"King Charles the Second, with his Queen Katharine, the Duke of York, and his Duchess, and Prince Rupert, the Duke of Monmouth, and many others of the nobility did lodge in Wickomb, the 30th day of September, in the yeare 1663. They did come into the town about 4 of the clock the same day. They came from Oxford. The King in his progress going back again to London. The King did go out of the town between v and vi of the clock the next morning, and was at his palace at Whitehall before 9 of the clock in the morning. The Queen did go out about viii of the clock, and dined at Uxbridge, and then went to Whitehall. The King was lodged with his Queen at the _Catharine Wheel_." * * * * * FAT LIVING. The vicarage of Wyburn, or Winsburn, Cumberland, is of the following tempting value: Fifty shilling per annum, a new surplice, a pair of clogs, and feed on the common for one goose. This favoured church preferment is in the midst of a wild country, inhabited by shepherds. The clerk keeps a pot-house opposite the church. The service is once a fortnight; and when there is no congregation, the Vicar and Moses regale themselves at the bar. D.P. * * * * * BAD ALE. In the time of the Saxons, it was a custom in the city of Chester, that any person who brewed bad ale should either be placed in a ducking-chair, and plunged into a pool of muddy water, or, in lieu of that punishment, should forfeit four shillings. D.P. * * * * * ANCIENT TRADESMEN. In _Domesday Book_ we find frequent mention of goldsmiths; and we know the Anglo-Saxons had their goldsmiths, silversmiths, and coppersmiths. Bowyers, or makers of cross-bows, are frequently mentioned--as are carpenters, potters, bakers, and brewers, the last of which were chiefly women. Both war and agriculture want the smith: hence his importance among the Saxons. They were free from all other services, on payment of a penny yearly for their forge. We also meet with butchers, barbers, embroiderers, saddlers, parchment-makers, and salt-makers. D.P. * * * * * PHYSICIANS' FEES. In a book called _Levamen Infirmi_, written in 1700, the usual fees to physicians and surgeons at that time are thus stated:--"To a graduate in physic, his due is about _10s._, though he commonly expects, or demands, _20s_. Those that are only licensed physicians, their due is no more than _6s. 9d._, though they commonly demand _10s_. A surgeon's journey is _12d._ a mile, be his journey far or near. Ten groats to set a bone broke, or out of joint; and for letting of blood, _1s_. The cutting off or amputation of any limb is _5l._, but there is no settled price for the cure." D.P. * * * * * EVIL OMEN.