Mysteries of Past History.—­It was believed that a quantity of arms were provided here by certain gentlemen favourable to the Pretender’s cause in 1745, and that on the rebels failing to reach Birmingham, the said arms were buried on the premises of a certain manufacturer, who for the good of his health fled to Portugal.  The fact of the weapons being hidden came to the knowledge of the Government some sixty years after, and a search for them was intended, but though the name of the manufacturer was found in the rare books of the period, and down to 1750, the site of his premises could not be ascertained, the street addresses not being inserted, only the quarter of the town, thus:  “T.  S.——­ Digbath quarter.”  The swords, &c., have remained undiscovered to the present day.—­M 10, 1864, while excavations were being made in the old “Castle Yard,” in High Street the skeletons of three human beings were found in a huddled position about 2-1/2 ft. from the surface.—­The Old Inkleys were noted for the peculiar character (or want thereof) of its inhabitants, though why they buried their dead beneath their cellar floors must remain a mystery.  On October 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 Midland 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 line 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.