Londina Illustrata. Graphic and Historical Memorials of Monasteries, Churches, Chapels, Schools, Charitable Foundations, Palaces, Halls, Courts, Processions, Places of Early Amusement, and Modern Present Theatres, in the Cities and Suburbs of London and Westminster, Volume 1
Wilkinson, Robert
1819-1825
The Bow-window Recess in the Hall of Crosby Place, with the Cellarage Entrance, Windows, &c. of the Vaults beneath.
The Recess which forms the interior of the remaining projecting small tower and Bow-window, appertaining to the hall (a similar to which likewise projected from the council-chamber), has been partitioned off from the hall, and is at present fitted up as a counting-house, although the dimensions as to length and breadth are but comparatively small; the grand effect of the beautiful and highly-ornamental stone worked roof, fails not to attract attention, and to convey to the mind something more resembling the structure of a side chapel appertaining to some of our cathedrals, than the embellishment of a window framed as a recess or break in a hall of audience. Hospitality, in former times, took place of etiquette, and these magnificent rooms of the wealthy founders were in use more to receive and entertain their friends with profuse and sumptuous feasts and banquets, than merely to receive set visits, and make a display of empty parade: in proof of this, we have only to instance the memorable feasting of Sir Henry Picard, vintner, Lord Mayor in , —, . | |
So wealthy and liberal a man as Sir John Crosby appears to have been, we may naturally suppose was not wanting in disposition to keep his HALL with the like magnificence; and though it does not appear he either had an opportunity to feast as many kings, or gamble quite so high, or perhaps at all; yet royalty did not disdain to take up its residence in Sir John Crosby's establishment; and it will never fail to be recorded, that Crosby Place was considered by the aspiring and ambitious Richard the , as a palace not unworthy his residence. | |