Page:Showell's Dictionary of Birmingham.djvu/17

Rh Accidents from Fire.—February, 1875, was ail unfortunate month for the females, an old woman being burnt to death on the 5th, a middle-aged one on the 7th, and a young one on the 12th

Accidents through Lightning.—A boy was struck dead at Bordesley Green, July 30, 1871. Two men, William Harvey and James Steadman, were similarly killed at Chester Street Wharf, May 14, 1879. Harvey was followed to the grave by a procession of white-smocked navvies.

Accidents at Places of Amusement.—A sudden panic and alarm of fire caused several deaths and many injuries at the Spread Eagle Concert Hall, Bull Ring, May 5, 1855.

The "Female Blondin" was killed by falling from the high rope, at Aston Park, July 20, 1863.

A trapeze gymnast, "Fritz," was killed at Day's Concert Hall, Nov. 12, 1870.

A boy was killed by falling from the Gallery at the Theatre Royal, Feb. 16, 1873.

At Holder's Concert Hall, April 1, 1879, Alfred Bishop (12) had his leg broken while doing the "Shooting Star" trick.

Accidents in the Streets.—On New Year's Day, 1745, a man was killed by a wagon going over him, owing to the "steepness" of Carr's Lane.

The Shrewsbury coach was upset at Hockley, May 24, 1780, when several passengers were injured.

The Chester mail coach was upset, April 15, 1787, while rounding the Welsh Cross, and several persons much injured.

Feb. 28, 1875, must be noted as the "slippery day," no less than forty persons (twelve with broken limbs), being taken to the Hospitals through falling in the icy streets.

Captain Thornton was killed by being thrown from his carriage, May 22, 1876. The Coroner's van was upset in Livery Street, Jan. 24, 1881, and several jurymen injured.

Accidents on the Rails.—An accident occurred to the Birmingham express train at Shipton, on Christmas Eve, 1874, whereby 26 persons were killed, and 180 injured In the excitement at Snow Hill Station, a young woman was pushed under a train and lost both her legs, though her life was saved, and she now has artificial lower limbs.

Police-officer Kimberley was killed in the crush at Olton Station on the Race Day, Feb. 11th, 1875.

While getting out of carriages, while the train was in motion, a man was killed at New Street Station, May 15, 1875, and on the 18th, another at Snow Hill, and though such accidents occur almost weekly, on some line or other, people keep on doing it.

Three men were killed on the line near King's Norton, Sept. 28, 1876.

Mr. Pipkins. Stationmaster at Winson Green, was killed Jan. 2, 1877.

Inspector Bellamy, for 30 years at New Street Station, fell while crossing a carriage, and was killed, April 15, 1879.

Acock's Green, a few years back only a little village, is last becoming a thriving suburban town. The old estate, of about 150 acres, was lotted out for building in 1839, the sale being then conducted by Messrs. E. and C. Robbins, August 19. The Public Hall, which cost about £3,000, was opened December 20, 1878; its principal room being 74 feet long, 30 feet wide, and 30 feet high.

Adderley.—Sir Charles B. Adderley was gazetted a peer April 16, 1878, his title being Baron Norton, of Norton-on-the-Moors, Staffordshire.

Adderley Park was opened Aug. 30, 1856. Its area is 10a. 0r. 22p., and the Corporation hold it as tenants under a 999 years' lease, at 5s. rental. A Reading Room and branch Library was opened on Jan. 11, 1864.