At No. 10 resided for many years John Read, a man of great benevolence of character, of scientific celebrity, and of high repute in the locality. He was born in 1726, and being brought up as a mathematical instrument-maker, settled in Knightsbridge about 1754. He became known for his researches into electricity, {161b} and published, in 1793, an octavo volume, entitled “A Summary View of the Spontaneous Electricity of the Earth and Atmosphere,” an accurate and judicious work; but it led him into a controversy with Dr. Peart, a writer on the same subject. He also studied meteorology, and a journal on that subject he contributed to the “Philosophical Transactions.” Other points of his history are told on the stone to his memory in St. George’s Ground, Bayswater, where he was buried. The inscription I subjoin:— Sacrum Memoriæ of MR. JOHN READ, Mathematical Instrument Maker, a Native of WHALLEY IN LANCASHIRE, who died at KNIGHTSBRIDGE (where he had resided nearly sixty years) on the 22nd day of September, 1814, in the 88th year of his Age. Without Patron, or Patrimony, by the honest fruits of Industry, he laid the foundation of an easy competence. More indebted to Prudence than Fortune for his acquisitions; but to Temperance alone for his length of days. A deep Researcher of the latent causes of Nature’s Phenomena; her vital Principle, he held in obedience, while he enriched the science of Electricity with his experiments. Pleased in the pursuit of Knowledge, and happy in the practice of Virtue; He was a Philosopher with a benevolent heart, the Father of the Knightsbridge Charity School; of the Free School of his native place the Revivor. He lived an Example worthy of imitation, and died without a groan. Thus lived John Read, and so his spirit fled And here his ashes mingle with the Dead. Mr. Thomas Goding, founder of the well-known brewing firm, lived at No. 12. The Queen’s Head, an old inn next the Chapel, was pulled down in 1843. The house was once very curious inside, but had been considerably altered. On its removal the date 1576 was found inscribed in the brickwork. The White Hart was more curious than the Queen’s Head, and retained its characteristics to the last, when it was removed for the Albert Gate improvements. Human remains, various ancient implements, and coins were turned up below its foundation. A filthy court ran from it along the bank of the stream. I have seen a memorandum of agreement by which a house next door to the White Hart was let in 1694 for _five pounds per annum_.