Religious Societies.—­In addition to those noted elsewhere, there have been many societies formed here which may come under this heading, such as the Lay Association for the Refutation of Infidelity, founded in 1839; the Protestant Association, commenced in 1847; the Christian Evidence Society, began in 1869; the Church Defence and Reform Association, formed in 1871, the Protestant and Church Association, inaugurated May 23, of same year, &c.

Repository.—­Before the building of the Town Hall, there was no place in which a town’s meeting could be held, except the Public Office in Moor Street, besides Beardsworth’s Repository.  As its name implies, it was originally built as a sale-room for horses and carriages, but some of the most important meetings known in Birmingham history have been held within its walls, grand banquets were often laid out there, popular lecturers have discoursed, and popular pugilists exhibited their prowess in the same arena, and the building has even been used as a barracks.

Republicanism.—­In 1873 a small band of Brummagem bouncers patriotically provided us with a real “Republican Club,” and proud of the feat announced the world-stirring fact to the “Hero of Caprera.”  The simple honest-hearted General, who knew not the guile of their hearts, was deluded into wishing them success.  Ten years have passed since “Mio Caro Cattell” secured Garibaldi’s autograph, but still Victoria remains Queen of Great Britain, Empress of Hindostan, and the best-beloved sovereign on the earth.

Reservoir.—­See “Canals” and “Roach Pool.”

Restaurants.—­Our grandfathers knew them not.  They took their chop or steak at their inn or hotel, or visited the tripe houses.  Indeed, Joe Allday’s tripe shop in Union Street (opened about 1839-40) may be called the first “restaurant” established here, as it was the favourite resort of many Town Councillors and leading men of the town.  A vegetarian restaurant was opened in Paradise Street in July, 1881, and 1883 saw the commencement of another novelty in the line, a fish restaurant in the old Warwick Passage.—­See “Luncheon Bars.”

Rifle Clubs.—­The Midland Rifle Club was started in 1875, the Staffordshire Rifle Association dating from 1861.  Both clubs use the range at Sandwell Park, by permission of the Earl of Dartmouth.  At the International Match at Creedmore, New York, in 1881, the representatives of this neighbourhood scored high numbers, Corporal Bates (of the M.R.C.) taking the only first prize secured by visitors in the open competitions of the U.S.  Associations.

Rights of Man.—­An effigy of Tom Paine, author of “The Rights of Man,” was paraded through the streets, Feb. 12, 1793, and ignominiously burned in the evening.