of York.  The tablets of the Holte’ family, temp.  Elizabeth and Charles, and the Devereux monument of the Jacobean era, are well preserved, while all around the shields and arms of the ancient families, with their many quarterings, form the best heraldic collection anywhere near Birmingham.  The parish registers date from the 16th century, and the churchwardens accounts are preserved from the year 1652.  Among the facts recorded in the former we may note the burial of the dozen or so Royalist soldiers who lost their lives while defending Aston Hall from the attacks made on it by the Birmingham men in December, 1643; while in both there are quaint entries innumerable, and full of curious interest to the student and historian.  The Rev. W. Eliot, M.A., the present vicar, was instituted in 1876 (commencing duty Feb. 25, 1877), the living (L1,600 value) being in the presentation of trustees.  In connection with the Church, there are Mission Rooms in Tower Road and in Alfred Street, with Sunday Schools, Bible classes, Dorcas, and other societies.  The first portion of the late additions to the Church was consecrated July 5, 1880; the new chancel on Sept. 8, 1883

Bishop Rider’s, a square-towered brick edifice in Gem Street, was built in 1837-38, the laying of the foundation stone (August 23, 1837) being characterised by the almost unheard-of conduct of the low denizens of the neighbourhood, who pelted the Bishop of Lichfield with mud on the occasion.  The consecration took place Dec. 18, 1838, and the building cost L4,600.  The living, valued at L300, is in the hands of trustees, the present vicar being the Rev. J.P.  Gardiner.  The vicarage, which was completed in 1862 at a cost of L2,240, is in Sutton Street, Aston Road—­ too near a residence to the church not being deemed advisable even five-and-twenty years after the opening ceremony of 1837.  In 1879 the galleries were removed, and the church re-pewed and otherwise renovated, the re-opening taking place July 28, there being now 860 free sittings.

Christ Church, New Street.—­At first known as “The Free Church,” this edifice was for no less than ten years in the hands of the builders.  The cornerstone was laid July 22, 1805, by Lord Dartmouth, in the absence of George III., who had promised, but was too ill, to be present.  His Majesty, however, sent L1,000 towards the building fund.  It was consecrated July 13, 1813; finished in 1816; clock put in 1817.  The patron is the Bishop of Worcester, and to the living (valued at L350), is attached a Prebendary in Lichfield Cathedral.  The present Vicar, since 1881, is the Rev. E.R.  Mason, M.A.  There is accommodation for 1,500, all the seats being free, but at one time the worshippers were limited in their freedom of sitting by the males having to take their places on one side and the females on the other, a custom which gave rise to the following epigram: 

  “Our churches and chapels we generally find
  Are the places where men to the women are joined;
  But at Christ Church, it seems, they are more cruelhearted,
  For men and their wives go there and get parted.”