A Topographical and Statistical description of the County of Middlesex ,etc (1810) by George Alexander Cooke
We next visit Pall Mall, a long and well-built street, upon the north side of which formerly stood the Shakespear Gallery, which, in consequence of the unfortunate failure of the speculation of its public spirited-proprietor, the late Alderman Boydell, has been recently obliged to give place to the Gallery of the British Institution, lately established under his Majesty's patronage, with a view to the encouragement and reward of British talents. It is supported wholly by voluntary subscriptions. Nearly opposite is situated the ancient mansion of the Duke of Schombergh, which he built during the
reign of William III. and which, after owning a variety of masters, was at length converted by the
enterprising Bowyer into an Historic Gallery. Poor Bowyer, however, soon trod in the unfortunate
steps of his opposite neighbour, and the lottery of his collection took place within the interval of little more th:m a year from the similar sale of the Shakespear Gallery.
At the eastern extremity of Pall Mall, and upon the south side, stands Carlton House, the superb
palace ot the Prince of Wales, which contains many magnificent apartments, and has in its rear beautifully disposed gardens.
Upon the north side and near the middle of Pall Mall is St. James's Square, having a circular bason,
inclosed within an octagonal railing, in its^centre; the houses surrounding this square are chiefly inhabited by nobility. The town residence of the bishops of London, a large inelegant pile of brick
building, occupies along with its neighbour Norfolk House, in which our present sovereign was born,
all that portion of the eastern side of the square, intercepted between Charles Street and Pall
Mall. At the corner of York Street, an avenue leading north from this street to Jermyn Street, is
the large house and manufactory of Mr. Wedgewood, to whose exertions much of the late reformation
of public taste is to be ascribed. This house had been originally the habitation of the Spanish
Ambassador, to which was attached the adjoining chapel, which, upon his quitting this place, was
used as a place of worship by sundry sectarians, and is at present in the possession of a Mr. Proud, one of the adherents to the singular tenets of an eccentric Swedish baron, Emanuel Swedenborgh, for
an account of whose doctrine we must refer our readers to Evans's useful, comprehensive, yet concise account of the various denominations of Christians.
Use the "Show me" link to locate Pall Mall on the map. You may need to scroll down to see Pall Mall highlighted.
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| Quotations |
 Chapter 30
"In a stationer's shop in Pall Mall, where I had business. Two ladies were waiting for their carriage, and one of them was giving the other an account of the intended match, in a voice so little attempting concealment, that it was impossible for me not to hear all. The name of Willoughby, John Willoughby, frequently repeated, first caught my attention, and what followed was a positive assertion that everything was now finally settled respecting his marriage with Miss Grey -- it was no longer to be a secret -- it would take place even within a few weeks, with many particulars of preparations and other matters. |
Chapter 38
"Edward talks of going to Oxford soon," said she, "but now he is lodging at No. -- , Pall Mall. What an ill-natured woman his mother is, an't she? And your brother and sister were not very kind! However, I shan't say anything against them to you ; and to be sure they did send us home in their own chariot, which was more than I looked for. And for my part, I was all in a fright for fear your sister should ask us for the huswifes she had gave us a day or two before; but however, nothing was said about them, and I took care to keep mine out of sight. Edward have got some business at Oxford, he says, so he must go there for a time; and after that , as soon as he can light upon a bishop, he will be ordained. |
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