Transcriber's Note: Inconsistent hyphenation and spelling in the original document have been preserved. Obvious typographical errors have been corrected. Italic text is denoted by _underscores_. The quote starting with "The piety and order" on page 95 should perhaps start on the previous page with "My first recollection of him." On page 263, "February 1661-2" is perhaps a typo for "February 1662." On page 131, "vill a" is probably a typo. [Illustration: LONDON, FROM SOUTHWARK, BEFORE THE GREAT FIRE.] THE TOWN ITS MEMORABLE CHARACTERS AND EVENTS BY LEIGH HUNT _WITH FORTY-FIVE ILLUSTRATIONS_ A NEW EDITION LONDON SMITH, ELDER, & CO., 15 WATERLOO PLACE 1889 ADVERTISEMENT. In this volume entitled "THE TOWN," the reader will find an account of London, partly topographical and historical, but chiefly recalling the memories of remarkable characters and events associated with its streets between St. Paul's and St. James's; being that part of the great metropolis which may be said to have constituted "THE TOWN" when that term was commonly used to designate London. The present edition comprises the entire contents, unabridged, with the Illustrations. CONTENTS. INTRODUCTION. Different Impressions of London on different Passengers and Minds -- Extendibility of its Interest to all -- London before the Deluge! -- Its Origin according to the fabulous Writers and Poets -- First historical Mention of it -- Its Names -- British, Roman, Saxon, and Norman London -- General Progress of the City and of Civilization -- Range of the Metropolis as it existed in the Time of Shakspeare and Bacon -- Growth of the Streets and Suburbs during the later Reigns -- "Merry London" and "Merry England" -- Curious Assertion respecting Trees in the City 1 CHAPTER I. ST. PAUL'S AND THE NEIGHBOURHOOD. The Roman Temple of Diana: the first Christian Church -- Old St. Paul's -- Inigo Jones's Portico -- Strange Usages of former Times -- Encroachments on the Fabric of the Cathedral -- Paul's Walkers -- Dining with Duke Humphrey -- Catholic Customs -- The Boy-Bishop The Children of the Revels -- Strange Ceremony on the Festivals of the Commemoration and Conversion of St. Paul -- Ancient Tombs in the Cathedral -- Scene between John of Gaunt and the Anti-Wickliffites -- Paul's Cross -- The Folkmote -- The Sermons -- Jane Shore -- See-Saw of Popery and Protestantism -- London House -- The Charnel -- The Lollards' Tower -- St. Paul's School -- Desecration of the Cathedral during the Commonwealth -- The present Cathedral -- Sir Christopher Wren -- Statue of Queen Anne 23 CHAPTER II. ST. PAUL'S AND THE NEIGHBOURHOOD.