HOUSES OF THE EAST INDIA
COMPANY.

THE annexed Cuts may be interesting illus trations to the somewhat dry discussion of the Charter of the East India Company, which, the reader need not be told, is now occupying thousands of coteries-from the Cabinet Council to the family tea-table.

The first Engraving represents the original House of the Company, as it appeared from 1648 to 1726. Upon its site stood originally the mansion of Alderman Kerton, built in the reign of Edward VI.—which was re-built by Alderman Lee, on the accession of Queen Elizabeth, and again enlarged and improved by its next purchaser, Sir William Craven, Lord Mayor in 1610. Here, Sir William's son, the great Lord Craven, was born; and, he let the building to the first East India Company, forty-eight years after the date of their first charter, Dec. 31, 1600. The elevation, as the Cut shows, was grotesquely embellished, in the taste of the times; for, the London houses of that period were usually ornamented in a style characteristic of the trade of their occupants. Thus, the dolphins, and the pictorial entablature of merchant-ships were appropriate emblems of the trade of the East India Company; and the Royal arms, and those of the Company below, bespoke their incorporated importance. The identity of the personage who strides the summit of the building is not so clear; probably, the effigies represents the first Governor of the Company, Alderman Thomas Smythe, Esq. In the street below, the promenaders are in the costume of the latter half of the seventeenth century; their starched coifs, high crowned hats, and short, ample cloaks, having the very "air o'the time." This engraving, we should add, is from an etching, (somewhat scarce), stated to be "from a painting in the possession of Mr. Pulham, of the India House, 12 inches by 8;" as the superscription indicates, the work of a Dutch artist. Malcolm, in his Londinium Redivivum, gives a copy, (though not accurately,) of this print, and observes: "when we view the annexed print of the original hall, can we credit that this was the foundation on which such glory, riches, and splendour have been raised? Such are the fruits of industry and enterprise. The first members of the Company, if they could witness the affairs of this world, would learn with astonishment, that ships of 1,200 tons are now used for the trade to China; and, when fully prepared for the voyage, in provisions and stores for 135 men, the cost amounts to nearly 41,000. Three of those ships would monopolize, allowing for the difference in the value of money, their original stock." Malcolm wrote thus in 1800; Mr. Macculloch, in 1833, characterizes the British East India Company as the most celebrated commercial association, either of

ancient or modern times, and which has now extended its sway over the whole of the Mogul empire."

This original House occupied part of the site of the present India House, on the south side of Leadenhall-street. In 1726, the old building was taken down, and a house erected to the extent of the present east wing.

The inconvenient accommodation which this building afforded to the augmented business of the Company, led to the construction of the present fabric, which was executed from the designs of Mr. R. Jupp, architect, in the years 1798 and 1799. A portion of the interior of the old house was preserved, but by far the greatest part was erected from the ground, on the site of various dwellings which had been purposely taken down. The front, which is of stone, has an air of considerable grandeur, principally arising from the extent and elevation of its central portico, which consists of six Ionic columns, fluted, supporting an enriched entablature and pediment. The frieze is sculptured with ornaments, imitative of the antique; and the pediment contains several figures, emblematical of the commerce of the company, protected by George III., who is represented as extending a shield over them. On the apex of the pediment is a statue of Britannia; at the east corner, a figure of Asia seated on a dromedary; and at the west, another representing Europe.

The interior of the India House is well worth visiting: the stranger may see great part of it without expense, and the rest by a douceur to any of the porters, or an order from a Director. The New Sale Room fully equals in interest the rotunda of the Bank.

The Grand Court Room, which is elegantly fitted up, contains a fine bas-relief of Britannia, in white marble, attended by her river god, the Thames, and three female figures, emblematical of India, Asia, and Africa, presenting their various productions. In the Committee Room is a good portrait of Major-General Stringer Lawrence, whose skill and gallantry so greatly contributed to the preservation of the Company's East India possessions, in the middle of the last century. In the Old Sale Room are statues of Lord Clive, Admiral Pocock, Major-General Lawrence, and Sir Eyre Coote. Portraits of the Marquess Cornwallis, Sir Warren Hastings, the famous Nabob of Arcot, and various views of buildings, &c. in the East, are contained in the room where the Committee of Correspondence meet. Within the eastern wing is the Library and the Museum.* The former contains an unparalleled collection of oriental manuscripts, in all languages, many

*The Museum contained a magnificent Herbarium, or pany have lately presented to the Linnæan Society. collection of dried plants, which the East India Com

of which are adorned with historical and mythological drawings, executed in the most brilliant colours, and heightened with gold: among them is Tippoo Saib's copy of the Koran. Here, also, are many volumes of Indian drawings-copies of every work which has been published relative to Asia-and an extensive collection of Chinese printed books. A fine portrait of the Sovereign of Persia, and two busts of Governor Warren Hastings and Mr. Orme, the historian, are likewise preserved here. In the Museum are many curiouslysculptured representations of the Hindoo deities, together with inscribed bricks, in the Persepolitan or nail-headed character, from the banks of the Euphrates; and numerous other articles of interest from the countries forming the British Empire in India. also are many of the trophies taken at Seringapatam by General Harris, and particularly the standards of Tippoo Saib, the golden footstool of his throne, his velvet carpet, mantle, and several pieces of his armour. Three beautiful models of Chinese rock-work, &c., in wood, ivory, embossed silver, and mother-ofpearl,-together with various highly-finished Chinese and Indian paintings, are also pre

served here.

Here

The Warehouses of the Company in the neighbourhood are of immense extent, and are well worth inspection, both from the immense value of their merchandise, and from their excellent internal arrangements.

Reverting to the early history of Leadenhallstreet, it appears to have been the site of several distinguished houses. The ground upon which the India House now stands was occupied by a building in the possession of Michael Pistoy, a Lombard, in the reign of Richard II., and then, for some unknown reason, called the Green Gatė. This was a tenement and nine shops, which, in 1439, came into the possession of Philip Malpas, alderman and sheriff-a gentleman whose benevolence to the indigent was almost unexampled. Besides clothing, sheets, &c., he was one of the first that gave one hundred marks as marriage portions-an equal sum for repairing highways-and to five hundred poor persons in the city 6s. 8d. each. This house, however, was plundered by Cade's rebels; and in the reign of Henry VII. was seized by the king: on what account does not appear. Henry VIII. granted it to John Mutas, a Frenchman, who, it is said, employed numbers of his countrymen to calender woollens. This causing the riot of Evil May Day, in 1517, the apprentices and others would have murdered Mutas if he had not made his escape. The executions that followed this riot are said to have been as dreadful as the riot itself. The son of Mutas, who was knighted afterwards, sold these premises. Next to this Green Gate was the first House of the East India Company, already described.

MINERAL WATERS IN THE NEIGH-
BOURHOOD OF LONDON.

By Mr. A. Booth, Professor of Chemistry.
(For the Mirror.)

LONDON formerly boasted many springs and waters, of acknowledged medical reputation. More is, however, to be ascribed to the effects of faith in their reputed virtues, than to any real medicinal efficacy possessed by them. In times of pagan darkness, each spring had its tutelary deity, which, in days of monkish ignorance was transferred to a patron saint. Here these latter became a religious excise, to which those who came to seek the benefit of the waters had liberally to contribute. When this last began to fail, religious interludes were performed, and as times became more senseless to priestly influence, other and more comic and amusing performances took their places, a relic of which is exhibited in the present day, by many of these remaining waters being places celebrated for recreation and amusement. Clerkenwell was formerly a place much resorted to by priests; and from the old clerks-well this place took its name; a modern pump being substituted for the purling stream. On this pump is an inscription which states that the water was much esteemed by the Benedictine nuns and the monks of a neighbouring priory. The Holy-well, near Shoreditch, which gives name to a street in that parish, was also much celebrated. Here, too, the monks dispensed their spiritual nectar. This spring contains considerable quantities of carbonic acid gas, which gives it a peculiar sparkling appearance. Those springs in which this gas is liberally contained, or which are remarkably free from saline contents, have always been known by the name of Holy Wells. The most celebrated Holy Well in the kingdom is that of St. Winifred, at Holy-well in Flintshire, North Wales.

It is here to be observed that mineral springs have had their rise and fall, and that many have gained great repute which they have as speedily lost. Indeed, the small quantity of the saline contents of the most celebrated springs, cannot be considered sufficient to impart to them any medicinal efficacy. In the infancy of observation and of science, it is to be considered that much might be ascribed to trifling difference in external properties of colour, taste, and smell; but chemical analysis now shows us the small quantity of saline contents, and their nature, from which their influence may be safely deduced. It is to be expected that the merit which any mineral water first gained when its properties were enveloped in ignorance, would be lost when a knowledge of its real qualities and powers was obtained.

I shall proceed to enumerate those mineral springs in or near the metropolis, which have, at a recent period of history, acquired repu

tation from their supposed medicinal properties.

Acton Wells.-These wells, three in number, are situated about half a mile from East Acton; they spring from a deep clay, and were in great repute for medicinal virtues about the middle of the last century. The assembly-room was then a place of considerable and fashionable resort, and the neighbouring hamlets of East Acton and Friars Place were filled with persons of all ranks, who came to reside there during the summer season, for the benefit of the waters, which have, however, long since lost their celebrity. Bagnigge Wells.-These wells were first discovered about the year 1767, when the place of entertainment which now stands upon the spot was opened. A treatise upon these waters, bearing the above date, was published by Dr. John Bevis. There are two waters, one of which is chalybeate, and the other cathartic. No modern analysis has been made of either of these waters.

Barnet IVater.-The following notice of the discovery of this water was given in the Perfect Diurnal, June 5, 1652:-" There is lately found at Barnet, ten miles from London, an excellent purging water: it springs from a nitre mine; half the quantity works as effectually as that of Epsom; it is much approved of by several eminent physicians. They that have occasion to make use of it may repair thither, and take it free." The Barnet waters subsequently obtained considerable reputation; they are now, how ever, rarely used. Dr. Trinder, a resident physician, published an analysis of these waters in 1800.

Bermondsey Spa.—Some chalybeate waters were discovered at Bermondsey in the year 1770, and the Bermondsey Spa soon became a place of popular entertainment.

Bromley Water.-The chalybeate water at Bromley rises at the foot of a declivity, a small distance eastward from the palace of the Bishop of Rochester. The soil through which it passes is gravel, and it issues immediately from a bed of pure white sand; its course is from NN. E. It was discovered in September, 1754, by his Lordship's domestic chaplain. A moat that surrounds the palace having for some reason been drained, he perceived the water issuing from this spring, which used immediately to mix with the water of the moat, trickling along in a small current, leaving a yellow ochry sediment behind it. Upon this, the water was examined, and found to be a good chalybeate. His Lordship (Dr. Wilcox) immediately ordered it to be secured from mixing with other waters, by building a circular wall of stone around it. In digging to execute this purpose, the remains of some steps of oak were discovered, which appeared to have lain under ground for many years, and from which it is

probable that this spring had been previously frequented. A treatise on these waters was published by Mr. Reynolds, a resident surgeon, in 1756.

St. Chad's Well.-This spring is situated at the top of Gray's Inn Lane, near Battle Bridge. It is aperient, and is yet much resorted to by the poorer classes of the metropolis, with whom it enjoys considerable reputation. From an examination, I find it to be a strong solution of sulphate of soda and sulphate of magnesia.

Chigwell.-An aperient spring was discovered the latter part of the last century at Chigwell: this was strongly recommended by the then celebrated Dr. Frewen, who was a native and resident of this place. It is now quite neglected.

Dog and Duck.-Some aperient waters in St. George's Fields, near the Dog and Duck, formerly acquired much reputation from the recommendation of Dr. Fothergill. They are now extinct.

Dulwich.-A mineral water was discovered at Dulwich, in the year 1739, while digging a well at the Green Man in the village. This inn was then a place of much resort, but is now converted into a private house. A particular account of this discovery was sent to the Royal Society, by John Martyn, F.R.S. Professor of Botany, at Cambridge. The stratum of the first twenty feet, he says, was clay, mixed with vegetable substances: at the depth of forty feet, the clay was intermixed with pyrites. The well being sunk to that depth, and no water being found, it was left till the next spring, when, upon being opened, twenty-five feet of water of a cathartic quality was found. This has long lost its reputation.

Epsom Waters.-The waters of Epsom, so well known from their giving a generic name to its predominant salt, sulphate of magnesia, were discovered about the year 1670. The Epsom waters are now but little resorted to.

of

Hampstead Waters.-When the mineral waters of Hampstead were first discovered is not known. They take their rise on a piece of ground which was in the possession of Baptist, Earl of Gainsborough, but of which he made a gift in the year 1698-" To trustees for the use and benefit of the poor Hampstead." In the original grant it is thus described: "Six acres of heath ground lying, being about, and encompassing the well of medicinal waters." In a decree of the Court of Chancery, the estate is described as having on it in the year 1719," a tavern, coffeerooms, dancing-room, tap-house, rafflingshops, a bowling-green, and the spring of mineral waters." Dr. Soame published an account of these waters in 1734. He there regrets that they were less used than formerly, and his work contains a letter from Mr. Watts, then curate of the parish, who

observes, "that the walks are not so well covered as heretofore, twenty or thirty years ago." Their reputation for a time appeared to be extinguished, but was again revived by the publication of a Treatise and an Analysis of the Waters by Mr. Bliss, a resident surgeon in 1802, and Mr. Goodwin, also a resident surgeon, in 1804. The latter gentleman likewise describes a saline water then discovered in Pond Street, in that village. They are now totally in disuse; but most of the water in Hampstead contains traces of iron.

Hoxton.-Some mineral waters were discovered here about the middle of the last century, and for some time maintained considerable reputation.

Islington Spa. The well known place of amusement, called Sadlers Wells, takes its name from a chalybeate spring, now called Islington Spa, or New Tunbridge Wells. This spring was discovered by one Sadler in 1680, in the garden of a building which he had just opened to the public as a musichouse. A pamphlet was published in 1684, giving an account of this discovery, with the virtues of the water: the author says, that the well at Islington was famed before the Reformation for its extraordinary cures, and was called the Holy Well, but that it had been stopped up some years when it was rediscovered by Sadler.

Lady Mary Montague takes credit in one of her piquant letters for having introduced these waters to the world of fashion. They were drunk by two Princesses of the present House of Brunswick, at the conclusion of the last century, who are reported to have derived considerable efficacy from their use. Sir Samuel Romilly also bears testimony to their virtues, in a letter to a friend. These waters are even now much recommended by several eminent physicians, and have ever since their second discovery maintained a considerable reputation. The accommodations for visiters are excellent, and do credit to the spirited proprietor. On an examination of this water, I found a considerable proportion of iron, and indeed the spring is generally considered to be more strongly impregnated with this metal than any other in the kingdom.

Kensington Water.-An aperient water is spoken of by Munro, in his "History of Mineral Waters," as existing at Kensington;

but no trace of its existence is left.

Kilburn Water-Dr. Hales is the first author who speaks of the Kilburn Well. It is situated in the south-western extremity of the parish of Hampstead, about two miles from Tyburn turnpike, on the road to Edgware. The spring rises about twelve feet below the surface, and is enclosed in a large brick reservoir, which bears the date of 1714 on the key-stone of the arch over the door. An analysis was published by Mr. Schmeisser, in the 82nd volume of the Philosophical Trans

actions, and more recently in a treatise by Mr. Goodwin. It is more strongly impregnated with carbonic acid gas than any other known spring in England.

Lambeth Wells.-About the beginning of the last century, a house of entertainment was opened at Lambeth, on account of a mineral water then discovered, and which was sold at 1d. per quart.

Norwood. Beulah Spa.-Ample details of the revival of this spring have appeared in earlier numbers of The Mirror.*

Richmond Water.-This is an aperient water, possessed neither of much reputation nor efficacy.

St. Pancrus Water.--Near the churchyard of St. Pancras is a house, in the yard of which is a well of the once celebrated Pancras water. Of its properties, Dr. Russel speaks very highly.

Shooter's Hill.-At the bottom and at the north-west side of Shooter's Hill, a chalybeate water was discovered in the summer of the year 1672, an account of the medical properties of which was published in the following year. This water does not appear at any time to have gained much celebrity; but the spring is yet resorted to by the country people around.

Streatham Water.-This water, which is aperient and contains sulphuretted hydrogen gas, was discovered in the year 1660, and is now very much resorted to. It was formerly sent in considerable quantities to the hospitals in London.

Sydenham Wells.-The pleasant village of Sydenham was once much frequented on account of its aperient mineral springs.

Shadwell.-Shadwell formerly boasted a chalybeate water of very considerable repute; but it has long been extinct.

Woodford Wells.-The Woodford wells were formerly held in much estimation: they are described by most local writers.

THE PROMISES OF ODIN.

NEAR the lake of Stenhouse, in Orkney, stands a stone, eight feet high, three broad, and about nine inches thick, having a round hole in it, from the side next the lake.Through this aperture parties, when wishing to make a solemn contract, were wont to join hands, and the act was called "The Promise of Odin;" the party who broke such engagement being ever afterwards held in great disrespect. This custom was nearly forgotten, when, about fifty years ago, it was again brought into notice, by a case of illicit love, in which the faithless swain was visited with extreme rigour, from his having broken "The Promise of Odin." It is quite uncertain how this usage originated.

It was customary with the Scandinavian *See vol. xix. p. 225-227.