

You leave Birmingham through Coleshill-street, and having passed byAshted-row, you perceive the lofty trees in Vauxhall gardens, whichmust be left on the right hand, and a few hundred yards afterwards, keeping the right hand road, you pass by, on the right, Duddeston, anelegant pile of building, the residence of Samuel Galton, Esq. But itis scarcely discernable, on account of the shrubberies by which it issurrounded. You now pass through the village of Saltley, and at theextremity, on the left, is Bennett's hill, where Mr. William Hutton, the venerable historian of Birmingham resided, and ended his days. This residence, so denominated by the proprietor, was originally avery small house, with the entrance in the centre, and a small room oneach side, to which has been added two wings, or rather rooms, beingonly one story in height: there is a wall by the road side, five feethigh, the top of which is on a level with the top of the parlourwindows; the entrance to it having been altered from the front to theside. The eccentricity of the owner appears, by terming that a hill, which on inspection will be found in a low situation, on the side ofa hill. This is noticed, because his peculiar manner of writing, hisquaint expressions, and the tales he relates of himself, have caused aconsiderable sale for his productions, and numerous people, whenthey are taking an excursion, will travel some distance to view theresidence of their favourite author. 

A short distance beyond, on the summit of the hill, commands anextensive view of Birmingham, the venerable trees in Aston park, thespire of that church, and Barr-beacon. As you pass along the road, this delightful prospect varies every step you take for a considerabledistance. These lands, formerly known by the name of Washwood heath, being inclosed in the year 1803, now let from forty to fifty shillingsper acre. At the four mile stone, there is on the right a cheerfulprospect over the country, with the lofty spire of Yardley church infull view. About half a mile farther, on entering a small common, theeye is delighted with an extensive and variegated view; the spire ofColeshill church being very discernable. 

_Castle Bromwich, distant five miles and a half_. 

Here is an ancient venerable mansion, where that eminent statesman, Sir Orlando Bridgeman, used to reside. His successor having beenhonoured with the title of Earl of Bradford, the eldest son of thepresent Earl, Lord Newport, has fixed his residence here. In thevillage is a neat place of worship, erected by Sir Orlando Bridgeman, who endowed it with the tythes of the parish, it being a chapel ofease to the parish of Aston. 

About half a century back, when there was considerable trafficbetween London and Chester, the road passed through this village, and supported two respectable inns, but the mode of conveyance beingchanged, one of the inns is converted into a farm-house, and the otherhas very little custom; for the road from Birmingham to Coventry alsopassed through here; but it is totally deprived of that also, and isnow little more than the road to Coleshill. On the road you pass byColeshill park, an ancient seat of Lord Digby; within which there arenumerous hawthorn trees of unusual magnitude: one of them producesfive stems, each equal in size to a moderate man's body. Time, thatdevours every thing, has here made great havoc among them, and alsodestroyed some oaks of large dimensions. 

_Coleshill_. 

Yew trees being of slow growth, and the wood of close texture, arelittle subject to decay; yet there is in this church-yard, the remainsof a yew tree, still alive, three parts at least of which is moulderedaway, and only a small part of the trunk remains. 

The architecture of the church is the decorated gothic or Englishstyle: it is erected on a considerable eminence, from whence thereis an extensive and variegated view over the adjacent country. Theinterior of the church, which is dedicated to St. Peter, is spacious, and contains some monuments that are well executed; among others, there are two recumbent effigies of cross-legged knights, supposed tobe of the ancient Clinton family, and those to commemorate the Digby'sare numerous. It has a beautiful tower, from whence there arises anelegant spire, which being injured by lightning, it was of coursetaken down, and the present erection is not so lofty by fifteen feetas the former. 

Coleshill has a weekly market on Wednesday, and five annual fairs, where there are numerous horses and cattle exposed to sale. Before theestablishment of mail coaches it was a very considerable post town, but that is not the case now, the route being changed. The town issituated on an ascent, and in the valley flows the river Cole, fromwhence its name is derived. The domestic buildings are in general of arespectable appearance, and there are some modern erections that uniteornament with spacious dimensions. 

_Shustock_. 

This village is situated three miles from Coleshill, on the road toAtherstone, and is noticed as being the birthplace of that celebratedantiquarian, Sir William Dugdale, whose father being a clergyman, hewas born at the rectory house, and dying at Blythe hall, his remains, and those of his lady, were deposited in a vault on the north side ofthe chancel in Shustock church. 

_Maxstoke Castle_

Is situated about one mile east of Coleshill, and is erected in theform of a parallelogram, encompassed by a moat. At each corner is anhexagonal tower, with embattled parapets. The entrance is by an augustand machicolated gateway, strengthened on each side by a tower ofhexagonal form. The gates are covered with plates of iron, and themarks of the useless portcullis are yet visible. A portion of thisedifice was accidentally destroyed by fire, but the greatest part ofthe ancient building still remains, and is an interesting specimen ofthe architectural arrangements in the 14th and 15th centuries. Amongother apartments, are the spacious hall, an extensive dining room, with a door and chimney piece, which are carved in a very curiousmanner, and also the chapel. In the walls of the great court, thereare yet remaining the caserns or lodgments for the soldiers. Thisvenerable pile of building is now the habitation of Mrs. Dilke. Ashort distance from the castle are the remains of a priory, whoseruins are rendered mournfully picturesque, by the varieties ofever-green foliage with which they are cloathed in almost everydirection. 

_To Hat-borne, in Staffordshire, distant three miles. _

Passing up Broad-street and Islington, when you are through theFive-ways[12] toll-gate, the centre road leads to Harborne. On theleft is a neat white building, called Greenfield-house, the properlyand abode of Hyla Holden, Esq. And a little farther on the same sideof the road is the parsonage-house of Edgbaston; the resilience of theRev. Charles Pixell. 

[Footnote 12: There are now six ways, Calthorpe's road being opened inthe year 1845. ]

Passing by Harborne heath cottage, when you arrive at the summit ofthe hill, is an excellent house, where Mr. Richard Smith resides; fromwhose premises there is an extensive view over the adjacent country, particularly Edgbaston and King's Norton. 

A short distance beyond, on the right, there is a delightful viewof enclosed ground, and the Lightwoods; with a white-fronted house, called the Ravenhurst, in the centre, the residence of Mr. DanielLedsam, which altogether forms a beautiful landscape. Where the roadsdivide pass on the left, leaving the village, called Harborne Town, which is principally inhabited by men who obtain a livelihood byforging of nails, and proceed down the road which leads to Bromsgrove, where on the left is a preparatory school, for boys under ten yearsof age, which is conducted by Mrs. Startin. This house commands apleasant view over the grounds that have been laid into a paddockby Mr. Price, whose neat and elegant residence, with its beautifulundulated grounds, are also on the left. 

A few paces below Mr. Price's, you arrive at a small triangulargrass plot, which is called the cottage green, and is surrounded bycottages, superior in neatness of appearance to what are usuallymet with. From hence there is a most delightful landscape of Mrs. Careless's house, which is surrounded with verdant meadows, havinga considerable sheet of water in front, and in the back ground areFrankley Beeches, with the adjacent hills of Cofton and the Lickey. 

There are in this vicinity some most delightful prospects, which areseen to great advantage from the handsome houses of Mr. Green Simcox, and also of his father, George Simcox, Esq. The former on the righthand and the latter on the left, as you proceed towards the church. This is an ancient tower Structure, the body having of late years beenrebuilt in a neat and commodious manner; consisting of a single pace, well pewed, with a modern gallery at the west end and another atthe north east corner; it is a vicarage, dedicated to St. Peter; thepresent vicar being the Rev. Richard Robinson. 

From this church-yard the eye is again delighted with extensive andbeautiful prospects; and from thence, proceeding towards Northfield, a bridge has been lately erected by subscription, which separatesthe parishes of Harborne and Northfield, and also the counties ofStafford and Worcester. The stream of water gives motion to a mill, belonging to Mr. Price, and feeds the mill pond, which is a fine sheetof water covering twenty-four acres. Not far from hence there is adelightful shady walk, which extends through the grounds of Mr. Priceand Mr. Simcox for near a mile, and at intervals commands delightfuland romantic prospects. --Within a few yards of the aforesaid bridge, the counties of Stafford, Worcester, and Warwick unite. 

Returning towards Birmingham, at the sign of the Golden Cross youpass up Mitchley-lane, which separates the counties of Stafford andWarwick; the land on the right being in the parish of Edgbaston, theproperty of Lord Calthorpe, and on the left in Harborne, belonging toTheodore Price, Esq. About half a mile up this lane, on the left, atFulford's farm, there is an interesting view over Mr. Price's paddock, of King's Norton, with its lofty spire, Cofton hills, BromsgroveLickey, Frankley Beeches, Cleat hills, &c. &c. Passing by a neatcottage belonging to Mr. Frears, you come again into the Harborneroad, at Mr. Smith's. 

In this village there is a free school for the children of theinhabitants, and also for those in the hamlet of Smethwick; but theendowment is slender. Here are also three Sunday schools, which areequal to any in the kingdom, the children being cloathed in a veryneat manner, by each of them subscribing one penny per week; and asall the respectable inhabitants are honorary members, they subscribeone penny each also. Formerly this was a very poor village, and theroads leading to it were in all directions very bad, until the lateworthy Thomas Green, Esq. Having purchased the manor house and a largeestate there, he afterwards improved the roads, and was at all timesanxious to improve this his native spot. A monument in the churchdescribes his character. ----The old manor house was the residence ofJudge Birch, and the only respectable building in the parish; which isnow a common farmhouse, where there are some vestiges of old villageelegance, and some comfortable apartments: it is the property of Mr. Simcox. Harborne being situated upon very high ground, and the soillight, renders the air very salubrious; instances of longevity beingvery numerous, particularly one couple, James Sands and his wife, oneof whom; as is recorded in Fuller's Worthies, lived to the age of 140, and the other to 120. 

_To King's Norton, in Worcester shire, distant five Mile_. 

You leave Birmingham, either through Alcester-street or up Camphill, where there is a half-timbered house, inhabited by Mr. John Simcox, anattorney. In a field nearly opposite there is perhaps the best viewover the town of Birmingham that can be taken. A short distancebeyond, on the right, is a row of houses, to which is given the nameof Highgate. A little farther, on the left, is a tan-yard, upon anextensive scale, the property of Mr. Avery Homer. 

In a field near the two mile stone, there is a grand panoramic view ofBirmingham, and the adjacent country for several miles on each side ofit, which is seen to the greatest advantage in an afternoon. A littlebeyond is Moseley hall, an elegant stone building, erected abouttwenty-five years since, by the late John Taylor, Esq. And is now theresidence of his widow. 

The village of Moseley has nothing to attract attention. The place ofworship is a chapel of ease to King's Norton: it has an ancient stonetower, but the body of it has been rebuilt of late years with brick;the officiating clergyman being the Rev. Edward Palmer. In thisneighbourhood William Villers, Esq. Resides, who has for a number ofyears been an active magistrate for the town of Birmingham. A littlebeyond Moseley hall there is on the right an extensive and picturesqueview over Edgbaston and the adjacent country, with the monument onthe right. Proceeding only a few yards farther, the scene varies in aconsiderable degree; the monument being on the left, a glass-house inthe centre, and the front of Moseley hall in full view; over the roofof which is seen some of the buildings in Birmingham. 

Upon a turn of the road, the eye is gratified with a fine view overBromsgrove Lickey, Frankley Beeches, and the adjacent hills; with thespire of King's Norton church on the left. You next pass through thevillage of King's Heath, and about one mile before you reach King'sNorton, there is on the right a most noble, picturesque, andvariegated view over an extensive country, diversified with wood, hill, and dale; the Worcester canal being in the valley. When youarrive at the finger post, the eye is delighted with a grand view overthe country; the village and church being in front. . 

_King's Norton_

The land for a considerable distance round this village being theproperty of the crown, as King's-heath, King's-wood, etc. ; denote, KingEdward 6th founded a free grammar school on the north east side of thechurch-yard, and endowed it with the sum of fifteen pounds per annum, (the inhabitants at that time preferring money to land), for a masterand usher; which still remains the same to the present day. In thetime of King William 3d, when the land-tax was first established, the inhabitants, to express their loyalty, gave an account of theirestates, at the full value, and on that account they have ever sincebeen rated in the same manner; this district paying four shillings inthe pound, at the same time that Birmingham did not pay four-pence. This being the case, the stipend allowed for the master and usher wasof course reduced in that proportion. The Worcester canal passingthrough this parish, and the land being considerably elevated, itenters a tunnel sixteen feet wide and eighteen feet high, whichcontinues for the distance of two miles, and is so accurately formed, that it is said any person may look in at one end and perceive thelight at the other end; and in this parish the Worcester and Stratfordcanals form a junction. 

The church, is a richly ornamented gothic building, with alofty spire, although only a chapel of ease to Bromsgrwe. Theofficiating-clergy man is the Rev. ---- Edwards. 

_To Barr-beacon and Aldridge, on the road to Stafford. _

Proceeding down Walmer-lane, otherwise Lancaster-street, you pass by asmall portion of Aston park wall, keeping it on your right hand, andsome time after cross the river Tame over Perry-bridge, when there isa road to the left which conducts you to Perry hall, an old moatedmansion, within a small park; the property and residence of JohnGough, Esq. Who is an eccentric character. In the winter he courseswith his tenants, who are all of them subservient to him; and duringsummer, having some deer, he disposes of the venison. If any of theneighbouring gentry send him an order for a haunch or a neck, he waitsuntil further orders arrive; and when the principal part is engaged, he then kills a buck, and executes his orders; the inferior partsserving for self and family, although his annual income must be atleast ten thousand pounds. He is said to be in possession of somevaluable paintings, but there are very few people indeed who canobtain a sight of them. 

At the distance of five mites, when the roads intersect each other, proceeding on the right hand, at the distance of three quarters of amile is the catholic college, at Oscott. About one-mile farther is aplace called the Quieslet, where the left hand road conducts you to anelegant lodge, the entrance into Barr-park, which is described on theroad to Walsall, that being a turnpike road. You soon after arrive ata clump of trees, on the summit of a hill, which is Barr-beacon, fromwhence there is perhaps a prospect equally extensive and beautiful asany in the kingdom. From hence there is a view over great part of thefollowing counties, viz. Warwick, Leicester Derby, Stafford, Chester, Salop, Worcester, Nottingham Northampton, Oxford, Glocester, Hereford, Monmouth, Brecknock, Radnor, and Montgomery; whilst thescene to the south west commands a view of Birmingham and its mostpopulous vicinity of mines, manufactories, &c. This beacon, being theproperty of Sir Joseph Scott, when he is at home, a very large flagis hoisted, and upon any public occasion several pieces of cannon arefired, which produce a grand effect. The adjacent ground, for avery considerable extent, lay waste, until an act of parliament wasobtained in 1798 for its inclosure. This land now lets from fiveshillings to twenty shillings per acre. 

_Aldridge, in Staffordshire, nine miles. _

The principal road from Birmingham to Stafford lay through thisvillage, until of late years the turnpike road through Walsall andCannock having been considerably improved, this road to the countytown is nearly if not quite abandoned; yet it leads to Hednesford(usually pronounced Hedgeford), where numerous horses are annuallytrained for the turf, upon Cannock heath. _To Edgbaston, inWarwickshire, distant one mile. _

Having passed up Broad-street and Islington, when you are throughthe turnpike, the left hand side of Ladywood-lane, the whole ofHagley-row, the road to Harborne, Calthorpe's road, and the right handside of Islington-row, are all of them in this parish. Indeedthe lands hereabouts are almost exclusively the property of LordCalthorpe, whose ancestors purchased this estate, early in the lastcentury for £25, 000, and he will not permit any manufactories to beestablished upon his land which tends in a great degree to make theneighbourhood respectable and genteel. 

The first Houses in Calthorpe's-road were erected in the year 1815;the establishment for the deaf and dumb being erected about two yearsbefore. This asylum is under the superintendance of Mr. Braidwood, andis described among the public institutions in Birmingham. --(See page39. )

There were, in former times, within this parish, three parks, Edgbaston-park, Mitchley-park, and Rotten-park, but the two latterhave many years since been thrown into inclosures. The park ofEdgbaston remains entire, and the mansion within it is now theresidence of Edward Johnson, M. D. Who is very eminent in hisprofession. --The church is an ancient gothic tower, the body having oflate years been very much modernized, and fitted up withinside in avery neat and commodious manner. The officiating clergyman is the Rev. Charles Pixell. There have been within the last three years a greatnumber of genteel houses erected by the opulent inhabitants ofBirmingham, who not only enjoy fresh air, but the parochial taxes ofthis parish do not bear any proportion with those of Birmingham. Atthis toll-gate, which bears the name of Five-ways, there are now, bythe opening of Calthorpe's road, six separate and distinct roads. About half a mile from the toll-gate, there is on the right of theHagley road, an observatory, a very conspicuous pile of building, seven stories high, which is usually called the Monument: it waserected by John Perrot, Esq. About the year 1758, from whence thereare extensive views over the adjacent country, in every direction. Theadjoining house is the residence of John Guest, Esq. 

There was in this church-yard a grave-stone, cut by the hands ofthat celebrated typographer, Baskerville, (who was originally astone-cutter, and afterwards kept a school in Birmingham), which isnow removed and placed withinside the church. The stone being of aflaky nature, the inscription is not quite perfect, but whoevertakes delight in looking at well-formed letters, may here be highlygratified: it was erected to the memory of Edw. Richards, an idiot, who died 21st September, 1728, with the following inscription :--

 If innocents are the favourites of Heaven, And God but little asks where little's given, My great Creator has for me in store Eternal joys; what wise man can have more?

There is another head-stone, cut by him, with his name upon it, in thechurch of Handsworth, and are the only two known to be in existence. 

_Yardley, in Worcestershire, distant three miles. _

The road to this village lies up Deritend and Bordesley, then crossingthe Warwick canal, you leave the ruins of Bordesley-house, and whenthrough the turnpike, there being three roads you proceed along thecentre, in which there are good accommodations for the pedestrian, butthe carriage road does not appear to have experienced any improvementsince it was first formed; for before you reach the village, the roadis for a considerable distance from twenty to forty feet below thesurface of the ground, on each side of it. 

The church, which is dedicated to St. Giles, is an ancient pile ofbuilding. The tower and elegant spire above it appear at this time asfirm and substantial as at their first erection, although they are soancient that there are not any records to say when they were built:the body of the church is not so perfect. In the chancel there areseveral monuments to commemorate the Greswolds, an ancient family, formerly resident in this parish. The patronage rests with EdmundMesey Wigley, Esq. The present vicar is the Rev. Joseph Fell. Adjoining the church-yard is an half-timbered building of largedimensions, which is a free school, liberally endowed, the salary ofthe master being £100 per annum. 

The land in this parish being very suitable for making of tiles, innumerable quantities are there manufactured, for the supply ofBirmingham. 

_To Rowley Regis, in Staffordshire, distant seven miles_. 

You proceed towards Kidderminster, until you arrive at the toll-gate, two miles and a half distant, when the right hand road leads tothis village; where, in all probability, there are more jew's harpsmanufactured than there are in all Europe beside. 

The admirer of nature, (for no art has ever been practised here, ) maybe gratified with various extensive and luxuriant views. There is notany thing either in the church or in the village deserving of notice;but there is, not far distant, a rude, rugged, and misshapen mass ofstone, which is situated on the summit of a hill, and projectsitself several yards higher than the ground adjoining: it is by theinhabitants denominated Rowley hail-stone; and when at a considerabledistance from it, on the foot road from Dudley, it has the appearanceof some considerable ruins. 

From this spot the views are more extensive than can easily beimagined, over a beautiful and romantic country, Birmingham being varyvisible. 

[Illustration]

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W. Talbot, Printer, Exeter-row, Birmingham.