London at the End of the Century:A Book of Gossip

a Beckett, Arthur William

1900

THE EXPOSITION OF 1862 AND AFTER.

 

The second International Exhibition was held in -nearly forty years ago. It was designed by an amiable officer of the Royal Engineers, and both of its domes still exist at the Alexandra Palace on Muswell Hill. It was not nearly as successful as its predecessor, and when it closed there was a general

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understanding that it would not be repeated. On the shutters being put up there was a vigorous effort made to secure the building for the nation. But sensible people objected and the objection was sustained. On its site stands the Natural History Museum, which as a structure is certainly a great improvement on the original building. Before it was pulled down the hall of the Exhibition of was used for the holding of a grand fancy bazaar in aid of the Home for Incurables. The Prince and Princess of Wales were present, and two of the features were fitted-up theatres. At the first of these -Richardson's Show-was played a piece called , by F. C. Burnand, in which the author took a prominent part. He was supported by Oliffe (son of Sir Joseph, the founder of Trouville and medical adviser to Napoleon III.), Charles Hall (now Recorder of London), Matt Morgan (the artist), and many others. The rival theatre was under the management of Lady Anne Sherson (a relative of the Duke of Fife), and there was played therein a burlesque drama called , written by Mr. Thomas Gibson Bowles, M.P. The author again played in his own piece, and was supported by the late Frank Marshall and myself. During the the rival companies used to march round the building in the hope of attracting audiences. Mr. Burnand appeared as a sort of

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compromise between a field-marshal and a postilion, Mr. Bowles as a British tar, Mr. Matt Morgan as a Spanish bullfighter, and Mr. (now Sir) Charles Hall as an acrobat. Those (there were two of them) were pleasant days indeed, and the Home for Incurables greatly benefited by our charitable labours.

 
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 Title Page
 Dedication
 PREFACE
CHAPTER I: LONDON AT THE END OF THE CENTURY
CHAPTER II: STRANGERS IN LONDON
CHAPTER III: RELIGION IN LONDON
CHAPTER IV: A PEEP INTO STAGELAND
CHAPTER V: PARLIAMENT UP TO DATE
CHAPTER VI: A NIGHT IN THE HOUSE
CHAPTER VII: THE PREMIER CLUB OF ENGLAND
CHAPTER VIII: LONDONERS HOLDING HOLIDAY
CHAPTER IX: THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CLUB
CHAPTER X: IN RATHER MIXED CLUBLAND
CHAPTER XI: IN AUXILIARY CLUBLAND
CHAPTER XII: A PANTOMIME AT DRURY LANE
CHAPTER XIII: LONDON EXHIBITIONS
CHAPTER XIV: COACHING THE UNIVERSITY CREW
CHAPTER XV: THE SEQUEL TO THE DERBY
CHAPTER XVI: THE LONDON GONDOLA
CHAPTER XVII: LONDON ON STRIKE
CHAPTER XVIII: LONDON FIRES
CHAPTER XIX: PALL MALL AND PRIVATE THOMAS ATKINS
CHAPTER XX: CONCERNING THE LONDON VOLUNTEERS
CHAPTER XXI: SERVING WITH THE LONDON MILITIA
CHAPTER XXII: LONDON GUNNERS AT SHOEBURYNESS
CHAPTER XXIII: BECOMING A SOCIETY LION
CHAPTER XXIV: ENTERTAINING THE WORKING MAN
CHAPTER XXV: CHOOSING A FANCY DRESS
CHAPTER XXVI: PARLIAMENTARY SPEAKING
CHAPTER XXVII: ART IN LONDON
CHAPTER XXVIII: SPENDING BANK HOLIDAY IN LONDON
CHAPTER XXIX: A BANK HOLIDAY WITHOUT 'ARRY
CHAPTER XXX: LONDON OUT OF TOWN
CHAPTER XXXI: LONDONERS AND THEIR SUMMER HOLIDAYS
CHAPTER XXXII: LONDONERS AND THE CHANNEL
CHAPTER XXXIII: LONDON UNDER DOCTOR'S ORDERS
CHAPTER XXXIV: TWO CITIES IN FORTY-EIGHT HOURS
CHAPTER XXXV: THE LONDONER'S SEARCH FOR HEALTH
CHAPTER XXXVI: THE PARISIAN PART OF THE LONDON DISTRICT
CHAPTER XXXVII: A NOVELTY IN LONDON RECREATIONS
CHAPTER XXXVIII: LONDON SCHOOLBOYS AT THE END OF THE CENTURY