In this hospital are generally about a hundred youths, that are apprentices to glovers, flaxdressers, weavers, &c. who reside there. These youths are under particular regulations, and distinguish themselves at all dangerous fires, by the dexterity with which they work an excellent fire engine belonging to the hospital, and the expedition and regularity with which they supply it with water. They are cloathed in blue doublets and white hats; and having faithfully served their apprenticeship, are not only free of the city, but have 10_l._ towards enabling them to carry on their respective trades. This hospital is likewise used as a house of correction for all strumpets, nightwalkers, pickpockets, vagrants, and incorrigible and disobedient servants, who are committed by the Lord Mayor, and Aldermen; as are also apprentices by the Chamberlain of the city, who are obliged to beat hemp, and if the nature of their offence requires it, to undergo the correction of whipping. All the affairs of this hospital are managed by the Governors, who are above three hundred, besides the Lord Mayor and court of Aldermen, all of whom are likewise Governors of Bethlem hospital; for these hospitals being one corporation, they have the same President, Governors, Clerk, Physician, Surgeon, and Apothecary. This hospital has however its own steward, a porter, a matron, and four beadles, the youngest of whom has the task of correcting the criminals. There are several other places also called by the name of Bridewell, as in Clerkenwell, St. Margaret’s hill, and Tothill fields; but as these are merely houses of correction, they do not deserve a particular description. BRIDEWELL _alley_, by the side of Bridewell on St. Margaret’s hill. BRIDEWELL _precinct_, Fleet ditch. BRIDEWELL _rents_, Vine street. BRIDEWELL _walk_, Clerkenwell. BRIDGE. See BLACK FRIARS _Bridge_, LONDON _Bridge_, and WESTMINSTER _Bridge_. BRIDGE HOUSE, several large buildings, erected as storehouses for timber, stone, or whatever is proper for building or repairing London bridge. It seems to have had its foundation with the bridge itself, and is situated on a considerable spot of ground on the south bank of the Thames, near St. Olave’s church. It had formerly several granaries, for the service of the city in a time of scarcity; and also ten ovens for baking bread, for the relief of the poor citizens: but these granaries are now applied to the use of the cornfactors, who here lay in considerable quantities of corn. The Bridge house is under the management of the Bridge-master, whose office is to look after the reparation of the bridge, and is allowed a considerable salary. BRIDGE _street_, Westminster, so called from its situation with respect to Westminster bridge.