228 KINGS NORTON.

King's Norton.

A LARGE and populous parish near Birmingham, but formerly a chapelry only to Bromsgrove, about eight miles to the north of which the village is situate. It seems, however, to have been always independent of that town parochially, though not ecclesiastically, and was made an independent edifice in 1846. A part of King's Norton is now included in the district of Withall, for which a new church was erected in 1861. Moseley was another chapelry till 1853, when it had a district assigned to it; and another district had been formed at Balsall Heath. A new church was recently built at King's Heath, the inhabitants of which had previously attended Moseley Church or the district church at Yardley Wood. It is in the early Decorated style, and accommodates 430. A school church has likewise been provided by the Vicar for the hamlet of Strutley. Besides these means of grace, the Baptists and Unitarians have obtained a footing in the parish, and have chapels.

The vicarage is worth £250; Rev. J. M. L. Aston incumbent ; Dean and Chapter of Worcester patrons; church accommodation, 600; free seats, 300. The church is a large and handsome structure, with chancel, nave, aisles, western tower, and handsome spire, that forms a landmark for long distances around. Style, chiefly Perpendicular, with some earlier work. The building had been horribly mutilated within and without, but was partially restored in 1856, mainly through the exertions of W. Tabberer, Esq., churchwarden. In 1863, a new roof was put to the chancel at the cost of the Baroness Windsor and the Ecclesiastical Commissioners. King's Norton seems to be well supplied with educational