Almshouses for Lench’s Trust were built in Steelhouse Lane in 1764.  In later years other sets of houses have been built in Conybere Street, Hospital Street, Ravenhurst Street, and Ladywood Road, the inmates, all women, numbering 182.  Jas. Dowell’s Almshouses in Warner Street, consisting of 20 houses and a chapel, known as the “Retreat,” were built in 1820.  Mrs. Glover’s Almshouses in Steelhouse Lane for 36 aged women, were erected in 1832.  James Lloyd’s twenty-four Almshouses in Belgrave Street were erected in 1869.

Aluminium.—­This valuable material for the use of one of our staple trades was first obtained by a German chemist in 1837, but was not produced in sufficient quantity for manufacturing purposes until 1854, at which time its market value was 60s. per oz.  It gradually cheapened, until it is now priced at 5s., and a company has lately been formed for its more easy manufacture, who promise to supply it at about as many pence.

Amphitheatres.—­Astley’s celebrated amphitheatre was brought here in October, 1787.  Mr. and Mrs. Astley themselves had performed in Birmingham as early as 1772.—­A local amphitheatre was opened in Livery Street in 1787, on the present site of Messrs. Billing’s printing works.  After the riots of 1791 it was used for a time by the congregations of Old and New Meeting, while their own chapels were being rebuilt.  An attempt to bring it back to its old uses failed, and “the properties” were sold Nov. 25, 1795.  Several sects occupied it in after years, the last being the Latter-Day Saints.  It was taken down in 1848.—­Another amphitheatre was opened at Bingley Hall, December 29, 1853, by the plucky but unlucky John Tonks, a well-known caterer for the public’s amusement.

Amusement, Places of—­Notes of the Theatres, Concert Halls, Parks, &c., will be found under the several headings.  Among the most popular series of concerts of late years have been those of a Saturday evening (at 3d. admission) in the Town Hall, which began on Nov. 8, 1879, and are continued to present date.

Analyst.—­Dr. Hill was appointed Borough Analyst in Feb., 1861, his duties being to examine and test any sample of food or drinks that may be brought or sent to him in order to prove their purity or otherwise.  The fees are limited to a scale approved by the Town Council.

Ancient History of Birmingham can hardly be said to exist.  Its rise and progress is essentially modern, and the few notes that have come to us respecting its early history will be found briefly summarised at the commencement of this book.

Anti-Borough-Rate Meeting.—­In 1874 the Town Council asked for power to lay a Borough-rate exceeding 2s. in the L., but after three days’ polling (ending March 30) permission was refused by a majority of 2,654 votes.  The power was obtained afterwards.

Anti-Church-Rate Meetings were frequent enough at one period of our history.  The two most worthy of remembrance were those of Dec. 15, 1834, when the rate was refused by a majority of 4,966 votes, and Oct., 1841, when the polling showed 626 for the rate and 7,281 against.