their pile." would fain be thought of aristocratic descent. In such a Radical town as Birmingham, the study of or and gules, azure and vert, or any of the other significant terms used in the antique science of heraldry, was not, of course, to be expected, unless at the hands of the antiquary or the practical heraldic engraver, both scarce birds in our smoky town, but the least to be looked for would be that the borough authorities should carefully see that the borough coat of arms was rightly blazoned. It has been proved that; the town's name has, at times, been spelt in over a gross of different ways, and if any reader will take the trouble to look at the public buildings, banks, and other places where the blue, red, and gold of the Birmingham Arms shines forth, he will soon be able to count three to four dozen different styles; every carver, painter, and printer apparently pleasing himself how he does it. It has been said that when the question of adopting a coat of arms was on the tapis, the grave and reverend seniors appointed to make inquiries thereanent, calmly took copies of the shields of the De Berminghams and the De Edgbastons, and fitted the "bend lozengy" and the "parti per pale" together, under the impression that the one noble family's cognisance was a gridiron, and the other a currycomb, both of which articles they considered to be exceedingly appropriate for such a manufacturing town as Birmingham. Wiser in their practicability than the gentlemen who designed the present shield, they left the currycomb quarters in their proper sable and argent (black and white), and the gridiron or and gules (a golden grid on a red-hot fire). For proper emblazonment, as by Birmingham law established, see the cover.
Heathmill Lane.—In 1532 there was a "water mill to grynde corne," called " Heth mill," which in that year was let, with certain lands, called the "Conyngry," by the Lord of the Manor, on a ninety-nine years' lease, at a rent of £6 13s. 4d, per year.
Here we are again!— The London Chronicle of August 14, 1788, quoting from a "gentleman" who had visited this town, says that "the people are all diminutive in size, sickly in appearance, and spend their Sundays in low debauchery," the manufacturers being noted for "a great deal of trick and low cunning as well as profligacy!"
Highland Gathering.—The Birmingham Celtic Society held their first "gathering" at Lower Grounds. August 2, 1879, when the ancient sports of putting stones, throwing hammers, etc., was combined with a little modern bicycling, and steeple-chasing, to the music of the bagpipes.
Hill (Sir Rowland).—See "Noteworthy Men."
Hills.—Like unto Rome this town may be said to be built on seven hills, for are there not Camp Hill and Constitution Hill, Summer Hill and Snow Hill, Ludgate Hill, Hockley Hill, and Holloway Hill (or head). Turner's Hill, near Lye Cross, Rowley Regis is over 100ft, higher than Sedgley Beacon, which is 486ft, above sea level. The Lickey Hills are about 800ft, above same level, but the highest hill within 50 miles of Birmingham is the Worcestershire Beacon, 1395ft, above sea level. The highest mountain in England. Scawfell Pike, has an elevation of 3229ft.
Hailstorms.—In 1760 a fierce hailstorm stripped the leaves and fruit from nearly every tree in the apple orchards in Worcestershire, the hail lying on the ground six to eight inches deep, many of the stones and lumps of ice being three and four inches round. In 1798, many windows at Aston Hall were broken by the hail. A very heavy hailstorm did damage at the Botanical gardens and other places. May 9, 1833. There have been a few
