the printer. Some authors have amused themselves and readers with a brass pipe running through the internal part of the wall, to convey intelligence. From the above absurdities, and fifty more I could select, can a reader form a regular set of ideas as he peruses a work? The eye of the historian should see, and it rests with him to cause the reader to see as he does." ART. VII. Londinum Redivicum; or an ancient History and modern Description of London, compiled from parochial Records, Archives of various Foundations, the Harleian Manuscripts, and other authentic Sources. By JAMES PELLER MALCOLM, vol. 1. 4to. pp. 452. THE British metropolis has long been the acknowledged emporium of the arts, commerce, and literature of Europe, has given birth to many of our most celebrated literary characters, and has furnished a theme for several volumes, in describing its history, antiquities, and multitudinous curiosities. Indeed we cannot enumerate the quantity of books which have been expressly written on this vast, wealthy, and populous city, without feeling considerable astonishment; and that astonishment is heightened, from a conviction that not one of this number can be properly called a complete and satisfactory history of London. Other works are still published, and more will be required, until some person shall have the courage, perseverance, and judgment, to produce this national desideratum. We hoped and expected to find it in Mr. Malcolm's book, but are sadly disappointed in the present speciYet, perhaps, our author is not wholly to blame, for to accomplish such a task requires a great library, and a considerable fortune; it should be supported by a combination of various talents, and a liberal pecuniary contribution. But let us see what the first volume of Londinum Redivivum promises. Mr. Malcolm professes himself "an ardent admirer of the ancient and modern wonders of this great metropolis," and is "sanguine enough to hope its attractions may be described once more without producing satiety." He, therefore, offers to the public the first volume of an intended series, containing its ancient history and modern description. To present to the world a work worthy of its patronage," he adds, "I sought a path which would lead me to unknown facts: whether it is found, and if found, whether it has been pursued to any purpose, my readers must decide." Such is men. the explanation we have in the "Adver tisement," but this is by no means explicit or satisfactory. We have no plan pointed out, or particulars of any kind detailed; we are neither told what the volumes are to comprise, nor their probable extent, nor the method of arrangement. These are natural inquiries, which arise spontaneously in the mind of every inquisitive reader, and answers should not have been omitted. Mr. Malcolm first considers London in respect to its increased magnitude, and commences his work by stating that, "It would be a labour of little less diffi culty to attempt to describe the varying form of a summer cloud, than to trace from year to year the outline of London. Ever upon the increase, these pages will scarcely have been perused, ere new matter might be found to swell them. When this enormous mass will be completed, is beyond our powers of calculation. The fallacy of conjecture on such subjects may be proved from Sir William Petty's Political Arithmetic, 1683,' when he endeavours to demonstrate that the growth of London must stop of itself, before the year 1800; at which time,' he adds, the population must be 5,359,000 per sons.' Although the city hath been wonderfully enlarged since Sir William's time, his plan must be extended some centuries further, before his latter prediction can be verified, supposing the increase to be in the past proportion." To illustrate this increasing populalation, the author, in the succeeding pages, describes the various new im provements which are taking place, particularly on the northern side of the city; such as Bedford-square, Tavistock-square, and the streets and buildings adjacent. The investigations of former writers are comprised in the fol lowing very circumscribed limits. "He that would write of the age of Lon * Upon looking over our own private catalogue of books relating to London and Westminste (which may now be considered as one town), we find no less than 16 folics, 27 quartos, 148 octavt and 24 duodecimo volumes, besides several smaller works. don, would endeavour in vain to find new matter. Let it suffice for us, that we inhabit it at a period when it is most improved, and most worthy of being called the emporium of the world; whether we view it as covering so many miles of ground, or for its riches, or for its mild and equal government. Shall I speak of the derivation of its name? That would be fruitless; for have not Stowe, and all his successors, told us the same story? Or of its governors? Do we not all know, that they are a corporate body, composed of mayor, aldermen, and commoncouncil men? Would it not also be unnecessary to dwell on the division of wards and parishes? Be it my task," continues Mr. Malcolm; and here he unfolds something of his plan, "to search among the almost forgotten and decayed writings of past ages, for circumstances of interest and amusement; to place in a new light the manners and transactions of our ancestors. To trace the lapse of ages has ever been my favourite pursuit. It is the irreversible decree of Nature, that the hard fronts of rocks shall be excoriated by numberless tempests, sides of mountains be swept down by torrents, and the strongest and most durable buildings moulder into dust. What shall the historian do more than record the æra, or describe the surface? By digging a certain number of feet, and laying the earth taken out on the adjoining ground, at the depth necessary for the docks, hath a forest been hidden for unnumbered centuries. "The surface of the isle is a fine black mould, producing rich pasture for many herds of cattle that have fattened there. The strata are composed of reddishyellow and blackish-yellow carth, sand, leadcoloured clay, in some instances veined with a beautiful vivid blue, and some pebbles, mixed with black mud, similar to the low water borders of a river. "Beneath those, eight feet from the grass, lies the forest; a mass of decayed twigs, leaves, and branches, encompass huge trunks, otted through, yet perfect in every fibre. The bark is uninjured, and the whole were evidently torn up by the roots. I have some pieces of this wood, which, when gathered, were of full size; they are now shrunk like a withered vegetable; but do not crumble like those trees which fall and decay in forests. Much of it has been dried, and burnt by the inhabitants of Poplar. "There were elms of great bulk, and one of three feet four inches diameter. I saw but one fir, and that was about twelve inches diameter. "It was not without good reason that the ancients reduced the remains of their friends to ashes. The incorruptibility of that substance was well known to them; and as a further proof of it, I found one branch of complete charcoal, as sound as if burnt yesterday. Thus might their dust be preserved for ever. "After a most minute examination of every part of the works, where the softness of the soil would permit me to tread, I have seen human bones; a thigh, and pieces of a skull, with those of other animals, glass, chalk, oyster and muscle shells, broken filberts, but no metals. "I feel it impossible to leave this sublime display of the progress of time, without risking some conjectures, which naturally arise from the subject. The first question that occurs is, how happened it that such a forest existed upon a spot many feet below the present water mark? and what convul sion could have levelled so many and such vast trees (in one direction) from south-east to north-west. Many elms are now growing round the scite of the ancient chapel, mentioned by our historians, but their roots barely reach to the bodies of those in question. "How many ages, therefore, must have passed away, before the quantity of soil now on them could have accumulated by the flux and reflux of the river, supposing an embankment to have given way. "Or are we to conclude an earthquake, similar to that which sunk Port Royal, in Jamaica, admitted the water of the Thames in an instant, and thus swept the trees before it all one way? The situation of the river makes this idea, at least, plausible. It is reasonable to suppose the catastrophe was sudden, from our finding human bones. Remote, indeed, must the dreadful scene have been, as both records and tradition are silent on the subject *." The following description of " London, in a picturesque point of view," as To develope the "Original History of London," is a task reserved for the learned and acute historian of Manchester, who has been long employed on the subject; and among other curious and interesting particulars which he will bring before the public, we are assured he has some novel information concerning the above phenomenon. That the vale of London was inundated at some remote period, is evident from various circumstances; and it will be very interesing to ascertain the time when the waters subsided; when London was first established, what was the scite of the dest buildings; when the Roman walls were built, &c. MALCOLM'S LONDINUM REDIVIVUM, Mr. Malcolm calls it, is treated in a novel and interesting manner. "Smoke, so great an enemy to all prospects, is the everlasting companion of this great city; yet it is the smoke of London, emblematic of its magnificence. "At times, when the wind, changing from the west to the east, rolls the vast volumes of sulphur towards each other, columns ascend to a great heighth, in some parts bearing a blue tinge, in others a pale Hame colour, and in a third, accumulated and dense, they darken portions of the city, till the back rooms require candles. A resident in London cannot form an idea of the grand and gloomy scene; it must be viewed from the environs. "In the spring, before fires are discontinued, during a calm day, Vesuvius itself can scarcely exceed this display of smoke. It is pleasing to observe the black streams which issue from the different manufactories; sometimes darting upward, while every trifling current gives graceful undulation; at others rolling in slow movements, blending with the common mass; but when the dreary season of November arrives, and the atmosphere is dark and damp, a change in the wind produces an effect dismal and depressing. The smoke sometimes mixes with the clouds, and then they assumie an electric appearance. When the sun breaks through this veil during the summer, its beams have a wonderful effect on the trees and grass; the green is bright, and inconceivably beautiful. "London is not without attractions on a dark evening; chiefly so in the winter, when a strong youth wind prevails. It is then that the innumerable lights in the shops and streets send their rays toward Heaven; but, meeting with the smoke, depressed by a wet air, they are reflected and multiplied, making an arch of splendour, against which the houses and steeples appear in strong outlines. I have found the reflection so powerful as to dazzle my sight, and make the path dark and dangerous. A general illumination occasions great brilliancy. "Let us now view our subject from the surrounding country; and this should be done on a summer morning, before the industrious inhabitants begin their labours. The most perfect and delightful landscape is from Hampstead-heath, when the wind blows strong from the cast. Then it is that the clear bright sand of the fore-ground, broken into a thousand grotesque shapes, gives lustre to the projecting front of Highgate, topped with verdure, and serving as a rst distance, from which in gradual undulations the fields retire, till lost in a blue horizon. Hence, spread before you, are numberless objects to please the most difcult. The suburbs, as advanced guards, meet the eye in all directions, contrasting their fawn-coloured sides with the neighbouring trees. Beyond then reposes in full majesty Much of the external splendour of out success. The above extracts will show the style and sentiments of our author; and they contain nearly all that is given relative to the general history of London. page pages, The next commences with a particular description of the parish of Saint Alphage, which occupies twenty-seven wherein is given the origin of its name, an account of the church, and ancient customs; also a memorial of the dead; benefactions, since 1700; and some extracts from the parish registers, &c. Next follow accounts of Sion College, its library, hall, and the pictures, with a catalogue of presidents, since 1724. Had this list been worth printing, it should have been done in small note letter, or in the appendix; though we think the same space might, and ought to have been better occupied. A similar plan and arrangement are adopted in treating of the following districts and places, which occupy the remaining pages of this volume. Allhallows, Thames-street; with the Hans Town or Steelyard Company; Allhallows, Lombard-street; Quakers Meeting, in White-hart-court; Saint Andrew's Undershaft; account of the Indiahouse, and Saint Mary at Axe; Abbey of Westminster, its curiosities, abbots, priors, monks, &c. coronations, funerals, and other particulars; Saint Bartholo mew the Greater and Less, with a minute account of the ruins and priory of the former; Saint Benedict, Gracechurch-street; Saint Leonard, Eastcheap; Saint Botolph, Bishopsgate, its volunteer corps, Quaker's meeting in its pa, rish, and East-India warehouses; Saint Bridget, Fleet-street, Fleet prison; Chartreuse and Charter-house; additions and corrections. The principal new matter brought forward to illustrate these subjects, consists of An inventory of vessels, dresses, and effects, belonging to Elfinge Spital, temp. Henry VI.; and a bull of Pope Nicholas, demanding their accustomed offerings. A grant of privileges to the Hans Towns, from the parliament rolls. Extract from a curious MS. of George Fox, the founder of the Quakers; containing part of an address made by him at the meeting in White-hart-court; with some particulars relating to the celebrated William Penn. Curious documents relative to the rise and progress of the India House. Original instruments relative to the foundation and endowment of Henry the Seventh's chapel. Services for its founder. Solemnities used at his funeral, and that of Henry the Fifth. A curious extract from a speech made by abbot Feckenham in parliament against the Liturgy. Yearly expences of the Abbey, from the treasurership accounts of Dr. Busby. Ancient ceremonies used at the installation of a knight of the Bath, and at the coronation of Richard III. HenVII. Henry VIII. Edward VI. and Elizabeth. Specimens of ancient ceremonies at funerals, with a detail of that of O. Cromwell. Legend of the foundation of St. Bartholomew priory and church; lists of its possessions, viz. estates, books, sacred utensils, dresses, &c. For most of these curious papers ry the author is indebted to the Harleian and Cottonian MSS.. Besides the above, here are numerous extracts from parish registers; containing accounts of their possessions, ancient state of their churches, receipts, disbursements, benefactions, births, christenings, burials, chauntries, vicars, incumbents, &c.; together with all the memorials of the dead at full length, since the year 1700 to the present time. "Descending two steps of white marble, which cover part of the grand Mosaic platform, we tread on the wreck of the most glorious work in England; venerable through age, costly in its materials, and invaluable for its workmanship. What must have been the beauties of this holy place soon after the completion of the church! The altar-piece, resembling in workmanship its transcendant back in Edward the Confessor's chavel; the shrine of that saint beaming with jewels, gold, and silver; statues, and other offerings; the sides of the choir shewing glances of the numerous altars in the chapels, with the rich tombs on the right and left; and this pavement, sparkling with the bright And hither did Henry the Sixth, after makrays of vast tapers, and ever burning lamps! ing a public entry into London, come, Where all ye convent, in copis richely, And ful devoutly Te Deum y" was songe.' " The account of "Abbot Ware's pave ment" succeeds; of which the following description is given. This pavement Is separated from the modern one by a skreen of iron rails. The materials are lapis lazuli, jasper, porphyry, alabaster, Lydian and serpentine marbles, and touchstone. It said to have been purchased by him in France. was made at the charge of the Abbot, and is An admirer of the arts must view it with the deepest regret. It was injured, no doubt, at the reformation, when the high altar was removed; at its restoration by Queen Mary; and afterwards almost demolished. The most irreparable attack was from the workmen at erecting the present altar-piece. The. following description will shew its injuries; and even now, since it has been the custom to shew the choir for money, it is trodden, worn, and dirtied daily by hundreds, who are unconscious of its value, and barely look at it. Is it not a national treasure? When it is quite destroyed, can we shew such another? It may be seen over the rails adjoining; and may it in future be seen from thence only! The centre of the design is a large circle, whose centre is a circular plane of porphyry, three spans and a quarter in diameter; round it stars of lapis lazuli, peagreen, red, and white, which, being of most. Beautiful colours, have been much depredated; those enclosed by a band of alabaster; Har. MSS. From these copious materials we shall select some particulars illustrative of Westminster Abbey church. This celebrated edifice, though often described, receives some new lights from Mr. M.'s statements. His reflections on it are, in general, judicious, the pictures of ancient costume correct and animated, and the additional circumstances brought for ward highly interesting. After noticing (we think somewhat abruptly) the present altar-piece, Mr. M. says, and without, a border of lozenges, red and green; the half lozenges contain triangles of the same colours. A dark circle held bras letters, whose places may be seen, but are now reduced to six. The extreme lines of this great circle run into four smaller circles facing the cardinal points; that to the east, a centre of orange and green variegated; round it a circle of red and green wedges; without that, lozenges of the same colours; and completed by a dark border. To the north, the circle has a sexagon centre of variegated green and yellow; round it a band of porphyry and a dark border. The west circle nearly similar. The south, a black centre within a variegated octagon. A large lozenge incloses all the above circles, which is formed by a double border of olive colour; within which, on one corner only, are 138 circles intersecting each other, and each made by four oval pieces enclosing a lozenge. The other parts vary in figure, but would take many pages to describe." It appears that the various figures here mentioned were not only designed as beautiful objects, but to convey a meaning; in other words, they were intended as a sort of hieroglyphical writing, and expressed the time when the work was performed, the person who bore the charges, the place where the materials were purchased, and by whom, together with the name of the master workman. That so invaluable a specimen of skill and ingenuity should have been so abused and neglected, justly excites the regret of the author, as it must also that of every person of taste. Speaking of the seats in the choir appropriated to the use of the Westminster scholars, Mr. M. observes, "The works of those skilful carvers, who (seated here) have with broken dull knives formed them into so many shapes, shew the activity of the human mind and hands, that can perform the rites of religion, and at the same time, cut initials, or carve a name!" As Mr. M. professes to give only inscriptions since 1700, the most curious and interesting are consequently omitted. They have certainly been often copied before; but the indiscriminate rejection of all for that reason, is censurable, especially as their places are usurped by many uninteresting names from the pavements, and elsewhere. In fact, to blend entertainment with utility, nothing should be allowed to swell the work but what is, on some account, worth preserving; and in monumental inscriptions, only such as are remarkable, either for the persons buried, the inscription itself, the age of the monument erected, or some peculiarity in its structure or materials. The chapel of Henry the Seventh calls forth our author's descriptive talents to considerable advantage. He thus contrasts its ancient and present states: "Divesting the subject of every vestige of superstitious veneration, and viewing it merely as a spectacle of extreme grandeur, I cannot avoid calling to my reader's recollection the superb scene Henry the Seventh's chapel must have presented when just completed. Then the windows were filled with painted glass; and the light which streamed through them was tinged with a warm glow of colours, that heightened the brilliancy of the gold and silver utensils of the various altars, and the embroidered vestments of the priests; at the same time touching one pendant of the roof with purple, another with crimson, and a third with yellow. The burning tapers, waving with every current of air, varied the strong shadows on the exquisite statues above them, and shewed their features in every lineament. "In the centre stood the vast cross of gold, the statue of the Virgin, and the high altar. Behind it, the polished brazen skreen, and within it the tomb and altar, glowing with the light of tapers. The sculptured walls, and exquisite minutely carved roof, bounded this unparalleled view; and, thanks to the skill of its architect, still enchants us, though all its accompaniments are buried in irretrievable ruin." Our author adds,. "Though my faculty of seeing was almost dazzled by its numerous perfections, yet I whose keen tooth, ever unsated, feeds upon could trace the powerful works of time, its beauties. The rough assaults of western and northern blasts, aided by the insinuating efforts of subtile rains, have made many a breach in the numerous windows, whose mullions, corroded as they are, will scarcely Would the effort be very, very great, or painsustain the weight of their broken glass. ful, to restore those mullions, and replace the panes? Surely, a few hundred pounds expended thus would cheerfully be voted by the representatives of the nation, did they know its decays. Is there a man in England, who looks upon the ruins of its outside falling daily into dust, that would not wish it restored? Are not the shapeless masses, which once were pinnacles and towers, silently reproaching them who can, and yet do not, repair them?" "It is a thousand pities that the stone of which they are composed is so perishable: where the rain has had full effect, even the |