But by far the most interesting ancient hostelrie that has submitted to the demolishing mania for improvement is the _Old Queen's Head_, formerly situate in the Lower Street, Islington. This stately edifice was one of the most perfect specimens of ancient domestic architecture in England. Under its venerable roof Sir Walter Raleigh, it is said, “puffed his pipe;” and might not Jack Falstaff have taken his ease there, when he journeyed to string a bow with the Finsbury archers? For many years it was a pleasant retreat for retired citizens, who quaffed their nut-brown beneath its primitive porch, and indulged in reminiscences of the olden time. Thither would little Quick, King George the Third's favourite actor, resort to drink cold punch, and “babble” of his theatrical contemporaries. Plays * were formerly acted there. * The following curious “Old Queen's Head” play-bill, temp. George the Second, is presumed to be unique:-- G. II. R. By a Company of Comedians, at the Queen's Head, in the Lower Street, Islington, This present evening will be acted a Tragedy, called the Fair Penitent. Sciolto, Mr. Malone.--Horatio, Mr. Johnson. Altamont, Mr. Jones.--Lothario, Mr. Dunn. Rosano, Mr. Harris.--Calista, Mrs. Harman. Lavinia, Mrs. Malone.--Lucilla, Miss Platt. To which will be added, a Farce called The Lying Valet. Prices--Pit, 2s.; Gallery, Is. To begin at 7 o'clock.” On Monday, October 19, 1829, it was razed to the ground, to make room for a misshapen mass of modern masonry. The oak parlour has been preserved from the wreck, and is well worth a visit from the antiquary. Canonbury Tavern and Highbury Barn still maintain their festive honours. Farther a-field are the Sluice, or Eel-pie House; Copenhagen House; Hornsey-wood House, formerly the hunting seat of Queen Elizabeth; Chalk Farm; Jack Straw's Castle; the Spaniards, &c. as yet undefiled by pitiful prettinesses of bricks and mortar, and affording a delightful opportunity of enjoying pure air and pastime. The canonised Bishop of Lichfield and Mademoiselle St. Agnes have each their wells. What perambulator of the suburbs but knows St. Chad, in Gray's Inn Lane, and St. Agnes le Clair, * at Hoxton? Paneras ** * Whit, in Jonson's Bartholomew Fair, promises to treat his company with a clean glass, washed with the water of Agnes le Clare.