Jane Austen Places

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Assembly Rooms at Bath:	Bath Post-Office	London Post-Office
(Upper) (Lower) (Pump)	Gretna Green	Pantheon
Bath baths	London	Tattersall's Repository

POST-OFFICE
(from Ackermann’s “Microcosm of London,” 1810)

view the London Post Office

In the earlier stages of societ , and previous to the establishment of a regular system for the conveyance of important intelligence, either of a private or public nature, we have reason to suppose that occasional carriers were employed for that purpose, as convenience suggested, or as necessity required. it is probable, that horses were at these remote periods seized for this use; or, what is still more probable, that men were tutored to run from station to station, as is now the practice among he eastern nations, where the couriers run their allotted distances with astonishing celerity. Even pigeons have been taught to fly with letters attached to them. The Emperor Trajan appears to have been the first who directed horses to be kept for this purpose only. Louis XI. King of France, established the first regular conveyance of this description upon the Continent, in the year 1464, for the more speedy information, which he thought it necessary to possess, concerning the state of his extensive dominions. Surrounding nations soon adopted his regulations, and each suited them to its own peculiar circumstances. Respecting the antiquity of this establishment in England, it is not so easy to determine. There are some traces of it so early as the time of Edward III. but the earliest mention of chief post-master for England, is in Camden’s Annals, under date 1581. James I. erected the first Post-Office for the conveyance of letters to and from foreign parts, which he placed under the controul of one Matthew de l’Equester. This office was afterwards claimed by Lord Stanhope; but, in 1632, was confirmed and continued to Wm. Frizel and Thomas Witherings, by Charles I.; and in 1635, all private inland posts were forbidden.

This branch of the revenue seems to have been but little attended to before the usurpation, till which time the posts were confined to a few of the principal roads. The outline of the more regular and extensive plan which was afterwards adopted, seems to have originated with Mr. Edmund Prideaux, attorney-general to the commonwealth, who was appointed post-master by an ordinance of the two Houses of Parliament, in the execution of which office he first established a weekly conveyance of letters to all parts of the nation.

In 1644, the revenue supposed to have been collected was about 5000l. In 1653-4, the Parliament farmed this revenue to a Mr. Manly for 10,000l. (which Mr. Pennant has, by some mistake, called a hundred thousand pounds), and after deducting the charges of post-masters, &c. produced a benefit to the public of about 7000l.

In 1656, a new and regular Post-Office was established, by the authority of the Protector and his Parliament, upon nearly the same plan as at present; and in 1660, an act of Parliament passed, re-establishing the regulations of 1656, with some improvements, and authorizing the king to establish a Post-Office in London, and Post-Houses in such parts of the country as were unprovided, both on the post and by-roads. From this period to the present many other acts of the legislature have been passed, to improve and extend this system, which is at present one of the best organized engines of finance existing under any government. It has been gradually brought, from the first exertions of individuals, replete with abuse, irregularity, and uncertainty, to its present state of perfection; and is now, not only a source of great profit to government, but commerce derives from its establishment a facility of correspondence, which could not be effected by means less powerful or less regular.

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Among the other improvements, that which deserves our particular notice in this work, is the alteration suggested and carried into effect, by Mr. John Palmer, of Bath. Some general ideas of the reform which has since taken place, were first suggested to Mr. Pitt in the autumn of 1784, and in the beginning of the following year a plan was given in to him. After having maturely considered it, the minister determined that it should undergo a trial. This original plan, which though it has been greatly improved, contains all the principles of the undertaking, and in its present state of perfection is a curious and interesting memoir, of which we regret that our limits will not permit us to give the outlines. Those who have travelled in mail-coaches, which were a principle feature in Mr. Palmer’s plan, need not be informed of their rapid motions, nor of the constant, uninterrupted assiduity of the coachmen, the guards, the officers at the different post-towns, and even the ostlers, to expedite their progress; and foreigners, who have no such arrangements for the convenience of commerce or travelling in their own countries, must form a very favourable idea of the commercial character of the British nation, from this establishment. The regular influx and reflux of money to and from the capital, and the natural effect produced by these diurnal rotations upon the circulation of the kingdom, is a source of new and curious speculation, and is not perhaps one of the lest deserving among the many which claim the attention of the philosopher.

The General Post-Office was originally situated in Cloak-lane, near Dowgate; whence it was afterwards removed to the Black Sean, in Bishopsgate-street; and finally to the mansion of Sir Robert Vyner, in Lombard-street, of whom a curious anecdote is related in the Spectator, No. 462. The convivial Sir Robert Vyner, during his mayoralty in 1675, was honoured with the presence of his sovereign, Charles II. His majesty was for retiring after staying the usual time, but Sire Robert, filled with good liquor and loyalty, laid hold of the king, and swore, “Sir, you shall take t’other bottle.” The good-natured monarch looked kindly at him over the shoulder, and, with a smile and graceful air, repeated this line of the old song,

“He that’s drunk is as great as a king,”

and immediately turned back, and complied with his landlord. But important as the concerns of this establishment are to a commercial nation like our own, the edifice can merit no praise as a building. It stands behind Lombard-street, from which a passage, under an arched gateway on the south side, leads to the offices. it is a national reproach, when edifices of this kind, which, from our great mercantile concerns, afford occasion for a display of public architecture, and ornament to the metropolis, are lost to those purposes.

The print is an exact representation of the office whence the letters are delivered in the morning, and where the newspapers are sorted in the evening.

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This office is under the controul of two noblemen, holding a situation termed joint post-masters general. The present post-masters are the Earl of Chichester and the Earl of Sandwich, from whom all appointments in the office must proceed, and whose sanction is necessary to all orders and regulations. The duty of the secretary is, to manage, under the post-masters general, the correspondence by post throughout the country, to deliver his opinion upon all regulations submitted for the consideration of the board, and its orders are issued through this channel. The duty of the inland department is under the management of a superintending president, in conjunction with three presidents and three vice-presidents; it commences at six o’clock, and is usually finished at ten or eleven in the morning. The letters, after they are taken from the bags, are carefully counted, and the amount of postage taken, to check the account of the deputy post-masters in the country; they then pass through the hands of persons by whom they are all individually examined as to the correctness of the charges made by the post-masters from whence they come; and, after being stamped, are assorted to the different districts, as they are divided among the letter-carriers. Previous to their being issued from this office into the hands of the letter-carriers, the amount of each parcel of letters is twice counted up. Every letter-carrier is responsible for the account taken of those letters that belong immediately to his division. The payment of the postage is made by them into the receiver-general’s office three times a week, where a check for each day’s amount is kept against them. The utmost care and diligence are exerted, in order to prevent the public and the revenue from suffering from the numerous hands through which letters must necessarily pass before they reach the owners: the apparently precarious mode of collecting these levies, is regulated by plans that insure the revenue from frauds, that might otherwise so easily exist. The circumstance of this great engine to the commercial world, commencing its operations at so early an hour, enables the public to receive their correspondence before the business of the day is begun; an advantage which exists only in London.

Attendance is given in the evening by a different set of clerks, who relieve those employed in the morning. The office hours are from half past four till eight o’clock, during which interval the letters which have been put into the office in the course of the day, and those brought form the various receiving houses, are stamped, assorted, and arranged for the different division of the office, each named from the mail that is dispatched form thence. The duty of assorting the letters to these divisions is done by the junior clerks, who are instructed, at first entering, in the knowledge of the situation of all the post-towns, and their local relation to one another. After sorting the letters, the proper rate of postage is marked on them; each individual letter being at the same time examined, to detect double and treble letters, and to prevent those for and from members of Parliament from being charged. This part of the duty is transacted by the seniors in the office, and each of whom can, on average, charge in his manner from sixty to seventy letters in a minute. The person who undertakes this branch of the duty must necessarily be acquainted with the various villages and hamlets, names and residences of the members of Parliament in the neighborhood of the towns in his respective division; and which is done with a degree of accuracy that a stranger would scarcely believe possible to attain by any thing less than an absolute local knowledge of them. After seven o’clock, the amount of letters for each town is then told up, and sent with them to the offices in the country; an account of it is reserved at the General Office, as a check on the post-masters in their remittances. The bags of letters, after being tied and sealed, are arranged and divided into the several branches from the main-road, and given to the guards. This is always completed by eight o’clock, summer and winter.

From 170,000 to 200,000 letters weekly pass through this department only. On one occasion the amount of postage to the town of Manchester only was upwards of 300l. The immense number of letters that are nightly dispatched from hence, excite sensations of astonishment in the mind of a bystander, that can only be exceeded by the rapidity and accuracy with which every part of the duty is managed. All the parts of this wonderful piece of mechanism are upon the same expeditious and accurate plan, as at the main source. Since the adoption of the system recommended by Mr. Palmer, the letters are carried by coaches distinguished by the name of mail-coaches, as already stated: these are provided with a guard, well armed, and forwarded at the rate of eight miles an hour, including all stoppages. The time of working the mail is reckoned from the arrival of the coach, and as five minutes are considered sufficient time for changing horses, it is the duty of the guards to report those deputies who neglect to have every thing in readiness for the due forwarding of it.

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Government contracts with the coach-owners merely for carrying the mail; the profits arising from carrying passengers and parcels belong to the coach-keeper. The rapidity of this mode of conveyance is unequalled in almost any other country: one cannot easily conceive so complete a combination of various interests to one purpose!

Mail-coaches start every night from London to

Dover,	Exeter,	Shrewsbury,	Manchester,	Norwich,	Cambridge,
Poole,	Taunton,	Worcester,	Leeds,	Ipswich,	Rye, and
Portsmouth,	Gloucester,	Liverpool,	Glasgow,	Edinburgh,	Brighton.
Chichester,	Bristol,	Chester,	York,

The inland charges of letters are regulated by the following rates:

A single letter going any distance within

s.d.

15 miles. . .	0 4	50 miles . . .	0 6	120 miles . .	0 8	230 miles. . .	0 10	400 miles . . .	1 0
30 . . .	0 5	80 . . .	0 7	170 . . .	0 9	300 . . .	0 11	500 . . .	1 1

The principal officers of the General Post-Office are,

The secretary and principal resident surveyor, Francis Freeling, Esq.
Superintending president of the inland office, Daniel Stow, Esq.
Comptroller of the foreign office, Arthur Stanhope, Esq.
Receiver-general, T. Mortlock, Esq. Accomptant-general, Hon. John Spencer.
Superintendant of mail-coaches, T. Hasker, Esq. Solicitor, A. Parkin, Esq.
Architect, J.T. Groves, Esq.
District surveyors, G. Hodgson, S. Woodcock, Chr. Saverland, George Western, J.B. Bartlett, Leonard Aust, and A. Scott. Inspector of dead and mis-sent letters, R. P. Barlow, Esq.
Accomptant of the by and cross-road letter-office, J. Wyldbore, Esq.
Superintendant of the ship-letter-office, --- Bullen, Esq.
The number of clerks in the offices, are --- 62 --- messengers, 25 --- inland letter carriers, 130 --- supernumeraries to ditto, 30 --- foreign letter-carriers, 28.

Mr Anthony Todd, a man of singular abilities and generally beloved, was secretary to the Post-Office sixty-one years: he died about twelve years ago.

The expences of this grand establishment are stated to be about two hundred thousand pounds per annum; but the net revenue, clear of all deductions and charges, placed to the credit of the inking fund for the year 1808, was upwards of one million two hundred thousand pounds.

The Penny-post, as it was termed for more than a century, originated from the public spirit of a merchant named Dockwra and a Mr. Murray, who, with much difficulty and great expence, in the reign of Charles II. proceeded so far as to establish it; but, strange and perverse as it may appear, every species of opposition and misrepresentation attended its progress, and the projectors had the mortification to find it adjudged to belong to the Duke of York, as a branch of the General Post-Office: but its public utility became so obvious, that it did not cease to exist from that period till about the close of the last century, when government took it under its own immediate controul; and, in order to meet the increased expences of every portion of the undertaking, it was determined to double he charge; and from that period it has received the denomination of the Twopenny Post. in order to facilitate the conveyance of letters and packets, boys are employed, who ride small swift horses, to and from the principal office in Gerard-street, Soho, where may be seen a miniature representation of the proceedings of the General Post-Office.

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THE PANTHEON
(from Ackermann’s “Microcosm of London” 1810)

view the Pantheon

THIS building is situated on the south side of Oxford-street. It was opened on the 28th April, 1772, as a place of evening entertainment for the nobility and gentry. It was a most superb and beautiful structure previous to its destruction by fire in the year 1792, and was fitted up in a style of great splendour and magnificence. Imagination cannot well exceed the elegance and grandeur of the apartments, the boldness of the paintings, or the effect produced by the disposition of the lights, which were reflected from the gilt vases. Below the dome were a number of statues, representing most of the heathen gods and goddesses supposed to be in the ancient Pantheon at Rome, from which it derived its name. To these were added three beautiful statues of white prophyry, representing the king, and queen, and Britannia. The whole building was composed of a suite of fourteen rooms, each affording a striking specimen of the splendour and profusion of the times. On the 14th January, 1792, this beautiful structure was destroyed by a fire, that broke out in one of the new buildings, which had been added in order to make it large enough for the performance of operas. Before any engines reached the spot, the fire had got to such a height, that all attempts to save the building were in vain. The flames, owing to the scenery, oil, paint, and other combustible mater in the house, were tremendous, and so rapid in their progress, that not a single article could be saved. Fortunately, the height of the walls prevented the conflagration from spreading to the adjoining buildings.

Since the Pantheon was rebuilt, it has been principally used for exhibitions and occasionally for masquerades, of which the plate is a very spirited representation. It is composed, as these scenes usually are, of a motley crowd of peers and pickpockets, honourables and dishonourables, Jew brokers and demireps, quidnuncs and quack doctors. These entertainments are said not to accord with the English character; and we should have been inclined to impute this want of congeniality to a fund of good sense, which renders our countrymen insensible to such entertainments, if we were not daily witnesses of their pursuing amusements less rational and infinitely more frivolous.

On quitting this lively scene for Stall-Street, on the left, is the King’s Bath. It is a respectable building, and the dimensions of which are 65 feet 10 inches, by 40 feet 10 inches; and when at its usual height, it contains 346 tuns, 2 hogsheads, and 36 gallons of water. It is extremely convenient for bathing; and on one side is a covering, supported by a handsome collonade, to shade the bathers from the inclemency of the weather. It has also two rooms, for ladies and gentlemen, in which are pumps for pouring the hot water on the part affected, instead of immersing the whole body, considered by the physicians as far more salutary in certain disorders. An apartment is also attached, where the water may be used by the patient as an injection, which is denominated the “steaming-room;” this mode of application has been found of great service in violent complaints of the intestines. This bath is about eleven hours in filling: and its heat, by Fahrenheit’s thermometer , 116 degrees; and is kept full, for the accommodation of the public, from the earliest time in the morning till noon.

In 1699, a statue of king Bladud was erected in this bath, under which is the following inscription.:

The Queen’s Bath, so called after Queen Anne, consort to James I. and is attached to the King’s Bath, which is a square of 25 feet, but of a lower temperature, although supplied with water from it through an arch. In the centre of the above bathing places stand the:

New Private Baths, erected in 1788, belonging to the corporation, which possess every comfort and accommodation that can be desired. The following are the regulations established by the corporation for bathing and pumping in the public and private baths.

“A serjeant shall not demand more than threepence for each time of bathing:---A guide shall not demand more than one shilling for each time of bathing:--A cloth-woman shall not demand more than threepence for each time of bathing.

“Pumping in the King’s, Queen’s , and Cross Baths, 2d. each hundred strokes; in the private baths, 3d. each hundred strokes.

“The above fees are to be understood so as not to affect people in low circumstances, or servants; such being allowed to bathe for sixpence only to the guide, for linen and attendance.

“That no serjeant, bath-guide, cloth-woman, or chairman, shall demand any thing of a bather for his or their entrance on bathing of pumping, which has usually been demanded as footing-money.

“That sufficient fires (at the expense of the chamber of the City) be made in the slops; to be lighted at six o’clock in the morning in the winter, and five in the summer season, and be continued the usual hours of bathing.

“Bathing to be allowed on all holidays, except Christmas-day and Good-Friday; but not on Sunday mornings -- except in cases of great emergency, when a private bath is necessary.”

“Each person bathing in the open bath to pay 1s. 6d. for each time of bathing. In the private bath, vapour-bath, or sweating-rooms, 3s. Bathing in the private bath, and afterwards using the sweating room or vapour-bath, 4s. Pumping, in the bath, 3d. for one hundred strokes; and at the dry pump 6d.

“The bath and pump to be paid for each time of using; and every person bespeaking a bath must pay for the same, though not used, unless due notice be given, that the bath may be let again. Dresses, towels, &c. included in the terms.

“N.B. Any lady or gentleman having cause of complaint against the attendants belonging to any of the baths, is desired to make such complaint known to the magistrates, at the Town-hall, any Monday morning, at twelve o’clock.”

The time people generally bathe in the King’s Bath and Cross Bath is between the hours of six and nine in the morning, when there is a fresh supply of water; that which rises one day being discharged the next, by drains, into the river Avon; by which means the baths are always kept sweet and wholesome.

* It appears, that, about the middle of the fifteenth century, it was the custom of males and females to bathe together in puris naturalibus, which was, at length, prohibited by Bishop Beckyngton, who ordered, by way of distinction, the wearing of breeches and petticoats. This indecency was suppressed, after considerable difficulty, at the end of the sixteenth century. It also seems, that, about 1700, it was the fashion for both sexes to bathe together indiscriminately; and the ladies used to decorate their heads with all the advantages of dress, as a mode of attracting attention, and heightening their charms. The husband of a lady in one of the baths, in company with Beau Nash, was so much enraptured with the appearance of his wife, that he very imprudently observed, “she looked like an angel, and he wished to be with her.” Nash immediately seized him by the collar, and threw him into the bath; this circumstance produced a duel, and Nash was wounded in his right arm: it, however, had the good effect of establishing the reputation of Nash, who shortly afterwards, became master of the ceremonies.

Bath-Street is directly opposite to the above baths, and gives a sort of finish to this part of the town. It is full of excellent shops, with a collonade on each side of the way for passengers to walk under. At the bottom of this street, in the centre of the road, stands the Cross Bath, an elegant edifice, of a triangular shape; it has no private bath attached to it, but it possesses a neat pump-room. The Hot Bath, so called from the superior heat of its waters, stands about 120 feet south-west of the former, and is 56 feet square. It was built by the late John Wood, and its accommodations are excellent. The pump-room is particularly convenient for the invalid to be carried or wheeled into, there being no steps to ascend. Over the pump is placed the following poetry, from one of the poet laureates:

Proceed through a small square, called Abbey-Green, into Abbey-Street. In this latter place are situated the well-constructed and convenient baths, called the Duke of Kingston’s, or the Abbey Baths, now belonging to Earl Manvers. The renter of these baths (which are supplied from the same source as the King’s Bath and Great Pump-Room, to which they are contiguous) is Dr. Wilkinson, who has paid peculiar attention towards rendering them convenient and extensive in their application, in every point of view; and also adding a very comfotable pump-room. As a chemist, Dr. Wilkinson is considered very eminent in his profession; and by artificial means he has produced waters with a smiliar effect to those of Harogate, Cheltenham, and the warm springs of Germany.

At all periods of the year, it seems, the most proper time for bathing is in the morning fasting; but, before the patient goes into either of the baths, a due preparation is necessary. The time of remaining in the bath must also be regulated by medical advice. So many treatises have also been written upon the propriety of drinking these waters, that it would swell out these pages too much to make any extracts from the; it will, therefore, suffice, that it is generally understood, in the gout they strengthen the habit; in rheumatisms of long standing, the Bath waters afford most effectual relief; and in indigestion, they powerfully alleviate the distressing sinkings of a disordered stomach. In some cases of palsy, they also tend to give new power of motion to the affected limbs; and, in the obstructions and irregularities of the female habit, the internal use of these waters seldom fail in removing that pallid and sickly appearance which these disorders generally occasion. In biliary obstructions and in cutaneous eruptions they are known to effect great cures.

It cannot be doubted, but this institution is most admirably conducted, when it is recollected that the late Mr. Palmer, the grand projector of the mail-coaches, was a native and resident of Bath. It is situate opposite the Abbey Church, in Kingston-Buildings; and where the post arrives at, and leaves Bath for the under-mentioned places, at the following specific times:--

TO AND FROM LONDON, AND PARTS BEYOND,
Goes out -- Every evening (except Sundays) at five o’clock.
Comes in -- Every morning (except Monday) from ten to twelve.

To and from Hounslow, Colnbrook, Maidenhead, Reading, Newbury, Hungerford, Marlborough, Calne, Chippenham, &c. Goes out -- Every evening at five.
Comes in -- Every morning from ten to twelve.

To and from all parts of Oxfordshire, Stratford, Warwick, Abingdon, Faringdon, Malmsbury, Swindon, Wooton-Basset, Crickslade, Highworth, Lechlade, Fairford, Cirencester, Tetbury, Sudbury, &c.
Goes out -- Every morning at nine.
Comes in -- Every evening from four to five.

To and From Cornwall, Devon, Wellington, Taunton, Bridgewater, Wells, Somerton, Langport, Ilminster, Chard, Crewkerne, &c.
Goes out -- Every morning at nine.
Comes in -- Every evening from four to five.

To and from Eastbourne, Uckfield, Brighton, Chichester, Petworth, Shoreham, Dorsetshire, Hampshire, Salisbury, Heytsbury, Warminster, Frome, &c.
Goes out -- Every evening at five.
Comes in -- Every morning from inet to ten.

To and from the north of Ireland, Wales, Cumberland, Durham, Northumberland, Scotland, Cove and Cork, Michinhampton, Usk, Abergavenny, Monmouth, Westmorland, Lancashire, Cheshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Birmingham, Gloucester, Cheltenham, Stroud, Northleach, Newnham, Berkeley, Newent, Michel-Dean, Colford, Dursley, Wooton, Devizes, Melksham, Trowbridge, Bradford, &c.
Goes out -- Every afternoon at three.
Comes in -- Every morning from nine to eleven.

To and from Bristol, South of Ireland, Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, Monmouthshire, Glamorganshire, Newport, Caerleon, Chepstow, &c.
Goes out -- Every morning at nine, and every evening at three.
Comes in -- Every morning about ten, and every evening at six.

The letter-box is closed every evening from five to a quarter before six; but letters will be forwarded by that evening’s mail, on paying 1d. if brought before a quarter past five; from that time till the arrival of the Bristol mail 6d. is charged, after which no letter can be received to be forwarded by the post.

On the west bank of the Sark, near its junction with the sea, lies the famous, or rather infamous, parish of Graitney. To the disgrace of the legislature, this place is still resorted to, as it has been during the last seventy years, by runaway couples from the sister kingdom. A man of the name of Elliot, residing at the village of Springfield, about a mile from the church and village of Graitney, is the principal person employed on these occasions to profane the sacred function. The trade was founded by a tobacconist of the name of Joseph Paisley, who, after leading a long life of profanity and drunkenness, died so late as the year 1814. The common phrase, Gretna Green, arose from his first residence, which was at Megg's Hill, on the common or green betwixt Graitney and Springfield, to the last of which villages (one of modern erection,) he removed for convenience sake, in 1791.

The state of the trade of Gretna Green in 1771 is thus delineated by the masterly hand of Pennant:---"The resort of all amorous couple whose union is forbidden by parents and guardians. There a young couple may be instantly united by a fisherman, a joiner, or a blacksmith, who marry from two guineas a job to a dram of whiskey; but the price is generally adjusted by the information of the postilions from Carlisle, who are in pay of one or other of the above worthies; but even the drivers, in case of necessity, have been known to undertake the sacerdotal office. If the pursuit of friends proves very hot, and there is not time for ceremony, the frightened pair are advised to step into bed, and thus shown to the pursuers, who, imagining that they are irrevocably united, generally retire and leave them to 'Consummate their unfinished loves.'

This place is distinguished from afar by a small plantation of firs, the Cyprian grove of the place --- a sort of land-mark for fugitive lovers. As I had a great desire to see the high priest, by stratagem I succeeded: he appeared in the form of a fisherman, a stout fellow in a blue coat, rolling round his solemn chops a quid of tobacco of no common size. One of our party was supposed to come to explore the coast; we questioned him about his price, which, after eyeing us attentively, he left to our honour. The church of Scotland does what it can to prevent these clandestine matches; but in vain; for those infamous couplers despise the fulmination of the kirk, as excommunication is the only penalty it can inflict."

Mr. McDairmid, of the Dumfries Courier, has given the following still livelier picture of the present state of the trade*. "There are," says he, "two rival practitioners at Springfield, one of whom married Paisley's grand-daughter, and fell heir to his office, in much the same way that some persons acquire the right of vending quack medicines. Still the other gets a good deal of custom; and here, as in every thing else, competition has been favourable to the interests of the public. Though a bargain is generally made beforehand, a marriage-monger, who has no rival to fear, might fix his fee at any sum he pleased; and instances have occurred, in which the parties complained that they had been too heavily taxed. Not long before my visit to Springfield, a young English clergyman, who had failed to procure his father's consent, arrived for the purpose of being married without it. The fee demanded was thirty guineas, a demand at which his reverence demurred, at the same time stating, that though he had married many a couple, his highest fee had never exceeded half a guinea. The clergyman, in face, had not so much money about him; but it was agreed that he should pay £10 in hand, and grant a promissory note for the balance; and the bill, certainly a curiosity of its kind, was regularly negotiated through a Carlisle banking-house, and as regularly retired at the time appointed. And here I must mention a circumstance which has not been provided for in the late bill anent combinations, though it manifestly tends to augment the tax on irregular marriages. At Springfield there are two inns, as well as two priests, one of which each of the latter patronizes exclusively. More than this, the house at which a lover arrives at Springfield depends entirely at what inn he starts from at Carlisle. Though he may wish to give a preference, and issue positive orders on the subject, these orders are uniformly disobeyed. The post-boys will only stop at one house; and that for the best of all reasons---that the priest, knowing the value of their patronage, goes snacks with them in the proceeds. Except in cases of sickness or absence, the priests never desert their colours. All the guests of the one house are married by Mr.-----, and of the other by Mr. Elliot; so that those who are most deeply concerned have very little to say in the matter.---(From first to last, indeed, it may be said that the fond pair are, as it were, passively transported from their own homes of single-blessedness, at once into a foreign country and a state of matrimony, without any pains on their part but simply what consists in "paying as they go along.") In this way something like a monopoly still exists; and what is more strange still, not only the post-boy who drives a couple, but his companions, and the whole litter of the inn-yard, are permitted to share in the profits of the day. The thing is viewed in the light of a windfall, and the proceeds are placed in a sort of fee-fund, to be afterwards shared in such proportions as parties see fit. Altogether, the marrying business must bring a large sum annually into Springfield: indeed, an inhabitant confessed that it is "the principal benefit and support of the place," although he might have added that smuggling has lately become a rising and rival means of subsistence. Upon an average of 300 couples are married in the year; and half a guinea is the lowest fee that is ever charged. But a trifle like that is only levied from poor and pedestrian couples; and persons even in the middle ranks of life are compelled to pay much more handsomely. Not long before I visited Springfield, a gentleman had given £40; and, independently of the money that is spent in the inns, many hundreds must annually find their way into the pockets of the priests, and their concurrents the post-boys. In its legal effect, the ceremony performed at Gretna merely amounts to a confession before witnesses that certain persons are man and wife: and the reader is aware that little more is required to constitute a marriage in Scotland; a marriage which may be censured by church-courts, but which is perfectly binding in regard to property and the legitimacy of children. Still, a formula has a considerable value in the eyes of the fair; and the priests, I believe, read a considerable part of the English marriage service, offer up a prayer or two, require the parties to join hands, sign a record, and so forth. At my request, Mr. Elliot produced his marriage record, which, as a public document, is regularly kept, and which, to say the truth, would require to be so, seeing that it is sometimes tendered as evidence to court.

It only remains to be added, that an attempt was made in the general assembly of 1826 to have this shameful system of fraud and profanity suppressed, but without effect. It is perhaps necessary as a sort of safety-valve to the rigid system of the English church in regard to matrimony. But it is impossible to use terms of sufficient reprobation and abhorrence, in alluding to the base panders, from the innkeepers of Carlisle to the kennel boys of Springfield, who make it the means of supporting their villainous and contemptible existence.

This place, so well known, and so generally frequented, is situated near Hyde Park-corner. It was established, in the year 1773, by Mr. Richard Tattersall, the father of the present proprietor, for the reception, and sale by auction, of horses, carriages, coach- harness, hounds, &c. It is the grand mart for every thing connected with the sports of the field, the business of the turf, and equestrian recreations. The days of sale are every Monday and Thursday during the winter season, and on Mondays only in the summer. On the mornings when there is no sale, this Repository is a fashionable lounge for sporting gentlemen. The horses, &c. are then examined, their merits or defects considered, and sporting intelligence from all parts of the country detailed and disseminated.

These spacious premises contain accommodation for one hundred and twenty horses, a large number of carriages and coach-harness, as well as a commodious kennel for hounds. During the time that horses and dogs remain here for sale, which is usually but a few days, a moderate compensation is charged for their maintenance, and when sold, a small per centage ad valorem.

A room on the premises is appropriated for the use of subscribers, who pay one guinea per annum each. Here the generality of bets which relate to the turf are settled, at whatever place they may originate; and it is not the custom, among these noblemen and gentlemen, to pay on the spot where the bets have been lost, but, on the return of the respective parties to town, at Tattersall's; so that this Repository is become a kind of exchange for gentlemen of the turf. Debts of this kind are settled here to an incredible amount.

A fashionable house of entertainment, well known by the name of the Turf Tavern, once formed a part of these premises; but has been discontinued during the last fifteen years. The dining-room, though not large, is uncommonly elegant, and was fitted up at a very great expense; the ceiling alone, which is adorned with allegorical paintings, cost eight hundred guineas. The sides of the room are enriched also with and sculpture, with the addition of many detached pictures of horses, which were famous in their day for their exploits on the turf.

The aggregate annual value ofthe horses and other property, which are sold by auction at this Repository, is very considerable. The average number of horses which pass under the hammer weekly throughout the year, being about one hundred. They consist chiefly of saddle-horses, coach-horses, hunters, and race-horses. The value of saddle-horses, warranted sound, without fault or blemish, extends from forty to two hundred guineas; a good pair of coach-horses, from one hundred and fifty to four hundred guineas; excellent hunters average about three hundred and fifty pounds, and race-horses about fifteen hundred. One of the most celebrated horses on the turf in his time, well known by the name of High-flyer, was purchased by Mr. Richard Tattersall, the founder of this establishment, for two thousand five hundred guineas.

Cart and agricultural horses are seldom offered for sale at this place, as the purchasers who attend here, are devoted rather to the pursuit of pleasure than of business.

This Repository has ever possessed an acknowledged preeminence over every establishment of a similar character, and may be justly considered as of much public utility. It greatly facilitates the business of buying and selling horses, &c. and attracts both parties to meet each other in the market; while the liberal dealings of the late and present proprietors have entitled them to receive that patronage which they have so long experienced.

The original elegant suite of public rooms, which form one of the most lively and interesting features of Bath, so conspicuously towards supporting the prosperity of the old city, were formerly part of the estate of the late Duke of Kingston, but now belonging to Earl Manvers. Since their first erection they have undergone a variety of alterations and improvements, and in 1750 they were almost rebuilt. The assembly-room is 90 feet long, 26 broad, and 34 high. The card-room adjoining to it is 60 feet in length, and 30 in breadth. It has a reading-room, well furnished with maps, books, reviews, newspapers, &c. An apartment is also devoted to the games of chess and backgammon; and another for billiards. The rooms are totally distinct from each other. The terms are £1: 6s. for the year, always ending on the 30th of September; and for six months, £1. It is now two separate establishments, one of which is elegantly fitted up for the accommodation of the Bath and West of England Club. The latter invite the company to the amusement of a fancy or undress ball on Tuesday, and a dress ball on Friday nights, during the winter season. There is some little variation in these rooms from the upper. Those balls held on Tuesday nights are continued to the hour of twelve; and, the day promenade is heightened by a most delightful view of the country contiguous to Bath.

Till the year 1771, the KINGSTON ROOMS continued to be the only place of public resort; but, upon the opening of the Upper or New Rooms, the influence and attraction of the latter, though gradually operating as a great drawback to its company, in fact so seriously, that in 1810, it was deemed necessary to lay out a large sum of money in splendid decorations, in order to revive and create attention. A grand portico was also added to its entrance, the architecture of which is particularly admired: and Earl Manvers has also made carriage-roads to this new entrance, over part of the North and South Parade, and also from Stall-Street, at a considerable sacrifice of his land and houses, in order that “this old spot” might not suffer neglect, and over which the English Roscius observed, with much animation, “the genius of Bath would always hover and preside.” The visitor is much delighted in viewing these elegant rooms, at which the balls and amusements are regulated by the following rules, adopted at a general meeting of the subscribers, who also possess the exclusive right of voting at an election of the Master of the Ceremonies.

In order to preserve decorum, and maintain respectability at the balls, at these rooms, resolved, That every ticket transferred to a lady shall bear the name both of the lady and the subscriber transferring the same, otherwise it can on no account be received. That non-subscribers may be admitted to the balls on being introduced by a subscriber, or by leaving their names at the rooms for the master of ceremonies. The renter having agreed to furnish the music viz. 1 harp, 4 violins, 1 violincello, 2 clarinets, and 1 tambourine, for thirty balls, including the master of the cereminoes’ winter and spring balls, resolved, That these rooms shall be opened for the reception of the company at eight o’clock in the evening, a quarter of an hour before which time they shall be regularly and properly lighted up; and, the master of ceremonies shall attend to receive the company, and an overture be played by the band at half-past eight o’clock; after whic hthe dancing shall commence, and cease at twelve o’clock precisely, although in the middle of a dance. That the upper benches shall be reserved for ladies of the rank of peeresses. That ladies, according to their precedence, shall be entitled at all times to their appropriate places at the top in the set; but other ladies standing up after the dance is commenced, shall take their places at the bottom of the set; and every lady who shall have danced down the set, is expected tnot to sit down till that dance shall be finished. That ladies may change partners every two dances. That it be left at the option of the ladies to dance with whom they please; and their declining any particular partner shall not prevent their dancing with another. That no gentleman be admitted in boots, half-boots, coloured pantaloons, or twowsers, unless an officer in uniform and on duty, and then without their swords. That every person pay sixpence for their tea on ball-nights. Ladies proposing to dance minuets, shall announce their intentions to the master of the ceremonies on the day preceding the ball, and shall be in the rooms appropriately dressed punctually at half-past eight o’clock. That no person shall be allowed to insert their names as subscribers, or be admitted as visitors to these balls, who carry on any occupation in the retail line of business, the master of the ceremonies’ ball-nights excepted. The master of the ceremonies shall use his utmost endeavours to enforce the several foregoing resolutions, and be well supported by the subscribers in the performance of his duty. TERMS.---A subscription of 14s. will entitle the subscriber to admission on each ball-night.--A subscription of 26s. will entitle the subscriber to admission on each ball-night, and lso to two tickets transferrable by endorsement to ladies only.

The present master of ceremonies is Captain MARSHALL, who was elected to this situation in November, 1817.

ASSEMBLY ROOMS AT BATH (upper)
(from Pierce Egan's "Walks Through Bath..." published in 1819)

view a print of the
Assembly Rooms

On crossing the CIRCUS, to the right is Bennet-Street, contiguous to Saville-Row and Alfred-Street, in which are the various entrances to the UPPER (or NEW) ROOMS. The first stone of these beautiful, if not unequalled, Assembly Rooms in the kingdom, was laid on the 24th of May, 1769, by that ingenious architect, inheriting all his father’s talents, the junior John Wood, Esq. and built under his direction from the subscription of seventy individuals, at the cost of £20,000, and were opened for the reception of company in 1771. The elegance of the ball-room astonishes every spectator, it is 100 feet 8 inches long, 42 feet 8 inches wide, and 42 feet 6 inches high. The ceiling is beautiful, ornamented with pannels with open compartments, and from which are suspended five superb glass chandeliers: and the windows from which the rooms receive daylight, are on a ball-night covered with boards painted with ornaments on them to correspond with the uniformity of the other side of the room. The walls are also painted and decorated in the most tasteful style; and the Corinthian columns and entablature resemble statuary marble. At each end of the room are placed, in magnificent gilt-frames, the most splendid looking-glasses that could be procured to give effect to the general brilliant appearance. The whole suite of rooms are furnished in the same elegant style to correspond. In the Octagon Card-Room, 48 feet in diameter, is a fine likeness of Captain Wade, painted by Gainsborough; and likewise a portrait of Richard Tyson, Esq. done by James. The other Card-Room is 70 feet long and 27 wide. In 1813, a capacious and elegant Reading-Room was added to it by the present Renter, Mr. Stroud, which is fitted up with the best maps, newspapers, books of reference, &c. The admission to this room is so convenient, that it does not interfere with the company on ball or concert nights. The terms of subscription to the Card and Reading Rooms, for the year are 26s. and for two months 15s. The above fashionable amusements are placed upon a far more moderate scale of terms than any other place of similar resort in the kingdom. In short, the whole establishment is truly complete, and cannot fail in proving the admiration of every visitor at Bath.

Captain Wade was the first master of ceremonies here, but who alternately presided at both rooms, till July 1777, when an affair of gallantry compelled him to relinquish his lucrative office. Seven candidates immediately offered themselves on the abdication of Mr. Wade. It was however at length compromised, that Mr. Dawson should preside in the room of Capt. Wade; and Major Brereton to officiate as M.C. at the Lower Rooms. At the expiration of three years the latter retired from his office, and was succeeded by Richard Tyson, Esq. from Tunbridge-Wells. In 1785, the latter gentleman was translated to the New Rooms on the resignation of Mr. Dawson: and James King, Esq who had highly distinguished himself in the British army in America, was elected without opposition to the Lower Rooms. In 1805, Mr. Tyson, to the regret of the visitors at Bath, resigned his situation, and was succeeded by Mr. King; and the Lower Rooms received Mr. Le Bas, as Master of the Ceremonies, from Margate; but this gentleman, after an ineffectual struggle of three years, was compelled to retire, owing to the deserted state of the rooms. In 1810, some warm friends to the original establishment, roused from their apathy, placed the above Assembly on an improved footing, and on the 1st of November, Francis John Guynette was unanimously elected Master of the Ceremonies. After a short reign, Mr. Heaviside succeeded the above gentleman. On the death of Mr. King, at Cheltenham, October 16, 1816, five candidates offered themselves, and an election took place for this lucrative and respectable situation, on the 21st of November; but on the previous day Captains Marshall and Thornhill resigned. The election fell on Captain Wyke, whose numbers were 258; Mr. Heaviside 195; and Mr. Madden 110. Mr. Heaviside continued to preside as M.C. at the Lower Rooms, till Captain Wyke retired from his office to fill an important situation abroad; when he was translated to fill the above Captain’s place, where the polite and gentlemanly conduct of Mr. H. is highly appreciated, by the elegant visitors of these unrivalled assemblies.

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The following Rules and Regulations, published by the Master of the Ceremonies, are hung up in the NEW ASSEMBLY ROOMS.

The public amusements during the season are as follow:----

Monday Night........Dress Ball.
Wednesday Night........Concert
Thursday Night........Fancy Ball.
Friday Night........Card Assembly.
N.B. The Rooms are open every day (Sunday excepted) for Cards.

Bath, New Assembly Rooms,
Nov. 13, 1816.
At a Committee authorized by a General Meeting of the Subscribers to the Dress and Cotillon Balls (which was held yesterday pursuant to public advertisement) to form such rules and regulations, relative to the amusements at these Rooms, as might appear to them most beneficial to the public at large.

Col. S. COURTENAY, in the Chair.

RULES:---1. “That the power of direction and controul, as to the amusements at these Rooms, is vested in such ladies and gentlemen as shall subscribe both to the Dress and Cotillon Balls.
2. “That not less than nine subscribers to the balls be competent to call a general meeting upon any business relative thereto; the said subscribers to leave a summons, signed with their names, upon the table in the lobby, for the space of one full week previous to such meeting; which summons shall also express the particular purpose for which such meeting shall be called, and be advertised in the Bath Newspapers.
3. “Resolved , That these and all future regulations agreed to in general meetings, be inserted in the book containing the subscribers’ names, signed by the chairman of the meeting for the time being; such rules and regulations not to be altered by any authority, on any pretence whatever, but at a General Meeting of the Subscribers; and that one copy of these rules and regulations be deposited with the Master of the Ceremonies for the time being; and another with the Renter of the Rooms, to be produced at any time when a meeting of the committee, or of the subscription to both Balls, shall be assembled; or, when three or more subscribers shall desire to see the same.
4. “That the Renter of these Rooms have agreed to furnish lights, music, &c. for twenty-two Dress Balls, (including the two Balls for the Master of the Ceremonies, and the Ball on the night of the King’s Birth-day,) and twenty five Cotillon Balls, no annual account of expenditure will be required of him.

“SUBSCRIPTIONS and ADMISSION.
“(Dress Balls.)

5. “That a subscription of 1l. 10s. to the Dress Balls shall entitle the subscriber to three tickets every ball-knight; one for the subscriber, not transferable, and two for ladies. These two latter tickets will be transferable, on being endorsed by the subscriber, without which form the bearer will not be admitted. A subscription of 15s. shall entitle the subscriber to one ticket, not transferable.

“(Cotillon Balls.)

6. “That a subscription of 1l. to the Cotillon Balls shall entitle the subscriber to one ticket every ball-night: this ticket not transferable.
7. “That no person whatever be admitted into the Ball-Rooms without a ticket; nor any visitor or stranger, unless he shall previously have inserted his name and place of abode in a book to be kept for that purpose, under the controul of the Master of Ceremonies.
8. “The subscribers are respectfully requested to observe that their subscriptions cease when they leave Bath; and it would be of much public utility, if they would be pleased to give notice at the Rooms of their departure, which would prevent their tickets being improperly used.

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“RULES RELATING TO THE BALLS.

9. “That the Balls at these Rooms do commence at eight o’clock in the evening; a quarter of an hour before which time the Rooms shall regularly and properly be lighted up; and that the dancing shall cease at half-past eleven o’clock precisely, except on the night of the King’s Birth-day, and on the nights of the two balls given for the benefit of the Master of the Ceremonies, when the time of dancing shall be unlimited.
10. “That every person, on admission to these Rooms on ball-nights, shall pay sixpence for their tea.
11. “That the three front benches at the upper end of the room be reserved for ladies of precedence, of the rank of Peeresses of Great Britain or Ireland.
12. “That a reasonable time shall be allowed between the Minuets and Country-Dances for ladies of precedence to take their places in the dance; and that those ladies who shall stand up after the dance shall have commenced, must take their places successively at the bottom.
13. “That no lady, after she shall have taken her place in the set, do permit another to come above her in the dance.
14. “That ladies are to be considered perfectly free in regard to accepting or declining partners.
15. “That it is the positive order of the Committee, that no servant whatever shall be admitted into the vestibule or gallery, on any occasion, or on any pretence whatever, on ball-nights.
16. “That no gentleman in boots or half-boots be admitted into the Ball-Rooms on ball-nights, except Officers of the Navy, or of the Army on duty, in uniform; and then without their swords. Trowsers or coloured pantaloons not to be permitted on any account.

“MASTER OF THE CEREMONIES.

17. “That the Master of the Ceremonies do attend at a quarter of an hour before eight o’clock on ball-nights to receive the company.
18.” That the Master of the Ceremonies on observing, or receiving information of any person’s acting in opposition to these resolutions, do signify to such person, that, as Master of the Ceremonies, it is his duty to see that proper decorum be preserved, and these orders obeyed; in the proper and impartial execution of which duty he will be supported by the subscribers at large, “Resolved,---That these regulations be printed, framed and glazed, and fixed in a conspicuous part of the Rooms, for public information; not to be taken down on any pretence whatever, in order that they may remain as a public document.

COMMITTEE.

Lt.- Col. Anstey, Gen. Johnson,
Lt.- Col. Brown. Lt. - Col. Mackenzie,
W. L. Caldecot, Esq. Capt. Mainwaring,
R.N. J. Choppin, Esq. Gen. Morrison,
Col. Courtnay, Rev. Dr. Walsh,
Gen. Sir T. Dallas, K.C.B. Tho. Wilkinson, Esq.,
H. Deacon, Esq.

C. S. COURTENAY, Chairman

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NEW ARTICLES AT THE NEW ROOMS.

Bath Upper Assembly-Rooms, December 14, 1816. At a meeting of the Committee to these Balls this day, it was unanimously resolved:--

A person inadmissible to these rooms having been admitted to the Dress ball, on the night of the 12th instant, and having in consequence been desired by the M.C. to withdraw, the Committee feel themselves bound to express their approbation of the conduct of the M.C. on that occasion.

And it having been represented to the Committee, that many improper persons have at various times obtruded themselves into these assemblies, it is unanimously resolved, that no Clerk, hired or otherwise, in this city and neighbourhood--no person concerned with the retail trade--no theatrical nor public performer by profession, shall be admitted.

And as a further instruction to the M.C. and with a due regard to the selection of company, which the Committee feel should be scrupulously attended to, he is hereby directed to desire any person, whom from circumstances he may deem inadmissible, to withdraw immediately; and in case of non-compliance with his request, it is ordered that he report the same to the Committee.

C. S. COURTENAY, Chairman.

Bath Upper Assembly-Rooms, December 23, 1816, at a Committee to these Balls, held this day, it was unanimously resolved:

1. “That from the earliest institution of these Rooms, the regulations relating to dancing, and all points of etiquette at the Balls, having been left to the M. C. for the time being, and that the rules and orders suggested by him as to these having been invariably acquiesced in, and acted upon by the company frequenting the balls.

2. “That the same authority, so exercised by all preceding Masters of the Ceremonies, belongs of right to every successor to this office; and that it is incumbent upon the subscribers (inasmuch as they must be desirous of promoting good order and decorum in these assemblies) to conform to the regulations of the M.C. and to support him in their execution.

3. “That the Master of the Ceremonies is not accountable to any individual whatever, who may dispute or object to the established regulations; but in case of any misunderstanding arising from these, or other matters connected with the balls, a reference must be made to the Committee of General Management, appointed annually by the subscribers at large, and all differences amicably submitted to them for their consideration and decision.

4. “That any alteration or differences respecting the regulations of the balls, either at the balls, or any subsequent period, (as they tend to disturb the harmony so requisite amongst the subscribers,) will be considered as a breach of the orders of the Committee and noticed accordingly.”

C. S. COURTENAY, Chairman.

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What joy at the ball, what delight have I found,
By all the bright circles encompass’d around!
I’ve read how the goddesses meet all above,
And throng the immortal assemblies of Jove;
When join’d with the Graces, fair Venus appears,
Ambrosial sweet odours perfume all the spheres;
But the goddess of Love, and the Graces and all,
Must yield to the beauties I’ve seen at the ball;
For Jove never felt such a joy at his heart,
Such a heat as these charming sweet creatures impart.
In short---there is something in very fine women,
When they meet altogether---that’s quite overcoming.

But, lo! on a sudden what multitudes pour
From Cambrian mountains, from India’s shore;
Bright maidens, bright widows, and fortunate swains,
Who cultivate Liffey’s sweet borders and plains;
And they who their flocks in fair Albion feed,
Rich flocks, and rich herds, (so the gods have decreed),
Since they quitted the pleasanter banks of the Tweed.
Yet here no confusion, no tumult is known,
Fair order and beauty establish their throne.

But hark! now they strike the melodious string,
The vaulted roof echoes, the mansions all ring;
At the sound of the hautboy, the bass, and the fiddle,
SIR BOREAS BLUBBER steps forth in the middle;
Like a holyhock, noble, majestic, and tall,
SIR BOREAS BLUBBER first opens the ball:
How nimbly he paces, how active and light!
One never can judge of a man at first sight:
But as near as I guess from the size of his calf,
He may weigh about twenty-three stone and a half.
Now why should I mention a hundred or more,
Who wen the same circle as others before,
To a tune that they play’d us a hundred times o’er?

But who is that bombazine lady so gay,
So profuse of her beauties in sable array”
How she rests on her heel, how she turns out her toe,
How she pulls down her stays, with her head up, to show
Her lily-white bosom that rivals the snow!
‘Tis the widow QUICKLAKIT, whose husband last week,
Poor STEPHEN, went suddenly forth in a pique,
And push’d off his boat for the Stygian creek.
Poor STEPHEN! he never return’d from the bourn,
But left the disconsolate widow to mourn.
Three times did she faint when she heard of the news!
Six days did she weep, and all comfort refuse;
But STEPHEN, no sorrow, no tears, can recall;
So she hallows the seventh, and comes to the BALL.
For music, sweet music, has charms to control,
And tune up each passion that ruffles the soul;
‘Twas music that brought a man’s wife from Old Nick,
And at BATH has the power to recover the sick!

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The SUBSCRIPTION CONCERTS are also held at the Upper and Lower Rooms, under the direction of the celebrated flute-player, Mr. Ashe, since the death of the all-admired RAUZZINI. Mrs. Ashe is also well known to the musical world, from her eminent vocal abilities. Bath, for the last sixty years, has been highly distinguished for the superiority of its concerts, and its sound musical character. These concerts were in great reputation under the superintendence of the scientific LINLEY, and his rarely-gifted musical family, consisting of T. Linley, jun. Miss E. Linley, (afterwards Mrs. Sheridan,) Mrs. Tickell, and Miss M. Linley; and the names of Guest, Crotch, &c. may be added to the above performers without any decrease of fame: but it seems they did not arrive at that finished perfection (for which they have been so highly praised) till after RAUZZINI, accompanied by La Motte, the celebrated violin-player, had made Bath their residence. Under the direction of the former they flourished beyond all precedent, and the great musical capacity exhibited in them extorted admiration from the first judges of musical compositions in the kingdom. As a composer, RAUZZINI possessed talents of a high order; but, as a teacher, the names of Braham, Signora Storace, Incledon, Mrs. Mountain, &c. &c. as his pupils, sufficiently evince his talents in this respect without any farther eulogium on his merits as a musician.

The concerts consist of nine performances, the terms of which are as follow:---

A subscriber of £5 ; 15: 6 is entitled to three tickets for each concert, all of which are transferable to ladies only.

A subscriber of £4 : 10 : 0 is entitled to two tickets for each concert, both transferable to ladies only.

A subscriber of £2 : 12 : 6 is entitled to a ticket for each concert, transferable to a lady only.

For the accommodation of strangers, subscriptions are also received for part of the concerts, on the following terms:---

A subscriber of £3 : 3 : 0 will receive three tickets for each of the four concerts following such subscription, transferable to ladies only.

A subscriber of £2 : 6 : 0, two tickets, transferable to ladies only, for each of the four concerts following such subscription.

A subscriber of £1 : 6 : 0, one ticket, transferable to a lady only, for each of the four concerts following such subscription.

Non-subscribers to pay 8s. to each concert.

A DESCRIPTION of LONDON
(From Pierce Egan's "Life in London...", 1821)

A Camera Obscura View of the Metropolis, with the Light
and Shade attached to "seeing Life."

The youth comes up to town to learn all modern foppery,
For LONDON TOWN, no better place to teach those from the country:
He soon finds what is wanting, and like him not sees one in ten,
But rolls into a barber's shop to get a "knowing cut," and then --
He becomes a prime rolling kiddy O!
The girls all admire him, and swear he is quite a tippy O!
OLD BALLAD.

PREVENTION, either in days of yore or at the present
enlightened period, has always been considered much
better than cure; and, therefore, safety, at all times, should be
the primary object of the traveller. The curious, likewise, in
their anxiety to behold delightful prospects or interesting
views, ought to be equally careful to prevent the recurrence of accidents. The author, in consequence, has chosen for his readers a Camera Obscura View of London, not only from its safety, but because it is so snug, and also possessing the invaluable advantages of SEEING and not being seen. The author of the Devil upon two Sticks, it appears, preferred taking a flight over the houses for his remarks and views of society; but if I had adopted that mode of travelling, and perchance had fallen to the ground, an hospital might have been the reward of my presumption, and have also become a cripple during the remainder of my existence. Such a misfortune, it is true, might have been deplored, and even pitied, by the lovers of "hair- breadth 'scape adventures;" yet, with all their compassion, it would have been a great chance, perhaps, if it had not sooner or later have escaped from their lips, that the worst of bores and the most tiresome of all other companions is that of A LITERARY CRIPPLE! Therefore, from this extreme caution, I hope to be enabled to proceed on my journey without stilts, and also to prove so strong on my legs as to walk over the ground without limping, or to require the need and assistance of anything in the shape of a Crutch. This will be thought enough. The Camera Obscura is now at work; the table is covered with objects for the amusement of my readers; and whenever it is necessary to change the scene it is only requisite to pull the string, i.e., to turn over leaf after leaf, and LIFE IN LONDON will be seen without any fear or apprehension of danger either from fire or water; avoiding also breaking a limb, receiving a black eye, losing a pocket-book, and getting into a watch-house; picking up a Cyprian, and being exposed the next morning before a magistrate for being found disorderly. Likewise in steering clear of all those innumerable rows and troubles incident or allied to "keeping it up and loving of fun." It would have been fortunate indeed for poor JERRY and CORINTHIAN TOM if they had possessed such advantages. But "experience makes fools wise," and as good-natured HAWTHORN and laughing TOM are now about to relate their adventures, for the benefit of fire-side heroes, and sprightly maidens who may feel a wish to "see life" without receiving a scratch, it must be considered that the Metropolis is now before them.

LONDON ! thou comprehensive word,
What joy thy streets and squares afford!
And think not thy admirer rallies
If he should add thy lanes and alleys.
Thy INDEPENDENCE let me share
Though clogged with smoke and foggy air;
Though I'm obliged my doors to make fast;
Though I can get no creak for breakfast:
Though knaves, within thee, cheat and plunder, And fires can scarcely be kept under;
And many a rook finds many a pigeon
In LAW, and physic, and religion,
Eager to help a thriving trade on,
And proud and happy to be preyed on;
What signify such paltry blots!
The glorious sun himself has spots.

Then it seems ONLY in London are the finishing touches of character to be obtained. To acquire "excellence" in the Metropolis is a circumstance so "devoutly to be wished," that it is the genuine passport throughout all the provinces in England; nay more, it is wafted across the briny deep, and this sort of "greatness" is acknowledged, admired, and sought after in all parts of the world.

LONDON is the looking-glass for TALENT---it is the faithful emporium of the enterprising, the bold, the timid, and the bashful individual, and where all can view themselves at full length, affording innumerable opportunities either to push forward, to retreat, to improve, or to decide. In no other place can FORTUNE be so successfully wooed as in London; and in no other place does she distribute her favours with so liberal a hand.

It is in LONDON, too, that, almost at every step, TALENT will be found jostling against TALENT---and greatness continually meeting with greatness---where ABILITY stares ABILITY full in the face---and where learning, however extensive and refined, is opposed by learning equally erudite and classical. Intellect also meets with a formidable opponent in intellect. Independence likewise challenges independence to its post. And where superiority on the one side always operates as a check upon superiority on the other, that self-importance may be humbled, and egotism pulled down and exposed.

Here I endure no throbs, no twitches
Of envy at a neighbour's riches,
But, smiling, from my window, see
A dozen quite as rich as he:
Or if I stroll, am sure to meet
A dozen more in every street,
Who like tall ships at home appear,
But dwindle into cock-boats here.
None are distinguished, none are rare
From wealth which hundreds round them share,
But (neutralised by one another
When'er they think to raise a pother)
Be they kind-hearted or capricious,
Vain, prodigal, or avaricious,
Proud, popular, or what they will,
Are elbowed by their RIVALS still.

In LONDON, blest with competence
With temper, health, and common sense,
None need repine or murmur,---nay,
ALL MAY BE HAPPY IN THEIR WAY.
E'en the lone dwelling of the poor
And suffering are at least obscure;
And in obscurity exempt
From poverty's worst scourge, contempt.
Unmark'd the poor man seeks his den,
Unheeded issues forth again.
Wherefore appears he none inquires,
Nor why, nor whether he retires;
All that his pride would fain conceal,
All that shame blushes to reveal,
The petty shifts, the grovelling cares,
To which the sons of want are heirs.
Those evils which, grievous to be borne,
Call forth---not sympathy, but scorn,
Here hidd'n, elude the searching eye
Of callous CURIOSITY!

In order to give weight to these remarks, let us state, that it was the opinion of Dr Johnson, "that in London a man stored his mind better than anywhere else; and that in remote situations a man's body might be feasted, but his MIND was starved and his FACULTIES apt to degenerate from want of exercise and competition." "No place," he said, "cured a man's vanity or arrogance so well as London; for as no man was either great or good per se, but as compared with others not so good or great, he was sure to find in the Metropolis many is equals and some his superiors."

Such London is, by taste and wealth proclaim'd
The fairest CAPITAL of all the world,
By riot and incontinence the worst.

The EXTREMES, in every point of view, are daily to be met with in the Metropolis; from the most rigid, persevering, never-tiring industry, down to laziness, which, in its consequences, frequently operates far worse than idleness. The greatest love of and contempt for money are equally conspicuous; and in no place are pleasure and business so much united as in London. The highest veneration for and practice of religion distinguishes the Metropolis, contrasted with the most horrid commission of crimes; and the experience of the oldest inhabitant scarcely renders him safe against the specious plans and artifices continually laid to entrap the most vigilant. The next-door neighbour of a man in London is generally as great a stranger to him, as if he lived at the distance of York. And it is in the Metropolis that prostitution is so profitable a business, and conducted so openly, that hundreds of persons keep houses of ill-fame, for the reception of girls not more than twelve and thirteen years of age, without a blush upon their cheeks, and mix with society heedless of stigma or reproach; yet honour, integrity, and independence of soul, that nothing can remove from its basis, are to be found in every street in London. Hundreds of persons are always going to bed in the morning, besotted with dissipation and gaming, while thousands of his Majesty's liege subjects are quitting their pillows to pursue their useful occupations. The most bare-faced villains, swindlers, and thieves, walk about the streets in the day-time, committing their various depredations, with as much confidence as men of unblemished reputation and honesty. In short, the most vicious and abandoned wretches, who are lost to every friendly tie that binds man to man, are to be found in swarms in the Metropolis; and so depraved are they in principle, as to be considered, from their uncalled-for outrages upon the inhabitants, a waste of wickedness, operating as a complete terror, in spite of the activity of the police. Yet, notwithstanding this dark and melancholy part of the picture, there are some of the worthiest, most tender-hearted, liberal minds, and charitable dispositions, which ornament London, and render it the delight and happiness of society.

Indeed, the Metropolis is a complete CYCLOPEDIA, where every man of the most religious or moral habits, attached to any sect, may find something to please his palate, regulate his taste, suit his pocket, enlarge his mind, and make him happy and comfortable. If places of worship give any sort of character to the goodness of the Metropolis, between four and five hundred are opened for religious purposes on Sundays. In fact, every SQUARE in the Metropolis is a sort of map well worthy of exploring, if riches and titles operate as a source of curiosity to the visitor. There is not a street also in London, but what may be compared to a large or small volume of intelligence, abounding with anecdote, incident, and peculiarities. A court or alley must be obscure indeed, if it does not afford some remarks; and even the poorest cellar contains some trait or other, in unison with the manners and feelings of this great city, that may be put down in the note-book, and reviewed, at an after period, with much pleasure and satisfaction.

Then, the grand object of this work is an attempt to portray what is termed "SEEING LIFE" in all its various bearings upon society, from the high-mettled CORINTHIAN of St James's, swaddled in luxury, down to the needy FLUE-FAKER of Wapping, born without a shirt, and not a bit of scran in his cup to allay his piteous cravings.

"LIFE IN LONDON" is the sport in view, and provided the chase is turned to a good account, "seeing Life" will be found to have its advantages; and, upon this calculation, whether an evening is spent over a bottle of champagne at Longs, or in taking a "third of a daffy" at Tom Belcher's, if the MIND does not decide it barren, then the purposes are gained. Equally so, in waltzing with the angelics at my Lady FUBB'S assembly, at Almack's, or sporting a toe at Mrs SNOOKS'S hop at St Kit's, among the pretty straw damsels and dashing chippers, if a knowledge of "Life," an acquaintance with character, and the importance of comparison, are the ultimate results.

If once to Almack's you belong,
Like MONARCHS you can do no wrong;
But banished thence, on Wednesday night,
By Jove, you can do nothing right.
I hear (perhaps the story false is),
From Almack's, that he never waltzes
With Lady Anne, or Lady Biddy,
Twirling till he's in love, or giddy,
The girl a pigmy, he a giant,
His cravat stiff, her corset pliant.
There, while some jaded couple stops,
The rest go round like humming-tops,
Each in the circle with its neighbour,
Sharing alternate rest and labour:
While many a gentle chaperon
(As the fair Dervises spin on)
Sighs with regret, that she was courted
Ere this new fashion was imported,
Ere the dull minuet-step had vanished,
With jigs and country-capers banished.

But Charles, whose energy relaxes,
No more revolves upon his axis,
At sounds of cymbal and of drum
Deep clanging, from th' orchestra come,
And round him moves, in radiance bright,
Some beauteous beaming satellite;
Nor ventures, as the night advances,
On a new partner in French dances;

Nor, his high destiny fulfilling
Through all the mazes of quadrilling,
Holds, lest the figure should be hard,
Close to his nose a printed card,
Which, for their special use invented,
To Beaux, on entrance, is presented:
A strange device, one must allow,
But useful --- as it tells them how 1.
To foot it in the proper places
Much better than their partners' faces.

Mark, how the married and the single
In yon gay groups delighted mingle!
'Midst diamonds blazing, tapers beaming,
'Midst Georges, stars, and crosses gleaming,
We gaze on beauty, catch the sound
Of music, and of mirth around;
And DISCORD feels her empire ended
At ALMACK'S---or at least suspended.

1. Who would not be a gentleman for the comforts attendant upon such a situation? If a rich man is not a sensible, interesting, and polite character, with whom does the fault rest? Himself! Every thing to render him complete in life is within his reach. Dress, to him the cut of an Adonis, is not only made for him, but he has a valet to decorate his exterior; and an address, á la Chesterfield, is also chalked out for him, to leave the canaille at an immeasurable distance. Indeed, that anything like trouble might not be too much for him, the choice of a wife even is left to some obliging friend. All his business transactions are done by attorney. THELWALL, for a trifle, can teach him to pronounce hard words without difficulty; and his duties as a Member of Parliament are summed up in those decisive little words AYE and NO, which operate in importance a thousand times more than the eloquent volume speeches of Phillips on Crim. Con. For an opinion, long or short, upon any subject, not the slightest study is requisite,---thanks to upwards of sixty Newspapers published weekly, eighty-four Magazines, Reviews, &c. monthly, besides myriads of minor publications in London; so that a gentleman has only to name a particular work, and the thing is disposed of instanter. Therefore, in the Metropolis, a monied man has nothing else left to wish for, except---a NEVER-CEASING EXISTENCE! to avoid the fatality of the Strudulburghs, and to realise, at all periods, that bloom and vigour of health of twenty-seven years of age.

A blow out may likewise be found as savory and as high scented as Mother O'Shaugnessy's, in the back settlements of the Holy Land, by the hungry cut-away Paddy Mulroony, as the Mulligatawny soup may be swallowed with peculiar gôut by one of the fastidious, squeamish, screwed-up descendants of the OGELBY train at Grillon's hotel. A morning at TATTERSALL'S, among the top-of the-tree heroes in society, legs and levanters; or an hour en passant at Smithfield, on a Friday afternoon, among "I's Yorkshire" and the copers, may also have its effect.

Rubbing against the CORINTHIANS in the circle of Hyde Park on Sundays, and breathing the air of nobility, contrasted with the aping, behind-the-counter, soi-disant gentry, supported by their helegant tender creatures, decked out in all the made-up paraphernalia of Cranbourne Alley; and carrying the contrast still further, of the various modes of disposing of time, practised by the rude unsophisticated residents in the purlieus of St Giles's, down to the vulgar inmates of St Catherine's Wapping,---if, duly appreciated, the tout ensemble is one of the finest pictures of "LIFE IN LONDON!"

Avast! Achilles, Grecian famed,
And fiery Hector, Trojan named;
Avast! your Philips, Alexanders,
Your Cæsars too, war's Salamanders;
And eke gave way, Imperial NAP,
For thou alike didst doff the cap
To Neptune's darling son of war,
I mean JACK JUNK, the British tar.

Woman! the sailor's darling care,
For JACK would die to serve the fair;
And though he yields to Cyprian bands,
A girl distressed no less commands
The sailor's purse, his maxim true,
That Love keeps Pity's shrine in view,
And thus the matter argufies---
"I;ve rhino plenty, bless my eyes!
"But vat's the good of this here cash!
"On board I cannot make a splash;
"Give me the girls ashore, and prog,
The elbow-scraper, flip, and grog;
"Tis then I shows I've got some spunk,
"I' faith it's true---for I'm JACK JUNK."

Onward he goes, with rolling stride,
In hopes he may not be denied
The liberty on shore to go,
A welcome---yes---wakes Pleasure's glow;
Then rubbing hands, cries---"Here's sea-room,
"Now safe ashore I'll top my boom."
The cruise commences, off they veer,
For fiddlers, prog, and girls they steer,
Bet Stride her ruby colour shows;
Sall Walker shows her bowsprit nose;
Nan Brag her bulky breeching rears,
Poll Sherwin shows the bottle's tears'
And last, far famed for fisty prize,
Moll Chauntress view, with bung'd up eyes.
No ceremonies here can nip
The pastimes found in Pleasure's ship;
A dance becomes the gen'ral cry,
All hands agreed, for no one's shy;
The call is bitters now and gin,
While fiddlers twain increase the din.
The dance begins, they foot it neat,
And JACK believes 'tis heav'n's own seat.
Of JUNK the choice you fain would know,
Who makes these lines heroic flow?
Yes, she that could some ruby boast,
Of every tar the standing host;
'Twas sterling Moll, who with each glim
Bung'd up excited JACK JUNK'S whim;
Long known to brave all stormy weather,
Her tail ne'er showing one white feather.
Such was the choice of fighting Jack,
Who loved no sniv'lers at his back,
But bred to warfare, lived for fight,
And spent YEARS' EARNINGS IN A NIGHT!
They dance till limbs no more can move,
Then, half-seas over, talk of love;
Aloud they chaunt, "God save the Kind,"
And "Rule Britannia" boisterous sing;
Of "Cease rude Boreas" verses try,
Recalling scenes that raise the sigh;
For tars, though thoughtless now and then,
Can think and feel like polish'd men.
Here ends the scene---the sand is run---
Of JACK is spent a prime day's fun.

Paying a visit to the Fives Court, to view the NONPARIEL and Turner exhibit, or taking a turn in the evening, to listen to Coleridge, Fuseli, Flaxman, and Soane, if the MIND make a hit, and some striking impressions are implanted upon the memory, then the advantages resulting from the varieties of "LIFE" must here again be acknowledged.

The ITALIAN OPERA (this luxurious wardrobe of the great, this jeweler's shop of the nation, this scent and perfume repository of the world, and Arabian Nights' spectacle of Fortunatus's cap) is one of the most brilliant collection of portraits of LIFE IN LONDON. It possesses such fascinations, and the spell is so powerful, that to be "seen there" is quite enough, the performances being mere dumb show to most of its visitors; and however the languishing "die away" strains of Ambroghetti's Don Giovanni may almost cause an earthquake in the ear of the tasteful critic, and call forth "Bravo!"

Vivan le femine,
Viva il buon vino,
Sostegno e gloria,
D'umanith.

ATTO II. SCENA 14.

yet, how strange it is that the Italian Opera, to the great majority of JOHN BULL'S descendants, is positively worse than physic, and who prefer being almost squeezed to suffocation, amidst clouds of tobacco, the fumes of porter, and the strong smell of Deady's Fluid, at a Free and Easy Club, to hear TOM OWEN'S "Rum Ould Mog," and, from the richness of its slang, pronounce it "fine!" Such is the diversity of LIFE IN LONDON.

RUM OULD MOG was a leary flash MOT1,
and she was round and fat,
With twangs in her shoes, a wheel-barrow too,
And an oil-skin round her hat.
A blue bird's-eye deck'd her dairy2 fine,
As she mizzled through Temple-bar,
Of vhich side of the vay, I cannot tell,
But she bon'd3 it from a Tar!
Singing---Fol-lol-lol, de rol-lol-lol, de rol-lol-lol de lido!

1 A knowing Cyprian. 2Bosom. 3 Stole.

Again, while many prefer attending to hear the elevated judgments delivered by LORD CHANCELLOR; others listening to the wit and eloquence of CANNING, and to the solid oratory and comprehensive mind of BROUGHAM; thousands in the Metropolis are to be seen setting at defiance wind, weather, and even property, enjoying beyond description the humour and antics of CALEB BALDWIN'S bull upon Tothill Downs.

It should seem, then, that TASTE is everything in "this here LIFE!" but it is also observed to be of so meretricious a nature to its admirers, that it is as perplexing to fix a decisive hold upon "good taste," as to take into custody the "will-o'-the-wisp," that plays such whimsical tricks with the benighted traveller: and, perhaps, after all our researches and anxiety to obtain this desideratum of character, it matters but little to the mass of society in London, whether the relish for this chameleon sort of article is obtained over a quartern of three outs of Hodge's full proof, to complete the bargain of "lively soles" at Billingsgate, before peep of day, by Poll Fry, so that happiness is the result; or, whether it is realised with all qualities of a barometer by Mr HAZLITT, in the evening lolling at his case upon one of Ben Medley's1 elegant couches, enjoying the reviving comforts of a good tinney2, smacking his chafffer3 over a glass of old hock, and topping his glim4 to a classic nicety, in order to throw a new light upon the elegant leaves of ROSCOE'S "Life of Lorenzo de Medici," as a composition for a NEW LECTURE at the Surrey Institution. This is also LIFE IN LONDON.

1 A well-known hero in the Sporting World, from his determined contest with the late pugilistic phenomenon, Dutch Sam. 2 Fire. 3 The tongue. 4 A candle.

A peep at Bow Street Office---a stroll through Westminster Abbey---a lounge at the Royal Academy---an hour passed with the Eccentrics---a strut through the lobbies of the Theatres, and a trot on Sundays in Rotten Row, in calculation, have all turned to good account. Even, if our of wind, and compelled to make a stand still over the Elgin marbles at the British Museum, it will be found the time has not been misapplied.

Washing the ivory with a prime screw1 under the spikes2 in Saint George's Fields, or in tossing off, on the sly, some tape3 with a pal undergoing a three months' preparation4 to come out a new member of society, is a scene that develops a great deal of the human heart.

1A turnkey. 2 Belonging to the King's Bench, formerly called ELLENBOROUGH'S teeth; but now ABBOTT''S. 3 Gin. But spiritous liquors not being admitted into any prison, they are disguised under various appellations. 4 Whitewashing; but this old phrase is now nearly obsolete.

O THOU! whatever title is most dear,
Among the many that salute thine ear,
Join with thy brothers, Jack, with the dear friends,
Whose fed applause thy wit and wine commends,
My dearest Jack, with that same mawkish wench,
Jacko at LONGS, and Captain in the BENCH!

Now let us analyse, but not too loud,
If wise---the composition of this crowd,
Made up from native soil and foreign clime,
Of waste, of folly, accident, and crime,
Here join the speculator and the fool,
Gray-beards and youngsters rather fit for school
(At least, for any school but this alone,
Where college vices in the shade are thrown),
Of pugilists, of haberdashers, jugglers,
H