Part 16

And to the end that no Constable or other Officers or Ministers of Justice may be any ways discouraged in their lawful, diligent, and vigorous prosecution of the premises, it is provided, that if they or any of them shall be resisted, in the just and lawful execution of their charge and duty, or in any wise affronted or abused, they shall be encouraged, maintained, and vindicated by the justice, order, and authority of his Lordship and the Court of Aldermen, and the offenders prosecuted and punished according to law.

Dated at the Guildhall, London, the 29th day of November 1679, in the 31 year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord Charles the Second, by the grace of God, of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland, King, defender of the faith, etc.

GOD SAVE THE KING.

THE POPISH PANIC (1681).

The Monument, in commemoration of the Great Fire of 1666, was erected in 1671 near Pudding Lane, where the fire began, and the following inscription was added in 1681. The suspicion, which was attached to the Roman Catholics, of deliberately setting fire to the City was altogether unreasonable and baseless, but the people who had listened to Titus Oates were ready to believe anything, and the inscription is sufficient indication of the prevalent feeling against Papists. It is referred to by Pope—himself a Roman Catholic—in the lines:

"Where London's column, pointing to the skies, Like a tall bully, lifts its head and lies."

The inscription was effaced during the reign of James II., was again placed on the base of the column in the reign of William III., and was finally removed in 1831.

This Pillar was set vp in Perpetvall Remembrance of that most dreadful burning of this Protestant city, begun and carryed on by ye treachery and malice of ye Popish faction, in ye beginning of Septem in ye year of our Lord 1666, in order to ye carrying on their horrid Plott for extirpating the Protestant Religion and old English liberty, and the introducing Popery and Slavery.

POSTAL ARRANGEMENTS (1681).

The Government monopoly of Post Office business dates back to the reign of James I., who appointed a Postmaster to have the "sole taking up, sending, and conveying of all packets and letters concerning our service or business to be despatched to foreign parts," others being forbidden to convey letters; and our postal system was first really founded by an Act of Parliament in 1656 "to settle the postage of England, Scotland, and Ireland." It ordered the erection of one general post office, and one officer styled the Postmaster-General of England and Comptroller of the Post Office. Private individuals occasionally attempted to establish postal services, and in 1680 William Dockwra set up a profitable penny post for London. This, like Povey's halfpenny post in 1708, was suppressed by a lawsuit, and the management and profits of the Post Office were definitely attached to the Government.

=Source.=—Delaunay's _Present State of London_, p. 345.

This Office is now kept in Lombard Street, formerly in Bishopsgate Street; the profits of it are by Act of Parliament settled on his Royal Highness the Duke of York. But the King, by Letters Patents, under the Great Seal of England, constitutes the Postmaster General.

From this General Office, letters and packets are despatched—

_On Mondays._

To France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Flanders, Switzerland, Denmark, Kent, and the Downs.

_On Tuesdays._

To Holland, Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, Ireland, Scotland, and all parts of England and Wales.

_On Wednesdays._

To all parts of Kent and the Downs.

_On Thursdays._

To France, Spain, Italy, and all parts of England and Scotland.

_On Fridays._

To Flanders, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Denmark Holland, Kent, and the Downs.

_On Saturdays._

All parts of England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland.

Letters are returned from all parts of England and Scotland, certainly every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday; from Wales every Monday and Friday; and from Kent and the Downs every day; but from other parts more uncertainly, in regard of the sea.

A letter containing a whole sheet of paper is convey'd 80 miles for 2d., two sheets for 4d., and an ounce of letters for 8d., and so proportionably; a letter containing a sheet is conveyed above 80 miles for 3d., two sheets for 6d., and every ounce of letters for 12d. A sheet is conveyed to Dublin for 6d., two for 1^s/-, and an ounce of letters for 12d.

This conveyance by post is done in so short a time, by night as well as by day, that every twenty-four hours the post goes 120 miles, and in five days an answer of a letter may be had from a place 300 miles distant from the writer.

Moreover, if any gentleman desire to ride post, to any principal town of England, post-horses are always in readiness (taking no horse without the consent of his owner), which in other Kings' reigns was not duly observed; and only 3d. is demanded for every English mile, and for every stage to the post-boy, 4d. for conducting.

Beside this excellent convenience of conveying letters, and men on horseback, there is of late such an admirable commodiousness both for men and women of better rank, to travel from London, and to almost all the villages near this great City, that the like hath not been known in the world, and that is by stage-coaches, wherein one may be transported to any place, sheltered from foul weather, and foul ways, free from endamaging one's health or body by hard jogging, or over-violent motion; and this not only at a low price, as about a 1^s/- for every 5 miles, but with such velocity and speed as that the posts in some foreign countries make not more miles in a day; for the stage-coaches, called the flying-coaches, make 40 or 50 miles in a day, as from London to Oxford or Cambridge, and that in the space of twelve hours, not counting the time for dining, setting forth not too early, nor coming in too late.

LONDON AFTER JAMES II.'s ABDICATION (1688).

The citizens of London took a prominent part in the exciting events of the years 1688-89. In no part of the country was there a stronger anti-Popish feeling, and none of the believers and propagators of the notorious Popish Plot of Titus Oates had been so conspicuous as the Londoners. They took the lead in the demonstrations which attended the issue of the famous trial of the seven Bishops, and were foremost in suggesting the practicability of expelling James from the throne. As soon as the King realised his danger, he sent for the Lord Mayor and the Aldermen, and informed them of his determination to restore the City Charter and privileges, which had been confiscated by Charles II. He hoped by this to gain the powerful support of the citizens, who, however, were not to be bought by this tardy act of justice. The Court of Common Council sent an address to the Prince of Orange, promising him a welcome reception; and the Corporation waited on him, on his arrival in London, with an ardent address of congratulation.

The feelings of the mob, always fierce when roused by any unusual event, appear to have led them to somewhat violent measures in their expressions of hatred towards Roman Catholics. A similar panic, attended by similar outbreaks, was witnessed in 1780, when proposals to grant some relief to Papists caused the "Gordon Riots."

=Source.=—_The London Mercury_, December 12, 1688.

No sooner was the King's withdrawing known, but the mob consulted to wreak their vengeance on papists and popery; and last night began with pulling down and burning the new-built Mass-house near the arch, in Lincoln's Inn Fields: thence they went to Wild-house, the residence of the Spanish Ambassador, where they ransacked, destroyed and burnt all the ornamental and inside part of the chapel, some cartloads of choice books, manuscript, etc. And not content here, some villanous thieves and common rogues, no doubt, took this opportunity to mix with the youth, and they plunder'd the Ambassador's house of plate, jewels, money, rich goods, etc.: and also many other who had sent in there for shelter their money, plate, etc.: among which, one gentleman lost a trunk, in which was £800 in money, and a great quantity of plate. Thence they went to the Mass-house, at St. James's, near Smithfield, demolished it quite; from thence to Blackfriars near the Ditchside, where they destroyed Mr. Henry Hill's printing-house, spoiled his forms, letters, etc., and burnt 2 or 300 reams of paper, printed and unprinted: thence to the Mass-house in Bucklersbury and Lime-street, and there demolished and burnt as before: and this night they went to the Nuncio's, and other places at that end of the town; but finding the birds flown, and the bills on the door, they drew off: thence they went into the City, threatening to pull down all papists' houses, particularly one in Ivy Lane, and the market house upon Newgate Market, for no other reason but that one Burdet, a papist, was one of the farmers of the market; but by the prudence of the citizens and some of their trained bands, they were got off without mischief doing anywhere.

Tuesday night last, and all Wednesday, the apprentices were busy in pulling down the chapels, and spoiling the houses of papists; they crying out the fire should not go out till the Prince of Orange came to town. There were thousands of them on Wednesday at the Spanish Ambassador's, they not leaving any wainscot withinside the house or chapel, taking away great quantities of plate, with much money, household goods and writings, verifying the old proverb "All's fish that came to the net." The spoil of the house was very great, divers papists having sent their goods in thither, as judging that the securest place.

Then they went to the Lord Powis's great house in Lincoln's Inn Fields, wherein was a guard, and a bill upon the door, "This house is appointed for the Lord Delameer's quarters:" and some of the company crying, "Let it alone, the Lord Powis was against the Bishops going to the Tower," they offered no violence to it.

Afterwards they marched down the Strand with oranges upon their sticks, crying for the Prince of Orange, and went to the Pope's Nuncio's, but finding a bill upon the door, "This house is to be let," they desisted. Lastly, they did some damage to the house of the resident of the Duke of Tuscany, in the Haymarket, carrying away some of his goods, when one Captain Douglas, coming thither with a company of trained bands to suppress them, a soldier, unadvisedly firing at the boys with ball, shot the Captain through the back, of which he lies languishing. They also went to the houses of the French and other Ambassadors, but finding them deserted and the landlords giving them money, they marched off.

On Thursday, an order of the Lords coming forth, warning all persons to desist from pulling down any house, especially those of the Ambassadors, upon penalty of the utmost severity of the law to be inflicted on them: since which they have been very quiet.

LORD MAYOR'S DAY (1689).

The following passage indicates the good-will which existed between the citizens and their new Sovereigns. The Lord Mayor invited their Majesties to witness the festivities, and the King expressed his satisfaction by knighting the sheriffs. Just before this the King had allowed the Grocers' Company to choose him as their Master, and when, some days after the pageant described below, some disaffected person expressed his disapproval of these manifestations of cordiality between the King and the City by cutting away the crown and sceptre from the King's picture in the Guildhall, the Lord Mayor offered a reward of £500 for the discovery of the perpetrator. These civilities were preliminary to the complete restoration of all the corporate rights of the citizens, which had been seized by Charles II. The Act of 1690, declaring the franchises, rights, and liberties of the City of London to be fully restored, was the last of the long series of confirmations of these treasured privileges.

=Source.=—_London Gazette_, October 28, 1689.

This day Sir Thomas Pilkington being continued Lord Mayor for the year ensuing was, according to custom, sworn before the Barons of the Exchequer, at Westminster, whither he went by water, accompanied by the Aldermen and the several companies, in their respective barges, adorned with flags and streamers; passing by Whitehall they paid their obeisance to their Majesties, who were in their apartment by the water-side. The river was covered with boats, and the noise of drums and trumpets, and several sorts of music, with the firing of great guns, and the repeated huzzas of such a multitude of people, afforded a very agreeable entertainment.

And their Majesties, the Prince and Princess of Denmark, and the Lords spiritual and temporal and Commons assembled in Parliament, having been pleased to accept of an humble invitation from the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Common Council, to dine in the city on this day, about noon their Majesties came, attended by his Royal Highness, all the great officers of the Court, and a numerous train of nobility and gentry in their coaches, the militia of London and Westminster making a lane for them, the balconies all along their passage being richly hung with tapestry, and filled with spectators, and the people in great crowds expressing their joy with loud and continued acclamations. Their Majesties were pleased from a balcony prepared for them in Cheapside to see the show; which, for the great numbers of the citizens of the several guilds attending in their formalities, the full appearance of the artillery company, the rich adornment of the pageants, and hieroglyphical representations, and the splendour and good order of the whole proceeding, outdid all that has been heretofore seen in this city upon the like occasions; but that which deserves to be particularly mentioned was the royal city regiment of volunteer horse, which being richly and gallantly accoutred, and led by the Right Honourable the Earl of Monmouth, attended their Majesty's from Whitehall into the city.

The cavalcade being passed by, the King and Queen were conducted by the two Sheriffs to the Guildhall, where their Majesties, both Houses of Parliament, the Privy Councillors, the Judges, the Ladies of the Bedchamber, and other ladies of the chiefest quality, dined at several tables; and the grandeur and magnificence of the entertainment was suitable to so august and extraordinary a presence. Their Majesties were extremely pleased, and as a mark thereof, the King conferred the honour of Knighthood upon Christopher Lithiullier and John Houblon, Esquires, the present Sheriffs, as also upon Edward Clark and Francis Child, two of the Aldermen.

In the evening their Majesties returned to Whitehall with the same state they came. The militia again lined the streets, the city regiments as far as Temple-bar, and the red and blue regiments of Middlesex and Westminster from thence to Whitehall, the soldiers having, at convenient distances, lighted flambeaux in their hands; the houses were all illuminated, the bells ringing, and nothing was omitted through the whole course of this day's solemnity, either by the magistrates or people, that might show their respect or veneration, as well as their dutiful affection and loyalty to their Majesties, and the sense they have of the happiness they enjoy under their most benign and gracious government.

GAY'S "TRIVIA" (1716).

_Trivia_ was one of the earliest productions of John Gay, and although its poetical merit is by no means conspicuous, it is one of the poet's most notable productions, as a vivid description of the streets of London two hundred years ago. The piece is too long to print in full, but the extracts which are given are typical and representative of the general style and matter of the poem.

But when the swinging signs your ears offend With creaking noise, then rainy floods impend; Soon shall the kennels swell with rapid streams, And rush in muddy torrents to the Thames. The bookseller, whose shop's an open square, Forsees the tempest, and with early care Of learning strips the rails; the rowing crew, To tempt a fare, clothe all their tilts in blue; On hosier's poles depending stockings ty'd, Flag with the slacken'd gale from side to side; Church-monuments foretell the changing air, Then Niobe dissolves into a tear, And sweats with sacred grief; you'll hear the sounds Of whistling winds, ere kennels break their bounds; Ungrateful odours common-shores diffuse, And dropping vaults distil unwholesome dews, Ere the tiles rattle with the smoking shower, And spouts on heedless men their torrents pour.

If cloth'd in black you tread the busy town, Or if distinguish'd by the reverend gown, Three trades avoid: oft in the mingling press The barber's apron soils the sable dress; Shun the perfumer's touch with cautious eye, Nor let the baker's step advance too nigh. Ye walkers too, that youthful colours wear, Three sullying trades avoid with equal care: The little chimney-sweeper skulks along, And marks with sooty stains the heedless throng; When small-coal murmurs in the hoarser throat, From smutty dangers guard thy threaten'd coat; The dustman's cart offends thy clothes and eyes, When through the street a cloud of ashes flies; But, whether black or lighter dyes are worn, The chandler's basket, on his shoulder borne, With tallow spots thy coat; resign the way, To shun the surly butcher's greasy tray.

If drawn by business to a street unknown, Let the sworn porter point thee through the town; Be sure observe the signs, for signs remain, Like faithful landmarks, to the walking train. Seek not from 'prentices to learn the way, Those fabling boys will turn thy steps astray; Ask the grave tradesmen to direct thee right, He ne'er deceives—but when he profits by't.

O bear me to the paths of fair Pall-mall! Safe are thy pavements, grateful is thy smell! At distance rolls along the gilded coach, Nor sturdy carmen on thy walks encroach; No lets would bar thy ways were chairs deny'd, The soft supports of laziness and pride: Shops breathe perfumes, through sashes ribbons glow, The mutual arms of ladies and the beau. Yet still e'en here, when rains the passage hide, Oft the loose stone spirts up a muddy tide Beneath thy careless foot; and from on high, Where masons mount the ladder, fragments fly, Mortar and crumbled lime in showers descend, And o'er thy head destructive tiles impend.

Where Covent-garden's famous temple stands, That boasts the work of Jones' immortal hands; Columns with plain magnificence appear, And graceful porches lead along the square: Here oft my course I bend; when, lo! from far I spy the furies of the foot-ball war: The 'prentice quits his shop, to join the crew, Increasing crowds the flying game pursue. Thus, as you roll the ball o'er snowy ground, The gathering globe augments with every round. But whither shall I run? the throng draws nigh, The ball now skims the street, now soars on high: The dext'rous glazier strong returns the bound, And jingling sashes on the pent-house sound.

Where Lincoln's-inn, wide space, is rail'd around, Cross not with venturous step; there oft is found The lurking thief, who, while the daylight shone, Made the walls echo with his begging tone: That crutch, which late compassion mov'd, shall wound Thy bleeding head, and fell thee to the ground. Though thou art tempted by the link-man's call, Yet trust him not along the lonely wall; In the mid-way he'll quench the flaming brand, And share the booty with the pilfering band. Still keep the public streets, where oily rays, Shot from the crystal lamp, o'erspread the ways.

THE SOUTH SEA BUBBLE (1720).

The scenes in 'Change Alley during the period of the rise and fall of South Sea Company shares have often been described. The mad spirit of speculation which seized all classes alike, the foolish and unreasoning belief in the possibility of realising fabulous wealth, the floating of innumerable companies, many of which were of a most absurd character, the panic which followed inevitably on the inflation of prices—all these things were witnessed in London, the centre of the financial affairs of the nation. There was great indignation against the Ministers and directors who had made large profits, and a parliamentary inquiry disclosed the fact that there had been bribery and corruption on an extensive scale. The distracting effect of events of this kind was extremely injurious to the City, and the attitude of the citizens is set forth in their petition to the House of Commons.

=Source.=—_The Journal of Common Council_, quoted by Maitland, vol. i., p. 530.

Your petitioners beg leave to return their most humble thanks to this honourable House for the great pains they have taken to relieve the unhappy sufferers, by compelling the offenders to make restitution; as likewise for their continued application to lay open this whole scene of guilt, notwithstanding the industrious artifices of such sharers in the common plunder, as have endeavoured to obstruct the detection of fraud and corruption. And your petitioners doubt not, but the same fortitude, impartiality and public spirit wherewith this Honourable House have hitherto acted, will still animate them in the pursuit of those truly great and noble ends.

We are too sensible of the load of public debts, not to wish that all proper methods may be taken to lessen them: and it is an infinite concern to us, that the payment of a great sum towards them (which was expected from the late scheme) is now rendered extremely difficult, if not impracticable; and yet, as a cloud, hanging over the heads of the present unfortunate proprietors of the South-Sea Company, and a great damp to public credit. We will not presume to mention in what manner relief may be given in this arduous affair; but most humbly submit it to the consideration of this Honourable House. Your petitioners therefore most humbly pray this Honourable House will be pleased to take such farther measures as they, in their great wisdom, shall judge proper, that trade may flourish, public credit be restored, and justice done to an injured people.

DEFOE'S DESCRIPTION OF LONDON (1725).

This account of the capital is useful, as indicating its extent and dimensions two centuries ago. Defoe was an accurate observer, and had noticed the rapid expansion which had taken place even during his own day. As trade and commerce increased, the boundaries of London were extended farther and farther, and it would appear that the questions with which this extract concludes are as far from being answered as they were when Defoe asked them.

=Source.=—_A Tour through the Whole Island of Great Britain_, 1724-1727, vol. ii., pp. 94-97.