Notes and Queries, Number 27, May 4, 1850

by Various

IRON RAILINGS ROUND ST. PAUL'S.

As the removal of the iron railing which surrounds St. Paul's Churchyard is now said to be in contemplation, P.C.S.S. imagines that it may not be unacceptable to the readers of "NOTES AND QUERIES," if he transcribes the following account of it from Hasted's Kent, vol. ii. p. 382, which is to be found in his description of the parish of Lamberhurst:—

"It was called Gloucester Furnace in honour of the Duke of Gloucester, Queen Anne's son, who, in the year 1698, visited it from Tunbridge Wells. The iron rails round St. Paul's Churchyard, in London, were cast at this furnace. They compose the most magnificent balustrade, perhaps, in the universe, being of the height of five feet six inches, in which there are, at intervals, seven iron gates of beautiful workmanship, which, together with the rails, weigh two hundred tons and eighty-one pounds; the whole of which cost 6d. per pound, and with other charges, amounted to the sum of 11,202l. 0s. 6d."

P.C.S.S.

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