_Lambeth Wells._--A place of public entertainment, first opened in 1697.
It was celebrated for its mineral water, which was sold at one penny per
quart. At the beginning of the eighteenth century it was provided with a
band of music, which played at intervals during the day, and the price
of admission was threepence. A monthly concert, under the direction of
Starling Goodwin, organist of St. Saviour's church, Southwark, was held
here in 1727.
_Hickford's Rooms, Panton Street, Haymarket._--These rooms, under the
name of "Hickford's Dancing Rooms," were in existence as early as 1710.
In 1738, they were opened as the "Musick-room." A contemporary account
says:--
"The band was selected from the Opera House; but the singularity
most attractive consisted of an organ combined with a
harpsichord, played by clock-work, which exhibited the movements
of an orrery and air-pump, besides solving astronomical and
geographical problems on two globes, and showing the moon's age,
with the Copernican system in motion."
In 1740, Mr. Galliard's benefit is announced to take place "at Mr.
Hickford's Great Room in Brewer Street, Golden Square."--See the _Daily
Post_ of March 31. The "Great Room" is now known as "Willis's Dancing
Academy."
_The Music Room in Dean Street, Soho._--The Oratorio of Judas Maccabeus
was performed here in great splendour in 1760. It was afterwards the
auction room of the elder Christie; and is now "Caldwell's Dancing
Academy." George III. frequently honoured this "musick-room" with his
presence.
_The Music Room in Charles Street, Covent Garden_:--
"The Consort of Musick, lately in Bow Street, is removed next
Bedford Gate, in _Charles Street, Covent Garden_, where a room
is newly built for that purpose."--_Lond. Gaz._ Feb. 19. 1690.
"A Consort of Music, with several new voices, to be performed on
the 10th instant, at the _Vendu_ in Charles Street, Covent
Garden."--Ibid. March 6. 1691.
In 1693 was published _Thesaurus Musicus_, being a Collection of the
"Newest Songs performed at their Majesties' Theatres, and at the
Consorts in Villier Street, in York Buildings, and in _Charles Street,
Covent Garden_."
In the proposals for the establishment of a Royal Academy in 1720, the
subscription books are advertised as being open, amongst other places,
"at the Musick Room in Charles Street, Covent Garden."
_Coleman's Music House._--A house of entertainment, with a large and
well planted garden, known as "Coleman's Musick House," was offered for
sale in 1682. It was situated near _Lamb's Conduit_, and was demolished
upon the building of Ormond Street.
_White Conduit House._--The old tavern of this name was erected in the
reign of Charles I. The workmen are said to have been regaling
themselves upon the completion of the building, at the instant the king
was beheaded at Whitehall. {396}
_Goodman's Field Wells._--A place of entertainment established after the
suppression of the theatre in this locality in 1735.
_Bride Lane, St. Bride's._--The first meetings of the Madrigal Society
(established in 1741) were held at a public-house in this lane, called
"The Twelve Bells."