Showell's Dictionary of Birmingham eBook

Thomas Harman
This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 737 pages of information about Showell's Dictionary of Birmingham.

Showell's Dictionary of Birmingham eBook

Thomas Harman
This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 737 pages of information about Showell's Dictionary of Birmingham.

Lightfoot.—­Lieut.-General Thomas Lightfoot, C.B., Colonel of the 62nd Regiment, who died at his residence, Barbourne House, Worcester, Nov. 15, 1858, in his 84th year, and who entered the British army very early in life, was the last surviving officer of the famous 45th, the “Fire-eaters” as they were called, that went to the Peninsula with Moore and left it with Wellington.  Lightfoot was in Holland in 1799.  He was present in almost every engagement of the Peninsular War.  He received seven wounds; a ball which caused one of these remained in his body till his death.  He obtained three gold and eleven silver medals, being one more than even those of his illustrious commander, the Duke of Wellington.  One silver medal was given him by the Duke himself, who said on the occasion he was glad to so decorate one of the brave 45th.  Lightfoot was made a C.B. in 1815.  Before he became Major-General he was Aide-de-Camp to William IV. and Queen Victoria, and as such rode immediately before her Majesty in her coronation procession.  Lieutenant-General Lightfoot was a native of this town, and was buried in the family vault in St. Bartholomew’s Church, his remains being escorted to the tomb by the 4th (Queen’s Own) Light Dragoons, commanded by Colonel Low.

Lloyd.—­The founder of the well-known banking firm of Lloyds appears to have been Charles Lloyd, for some time a minister of the Society of Friends, who died in 1698.

Machin, William.—­Born here in 1798, began his musical career (while apprenticed to papier-mache making), as a member at the choir at Cannon Street Chapel.  As a favourite bass singer he was engaged at many of the festivals from 1834 to that of 1849.  His death occurred in September, 1870.

Malins, David.—­Brassfounder, who in course of his life filled several of the chief offices of our local governing bodies.  Born June 5, 1803; died December, 1881.  Antiquarian and persevering collector of all works throwing light upon or having connection with Birmingham or Warwickshire history.  Mr. Malins, after the burning of the Free Library, generously gave the whole of his collection to the formation of the New Reference Library, many of the books being most rare and valuable, and of some of which no other copies are known to exist.

Mellon, Alfred.—­Though actually born in London, Mr. Mellon’s parents (his father was a Frenchman) were residents in Birmingham, and we must claim this popular conductor as a local musician of note.  He was only twelve when he joined the Theatre Royal band, but at sixteen he was the leader and remained so for eight years, removing to London in 1844.  In 1856 Mr. Mellon conducted the opening performances at the Music Hall in Broad Street (now Prince of Wales’s Theatre):  and will be long remembered for the “Promenade Concerts” he gave at Covent Garden and in the provinces.  He died from the breaking of a blood-vessel, March 27, 1867.

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Showell's Dictionary of Birmingham from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.