GAMBLING OF HENRY THE EIGHTH.

(_For the Mirror._)

Stowe, in his Survey of London, says, "Neere unto Paul's Schoole, on the

north side thereof, was of old time a great and high _Clochier_, or

Bell-house, four square, builded of stone; and in the same, a most

strong frame of timber, with foure bels, the greatest that I have heard:

these were called Jesus Bels, and belonged to Jesus Chappell, but I know

not by whose gift. The same had a great spire of timber, covered with

lead, with the image of St. Paul on the top; but was pulled downe by Sir

Miles Partridge, knight, in the reign of Henry the Eighth. The common

speech then was, that hee did set one hundred pounds upon a caste at

dice against it, and so won the said clochier and bels of the king; and

then causing the bels to be broken as they hung, the rest was pulled

downe. This man was afterwards executed on the Tower Hill, for matters

concerning the Duke of Somerset, the fifth of Edward the Sixth. In place

of this clochier, of old time, the common bel of the citie was used to

be rung, for the assembly of the citizens to their Folke-motes."

* * * * *

The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction. Volume 17, No. 482, March 26, 1831 · 第 48 / 59 题