There was considerable rioting in the fair. Buck, the successor to the unfortunate Birch, was very roughly handled. The tumult was in some degree allayed by a serious accident to the wire-walker, Evans. The wire broke, and he was precipitated to the ground, one of his thighs being broken, and other injuries sustained. _The Bridewell Boys._—1755. An element in the occasional disturbances at the fair was the conduct of the “Bridewell Boys,” a body of youths from the Bridewell Hospital, distinguished by a peculiar dress and turbulence of manners. They infested the streets and public places to the terror of the peaceable; and being allowed the privilege of going to fires with the Bridewell engine, not unfrequently occasioned more mischief by their audacity and perverseness than by their dexterity in fire extinguishment, resembling in some degree the volunteer Fire brigades which at one time were very prevalent in the United States. On the 13th November this year, at a Court of the Governors of the Hospital, a memorable report was made by the Committee, who inquired into the behaviour of the boys at the then preceding Bartholomew and Southwark fairs; and, as a consequence, some of them were severely corrected and cautioned, and others, after their punishment, were ordered to be stripped of their hospital clothing and discharged. At a later period the boys were deprived of their distinguishing costume, and a different plan of instruction was adopted. 1760. The Court of Common Council made a more determined effort than heretofore to put down this fair; but the interest of Lord Kensington (successor of Lord Rich) in a portion of the tolls, rendered it impossible of accomplishment. See 1827. 1762. Plays were interdicted at the fair this year by the Corporation, and some hardship resulted to those who had made arrangements in advance. Strong and successful measures were taken to prevent its extension beyond the authorized three days. There was published “A Description of Bartholomew Fair” by George Alexander Stevens, whereof the following gives a good idea of the medley life there seen:— Here was, first of all, crowds against other crowds driving, Like wind and tide meeting, each contrary striving; Shrill fiddling, sharp fighting, and shouting and shrieking, Fifes, trumpets, drums, bagpipes and barrow girls squeaking, “Come my rare round and found, here’s choice of fine ware-o;” Though all was not found sold at Bartholomew fair-o. There was drolls, hornpipe dancing, and showing of postures, With frying black-puddings, and op’ning of oysters; With Salt-boxes solos, and gallery-folks squalling; The tap house guests roaring, and mouthpieces bawling, Pimps, Pawnbrokers, strollers, fat landladies, sailors, Bawds, bailiffs, jilts, jockies, thieves, tumblers and taylors.