use in cooking it: and may therefore be mentioned here. Our
Grandfathers paid very dearly for them: but it must be remembered
there was no land carriage, and a continued contrary wind, or a "hot
press," would leave the London Market bare. The magnificent basins of
Inland Coals were scarcely known, and only those like the Moira
Collieries, near to a Canal, could be worked. They were sold to the
consumer at per Chaldron of 2800 lbs., and the prices below quoted
represent them ex-ship. Add to this the cost of delivery and profit
12s., and take the Sovereign as being worth 30s., and it will much
account for the small stoves then in vogue.
"The price of Coals in the Pool, yesterday, were:--Best 43s.
Inferior sorts from 36s. to 38s. Delivered to housekeepers 49s.
to 44s. The price rose considerably yesterday from a report that
several colliers had been captured."--(_Times, Feby. 12, 1793._)
* * * * *
"COAL EXCHANGE.
"On Monday the price was 70s. per Chaldron all sorts.
On Wednesday, the price was 60s. and some sorts lower.
On Yesterday, the price was 50s. to 45s. per Chaldron.
We are happy at giving such an agreeable account to our
readers."--(_Times, March 7, 1794._)
* * * * *
"The prices of Coals still continue very high, notwithstanding
above 100 ships have, this week, arrived at market, which are
nearly all sold from 38s. to 44s. per Chaldron: so that the best
sorts cannot be fairly delivered under 50s. per Chaldron. The
number of ships taken out of the trade, into the transport, and
other services, is the cause of the present high price, as the
demand is greater than the supply."--(_Times, Oct. 4, 1794._)
* * * * *
"Many complaints have been made of the high price of coals, and
it is supposed to arise from a combination, but we are well
assured no such cause exists. The long frost having stopped the
navigation of the Thames, what coals remained in the lighters,
and barges, were nearly exhausted at the wharfs, and naturally,
every man possessed of a commodity, looks to extraordinary
profits on unusual events, which has, we understand, occasioned
six, and seven, guineas to be given for a chaldron of coals,
within a few days past, but, had the frost continued, coals would
have been considerably cheaper, than at present, as the ice
admitted the coals being worked over it. There are, at present,
near 50 sail of colliers in the river, not unladen, which contain
about 10,000 chaldrons, for an immediate supply, (but not ten
times that quantity, as erroneously stated in most of the papers)
and, before they can be consumed, we may expect a fresh fleet at
Market."--(_Times, Jany. 30, 1795._)
* * * * *
"Yesterday, there was only one ship of coals, at Market, which
sold at three guineas and a half per chaldron. About 30 sail more
were at sea, and forced into the Humber."--(_Times, Feby. 24,
1795._)
* * * * *
"Coals were on Friday (_12th April_) sold in the Pool at five
guineas per Chaldron. There was only one ship-load at
market."--(_Times, April 15, 1799._)
THE ROAD AND STREETS.
The Highways and Streets were in very far from good condition, the
roads being full of ruts, and the streets when paved, were made of
large "Cobble" Stones, and were full of holes, ofttimes very
dangerous, as we shall see. The foot pavement, except in some of the
best streets, which were flagged, was very narrow, and made of
"Kidney" stones on end, such as may still be met with in the bye-ways
of some country towns. Consequently no one stirred out more than they
could help; the men always on horseback, if single--by "Post," if
accompanied by ladies. It will have been noticed in "Men's dress"
that they all wear boots, if not in the house, and the reason is
plain--they had to be protected against the mud of the streets, and
ready for the saddle. Every man had to learn to ride, and no doubt
this laid the foundation of the Continental opinion, that every
Englishman is a good horseman.
"Young Gentlemen during their Holidays, are supplied with gentle
pleasant Horses of all sizes, and the most careful Attendance and
Instructions for £2 12 6
A Horse to ride for Exercise in the House 0 3 6
Twelve lessons when convenient 2 7 6
Sixteen lessons in four weeks 2 7 0
Single lesson 0 5 0
Book of Instructions for Ladies 0 5 6
Breaking a horse 2 7 6 &c."
--(_Morning Post, Jany. 2, 1788._)
* * * * *
"Advt.--_A CAUTION_ to all Gentlemen who drive Jobb Horses by
their own Coachmen, the Gentleman paying yearly wages to them:
From a Gentleman who has had experience of it.--That the
Coachmaster and Coachmen do agree, the one to give, the other to
receive, annually, a certain sum of money, which can be for no
other purpose than to defraud their employers, demanding so much
more for the price of their horses, to bribe the said Coachmen to
conceal defects in them, and to engage the said Coachmaster to
recommend the said Coachmen: and so vice-versa to employ each
other, if out of place or business. This is a most dishonest, but
general practice of the Coachmasters. The writer of this, to
avoid and discourage the practice of this Knavery, has purchased
his own horses, persuaded no other means will be effectual. This
is written merely to put Gentlemen on their guard, at the expense
of the Advertiser, and will not be inserted again."--(_Times,
July 2, 1795._)
Of course those that could afford it travelled Post--which was charged
one shilling per horse per mile, besides a gratuity to the "boy," but
this was raised to fourteen pence in 1796, when food became so dear.
"So great is the itch of pleasure at this time of year, that on
Sundays it is difficult to find post-horses in London. Last
Sunday General _Fox_, and several other persons of Consideration,
who had business out of town, were confined for want of them,
though they sent as far as the extremity of
Whitechapel."--(_Times, Sept. 2, 1795._)
* * * * *
"The rate of _Posting_ still continues at 14d. per mile, and
nothing but the unanimous determination of the public to resist
so extravagant a charge, can possibly do it away. Some few Post
Masters have, it is true, advertised at 1s., but the general rate
still remains at 14d. This charge took its rise from the
scarcity, and, consequently, the high price of corn: but, at this
moment, when corn has fell one third, nothing can justify the
continuance of what may be justly reprobated as an
_imposition_."--(_Times, July 9, 1796._)
But it was not every one who could afford Posting or even the Stage
Coach,--for them existed the "Stage Wagon"--a most cumbrous affair
with very broad wheels--and some eight horses, the driver being
mounted on a pony--so as to be able to ride round his team. The
following is a very humorous story of a journey by Wagon:--
"A DELIGHTFUL RIDE,
"In the ten-wheeled Caravan, from Greenwich to London.
"We were twenty-four passengers within side, and nine without. It
was my lot to sit in the middle, with a very lusty woman on one
side, and a very thin man on the other. 'Open the window,' said
the former, and she had a child on her lap, whose hands and face
were all besmeared with gingerbread. 'It can't be opened,' said a
little prim coxcomb, 'or I shall get cold.'--'But I say it
shall, Sir,' said a Butcher, who sat opposite to him, and the
Butcher opened it; but, as he stood, or rather bent forward to do
this, the caravan came into a rut, and the Butcher's head, by the
suddenness of the jolt, came into contact with that of the woman
who sat next to me, and made her nose bleed. He begged her
pardon, and she gave him a slap on the face that sounded through
the whole caravan. Two sailors, that were seated near the helm of
this machine, ordered the driver to cast anchor at the next
public-house. He did so; and the woman next to me, called for a
pot of ale, which she offered to me, after she had emptied about
a pint of it, observing, that 'as how she loved ale mightily.' I
could not drink, at which she took much offence; and said, 'I was
mighty squeamish; but thank God, she was as good as I, and kept a
lodging-house in Craven St., where she saw _her betters_ every
day, and so,' continues she, 'here's to you, my dear:' and she
finished the pot. A violent dispute now arose between two stout
looking men, the one a Recruiting Sergeant, and the other a
Gentleman's Coachman, about the _Rights of Man_: and, having
struck two or three blows in the Caravan, they got out into the
road, to decide whether _Tom Paine_ was an _Atheist_, or a
_Deist_. In this contest, victory fell to the Sergeant, and the
driver of the horses was so mauled by the leader of men, that he
was lifted into the vehicle, where he sat in sullen silence all
the rest of the journey.
"Another dispute afterwards arose about politics, which was
carried on with such warmth, as to draw the attention of the
company to the head of the Caravan, where the combatants sat
wedged together like two pounds of Epping butter, whilst a child
incessantly roared at the opposite side, and the mother abused
the two politicians for frightening her babe. The heat was now so
great that all the windows were opened, and with the fresh air,
entered clouds of dust, for the body of the machine is but a few
inches from the surface of the road.
"I trust, Mr. Conductor, you will give this journey to London, a
place in your paper, and, I am, &c. &c.
"Lucy Treadneedle."
--(_Times, Sept. 5, 1794._)
It will be noticed that then, as now, the _Times_, was a powerful organ
for calling public attention to social grievances, and that people
"wrote to" that paper as at the present time. We, in our time, know
the little social inconveniences arising from staying at Hotels,
where, not only does the proprietor charge for attendance, which we,
no more than the writer of this letter, can understand is not included
in his servants' wages--but we, also, if we want good attendance, have
to "tip" the servants as well.
"To the CONDUCTOR of the TIMES.
"Sir,--Having frequent occasion to travel many of the principal
roads of England, I have often witnessed the exorbitant demands
of Inn-keepers, and the no less serious ones of their domestics,
sanctioned only by custom, yet arisen to such a pitch as to
become a burthen unable to be borne by the _poor Tradesman_ who
is obliged to travel to sell his goods, as well as an
inconvenience to the person in _middling circumstances_ of
_life_, who, for his health, or otherwise, has occasion to
travel. Grievances (the latter of which especially), are only
suffered to exist from the disinclination people have to break
through a custom, or to appear singular. Having hinted at the
former, I shall only shew the nature, and point out a remedy for
the latter. It is well known, that let an Innkeeper's bill be
ever so exorbitant, you must not only comply with it, but also
give the servants just as much as if it was reasonable: so that
there is no end of the expence: for instance, if a man who has a
horse, puts up at an inn, besides the usual bill, he must at
least give 1_s._ to the waiter, 6_d._ to the chamber-maid, 6_d._
to the hostler, and 6_d._ to the jack-boot, making together 2_s._
6_d._, and this to be repeated every night he lays on the road (I
speak now of what's expected from those who appear in middling
circumstances of life). The same expence in proportion occurs in
the course of the day: at breakfast, you must give at least 6_d._
between the waiter and hostler. If the traveller only puts up to
have a refreshment, besides paying for his horse's standing, he
must give 3_d._ to the hostler: at dinner 6_d._ to the waiter and
3_d._ to the hostler: at tea 6_d._ between them, so that he gives
away in the day 2_s._ 6_d._, which added to the 2_s._ 6_d._ for
the night, makes 5_s._ per day on an average to servants. Thus he
is putting his hand in his pocket from morning till night, not
merely to satisfy the Landlord's demand, but to appease the
croaking of domestics, who, it is well known, will let you see,
or feel, their displeasure in some way or other if you do not, so
that it is disagreeable to go to that inn the second time where
you do not behave with profuseness at the first, and there is
not only the above inconvenience, but also this, that after all
your givings they are not satisfied, but often abuse you for your
liberality. The following anecdote proves this:--Coming home from
Colchester some time since, I put up at an Inn at Ingatestone,
the Innkeeper's bill was as follows:--Supper 1_s._, beer 3_d._,
bed 1_s._, horse and corn 1_s._ 7_d._--together 3_s._ 10_d._ I
gave away as follows: waiter 1_s._, chambermaid 6_d._, jack-boot
6_d._, hostler, the change out of 2_s._ I paid him for the horse,
being 5_d._, together 2_s._ 5_d._, being 1_s._ 5_d._ less than
the bill. Yet the hostler was so abusive, because I did not give
him more than the odd 5_d._ change, that he actually threatened
me that he would mark me if I came there again. I therefore did,
what I wish every one would do in the like case, punish him on
the spot for his insolence. I appeared to relent that I had not
given him more, and desired him to give me the half-pence again
that I might see for silver for him, which after he had done, I
rode off, leaving him to repent he had not kept what I first gave
him. It may be alleged that these servants have little or no
wages, and therefore ought to receive liberally. Be that as it
may, it is very hard that I am to pay wages to another man's
servants. I pay the master his bill, in which he makes a charge
sufficient to cover his servants' wages, and then he leaves me to
pay his servants besides. If Innkeepers have nothing to pay for
servants, their charges ought to be reasonable in proportion. But
I would meet another objection that is likely to be made, which
is, that what is given to servants at inns is not to be
considered as wages, but as their perquisites. There are two
answers to this, the one, that the very notion of perquisites,
signifies something gotten over and above their usual wages,
whereas it is notorious, that most Innkeepers allow their
servants no wages: the other, that perquisites signify a gift,
now a gift is free, and may be much, or little, as suits the
inclination of the giver, but, according to the modern custom at
inns, he is not permitted to use his discretion, but there must
be a settled sum given to each servant, fixed as to the lowest
quantum, though as much above that mark as he pleases, and, if he
gives less than custom warrants, they have the impudence to tell
him of it. Besides, why should Innkeepers, be exempted from
paying their servants wages, any more than any other tradesman.
If I go into a shop, to buy a few yards of any thing, I am not
charged so much for the trouble of the shopman who cut it off.
Tradesmen are contented to pay their servants out of the profit
of their bills, without saddling it upon their customers: and I
am fully persuaded, were travellers of all descriptions to
withhold for a certain time their usual gifts to servants at
inns, it would ultimately tend to the benefit of those servants
themselves, as well as the comfort of travellers, for when the
servants find their finances so low, they would insist upon, and
would not hire themselves without stipulated wages, after which,
travellers might again resume their former generosity, and what
they then gave, would be looked upon in the light it ought, as a
gift, and not a debt.
"A Constant Reader."
--(_Times, Oct. 17, 1795._)
The following notices will show that, what with over-crowding, and bad
roads, accidents were as frequent by road as they are now by
rail--indeed, the per centage, considering the relative number of
passengers, was much greater. The _basket_ mentioned below, was a huge
wicker work machine attached to the Coach, intended to carry parcels.
"Yesterday the driver of the Chelmsford and London Stage Coach,
was convicted before the Magistrates at the Public Office,
Whitechapel, in three separate penalties of 40_s._ each, for
suffering more than six persons to ride on the roof of the said
Coach.
"The owner and driver of the Bishop Stortford, and London, Stage
Coach, was also convicted in the penalty of £4 for the same
offence: and the driver of the Westham Stage Coach, in the same
penalty, for suffering eight persons to ride on the roof of the
said Coach."--(_Times, Oct. 5, 1795._)
* * * * *
"In despite of continual and fatal accidents, not to mention the
inferior consideration of pains and penalties, the Stage Coaches
still continue to carry extra numbers on the outside. There were
_eleven_ on the coach, and box, of the Gosport Coach, beside the
driver, and _nine_ in the basket, on Thursday last."--(_Times,
Oct. 16, 1795._)
* * * * *
"The pavement in Bridge St. Blackfriars, which has been so long
in a most dangerous state, has sunk near a foot more, within the
last week, so that the roof of the main shore is every hour
expected to give way."--(_Times, Aug. 6, 1794._)
* * * * *
"On Wednesday afternoon, about four o'clock, the Boston Coach
broke down, on the lowest part of Snow Hill, soon after it left
the Saracen's Head Inn. The outside passengers, which were
FOURTEEN in number, and mostly soldiers, were thrown with such
violence on the pavement, that several were bruised, and one
woman was taken to St. Bartholomew's Hospital, where she died, on
Thursday night. The inside passengers, which were five, and a
young child, were not much hurt.
"The frequent accidents which arise from the outsides of coaches
being so overladen, calls highly for reprehension. The laws are
either inadequate to remedy the evil, or they are not properly
enforced: and we sincerely hope that the coachman, and those who
are concerned, will be severely punished, as an example to
prevent the same accidents in future. We think there should be a
fresh Act of Parliament, and, if the inside passengers were
empowered, after taking their seats, to hire a post-chaise where
there was above a stipulated number (at the owner's expence), it
would remedy the evil."--(_Times, Aug. 8, 1795._)
* * * * *
"The pavement in Bridge St. Blackfriars, still grows worse, and
worse, and not the least notice is taking of it by the Paving
Committee. This is a most scandalous act of neglect; as,
publicly, and privately, the parties have been applied to, who
ought to make the necessary repairs. The ground has now sunk near
three feet. In so well regulated a city, as that of London, this
is a most disgraceful business."--(_Times, Oct., 16, 1799._)
* * * * *
"A few days since, the axle-tree of a carriage was broken in
descending the slope of Blackfriars Bridge, in consequence of the
very large hole, at the bottom of it, on the Surry-side, which is
in the highest degree dangerous. We are not certain that an
indictment would not lay against the Trustees of the Surry Roads,
for the scandalous manner in which they are kept. They vie with
the Paviours, in some parts of the City, and we know not which
are the worst of them. It is not to be conceived the number of
horses that are foundered, by holes in the streets, and
roads."--(_Times, Oct. 5, 1799._)
* * * * *
"From the dangerous state of the pavement in some parts of
London, it might be supposed that the Public paid nothing towards
it. The thoroughfare about the New Church, in the Strand, is so
bad, that two, or three, accidents have lately happened by horses
tumbling down, from their feet catching in the holes."--(_Times,
Sept. 30, 1799._)
GAMING, &c.
We, in this Nineteenth Century of ours, are not so free from the vice
of gambling, that we can afford the luxury of being particularly
censorious over the habits of the last century. We have legislated
against gambling, we are better educated, all our surroundings are
refined, compared to those which our forefathers had to make the most
of. Literature, Art, and Music, are all far more popular, and yet--are
there not Clubs, thinly veiled indeed, but really, and truly, solely
existing for card playing for high stakes, as much as Crockford's ever
was? Have we not reduced the Turf to a science? and has it not come to
such a pass, that an honest Nobleman like Lord Falmouth, will no
longer run his race horses, because of the roguery on the Turf? Is not
the Stock Exchange one huge Gamble? Therefore, in reading the notes
about gaming, in "Old Times," let us remember the beams in our own
eyes, before making a fuss about the motes, that used to be in the
eyes of those that are dead and gone.
But, although Card playing was the rule at every house, in the
evening, yet some did not play, and the utter weariness which is
shewn in this little sketch of Gillray's, is extremely natural and
vivid.
It is in 1789 that we first hear of Lady Archer, who, with Lady
Buckinghamshire, figures so prominently in keeping gaming tables.
[Illustration: A lady at a Card Party who does not play.--1788.]
"The Lady Archer, whose death was announced in this paper of
Saturday, is not the celebrated character whose _cosmetic powers_
have been long held in public estimation."--(_Morning Post, Jan.
5, 1789._)
* * * * *
"It is said that the dealers in _Carmine and dead white_, as well
as the _Perfumers_ in general, have it in contemplation to
present an address to Lady Archer, in gratitude for her not
having DIED according to a late alarming report."--(_Morning
Post, Jan. 8, 1789._)
"A Kick up at a Hazard Table," by Rowlandson, is not only well
drawn--but, doubtless, depicts a gambling affray, to the life.
Lady Archer, and Lady Buckinghamshire did not monopolise the gaming
tables, there were other ladies in the field, and, as the game
generally played, was _Faro_, these _brelandieres_ were called _Faro's
Daughters_.
"Mrs. Sturt's house, in St. James Square, was opened yesterday
evening, for the first time this season, for public play. The
visitors were numerous."--(_Times, Feb. 5, 1793._)
* * * * *
"Many of our young sprigs of fashion, when the campaign opens,
will have other game to attend to than the game of Faro. By
risquing their persons they may serve their country; but by
risquing their property, they can neither benefit the nation, nor
do any good to themselves. Cocking a fire lock will redound more
to their honour than cocking a card: and as they are fond of a
game of _Hazard_, let them take the _chance_ of the field, in
preference to that of the gaming table:
"Some of the _Faro Ladies_ have opened their play houses, and
announced the _Road to Ruin_ until further notice. The
_Gamesters_ was publicly rehearsed in St. James Square on Monday
night."--(_Times, Feb. 6, 1793._)
* * * * *
"The number of new gaming-houses, established at the West End of
the town, is, indeed, a matter of very serious evil: but they are
not likely to decrease while examples of the same nature are held
forth in the higher circles of life. It is needless to point out
any one of these houses in particular: it is sufficient for us to
expose the tricks that are practised at many of them to swindle
the unsuspecting young men of fortune who are entrapped into
these whirlpools of destruction. The first thing necessary is, to
give the guests a good dinner and plenty of wine, which many of
these houses do, gratis. When they are sufficiently intoxicated,
and, having lost all the money about them, their acceptance is
obtained to Bills of Exchange to a considerable amount, which
frequently are paid to avoid the disagreeable circumstance of a
public exposition in a Court of Justice, which is always
threatened, though the gamesters well know that no such measure
durst be adopted by them.
"Should any reluctance, or hesitation, be shewn by the injured
party, to accept these bills, he is shewn into a long room, with
a target at the end of it, and several pistols lying about, where
he is given to understand these sharpers practice a considerable
time of the day in shooting at a mark, and have arrived to such
perfection in this exercise, that either of them can shoot a
pistol ball within an inch of the mark, from the common distance
taken by duellists. A hint is then dropped, that further
hesitation will render the use of the pistols necessary, and
which will again be the case, should he ever divulge what he has
seen, and heard.
"If further particulars, or proofs, are wanting, they may be
known on application to certain _Military characters_, who have
already made some noise in the world."--(_Times, Feb. 14, 1793._)