* * * * *
The _lord mayor’s household_, scarcely known in its constitution by the
citizens whom the lord mayor selects for his visitors, is well set forth
by the preceding letter of a valuable correspondent. It concerns all who
are interested in the maintenance of civic splendour, and especially
those who are authorized to regulate it. Such papers, and indeed any
thing regarding the customs of London, will always be acceptable to the
readers of this work, who have not until now been indulged with
information by those who have the power to give it. The _Every-Day Book_
is a collection of ancient and present usages and manners, wherein such
contributions are properly respected, and by the Editor they are always
thankfully received.
* * * * *
On Michaelmas-day the sheriffs of London, previously chosen, are
solemnly sworn into office, and the lord mayor is elected for the year
ensuing.
Pennant speaking of the mercers’ company, which by no means implied
originally a dealer in silks, (for _mercery_ included all sorts of small
wares, toys, and haberdashery,) says, “This company is the first of the
twelve, or such who are honoured with the privilege of the lord mayor’s
being elected out of one of them.” If the lord mayor did not belong to
either of the twelve, it was the practice for him to be translated to
one of the favoured companies. The custom was discontinued in the
mayoralty of sir Brook Watson, in 1796, and has not been revived.