Chapter V: VALIANT SOLDIER alley, Barnaby street (1)

VAUXHALL, a hamlet in the parish of Lambeth, particularly famous for the pleasantness of the gardens, that have been many years converted into a place of genteel entertainment, during the spring and summer seasons. They were the first of the kind perhaps in the world: in the midst of the garden is a superb orchestre containing a fine organ and a band of music with some of the best voices, and the seats or boxes are disposed to the best advantage with respect to hearing the music. In most of the boxes are pictures painted from the designs of Mr. Hayman, on subjects admirably adapted to the place. But there are in the grand pavilion four pictures of his own hand from the historical plays of Shakespear that are universally admired for the design, colouring and expression. The trees are scattered here with a pleasing confusion. At some distance are several noble vistas of very tall trees, where the spaces between each are filled up with neat hedges, and on the inside are planted flowers and sweet smelling shrubs. Some of these vistas terminate in a view of ruins, and others in a prospect of the adjacent country, and some are adorned with the painted representation of triumphal arches. There are here also several statues, and in particular a good one in marble by Mr. Roubiliac of the late Mr. Handell playing on a lyre in the character of Orpheus. As Ranelagh has its rotunda, so here also is a rotund and ball room, finely illuminated, in which is an orchestre with an organ, where if the evening proves rainy the company may be safely sheltered and entertained. When it grows dark the garden near the orchestre is illuminated, almost in an instant, with about 1500 glass lamps, which glitter among the trees, and render it exceeding light and brilliant: and soon after a very extraordinary piece of machinery has of late been exhibited, on the inside of one of the hedges near the entrance into the vistas: by removing a curtain is shewn a very fine landscape illuminated by concealed light; in which the principal objects that strike the eyes are the cascade or waterfall, and a miller’s house. The exact appearance of water is seen flowing down a declivity, and turning the wheel of the mill: it rises up in foam at the bottom, and then glides away. This moving picture, attended with the noise of the water, has a very pleasing and surprizing effect both on the eye and ear; but we cannot help observing, with respect to this piece, that however well it is executed, yet peoples being obliged to wait till the curtain is drawn; and after beholding it for a few minutes, having it again suddenly concealed from the view, when the exhibition is ended for that night, has too much the air of a raree show. If it could have been contrived to make its appearance gradually, with the rising of the moon in the same picture, which might seem to enlighten the prospect, and at length by degrees to become obscured by the passing of that luminary behind a cloud, the effect would perhaps have been much more agreeable. Every thing is provided in these gardens in the most elegant manner for the company who chuse to sup.

VAUXHALL _court_, Little Chapel street.

VAUXHALL _stairs_, Vauxhall.

VAUXHALL STAIRS _lane_, leading from the above stairs toward the garden.

VAUXHALL _walk_, Bull street, Lambeth.

_St._ VEDAST’S, situated on the east side of Foster lane, in the Ward of Farringdon within. A church has stood for many centuries in the place where this is situated; but not under the same tutelage: the first building was dedicated to St. Foster, and from that the lane in which it stands was called Foster lane: but afterwards the church being rebuilt, was put under the patronage of St. Vedast, Bishop of Arras, in France, who died in the year 550.

This church was so far destroyed by the fire of London in 1666, that nothing was left standing but the steeple and the walls; but these being repaired, continued till the year 1694, when they were taken down, and the present edifice was finished in 1697. It is built entirely of stone, and the body is sixty-nine feet in length, fifty-one broad, and thirty-six feet high. It is well enlightened by a range of windows placed so high that the doors open under them. The tower is plain, and the spire which is short rises from a double base. _English architecture._

The author of _The Critical Review of the public buildings_, mentioning this steeple says, “It is not a glaring pile that strikes the eye at the first view with an idea of grandeur and magnificence; but then the beautiful pyramid it forms, and the just and well proportioned simplicity of all its parts, satisfy the mind so effectually, that nothing seems to be wanting, and nothing can be spared.”

The patronage of this church was anciently in the prior and convent of Canterbury, till coming to the archbishop of that see in the year 1352 it has been in him and his successors ever since, and is one of the thirteen peculiars in the city belonging to the archiepiscopal see. To this church the parish of St. Michael Quern is united, and the rector receives 160_l._ a year in lieu of tithes. _Maitland._

VERE _street_, 1. Beer street: 2. Brook’s street, Ratcliff: 3. Clare Market: 4. Oxford street. Thus named from the Lady of the late Earl of Oxford.

VICTUALLING OFFICE, on the upper part of Little Tower Hill near the end of King street; is separated from Tower Hill by a wall and gates, and contains some houses for the officers, with store rooms, slaughter houses, a brewhouse, for salting, barrelling, &c. of provisions.

This office is under the direction of seven commissioners, each of whom has his separate department, as in the Navy Office, and a salary of 400_l._ _per annum_, as the first commissioner and comptroller, the commissioner of the bakehouse, another of the cutting house, another of the brewhouse; another of the accounts; another of the cooperage; and another who is hoytaker.

Under these commissioners is a secretary who has 200_l._ _per annum_, and five clerks; a cash accomptant who has 120_l._ _per annum_, and four clerks, besides an extra-clerk; an accomptant for stores, who has 100 _l._ _per annum_, and five clerks, besides an extra-clerk; the clerk of the bakehouse and master baker, who has 130_l._ a year, and two clerks, besides an extra-clerk, a clerk of the cutting house who has 110_l._ a year, a clerk and extra-clerk. Besides these there are a storekeeper of the brewhouse, who has 60_l._ a year; a master cooper; a muster master of the workmen; a master butcher; a surveyor of oxen and hogs; clerks to keep charge on pursers, a clerk for stating a purser’s accounts, a short allowance clerk, and a clerk to bring up accounts of stores in arrears, most of these have clerks under them: and there are also a few other officers and servants.

VIGO _lane_, 1. Burlington Gardens: 2. Swallow street.

VILLAR’S _court_, 1. Huggen lane: 2. St. James’s street.

VILLAR’S _street_, in the Strand, so called from its being built on the ground where the house of Villars Duke of Buckingham formerly stood. See YORK BUILDINGS.

VINCENT’S _court_, Silver street.†

VINE _court_, 1. Bishopsgate street without.* 2. Brook’s street.* 3. Chequer alley.* 4. Golden lane.* 5. Gravel lane.* 6. Harp alley, Shoe lane.* 7. Lamb street, Spitalfields.* 8. Moor lane.* 9. Narrow street, Limehouse.* 10. Onslow street, Vine street.* 11. Shoemaker row, Aldgate.* 12. Three Crane lane, Thames street.* 13. Vine street, in the Minories.* 14. Vine yard, Horsely down lane.* 15. Vineyard, St. Olave’s street.* 16. Whitechapel.*

VINE _street_, 1. Fore street, Limehouse.* 2. St. Giles’s.* 3. Hatton Wall.* 4. Lamb street.* 5. Maiden lane, Deadman’s place.* 6. Millbank.* 7. in the Minories.* 8. Narrow Wall, Lambeth.* 9. Chandois street.* 10. Warwick street.

VINE _yard_, 1. Old Horselydown lane.* 2. Pickax street, Aldersgate street.* 3. Ratcliff.* 4. Redcross street.* 5. Tooley street, Southwark.*

VINEGAR _yard_, 1. Barnaby street, Southwark: 2. Blue Anchor, alley: 3. Bowl alley, St. Giles’s: 4. Dirty lane, Blackman street, Southwark: 5. Drury lane: 6. George street, in the Mint: 7. St. John’s lane, Smithfield: 8. Sun yard, Nightingale lane.

VINTNER _alley_, Thames street.

VINTNERS, one of the twelve principal companies, were anciently denominated _Merchant wine tunners of Gascoyne_, and were of two sorts, the _Veneatrii_, who imported the wine, and the _Tabernarii_ who sold it by retail, either kept taverns or wine cellars. They were however incorporated by letters patent granted by King Henry VI. in the year 1437, by the name of the master, wardens, freemen and commonalty of the mystery of Vintners of the city of London; but without the power of making by-laws.

They are governed by a master, three wardens, twenty-eight assistants, with a livery of 194 members, who, upon their admission, pay a fine of 31_l._ 13_s._ 4_d._ They are possessed of a very considerable estate, out of which is paid to charitable uses about 600_l._ a year, and have a handsome hall in Thames street, where was formelry the house of Sir John Stody, who gave it the company: it was called in antient records the place of Stody, or the manor of the Vintry.

The buildings enclose a square court, and in the north front next the street is a large and handsome gate, with columns wreathed with grapes and supporting a Bacchus on three tons. Behind the hall is a garden through which is a passage to the Thames.

VINTNERS ALMSHOUSE, at Mile-end, was founded by the company of Vintners, for the use of twelve widows of deceased members, each of whom receives 3_s._ a week, and every year a chaldron of coals, and about 40_s._ given at certain times. _Maitland._

VINTRY WARD, takes its name from the Vintry, situated where the Vintners hall now stands, and where the antient vintners or wine merchants, who lived on the banks of the Thames, landed their wines, which they were obliged to sell in forty days, till Edward I. granted them longer time, and certain privileges. This ward is bounded on the north by Cordwainers wards; on the east, by Walbrook and Dowgate wards; on the south by the Thames, and on the west by Queenhithe ward. The principal streets are a part of Thames street, from Little Elbow lane in the east, to Townsend lane, in the west; a part of Queen street, Great St. Thomas Apostles, Garlick hill, Great and Little Elbow lane, _&c._ and the most remarkable buildings are the parish churches of St. Michael’s Royal, St. Martin’s Vintry, and St. James Garlickhithe; Vintners hall, Cutlers hall, Plumbers hall, and Fruiterers hall.

The government of this ward is by an alderman, and nine common councilmen, under whom are four scavengers, fourteen wardmote inquest men, and a beadle. The jurymen returned by the wardmote inquest for this ward are to serve in the several courts held in Guildhall in the month of April. _Stow._ _Maitland._

VIRGINIA _court_, 1. Artichoke lane: 2. Butcher Row, East Smithfield.

VIRGINIA PLANTERS _hill_, Upper Shadwell.

VIRGINIA _row_, 1. Greyhound lane, Limehouse: 2. Shoreditch.

VIRGINIA _street_, Ratcliff Highway.

UNDERWOOD’S ALMSHOUSE, was at first erected at the west end of the rectory house of St. Botolph’s Bishopsgate, by one Mr. Underwood, for the accommodation of sixteen poor old women; but on the rebuilding of Petty France, when it changed its name to that of Broad street, _&c._ this almshouse, with that of Alleyn’s adjoining, were in the year 1730, forced to make way for the new passage leading into Bishopsgate street; and a new building was erected in Lamb Alley, in the same parish, for these poor women, each of whom is allowed 2_s._ 6_d._ per month.

UNICORN _alley_, 1. Blackman street, Southwark.* 2. Fore street, Cripplegate.* 3. Holiwell street.* 4. Kent street, Southwark.* 5. in the Minories.* 6. Wheeler street.*

UNICORN _court_, 1. in the Haymarket.* 2. Kent street.* 3. Redcross street.*

UNICORN _yard_, 1. Blackman street Southwark.* 2. Butcher Row, East Smithfield.* 3. St. Olave’s street, Southwark.* 4. Old street, Horselydown.* 5. Tooly street, Southwark.*

UNION _bridge_, Old Horselydown, Southwark.

UNION _court_, 1. a well built court in Broad street, London Wall, extending into Wormwood street: 2. Scroop’s court, Holbourn: 3. Throgmorton street, Lothbury.

UNION FIRE OFFICE, is a very handsome building, erected for that purpose in Maiden lane, near Cheapside, where goods and merchandize, but not houses, are insured from loss by fire, by a mutual contribution.

This office, like that of the Hand-in-Hand Fire Office, was erected by a considerable number of persons, who mutually agreeing to insure one another’s goods and merchandize from loss by fire by an amicable contribution, entered into a deed of settlement for that purpose, on the 16th of February, 1714–15, and had it inrolled in chancery on the 3d of July following, and this deed being signed by all persons desirous of becoming members, they are thereby admitted to an equal share in the profit and loss, in proportion to their respective policies.

This office insures for all merchants, traders, housekeepers, and others in the cities of London and Westminster and within ten miles round, merchandize, goods, wares, utensils in trade, houshold furniture, and wearing apparel; except plate, pictures, glass and china ware not in trade; except also ready money, jewels, books of account, tallies, writings, barns, ricks and stacks of corn, hay, straw and horses. The term of insurance to be seven years, or less if desired.

_The terms and methods of insurance are as follows_

I. For the policy and mark are paid 8_s._ 6_d._ over and above all other expences.

II. Every person designing to insure, shall before surveying the goods, pay 10_s._ earnest money, to go towards the charge of insuring, if agreed to, and the policy be taken up within three months after, otherwise the said 10_s._ is sunk to the society: but if the directors do not agree to such insurance, the earnest money to be returned. Also old policies directed to be renewed, and not taken away within three months are also to be cancelled, and the charge of the policies and stamps of such renewals deducted out of the deposit-money of such insurers.

III. For every 100_l._ insured on goods inclosed within brick or stone, 2_s._ premium, and 10_s._ deposit; and on goods not so inclosed, 3_s._ premium, and 15_s._ deposit. And so in proportion within part brick part timber.

IV. For insurances deemed hazardous, as to situation, or kind of goods, each 100_l._ inclosed in brick or stone, 4_s._ premium, and 1_l._ deposit; in timber, 6_s._ premium, and 1_l._ 10_s._ deposit. Hazardous Insurances both by situation and kind of goods, if inclosed in brick or stone, 6_s._ premium, and 1_l._ 10_s._ deposit; in timber 9_s._ premium, and 2_l._ 5_s._ deposit. And so in proportion within part brick part timber.

V. Those who insure above 1000_l._ not exceeding 2000_l._ in one policy, to pay double the premium that others do, but the same deposit; and from 2000_l._ to 3000_l._ on the following terms, _viz._ For every 100 _l._ insured on goods inclosed in brick or stone, 6_s._ premium and 10_s._ deposit, and on goods not so inclosed, 9_s._ premium, and 15_s._ deposit. Insurances deemed hazardous, as to situation or kind of goods, each 100_l._ inclosed in brick or stone, 12_s._ premium, and 1_l._ deposit; in timber 18_s._ premium, and 1_l._ 10_s._ deposit. Hazardous insurances, both by situation and kind of goods, if inclosed in brick or stone, 18_s._ premium, and 1_l._ 10_s._ deposit; in timber 1_l._ 7_s._ premium, and 2_l._ 5_s._ deposit; and so in proportion within part brick part timber. Since the 15th of November 1738, the society have enlarged their insurances to 4000_l._ on the following terms, _viz._ For every 100_l._ insured on goods inclosed in brick or stone, 6_s._ premium, and 10_s._ deposit; and on goods not so inclosed, 9_s._ premium, and 15_s._ deposit; and the hazardous insurances in the same proportion as the 3000_l._ insurances; and so in proportion within part brick part timber, and since to 5000_l._

VI. If more than twenty pounds weight of gunpowder is kept on the premises insur’d, the policy is to be void.

VII. All insurances beyond the bills of mortality pay 3_s._ to the surveyor for his charges, _&c._

VIII. Every member to have a policy under the hands and seals of three of the trustees, and the society’s mark (being a double Hand-in-Hand) affix’d upon his house, _&c._ The insurance to be good from the time the charge is paid, and the deed of settlement subscribed by the person insuring. The policy, on expiration (after accounting for the deposit-money and mean profits) to be returned to the Office, as also the mark.

IX. So much of the deposit-money is to be returned at the expiration of the policy, as has not been applied to the making good of losses, and the payment of necessary charges, together with a proportionable dividend of profits. And beyond the deposit, no one to be answerable for above 10_s._ _per cent._ on brick, and proportionably for part brick and timber, to any one loss.

X. Every member transferring his policy, and the executors or administrators of every member dying, shall within three months at farthest, give notice thereof to the directors or their clerk, and bring the policy to the office, to have such transfer, or death, indorsed, and enter’d in the books, and in default thereof the benefit of the insurance to be lost. Every of which indorsements to be sign’d by two trustees at least, and 6_d._ for every 100_l._ on each removal insured to be paid for the same. Provided, that if the directors do not allow of such executor, administrator or assignee to be a member, or do not admit of any such indorsement of any such transfer, or death, (all questions thereabouts to be decided by balloting) then such executor, administrator or assignee, or person, shall only have what shall be due to their respective policies, and all farther demands on the said policies shall henceforth cease, any forfeitures or disabilities incurred by the breach of this article, where no loss has happened, may be relieved by the directors, if from the nature and circumstances of the case they think it reasonable.

XI. Any members of this society removing their goods from the places where they were assured, shall have no benefit of such assurance, or be paid for any loss that may happen, till such removal be allowed by the directors for the time being; and if notice be not given of such removal within three kalendar months after the time of such removal, the policy to be void.

XII. The insurance of any goods, _&c._ in this society, which shall be insured in any other office at the same time, to be void: And yet such insurer shall be liable to his covenants. Nevertheless a liberty is given to insure in any other office, so as such other insurance is indorsed on this society’s policy, and subscribed by two of the trustees, for which 6_d._ _per cent._ is to be paid; and in which case a proportionable part of any loss is to be paid by this society.

XIII. All members sustaining any loss, shall give immediate notice of it to the directors, or clerk, in order to a view, and shall make out their loss by the oaths on affirmations of themselves, or by their domesticks or servants, or by their books or vouchers, or the Certificates of the minister, churchwardens, constables, or other neighbouring inhabitants, not concern’d in such loss, or by such other method as the directors shall reasonably require; and in case of fraud or perjury, such pretended sufferers to lose all benefits of the insurance. In case of any violent suspicion of fraud or clandestine practices, (though the same for want of evidence may not be fully proved) it shall be lawful for the directors to declare such member’s policy void, and exclude him the society; and he is never afterwards to be capable of insuring in this office. All questions relating thereunto to be decided among the directors by balloting.

XIV. The directors, shall on all alarms of fire meet together at their office to determine upon the methods most conducive to the safety of the office, and service of the public.

XV. The directors with all convenient expedition, after any loss, shall settle a rate of contribution, and set it up in the office, and publish it in the Gazette, and otherwise as they think fit. And when such loss amounts to 50_l._ or upwards, such rate shall be settled by a majority of the directors at two successive weekly-meetings at the least; and if any five members, insuring to the value of 5000_l._ think themselves agrieved, they may within fourteen days after such publication, inspect all the office accounts, _&c._ and offer their exceptions to the directors; and not being there agreed, it shall stand referred to the next general meeting. Nevertheless when such rates shall exceed the deposit-money, every member shall pay into the office his proportion, within thirty days after such publication; and all defaulters may by the directors be excluded the benefit of their insurances, and yet be liable to the payment of the said rates, pursuant to these articles.

Other offices of insurance on goods either deduct at least 3 _per cent._ out of each claim for defraying charges, _&c._ or oblige the sufferers to agree to an average; which this office is so far from doing, that no person is put to any charge but that of an affidavit to prove his loss. And though it is objected against this office, that the members are liable to farther contributions, upon extraordinary losses, which is not the case in any other office that insures goods; yet this is certainly so far from being an objection against the Union Office, and a recommendation of those other offices, with such as reason justly, that this single confederation proves the excellency of the Union establishment, in making such provision for answering losses, as it is presumed, cannot be exceeded by any human contrivance. This office has paid since its first establishment in 1715 to the end of the year 1757, to sufferers by fire, the sum of 62,538_l._ 18_s._ 11_d._ ½ besides which, there have paid to porters and other necessary charges occasioned by fires upwards of 5600_l._

This office is under the management of twenty-four directors, elected by a majority of the members out of their own body, by balloting, at a general meeting in the month of September; at which time the oldest eight of the twenty-four go out, and eight others are elected in their stead in a way of constant rotation. These appoint all the other officers, and meet every Wednesday in the afternoon between the hours of three and seven, to dispatch business, and in March to ascertain the dividends and contributions for the preceding year. The directors annually chuse out of their own body by balloting, a treasurer, and two assistant treasurers; also six trustees, three of whom sign all policies; and five auditors, to examine and pass the accounts; but as this office is solely calculated for the public good, none of the directors have any advantage above the rest of the members.

There are porters and watermen, _&c._ provided by the office, who assist in removing of goods; these wearing the societies livery and badge, and having given security for their fidelity, may be trusted in case of danger. _Extracted from a copy_ _of the proposals, and an abstract of the deed of settlement received at the office in_ October 1758.

UNION _square_, in the Minories.

UNION _stairs_, Wapping.

UNION _street_, 1. King street, Westminster: 2. New Bond street.

UPHOLDERS, or UPHOLSTERERS, a fraternity incorporated by letters patent granted by King Charles I. in the year 1627. They are governed by a master, two wardens, and twenty-eight assistants with a livery of an hundred and thirty-one members; who upon their admission, pay a fine of 4_l._ 10_s._ but they have no hall.

UPPER _Brook street_, Grosvenor square.†

UPPER _East Smithfield_, near Tower Hill.

UPPER _Ground street_, near the Falcon, Southwark.

UPPER _Gun-alley_, Wapping.*

UPPER _Middle-row_, Broad St. Giles’s.§

UPPER _Moorfields_, near St. Luke’s hospital.

UPPER _Millbank_, Horseferry.

UPPER _Moorfields-row_, Upper Moorfields.

UPPER SHADWELL _street_, Shadwell.

UPPER _street_, Islington, the street and row on the west side of Islington.

UPPER _Turn-stile_, High Holbourn.☐

UPPER _Well-alley_, Wapping.

_Gentleman_, USHERS, an order of officers under the Lord Chamberlain, of which there are several classes, as the gentlemen ushers of the privy chamber; those of the presence chamber daily-waiters; and those who are quarter-waiters in ordinary.

The gentlemen ushers of the privy-chamber are four in number, and have the power of commanding all officers under them in the privy-lodgings, the bed-chamber excepted, and when there is a Queen, have the honour of leading her, in the absence of the Lord Chamberlain and Vice Chamberlain. The salary of each is 400_l._ a year.

The gentlemen ushers of the presence chamber, are also four, who are daily-waiters in ordinary, the first of whom has the considerable office of black rod. This gentleman in time of parliament attends every day the house of Lords, and is also usher of the most noble order of the Garter. See BLACK ROD. These gentlemen ushers wait in the presence chamber, where they attend next the King’s person; these under the Lord Chamberlain and Vice Chamberlain order all affairs, and all the under officers above stairs obey them. They have each 150_l._ _per annum_. There is also an assistant gentleman usher whose salary is 66_l._ 13_s._ 4_d._ a year.

The gentlemen ushers quarterly-waiters in ordinary, are eight in number. These also wait in the presence chamber, and give directions in the absence of the gentlemen ushers daily-waiters, to whom they are subordinate. Their salary is only 50_l._ a year. _Chamberlain’s present state._

USHER’S _court_, Seething lane, Tower street.†

UXBRIDGE, a town in Middlesex, in the road from London to Oxford, from the first of which it is distant eighteen miles and a half. Though it is entirely independent, and is governed by two bailiffs, two constables, and four headboroughs, it is only a hamlet to Great Hillington. The river Coln runs through it in two streams, full of trout, eels, and other fish, and over the main stream is a stone bridge that leads into Buckinghamshire. The church, or rather chapel, was built in the reign of Henry VI. This town has many good inns, and is particularly distinguished by the whiteness of the bread, particularly their rolls. There are many corn-mills at a small distance, and a considerable number of waggon loads of meal are carried from thence every week to London. Uxbridge gives the title of Earl to the noble family of Paget.

W.

WADE’S _rents_, Gunpowder alley.†

WAITE’S _yard_, Blackman street, Southwark.†

WAKE’S _court_, Five Feet lane.†

WALBROOK, a street which runs down from the south-west corner of the Mansion-house, towards the Thames. This street, which is chiefly inhabited by merchants and tradesmen, especially furriers, took its name from a rivulet called Walbrook, on account of its entering the city through the wall, between Bishopsgate and Moorgate, and after many turnings and windings, ran down this street, and emptied itself into the Thames near Dowgate. The loss of this rivulet was owing to the many bridges built over it, which at last increased to such a number, covered with houses, that whole streets were erected over it, and the channel of the river became a common sewer.

WALBROOK CHURCH. See St. STEPHEN’S WALBROOK.

WALBROOK WARD, takes its name from the above street. It is bounded on the east by Langbourn ward, on the south, by Dowgate ward; on the west, by Cordwainers ward; and on the north, by Cheap ward. Its principal streets and lanes are, Walbrook, Cannon street on both sides the way from Green Lettice court to Abchurch lane; the east end of Bucklersbury; St. Swithin’s lane, almost as far as Bearbinder lane, a small part of Lombard street, and almost all Bearbinder lane.

The most remarkable buildings are the fine church of St. Stephen Walbrook, and St. Swithin’s; the Mansion-house for the residence of the Lord Mayor; Salter’s hall; and that antient piece of antiquity called London stone.

This ward is governed by an Alderman, and eight common council men, one of whom is the Alderman’s deputy; thirteen inquestmen, six scavengers, seven constables, and a beadle. The jurymen returned by the wardmote inquest serve in the several courts of Guildhall in the month of October.

WALINGFORD _court_, Throgmorton street.†

WALKER’S _court_, 1. Berwick street, Old Soho.† 2. Knave’s Acre.†

WALKER’S _yard_, Tothill street.†

WALL of _London_. See LONDON WALL.

WALL’S _alley_, in the Minories.†

WALLIS’S _street_, Shoreditch.†

WALNUT-TREE _alley_, 1. Bishopsgate street.‡ 2. Tooley street, Southwark.‡

WALNUT-TREE _court_, Tooley street.‡ 2. Whitechapel.‡

WALNUT-TREE _yard_, Bishopsgate street without.‡

WALTER’S ALMSHOUSES, of these there are the three following founded by Mr. John Walter, citizen and draper: one of which was in Blackman street, Southwark, built and endowed in the year 1651, for four poor men and eight poor women, each of whom receives 5_s._ a month, 10_s._ every new year’s day, and a chaldron of coals yearly. This almhouse is now removed to the south-east side of the New Road, leading from Westminster bridge to Blackman street.

Another founded by the same person in the year 1651, at Newington Butts, for sixteen poor men and women, who have each an allowance of 5_s._ _per_ month, half a chaldron of coals every year, and 10_s._ every new year’s day.

Another in Old street, founded by the above Mr. Walters, in the year 1658, for eight poor widows, each of whom have likewise an allowance of 5_s._ _per_ month, and half a chaldron of coals every Christmas. _Maitland._

WALTON, a village in Surry, situated on the Thames, opposite to Shepperton in Middlesex. It is said that the last mentioned county once joined to this town, till about 300 years ago, the old current of the Thames was changed by an inundation, and a church destroyed by the waves.

At this place is a very curious bridge over the Thames, erected by the public spirited Samuel Decker, Esq; who lives in this town, and who applying to parliament for that purpose, obtained in the year 1747, an act to impower him to erect a bridge there, and this admirable structure was completed in August 1750.

It consists of only four stone piers, between which are three large truss arches of beams and joists of wood, strongly bound together with mortises, iron pins, and cramps; under these three arches the water constantly runs; besides which are five other arches of brick-work on each side, to render the ascent and descent the more easy; but there is seldom water under any of them, except in great floods, and four of them on the Middlesex side are stopped up, they being on high ground above the reach of the floods.

The middle arch, when viewed by the river side, affords an agreeable prospect of the country, beautifully diversified with wood and water, which is seen through it to a considerable distance. The prodigious compass of this great arch to a person below, occasions a very uncommon sensation of awe and surprize; and his astonishment and attention are increased, when he proceeds to take notice, that all the timbers are in a falling position; for there is not one upright piece to be discovered; and at the same time considers the very small dimensions of the piers by which the whole is supported. The manner of its construction is better shewn in the print than can be described in words.

In passing over this bridge, when you have proceeded past the brick-work, the vacant interfaces between the timbers, yield, at every step, a variety of prospects, which, at the centre, are seen to a still greater advantage. But though each side is well secured by the timber and rails, to the height of eight feet; yet as it affords only a parapet of wide lattice-work, and the apertures seem, even to the eye, large enough to admit the passage of any person to go through, provided he climbs, or is lifted up, and as the water is seen through every opening at a great depth below, those unused to such views cannot approach the side without some apprehensions.

It would, indeed, have been easy to have closed these openings between the braces and rails with boards; but they are purposely left open to admit a free passage for the air, in order to keep the timbers the more sound, and that the least decay may be the more easily perceived and repaired.

From this admirable bridge the nobility and gentry in this neighbourhood find a very agreeable benefit, especially as the ferries are dilatory, dangerous, and at times impassable; and its being erected has caused the roads thereabouts, in both counties, especially on the Surry side, to be greatly improved.

WALTHAM ABBEY, a village in Essex, on the east side of the river Lea, which here dividing, incloses some islands with fine meadows, and parts it from Waltham Cross. The abbey from whence it took its name, was built in honour of the holy cross, by Harold son to Earl Godwin, to whom Edward the Confessor gave the village; and this abbey Harold endowed with West Waltham, now called Waltham Cross, and sixteen other manors. Its abbots, who were mitred, and had the twentieth place in parliament, lived in a most splendid, but hospitable manner, and were frequently visited by Henry III. when he was reduced, and obliged to carry his family about for a dinner. The abbey was at its dissolution bestowed by King Henry VIII. on Sir Anthony Denny, his groom of the stole, whose grandson afterwards employing workmen to convert it into a seat for himself, they are said to have dug up the corpse of Harold, which after his being slain in battle against William the Conqueror, was at his mother’s request, by the Conqueror’s consent, interred in the abbey.

This is now, or was lately, the seat of —— Jones, Esq; the gardens belonging to the house, were some years since much admired; but since the taste for inclosed gardens has been condemned, they have been little frequented unless by some curious persons, to see the fine tulip tree that grows in a grass plot near the house.

WALTHAM CROSS, also called West Waltham, is a post and market town on the west side of the river Lea in Middlesex, in the road to Ware, twelve measured miles from London. It takes its distinguishing epithet from the cross built there by Edward I. in honour of his beloved Queen Eleanor, whose corps in its way from Lincolnshire to London rested here. That Princess’s effigies are placed round the pillar with the arms of her consort, and those of her own, _viz._ England, Castile, Leon, and Poictou, which are still in part remaining though greatly defaced.

WALTHAMSTOW, a village in Essex, situated on the river Lea, contiguous to Low-Layton. Here are three manors, Walthamstow Tony or High-hall, Walthamstow Frances, or Low-hall, which was the manor of the late J. Conyers, Esq; and the manor of the rectory, which once belonged to Trinity abbey in London.

In this parish are several ancient seats, and handsome houses, belonging to persons of distinction, the most remarkable of which was that of Higham-hall, pleasantly situated upon Higham-hills, a rising ground, about half a mile north from Clay street, just above the river Lea, overlooking the counties of Middlesex and Hertfordshire, and commanding a most delightful and extensive prospect. It has been a magnificent and spacious fabric, and in ancient times, when the Lords resided upon their royalties, no place could be more admirably situated than this mansion, erected at the top of the hill of Higham, and having within its view the whole extent of its jurisdiction: but there are now hardly any traces of its ancient grandeur remaining.

The church of Walthamstow, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, is a large edifice situated upon a hill, and consists of three isles, that on the north side built by Sir George Monox, Knt. Alderman and Lord Mayor of London in the reign of Henry VIII. is called Monox’s isle; that on south side bears the name of Thorne’s isle, from a citizen and merchant taylor of that name, who was probably at the expence of building it. In this church are a great number of monuments.

Before the communion table within the rails, is a piece of marble over the body of Doctor Pierse, Bishop of Bath and Wells.

On leaving the altar there is a monument erected to the memory of Sir Thomas Stanley, Knt. second son to the Earl of Derby, on which there is the effigy of a Lady on her knees. Besides which there are many others. _Additions to Stows Survey._

WALTON’S _court_, Church-yard alley.†

WANDSWORTH, a village in Surry, situated between Battersea and Putney, is said to obtain its name from the river Wandle, which passes through it under a bridge called the _sink of the country_, into the Thames. Here are several handsome houses belonging to the gentry and citizens of London.

WANLEY’S _court_, Black Friars.†

WANSTED, a village in Essex, adjoining to Woodford, and separated from Barking parish by the river Roding. There are in this place and its neighbourhood several fine seats of the nobility, gentry and wealthy citizens; but their lustre is greatly eclipsed by Wansted-house, the magnificent seat of the Earl of Tilney. This noble seat was prepared by Sir Josiah Child, his Lordship’s grandfather, who added to the advantage of a fine situation, a vast number of rows of trees, planted in avenues and vistas leading up to the spot of ground where the old house stood. The late Lord, before he was enobled, laid out the most spacious pieces of ground in gardens, that are to be seen in this part of England. The green house is a very superb building furnished with stoves and artificial places for heat, from an apartment which has a bagnio, and other conveniences, that render it both useful and pleasant.

The house was built since these gardens were finished, and is a magnificent edifice two hundred and sixty feet in length, and seventy in depth, fronted with Portland stone, which, where it is not discoloured by the smoke, as in London, grows whiter and whiter, the longer it is exposed to the open air.

The fore front of the house has a long vista that reaches to the great road at Leighton Stone, and from the back front facing the gardens is an easy descent that leads to the terrace, and affords a most beautiful prospect of the river, which is formed into canals; and beyond it the walks and wildernesses extend to a great distance, rising up the hill, as they sloped downwards before; so that the sight is lost in the woods, and the whole country, as far as the eye can reach, appears one continued garden. _Tour through Great Britain._

The house was built by the late Earl of Tilney and designed by Col. Campbell, and is certainly one of the noblest houses not only near London, but in the kingdom: it consists of two stories, the state and ground story. This latter is the basement, into which you enter by a door in the middle underneath the grand entrance, which is in a noble portico of six Corinthian columns supporting a pediment in which are the arms of this nobleman. To this you ascend by a flight of steps and pass into a magnificent saloon richly decorated with painting and sculpture, through which you pass into the other state rooms which are suitably furnished with pictures, gilding, velvet, tapestry, and other rich hangings. Before this house is an octangular bason which seems equal to the length of the front, here are no wings, though it seems probable it was the original design of the architect. On each side as you approach the house, are two marble statues of Hercules and Venus, with obelisks and vases alternately placed, which makes some attonement for the defect just mentioned. The garden front has no portico, but a pediment with a bas relief supported by six three quarter columns.

The parish church has been lately rebuilt, chiefly by the liberality of Sir Richard Child, Bart. Lord Viscount Castlemain, and in the chancel is a very superb monument for Sir Josiah Child, whose statue in white marble stands pointing downward to the inscription. Underneath lies the figure of Bernard his second son, and on each side sits a woman, vailed, one leaning her head upon her hand, and the other closing her hands and wringing them. There are also several boys in mourning postures, and one expressing the vanity of life by blowing up a bubble.

WAPPING, anciently an hamlet in the parish of St. Mary Whitechapel, situated on the north bank of the Thames, at some distance east from London, but by the increase of buildings is not only rendered a separate and distinct parish, but is entirely joined to this metropolis. The site of this parish is supposed by Maitland to have been formerly within the flux of the river Thames; but when, or by whom it was at first imbanked, is unknown; however, the same author supposes it to have been first taken from the river about the year 1544; though it was not inhabited till after the year 1571.

Mr. Strype, in his edition of Stow’s Survey, gives the following account of the origin of this hamlet. The banks of the river Thames, says he, were frequently damaged by the inundations of that river, particularly about the year 1561, when several breaches were made therein, and these were no sooner repaired, than another happened in 1571, when the commissioners of sewers, after viewing the place, were of opinion, that the most effectual way to secure the bank of the river in those parts, would be to erect houses thereon, upon which the first foundation of the houses of Wapping was laid.

The most remarkable things in this district are St. John’s church, a Presbyterian, Quakers, and French meeting houses; a work-house for the reception of the poor, and two charity schools; one square, a yard for ship-building, and eight pair of stairs or steps to go down to and return from the river, two of which are denominated docks, the one being called Bell-dock, and the other Execution-dock, this is the common place of execution for pirates, who are here hung on a gallows which projects over the river.

WAPPING DOCK _stairs_, Wapping.

WAPPING DOCK _street_, Wapping,

WAPPING _New-stairs_, Wapping.

WAPPING _Old-stairs_, at Wapping.

WAPPING _street_, Hermitage.

WAPPING _wall_, Shadwell.

WAR OFFICE, at Whitehall. This office is under the government of the secretary at war, who has under him a deputy secretary, a first clerk, and twelve other clerks.

WARDENS _court_, Clerkenwell-close.

WARDS, certain districts into which the city and its liberties are divided, each being under the government of an Alderman and his deputy, and represented by several common councilmen.

Maitland supposes that the first division of this city into wards was not merely on account of government, as at present; but that London, like the other cities and towns in this kingdom, was anciently held of the Saxon Kings and nobility in demesne, and their several properties therein being so many sokes or liberties, were under the immediate dominion of their respective Lords, who were the governors or wardens thereof, and from thence arose the Saxon appellation ward, which signifies a quarter or district. This opinion, he adds, is not only corroborated by the wards of Baynard’s Castle, Faringdon, Coleman street, and Basinghall, or Bassishaw’s, still retaining the names of their ancient proprietors, but also by the other wards of the city being alienable, and the purchasers becoming the proprietors thereof, with the additional epithet of Aldermen.

What the number of wards in this city at first was, does not appear upon record; however, by the first account we have of them in the year 1284, we find that they were then twenty-four; but in 1393, Faringdon being much increased in the number of its houses and inhabitants, was divided by parliament into the inward and outward wards, whereby the number was augmented to twenty-five; and in 1550, the citizens having purchased the borough of Southwark of King Edward VI. with the privileges belonging to it, they erected that into a twenty-sixth ward: but the power granted them by charter, not proving sufficient to support their title to it, by excluding the justices of peace for the county of Surry from interfering in the government, it became only a nominal ward: it, however, serves to dignify the senior Alderman, called _The father of the city_, who generally, by his great age, is rendered unable to undergo the fatigue of business, and has therefore this ward, in which there is no business to be done.

The wards into which the city is divided were originally known by other names, though they have long been called by those by which they are at present distinguished. These are, Aldersgate, Aldgate, Bassishaw, Billingsgate, Bishopsgate, Bread street, Bridge ward within, Bridge ward without, Broad street, Candlewick, Castle Baynard, Cheap, Cordwainer, Coleman street, Cornhill, Cripplegate, Dowgate, Faringdon within, Faringdon without, Langbourn, Lime street, Queenhithe, Portsoken, Tower street, Vintry and Walbrook, of each of which we have given a particular account under the several articles. ALDERSGATE WARD, ALDGATE WARD, BASSISHAW WARD, _&c._

Every one of these wards is like a little free state under the government of its own Alderman and his deputy, who is always one of the common council, and is at the same time subject to the Lord Mayor as chief magistrate of the city. The housekeepers of each ward elect their representatives the common council, who join in making by-laws for the government of the city; and each ward has a number of officers and servants, who are solely employed in the business of their respective districts. Of these there are in the several wards, 26 Aldermen, 236 common councilmen, 241 constables, 423 inquestmen, 218 scavengers, who employ rakers to clean the streets, at the expence of 3466_l._ 19_s._ _per annum_; 32 beadles, 672 watch-men, to prevent robberies by night, and 4800 lamps, to illuminate the streets, all maintained at the expence of the wards in which they are placed. In short each ward manages the affairs belonging to it, without the assistance of the rest, and each has a court for the management of its affairs, called a court of wardmote.

_Court of_ WARDMOTE, is thus denominated from the words Ward and Mote, that is, the Ward-court. It is constituted for transacting the business of the ward, for which purpose the Lord Mayor annually issues a precept to the several Aldermen, to hold a court of wardmote on St. Thomas’s day.

WARDOURS _street_, Oxford street.

WARDROBE, or the King’s great wardrobe, in Scotland-yard. This office in ancient times was usually kept near Puddle-wharf, Great Carter lane, in an house built by Sir John Beauchamp, son to Guy de Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick, and afterwards sold to King Edward III.

The master of this office is an officer of great antiquity and dignity. High privileges and immunities were conferred on him by Henry VI. which were confirmed by his successors, and King James I. not only enlarged them, but ordained that this office should be a corporation, or body politic, for ever.

This office provides robes for the coronations, marriages, and funerals of the Royal Family; furnishes the court with hangings, cloths of state, carpets, beds, and other necessaries; furnishes houses for Embassadors at their first arrival; cloths of state, and other furniture for the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, and all his Majesty’s Embassadors abroad; provides all robes for foreign Knights of the garter, robes for the Knights of the garter at home, with robes and all other furniture for the officers of the garter; coats for kings, heralds, and pursuivants at arms; robes for the Lords of the Treasury, and Chancellor of the Exchequer, _&c._ livery for the Lord Chamberlain, Grooms of his Majesty’s privy-chamber, officers of his Majesty’s robes; for the two Chief Justices, for all the Barons of the Exchequer, and several officers in those courts; all liveries for his Majesty’s servants, as yeomen of the guard, and wardens of the Tower, trumpeters, kettle-drummers, drummers and fifes; the messengers, and all belonging to the stables, as coachmen, footmen, littermen, postillions and grooms, _&c._ all the King’s coaches, chariots, harnesses, saddles, bits, bridles, _&c._ the King’s watermen, game-keepers, _&c._ as also furniture for the royal yachts, and all rich embroidered tilts, and other furniture for the barges. _Chamberlain’s present state._

Besides the master or keeper of the wardrobe, who has a salary of 800 _l._ a year; and his deputy, who has 200_l._ there are a comptroller and a patent clerk, each of whom has 300_l._ a year, two under clerks and a clerk of the robes and wardrobes; besides many tradesmen and artificers, to the number of about sixty, who are all sworn servants to the King.

Besides the great wardrobe, there is a removing wardrobe, to which there belong a yeoman, who has 230_l._ _per annum_; two grooms, who have 130_l._ a year each, and two pages, each of whom has 100_l._ _per annum_.

There are likewise standing wardrobe-keepers at St. James’s, Windsor Castle, Hampton Court, Kensington, and Somerset house.

WARDROBE _court_, Great Carter lane, so called from the above wardrobe formerly situated there. See the foregoing article.

WARD’S _court_, Goswell street.†

WARE, a town in Hertfordshire, situated on the river Lea, twenty-two miles from London. As this town lies low, and upon a level with the river, it was drowned in the year 1408, by floods from the neighbouring park and other uplands; and sluices and wears being made in its river to preserve it from the like inundations, Camden supposes, that it from thence acquired the name of Ware.

The plenty of water about this town gave rise to that admirable project of cutting a channel from hence, for conveying the New River to London. Here is a very considerable market for corn, and so great is the malt trade here, and in the neighbourhood, that 5000 quarters of malt and other corn are frequently sent in a week to London, by the barges, which return with coals. Here is a school for the younger children of Christ’s hospital in London, a charity school, and six or seven almshouses; and at the crown inn is a great bed much visited by travellers, it being twelve feet square, and is said to hold twenty people.

The heir of the late Thomas Byde, Esq; Lord of the manor, has a house pleasantly situated in the park, with an ascent on every side: and among other improvements, is a vineyard, and a canal cut from the Rib, which turns that stream along the south side of the park.

WAREHOUSE _yard_, 1. Bridge yard: 2. Mincing lane, Fenchurch street.

WARNER’S _square_, Wapping.†

WARNER’S _street_, Coldbath fields.†

WARNER’S _yard_, Mincing lane, Fenchurch street.†

WARNFORD _court_, Throgmorton street, Lothbury.†

WARWICK _court_, 1. Berry street: 2. High Holbourn: 3. Warwick lane. See the next article: 4. Warwick street Charing cross.

WARWICK _lane_, extends from Newgate street to the end of Paternoster row, near Amen corner, and obtained its name, from there being formerly here in Warwick court, the city mansion of the Earls of Warwick. _Maitland._ This lane is now famous for its containing the College of Physicians.

WARWICK _street_, 1. Charing cross: 2. Cockspur street, Pallmall: 3. near Golden square: 4. Mary le Bonne.

WARWICK’S _wharf_, near the Strand.†

WASHERMAID’S _alley_. Five Feet lane.

WASHER’S _yard_, White’s yard, Rosemary lane.

WATCH-HOUSE _bridge yard_, Old Horselydown lane.

WATER BAILIFF, one of the great officers of the city, whose business is to prevent all encroachments on the river Thames; to look after the fishermen for the preservation of the young fry, and to prevent their being destroyed by the use of unlawful nets. For this purpose there are juries in each county, bordering on the river, summoned by the water bailiff to make enquiry of all offences relating to the river and the fish; and to make their presentments accordingly. See the article THAMES.

The water bailiff, has apartments in Cripplegate, and is obliged, on set days in the week to attend the Lord Mayor. _Maitland._

WATERCOCK _alley_, East Smithfield.

WATERGRUEL _row_, Hackney.

WATERHOUSE _lane_, Lower Shadwell.

WATERHOUSE _wharf_, London Bridge.

WATER _lane_, 1. Black Friars: 2. Fleet street: 3. Mill street: 4. Tower street. All these lanes lead to the Thames.

WATERMAN’S _alley_, New street, St. Thomas’s.

WATERMAN’S _court_, Pepper alley, near the south end of London Bridge.

WATERMAN’S _lane_, White Friars.

WATERMEN, a company under the power and command of the Lord Mayor. For the regulation of this fraternity several statutes have been made, particularly on the second and third of Philip and Mary, when it was enacted, among other things, that at the first court of Aldermen in London, next after the first of March, eight overseers should be chosen out of the watermen between Gravesend and Windsor, to keep order among the rest.