appears to have covered the remains of one of the ancient priors, Thomas Rayneford, has been worked into the wall near the door of the old Chapter House, wherein, nearly five centuries since, he presided over the Councils of the Priory.

The Church has latterly become, by purchase, the property of William Jackson, Esq. whose name is so intimately connected with Birkenhead. The Rev. Andrew Knox is,

and for the last seventeen years has been, the Incumbent.

In connection with this Church are Day and Sunday Schools, the first established in Birkenhead. "The experience of sixteen years renders it unnecessary to dwell much on the value of these Schools, which were the first established in Birkenhead for the poor; thousands of young persons have passed through them; many now grown up have been instructed in them, and taught to value the Bible, which is the birthright of every man. The rapid increase of population brings a weekly accession of scholars. The numbers on the books at the close of the year were, boys, 110; girls, 120;" (vide Report, 1845,) and, in addition, there are 134 children in the Infants' School. The expenses during the last year were £170 Os. 10d., towards which the parents of the children contributed £27 11s. 5d., the remainder was derived from subscriptions and a collection after an annual sermon.

Arrangements are making for the removal of these Schools to a more eligible situation near the Church, where a very extensive building will be erected, the particulars of which are not yet finally settled.

THE CHURCH OF THE HOLY TRINITY.

Which is situated in Price Street, was erected in 1837. This edifice is of white stone, 102 feet in length, and 56 in breadth, and is remarkable in several respects as regards design and architectural ornament.

The style is Norman, but considerably modified, and divested of that stiffness and heaviness by which many of the old Saxon buildings are characterized; and there is a lightness about its proportions, which closely approximates to the early English. The principal entrance is by a deeply recessed ornamental Saxon door-way, having two windows above, supported by small arches, crowned with grotesque heads, exhibiting singularly distorted countenances. Strange looking figures, abounding in every part, constitute the most prominent feature about the building. The architect has, however,

evinced much skill, in the arrangement and combination of the various parts of the work, whereby an appearance of elegance has been attained.

The tower, which rises to the height of 88 feet, is highly embellished with mouldings and frieze work. The belfry is separated into divisions by dwarf windows, from the corners of which, wild looking figures, similar to those already named, present themselves. Above, is a plain ballustrade of Saxon columns on arches, figured with representations of angels, and finished with scroll pedestals for the support of ornamental pinnacles, which, however, have not yet been fixed.

The interior, which will accommodate 1000 persons, is divided into three parts, by two rows of quadrangular fluted pillars, of extremely delicate proportions; from these, at the height of 34 feet, spring several arches, supporting the roof of the nave, which is carried higher than the ceiling of the gallery. There is some very good carved work in front of the gallery, and the intersection of the arches have carved bosses. Although the construction is something peculiar and original, it has by no means a disagreeable effect, especially if examined from the gallery at the west end of the Church; but the pulpit, which, with the reading-desk, forms an elegant piece of workmanship, is most inconveniently placed, almost concealing the chancel—if a part of the body of the Church, reduced on one side by a vestry, and on the other by a sort of sacristy, or store-room, deserve the name-from the view of the congregation.

The great east window is large, and has some good stained glass; the other windows, which are of an elongated form, are appropriately figured, and in keeping with the other parts of the church; the plans and designs for the whole, were furnished by the late firm of Cunningham & Holme of Liverpool, under whose superintendence the sacred edifice was built.

The incumbent of this Church is the Rev. Joseph Baylee, who witnessing the want of a Church where the forms of the Establishment could be used in Welsh, applied himself to the study of that language; and now, in addition to the usual morning and evening duties, performs Divine Service twice every Sunday in the Welsh tongue, for the benefit of the natives of the Principality. In addition to five services on each Sunday, there are two week-day services at this Church; where all the Fasts and Festivals are also solemnized according to the Liturgy.

There are also two curates attached to Trinity Church; and in connection with it are large and commodious Schools, at which 120 boys and 130 girls are educated; and

also an Infant School for 90 children. The expenses of the Schools are almost entirely defrayed by voluntary contributions, the payments by the parents of the children being limited and uncertain.

ST. JOHN'S CHURCH.

The Churches already described, being found totally inadequate to afford accommodation to the rapidly increasing population of the Township, the foundation stone of a new Church was laid on the 17th June, 1845, in Grange Lane, by John Somerville Jackson, Esq., who is the principal promoter of the edifice, which is now erecting, and will be endowed, at the joint expense of himself, his brother William Jackson, Esq., and Joseph Mallaby, Esq.

The Church is intended to be dedicated to St. John. It is building by the Messrs. Walker, from designs by Mr. Charles Reed of Birkenhead, to whom acknowledgements are due, for the following description of the same.

The architecture is that of the latter period of the early English style, about the date of the middle of the reign of Henry III. known by the graceful lancet arch, the tapering spire, and the general tendency to the Perpendicular in all parts of the composition. The tower and spire will be the highest in Birkenhead, or for some miles around, being no less than 150 feet from the base to the summit. This extreme height, which will add to the gracefulness of the whole, and render it a conspicuous landmark, is in accordance with the style of architecture at that period, and with the present prevailing taste for the revival of the antique. The Church will consist of a nave and side aisles, and, including the chancel, will be 109 feet long, and 40 wide. The roof of the nave will be open, shewing all the timbers, which are of stained oak. The roof of the aisles will also show the rafters, which are likewise of stained oak, and plaistered between. Each of the capitals of the pillars, between the nave and the side aisles, will have a different carving, whereby variety of detail will be added to the general effect. A handsome arch, supported by clustered columns, divides the nave from the chancel. The organ will be placed in the eastern transept, the boys, who form the choir, occupying the opposite. The font, of Talacre stone, will be placed in front of the chancel the pulpit being on one side, and the reading desk on the other. The exterior is of red stone, scutched, having five entrances;