a harbinger of devastation, and war, and civil disunion. The season of these visits might have been supposed an omen of their results. These are the only events of historical interest connected with the place. The principal trade of this town is the manufacture of saddles, ironmongery, buckles, every description of hardware, plated ware, and a variety of small chain. Limestone is found in great abundance in its vicinity, and a considerable trade is carried on in malt. The old Birmingham, and the Wyrley and Essington Canals, confer on this town an abundant water conveyance to all parts of the country. The inhabitants of this town are exempted from toll all over England, and from serving on juries out of their own limits. There is a curious custom here, that of throwing apples and nuts from the Town Hall, on St. Clement's day, to be scrambled for by the populace.
This borough returns one member to Parliament. This privilege was conferred by the Reform Bill. The electors are householders, of £10 per annum and upwards. There are about 800. The Mayor is the returning officer.
The Corporation consists of a mayor, recorder, 24 burgesses, town clerk, 2 sergeants-at-mace, and subordinate officers. There are two Churches in the town. That dedicated to St. Matthew was an ancient cruciform structure. In 1821 it was taken down, with the exception of the tower and chancel, and rebuilt at an expense of £20,000. It is now in the later style of English architecture. The living is a vicarage,
