expense of the then minister of the parish, Dr. Stephen Hales, who also built the tower in the following year. The chancel is a recent addition, and is constructed of brick in the Decorated style of architecture.

At the east end of the chancel is a mural monument to Henry Flitcroft, the eminent architect patronised by Lord Burlington. The oldest monument is dated 1674, and comme norates Sir Orlando Bridgman, who was commissioner for Charles I. at the treaty of Uxbridge, and after the Restoration held successively the posts of Chief Baron of the Exchequer, Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, and Lord Keeper of the Great Seal: from this last-named office, however, he was dismissed in 1672, for refusing to sign the Declaration of Indulgence.

Paul Whitehead, the poet, who died in Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, was buried in Teddington churchyard in December, 1774; but his heart was deposited in the mausoleum of his patron, Lord Le Despencer, at High Wycombe, whence it was stolen in 1839. Here, too, lies Richard Bentley, the sometime friend of Horace Walpole, and his adviser and draughtsman in the erection and decoration of Strawberry Hill. There is also a tablet here to the memory of Mr. John Walter, the founder and principal proprietor of the Times. He had a residence at Teddington, where he died in 1812.

This church contains also the remains of Dr. Stephen Hales, Clerk of the Closet to the Princess of Wales (mother of George III.), and for upwards of half a century incumbent of Teddington. Dr. Hales was one of the most active Fellows of the Royal Society, and a frequent contributor to its "Transactions." He was the author of "Hæmostatics," a treatise on the circulation of the blood, and of a similar treatise on the "Sap in Vegetables." To his practical turn the country was indebted

for

some improvements in the ventilation of prisons, hospitals, and ships of war, and these very largely reduced the deaths by "gaol fever" in Newgate.

"Plain Parson Hale" (whose name has been deprived of a letter by Pope by the inexorable laws of rhyme) was this same Dr. Stephen Hales, who was also one of the witnesses to Pope's will. Dr. Hales seems to have been a simple, benevolent man, delighting in his quiet village and pastoral duties. He rebuilt the tower of Teddington church, as stated above, and at a ripe old age he was interred beside it, dying in 1761, in his eighty-fourth year. Pope had a sincere regard for his amiable and scientific neighbour; but, according to Spence, he

looked with horror on some of his experiments. " I shall be very glad to see Dr. Hales, and always love to see him, he is so worthy and good a man. Yes, he is a very good man; only I'm sorry he has his hands so much imbrued in blood. What! he cuts up rats? Ay, and dogs too! Indeed, he commits most of those barbarities with the thought of being of use to man! But how do we know that we have a right to kill creatures that we are so little above as dogs, for our curiosity, or even for some use to us? I used to carry it too far; I thought they had reason as well as we. So they have, to be sure: all our disputes about that are only disputes about words. Man has reason enough only to know what is necessary for him to know, and dogs have just that too. But then they must have souls, too, as unperishable as ours!' And what harm would that be to us?"

Here, in 1760, was buried the once popular and charming actress, Margaret—or, as she was commonly called, "Peg "-Woffington. She is said to have been a native of Dublin, and, according to the inscription on her tomb, was born in 1720. Her histrionic talent appears to have been displayed even in childhood; as in 1728, being one of Madame Violante's Liliputian company, she obtained great applause by enacting the part of Polly in the Beggar's Opera. Her first speaking character on the Dublin stage was Ophelia, which she performed on February 12th, 1737; and on November 6th, 1740, she made her debut in London, at Covent Garden Theatre, in the part of Sylvia, in Farquhar's comedy of The Recruiting Officer. In the following season she performed at Drury Lane Theatre, and was pre-eminently distinguished in the higher walks of comedy; in some characters, particularly in that of Mrs. Loveit, she surpassed Mrs. Oldfield. In tragedy she had also considerable merit, but had not the power of touching the passions equal to Mrs. Cibber or Mrs. Pritchard. Among her best characters were 'Cleopatra," "Roxana," and the "Distressed Mother." Having in her youth been taught by Madame Violante all that a dancer of first-rate reputation could teach her, she had accustomed herself to French society; and upon a visit to Paris, Dumesnil willingly imparted to her all the manner she professed of the dignified passion of the French drama, and this infected Mrs. Woffington with the prevailing pompous mode of elocution which preceded Garrick's style, and in which she was confirmed by Cibber, who at seventy was delighted to fancy himself her gallant. She maintained a decided preference to male society, and is said to have more than once presided at the meetings of the Beef-Steak Club. Her act

Teddington.]

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John Cosens, DD., the author of "The Tears of Twickenham," "Economics of Beauty," and other poems, was Dr. Hales' successor in the incumbency of Teddington.

The church of St. Peter and St. Paul, in Upper Teddington, was partly erected in 1866, and com

Her monument, on the east wall of the north aisle, near the pulpit, is of marble, and bears the following inscription :-"Near this monument lies the body of Margaret Woffington, spinster, born October 18th, 1720, who departed this life March 28th, 1760, aged thirty-nine years." The arms on the monument are, Or, three leopards' faces, gules. On the lower compartment is another inscription, as follows:-" In the same grave lies the body of Master Horace Cholmondely, son of the Honourable Robert Cholmondely and of Mary Cholmondely, sister of the said Margaret Woffington, aged six months." A reference to Sir Egerton Brydges' "Peerage of England" shows "Master Horace" to have been born February 18th, 1753, and baptised March 16th following at St. George's, Hanover Square. The date of this sepulture, therefore, was August, 1753.

The parish registers commence in Elizabeth's reign, the first baptism and burial recorded being dated 1558, and the first marriage three years later.

In 1635, one Matthew Rendall, curate of Teddington, as mentioned in Neal's "History of the Puritans," was denounced by an aggrieved parishioner, and suspended by the bishop under the High Commission for preaching long sermons! Possibly many congregations would be glad if such a penalty could be inflicted now for the same offence.

At the Reformation several acres of land which had been left to the church for the maintenance of services then voted superstitious were surrendered to the king, who gave them out among his courtiers or devoted them to the payment of his personal debts. At this time there were seventy-two "houseling people," that is, Easter communicants, and "but one priest found to serve the cure": words which would seem to imply that the parish had not gained by the recent changes in religion.

in 1873, under the incumbency of the Rev. Daniel Trinder. The edifice is constructed of yellow brick, with dressings of red brick; it is in the Early English style of architecture, and was built from the designs of the late Mr. G. E. Street, R.A. Close by is a commodious school - house, of similar architecture, which was built in 1874. In 1875 a new school chapel was erected at Teddington Wick.

Lewis, in his "Topographical Dictionary" (1835,) mentions here large bleaching-grounds and manufactories of candles and of spermaceti; but these no longer exist.

That rapid strides have been made of late years in the growth of Teddington and the number of its inhabitants will be easily seen when it is stated that in 1835 the population was given as 895, whilst between the years 1861 and 1871 it had increased from 1,183 to 4,063. The town-for such it is-has now grown sufficiently large to have its Mutual Instruction Society, which is well supported, and also a working-man's club and horticultural and building societies; and will shortly have its town hall.

Among the "eminent inhabitants" of Teddington whose names have not already been mentioned above was William Penn, the celebrated Quaker, and founder of the colony of Pennsylvania. The son of Admiral Sir William Penn, he was born in London in 1644, and studied at Christ Church, Oxford, but was expelled from the University in consequence of the enthusiasm which he displayed in the new doctrine of Quakerism, which had its rise about that time. It was from Teddington, in 1688, that Penn dated the letter in which he rebutted the charge of being a Papist which had been brought against him. Francis Manning, the author of a translation from the French of a "Life of Theodosius the Great," lived here for many years; and, according to an entry in Sir Joshua Reynolds's pocket-book, quoted in Leslie and Taylor's "Life of Reynolds," John Wilkes-of whom we have already spoken at some length in our account of Brentford (see page 38, ante)— occupied for a short time "an out-of-the-way lodging in the second turning past Teddington Church" whilst still an outlaw, and during a surreptitious visit to England.

In Walpole's time there lived here a gentleman named Prescott, who used to beat his wife so unmercifully that she ran away, aided by a groom, and shortly afterwards "swore the peace" against her husband. The case came before Lord Mansfield, who asked the groom if he had not helped his mistress to escape. "Yes, my lord; and my master has never yet thanked me for it!" was the cool reply. "Why should he thank you, my lad?" asked his lordship. "Because, my lord, if I had not done so, he would have murdered his wife, and then he would have been hanged for it." Lord Mansfield and the Court were so amused that they acquitted the witty lad of all blame for his share in the transaction.

The river Thames at Teddington, as we have already observed, is a familiar friend to the "brethren of the angle," who have long regarded the neighbourhood and the "weir" as among the pleasantest of all their river memories. "These memories," writes Mr. S. Carter Hall, in his "Book of the Thames," "are in truth very pleasant, for, although it has fallen from its high estate,' and is by no means as productive of sport as it used to be, there is still plenty to be had in several 'pitches,' where abound all the various denizens of the populous river, while enjoyment is ever enhanced by associations of the past," which are suggested at every spot of ground beside which the punt is pushed or moored. The venerable and picturesque lock of Teddington-the first, by the way, to be met with in the voyage up the river, and one which has often been made the subject of an artist's sketch-has given way before the "march of improvement" to a new and more substantial structure of masonry. In bygone times, before the construction of bridges, locks, and other obstructions, the tide, in all probability, ascended much higher than Teddington. At the present time it flows but feebly some way below this parish, and high water here is nearly an hour and a half later than at London Bridge, a distance of nineteen and a half miles.

It may be interesting to know that the "intake" of all the London Water Companies, as authorised by the Metropolis Water Act of 1852, must be above Teddington Lock. A Government Commission, consisting of Professors Graham, Miller, and Hoffman, in 1852-4, reported that enormous supplies of spring water were to be obtained at a very small cost from the chalk strata surrounding London; but the companies, evidently led on through a feeling of self-interest, persisted in still having recourse to the Thames, though they were for ed to have their "intake" above Teddington

Lock, which still contains many particles of impurity, and therefore seeds of disease, brought down from the towns higher up the river.

In the pages of OLD AND NEW LONDON* we have spoken of the interesting ceremony called Swan-upping" on the Thames, a custom which has been observed for upwards of four centuries. As the duties of the "swan-upper," or marker, however, are confined principally to that portion of the river which lies above Teddington Lock, we may be pardoned for again reverting to the subject. From Teddington to Oxford, over the whole hundred and odd miles of which old Father Thames winds his silvery course, there is perhaps no prettier sight than a herd of swans. The royal bird, "floating double, swan and shadow," sails up and down the long reaches, and in and out among the eyots, a thing of wonderful beauty and grace-a noble ornament to a noble river. Poets of all ages and all countries, from the mythical Orpheus of Thrace down to our own poet laureate, have claimed the creature as their own. Apart altogether from his exquisite beauty and majesty, and the conscious grace with which, "with arched neck between his white wings mantling," he "proudly rows his state with oared feet," tradition claims for the bird of Apollo the divine gift of song, and tells us how, when the swan seeks the waste, to die there unseen and alone, "her awful jubilant voice, with a music strange and manifold, flows forth on a carol free and bold, as when a mighty people rejoice with shawms, and cymbals, and harps of gold." Nor is it poets alone who delight to honour the noble bird, and to claim in him a special property. Ever since the lion-hearted Richard brought back to England from the fair island of Cyprus the first "cobs" and "pens" that ever floated on the Thames, the swan has remained a royal bird, guarded jealously by special statutes, and with a royal swanherd deputed to watch over him. The subject can only keep swans by special licence, along with which he has also granted to him a swan mark, or device, to be cut with a sharp knife in the upper bill. But our swanholders have sadly fallen off since the days of "good Queer. Bess," when "close upon a thousand corporations and individuals" were privileged to keep “a game of swans." A swannery is now as rare a sight as even a heronry itself. Our old customs and institutions are dying out, and swans, being fowl, must go the way of all flesh. The Corporation of Oxford has a swannery by prescription, although no swans

• See Vol. III., p. 3.

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are now reared, and it is doubtful whether the privilege has not long since abated. The noble Abbotsbury "game" is still kept up by the Earls of Ilchester, in Dorset. And upon the Thames, the Crown, conjointly with the Worshipful Companies of Vintners and Dyers, still sends out on each 1st of August an organised expedition of swan-uppers" to catch and "nick" the young birds. But even thus, the numbers of our "games" are sadly decreasing. Some century and a half ago the Vintners' Company had no less than 500 cobs between London Bridge and Staines. There are now little more than 500 birds, cobs, pens, cygnets, and grey birds, all told, between London Bridge and Cricklade Weir. Of these, the Queen owns 397, the Vintners' Company 55, and the Dyers' Company 67.

Turning once more inland, we will now make our way towards the historic region of Hampton and Hampton Court.

At the extreme south-western end of Teddington are the entrance-gates and lodge of Bushey Park. The park is upwards of a thousand acres in extent, and with its noble avenue of horse-chestnut trees, more than a mile in length, forms a stately approach to Hampton Court Palace.

Bushey Park, lying as it does on the confines of both Teddington and Hampton, is actually in the former parish, and forms a good connecting link between them and the avenues, which were planted by William III. in true Dutch fashion. The principal avenue has four others on each side of it. The breadth of these nine avenues is upwards of 560 feet, and they cover nearly seventy acres. These avenues are perhaps unequalled for extent and beauty in Europe. At nearly the farther extremity of the avenue is a circular piece of water, called the Diana Water, from a fine bronze fountain of that goddess, seven feet in height, placed in the centre of it. It stands on a block of statuary marble, and is surrounded by small figures, also of bronze.

Immediately to the right of the entrance to Bushey Park stands the house formerly occupied by William IV. He lived here for thirty-six years like a country gentleman, superintending his farm and entertaining his neighbours with great hospitality. His Majesty, whilst residing here, like a true sailor, had a part of the foremast of the Victory, against which Nelson was standing when he received his fatal wound, deposited in a small temple in the grounds, from which it was removed to the upper end of the dining-room, where it supported a bust of Nelson. Mr. Jesse tells us in his delightful "Gleanings" that a large shot had

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passed completely through this part of the mast, and that while it stood in the temple a pair of robins had built their nest in the shot-hole, and had reared a brood of young robins, to which the king and Queen Adelaide were much attached.

The original lodge was inhabited by Bradshaw the regicide, in the time of Oliver Cromwell. Charles II., it is on record, gave it to a keeper who rejoiced in the name of Podger, and who had shown his loyalty during the troubles of the Commonwealth; and he afterwards partook of an entertainment from him at the lodge. On taking down the old church at Hampton a few years ago, Podger's tomb was discovered under the readingdesk; it is now put up in the new church. The present building is a square, substantial brick edifice; it was erected by Lord Halifax in the reign of George II.

Lord North lived here while premier, and used to gather around his hospitable and jovial table at Bushey Park the distinguished men of all countries; and here he would spend his Saturdays and Sundays among his children, throwing aside all the cares of official life.

The great feature of Bushey Park is its splendid avenue of chestnut-trees, already mentioned, which forms a great attraction to Londoners and others during the early summer months, when their branches are heavily laden with the spiry flowers, and the leaves are of their brightest colour. With the exception of its avenue, Bushey Park is somewhat scantily supplied with trees, though in the open space behind the lodge there are some fine oaks and thorns, survivors of the forest of Middlesex. There are still several hundred head of deer in Bushey Park. Norden, who wrote an account of Hampton Court in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, describes the parks belonging to the palace, and says that they were surrounded with brick walls, except on the north side, which was protected by the river. One park was a place for "deare," and the other for "hares "—a distinction which is worth noticing. Other writers have spoken of the "Old Park," the "New Park," the " Middle" or "North Park," and the "Hare Warren"; at present, however, the royal demesne is known only by the special names of the "Home Park" and "Bushey Park." As there is most wood in the former, it is probable that to it was originally applied the name of the "Deer Park," and that Bushey Park—which, no doubt, took its name from being dotted over with bushes, and on that account made a capital retreat for hares and rabbits-was known as the "Hare Warren."

"Among the records preserved by the steward of the manor of Hampton," observes Mr. Jesse, in his "Gleanings in Natural History," "is a strong remonstrance from the inhabitants of that place to Oliver Cromwell, complaining of his having encroached upon their rights by adding a part of their common to Bushey Park. This remonstrance seems to have had its effect, as a grant of some land in the neighbourhood was made over to them in lieu of what had been taken from them. The ancient boundaries of Bushey Park are found in several places."

There is a right-of-way, in the shape of a footpath, through Bushey Park, which had been closed for many years during part of the reign of George II. This right-of-way, however, was re-established by the energy and determination of an inhabitant of the former place, one Timothy Bennet, who carried on the humble avocation of a shoemaker, and who was "unwilling," as was his favourite expression, "to leave the world worse than he found it." Brewer, in his "Account of Middlesex," suspiciously intimates that this "village patriot" must have been backed by some persons of wealth or influence, else he would not have carried his point. The story is that Timothy Bennet consulted an attorney upon the practicability of recovering this road for the public good, and the probable expense of a legal process for that purpose. "I do not mean to cobble the job," said Timothy, "for I have seven hundred pounds, and I should be willing to give the awl, that great folks might not keep the upper-leather wrongfully." The lawyer informed him that no such sum would be necessary to try the right; "then," said the worthy shoe

maker, "as sure as soles are soles, I'll stick to them to the last." And Lord Halifax, the then Ranger of Bushey Park, was immediately served with the regular notice of action; upon which his lordship sent for Timothy, and on his entering the lodge, his lordship said with some warmth, " And who are you, that have the assurance to meddle in this affair?" "My name, my lord, is Timothy Bennet, shoemaker, of Hampton Wick. I remember, an't please your lordship, to have seen, when I was a young man, sitting at work, the people cheerfully pass my shop to Kingston market; but now, my lord, they are forced to go round about, through a hot sandy road, ready to faint beneath their burthens, and I am unwilling to leave the world worse than I found it. This, my lord, I humbly represent, is the reason why I have taken this work in hand." "Begone," replied his lordship, "you are an impertinent fellow." However, upon mature reflection, we are told, his lordship, convinced of the equity of the claim, beginning to compute the shame of a defeat by a shoemaker, desisted from his opposition, notwithstanding the opinion of the Crown lawyers, and re-opened the road, which is enjoyed by the public without molestation to this day. Honest Timothy died about two years after, in the 77th year of his age, and was followed to the grave by all the populace of his native village; and such was the estimation in which he was held that a mezzotint portrait of him was published, bearing an inscription which sets forth that this man succeeded in putting the law of the land into operation, to the furtherance of British liberty, because "he was unwilling to leave the world worse than he found it."

THE village of Hampton is somewhat irregular in shape, having grown up as a sort of fringe round the edge of Bushey Park. 'It occupies the outer

curve of a long reach of the Thames, and extends from Hampton Wick on the east to Sunbury on the west, including within its bounds the whole of