und and almost hidden by trees, and has been preserved for future
historians in one of David Cox's sketches, which remains as a curious
memento of the once rural appearance of what are now some of the busiest
spots in town. The house was pulled down in 1826.

~Parson and Clerk.~--A noted publichouse on the old Chester Road is the
Royal Oak, better known as "The Parson and Clerk." An old pamphlet thus
gives the why and wherefore:

"There had used to be on the top of the house two figures--one of a
parson leaning his head in prayer, while the clerk was behind him with
uplifted axe, going to chop off his head. These two figures were
placed there by John Gough, Esq., of Perry Hall, to commemorate a law
suit between him and the Rev. T. Lane, each having annoyed the other.
Mr. Lane had kept the Squire out of possession of this house, and had
withheld the licenses, while the latter had compelled the clergyman to
officiate daily in the church, by sending his servants to form a
congregation. Squire Gough won the day, re-built the house in 1788,
and put up the figures to annoy Parson Lane, parsons of all sorts
being out of his good books."

~Parsons, Preachers, and Priests of the Past.~--It would be a lengthy
list or make note of all the worthy and reverend gentlemen who have,
from pulpit or platform, lectured and preached to the people in our
town, or who have aided in the intellectual advancement and education of
the rising generation of their time. Church and Chapel alike have had
their good men and true, and neither can claim a monopoly of talent, or
boast much of their superiority in Christian fellowship or love of their
kind. Many shepherds have been taken from their so-called flocks whose
places at the time it was thought could never be filled, but whose very
names are now only to be found on their tombs, or mentioned in old
magazines or newspapers. Some few are here recalled as of interest from
their position, peculiarities, &c.

_John Angell James_.--A Wiltshire man was John Angell James, who, after
a short course of itinerary preaching came to Birmingham, and for more
than fifty years was the idolised minister of Carr's Lane congregation.
He was a good man and eloquent, having a certain attractive way which
endeared him to many. He lived, and was loved by those who liked him,
till he had reached the age of 74, dying Oct. 1, 1859, his remains being
buried like those of a saint, under the pulp