administrators of every member dying, shall within three months at
farthest, give notice thereof to the directors or their clerk, and
bring the policy to the office, to have such transfer, or death,
indorsed, and enter’d in the books, and in default thereof the benefit
of the insurance to be lost. Every of which indorsements to be sign’d
by two trustees at least, and 6_d._ for every 100_l._ on each removal
insured to be paid for the same. Provided, that if the directors do not
allow of such executor, administrator or assignee to be a member, or do
not admit of any such indorsement of any such transfer, or death, (all
questions thereabouts to be decided by balloting) then such executor,
administrator or assignee, or person, shall only have what shall be
due to their respective policies, and all farther demands on the said
policies shall henceforth cease, any forfeitures or disabilities
incurred by the breach of this article, where no loss has happened, may
be relieved by the directors, if from the nature and circumstances of
the case they think it reasonable.
XI. Any members of this society removing their goods from the places
where they were assured, shall have no benefit of such assurance, or
be paid for any loss that may happen, till such removal be allowed by
the directors for the time being; and if notice be not given of such
removal within three kalendar months after the time of such removal,
the policy to be void.
XII. The insurance of any goods, _&c._ in this society, which shall
be insured in any other office at the same time, to be void: And yet
such insurer shall be liable to his covenants. Nevertheless a liberty
is given to insure in any other office, so as such other insurance
is indorsed on this society’s policy, and subscribed by two of the
trustees, for which 6_d._ _per cent._ is to be paid; and in which case a
proportionable part of any loss is to be paid by this society.
XIII. All members sustaining any loss, shall give immediate notice
of it to the directors, or clerk, in order to a view, and shall make
out their loss by the oaths on affirmations of themselves, or by
their domesticks or servants, or by their books or vouchers, or the
Certificates of the minister, churchwardens, constables, or other
neighbouring inhabitants, not concern’d in such loss, or by such other
method as the directors shall reasonably require; and in case of fraud
or perjury, such pretended sufferers to lose all benefits of the
insurance. In case of any violent suspicion of fraud or clandestine
practices, (though the same for want of evidence may not be fully
proved) it shall be lawful for the directors to declare such member’s
policy void, and exclude him the society; and he is never afterwards to
be capable of insuring in this office. All questions relating thereunto
to be decided among the directors by balloting.
XIV. The directors, shall on all alarms of fire meet together at their
office to determine upon the methods most conducive to the safety of
the office, and service of the public.
XV. The directors with all convenient expedition, after any loss, shall
settle a rate of contribution, and set it up in the office, and publish
it in the Gazette, and otherwise as they think fit. And when such loss
amounts to 50_l._ or upwards, such rate shall be settled by a majority
of the directors at two successive weekly-meetings at the least; and
if any five members, insuring to the value of 5000_l._ think themselves
agrieved, they may within fourteen days after such publication, inspect
all the office accounts, _&c._ and offer their exceptions to the
directors; and not being there agreed, it shall stand referred to the
next general meeting. Nevertheless when such rates shall exceed the
deposit-money, every member shall pay into the office his proportion,
within thirty days after such publication; and all defaulters may by
the directors be excluded the benefit of their insurances, and yet be
liable to the payment of the said rates, pursuant to these articles.
Other offices of insurance on goods either deduct at least 3 _per
cent._ out of each claim for defraying charges, _&c._ or oblige the
sufferers to agree to an average; which this office is so far from
doing, that no person is put to any charge but that of an affidavit to
prove his loss. And though it is objected against this office, that
the members are liable to farther contributions, upon extraordinary
losses, which is not the case in any other office that insures goods;
yet this is certainly so far from being an objection against the Union
Office, and a recommendation of those other offices, with such as
reason justly, that this single confederation proves the excellency of
the Union establishment, in making such provision for answering losses,
as it is presumed, cannot be exceeded by any human contrivance. This
office has paid since its first establishment in 1715 to the end of the
year 1757, to sufferers by fire, the sum of 62,538_l._ 18_s._ 11_d._ ½
besides which, there have paid to porters and other necessary charges
occasioned by fires upwards of 5600_l._
This office is under the management of twenty-four directors, elected
by a majority of the members out of their own body, by balloting, at
a general meeting in the month of September; at which time the oldest
eight of the twenty-four go out, and eight others are elected in their
stead in a way of constant rotation. These appoint all the other
officers, and meet every Wednesday in the afternoon between the hours
of three and seven, to dispatch business, and in March to ascertain
the dividends and contributions for the preceding year. The directors
annually chuse out of their own body by balloting, a treasurer, and
two assistant treasurers; also six trustees, three of whom sign all
policies; and five auditors, to examine and pass the accounts; but
as this office is solely calculated for the public good, none of the
directors have any advantage above the rest of the members.
There are porters and watermen, _&c._ provided by the office, who
assist in removing of goods; these wearing the societies livery and
badge, and having given security for their fidelity, may be trusted
in case of danger. _Extracted from a copy_ _of the proposals, and an
abstract of the deed of settlement received at the office in_ October
1758.
UNION _square_, in the Minories.
UNION _stairs_, Wapping.
UNION _street_, 1. King street, Westminster: 2. New Bond street.
UPHOLDERS, or UPHOLSTERERS, a fraternity incorporated by letters patent
granted by King Charles I. in the year 1627. They are governed by a
master, two wardens, and twenty-eight assistants with a livery of an
hundred and thirty-one members; who upon their admission, pay a fine of
4_l._ 10_s._ but they have no hall.
UPPER _Brook street_, Grosvenor square.†
UPPER _East Smithfield_, near Tower Hill.
UPPER _Ground street_, near the Falcon, Southwark.
UPPER _Gun-alley_, Wapping.*
UPPER _Middle-row_, Broad St. Giles’s.§
UPPER _Moorfields_, near St. Luke’s hospital.
UPPER _Millbank_, Horseferry.
UPPER _Moorfields-row_, Upper Moorfields.
UPPER SHADWELL _street_, Shadwell.
UPPER _street_, Islington, the street and row on the west side of
Islington.
UPPER _Turn-stile_, High Holbourn.☐
UPPER _Well-alley_, Wapping.
_Gentleman_, USHERS, an order of officers under the Lord Chamberlain,
of which there are several classes, as the gentlemen ushers of the
privy chamber; those of the presence chamber daily-waiters; and those
who are quarter-waiters in ordinary.
The gentlemen ushers of the privy-chamber are four in number, and have
the power of commanding all officers under them in the privy-lodgings,
the bed-chamber excepted, and when there is a Queen, have the honour
of leading her, in the absence of the Lord Chamberlain and Vice
Chamberlain. The salary of each is 400_l._ a year.
The gentlemen ushers of the presence chamber, are also four, who are
daily-waiters in ordinary, the first of whom has the considerable
office of black rod. This gentleman in time of parliament attends every
day the house of Lords, and is also usher of the most noble order of
the Garter. See BLACK ROD. These gentlemen ushers wait in the presence
chamber, where they attend next the King’s person; these under the Lord
Chamberlain and Vice Chamberlain order all affairs, and all the under
officers above stairs obey them. They have each 150_l._ _per annum_.
There is also an assistant gentleman usher whose salary is 66_l._ 13_s._
4_d._ a year.
The gentlemen ushers quarterly-waiters in ordinary, are eight in
number. These also wait in the presence chamber, and give directions
in the absence of the gentlemen ushers daily-waiters, to whom they are
subordinate. Their salary is only 50_l._ a year. _Chamberlain’s present
state._
USHER’S _court_, Seething lane, Tower street.†
UXBRIDGE, a town in Middlesex, in the road from London to Oxford,
from the first of which it is distant eighteen miles and a half.
Though it is entirely independent, and is governed by two bailiffs,
two constables, and four headboroughs, it is only a hamlet to Great
Hillington. The river Coln runs through it in two streams, full of
trout, eels, and other fish, and over the main stream is a stone bridge
that leads into Buckinghamshire. The church, or rather chapel, was
built in the reign of Henry VI. This town has many good inns, and is
particularly distinguished by the whiteness of the bread, particularly
their rolls. There are many corn-mills at a small distance, and a
considerable number of waggon loads of meal are carried from thence
every week to London. Uxbridge gives the title of Earl to the noble
family of Paget.
W.
WADE’S _rents_, Gunpowder alley.†
WAITE’S _yard_, Blackman street, Southwark.†
WAKE’S _court_, Five Feet lane.†
WALBROOK, a street which runs down from the south-west corner of the
Mansion-house, towards the Thames. This street, which is chiefly
inhabited by merchants and tradesmen, especially furriers, took its
name from a rivulet called Walbrook, on account of its entering the
city through the wall, between Bishopsgate and Moorgate, and after many
turnings and windings, ran down this street, and emptied itself into
the Thames near Dowgate. The loss of this rivulet was owing to the
many bridges built over it, which at last increased to such a number,
covered with houses, that whole streets were erected over it, and the
channel of the river became a common sewer.
WALBROOK CHURCH. See St. STEPHEN’S WALBROOK.
WALBROOK WARD, takes its name from the above street. It is bounded
on the east by Langbourn ward, on the south, by Dowgate ward; on
the west, by Cordwainers ward; and on the north, by Cheap ward. Its
principal streets and lanes are, Walbrook, Cannon street on both sides
the way from Green Lettice court to Abchurch lane; the east end of
Bucklersbury; St. Swithin’s lane, almost as far as Bearbinder lane, a
small part of Lombard street, and almost all Bearbinder lane.
The most remarkable buildings are the fine church of St. Stephen
Walbrook, and St. Swithin’s; the Mansion-house for the residence of the
Lord Mayor; Salter’s hall; and that antient piece of antiquity called
London stone.
This ward is governed by an Alderman, and eight common council men, one
of whom is the Alderman’s deputy; thirteen inquestmen, six scavengers,
seven constables, and a beadle. The jurymen returned by the wardmote
inquest serve in the several courts of Guildhall in the month of
October.
WALINGFORD _court_, Throgmorton street.†
WALKER’S _court_, 1. Berwick street, Old Soho.† 2. Knave’s Acre.†
WALKER’S _yard_, Tothill street.†
WALL of _London_. See LONDON WALL.
WALL’S _alley_, in the Minories.†
WALLIS’S _street_, Shoreditch.†
WALNUT-TREE _alley_, 1. Bishopsgate street.‡ 2. Tooley street,
Southwark.‡
WALNUT-TREE _court_, Tooley street.‡ 2. Whitechapel.‡
WALNUT-TREE _yard_, Bishopsgate street without.‡
WALTER’S ALMSHOUSES, of these there are the three following founded
by Mr. John Walter, citizen and draper: one of which was in Blackman
street, Southwark, built and endowed in the year 1651, for four poor
men and eight poor women, each of whom receives 5_s._ a month, 10_s._
every new year’s day, and a chaldron of coals yearly. This almhouse
is now removed to the south-east side of the New Road, leading from
Westminster bridge to Blackman street.
Another founded by the same person in the year 1651, at Newington
Butts, for sixteen poor men and women, who have each an allowance of
5_s._ _per_ month, half a chaldron of coals every year, and 10_s._ every
new year’s day.
Another in Old street, founded by the above Mr. Walters, in the year
1658, for eight poor widows, each of whom have likewise an allowance
of 5_s._ _per_ month, and half a chaldron of coals every Christmas.
_Maitland._
WALTON, a village in Surry, situated on the Thames, opposite to
Shepperton in Middlesex. It is said that the last mentioned county
once joined to this town, till about 300 years ago, the old current of
the Thames was changed by an inundation, and a church destroyed by the
waves.
At this place is a very curious bridge over the Thames, erected by the
public spirited Samuel Decker, Esq; who lives in this town, and who
applying to parliament for that purpose, obtained in the year 1747,
an act to impower him to erect a bridge there, and this admirable
structure was completed in August 1750.
It consists of only four stone piers, between which are three large
truss arches of beams and joists of wood, strongly bound together with
mortises, iron pins, and cramps; under these three arches the water
constantly runs; besides which are five other arches of brick-work on
each side, to render the ascent and descent the more easy; but there
is seldom water under any of them, except in great floods, and four of
them on the Middlesex side are stopped up, they being on high ground
above the reach of the floods.
The middle arch, when viewed by the river side, affords an agreeable
prospect of the country, beautifully diversified with wood and water,
which is seen through it to a considerable distance. The prodigious
compass of this great arch to a person below, occasions a very uncommon
sensation of awe and surprize; and his astonishment and attention
are increased, when he proceeds to take notice, that all the timbers
are in a falling position; for there is not one upright piece to be
discovered; and at the same time considers the very small dimensions
of the piers by which the whole is supported. The manner of its
construction is better shewn in the print than can be described in
words.
In passing over this bridge, when you have proceeded past the
brick-work, the vacant interfaces between the timbers, yield, at every
step, a variety of prospects, which, at the centre, are seen to a
still greater advantage. But though each side is well secured by the
timber and rails, to the height of eight feet; yet as it affords only
a parapet of wide lattice-work, and the apertures seem, even to the
eye, large enough to admit the passage of any person to go through,
provided he climbs, or is lifted up, and as the water is seen through
every opening at a great depth below, those unused to such views cannot
approach the side without some apprehensions.
It would, indeed, have been easy to have closed these openings between
the braces and rails with boards; but they are purposely left open to
admit a free passage for the air, in order to keep the timbers the more
sound, and that the least decay may be the more easily perceived and
repaired.
From this admirable bridge the nobility and gentry in this
neighbourhood find a very agreeable benefit, especially as the ferries
are dilatory, dangerous, and at times impassable; and its being erected
has caused the roads thereabouts, in both counties, especially on the
Surry side, to be greatly improved.
WALTHAM ABBEY, a village in Essex, on the east side of the river Lea,
which here dividing, incloses some islands with fine meadows, and
parts it from Waltham Cross. The abbey from whence it took its name,
was built in honour of the holy cross, by Harold son to Earl Godwin,
to whom Edward the Confessor gave the village; and this abbey Harold
endowed with West Waltham, now called Waltham Cross, and sixteen other
manors. Its abbots, who were mitred, and had the twentieth place in
parliament, lived in a most splendid, but hospitable manner, and were
frequently visited by Henry III. when he was reduced, and obliged to
carry his family about for a dinner. The abbey was at its dissolution
bestowed by King Henry VIII. on Sir Anthony Denny, his groom of the
stole, whose grandson afterwards employing workmen to convert it into
a seat for himself, they are said to have dug up the corpse of Harold,
which after his being slain in battle against William the Conqueror,
was at his mother’s request, by the Conqueror’s consent, interred in
the abbey.
This is now, or was lately, the seat of —— Jones, Esq; the gardens
belonging to the house, were some years since much admired; but since
the taste for inclosed gardens has been condemned, they have been
little frequented unless by some curious persons, to see the fine tulip
tree that grows in a grass plot near the house.
WALTHAM CROSS, also called West Waltham, is a post and market town
on the west side of the river Lea in Middlesex, in the road to Ware,
twelve measured miles from London. It takes its distinguishing epithet
from the cross built there by Edward I. in honour of his beloved Queen
Eleanor, whose corps in its way from Lincolnshire to London rested
here. That Princess’s effigies are placed round the pillar with the
arms of her consort, and those of her own, _viz._ England, Castile,
Leon, and Poictou, which are still in part remaining though greatly
defaced.
WALTHAMSTOW, a village in Essex, situated on the river Lea, contiguous
to Low-Layton. Here are three manors, Walthamstow Tony or High-hall,
Walthamstow Frances, or Low-hall, which was the manor of the late J.
Conyers, Esq; and the manor of the rectory, which once belonged to
Trinity abbey in London.
In this parish are several ancient seats, and handsome houses,
belonging to persons of distinction, the most remarkable of which was
that of Higham-hall, pleasantly situated upon Higham-hills, a rising
ground, about half a mile north from Clay street, just above the river
Lea, overlooking the counties of Middlesex and Hertfordshire, and
commanding a most delightful and extensive prospect. It has been a
magnificent and spacious fabric, and in ancient times, when the Lords
resided upon their royalties, no place could be more admirably situated
than this mansion, erected at the top of the hill of Higham, and having
within its view the whole extent of its jurisdiction: but there are now
hardly any traces of its ancient grandeur remaining.
The church of Walthamstow, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, is a large
edifice situated upon a hill, and consists of three isles, that on the
north side built by Sir George Monox, Knt. Alderman and Lord Mayor of
London in the reign of Henry VIII. is called Monox’s isle; that on
south side bears the name of Thorne’s isle, from a citizen and merchant
taylor of that name, who was probably at the expence of building it. In
this church are a great number of monuments.
Before the communion table within the rails, is a piece of marble over
the body of Doctor Pierse, Bishop of Bath and Wells.
On leaving the altar there is a monument erected to the memory of Sir
Thomas Stanley, Knt. second son to the Earl of Derby, on which there is
the effigy of a Lady on her knees. Besides which there are many others.
_Additions to Stows Survey._
WALTON’S _court_, Church-yard alley.†
WANDSWORTH, a village in Surry, situated between Battersea and Putney,
is said to obtain its name from the river Wandle, which passes through
it under a bridge called the _sink of the country_, into the Thames.
Here are several handsome houses belonging to the gentry and citizens
of London.
WANLEY’S _court_, Black Friars.†
WANSTED, a village in Essex, adjoining to Woodford, and separated from
Barking parish by the river Roding. There are in this place and its
neighbourhood several fine seats of the nobility, gentry and wealthy
citizens; but their lustre is greatly eclipsed by Wansted-house, the
magnificent seat of the Earl of Tilney. This noble seat was prepared
by Sir Josiah Child, his Lordship’s grandfather, who added to the
advantage of a fine situation, a vast number of rows of trees, planted
in avenues and vistas leading up to the spot of ground where the old
house stood. The late Lord, before he was enobled, laid out the most
spacious pieces of ground in gardens, that are to be seen in this part
of England. The green house is a very superb building furnished with
stoves and artificial places for heat, from an apartment which has a
bagnio, and other conveniences, that render it both useful and pleasant.
The house was built since these gardens were finished, and is a
magnificent edifice two hundred and sixty feet in length, and seventy
in depth, fronted with Portland stone, which, where it is not
discoloured by the smoke, as in London, grows whiter and whiter, the
longer it is exposed to the open air.
[Illustration:
_S. Wale delin._ _J. Taylor sc._
_Wansted, the Seat of the Earl of Tilney._]
The fore front of the house has a long vista that reaches to the great
road at Leighton Stone, and from the back front facing the gardens is
an easy descent that leads to the terrace, and affords a most beautiful
prospect of the river, which is formed into canals; and beyond it the
walks and wildernesses extend to a great distance, rising up the hill,
as they sloped downwards before; so that the sight is lost in the
woods, and the whole country, as far as the eye can reach, appears one
continued garden. _Tour through Great Britain._
The house was built by the late Earl of Tilney and designed by Col.
Campbell, and is certainly one of the noblest houses not only near
London, but in the kingdom: it consists of two stories, the state and
ground story. This latter is the basement, into which you enter by a
door in the middle underneath the grand entrance, which is in a noble
portico of six Corinthian columns supporting a pediment in which are
the arms of this nobleman. To this you ascend by a flight of steps
and pass into a magnificent saloon richly decorated with painting and
sculpture, through which you pass into the other state rooms which are
suitably furnished with pictures, gilding, velvet, tapestry, and other
rich hangings. Before this house is an octangular bason which seems
equal to the length of the front, here are no wings, though it seems
probable it was the original design of the architect. On each side as
you approach the house, are two marble statues of Hercules and Venus,
with obelisks and vases alternately placed, which makes some attonement
for the defect just mentioned. The garden front has no portico, but a
pediment with a bas relief supported by six three quarter columns.
The parish church has been lately rebuilt, chiefly by the liberality of
Sir Richard Child, Bart. Lord Viscount Castlemain, and in the chancel
is a very superb monument for Sir Josiah Child, whose statue in white
marble stands pointing downward to the inscription. Underneath lies
the figure of Bernard his second son, and on each side sits a woman,
vailed, one leaning her head upon her hand, and the other closing
her hands and wringing them. There are also several boys in mourning
postures, and one expressing the vanity of life by blowing up a bubble.
WAPPING, anciently an hamlet in the parish of St. Mary Whitechapel,
situated on the north bank of the Thames, at some distance east
from London, but by the increase of buildings is not only rendered
a separate and distinct parish, but is entirely joined to this
metropolis. The site of this parish is supposed by Maitland to have
been formerly within the flux of the river Thames; but when, or by whom
it was at first imbanked, is unknown; however, the same author supposes
it to have been first taken from the river about the year 1544; though
it was not inhabited till after the year 1571.