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People
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"The Musgroves, like
their houses, were in a state of alteration, perhaps of improvement."
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| Princess Charlotte | Royal Anecdotes | ||
| Dr. Herschell | Sir Christopher Wren (anecd.) | ||
| Mr Paisley of Gretna Green | Thomson the Poet (anecdote) | ||
| Peeping Tom of Coventry | |||
Princess Charlotte
(from Joseph Ballard's "England in 1815")
Having a desire to see Royalty I attended the Chapel Royal, St. James' Palace, to see the Princess Charlotte, probably the future Queen of England. This chapel is in the courtyard of the palace. The entrance is through a small door into a dark and narrow passage which carries you into the chapel. This is quite a confined room and not at all elegant. The ceiling is panelled and ornamented with the coats of arms of the nobility. The Princess came in attended by several lords and ladies, and took her seat in the gallery opposite to where I stood. She has a pretty face and eyes, with the buxomness of a country lass. Her dress was purple pelisse edged with white, with a French fashioned bonnet and a wreath around it. She had not the least gentility of appearance and her manners were shockingly vulgar, particularly when she stood up. She had then a kind of rolling about, and kept her arms akimbo. She took very little notice ofthe service and seemed, from her uneasiness, to wish that it were ended.
Dr. Herschell
( from Joshua White's "Letters on England," written in 1810)
TWO miles from the royal residence I stopped at Slough, an insignificant village or rather hamlet, on the great western road from London. It is at present of some note from being the residence of the celebrated Dr. Herschell, so well known to the world of literature and science by his astronomical discoveries.
Having a desire to see this distinguished man, I addressed to him, in behalf of myself and my companions, the following note:
"Four American gentlemen who have not the honour of an introduction to Dr. Herschell, present their respects to him; and if convenient and agreeable to the doctor, would be highly gratified with a view of his large telescope."
He sent an immediate and polite reply, complying with our request. We were met at the door by him, and after a short conversation we were invited into the yard behind his house, where the telescope was fixed. The behaviour of this distinguished German increased the favourable impressions that had been made on my mind of the general affability and good-breeding of the literary characters of this country. He is advanced in years, but his dialect still bespeaks the place of his birth. In person he is below the ordinary standard, somewhat disposed to corpulency, and rather clumsy in his form. His countenance does not indicate any thing of that luminous and penetrating mind which brings remote worlds to his view, and explains their dimensions, movements, and relative positions.*
This wonderful instrument, though gigantic in its size, is moved with great facility in all directions, by means of rollers, ropes, and pullies. The ascent to the uppermost end is by means of steps or rather a ladder; and to this end there is a seat attached, on which the astronomer is placed to make his observations on the starry world. Of course he looks in, and not through the tube; in the lower end of which, near the ground, is placed the mirror which reflects the light through a small tube, upon his eyes. The mirror weighs two thousand five hundred pounds, and is worth, according to the doctor's valuation, ten thousand pounds.
While he views the firmament with its glittering orbs, he communicates his observations to his sister, Miss Herschell, who is his amanuensis, and who has her station in a small lodge built in the lower framework of the machinery. This he does by a speaking trumpet, one end of which is applied to his mouth, and the other to her ear; thus they are recorded without either having to leave their seats.
It will be supposed, from what I have said, that the tube is not under cover; but to prevent injury from the weather, the end which contains the mirror is always closed, and the opposite one is only opened with it is to be used. The tube is made of sheet iron, and covered with strong canvass, well painted. The length of it is forty feet, and the circumference ten feet four inches. Mr. Silliman, my countryman, commits an error when he says it is "Five feet in diameter." The same respectable traveller says, upon the authority of the doctor's servant, "that his majesty had walked through it, and a boy of thirteen might do so without stooping." A little more accuracy of personal observation would have convinced Mr. Silliman that these statements were erroneous.
This celebrated instrument is not less wonderful in its powers, than it is ingenious and curious in its construction. The learned inventer explained the former by saying that he had "seen stars, the light of which would take two millions of years to reach this earth;" calculating that light takes seven and a half minutes to travel from the sun to our globe, a distance of ninety-six millions of miles.
However ingenious may be the theory of the learned astronomer, however unwearied his patience and however indefatigable his industry, in ascertaining the places and distances of numerous and unknown worlds, there is certainly, in what I have just stated, too much of refined speculation and obscure reasoning, to be understood or comprehended by ordinary minds.
* I was afterwards informed, that at an early period of his life he resided at Leeds in Yorkshire, where he was known only as an organist; from thence he moved to Bath, where he soon became noticed for his philosophical and astronomical discoveries; and as these increased, he rose into merited fame.
PEEPING TOM of COVENTRY
(from Joshua White's "Letters on England," written in 1810)
As soon as I had dined, I strolled through the irregular and confined streets of this ancient place, but observed few objects to arrest my attention, except such as merited it from mere antiquity. Before I left the inn where the coach had stopped, I did not forget to make inquiry for "Peeping Tom," whose curious tale has been transmitted from father to son, for a long succession of ages, and has often amused me in the days of my childhood. I was told to look at the upper window of a house a little above the court of the inn, and here I beheld the representation of this ill-starred wight, cut in wood, his head and shoulders projecting from a window, with a cocked hat on.
His story is shortly this: About the middle of the eleventh century, Leofric, earl of Mercia, who rebuilt a celebrated convent which the Danes had destroyed about the year 1016, became lord of Coventry; and for some provocation which he had received from the inhabitants, he imposed on them most exorbitant taxes as a punishment. They vainly petitioned the haughty lord to remove their grievances, but tyrants are always obstinate as they are cruel. His wife Godiva, interceded for the people, and besought the imperious lord to remove their distresses, which he at last consented to do, under a condition, which he did not believe would be complied with; this was, that she would ride through the town naked. She consented to do so, and performed her engagement, after having, on pain of death, enjoined the inhabitants not to look out as she passed. All obeyed the injunction, except a poor tailor, who, not being able to restrain his curiosity, and venturing to give a single glance at the naked beauty as she passed, was instantly struck blind. Having fulfilled the hard condition, she claimed the award, which was immediately granted by his giving the city a charter, exempting it from all tolls. In one of the churches there formerly was a picture of Leofric an Godiva, with this inscription commemorative of the event:
"I, Leofric, for love of the,
Do make Coventry toll free."
Formerly an annual procession was formed to perpetuate this circumstance; but now, it takes place only once in seven years. A female, who personifies Godiva is mounted on a horse in a vesture exactly fitted to her body, and of a flesh colour. She is preceded and followed by a numerous body of citizens, with public officers bearing flags with appropriate devices. The principal person in this strange cavalcade is generally some young woman from Birmingham, who has little regard for decency and character, and for a trifling compensation agrees to become the distinguished person.
ROYAL ANECDOTES
(from The Hibernian Magazine for October, 1781)
As an instance of the excellent manner in which the Royal children are educated, we may mention one circumstance relative to their pocket money. They have all a stated sum allowed, proportioned to their age; and the Queen requires them to give her an account how they dispose of it, when they receive a lecture, if a considerable portion is not bestowed on some commendable charity, that is free from ostentation.--Every one chuses how he will bestow his money.--One of the little ones hearing a newspaper read, said to the Queen,"Mamma, I can't think what a prison is."--Upon its being explained, and understanding that the prisoners were half starved for want,--"That," replied the child is very cruel, for the prison is bad enough without starving--I will certainly give my charity in bread to poor prisoners;" which was accordingly ordered. Thus it is, that in the minutae of education, principles of humanity and tenderness are instilled, which are much more likely to form the mind, than the most solemn arguments and tedious reasonings.
The Princess Royal is one of the finest harpsichord performers in England: She executes rapid passages with an uncommon neatness of finger--Sacchini is her favourite composer; especially in his overtures. She performs some of Mr. Bach's pieces, with the Queen, for two performers on one instrument. The King, after dinner, is fond of having the Queen or the Princess play to him for half an hour; but business will not always allow him the time; for he has been known to have so much to do, that dinner, after being ordered, and set on the table, was waited for him till it was cold, and at last, his majesty has made no other repast than eating a plate of vegetables standing.
The attention which both the King and Queen pay to Lord Southampton,
is more flattering than what any other subject of the British dominions receives.
His appointment to be the Groom of the Stole to the Prince of Wales shews
the entire confidence they place in him. It is that post which the Earl of
Bute held with the present King, and which laid the foundation for all events
which have happened in this very remarkable reign. His lordship is also Vice
Chamberlain to the Queen, and no Chamberlain appointed, because Lord Southampton
cannot at present hold it, not being an Earl. In justice to their Majesties,
it is right to observe, that every body about the Prince, in offices of high
trust, have directions to advise his Royal Highness, as much as propriety
will admit, against embarking too much in scenes of dissipation.
SIR CHRISTOPHER WREN
(from "National Anecdotes", by John Russel, 1824)
When Sir Christopher Wren built the church of St. Magnus, there
were houses on each side of London Bridge, which projected as far as the church.
When these houses were pulled down, the foot-path came against the church,
so that the people who walked on that side were obliged to go round into the
coach-road. This was found very inconvenient, and a meeting of the inhabitants
was held, to consider if they could with safety cut a road through ,which
was thought too hazardous an expedient, and the neighbours, apprehending it
might bring the church about their ears, laid aside their scheme. Going round
the church being found also very inconvenient and dangerous, they had a second
meeting, when it was determined by a small majority to make the experiment,
and the workmen on breaking through the wall found a complete and perfect
arch, which Sir Christopher, foreseeing with prophetic taste that the houses
would at some future period be pulled down, had left in its present form.
THOMSON THE POET
(from "National Anecdotes", by John Russel, 1824)
Every one must allow, that, notwithstanding the extreme modesty of the amiable Thomson, that poet understood, and must have felt, all the force of the tender passion. The following anecdote gives us reason to believe that he drew the charming portrait of Musidora from nature:--and indeed from whence could he draw such an enchanting picture, but from the source of perfection?--Thomson was on a visit to a friend, with whom at the same time lived a lovely young female relation. The poet's bed-chamber was immediately above that of the young lady, a circumstance which it seems Thomson was some how or other apprised of. The son of Apollo soon found means to perforate the floor of his room, and through this orifice nightly admired the loveliest of nature's works, drank deep draughts and inspiration, and we cannot doubt, raised his pious thoughts from the contemplation of "Nature's works, up to Nature's God."--One night, as the unsuspicious nymph was undressing, she heard an unusual noise, and desired her maid to find out the cause. "Oh, Madam," cried Betty, "Be not alarmed, 'tis only the Poet at his hole!--"But permit me," continued Betty, "and I will afford you some fun." Betty immediately mounted a chair, and applied the lighted candle to the sacrilegious orifice. The good poet had been, it seems, at his accustomed devotions; and, overcome by love, wine, or fatigue, had unwittingly submitted to the all-powerful commands of the drowsy god. To drop allegory--he was snoring loudly at the before-mentioned hole, but was speedily awakened from his slumbers by the flaming torch of the mischievous Betty, though not till he had completely got rid of the skin of the noisy member than had betrayed his theft profane --if aught profane to love!" The triumph of Betty and her mistress was complete--and the nose of the unfortunate Poet but too loudly proclaimed his disgrace.
Account of JOSEPH PAISLEY,
the celebrated GRETNA-GREEN
Parson
(with an etched Likeness.)
(from the Lady's Magazine, May, 1811)
| To the Editor of the Lady's Magazine. |
SIR,
I inclose you an Account (from the Carlisle Journal) of the Gretna-Green Parson, who died a few days ago, as also an etching, which is an excellent likeness, and was taken some years ago, by a neighbouring country lad, without the knowledge of the Parson; he not being willing to sit for such a purpose. If you think them worth publishing, they are at your service. In addition to the printed account, I can assure you that, about eighteen months ago, in the presence of a friend of mine, who called upon him, (although in the afternoon, and having previously drank a great deal, as usual) he swallowed seventeen glasses of raw brandy.
I am, &c.
JOHN NORMAN.
| Kirkandrews, near Carlisle, January 26th, 1811 In a subsequent letter, Mr. Norman informs us that the young man who took the likeness (Robert Nixon, now some time dead) never published it, but only struck off a few impressions for his own amusement, and that of his friends.---He adds, that the report (noticed in our January Magazine) of the Parson's having been a blacksmith, is erroneous.) |
JOSEPH PAISLEY, of coupling
celebrity, was born on the borders of England, in the year 1728, or 1729,
at the obscure hamlet of Lenoxtown, about a mile distant from Gretna-Green;
at which place, and at Springfield (its immediate neighbour) the subject
of this memoir had, for half a century, continued to weld together the chains
of matrimony, and to render happy or miserable great multitudes of anxious
lovers,---Early in life, Paisley was bound apprentice to a tobacconist;
but, becoming disgusted with this employment, he changed it for that of
a fisherman, and was allowed by his brethren to bear the palm on all occasions
where strength and agility were required. It was in this humble capacity
that he was initiated into the secrets of a profession, which he managed
with such address. He had formed a connexion with one Walter Cowtard, who
lived very near to Sarkfoot, upon the sea-shore; and who, strange thought
it may appear, was both a smuggler and a
priest! Old Watty had the misfortune to be but indifferently
lodged, having "a reeky house," and, what is perhaps worse, a
scolding wife, so that he was necessitated to perform the marriage ceremony
on the open beach, among the furze, or, as it is provincially called, whins.
On these occasions, young Paisley officiated as clerk. But our hero had
ambition, and he only wanted an opportunity for its exertion. An occasion
soon offered itself;---one time Watty went to the Isle of Mann, for the
purpose of fetching over a cargo of contraband brandy; whilst his assistant
remained at home to perform the necessary rites during the absence of the
former. Finding that he could rivet the matrimonial bond equally as well
as his master, and being at the same time under some pecuniary embarrassment,
he began business on his own account, and, by his ability and address, soon
overcame all competition.
About the year 1794, he was served with a subpoena to give evidence at Bristol respecting the validity of a marriage. It was expected by thousands that the event of the trial would put an end to Joe's matrimonial career; the contrary, however, took place; for, by his dexterous management, he not only succeeded in rendering the match valid, but was enabled to follow his favorite profession with increased security. During this journey, he visited the metropolis, where he was much noticed by the nobility and gentry. Had he been of a covetous disposition, he might speedily have accumulated a considerable fortune; but, since the time to which we allude, he has never been distant a single mile from Springfield.
Of Joseph's personal strength I have heard many well-authenticated accounts, which I well believe from feats which I myself have seen him perform. His strength of arm was prodigious:---he could have taken a large oaken stick by the end, and continued to shake it to and fro, until it went to pieces in the air!!! The excellence of his constitution was likewise often tried; though it must be allowed that his intemperance was proverbial, yet he reached his 82d year. He was accustomed to relate with great pleasure a celebrated achievement, in which he and a jovial companion, a horse-breaker, were once engaged; when they consumed the amazing quantity of ten gallons of pure brandy in the short space of sixty hours; and, what is more, these two thirsty souls kicked the empty cask in pieces with their feet, for having run dry too soon. It may be conjectured that the conversation of such a character could not be very engaging; juvenile feats of activity, and his beloved brandy, formed the chief topics of his discourse, which, until very lately, never turned upon religious subjects.
But let justice be done to the character of the man. It must be allowed, indeed, that he was too fond of a stoup of liquor, and was of coarse and unpolished manners; but he certainly was not addicted to profane talking, and obscene discourse, as a neighbouring journalist has roundly asserted. Without hazard of contradiction, it may be averred, that he was a very honest and charitable man, and inoffensive neighbour, and that he was generally respected by all who knew him.
Paisley is succeeded in the capacity of coupler by a young man, a friend of his; and there is no fear that the business will fall off, as three weddings have already taken place since the interment of the old man.
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