NOOKS AND CORNERS OF OLD LONDON

The Mansion House

NOOKS AND CORNERS

OF OLD LONDON

By

Charles and Marie Hemstreet

Authors of "Nooks and Corners of Old New

York," "Literary New York," etc.

WITH SPECIAL ILLUSTRATIONS

By

W. J. Roberts

NEW YORK

JAMES POTT & COMPANY

Copyright, 1910, by James Pott & Company

FOREWORD

A writing of the odd nooks and quaint corners of wonderful old London town, arranged so that a wanderer may reach the points in consecutive order without going too far afield.

CONTENTS

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

ONE

Within Sound of Bow Bells

Said the Italian sculptor Canova, "Gladly would I journey to London if only to see Somerset House, St. Paul's and St. Stephen's, Walbrook." Just behind the Mansion House, in the ancient by-way called Walbrook, stands hidden away the church of St. Stephen's, Walbrook, planned by Sir Christopher Wren. Its name recalls one of the little streams of the London of centuries ago, called the Brook by the Wall. Outwardly the only thing to take notice of is the shop which has been built into its side, and it is a surprise to note its lofty dome as seen from within. The Corporation was very proud of St. Stephen's when it was first built, and after many expressions of gratitude as to the skill and economy evidenced by the great