Places in Handsworth in 1859

HANDSWORTH

OSCOTT, a hamlet, in the parish of HANDSWORTH, union of WEST BROMWICH, S. division of the hundred of OFFLOW and of the county of STAFFORD, 6 miles (N. by W.) from Birmingham. This place is chiefly distinguished as the site of a large Roman Catholic college, founded in 1794, and devoted to religious and secular purposes, under the title of "St. Mary's College, Oscott." The establishment was, till lately, conducted in a building situated about two miles distant, now appropriated as a preparatory school for younger boys; but in 1837, the present college was erected, after a design by Joseph Potter, Esq., at a cost of about £30,000. It is a fine edifice in the Elizabethan style, presenting a front of 346 feet, and two wings, besides a chapel and offices, which occupy another wing; the situation is exceedingly imposing, and the pleasure-grounds, extending over about 15 acres, comprise handsome gardens, plantations, and terraces.

The interior of the buildings, partly fitted up under the superintendence of A.W. Pugin, Esq., is striking and beautiful. The chapel, consecrated May 29th, 1838, is elaborately decorated with stained glass and carvings in oak, and its altar especially is worthy of notice; the library, containing nearly 20,000 volumes, is distributed in two spacious rooms, and there are, besides, a valuable museum, and numerous paintings scattered through the principal apartments and the galleries. Accommodation can be provided for about 130 students, exclusively of professors; and the course of instruction embraces the various departments of literature, science, and philosophy, and theology for such as are intended for the priesthood. 

PERRY-BAR, an ecclesiastical district, in the parish of HANDSWORTH, union of WEST BROMWICH, S. division of the hundred of OFFLOW and of the county of STAFFORD, 4 miles (N.W.) from Birmingham. This district, or township, which comprises 4042a.2r.I0p., 
and is separated from the township of Handsworth by the river Tame, has long been partly the property of the Goughs, whose representative, John Gough, Esq., J.P., is lord of the manor. Perry Hall, the family seat, lately rebuilt, is surrounded by a moat, and situated in a park ornamented with timber of stately growth; and about half a mile from the church is Oldford Mill, occupied by John Willmore, Esq., and having neat gardens. The village is near the new road to Walsall.

The Grand Junction railway passes through the township, in a line nearly parallel with the river Tame; and to the north of the village, and railway, is a new branch of the Birmingham canal, opened for public traffic on the 14th February 1844, and intended to assist in carrying off the produce of the Staffordshire collieries and iron-works. The line was originally suggested by the late Mr. Watt, and the work was executed under the direction of Mr. James Walker, civil engineer, with great improvements in the towing-paths, bridges, and locks, the last passing a boat in one minute, which those on the old canals cannot do in less than five minutes. It is in contemplation to extend this branch, to form a junction with the Birmingham and Liverpool canal, thus shortening the water communication between Liverpool and London.

The church, dedicated to St. John, was erected at a cost of £6000, defrayed by Mr. Gough, and was consecrated by the Bishop of Lichfield in 1833; it is in the early English style, and the living is a perpetual curacy, endowed by Mr. Gough with £200 per annum. Indeed that gentleman has expended not less than £16,000 in the erection and endowment of the church and parsonage-house, which latter is contiguous to the church, and harmonizes with it in style. There is a place of worship for Independents, attached to which is a school; and two schools in connexion with the church are supported by Mr. Gough. 

 

[Description(s) from The Topographical Dictionary of England (1859) by Samuel Lewis - Transcribed by Mike Harbach ©2020]