Author Description

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1839 Excerpt:...occasions. Hand-bills were printed, and constables stationed to prevent a recurrence of these scenes. ':»', Whilst Ranelagh was in fashion, the Bun-' House was much frequented by the visitors of that celebrated temple of pleasure; but after the failure of Ranelagh, the business fell off in a great degree, and dwindled into insignificance. INTERIOR OF CHELSEA BUN-HOUSE. The interior was formerly fitted up in a Wry singular and grotesque style, beingfur nished with furogn clocks, and many natural and artificial curiosities from abroad; but most of these articles have disappeared since the decease of Mrs. Hand. At the upper end of the shop is placed, in a large glass-case, a model of RadclifTe Church, at Bristol, cut out very curiously and elaborately in paste-board; but the upper towers, pinnacles, &c. resemble more an eastern mosque than a Christian church. Over the parlour door is placed an equestrian coloured statue, in lead, of William, the great Duke of Cumberland, in the military costume of the year 1745, taken just after the celebrated battle of Culloden: it is eighteen inches in height. On each side stand two grenadier guards, presenting arms, and in the military dress of the above period, with their high sugarloaf caps, long-flap coats, and broad gerilles, and old-fashioned muskets, presenting a grotesque appearance, when compared with the neat short-cut military trim of the present day. These figures are also cast in lead, and coloured; are near four feet high, and weigh each about two hundred weight. Underneath, on the wall, is suspended a whole-length portrait, much admired by connoisseurs, of Aurengzebe, Emperor of Persia. This is probably the work of an Italian artist, but his name is unknown. After the death of Mrs. Hand, the business...