The History and Topography of the Parish of Saint Mary, Islington, etc

Front matter

*77 ff 'o$u& / > T0EY & . iP(D)€EAFlY rf tbi. f urob rf S! IA1Y, ISLINGTON', BY §. IL EWE Ss JTOMF 7>i2utm £ £n$ f hy J.M. Starting ■ PPER STHI THE HISTORY AND TOPOGRAPHY OF THE PARISH OF SAINT MARY, ISLINGTON, IN the COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. BY SAMUEL LEWIS, Jun. LONDON: PRINTED FOR TIIE AUTHOR, BV GILBERT & RIVINGTON, ST. JOHN'S SQUARE ; PUBLISHED BY J. H. JACKSON, ISLINGTON GJtEEN; AND SOLD ALSO BV K. J. FORD, J'. K. STARLING, AND OTHER BOOKSELLERS. 1842. TO THE MOST NOBLE SPENCER-JOSHUA-ALWYNE COMPTON, MARQUIS OF NORTHAMPTON, TENTH EARL OF NORTHAMPTON, EARL COMPTON, OF COMPTON, COUNTY WARWICK, AND BARON WILMINGTON, OF WILMINGTON, COUNTY SUSSEX; PRESIDENT OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY, S.-C. Sc. &c. THIS WORK, COMPRISING AN HISTORICAL AND TOPOGRAPHICAL ACCOUNT OF A PARISH WITH WHICH HIS LORDSHIP, AS LORD OF THE MANOR OF CANONBURY, IS INTIMATELY CONNECTED, IS, WITH PERMISSION, MOST RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED.

Preface

. Being arrived at the completion of my labours, it is necessary that I should lay before the reader such prefatory remarks, with respect to their origin and the motives with which they were undertaken, as may enable him to take a just view of the claim they present to his indulgence. The foundation of the present work was laid thirty-one years since, by Mr. John Nelson, who, in 1811, published "The History, Topography, and Antiquities of the Parish of St. Mary, Islington, in the County of Middlesex, including Biographical Sketches of the most eminent and remarkable Persons who have been born or have resided there : illustrated by Seventeen Engravings ;" and my efforts were, in the first instance, confined to the collection of information calculated chiefly to bring that work up to the present time, and to publish a volume combining the historical and antiquarian matter of Mr. Nelson's work with impartial researches of a modern date.

This task involved great toil and much anxious investigation. as may readily be supposed, when the state of the parish of Islington thirty years since, and its condition at present, are taken into consideration — when we contrast the village of 15,000 inhabitants with the populous suburb containing four times that number of persons — the place possessing one parish church and scarcely any other buildings or institutions of a public nature, with the present parish, including within its bounds numerous ecclesiastical structures, charitable and literary societies, and establishments of general interest. The following sheets possess, however, I with much diffidence hope, a stronger claim upon the notice of the reader, on other grounds than those just stated. As I advanced in the pro secution of my design, and made my intentions known, the accumulated stores of several indi viduals were liberally and kindly laid open to my inspection ; and by means of these collections and materials, I have been enabled to embody in the work much matter relating to the history, amusements, and antiquities of Islington, of the existence of which Mr. Nelson had no knowledge ; to throw light on many points which were previously obscure ; and to extend the descriptions of many scenes of interest that before were incomplete.

Independently of these additions, a diligent reference to the British Museum and other libraries has been made ; and that portion of the former history which has been made available for the present purpose, will be found to be almost entirely re-written, wholly re-arranged in a succinct form, and illustrated afresh.

PREFACE.

. VI For other reasons than these, also, the present history cannot with propriety be termed a new edition of that of Mr. Nelson, his work having been chiefly compiled from the writings of the indefatigable Mr. Nichols, whose history of that part of the parish called Canonbury, printed in 1 788, left little to be added in any subsequent publication on thai interesting sub ject ; and of that excellent authority Mr. Lysons, whose industrious and well-directed labours on all points connected with the topography of the environs of London, though on a comparatively small scale, vastly smoothed the way for future writers. It is unnecessary to repeat the oft-urged arguments in favour of the utility and value of topographical works, since the estimation in which publications of that nature are now held is proof that such remarks would be misplaced.

And although the parish of which the history and progress are here narrated can make but small pretensions to anything bordering on present splendour, yet the record of the events with which it stands associated, — especially as the villa of the metropolis, and the field of martial exercises and festive sports, — renders it more highly interesting to its natives and inhabitants than any other ; for, as the people of a country, however limited its resources and unproductive its soil, prefer it to the most favoured foreign land, so the residents of a sub-division of that country feel greater attachment to the spot with which they are more immediately connected than to any neighbouring district. I have the gratification of acknowledging the readiness and obliging disposition with which my inquiries have been met.

For valuable assistance, and the communication of much important information, I stand indebted to William Upcott, Esq., John Nicholl, Esq., (from whose collections are derived, among other matters, the heraldic drawings which embellish the work,) and George Palmer, Esq.; and to the Reverend Daniel Wilson, M.A., Henry Venn, B.D., John Sandys, M.A., Hunter Francis Fell, M.A., and other incumbents of churches in the parish, for courtesies shown on various occasions. To the Rev. Thomas Cromwell, F.S.A., author ofthe History of Clerkenwell, and other works of a topographical and historical nature ; Robert Oldershaw, Esq., vestry clerk ; and numerous official persons, 1 am under obligations equally great ; and from the eminent Charles Barry, Esq., and other architects, I have received aid which has rendered the descriptions of public buildings executed from their designs more correct than they could otherwise have been.

And the favours which have been extended to me by many, to whose contributions I am not permitted to allude, and whose kindness is therefore not here recorded, will always form a source of pleasurable recollection at a future period. In conclusion I have only to remark, that the work was undertaken purely to gratify a predilection for pursuits of this kind ; and if the public, to whom it is now respectfully proffered, shall derive from its perusal only a small portion of the pleasure which I have experienced in its compilation, I shall rejoice to find that my humble efforts have been successful. S. LEWIS, Jun. 28, Highbury Place, February, 1842. SUBSCRIBERS. Allan, David, Esq., Compton Terrace. Anderson, Joseph, Esq., The Holme, Regent's Park. Armstrong, C, Esq., Tyndale Place. Ashley, Mr. J., Lower Street.

Ashwell and Paul, Messrs., Islington Green. Ayers, John, Esq., 5, Brunswick Terrace, and Lingwood, Norfolk. Baines, B., Esq , Loraine Place. Baker, Mr. D. S , High Street. Baker, Jas., Esq , 3, Dalby Terrace. Baker, John, Esq., 8, Colebrooke Terrace. Baker, Mr. W., Frances Place, Holloway. Balmer, Mr. John, 82, St. John's Street Road. Banner, Mr. Francis, 72, St. John's Street Road. Banton, W., Esq., 10, Claremont Square. Bardgett, W. Esq. Barker, Mrs., 42, High Street. Barrett, Mr. John, 1, Ann's Terrace. Bateman, Henry, Esq., Church Row. Becker, Mr. F. B., Albion Road, Holloway. Bennett, Mr. Samuel, 36, High Street. Berry, Mrs., Holloway Road. Best, B., Esq., Warlters' Buildings, Holloway. Biggs, Mr. Blount, Mrs , Canonbury Square. Bolton, Mr. E. J., Liverpool Road. Bowdery, T , Esq., Tyndale Place Brown, John, Esq., 7, Barnesbury Park.

Brownlow, William, Esq., Highbury Place. Burt, Mr. James, 44, High Street. Burt, James, Esq., 16, Cole's Terrace, Barnesbury Road. Butler, Miss, York Place, City Road. Byfield, Miss, Upper Park Street. Byrne, Mr. Henry, Upper Street. Calcutta, Right Rev. Lord Bishop of (2 copies). Campion, J. Esq., 8, Park Terrace, Barnesbury. Carpenter, Richard, Esq., Myddelton Square. Chapman, E. H. Esq., Harringay House, Hornsey. Chapman, J. B., Esq., Highbury Park. Child, Mr. James, 33, Amwell Street, Pentonville. Childe, Rev. C. F., Church Missionary Institution. Clark, W. Esq., Highbury Park. Clifton, A. C, Esq., Sebbon's Buildings. Clifton, Nathaniel, Esq., Cross Street. Cobbett, Mr. Thomas, Lower .Street. Collier, Miss F. E., Barnesbury Street. Collins, William, Esq., Highbury Park. Comfort, Mr. Thomas, 3, Gloucester Place.

Coppen, Mr. Isaac, High Street. Cotton, H. C, Esq., Oddy's Row, Islington Green. Daniel, George, Esq., Canonbury Square. Davies, Robert, Esq., Warlters' Buildings, Holloway. Dower, Mr. John, Cumming Place, Pentonville. Dunn, Edward, Esq., Highbury Place. Edwards, William, Esq., Highbury Place. Fairbank, Mr. Thomas, 9, Theberton Street. Fell, Rev. H. F., Cloudesley Parsonage. Fenning, George, Esq., Highbury Place. Fish, W. Croft, Esq., 98, Goswell Street Road. Foster, Charles, Esq., Northampton Terrace. Frank, Mr. John, High Street. Fuller, Mr. C, 26, Paradise Terrace. Gellatly, Mr , High Street, Islington. Gibson, Mr. James, 16, High Street. Gilbert, Richard, Esq., Euston Square. Gillett, Captain Samuel, Palmer Terrace. Glover, Mr. George, Lower Street. Goodrich, Richard, Esq., 35, Amwell Street.

Gough and Roumieu, Messrs., Lancaster Place. Gouldsmith, Edmund, Esq., Highbury Terrace. Gurney, Mrs. A., 19, Hedge Row, Islington. Haines, Henry, Esq., Loraine Place, Holloway. Hallows, Mr., High Street, Islington. Hambleton, Rev. John, M.A., Compton Terrace. Harwood, Mr., Manchester Street, Gray's-Inn Road. Harwood, F., Esq , Verandah Villa, Holloway Haslegrave, Rev. Joseph, M.A., Duncan Terrace. Hewett, Mr. John, 1, St. John's Street Road. Hilder, Mr. Jos., 16, Mount Row, Liverpool Road. Hill, Samuel, Esq., 14, Barnesbury Park. Hill, Rev. T. B., A.M., Portland Place. Hill, Mr. T. H., Upper Street, Islington. Hill, Mr. T. J., Islington Green. Hill, Mr. W. M., Charlton Place. Hinton, Mr. John, Highbury Park. Homeyer, Mr. C, 4, Park Place, Highbury. Horton, George Henry, Esq., Highbury. How, Samuel James, Esq., Stroud Green.

SUBSCRIBERS VIII Pownall, Henry, Esq., Spring Grove, Hounslow. Pringle, George, Esq., Chapel Cottage, Holloway. Proctor, Miss, Compton Terrace. Izant, F., Esq., Loraine Place, Holloway. Jackson, John, Esq., 27, Compton Terrace. Jetfkins, John, Esq , Loraine Place. Johnson, Rev. Arthur, Canonbury Square. Jones, George, Esq., 17, Paradise Terrace. Jones, W. T. Esq., Stroud Green. Raban, Rev. James, Loraine Place, Holloway. Ramsden, Richard, Esq., Compton Terrace. Ransom and Gardiner, Messrs., Brunswick House. Rawlins, W., Esq., Compton Terrace. Jones, Mr., 43, Lower Side. Renton, James, Esq., Holloway. Jones, W., Esq., 2, Brunswick Place. Jourdain, F. J., Esq., 20, Palmer Terrace. Jourdain, W. D., Esq., Lansdown Place. Ridley, Samuel, Esq., Duncan Terrace. Rivington, Mrs. E., Canonbury Square.

Rivington, William, Esq., Kentish Town. Kemp, Thomas R., Esq., Albion Cottage, Holloway. Kesteven, W. Bedford, Esq , Upper Holloway. King, Rev. George, Union House, Holloway. King, Rev. Samuel, M.A., Park Terrace, Highbury. Knight, Samuel, Esq., Dalby Terrace. Robison, C. M., Jun., Esq., Stoke Newington. Sandys, Rev. John, M.A., Incumbent of St. Paul's Ball's Pond ; Canonbury Place. Simes, J. T., Esq., Highbury Park. Simmons, John, Esq., Compton Terrace. Simson, Alexander, Esq., Highbury Park. Leachman, Thomas, Esq., Compton Terrace. Lemare, J. R , Esq., Highbury Place. Leavers, W., Esq., 2, Duncan Place, City Road. Lewis, Rev. Thomas, Compton Terrace. Skilbeck, J. J., Esq., Highbury Place. Smith, Edward, Esq., Tyndale Place. Spencer, Rev. William, Cornwall Place. Lias, John, Esq., Holloway.

Starling, R., Esq., Norfolk Street. Lincolne, Abraham, Esq., Highbury Place. Lloyd, Mr. Richard, Holloway Road. Lycett, William, Esq., Compton Terrace. Mackenzie, Rev. W. B., M.A., Loraine Place. M'Rae, John, Esq., Loraine Place, Holloway. Major, Charles James, Esq., Barnesbury Street. Markwell, Mr., High Street, Islington. Sudlow, John J. J., Esq. Thomas, John, Esq., Highbury Grove. Thornthwaite, J., Esq., Holloway. Trye, J. H., Esq., Palmer Terrace. Twells, John, Esq., Highbury Place. Tyrer, James, Esq., Warlters' Buildings, Holloway. Tyssen, R. D., Esq., Warwick Road, Clapton. Upcott, William, Esq., Upper Street, Islington. Matthews, Mr. A., Liverpool Road. Meacock, Robert, Esq., Canonbury Square. Middleton, Mr. E., 9, High Street. Venn, Rev. Henry, B.D., Hornsey Lane. Venn, John, Esq., Highbury Park.

Miles, Mr. John, 2, Theberton Street. Mitchison, Henry, Esq., Compton Terrace. Morgan, James, Esq., Tyndale Place. Morris, George, Esq., Highbury Grove. Muzio, James, Esq., College Terrace. Wase, Mr. Thomas, Islington Green. Warman, Mr. C. F., 21, High Street. Warwick, Charles, Esq., Highbury Place. Webb, Mr. John, Colebrooke Cottage (2 copies). Weir, Archibald, Esq., Prospect Terrace. Neville, J. B., Esq., Holloway. Whowell, Thomas, Esq., Barnesbury Square. Wilkinson, A. O., Jun., Esq., Highbury Park. Nicholl, John, Esq., Cross Street, Islington. Nichols, J. B , Esq., F.S.A., Parliament Street. Nichols, Mrs. S., 22, Highbury Place. Northampton, the Most Noble the Marquis of. Novis, Benj., Esq., Lower Street, Islington. Wilkinson, Josiah, Esq., Compton Terrace. Williams, Chas., Esq., Warlters' Buildings, Holloway, Willyams, Rev. T. E., M.A., Compton Terrace.

Wilson, Rev. Daniel, M.A., Vicar of Islington, Barnesbury Park (2 copies). Oldershaw, Robert, Esq., Mansion House. Paine, Mr. W. H., 10, Hornsey Row. Wilson, Joseph, Esq., Highbury Hill. Wilson, Joshua, Esq., Highbury Place. Wilson, J. L., Esq., Highbury Terrace. Wilson, Thomas, Esq., Highbury Place. Witton, D. W., Esq., Highbury Place. Parker, Rev. William, M.A., Prebendary of St. Paul's Cathedral, and Rector of St. Ethelburga, London ; Astey's Row. Parry, Thomas, Esq., Bedford Row. Pattinson, William, Esq., Stroud Green. Percival, Richard, Esq., Highbury Park. Post, Mr. Jacob, Lower Street. Wood, Mr. S. J., 1, Ashley Street. Woodward, Charles, Esq., Compton Terrace. Woolley, Thomas, Esq., 7, Rosoman's Buildings. Wormald, John, Esq., Highbury Terrace. Powell, George, Jun., Esq., Stonefield Terrace. PAGE 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS.

Chapter I. General Historical View

Early history. — Forest of Middlesex. — Traces of Roman military works.— Summer camp at Highbury. — Battle-bridge, supposed site of conflict between Boadicea and Suetonius Paulinus. — Neighbouring camp — Account of battle. — Roman Ermin-street. — Its course as regards Islington. — Etymology. — Situation of the ancient village. — Its origin. — Early produce, and connexion with the metropolis in that respect. — Domesday survey. — Description of property at Islington therein. — Fitzstephen's description of the northern suburbs. — Canonbury-house. — Highbury house. — Llewellyn, Prince of Wales, and his adherents, quartered at Islington. — Survey by crown commissioners in 1341. — Arrest of Henry VI. and reception of Edward IV. — Henry VII. — Partiality of Henry VIII. and the noblemen of bis court to the place. — Curious proclamation for the protection of game. — Persecutions of the Protestants at Islington, 1557-8. — Queen Elizabeth's regard for the village, and frequent visits to her friends and courtiers resident there. — Sir John Spencer. — Earl of Leicester. — Islington minstrel at Kenilworth castle, a.d. 1575. — Taxation of lands and fees, 1581-94. — Earl of Essex. — Passage of James I. through Islington on his accession. — Archery in Finsbury-fields. — Islington early noted for the celebration of athletic sports, &c. — Royal encouragement of archery at various periods. — History of the progress, &c. of the exercise, as connected with Finsbury-fields. — Opening of the New River. — Charles I. passes through Islington, 1641. — Fortifications in the neighbourhood during civil war. — Great increase of buildings. — Execution of Vowell, of Islington, a royalist. — Notices of Colonel Okey, Sir Arthur Haselrigge, and General Skippon, parliamentarians. — Fire of London. — Collection in aid of sufferers. — Also for relief of poor Protestants in Piedmont, and for redemption of English slaves abroad. — Amusements. — Islington a favourite resort of citizens. — Its cheer. — Places of recreation. — Ducking-ponds. — Allusions by comic writers. — Old Bath house. — Lord Cobham's Head. — The Sir John Oldcastle. — London Spa. — Phillips's new wells. — New Red Lion cock-pit — Mulberry gardens. — Shakespeare's Head tavern and Jubilee gardens.— New Tunbridge Wells.— Sir Hugh Myddelton's Head. — Farthing pie house. — Sadler's music-house and wells. — Merlin's cave. — Bagnigge Wells. — English grotto. — White Conduit house. — Old Red Lion. — Angel inn.— Three Hats. — Dobney's. — Pantheon. — Old Qneen's Head, &c. &e. — Insecure state of the village. — Robberies. — City-road, New-road, &c. — Loyal Islington Volunteers.— Political meetings. — London Corresponding Society. — Trades' Unions. — Islington market. — Literary and Scientific Society. — Its origin, objects, and progress — Its building, theatre, &c. — Situation, extent, &c. of the parish. — Lands held by public bodies. — Nurseries. — Extent of roads. — Former state of highways.— Principal roads. — Situation of the

village. — Its salubrity. — Soil of the parish. — Geology. — Brick-making. — Population at various periods, including a statement of census, 7th June, 1841 . . a X PAGE

Chapter II. Manorial History

The prebend manor— Extent of property anciently belonging to the Church.— Present extent. -Prebendal stall.— Notice of manor in ecclesiastical taxation of Pope Nicholas IV. a.d. 1 290.— Customs of manor.— Number of copyholders, &c. in 1G49, as taken by order of parliament.— Sale by parliament.— Value of the preferment of prebendary.— List of prebendaries.— Manor of Highbury, or Newington-Barrow.— Its boundaries.— Notice in Domesday Survey.— Tolentone.— Gift of the lordship of Highbury and Newton to the Priory of St. John of Jerusalem, by Alice de Barowe. — Manor house of Highbury. — Its character and destruction. — Manor granted at the dissolution to Lord Cromwell.— Reverted to the crown, 1540.— Settled on the Lady (afterwards Queen) Mary. Again vested in the crown. — Bestowed on Henry, Prince of Wales, son of James I. — Survey of manor, 1611. — Freeholders, leaseholders, &c. at that time.— Sir Thomas Wroth. — Little St. John's and Hibery woods. — Manor again in the hands of the crown. — Bestowed by Charles I. on Sir A. Apsley. — Sold to Austen family.

Colebrooke family. — Eade. — Pett. — Extent and customs of manor. — Manor of Iseldon Berners, or Barnesbury. Possessions of Berners' family. — Manor held by various of its members.— The Fowlers. — The Fishers.

Halton family. — Jolliffe. — Tufnell. — Extent of manor. — Manor house. — Customs. — Manor of Canonbury.— Its form. — Domesday Book. — Possessed by Berners' family. — Granted to the priory of St. Bartholomew London. — List of priors. — Manor surrendered to the king at the dissolution. — Bestowed on Lord Cromwell lord privy seal. — Reversion to the crown on his execution. — Granted by Edward VI. to John Dudley, Earl of Warwick and Duke of Northumberland. — On his death, given by Queen Mary to Lord Wentworth. — Sir John Spencer. — Notice of that eminent citizen. — Manor conveyed into the Compton family, by marriage of Sir John's daughter with WilUam, afterwards first Earl of Northampton. — Notice of subsequent lords. — Canonbury house. — Derivation of name. — Erection. — Description of its present appearance, remains, &c. — The Tower. — Stabling. — Tradition. — Conduit heads at Canonbury. — Canonbury, the residence of persons of note. — Ricthorne. — Sir A. Atye. — Thomas Egerton, Baron of Ellesmere. — The Comptons. — Lord Keeper Coventry. — Earl of Derby. — Earl of Denbigh. — Samuel Humphreys. — Ephraim Chambers. — Oliver Goldsmith. — Christopher Smart. — Speaker Onslow, &c. &c. &c. — Manor of St. John of Jerusalem. — Possessions of the clergy. — Institution, character, and wealth of the knights hospitallers of St. John of Jerusalem. — List of the priors.— Dissolution. — Manor in the bands of the crown. — Granted to Robert Dixon and William Walley, 1625. — Conveyed to Justinian Povey. — C. Wase. — Manor divided into moieties. — Mainwaring. — Blount. — Short. — Master. — Snell. — Hood. — Jacomb. — Extent. — Customs. — Manor of Clerkenwell. — Gbscure history. — The property of the Compton family. — Extent, &c. . . . , 54

Chapter III. Parochial Government Ecclesiastical And Civil

Church living. — Nuns of St. Leonard at Bromley. — Controversy respecting patronage. — Canons of St. Paul's. — Rectory and advowson granted to Sir Ralph Sadler. — John Perse. — Roger Martyn. — John Cheke. — Sir George Stonehouse. — Sir Walter Smyth. — Feoffees. — Rectory and advowson vested in Stonehouse family. — Conveyed by Rev. George Stonehouse to Sir Gilbert Williams. — Sir David Williams. — Richard Smith. — William Wilson. — Bishop of Calcutta. — Rating of vicarage in king's books. — Tithes. — Glebe. — Vicarage house. — List of vicars. — Notices of Dr. Edward Vaughan, bishop of St. David's. — Dr. John Cocks.— Dr. Meredith Hanmer. — Dr. William Cave. — His arms and autograph. — Archdeacon Yeate. — His autograph. — Rev. George Stonehouse. — Disturbances in tbe parish during his incumbency. — Sir Gilbert Williams, bart. — His arms and autograph. — Dr. George Strahan. — William Strahan, esq. — Mr. Denham. — Cecil. — Bishop of Calcutta. — His works. — Memorials to him by inhabitants, on leaving England. — Inscriptions. — Lectureship. — List of lecturers. — Notice of Robert Brown. — His character. — James Fowler. — Cooke. — William Hendley. — Thomas Scott. — Rev. John Ditton. — Davies. — Memoir of Dr. George Gaskin. — Lectureship given up. — Curates. — New churches.

Exertions of the late vicar. — His majesty's commissioners. — Style of architecture of churches. — Able superintendence of their erection. — Cost. — Districts assigned by order in council. — Rates. — Bishop of London's plan for building fifty new churches. — Acted upon in Islington. — Estimate of church accommodation in Islington. — Erection, cost, &c. of three new churches. — Contributors. — Formation of additional districts. — Tabular view PAGE of the incumbents, patrons, &c. of the various livings. — Stonefield, or church estate. — Devised by Richard Cloudesley. — Rent. — How applied. — Acts of parliament. — Extent and great increase in the value of the pro perty, from the time of Henry VIII. — Expenditure, 1840, — Will of Cloudesley. — Tomb. — Citil government. — Mode of conducting parochial affairs before 1824. — Former acts of parliament. — Present acts. — Trustees. — Vestries. — List of churchwardens. — Assessors. — Rates for poor, highways, lighting, chapel-of-ease, churches, churchwardens. — Overseers. — Rates before passing of local act. — Subsequently. — Assessments.— Receipts and expenditure. — List of trustees. — Arms and notices of the families of Heintz, Hooker, Trye, Muzio, and Nicholl. — Management of the poor. — Salaries of officers. — Statistical table with reference to the poor. — Diet table. — Parish workhouse. — Date and cost. — Workhouse, Lower-street. — Ring-cross. — Stroud-green. — Regis tration and officers. — Medical officers under vaccination act. — Vestry clerks.— Parochial offices. — Sandys house. — Borough of Finsbury. — Map. — Extent. — Its formation. — Representatives. — Contested elections.— Sir R. Grant, G.C.H 103

Chapter IV

st. mary's district. — part i. Boundaries of the District. — Population. — Houses. — Shape. — Turnpike-gate. — Its original and present situation. — Liverpool-road. — Its former neighbourhood. — Pound. — Plantation. — Green. — Its former state. — Watchhouse. — Place of election for Finsbury. — Fox public-house. — Prince. — White Hart inn. — Lower-street. — Penn. — Old Queen's Head. — Perfect specimen of ancient domestic architecture. — Its size. — Mode of construction. — Ornaments. — Interior. — Antique parlour. — Fine chimney-piece. — Obscure history of the house. — Possessed by the family of Roome. — Lady Edwards. — I. T. Hope, esq. — Plays formerly acted here. — Curious Old Queen's Head play-bill, temp. George II. — Sir Walter Ralegh. — Said to have built or patronized the house. — Lord Treasurer Burleigh reported to have resided here. — Cecil arms found. — Queen Elizabeth's saddler. — Earl of Essex. — Queen Elizabeth. — Certain date of the erection of the house. — Prints of it. — Its destruction. — Discoveries then made. — Sale of materials, curiosities, &c. — House adjoining Queen's Head, the residence of John Rivington, esq. — Notice of that eminent bookseller. — His sons, Robert, John, Francis, Charles, and Henry. — Mr. Joseph White, collector of coins, &c. — School of Rev. Anthony Crole. — Notice of that gentleman. — His character, works. — The Crown public-house. — Formerly a handsome residence. — Ornaments. — Pressey. — City Farm-house. — Half-Moon public-house. — Ancient buildings. — Fisher house. — The residence ofthe family of that name. — Probable date of its erection. — Academy kept by Ezekiel Tongue. — Fisher house, aftewards a lodging-house. — Lunatic asylum of Dr. Sutherland. — Brothers, the "Prophet." — Elder-walk, &c. — Frog Hall.

Barley Mow public-house. — The residence of the celebrated painter Morland. — His character, genius, and habits. — Popham-terrace. — John Thomas Smith, keeper of the prints in the British Museum. — His topographical works. — Clothworkers' Company's estate. — Arms of the Company. — Bequest of land at Islington, by Dame Anne Packington. — Increased value of estate. — Mode of application. — Boundaries. — Duke's Head. — Thomas Topham, its landlord, the strong man of Islington. — His feats. — Old Pied Bull inn. — Its decorations and character. — Fragments of heraldry. — Ornamental chimney-piece. — Ceiling. — Tradition respecting Pied Bull. — Sir Walter Ralegh. — His arms. — Sir John Miller. — Kiug's Head tavern. — Head of Charles I. — King's-street. — Named after King James. — Rufford's-buildings. — Captain Rufford. — Dr. W. Berriman, a celebrated divine. — Residence of William Upcott, esq. — Academy. — Of long standing. — Boarding school by- Mrs. Science. — Mr. John Shield. — His earliest scholar, William Hawes, founder of the Royal Humane Society. — Dr. Gray, Rev. W. Tooke, F.R.S., John Nichols, esq., Mr. George Perry, and Gladwin, educated at the school. — Notice of Mr. Tooke. — Mr, John Prince. — Mr. Flower. — Mr. Edgeworth. — Residence and botanical garden of Dr. William Pitcairn. — Notice of him and his family. — Cross-street. — Justice Hyde. — Mansion house of the Fowlers.— Tufnell estate.— Fowler family.— Sir Thomas Fowler, knt. — Appearance of the mansion. — Queen Elizabeth's Lodge.— Its ancient character. — Origin of its name. — Mrs.

Hester Milner. — Old Parr's Head. — John Henderson, the celebrated actor.— Terrace. — Mrs. Flowerdew, author of a volume of poems. — Cottage of Mrs. Cross.— Milner-square. — Gibson-square.— John Milner Gibson, esq. — Barnesbury-street. — Cut-Throat-lane. — Notice of Alexander Tilloch. — Barnesbury-place. — Jacob Harvey, esq.— Roger Altham, esq. — Rural appearance and open situation of his mansion. — -Rev. C. F. Childe.— Residence of Dr. Monro.— Dr. Sequeira, — Tyndale-place. — Colonel Tyndale. — Riding school. — Head-quarters of the Islington Volunteers.— Notice of Charles Derrick, esq. — Account of Francis Rivington, esq., eminent bookseller.— a PAGE Hornsey-row. — The Castle public-house. — Copyhold estate belongmg to Hornsey parish, bequeathed by Roger Draper. — Application of rents. — The comedian, John Quick. — Notice of his life. — Extraordinary case of child stealing. — Mr. Horsley. — Rennett. — Mr. Charles Dignum. — Park-street. — Kettle-lane.— Mary Hays, author of Female Biography, &c. — Compton-terrace. — Trinity-row — The residence of Philip Mclvill, esq. — Dairy Farm. — Mr. Richard Laycock. — Mr. Flight.— Barnesburylane, now shut up, a public way. — Holloway-road. — Palmer-terrace. — Brewery. — Mr. Willoughby. — Mr. W. Prior. — Messrs. Ufford and Oldershaw. — Albion-road. — Highbury. — Springs. — Conduits. — Water obtained from the neighbourhood of Highbury for the supply of the City, — Visits to the Conduit heads. — The Conduit fields. — Sir William Eastfield. — Report made upon a view of Dalston and Islington waters. — Situation of Highbury. — Population. — Highbury-place. — Appearance. — Date of erection. — Account of Abraham Newland, chief cashier of the Bank of England. — Dr.

John Ford, physician. — Rev. Hugh Worthington. — Notice of his life. — Memoir and portrait of John Nichols, esq., F.S.A. — Bentlej* family. — Arms. — Rev. John Clayton. — His sons. — Highbury-terrace. — Its situation, &c. — Captain Huddart, F.R.S. — His talents. — Works. — Monument to his memory. — Edward Wigan, esq. — Highbury lodge. — Launcelot Haslope, esq. — Thomas Stock, esq. — Highbury hill. — The residence of William Saunders, M.D. — Notice of that eminent physician. — Family of Wilson. — Joseph Wilson, esq. — Pedigree. — Highbury house. — Supposed site of summer camp. — Sale of land and site of the old mansion by Sir Charles Colebrooke to John Dawes, esq. — Erection of Highbury house. — Ancient tiles discovered. — Premises sold to William Devaynes, esq., M.P. — Purchased by Alexander Aubert, F.R.S. — Improvements made. — Erection of celebrated Obser vatory. — Lines on Astronomy, addressed to Mr. Aubert, in reference to his splendid observatory, by Dr. Kelly. — Biographical notice of Mr. Aubert. — His arms. — John Bentley, esq. — Mr. Felton. — Mr. Knight. — John Gostling, esq. — Mr. Warren. — 'Highbury Barn tavern. — Derivation of name. — Noted as a place of entertainment. — Mr. Willoughby. — Hinton and Son. — Highbury farm. — Wallbank.— Porter. — Barwell. — Cream hall. — Highbury-park. — Park-terrace. — Residence of Aaron Chapman, esq. M.P. — R. L. Jones, esq. — Ancient way. — Boarded river. — Origin and progress of Highbury college. — Dr. Addington. — Dr. Simpson. — Thomas Wilson, esq. — Objects of the institution. — Description of the edifice. — Highbury Vale, chapel and school. — Rev. J. A. Jetter, minister. — Income of school. — Number of children, &c , 144

Chapter V

st. mary's district. — part ii. Description of old parish church.— Its style, size, age, &c.— Views of it.— Monumental inscriptions to the memory of Hart. — Lambert.— Spencer.— Roger. — Whright.— Hey borne. — Walker.— Midleton.— Gore.— Ashxoll. — Fowler.— Savill.— Brook.— Roger.— Collyns.— Bludworth. — Ricthorne. — Charlet,— Fowler.— Fisher.— Lan»- ham. — Markham.— Draper. —Owen. — Kempe. — Chitton. — Dashfield.— Pott. — Wase.— Master.— Fowke. Short— Ratclifle.— Woolnough.— Ward.— Marsh.— Spooner.— Cooke.— Barber.— Percy. — Idem— Kitchen. Rebuilding of the church.— Mode of raising funds.— Tabernacle fitted up during the suspension of service in the church. — Sir W. B. Proctor. — Erection of present parish church. — Expense. — Style of the church. Size. —Description.— Bells.— Repair of the edifice in 1787.— Ingenious method adopted by Thonfas Bii eh, a basket-maker.— Repau-s in 1818 and 1830.— Drawing of the church in the vestry.— Plan of the parish.— Pew rents how raised and applied.— Monumeutal inscriptions. — Cave. — Wilson. — Smith. — Woodrofe. — John Duff.