Chapter VII: Part 7

Having seen as much as I could now, I away to Whitehall by
appointment and there walked to St. James's Parke, and there met my
wife and Creed and Wood and his wife and walked to my boat; and
there upon the water again, and to the fire up and down, it still
increasing, and the wind great. So near the fire as we could for
smoke; and all over the Thames, with one's face in the wind, you
were almost burned with a shower of fire-drops. This is very true;
so as houses were burned by these drops and flakes of fire, three or
four, nay, five or six houses, one from another. When we could
endure no more upon the water, we to a little ale-house on the
Bankside, over against the three Cranes, and there staid till it was
dark almost, and saw the fire grow; and, as it grew darker, appeared
more and more, and in corners and upon steeples, and between
churches and houses, as far as we could see up the hill of the City,
in a most horrid malicious bloody flame, not like the fine flame of
an ordinary fire.... We staid till, it being darkish, we saw the
fire as only one entire arch of fire from this to the other side of
the bridge, and in a bow up the hill for an arch of above a mile
long; it made me weep to see it. The church, houses, and all on fire
and flaming at once; and a horrid noise the flames made, and the
cracking of houses at their ruine. So home with a sad heart, and
there find everybody discursing and lamenting the fire: and poor Tom
Hater come with some few of his goods saved out of his house, which
is burned upon Fish-Street Hill. I invited him to lie at my house,
and receive his goods, but was deceived in his lying there; so as we
were forced to begin to pack up our owne goods, and prepare for
their removal; and did by moonshine (it being brave dry, and
moonshine, and warm weather) carry much of my goods into the garden,
and Mr. Hater and I did remove my money and iron chests into my
cellar, as thinking that the safest place. And got ready my bags of
gold into my office, ready to carry away, and my chief papers of
accounts also there, and my tallys into a box by themselves. So
great was our fear, as Sir W. Batten hath carts come out of the
country to fetch away his goods this night. We did put Mr. Hater,
poor man, to bed a little; but he got but very little rest, so much
noise being in my house, taking down of goods.

_September 3rd._—About four o'clock in the morning, my Lady Batten
sent me a cart to carry away all my money, and plate, and best
things, to Sir W. Rider's at Bednall Green, which I did riding
myself in my night-gowne in the cart; and, Lord! to see how the
streets and highways are crowded with people running and riding, and
getting of carts at any rate to fetch away things. I find Sir W.
Rider tired with being called up all night, and receiving things
from several friends. His house full of goods, and much of Sir W.
Batten's and Sir W. Penn's. I am eased at my heart to have my
treasure so well secured. Then home, with much ado to find a way,
nor any sleep at all this night to me nor my poor wife.

(_b_) On the second instant, at one of the clock of the morning,
there happened to break out, a sad and deplorable fire, in
Pudding-lane near Fish Street, which falling out at that hour of the
night, and in a quarter of the town so close built with wooden
pitched houses, spread itself so far before day, and with such
distraction to the inhabitants and neighbours, that care was not
taken for the timely preventing the further diffusion of it, by
pulling down houses, as ought to have been; so that this lamentable
fire in a short time became too big to be mastered by any engines or
working near it. It fell out most unhappily too, that a violent
easterly wind fomented, and kept it burning all that day, and the
night following, spreading itself up to Gracechurch Street, and
downwards from Cannon Street to the water-side, as far as the Three
Cranes in the Vintrey.

The people in all parts about it distracted by the vastness of it,
and their particular care to carry away their goods, many attempts
were made to prevent the spreading of it by pulling down houses, and
making great intervals, but all in vain, the fire seizing upon the
timber and rubbish and so continuing itself, even through those
spaces, and raging in a bright flame all Monday and Tuesday,
notwithstanding his majesties own, and his royal highness's
indefatigable and personal pains to apply all possible remedies to
prevent it, calling upon and helping the people with their guards,
and a great number of nobility and gentry unwearied assisting
therein, for which they were requited with a thousand blessings from
the poor distressed people. By the favour of God, the wind slackened
a little on Tuesday night and the flames meeting with brick
buildings at the Temple, by little and little it was observed to
lose its force on that side, so that on Wednesday morning we began
to hope well, and his royal highness never despairing or slackening
his personal care, wrought so well that day, assisted in some parts
by the lords of the council before and behind it, that a stop was
put to it at the Temple-Church, near Holborn-Bridge, Pie-corner,
Aldersgate, Cripplegate, near the lower end of Coleman-Street, at
the end of Basinghall Street, by the Postern, at the upper end of
Bishopsgate street, and Leadenhall-street, at the standard in
Cornhill, at the church in Fenchurch street, near Clothworkers-Hall
in Mincing Lane, at the middle of Mark-lane, and at the Tower-dock.

On Thursday by the blessing of God it was wholly beat down and
extinguished. But so as that evening it unhappily burst out again
afresh at the Temple, by the falling of some sparks (as is supposed)
upon a pile of wooden buildings; but his royal highness, who watched
there that whole night in person, by the great labours and diligence
used, and especially by applying powder to blow up the houses about
it, before day most happily mastered it.

Divers strangers, Dutch and French were, during the fire,
apprehended, upon suspicion that they contributed mischievously to
it, who are all imprisoned, and informations prepared to make a
severe inquisition thereupon by my lord chief justice Keeling,
assisted by some of the lords of the privy-council, and some
principal members of the city, notwithstanding which suspicions, the
manner of the burning all along in a train, and so blown forwards in
all its way by strong winds, makes us conclude the whole was an
effect of an unhappy chance, or to speak better, the heavy hand of
God upon us for our sins, shewing us the terror of his judgment in
thus raising the fire, and immediately after his miraculous and
never enough to be acknowledged mercy in putting a stop to it when
we were in the last despair, and that all attempts for the quenching
it however industriously pursued, seemed insufficient. His Majesty
then sat hourly in council, and ever since hath continued making
rounds about the city in all parts of it where the danger and
mischief was greatest, till this morning that he hath sent his grace
the duke of Albemarle, whom he hath called for to assist him in this
great occasion, to put his happy and successful hand to the
finishing this memorable deliverance.

A PROCLAMATION OF CHARLES II. (1666).

It seems clear from this proclamation that the King and his advisers not only realised the faults and dangers of the recently destroyed City, but entertained worthy and lofty ideals for its re-erection. Ingenious schemes were not lacking, and only a strong and firm and enthusiastic government was required to insure the building of a beautiful, safe, and convenient city to replace the old picturesque, but dangerous, unhealthy, and crowded buildings. However, royal favour and public convenience could not prevail against "vested interests"; and most of the pious hopes of Charles, and the plans of enlightened architects and others, were not fulfilled.

Charles, R.—As no particular man hath sustained any loss or damage
by the late terrible and deplorable fire in his fortune or estate,
in any degree to be compared with the loss and damage we ourself
have sustained, so it is not possible for any man to take the same
more to heart, and to be more concerned and solicitous for the
rebuilding this famous city with as much expedition as is possible;
and since it hath pleased God to lay this heavy judgment upon us all
in this time, as an evidence of his displeasure for our sins, we do
comfort ourself with some hope, that he will, upon our due
humiliation before him, as a new instance of his signal blessing
upon us, give us life, not only to see the foundations laid, but the
buildings finished, of a much more beautiful city than is at this
time consumed.

In the first place, the woeful experience in this late heavy
visitation hath sufficiently convinced all men of the pernicious
consequences which have attended the building with timber, and even
with stone itself, and the notable benefit of brick, which in so
many places hath resisted and even extinguished the fire: and we do
therefore hereby declare our express will and pleasure that no man
whatsoever shall presume to erect any house or building, great or
small, but of brick or stone; and if any man shall do the contrary,
the next magistrate shall forthwith cause it to be pulled down, and
such further course shall be taken for his punishment as he
deserves. And we suppose that the notable benefit many men have
received from those cellars which have been well and strongly
arched, will persuade most men, who build good houses, to practise
that good husbandry, by arching all convenient places.

We do declare, that Fleet Street, Cheapside, Cornhill, and all other
eminent and notorious streets, shall be of such a breadth, as may,
with God's blessing, prevent the mischief that one side may suffer
if the other be on fire, which was the case lately in Cheapside; the
precise breadth of which several streets shall be, upon advice with
the lord mayor and aldermen, shortly published, with many other
particular orders and rules, which cannot yet be adjusted: in the
mean time we resolve, though all streets cannot be of all equal
breadth, yet none shall be so narrow as to make the passage uneasy
or inconvenient, especially towards the water-side; nor will we
suffer any lanes or alleys to be erected, but where, upon mature
deliberation, the same shall be found absolutely necessary; except
such places shall be set aside, which shall be designed only for
buildings of that kind, and from whence no public mischief may
probably arise.

The irreparable damage and loss by the late fire being, next to the
hand of God in the terrible wind, to be imputed to the place in
which it first broke out, amongst small timber houses standing so
close together, that as no remedy could be applied from the river
for the quenching thereof, to the contiguousness of the buildings
hindering and keeping all possible relief from the land-side, we do
resolve and declare, that there shall be a fair key or wharf on all
the river-side; that no house shall be erected within so many feet
of the river, as shall be within few days declared in the rules
formerly mentioned; nor shall there be in those buildings which
shall be erected next the river, which we desire may be fair
structures, for the ornament of the city, any houses to be inhabited
by brewers, or dyers, or sugar-bakers; which trades, by their
continual smokes, contribute very much to the unhealthiness of the
adjacent places; but we require the lord mayor and aldermen of
London, upon a full consideration, and weighing all conveniences and
inconveniences that can be foreseen, to propose such a place as may
be fit for all those trades which are carried on by smoke to inhabit
together, or at least several places for the several quarters of the
town for those occupations, and in which they shall find their
account in convenience and profit, as well as other places shall
receive the benefit in the distance of the neighbourhood; it being
our purpose, that they who exercise those necessary professions,
shall be in all respects as well provided for and encouraged as ever
they have been, and undergo as little prejudice as may be by being
less inconvenient to their neighbours.

In the mean time, we do heartily recommend it to the charity and
magnanimity of all well-disposed persons, and we do heartily pray
unto Almighty God, that he will infuse it into the hearts of men,
speedily to endeavour by degrees to re-edify some of those many
churches, which, in this lamentable fire, have been burned down and
defaced; that so men may have those public places of God's worship
to resort to, to humble themselves together before him upon this his
heavy displeasure, and join in their devotion for his future mercy
and blessing upon us; and, as soon as we shall be informed of any
readiness to begin such a good work, we shall not only give our
assistance and direction for the model of it, and freeing it from
buildings at too near a distance, but shall encourage it by our own
bounty, and all other ways we shall be desired.

Lastly, that we may encourage men by our own example, we will use
all the expedition we can to re-build our custom-house in the place
where it formerly stood, and enlarge it with the most conveniences
for the merchants that can be devised; and, upon all the other lands
which belong unto us, we shall depart with any thing of our own
right and benefit, for the advancement of the public service and
beauty of the city; and shall further remit, to all those who shall
erect any buildings according to this declaration, all duties
arising to us upon the hearth-money for the space of seven years.

Given at our court at Whitehall the thirteenth day of September, one
thousand six hundred and sixty-six, in the eighteenth year of our
reign.

EVELYN'S PLANS FOR REBUILDING THE CITY
(1667).

After the Fire had demolished a considerable portion of the City, many plans and suggestions were submitted for its reconstruction, and those of Sir Christopher Wren and of John Evelyn were distinguished by their excellence and thoroughness. The occasion offered a magnificent opportunity for a wise and far-seeing scheme of town-planning, and the ingenious ideas of Evelyn are particularly interesting in view of the attention which is now being given to the subject.

=Source.=—_London Restored_, quoted by Maitland, vol. i., p. 447.

It might haply be thought fit to fill up, or at least give a partial
level to some of the deepest valleys, holes and more sudden
declivities within the City, for the more ease of commerce,
carriages, coaches and people in the streets; and not a little for
the more handsome ranging of the buildings: for instance, that from
about the Fleet to Ludgate; which yet should be no more than might
only afford a graceful and just ascent from thence up towards St.
Paul's; the only spot in the whole city, where I would plant that
ancient and venerable Cathedral again: but here is to be considered
the Channel running thence through Holborn, which would be so
enlarged, as not only to be preserved sweet (by scouring it through
flood-gates into the Thames on all occasions) but commodious for the
intercourse of considerable vessels thwart this portion of the town;
and which therefore should be accordingly wharfed on both sides to
the very key of the river, and made contiguous to the streets by
bridges arched to a due level, as it might easily be contrived, (and
with passage sufficient for lusty barges and lighters under them)
were the valley so elevated as it is projected. There is only this
care incumbent; that all foundations upon this new ground be
searched to the old and more solid basis; from whence they may also
store themselves with vaults and cellarage in abundance: The same
might be considered in some sort from the descent of the hill
towards Thames-Street, so as to come down upon the future key by a
far less declivity, which would give those houses that should be
built fronting to the river a more becoming aspect, and an easier
footing to the ranges above them, which would peep over one another
successively; with a far better grace, than those do at Genoa, where
the ascent is too precipitious.

These considerations and employments would greatly forward the
prompt and natural disposal of the more useless and cumbersome
rubbish; unless it might be thought more expedient (if there should
not be sufficient for both) to design it rather towards the
enlargement of a new and ample key; which I wish might run parallel
from the very Tower to the Temple at least, and, if it were possible
(without augmenting the rapidity of the stream) extend itself even
as far as the very low-water mark; the basin by this means kept
perpetually full, without Slub or annoyance, and to the infinite
benefit and ease of access, like that of Constantinople, than which
nothing could be imagined more noble: what fractions and confusions
our ugly stairs, bridges and causeways make, and how dirty and nasty
it is at every ebb, we are sufficiently sensible of; so as, next to
the hellish smoke of the town, there is nothing doubtless which does
more impair the health of its inhabitants....

For the rest of those necessary evils, the brew-houses, bake-houses,
dyers, salt, soap and sugar-boilers, chandlers, hat-makers,
slaughter-houses, some sort of fish-mongers, etc. whose
neighbourhood cannot be safe, (as I have elsewhere shewed, and a sad
experience has confirmed) I hope his Majesty will now dispose of to
some other parts about the river; towards Bow and Wandsworth on the
water; Islington and about Spital-Fields, etc. The charge of
bringing all their commodities into the City would be very
inconsiderable, opposed to the peril of their being continued
amongst the inhabitants, and the benefit of the carriage, which
would employ a world of people, both by land and water, without the
least prejudice.

I suppose the Custom-house cannot be better situated than where it
was, and as it may hold communication with the Tower: here might the
Admiralty and Navy-Office be fitly placed.

I have not forgotten the hospitals, public workhouses to employ the
poor in, and prisons; which being built and re-endowed at the common
charge, should be disposed of in convenient quarters of the City:
the hospitals would become one of the principal streets: but the
prisons, and tribunal for trial of criminal offenders, might be
built (as of old) near some entrance of the City; about Newgate were
a fitting place, as my plate represents it.

The College of Physicians would be in one of the best parts of the
town, encircled with an handsome Piazza for the dwelling of those
learned persons, with the Chirurgeons, Apothecaries and Druggists in
the streets about them; for I am greatly inclined to wish, that all
of a mystery should be destined to their several quarters: those of
the better sort of shop-keepers, who sell by retail, might be
allotted to the sweetest and most eminent streets and piazzas: the
artificers to the more ordinary houses, intermediate and narrower
passages (for such will hardly be avoided) that the noise and
tintamar of their instruments may be the less importunate: the
taverns and victualling houses sprinkled amongst them, and built
accordingly: but all these too, even the very meanest, should
exactly respect uniformity, and be more substantially built than
those in Covent-Garden, and other places; where once in twenty or
thirty years they had need be built again, and therefore to be
indulged a longer term.

Spaces for ample courts, yards and gardens, even in the heart of the
City there may be some to the principal houses, for state and
refreshment; but with great reservation, because of the fractions
they will make; and therefore rarely towards any principal street:
and I hope it will please his Majesty to prescribe by a public and
irreversible edict, that no houses whatsoever, may for the future
presume to be erected, not only about this City, but all the Nation
besides, within such a distance from magazines, places of public
records and Churches, which should be preserved as sanctuaries.

The gates and entries of the City, which are to be rebuilt, might be
the subjects of handsome architecture, in form of triumphal arches,
adorned with statues, relievo's and apposite inscriptions, as
prefaces to the rest within, and should therefore by no means be
obstructed by sheds, and ugly shops, or houses adhering to them: and
I wish this reformation, and the infinite danger of their being
continued, might extend to the demolishing those deformed buildings
on London-Bridge; which not only endanger all the rest, but take
away from the beauty of it, and indeed of the whole City near the
Thames: instead of them, if there went a substantial baluster of
iron, decorated with statues upon their pedestals at convenient
distances, and the footway on each side, it would be exceedingly
convenient; whilst, to secure the passengers by night, it might be
guarded by responsible house-keepers in their turns: or, if they
will need have shops, let them be built of solid stone, made narrow
and very low, like to those upon the Rialto at Venice; but it were
far better without them.

AN ACT CONCERNING THE STREETS (1671).

Such statutes as the following are particularly useful in enabling us to understand in detail the conditions which governed matters of everyday life in the City. The fact that certain proceedings are forbidden implies that it was found necessary to issue the prohibition by reason of the common occurrence of such proceedings. From this statute and from similar sources we obtain the inevitable impression that the streets of London during the seventeenth century must have been dangerous and disagreeable places. These instructions, of course, were issued at a time when special attention was being directed to the care of the city from reasons of health and safety.

I. Item, That hereafter all streets within this city, called, known,
or set down to be High Streets, shall be paved round, or causeway
fashion: and upon notice given to the commissioners of any defective
pavements in any of the streets, lanes, and passages within this
city and liberties, the same shall be forthwith made good and
amended, unless by general consent some better expedient be found
and published.

II. That inasmuch as it hath been found by common experience that
the paviours, to hide and cover their bad workmanship, have
oftentimes spread and laid great quantities of gravel over their
pavements, to greater charge of the persons setting them on work
than was needful, and which, upon a sudden rain, did either choke
the common sewers, or turn to dirt and mire in the streets;
therefore the said paviours are required, that hereafter they do
forbear to lay or spread any more gravel on the pavements than will
only fill up the joints of their work, and cause the same to be
swept and well rammed, and leave the pavements bare of gravel, and
keep a regular method of paving, not paving one door higher than
another, upon pain of paying five shillings for every complaint.

III. That the breadth of six foot at the least from the foundation
of the houses, in such of the said High Streets which shall be
allowed to be posted, shall be paved by the inhabitants or owners
with flat or broad stone for a foot passage; unless such parts
thereof as shall lie before any gateway, which may be done with
square rag by the said breadth of six feet, upon pain of paying five
shillings for every week the same shall be omitted to be done after
notice given.

VIII. That the several inhabitants within this city and liberties,
or their servants, do take care that the dirt, ashes, and soil of
their houses be in readiness for the carmen, their agents, or
servants, either by setting out the same over night in tubs, boxes,
baskets, or other vessel, near and contiguous to their houses, or by
bringing out the same within convenient time, before the hours for
their departure as aforesaid.

XIII. That the said carmen undertakers, their agents or servants,
shall give notice of their being in the street with their tumbrels
or cars by loudly knocking a wooden clapper, especially in courts,
alleys, and other back passages, upon pain to forfeit three
shillings and fourpence upon every complaint duly proved.

XX. That no man shall cast or lay in the streets, lanes, or common
passages, or channels within this city or liberties, any dogs, cats,
inwards of beasts, cleaves of beasts feet, bones, horns, dregs or
dross of ale or beer, or any noisome thing, upon pain of ten
shillings for every offence.

XXVI. That no artificer, labourer, or other person, shall make any
stop or dam in any channel, nor shall slake any lime in the streets,
lanes, or passages, upon pain to pay two shillings for every
offence.

XXVII. That no man shall feed any kine, goats, hogs, or any kind of
poultry, in the open streets, upon pain to forfeit three shillings
and fourpence for every offence.

XXVIII. That no man shall cast into the ditches or sewers, grates or
gullets of the city, any manner of carrion, stinking flesh, rotten
oranges or onions, rubbish, dung, sand, gravel, or any other thing
that may stop the course of the same, upon pain of forfeiting forty
shillings for every offence.

XXXI. That no tyler, bricklayer, or other person, do throw out of
gutters, or off roofs or other parts of houses, any tyles, loam, or
rubbish, into any street, lane, or common passage; but do bring down
the same in baskets or trays; upon pain to forfeit three shillings
and four pence for every offence.

A LORD MAYOR'S PROCLAMATION (1679).

Among documents relating to the City there are many of a similar nature to the following proclamation. Many of the Mayors and Corporations appear to have been of opinion that although they might be unable to organise an efficient government of the City, which should definitely prevent crime and disorder, at any rate they might draw up elaborate codes of rules and instructions, as a manifestation of their earnestness of purpose. Many of these rules and orders are proclaimed and enacted over and over again; the precautions and the measures taken against the flagrant evils which existed were very often utterly futile, and improvement was extremely slow.

BY THE MAYOR.

The Right Honourable the Lord Mayor having taken into his serious
consideration the many dreadful afflictions which this City hath of
late years suffered, by a raging plague, a most unheard-of devouring
fire, and otherwise; and justly fearing that the same have been
occasioned by the many heinous crying sins and provocations to the
Divine Majesty: and his Lordship also considering the present
dangers of greater mischiefs and misery which seem still to threaten
this City, if the execution of the righteous judgments of God
Almighty be not prevented by an universal timely repentance and
reformation: he hath, therefore, thought it one duty of his office,
being intrusted to take all possible care for the good government,
peace and welfare of this City, first, to pray and persuade all and
every the inhabitants thereof to reform, themselves and families,
all sins and enormities whereof they know themselves to be guilty;
and if neither the fear of the Great God, nor of his impending
judgments, shall prevail upon them, he shall be obliged to let them
know, that, as he is their Chief Magistrate, he ought not to bear
the sword in vain; and therefore doth resolve, by God's grace, to
take the assistance of his brethren the Aldermen, and to require the
aid of all the Officers of this City in their several places, to
punish and suppress, according to the laws of the land, and the good
customs of this City, those scandalous and provoking sins which have
of late increased and abounded amongst us, even without shame, to
the dishonour of Christianity, and the scandal of the government of
this City, heretofore so famous over the world for its piety,
sobriety, and good order.

To the end therefore that the laws may become a terror unto
evil-doers, and that such, in whose hearts the fear of God, and the
love of virtue, shall not prevail, being forewarned, may amend their
lives for fear of punishment, his Lordship hath thought fit to
remember them of several penalties provided by law against notorious
offenders; as also of all Constables and Public Officers (who are to
put the said laws in execution) of their duty therein.

First, Every profane curser and swearer ought to be punished by the
payment of twelve pence for every oath; and if the same cannot be
levied upon the offenders goods, then he is to sit three hours in
the stocks.

Secondly, Every drunkard is to pay for the first offence five
shillings; and in default thereof to sit six hours in the stocks,
and for the second offence, to find sureties for his good behaviour,
or to be committed to the common gaol; and the like punishment is to
be inflicted upon all common haunters of ale-houses and taverns, and
common gamesters, and persons justly suspected to live by any
unlawful means, having no visible way to support themselves in their
manner of living. And no person is to sit or continue tippling or
drinking more than one hour, unless upon some extraordinary
occasion, in any tavern, victualling-house, ale-house, or other
tippling-house, upon the penalty of ten shillings for every offence
upon the master of such house; and upon the person that shall so
continue drinking, three shillings four pence....

Fourthly, All persons using any unlawful exercises on the Lord's
day, or tippling in taverns, inns or ale-houses, and coffee-houses,
during divine service on that day, are to forfeit three shillings
four pence for every offence, to be levied by distress, and where
none can be had, to sit three hours in the stocks; and every
vintner, innkeeper, or ale-house keeper that shall suffer any such
drinking or tippling in his house, is to forfeit ten shillings for
every offence; and no person may sit in the streets, with herbs,
fruits, or other things, to expose them to sale, nor no hackney
coachman may stand or ply in the streets on that day.

And therefore all Constables and other Officers, whom it doth or may
concern, are required, according to their oaths solemnly taken in
that behalf, to take care for discovering and bringing to punishment
whosoever shall offend in any of the premises; and for that end they
are to enter into any suspected houses before mentioned to search
for any such disorderly persons as shall be found misbehaving
themselves, or doing contrary to the said laws, and to levy the
penalties, and bring the offenders before some of his Majesties
Justices of the Peace of this City, to be dealt withall according to
law.

And whereas there are other disorders of another nature, very
dishonourable, and a great scandal to the government of this City,
and very prejudicial to the trade and commerce of the same; his
Lordship, therefore, is resolved by God's blessing, with the
assistance of his brethren the Aldermen, to use his utmost endeavour
to prevent the same, by putting in execution the good and wholesome
laws in force for that purpose, with all strictness and severity;
some of which he hath thought fit to enumerate, with the duties and
penalties upon every Constable and other officer concerned therein.

As first, the great resort of rogues, vagrants, idle persons, and
common beggars, pestering and annoying the streets and common
passages, and all places of public meetings and resort, against whom
very good provision is made by the law, viz.

That all such persons shall be openly whipped, and forthwith sent
from parish to parish to the place where he or she was born, if
known; if not, to the place where he or she last dwelt for the space
of one year, to be set to work; or not being known, where he or she
was born or dwelt, then to be sent to the parish where he or she
last passed through without punishment.

That every Constable that shall not do his best endeavour for the
apprehension of such vagabond, rogue or sturdy beggar, and cause him
or her to be punished or conveyed according to law, shall forfeit
ten shillings for every default.

Secondly, The not paving and cleansing of the streets: the
redressing whereof being by a late act of Parliament put into
Commissioners appointed by Common Council, his Lordship doth hereby
recommend the same to the Deputies and Common Council of the several
wards within this City, to use their utmost diligence in that
affair, and especially to mind their respective Commissioners of the
duty incumbent upon them, and of the daily damage which the City
suffers by the neglect thereof. And his Lordship doth declare he
will appear at the said Commission of Sewers as often as his more
urgent occasions will give him leave, and doth expect such
attendance of the other Commissioners as may render the act more
effectual than hitherto it hath been.

Thirdly, The neglect of the inhabitants of this City in hanging and
keeping out their lights at the accustomed hours, according to the
good and ancient usage of this City, and acts of Common Council in
that behalf.

Fourthly, the not setting and continuing the watches at such hours,
and in such numbers, and in such sober and orderly manner in all
other respects, as by the acts of Common Council in that behalf is
directed and appointed.

And his Lordship doth strictly require the Fellowship of Carmen to
be very careful in the due observance of the good and wholesome
rules and orders which have been made for their regulation: his
Lordship intending severely to inflict the penalties imposed in
default thereof.

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.