Page:Showell's Dictionary of Birmingham.djvu/28

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16
SHOWELL'S DICTIONARY OF BIRMINGHAM.

Vauxhall, October 7th, 1811, and again on October 20th, 1823 Mr. Green rose from Newhall Hill, July 17th, 1827, and several times after.

Balsall Heath.-In some ancient deeds called "Boswell Heath." The land round Mary street, known a.s the Balsall Heath estate, was sold in building lots (234) in 1839, the last days sale being August 26, and the auctioneers. Messrs. E. & C. Robins. Edwardes-street takes its name from the last owner of the estate, who, if he could now but glance over the property, would be not a little astonished at the changes which have taken place in the last forty years, for, like unto Aston, it may be said to really form but a portion of the ever-extending town of Birmingham. Balsall Heath, which is in the parish of King's Norton, has now a Local Board (with its offices in Lime Grove, Moseley Road) several Board schools, chapels, and churches a police court, and that sure mark of advancement, a local newspaper. One thing still wanting, however, is a cemetery. Though an appropriate and convenient spot near Cannon Hill Park was chosen for the last resting-place, the ratepayers, at a meeting held July 21 1879 decided that they could not yet afford the required outlay of some £17,000 necessary for the purpose, notwithstanding that the annual rateable value of the property in the neighbourhood is something like £70,000, and increasing by three to tour thousand a year.

Banks and Bankers.—The Birmingham Branch Bank of England (drawing on the parent Bank of England), is in Bennetts Hill. The local Branch of the National Provincial Bank of England (Lim.). Bennett's Hill, also draws on its headquarters. It commenced business here on New Year's Day 1827.

The Birmingham Banking Company (Lim.), also in Bennett's Hill draws on the London and Westminster. It opened its doors Sept. 1, 1829, with a nominal capital of £500,000, in £50 shares, £5 being paid up at starting. An amalgamation took place in the year 1880 with the Stourbridge and Kidderminster Bank (established in 1834) the united company having a paid-up capital of £286,000 and a reserve of £312,000.

The Birmingham and Midland Bank (Limited) opened in Union Street. August 23, 1836, removing to New Street in 1869. London agents, the Union Bank of London. Authorised capital, £2,400,000.

The Birmingham. Dudley, and District Banking Co. (Limited) was commenced in Colmore Row July 1st, 1836 as the Town and District Bank, with a capital of £500,000, in £20 shares. London agents. Barclay and Co., and Williams and Co.

The Birmingham Joint Stock Bank (Limited) opened in Temple Row West Jan 1st, 1862, with a capital of £3,000,000, in £100 shares, £10 paid. Agents London Joint Stock. Has branches in New Street and Great Hampton Street.

Lloyds' Banking Co. (Limited) Colmore Row, dates from June 3rd, 1765, when it was known as Taylor and Lloyds, their first premises being in Dale End [hence the name of Bank Passage]. This old established firm has incorporated during its century of existence a score of other banks, and lately has been amalgamated with Barnetts, Hoares, and Co., of London, the present name being Lloyd, Barnett, Bosanquet, and Co. (Limited). There are sub-offices also in Great Hampton Street, Deritend, Five Ways and Aston. In this and adjoining counties. Lloyds' number about 40 branch establishments.

The Worcester City and County Banking Co. (Limited) drawing on Glynn and Co., removed from Cherry Street to their newly-built edifice in Colmore Row. June 1, 1880.

The Union Bank of Birmingham (Limited), Waterloo Street, commenced business with a nominal capital of