In 1762 (his father having left him a considerable property) Mr. Boulton leased a quantity of the land then forming part of Birmingham Heath, where at a cost of over L10,000 he erected the famous Soho Works, and later on (in 1794) he purchased the freehold of that and a considerable tract of the adjoining land.  In 1767 steam was first brought into use to supplement the power derived from the water wheels, and in 1769 he became acquainted with James Watt, with whom he afterwards went into partnership to make steam engines of all kinds, sinking L47,000 before he had any return for his money.  Mr. Boulton lived to the patriarchal age of fourscore and one, leaving this life on August 7, 1809.  He was buried at Handsworth, 600 workmen, besides numberless friends, following his remains; all of whom were presented with hatbands and gloves and a silver medal, and regaled with a dinner, the funeral costing altogether about L2,000.—­See “Coinage,” &c.

Bourne College, erected by the Primitive Methodists and their friends, at Quinton, at a cost of nearly L10,00, was formally opened on October 240 [Transcriber’s note:  as original] 1882.  When completed there will be accommodation for 120 students.

Bowling Greens.—­These seem to have been favourite places of resort with our grandfathers and great-grandfathers.  The completion of one at the Union Tavern, Cherry Street, was announced March 26, 1792, but we read of another as attached to the Hen and Chickens, in High Street, as early as 1741.  There is a very fine bowling-green at Aston Hall, and lovers of the old-fashioned game can be also accommodated at Cannon Hill Park, and at several suburban hotels.

Boys’ Refuge is at corner of Bradford Street and Alcester Street, and the Secretary will be glad of help.

Boyton.—­Captain Boyton showed his life-preserving dress, at the Reservoir, April 24, 1875.

Bracebridge.—­A very ancient family, long connected with this neighbourhood, for we read of Peter de Bracebrigg who married a grand-daughter of the Earl of Warwick in A.D. 1100, and through her inherited Kingsbury, an ancient residence of the Kings of Mercia.  In later days the Bracebridges became more intimately connected with this town by the marriage in 1775 of Abraham Bracebridge, Esq., of Atherstone, with Mary Elizabeth, the only child and heiress of Sir Charles Holte, to whom the Aston estates ultimately reverted.  Many articles connected with the Holte family have been presented to Birmingham by the descendants of this marriage.

Bradford Street takes its name from Henry Bradford, who, in 1767, advertised that he would give a freehold site to any man who would build the first house therein.