England's remarques giving an exact account of the several shires, counties, and islands in England and Wales. In every of which you have I. How the county is bounded. II. The length, breadth, and circumference. III. The temperature of the air, and fertility or barrenness of the soil. IV. What commodities each shire or county affordeth. V. In what dioces, and how many parishes in it. VI. The number of Parliament-men, hundreds, and market-towns. VII. In every shire you have the name of the city or shire-town, with the latitude thereof, and how it bears, with the reputed and measured distance of the same from London, the road to the same; how governed, and the coat of arms, and what other things are therein remarkable. VIII. You have the names of such noble families as have been dukes or earls of each county since their first constitution. IX. Whatsoever is eminent or remarkable thorow-out the whole kingdom. To which is added a travelling map, describing the principal roads thorow-out England.

The Description follow∣ing being too large to be inserted in its due place (according to the Course of the rest of the Counties) I have at the end by way of Supplement, added this Brief DESCRIPTION OF LONDON, K. Charles his Augusta, or City Royal. And of the City of WESTMINSTER, the Borough of SOƲTHWARK, and their Suburbs, &c.

LONDON, the Epitome and Glory of all Britain, was the Seat of the British Em∣pire, as now the Royal Chamber of our Kings. Who was the first Founder of Her, Writers do much differ about, some say Brute the Trojan, others not: but all agree that

it was re-edified and enlarged by King Lud, in Anno Mundi, 5131.

Antiquity.

For Antiquity, London is very honourable, as may appear by what A. Marcellinus says of her, That she was called an Ancient City in his time, which is above 1200 years ago; and Cornelius Ta∣citus, 300 years before that, gives her this Cha∣racter, viz. London for multitude of Merchants and Commerce, is very much renowned.

Situation.

This Noble City is seated on a gentle rising Bank, in a healthful Air, and no less pleasantly than commodiously on the River Thames; so that whosoever was the Founder, he shewed much prudence in the choice of its Situation; and her successful estate hath given proof, that built she was for long life and continuance.

Wall and its Gates.

The City is begirt with a Wall, as is said, by Constantine the Great; which giveth entrance at seven principal Gates, besides Posterns of later erection: On the West side are two, Ludgate and Newgate, both which serve for Prisons; the first for such Debtors as are Freemen of the City; the other for Malefactors both of the City and Country; as also the County-Goal for Debt: Northwards, those of Aldersgate, Cripplegate, Moorgate, and Bishopsgate; and Eastward, Aldgate. Besides these principal Gates, there are several

Posterns. Also toward the River of Thames, many Docks and Harbours for Vessels, several Water∣gates, for the better security of the City, and Advancement of Trade.

Its Extent.

But now, as contemning Bondage, this City hath enlarged her self on all sides with spacious Suburbs, insomuch that she hath joyned her self Westward with another City, to wit, Westminster; and extending her Building Eastward as far as Black-wall; so that now the City is of great ex∣tent, being in length, from Black-wall in the East, to Tuttle-fields in the West, about six miles; and in breadth, one, two, and in some places al∣most three miles; and in circuit 'tis computed about 14 or 15 miles; in which are numbred above 500 Streets and Lanes, and 75000 Dwel∣ling-Houses.

Of WESTMINSTER.

This City, or part of London, I shall first speak of, being the Noblest, and taken up by the King, the Nobility, Gentry, and such as depend on the Court and Law; was formerly called Thorney or Dorney, and was an Island encompassed by the Thames, overgrown with Briers and Thorns; but now graced with fair stately Houses and Palaces, both publick and private.

The chief among which are, First, The Pala∣ces of the King, Whitehall and St. James; the first being the Residence of His Sacred Majesty, the other of his Royal Highness James Duke of York;

to which is joyned a delightful Park so called, in which is a Pall-Mall, said to be the best in Europe.

Secondly, the Courts of Judicature, and Houses of Parliament, now known by the Name of West∣minster-Hall, a large Structure, which was an∣ciently the Palace of the Kings of England.

Thirdly, Its Collegiate Church of Westminster, which was the Temple of St. Peter, raised out of the Ruines of a former, dedicated to Apollo, where the Trinobants did Sacrifice to Diana Tauropolia. This Temple of St. Peter was destroyed by the Danes, and re-edified by Dunstan Bishop of Lon∣don, in the year 960.

Fourthly, King Henry's Chappel, being a most magnificent and curious Edifice, beautified with the stately Tombs of the Kings and Queens, with many of the Nobility of England, renowned for the inauguration of our Kings and Queens, now a Collegiate Church.

Fifthly, Somerset-House, a large and stately Structure belonging to the King, situate upon the Thames.

Sixthly, The New-Exchange, a place well stored with variety of Shops and Goods; to which may be added,

Seventhly, The several Houses of the Nobility, as Wallingford-House, the Seat of the Earl of Arlington.

Northumberland-House, the Residence of the Countess of Northumberland.

York-House belonging to the Duke of Bucking∣ham, but now turned into smaller Buildings, and made new Streets of Houses.

Salisbury-House, belonging to the Earl of Salis∣bury, converted into a New-Exchange, and a Street of smaller Houses.

Worcester-House, to the Marquess of Worcester. The Savoy, formerly an Hospital, now the Habitation of several Families, where they have their Houses apart: and here is His Majesties Wardrobe kept.

Arundel-House, belonging to the Duke of Nor∣folk; and Essex-House to the Duke of Somerset, now also turned into small Buildings, and made a Street to the Thames side.

Then Exeter-House, Bedford-House, Clarendon-House, Leicester-House, Southampton-House, with divers others, too many to be mentioned in this small Discourse. The Limits of this City ends at Temple-Bar, where the Liberty of London beginneth, which we shall next speak of.

Of LONDON.

This City within the Walls and Freedom, is divided into 26 Parts or Wards, governed by a Lord Mayor, so many grave Aldermen, and two Sheriffs; the yearly Choice of which was granted them by Patent from King John; to these Henry the Third added some Aldermen; these Aldermen take charge of the 26 Wards aforesaid, and called from them Aldermanries. The names of the Wards are thus called, viz.

• 1. Tower-street.
• 2. Portsoken.
• 3. Aldgate.
• 4. Limestreet.
• 5. Bishopsgate.
• 6. Broadstreet.
• 7. Cornhil.
• 8. Langhorn.
• 9. Billingsgate.
• 10. Bridgwater with∣in.
• 11. Candlewick.

• 12. Walbrook.
• 13. Dowgate.
• 14. Vintrey.
• 15. Cordwainer.
• 16. Cheap.
• 17. Coleman-street.
• 18. Basinghall.
• 19. Aldersgate.
• 20. Cripplegate.
• 21. Farringdon within.
• 22. Faringdon without.
• 23. Breadstreet.
• 24. Queenhithe.
• 25. Castle-Baynard.
• 26. Bridgwater without, viz. the Burrough of Southwark.

1. Towerstreet Ward, so termed from the Tower; unto this Ward belongs Sydon-lane, or Seething-lane, part of Mark-lane, Minchen-lane, and Beer-lane, Water-lane, then Harp-lane: in this Lane is the Bakers-Hall; then the two Lanes called Church-Lanes, and next to them Foul-lane, then the Church of St. Dunstan's in the East, the Custome-house and Key, now bravely rebuilt and adorned.

2. Portsoken Ward, the East part of the Tower is in it; then the Hospital of St. Katharine, then East-Smithfield and Tower-hill, where is the Store-house for keeping Provisions for the Navy Royal, called the Slaughter-house; the Merchant-Tay∣lors have in this Ward Alms-houses for 14 Wo∣men; next the Minories, then the Church of St. Buttolph, then is Hoglane near Goodmans-fields; the Ward ending at Petticoat-lane.

3. Aldgate Ward, so named from the Gate; the chief Street beginneth at the Gate, betwixt the Gate and Limestreet; in it is Bricklayers-Hall,

then Billeter-lane, then Fenchurch-street, till you come to Culver-alley; then Crossed or Crouched-Friars, Woodroof-lane, Hart-street, the North end of Mark-lane, where the Ward endeth.

4. Limestreet Ward; here stands Leaden-Hall, formerly a Storehouse for Provision for the Poor, now a Market-place for Butchers, Tanners, Meal∣men, and Wool; no Market in the World for variety of Provision able to stand in competition with it: Tere is no Parish-Church, or place for Divine Service in this Ward.

5. Bishopsgate Ward; part is without the Gate, from St. Mary Spittle to Bishopsgate, which Lanes and Alleys of note are, Bethlehem East of the New Postern, West by Moorfields, and almost half of Houndsditch; in this Ward is the Church of St. Buttolph without the Gate, Fishers-folly, the old Artillery-ground, St. Mary-Spittle: within the Gate is Bishopsgate-street, so called of the Gate, unto the East end of St. Martins-Outwitch, where is Gresham-Colledg; then by the West corner of Leaden-hall, down that was called Grass-street, to the Corner over against the Church, great St. Hellens, and little St. Hellens, where is Leather-sellers-Hall.

6. Broadstreet Ward, so named from the Street; in it is Throgmorton-street, Threadneedle-street, half Finch-lane, and Scalding-alley; in it is Alhallows in the Wall, Winchester-street, Carpenters-Hall, Winchester-house, the Hall between Winchester-street and Broad-street, called the Glass-house; in Broad-street are Sir Thomas Gresham's Alms-houses; here standeth St. Peters the Poor, of which Parish was formerly made this Rhime,

In the Parish of St. Peters the Poor, There's no Ale-house nor Tavern, nor Sign at a door.

The Case is altered now, quoth Ploydon.

The St. Augustine-Friers, now the Dutch Church; in this Ward is Drapers-Hall, the House formerly of Cromwel Earl of Essex, Bartholomew-lane, and Merchant-Taylors-Hall in Threadneedle-street.

7. Corn-hil Ward, so called from a Corn-Market formerly kept there; the chief Ornaments of this Ward, are a famous Monument erected by Sir Thomas Gresham, who named it the Burss, afterwards by Queen Elizabeth called the Royal-Exchange; it is the Place of publick meeting for Merchants, whereunto they twice every day re∣sort, between twelve and one at Noon, and six and seven at Night, a stately Structure, now said to be the best in the known World, built qua∣drangular of Free-stone, with a lofty Tower at the South entrance, and Walks round the main Building, over which are above 200 Shops for rich Wares, and well stored with variety of all sorts. The Church of St. Peter, accounted the oldest Church in London; the Church of St. Mi∣chael now rebuilt and bravely adorned; also the South end of Finch-lane, and the North end of Burching is in this Ward.

8. Langborn Ward, so termed of a Bourn or Brook of sweet Water that ran in it; in which is Fenchurch-street, Lombard-street, half of Lime-street, in which was Pewterers-Hall; Dionys Back-church, half of Birching-lane, some few Houses in Philpot∣lane, St. Clements-lane down to St. Clements

Church, St. Nicholas-lane down beyond St. Nicho∣las Church; a small portion of Abchurch-lane, part of Beerbinder-lane, Alhallows-Lombard-street, St. Mary Wolnoth.

9. Billingsgate Ward; the Ornaments of this Ward are Billingsgate, that giveth name to the Ward; then Somers-key, Smarts-key, and Boss-alley, St. Mary hil-lane, in which is the beautiful Church of St. Mary on the Hill, St. Margaret-Pattens-lane, or Rood-lane, Pudding-lane, Love-lane, St. Andrews-Hubbart in Eastcheap, Buttolph-lane.

10. Bridg Ward within; the Streets and Orna∣ments of this Ward, are Fish-street, the Church of St. Magnus, St. Margarets New Fish-street, where is the New Column or Monument erected, near the place where the dreadful Fire began, Sept. 2. 1666. This Monument, St. Leonard-Eastcheap, Grass-church-street, the Old Swan, Fish∣mongers Hall, Drinkwater-wharf, Fresh-wharf, anciently so called; part of St. Martins-lane in Thames-street, part of St. Michaels-lane, and all Crooked-lane.

11. Ward is Candlewick Ward; in this Ward is Eastcheap, a Flesh-market for Butchers, a little part of St. Clements-lane, a great part of St. Ni∣cholas-lane, Abchurch-lane almost wholly of this Ward, St. Martins-lane most part of this Ward, St. Lawrence Poultney-lane.

12 Ward is Wallbrook Ward; in this Ward is St. Swithins-lane, next Salters Hall, Walbrook, the Stocks Market, four or five Houses up into Lombard-street, Beerbinder-lane, part of Bucklers-bury.

13. VVard is Dowgate Ward; in it is the High-street Dowgate, here is Skinners Hall, Tallow-chandlers Hall; then Elbow-lane, in which was

Innholders Hall, Chequer-lane or Alley; Fryer-lane, in it was Joiners Hall; Grantham-lane, the Steel-yard, Church-lane, Alhallows the Great, Haywharf-lane, Alhallows the Less, Cold-Harbor, Dyers Hall, Ebgate-lane, Bush-lane, Suffolk-lane; in it is Mer∣chant-Taylors Free-School.

14. The Vintry Ward; in this Ward is Three-Cranes-lane, then Church-lane, Broad-lane, in this is Parish-Clerks Hall; Stodies-lane, in this is Vint∣ners Hall; Anchor-lane, here is the Plummers Hall; then is Worcester-place, in this is the Fruiterers Hall; Royal-street, and Colledg-hill; the Tower-Royal, that giveth the name to the Street; Horse∣bridg-street, in this is the Cutlers Hall; Knight-Riders-street, Ipres-Inn, Kerion-lane.

15. Ward is Cordwayner Ward; in this Ward is Budg-Row, Turn-base-lane, part of Wringwren-lane, Cordwayners-street, Bow-lane, Basing-lane, St. Sithes-lane, the South side of Needlers-lane, the South end of Soper-lane, Goose-lane in Bow-lane, the South part of Watling-street.

16. Ward is Cheap Ward; in which is the Poultery, and here also is the Poultery-Compter; Cony-hoop-lane, at the end stood Grocers Hall, part of Old Jewry, Bucklersbury, Needlers-lane, part of Soper-lane; Cheapside, here was a great Market for all sorts of Provisions, which is now removed to Hony-lane Market; the Mercers Chappel and Hall, then Ironmongers-lane, in which is Blossoms-Inn; next Honey-lane, Cateaten-street, in this is Guildhall, wherein the Courts for the City are kept.

17. VVard is Coleman-street VVard, part of Old Jewry is in this Ward; Lothbury, in this Street is St. Margarets Church, and Founders Hall; in Old Jewry, the Church of St. Olaves

Upwel; then Coleman-street, in this Street is the Armorers Hall.

18. Ward was Basinghal Ward; here stands the Masons Hall, the Weavers Hall, the Girdlers Hall; Blakwell Hall, a Market for all sorts of Woollen Cloaths, whereto all Country-men bring their Woollen Manufacture; then the Coopers Hall.

19. VVard, Cripplegate Ward; in this Ward are these Streets, Aldermanbury, Milk-street, Gayspur-lane, part of West-Cheap, Love-lane, Lad-lane, Wood-street, Addle-street, Philip-lane, Huggen-lane, Maiden-lane, the East side of Guthorns-lane, Stain∣ing-lane, Silver-street, the North-east side of Monkswel-street; these within the Walls were the bounds: Moor-lane, with all the Alleys, Little Moorfields are of this Ward; more than half of Grub-street, Whitecross-street to Beech-lane, Redcross-street, with a part of Golding-lane, Beech-lane, and Barbican-street, more than half thereof to∣wards Aldersgate-street; Sion Colledg, in which there was a stately Library, and Alms Houses founded for 24 poor People, by Doctor Thomas White, and his Executor Mr. John Simpson; the Parish-Church of St. Alphage (not consumed) the Counter, Wax-Chandlers Hall, Haberdashers Hall in Maiden-lane.

20. Ward is that of Aldersgate; Lillypot-lane, the West side of Guthorns-lane, Kery-lane, St. Mar∣tins, Aldersgate-street without the Gate, where is Peter-house (the Bishop of London's Seat) and Little Britain; Goldsmiths Hall; without the Gate in Aldersgate-street on the East side, is Cooks Hall: in this Ward are many stately Houses for Noble Men and Gentry.

21. Ward is Faringdon Ward within; in this Ward is Gunthrams-lane, in which is Embroide∣rers Hall, Sadlers Hall, Fosters-lane, and St. For∣sters Church rebuilt, Barber-Chirurgiens Hall in Monkswel-street near Cripplegate, Pentecost-lane, Butchers-Hall-lane, in which was Butchers Hall, Christ-Church, the West side of Friday-street, the Old Change, the North Church-yard of St. Pauls, and the Cathedral it self, the School of St. Pauls, Pater-noster-Row, the West side of Ave-Mary-lane, Creed-lane; on the North of Ave-Mary-lane is Sta∣tioners Hall, Physicians Colledg, Martins Church by Ludgate, Black-fryers, Panyer-alley, Ivy-lane, Warwick-lane, Blowbladder-street, Newgate-market, and Newgate.

22. Ward is Bread-street Ward; wherein is Bread-street, the East part of Friday-street, Watling-street, part of Knight-Riders-street, Distaff-lane in which is Cordwainers Hall

23. Ward is Queen-hith Ward; in this Ward is Trinity-lane, or Spooners-lane, called also Huggen-lane, Breadstreet Hill, Fye-foot-lane, Desborn-lane; Little-Trinity-Lane, where is Painterstainers Hall, Old Fish-street, Lambert-Hill, Pyel-lane, Towns-end-lane, Queen-hith, Salt-Wharf, Stew-lane, Brook-Wharf, Broken-Wharf, Triglane, and Bull-Wharf.

24. Is Castle-Baynard Ward; in this Ward is Creed-lane, the Fast part of Ave-Mary-lane, part of Pater-noster-Row, the East side of Warwick-lane, Peters-hill-lane, Pauls-Wharf, Addle-hill, Carter-lane, Do-little-lane, Sermon-lane, the South Chain of Pauls Churchyard, and the South part of the Churchyard it self, St. Peters Pauls-wharf, Baynards-Castle, where was the Kings great Wardrobe; here is also the Heralds Office, Doctors Commons, and Blacksmiths Hall.

25. Ward is Faringdon Ward without; in this is Guilt-spur-street, the Church of St. Sepulchres, Pye-corne, Cock-lane, Holborn-Conduit; West-Smith-field, in it standeth the Hospital of St. Bartholo∣mew, Duck-lane, St. Bartholomews Close, part of Long-lane, part of Chick-lane, Smithfeld Pond, Cow-lane, Snow-hill, to the Bishop of Elie's House, Furnivals-Inn, Staple-Inn, Barnards-Inn, Fetter-lane, Thavies-Inn, Shooe-lane, the Church of St. Andrews in Holborn; then Old Baily, where is the Sessions House for London and Middlesex; and also Fleet River, formerly a small Ditch or Rivolet, but now made a Navigable River to Holborn Bridg, with spacious Streets on both sides; on the East side of which is Fleet-lane, and the Fleet Prison, St. Dunstans in the West, Cliffords-Inn, the South end of Chancery-lane, Sergeants-Inn, even to the Rolls Liberty, and Jackanapes-lane West, part of Shear-lane the two Temples, White-Fryers, Water-lane, Salisbury-Court, St. Bridgets or Brides Church, Bridewel-lane, and Bridewell.

26. Ward is Bridg Ward without; in this are long Southwark, St. Georges Church, St. Olave-street, Bermondsey-street, Kent-street, Blackman-street: the Antiquities of it are Bermondsey, an Abbey of Black Monks, St. Mary Overies, a Priory of Ca∣non Regulars; St. Thomas, an Hospital for the Poor; the Lock, a Lazire House in Kent-street; there be in it these five Prisons, the Clinck, the Compter, the Marshalsey, the Kings-bench, the White-lion: Here is Winchester-house, Battail-bridg, the Bridg-house, the Store-house of Grain for the Service of the City, and the Bear-Garden.

Every Ward hath a peculiar Alderman, as an Overseer or Guardian assigned thereunto, who hath a greater latitude of Power than any ordi∣nary Justice of Peace. This Alderman hath one Deputy, and in some Wards more; there are also a certain number of Common-Council-Men, Constables, Men of the Ward-Mote-Inquest, Scavengers, some more, some less, with Beadles belonging to every Ward. This last Ward dif∣fers from all the rest in this, That the Alderman appointed here hath three Deputies, but no Common-Council-Man. In this Ward is a Bay∣liff also, for execution of Legal Process, and other Affairs under the Government of the City of London.

This City, for Divine Worship (before the late dreadful Conflagration, on Sunday the se∣cond of September 1666, and continued until Wednesday following; in which space of time two thirds within its Wall and Freedom was consu∣med) had 125 Parish-Churches, the most stu∣pendious Fabrick of which, was the Cathedral of St. Pauls, founded by Ethelbert King of Kent, 610. It was the Bishops Sea of London, endowed with fair Revenues and Livings; the proportion of this Building was, 690 foot in length, 130 foot in breadth; the height of the West erected Roof from the ground 102, the new Fabrick from the ground was 88 foot; this was the only remaining Work of the English Saxons in London, the which is now rebuilding.

The Inns of Court and Chancery belonging to this City are twelve, viz. the Inner and Middle Temple, Grays Inn, and Lincolns Inn, which are called Inns of Court; and these Inns are taken up by the Benchers, Barresters, and Students at

Law. There are also two other Inns of Court, which are called Sergeants Inn, one in Chancery-lane, the other in Fleet-street, where the Judges and Sergeants have their Lodgings. The Inns of Chancery are, Cliffords Inn, Clements Inn, Staple Inn, Furnivals Inn, Lions Inn, Bernards Inn, and Thavies Inn; all which are inhabited by Attorneys and Sollicitors at Law.

The Courts belonging to the City of London.

The Hustings Court, is the House of Causes or Pleadings; this Court preserveth the Laws, Rights, Franchises, Customs and Dignities of the City; this Court is held Tuesday as formerly.

The Court of the Lord Mayor and Aldermen, a most ancient Court of Record for all Matters of Law and Equity: There is the Inner Court, where the Lord Mayor and Aldermen sit in Council on Tuesday and Thursday weekly; and the Outer Court, held every day (but Holydays, and certain other times of the year) for Pro∣ceedings at Law.

The Court of Orphans.

The two Sheriffs Courts, one for each Compter, Wednesday and Friday for Tryal of Wood-street, and Thursday and Saturday for the Poultrey.

The Court of Common Council, for making of Laws, and transacting of other Matters of pub∣lick concernment to the state of the City.

The Sessions of Peace, held ordinarily once a month throughout the year.

The Court for the Conservation of the Water and Rivers of Thames and Medway.

The Court of the Coroner and the Easchetor.

The Chamberlains Court for Apprentices.

The Court of Requests, commonly called the Court of Conscience; All which Courts are kept within the Guildhal, London.

The Sessions of Oyer and Terminer, and Goal-delivery of Newgate, for the City of London and County of Middlesex, holden at Justice-Hall in the Old Baily; whereof the Lord Mayor is the Chief Judg, and hath power of Repriev∣ing, &c.

The Court of the Tower of London; held within the verge of the City before the Steward by pre∣scription, of Debt, Trespass, and other Actions. All which Courts are kept within the Guildhall London; a fair and large Structure for the nego∣tiating of the Affairs of the City.

The Court of Policies and Assurances to Mer∣chants that Venture and Traffick on the Seas, where Ships and Goods are Ensured at so much in the Hundred, in the Royal Exchange.

The Court of Halmote, or Hall-Court for every Company in London, appropriate to each Hall they belong.

The Court of Wardmote, or Wardmote Inquest, for every VVard; the Inquest consisteth of twelve or more, as the custom of the VVard is, chosen in each VVard St. Thomas's day.

Besides these Structures are several others, as the Charter house, or Sutton's Hospital, a fair and large Building, being one of the noblest Hospitals in England, in which are constantly maintained 80 old Men and 40 Boys, who have generous Education bestowed on them, and after disposed of, either to the University or to Trades.

Doctors Commons, the Habitation of the Civi∣lians that practise the Civil Law.

The Heralds Office, or Colledg, for pre∣serving Genealogies of Families, Coats of Arms, &c.

The Colledg of Physicians, a fine new built Stru∣cture; in which Colledg there is a President, four Censors, and eight Elects, to whom the management of Affairs of the said Society is com∣mitted.

The Halls belonging to the several Compa∣nies, which are most of them very fair and large Structures.

There are four Free-schools in this City; The Free-school of St. Pauls, now built in ample manner, and richly endowed Anno 1512, by Dr. Colet Dean of St. Pauls, for 153 poor Mens Children, for which there was a chief Master, and Usher, and Chaplain ordained.

Moreover, in the year 1553, after the Erection of Christ's Hospital, which arose out of the ruins of the Grey Fryers, that stood there; a great num∣ber of poor Children of the City taken in, and a fair School appointed at the Charge of the City, though Edward the Sixth bears the name of the Patron: Also another School was founded in Christ's Hospital, at the Charge of the Lady Ramsey. There is also another lately erected, by his Majesties Liberality, for the instructing of forty Boys in Geometry, Navigation, and other parts of the Mathematicks, yearly, for ever.

Anno 1561, the Merchant-Taylors of London founded a School in the Parish of St. Lawrence Poultney, near Thames-street.

Anno 1579, Sir Thomas Gresham gave the Royal Exchange, with all the Buildings thereunto ap∣pertaining,

viz. the one Moiety to the Mayor and Commonalty of London, and their Successors; and the other moiety to the Mercers, to find four to read Lectures of Divinity, Astronomy, Musick, and Geometry, within that dwelling in Bishopsgate-street, called Gresham-House or Colledg, and to bestow 50 pounds per Annum to every Reader: the Mercers also are to find three Readers in the same place; that is, the Civil Law Reader, Phy∣sick and Rhetorick, and every Reader to have 50 pounds yearly stipend. These Lectures are to be read every day in the week in Term-time (Sundays excepted) at nine a clock in the Morn∣ing, in Latine, and at two of the clock in the Afternoon in English; only the Musick Lecture is at ten on Saturday in the Morning, and at three in the Afternoon. Sir John Cutler also set up a Lecture for Mechanicks, at two of the clock, on so many Fridays after the Term, as there is weeks in the Term.

All which are fair & large Buildings.

• Its House of Correction, Bride∣wel, for Vagabonds and Idle Persons.
• Its Sessions House for Malefactors.
• And its New Bethlehem in Moor∣fields, for Lunaticks.

Another Glory of the City of London, which must not be omitted, is the River of Thames.

This famous River taketh the Head or Spring out of the flank of a Hill in Cotswol-Downs, about a mile from Tetbury; from hence by many Me∣anders, and meeting with other Streams, she

arrives to Oxford, then to Abington, to Walling∣ford, Reading, Marlborough, Maidenhead, Windsor, Eaton, Chersey, Stains, Kingston, Richmond, Brain∣ford, Mortlack, Putney, Chelsey, Lambeth, Westmin∣ster, and so to London, and thence to Gravesend; and thus she comes sporting along from her first source, about nine-score miles, before she em∣bosoms her self in the Arms of Neptune; to which we may add her convenient distance from the Sea; the wholsomness of her Water; her mul∣titude of Ships, and smaller Vessels; her stately Palaces on both sides of her Banks; her variety of all sorts of Fish; and the infinite number of Families that are maintained by this River.

Of London Bridge.

Quite over the River of Thames, near unto the Tower, there is built a most sumptuous and magnificent Bridg, built upon nineteen Arches of Stone, containing in length one quarter of a mile; upon which there are most sumptuous Houses builded on both sides, and a Draw-Bridge in the middle; large Vessels, when they have struck Sail, may pass under the Arches. This Bridge hath been several times rebuilt, and hath twice in this Age been in part con∣sumed by Fire; yet the magnificence there∣of exceeds all the Bridges that Story makes mention of.

Of the Tower.

The stately and strong Tower of London, it's a strong Fort or Citadel, which secures both the City and the River; it serves not only to Defend but to Command either upon occasion; It is the Treasury for the Jewels and Ornaments of the Crown; the great Archieve which conserves all the old Records of the Courts of Justice at West∣minster; it is the place for the Royal Mint, for the Coynage of Gold and Silver; it is the chief Magazine and Armory, or Arsenal of the whole Land for Martial Engines and Provi∣sion: In it also is the Brake or Rack: And lastly, It is a great Ornament both to the River and the City.

Of Fresh Water Rivers, Aqueducts, Con∣duits, Fountains, &c. belonging to the City of London.

Before the Conquest, and long after, London was watered with a Water called Wallbrook, run∣ning through the midst of the City, now a Street, receiving the same name; and by ano∣ther Bourn or Water running through Langborn VVard, watering the East part. In the Suburbs VVestward, was another great Water called Old Bourn, now Holborn. In the other part of the Suburbs were three principal VVells, viz. Holy Well, Clements Well, Clarks well; and near unto this five smaller VVells. In West-Smithfield there was Horse-Pool, and by Cripplegate Church

Crowders Well; but most of these are now stopped up: and by the admirable VVork of Sir Hugh Middleton, the VVater being brought from Am∣wel Spring by Ware to London, it runs in Pipes through all the Streets of the City, and by smaller Pipes into almost every Man's House. To which we may add the several VVaterhouses built by the Thames, which serve to convey VVater to their adjacent places.

The Inhabitants of London are sufficiently fur∣nished with Provisions, for besides the several Shambles every where dispersed up and down, there are these Markets, Leaden-hall Market, the Stocks Market, Hony-lane Market, Newgate Mar∣ket, Clare Market, Southampton Market, St. James Market, Westminster Market, and Ratcliff Market.

To conclude, London is a City of great fame for its Trade and Commerce with all Nations in the known VVorld; and if we consider its Antiquity, Riches, Jurisdiction, Situation, its Populousness, its good Government, the inge∣nuity of its Inhabitants in Arts, Manufactures, and Martial Affairs; It may deservedly be com∣pared with any City of the highest rank in the whole VVorld.

By this brief Description of these two Famous Cities of London and Westminster and River of Thames, you may conceive of its magnitude in some measure, as Hercules may be judged by his Foot; But if you would have a farther inspection into them, there is lately Engraven a Map in Copper, and Printed in a large sheet of Royal Pa∣per, in which is accurately described, all the Streets, Lanes, and Common passages in these two Cities, viz. From St. James's to Black Wall, as they are now made nnd altered since the late Dreadful Fire. The Price of which Map is but 12 d. and is to be had at Mr. Robert Mordens, at the Sign of the Atlas in Cornhil, near the Royal Exchange in London.

Memorable Casualties, and other Remarkable Things and Pas∣sages hapning in London.

In the 20th year of William the Conqueror, so great a Fire hapned in London, that from the West Gate to the East, i. e. from Ludgate to Aldgate it consumed all Churches and Houses,

together with the Cathedral Church of St. Paul.

In the 4th year of Will. Rufus, on the 18th of October (being St. Luke's Day) about 600 Houses were thrown down with Tempest, and the Roof of Bow Church in Cheapside was raised, so that in the fall, six of the Beams being 27 foot long a piece, were driven so deep into the ground (the Street being then not Paved) that not above 4 foot remained above ground in sight, and yet the whole frame kept together in the same order as they were placed (by the Workmen) on the Root it self.

In the year 1186. and in the Reign of Henry the 2d. London was Paved.

In the 10th year of Richard the First, was London first Governed by a Mayor and Sherifts.

In the year 1209. and in the Reign of K. John, London Bridge was built with Stone.

In the 17th year of Henry the 3d. Five Suns appeared at one time together, after which fol∣lowed so great a Dearth, that People were con∣strained to eat Horseflesh and Barks of Trees, and in London 20 Thousand were starved for want of Food.

In the 27th year of Edward the First, the Kings Palace at Westminster and the Monastery adjoyning were Burnt.

In the same 27th year of his Reign, an Act was made by the Common-Council of London (with the King's consent) concerning the price of Victuals, viz.

A fat Cock three half-pence. 2 Pullets the same. A Goose 4 d. A Mallard 3 half-pence. A Pheasant 4 d. A Heron 6 d. A Plover 1 d. A Swan 3 s. A Crane 1 s. 2 Wood-Cocks 3 halfpence. A fat Lamb (from Christmas to

Shrovetide) 16 d. and all the year after for 4 d. And VVheat this year was so plentiful, that a Quarter was sold for 10 Groats.

In the 8th year of Edward the 2d. was so great a Dearth, that Horses and Dogs were eaten, and Thieves in Prison plucked those in pieces that newly came in amongst them, eating them half alive; this Famine continued 3 years, and brought in the end such a Pestilence, that the living scarce sufficed to Bury the dead.

In this Kings Reign digging a Foundation of a Work about St. Pauls in London, was found above 100 head of Oxen and Kine.

In the year of our Lord 1348. a Plague began in London about Alhallontide, and continued till the year 1357. (which is 9 years) where it was observed, That those that were born after the be∣ginning of this Mortality had but 28 Teeth, whereas before they had 32.

In Anno 1411. Guild-hall in London was built.

In the 4th year of Edw. the 3d. A Solemn Tournament or Jousting, which lasted three days, was held in Cheapside London, near to Soper-lane, where a Scaffold was erected for the Queen Phi∣lippa and her Ladies to sit on to see the Jousting, which Scaffold fell, and (though there was no hurt done) the King threatned to punish the Car∣penters that erected it for their neglect, till the Queen (upon her knees) intreated pardon for them.

In the 11th year of his Reign was so great a Plenty, that (in London) A Quarter of Wheat was was sold for 2 s. A fat Oxe for a Noble. A fat Sheep for 6 d. Five Pigeons for a Peny. A fat Goose for two Pence. A Pig for a Peny.

In the 14th year of Richard the 2d. on Christ∣mas day, a Dolphin was taken up at London Bridge of a monstrous growth, and 10 foot long.

In a Parliament time in this Kings Reign, a certain Image was made of Wax by Necromancy, which at an hour appointed uttered these words, The Head shall be cut off. The Head shall be lift up aloft. The Feet shall be lift up above the Head. — This Parliament was called the Marvellous Par∣liament.

In the 3d year of Henry the 5th upon Candlemas Day, 7 Dolphins came up the River of Thames, whereof 4 were taken.

Upon the 8th of November, in the 7th year of K. Henry the 6th. the Duke of Norfolk passing through London Bridge, His Barge being set upon the Piles, overwhelmed so, that 37 persons were Drown'd, and the Duke (with some others that escaped) were fain to be drawn up with Ropes.

In the 18th year of Henry the 6th. All the Lions in the Tower died. And upon the 18th day of July in the same year, the Postern Gate between the two Tower Hills sunk (by night) above 7 foot into the Ground.

In the 10th year of King Henry the 7th in the digging a new Foundation in the Church of St. Mary Hill in London, the Body of Alice Hackney who had been Buried in that Church 175 years before, was found whole of Skin, and the Joynts of her Arms pliable, her Corps was kept above ground 4 days without annoyance, and then Bu∣ried again.

In the 15th year of his Reign was a great Plague, of which there died in London in that year 30 Thousand persons.

In the 9th year of K. Henry the 8th. there hap∣ned a Sweating Sickness, whereof a number of People died, especially in London, so thar in 3, and sometimes in 2 hours it took away mens lives. It began in July, and continued till the middle of December.

In the 20th year of his Reign in the end of May, began another Sweating Sickness in London, which infected all places of the Realm.

In the 27th year of Henry the 8th. upon Tuesday in Easter VVeek, William Foxley Pot-maker for the Mynt of the Tower of London fell asleep, and could not be waked with pinching or burning, till 14 days after; and when he awaked, was found (in all points) as if he had slept but one night, and he lived 40 years after.

In the second year of Edward the 6th. St. Anns Church by Aldersgate in London, was consumed by Fire.

In his 5th year was a Sweating Sickness again, more violent than those foregoing, for in the first VVeek it began in London, there died there 800 persons, and it was so violent that it took men away in 24 hours, sometimes in 12, and some in less. In this Sickness (besides divers Persons of Quality and account) there died two Sons of Charles Brandon Duke of Suffolk, both dying with∣in an hour one of another, and in such order, that both of them died Dukes.

In the 2d year of Q. Mary, on the 15th of Fe∣bruary, in the Sky appeared a Rainbow reversed, i. e. the Bow downwards, and the ends upwards. Also 2 Suns shined at one time being a good di∣stance asunder.

In the 4th year of her Reign, Burning Agues, and other-strange Diseases took away very many

people, so that (in London) between the 20th of October, and the last of December there died seven Aldermen.

In her 5th year, upon the last of September, there fell such great store of Rain, that West∣minster Hall was full of VVater, and Boats were rowed over Westminster Bridge into King-street.

In the 3d year of Q. Elizabeth, the Spire of St. Paul's Cathedral in London, being 260 foot high above the Stone-work, being made of VVood and covered with Lead, was with Lightning burnt down, together with the Roof of the Church and Steeple, and all in less than 5 hours time. Also in this year of her Reign, were produced many monstrous Births, viz. a Mare brought forth a Foal with two Heads, and a long Tail grow∣ing out between the two Heads. A Sow far∣rowed a Pig with 2 Bodies, 8 Feet, and but one Head.

In her 6th year, a great Pestilence raged in London, whereof there died there in one year 21 Thousand and 5 Hundred persons.

In her 8th year, there died in London in 10 Months space 7 Aldermen.

In her 15th year, appeared the new Star or Comet in Cathedra Cassiopoea.

In her 17th year, the River Thames Ebb'd and Flowed twice in one hour. And upon the 9th of September, the Heavens seemed to be all on fire.

In her 26th year, was a great Plague in Lon∣don, of which there died (besides the Lord Maior, and three Aldermen) 17 Thousand 8 hundred and 90. and Michaelmas Term was held at St. Albans.

In the first year of K. James, the Plague was so violent in London, that from the 23th of De∣cember to the 12th of December following, there died in London and the Liberties 38 thousand 244 persons, whereof of the Plague 30 thousand 568, of which in one Week 3 thousand and 90.

In his 3d year, a great Porpus was taken at West Ham, a mile and half within the Land, and a few days after, a Whale was divers times seen above the Water in the River of Thames, which was judged to exceed the biggest Ship upon the River, but tasting the fresh Water retired into the Sea.

In his 6th year, 1609. A Frost began in De∣cember, and lasted till April following.

In the 12th year of his Reign, the New-River Water was brought to London.

In the year 1623. on Friday Octob. 24. A Ro∣mish Priest Preached in the Afternoon at Hunsdon House in the Black Fryers London, in an upper Chamber, where 300 persons were assembled to hear him, when about the middle of the Sermon a great part of the Floor brake and fell down, in the fall whereof the Priest was slain, and near 100 of his Auditors, and as many more maimed.

In the 7th year of King Charles the First, upon the 29th of May, a Star appeared visible at Noon, the Sun shining clear, at which time the King rode to St. Paul's Church, to give thanks for the Queens safe delivery of her second Son, Prince Charles, now our most gracious Soveraign, whom God grant long to Reign over us.

In the 8th year of his Reign, near one half of the Houses upon London Bridge were burnt to the tops of the Arches.

In the year 1643. The most Magnificent Cross in Cheapside London, was demolished.

In the 17th year of K. Charles the Second. Be∣gan a dreadful Pestilence in the City of London, continuing from the beginning of May till the end of December, where there died in London and within the Bill of Mortality, of the Plague, and of other Diseases 97306. besides many more not taken account of.

On the 2d, 3d, 4th, 5th of September, in the 18th year of his Reign, in the space of three days, were in London consumed by Fire Fourscore and Ten Parish-Churches, and above Thirteen Thousand Dwelling-Houses.