chapter 3 of “Little Dorrit.” We now soon come to St. Paul’s Churchyard,

facing the dial by which _Ralph Nickleby_ corrected his watch on his way to the London Tavern, no doubt “stepping aside” into No. 1—Dakin’s—“doorway” to do it; and we may probably be disposed to endorse _John Browdie’s_ verdict with reference to St. Paul’s Cathedral itself. “See there, lass, there be Paul’s Church. Ecod, he be a soizable one, he be.” This locality is also mentioned in “Barnaby Rudge” as being in the line of road taken by _Lord George Gordon_ when entering London with his friends _en route_ for his residence in Welbeck Street. On the right, within a short distance, we come to Dean’s Court, formerly DOCTORS’ COMMONS. This place is referred to by _Sam Weller_ as being in

“St. Paul’s Churchyard—low archway on the carriage side, bookseller’s at one corner, hot-el on the other, and two porters in the middle, as touts for licences.”

He further relates to Mr. Pickwick the circumstance of his father’s having been here persuaded to take a marriage licence, directing the lady’s name to be filled in on speculation.

We hear more of Doctors’ Commons in the chronicles of “David Copperfield.”

The Offices of Spenlow and Jorkins were situated in this locality; but the site is now occupied by the Post Office Savings’ Bank in _Knightrider Street_. Passing through the Archway and by the Deanery of St. Paul’s (right), we cross _Carter Lane_, and proceed by a narrow court, _Bell Yard_, to the street above mentioned. At the corner of Carter Lane and Bell Yard is the “_Bell Tavern_,” which it may be interesting to note, as a house where Mr. Dickens frequently rested, making his notes in preparation for David’s “choice of a profession.” For full particulars the Rambler is referred to chapter 23 of David’s autobiography.

It may also be remembered that the worthy _Mr. Boffin_ (see “Our Mutual Friend”), when instructing his attorney, seemed to be somewhat mixed in his ideas relative to this institution. In conversation with Mr. Lightwood, he once referred to the same as a legal personality—“_Doctor Scommons_!”

This locality has, of late years, altogether changed both its name and aspect. The old archway has disappeared. As previously stated, it is now known as Dean’s Court. In connection with its old associations, there exists _The Bishop of London’s Registry and Marriage Licence Office_, at the east corner of the court; and there are some Proctors’ offices doing business, as in the days of Copperfield, in the neighbourhood.

On the east side of the Cathedral, the visitor turns into Cheapside, soon arriving, on the left-hand side of the way (No. 122), at Wood Street. Associated with “Great Expectations,” as containing “Cross Keys Inn” (“_The Castle_,” No. 25), at which house Mr. Pip arrived when first visiting London, in accordance with instructions received per _Mr. Jaggers_.

Crossing Cheapside, and onwards by the south side, we reach the well-known establishment of the London Stereoscopic Company, No. 54. It may be interesting to know that this firm possesses the stuffed original of “_Grip_,” the Raven, the fortunate bird that received a double passport to fame, Dickens having narrated the particulars of its decease, and Maclise having sketched its apotheosis. This relic, so intimately associated with the tale of “Barnaby Rudge,” was purchased at the public sale of Mr. Dickens’s effects for £110, and its photographic portrait may be now obtained at this address.

A few steps farther on the same side stands the old Church of St. Mary-le-Bow, whose bells recalled Dick Whittington to fame and fortune. These same bells are mentioned in the history of “Dombey and Son,”