lances, and the wheels are imitations from the antient triumphal chariots. The body of the coach is composed of eight palm trees, which, branching out at the top, sustain the roof. The four angular trees are loaded with trophies, allusive to the victories obtained by Britain over her enemies. On the centre of the roof stand three boys, representing the genii of England, Scotland, and Ireland, supporting the imperial crown, and holding in their hands the sceptre, the sword of state, and ensigns of knighthood: their bodies are adorned with festoons of laurel, which fall thence to the four corners of the roof. The intervals between the palm trees, which form the body of the coach, are filled in the upper parts with plate glass, which, on account of the attempt on the king's life in 1795, have been cased on the inside with iron plates. The pannels below are adorned with beautiful paintings. On the front is represented BRITANNIA, seated on a throne, holding in her hand the staff of Liberty, attended by Religion, Justice, Wisdom, Valour, Fortitude, and Victory, presenting her with a garland of laurel: on the back pannel, Neptune issuing from his palace, drawn by sea horses, and attended by the Winds, Rivers, Tritons, Naiads, &c. bringing the tribute of the world to the British shore. On one of the doors are represented Mars, Minerva, and Mercury, supporting the imperial crown of Britain; and on the other Industry and Ingenuity, giving a cornucopia to the Genius of England. The other four pannels represent the liberal Arts and Sciences protected; History recording the reports of Fame; and Peace burning the implements of war. The inside of the coach is lined with crimson velvet, richly embroidered with gold. All the wood work is triple gilt, and all the paintings highly varnished. This grand performance was designed by Sir William Chambers, and executed under his direction. The carving was the work of Wilton; the painting by Cipriani; the chasing by Coit; the coach work by Butler; the embroidery by Barrel; the gilding by Pujolas; the varnishing by Ansel; and the

harness

harness by Ringstead. upwards of 10,000/.

The whole of the expence was

Behind the Mews, is CASTLE STREET, in which is a LIBRARY, founded in the year 1685, by Dr. Tennison, vicar of St. Martin's, afterwards archbishop of Canterbury, for the use of his school, over which it is placed, and consists of about five thousand volumes.

The SCHOOL. In 1697, the doctor gave 1000l. towards a fund for the maintenance of this foundation; and afterwards, by the consent of Dr. Patrick, bishop of Ely, another sum of 500l. which had been left to them jointly, in trust, to dispose of in charitable uses: which two sums, together with two leasehold messuages, for the term of forty years, he vested in trustees, for the support of his school and library; out of the profits of which the librarian and masters have an annual salary, for teaching thirty boys, sons of inhabitants of St. Martin's parish.

Returning through the Mews to Charing Cross, on the east side is Craig's Court, in which is the principal office belonging to THE SUN FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY, of whom we have given an ample account*.

SCOTLAND YARD was antiently a palace for the kings of Scotland, given by king Edgar to Kenneth III. for the humiliating purpose of his making to this place an annual journey, to do homage for his kingdom; and in after times, when the Northern monarchs did homage for Cumberland, and other fiefs of the crown, it became at length a magnificent residence; and Margaret, widow of James V. and sister to Henry VIII. of England, made it her residence for a considerable time after her consort's death; she was also entertained with great splendour by her brother, after he was reconciled to her second marriage with the earl of Angust. When the two crowns became united in the person of James I. this palace was deserted for those of St. James and Whitehall; and having been demolished, no traces of it are left, except the name.

See Vol. II. P. 115.

VOL. IV. No. 86.

+ Pennant.

Gg

Opposite

Opposite was situated WALLINGFORD HOUSE, built by William, lord Knollys, viscount Wallingford, and earl of Banbury, in the second year of the reign of Charles I. It was from the roof of this building that the pious archbishop Usher, was prevailed upon to take the last sight of his be loved king and master, when brought on the scaffold before Whitehall. He sunk at the horror of the sight, and was carried to his apartment in a swoon*.

In the reign of William III. this house was appointed for THE ADMIRALTY OFFICE, which had been removed from CDuke Street, Westminster.

heales

The structure was rebuilt in the reign of George II. by Ripley. It is a magnificent edifice of brick and stone. The front facing the street, has two deep wings, and a very lofty portico, supported by four massy stone pillars. The building is very commodious, and comprizes a hall and appropriate offices for transacting maritime concerns, besides seven large houses for the accommodation of the lords commissioners, who are ready on the spot, in case of urgent business. The wall before the court is built in an elegant manner by the Adams. A beautiful piazza, with a stately gateway in the centre, surmounted with marine ornaments, screens the fabric from, the noise of a public street.

The jurisdiction of the Admiralty is very extensive; it controls the whole navy of the united kingdom, nominates admirals, captains, and other officers to serve on board his majesty's ships of war; and gives orders for courts martial on such as have neglected their duty, or been guilty of other irregularities.

On the top of the building are two telegraphs, for the quick conveyance of intelligence from the coast.

THE HORSE GUARDS, constitute a noble modern edifice, which consists of a centre and two wings, and has a solidity consistent with the nature of the building. In the centre are arched passages into St. James's Park, under the principal of which the king passes when he goes in state to

• Periant..

the