There has been more than one hostelry with this sign in the City of London. The most famous was the Swan with Two Necks in Lad Lane, at one time owned by Mr. William Chaplin, perhaps the greatest coach proprietor that ever lived. After the advent of railways, in partnership with Mr. Horne, he established the great carrying business which still flourishes on the old site in Lad Lane, now absorbed by Gresham Street. The Swan with Two Necks, in Carter Lane, was also a coaching house, but although picturesque, of comparatively small importance. Outside was a painted sign, placed flat against the wall, and visible from Dean's Court. Times having changed, the building in front became an ordinary public-house, while the galleried portion was occupied by persons in the employment of Messrs. Pawson, the great warehousemen. This drawing was made in October, 1894, when the place had just been vacated, having been taken over by the Post Office authorities. It was shortly afterwards destroyed, and a Post Office Savings Bank has been built on the site. The origin of the sign may be thus explained. The swans on the upper reaches of the Thames are owned respectively by the Crown and the Dyers' and Vintners' Companies of the City of London, and, according to ancient custom, the representatives of these several owners make an expedition each year up the river and mark the cygnets. The Royal mark used to consist of five diamonds, the Dyers' of four bars and one nick, and the Vintners' of the chevron or letter V and two nicks. The word "nicks" has been corrupted into "necks," and as the Vintners were often tavern-keepers, the Swan with Two Necks became a common sign. The swan-marks which I have described continued in use until the year 1878, when the swanherds were prosecuted by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, on the ground that they inflicted unnecessary pain. Although the prosecution failed, the marks have since been simplified. (6-11/16 × 8-5/8) D. 72-1896. [Illustration: No. 51. VIEW FROM PAUL'S PIER. 1891.] 51. View from Paul's Pier, 1891 (Black and white).