The Inns and Taverns of "Pickwick": With Some Observations on Their Other AssociationsMatz, B. W. (Bertram Waldrom)
History
The Inns and Taverns of "Pickwick": With Some Observations on Their Other Associations
Matz, B. W. (Bertram Waldrom)
Dickens, Charles, 1812-1870. Pickwick papers; Taverns (Inns) -- England
Mrs. Bardell had just recovered from her fainting fit when the
ladies observed a hackney coach stop at the garden gate. Out
of it stepped Mr. Jackson of Dodson and Fogg, who, coming up to
the party, informed Mrs. Bardell that his "people" required her
presence in the city directly on very important and pressing
business. "How very strange," said Mrs. Bardell, with an air of
being someone of distinction, as she allowed herself to be taken
along, accompanied by Mrs. Sanders, Mrs. Cluppins and Tommy.
Entering the coach in waiting, to be driven, as they thought, to
Dodson and Fogg's, they were alas! sadly deceived, for shortly
afterwards Mrs. Bardell was safely deposited in the Fleet Prison
for not having paid those rascals their costs, and promptly fainted
in "real downright earnest."
What happened to the rest of the party at the "Spaniards" history
does not relate. But the event which had promised to be such a
happy one at the famous old inn was spoiled by those rapscallions of
lawyers, and we can only hope that Mr. Raddle made himself amiable
with the two ladies left in his charge, and helped them to enjoy the
remainder of the day in the pleasant rural and rustic spot.
The "Spaniards" is still a favourite resort of the pleasure-seeking
pedestrian, and a halting-place for refreshment for pilgrims across
the Heath. The arbours and rustic corners of its pleasant tea
gardens still attract holiday-makers, as they attracted Mrs. Bardell
and her friends on that day long since gone by.
[illustration: The "Spaniards," Hampstead Heath. Drawn by L. Walker]
The inn itself is spacious and offers the comforts expected of
an ancient hostelry. Dating back to about 1630 it occupies what
was once the lodge entrance to the Bishop of London's great rural
park, whose old toll gate is still remaining. It is said by some
to have derived its name through having been once inhabited by a
family connected with the Spanish Embassy; and by others from its
having been taken by a Spaniard who converted it into a house of
refreshment and entertainment. Ultimately its gardens were improved
and beautifully ornamented by one William Staples, similar to the
gardens which flourished during this period in other parts of the
metropolis. It has carried on its business of catering for all and
sundry to the present day, but the ornate decorations and statuary
have long disappeared.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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