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
Antient Structure InShip Yard, Temple Bar.
Antient Structure InShip Yard, Temple Bar.
| Previous to the Fire of London, almost every street throughout the metropolis exhibited an appearance similar to that of , and in very few instances could boast of greater width, air, or accommodation. , in its immediate vicinity, was not completed as a street, until the year ; before that time, it entirely cut off from London, and nothing intervened, except a few scattered houses, more resembling a country village, than any thing like the neighbourhood of the city in the world. All the houses on the south side had great gardens to the river, and were called by their owners' names, and in after-times gave title to the several streets that succeeded them, leading down to the Thames; each of them had stairs for the conveniency of taking boat, many of which remain in use to the present time. The architecture of the antient houses in is precisely that of the old buildings near , of which was inhabited by the celebrated Isaac Walton, author of the Complete Angler, and greatly resembles many still remaining in Leadenhall and Bishopsgate Streets, Smithfield, Borough, , &c. That many of these antiquated, and at present dilapidated and decayed dwellings, were once the residence of persons of rank, opulence, and consequence, is past all doubt: and we have higher authority than traditionary information to establish the facts. The great Duc de Sully was lodged, during his embassy to England, on the accession of James I. in Arundel House, formerly Bath's Inn, the buildings of which, though extensive, were both low and mean; the well-known Queen of Bohemia condescended to inhabit Craven House, afterwards converted to an inn; Sir Philip Sidney had his abode in the ; and the great Sir Walter Raleigh's mansion is at present a rendezvous and house of accommodation for country graziers, drovers, &c. at , known by the sign of the Pyed Bull. | |
The principal building exhibited in the view, might originally have formed but establishment, though, from the visible alterations on the ground-floor, for the convenience of shops, it has been divided into separate tenements, for the purpose of easier accommodation to speculating tradesmen. Elias Ashmole, who is supposed to have resided here, had occasion for still larger premises than these appear, being the greatest collector of curiosities of any man in England, independent of the room required for the various apparatus, he must necessarily have had for his different pursuits and studies in astrology, botany, chemistry, heraldry, and antiquities; in all of which he was a great proficient. In addition to his Diary, which is a very curious and interesting work, he published, under the feigned name of James Hasolle, Esq. his &c. mo. His published in to. , contains many pieces of our old Hermetic philosophers. This work gained him a considerable reputation, which was very much increased by his laborious and accurate published in folio, . Mr. Ashmole enjoyed several lucrative places under the government in the reign of Charles II. the emoluments of which greatly forwarded the establishment of the Museum at Oxford,[*] which bears his name, and was founded in his lifetime. He died , aged . | |
Footnotes: [*] John Tradescant, gardener to Charles I. was the first man that distinguished himself as a collector of natural and artificial curiosities, and was followed by his son in the same pursuit, who with his wife joined in a deed of gift, by which their friend Mr. Ashmole was entitled to their collection after the decease of the former. It was accordingly claimed by him; but the widow Tradescant refusing to deliver it, was compelled by a decree of the Court of Chancery. She was soon after found drowned in a pond in her own garden. |
