The right hand figure, next the wall, is visibly marked with a much
older date, perhaps about the conquest. The effigy does not appear in a
military character, neither did the Lords of that period. The value of
these ancient relicts have long claimed the care of the wardens, to
preserve them from the injurious hand of the boys, and the foot of the
window cleaner, by securing them with a pallisade. Even Westminster
abbey, famous for departed glory, cannot produce a monument of equal
antiquity.
At the foot of these, is another of the same materials, belonging to one
of the Marrows, Lords of Birmingham.
Under the north east window, is a monument of white marble, belonging to
one of the Lords of the house of Birmingham: but this is of modern date
compared with the others, perhaps not more than 300 years; he bearing
the _parte per pale, indented or, and gules_.
In the church is an excellent organ, and in the steeple a set of chimes,
where the ingenious artist treats us with a fresh tune every day of
the week.
Upon one of the CENTRE PILLARS.
Here lieth the bodies of William Colmore, Gent. who died in 1607, and
Ann his wife, in 1591: also the body of Henry Willoughby, Esq; father to
Frances, wife of William Colmore, now living; he died 1609.
NORTH GALLERY.
John Crowley, in 1709, gave twenty shillings per annum, payable out of
the lowermost house in the Priory, to be distributed in bread, in the
church on St. John's day, to house-keepers in Birmingham, who receive
no pay.
Joseph Hopkins died in 1683, who gave 200_l_. with which an estate was
purchased in Sutton Coldfield; the rents to be laid out in coats, gowns,
and other relief for the poor of Birmingham: he also gave 200_l_. for
the poor of Wednesbury: 200_l_. to distresed quakers: 5_l_. 10s. to the
poor of Birmingham, and the same sum to those of Wednesbury, at
his death.
SAME GALLERY.
Whereas the church of St. Martin's, in Birmingham, had only 52 ounces of
plate, in 1708, for the use of the communion table; it was, by a
voluntary subscription of the inhabitants, increased to 275--Two
flaggons, two cups, two covers and pattens, with cases: the whole,
80_l_. 16s. 6d.
Richard Banner ordered one hundred pounds to be laid out in lands within
ten miles of Birmingham; which sum, lying at interest, and other small
donations being added, amounted to 170_l_. with which an estate at
Erdington, value 81. 10s. per annum, was purchased for the poor of
Birmingham.
Richard Kilcup gave a house and garden at Spark-brook, for the church
and poor.
John Cooper gave a croft for making of love-days (merriments) among
Birmingham men.
William Rixam gave a house in Spiceal-street, No. 26, for the use of the
poor, in 1568.
John Ward, in 1591, gave a house and lands in Marston Culey.
William Colmore gave ten shillings per ann. payable out of the house,
No. 1, High-street.
John Shelton gave ten shillings per annum, issuing out of a house
occupied by Martin Day.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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