Page:Showell's Dictionary of Birmingham.djvu/175

Rh  29, 1879, the skeleton of a full-grown man was found underneath what had once been the site of a house in Court No. 25 of the Old Inkleys, where it must have lain at least 20 years. 

 Nail Making.—See "Trades."

Natural History and Microscopical Society was formed in January, 1858. The first meeting of the Mid- land Union of Natural History, Philosophical, and Archaeological Societies and Field Clubs was held at the Midland Institute, May 27, 1878.

Nechells.—There is, or was, a year or two back, a very old house, "Nechells Hall," still in existence, where at one period of their history, some of the Holte family resided.

Needless Alley is said to have been originally called Needles Alley from a pin and needle makers' shop there.

Nelson.—Boulton struck a fine medal in commemoration of the Battle of Trafalgar, and by permission of the Government gave one to every person who took part in the action; flag-officers and commanders receiving copies in gold, lieutenants, &c., in silver, and the men, bronze. Being struck for this purpose only, and not for sale, the medal is very scarce.—See "Statues."

New Hall.—One of the residences of the Colmore family, demolished in 1787, the advertisement announcing the sale of its materials appearing July 2 that year. It is generally believed that the house stood in exact line with Newhall Street, and at its juncture with Great Charles Street; the houses with the steps to them showing that the site between, whereon the Hall stood, was lowered after its clearance.

Newhall Hill—Famous for ever in our history for the gatherings which have at times taken place thereon, the most important of which are those of 1819, July 12, to elect a "representative " who should deviated admittance to, and a seat in, the House of Commons, whether the Commons would let him or no. For taking part in this meeting, George Edmonds, Major Cartwright, and some others, were put on their trial A "true bill" was found on August 9th, but the indictment being removed to King's Bench, the trial did not take place till August 7, 1820, the sentence of 12 months' imprisonment being passed May 28, 1821.—In 1832, May 14, nearly 200,000 persons present, Mr. Thomas Attwood presiding. This is the meeting described as "one of the most solemn spectacles ever seen in the world," when the whole mighty assemblage took the vow of the Political Union, to "devote themselves and their children to their country's cause."—In 1833, May 20, at which the Government was censured for passing a Coercian Bill for Ireland, for keeping on the window and house taxes, for not abolishing the Corn Laws, and for not allowing vote by ballot.

Newhall Lane was the original name for that part of Colmore Row situate between Newhall Street and Livery Street.

New John Street, for a long time, was considered the longest street in the borough, being 1 mile and 200 yards long.

New Market Street.— Some ground was set out here, years ago, for a market; hence the name.

Newspapers and Magazines.—In 1719 there were many small "sheets of news" published in London, but the imposition of a halfpenny stamp finished the career of the majority. In 1797 a 3½d. stamp, and in 1815 a 4d. stamp was required. In 1836 it was reduced to Id., and in 1855, after a long agitation, the newspaper duty was abolished altogether. About 1830 the trick of printing a calico sheet of news was tried, the letter of the law being that duty must be paid on newspapers, but the Somerset House people soon stopped it. In Oct., 1834, among many others. James Guest, Thomas 