December 21.
St. Thomas’s Day.
Now is a busy day in London, for wardmotes are held in the city by the aldermen of every ward, “for the election of officers for the year ensuing;” and hence, in the social public rooms of the citizens, there is great debate this evening, on the merits of the common-council-men returned without opposition, or on the qualifications of candidates who contest the poll for two days longer. The “Lumber-Troop” muster strong at their head-quarters near Gough-square; the “codgers” enlighten each other and their pipes in Bride-lane; the “Counsellors under the Cauliflower” hold divided council, they know where; and the “free and easy Johns” are to night more free than easy. These societies are under currents that set in strong, and often turn the tide of an election in favour of some “good fellow,” who is good no where but in “sot’s-hole.”
And now the “gentlemen of the inquest,” chosen “at the church” in the morning, dine together as the first important duty of their office; and the re-elected ward-beadles are busy with the fresh chosen constables; and the watchmen are particularly civil to every “drunken gentleman” who happens to look like one of the new authorities. And now the bellman, who revives the history and poetry of his predecessors, will vociferate—
On St. Thomas’s Day.
My masters all, this is St. Thomas’ Day,
And Christmas now can’t be far off, you’ll say,
But when you to the Ward-motes do repair,
I hope such good men will be chosen there,
As constables for the ensuing year
As will not grutch the watchmen good strong beer.[539]
Or,
Upon the Constables first going out.
The world by sin is so degenerate grown,
Scarce can we strictly call our own, our own;
But by the patronage your watch affords,
The thief in vain shall ’tempt the tradesman’s hoards:
Their nightly ease enjoys each happy pair,
Secure as those who first in Eden were:
When willing quires of angels, as they slept,
O’er their soft slumbers watchful centry kept.[540]
Doleing Day.
To the Editor of the Every-Day Book.
Maidstone, 20th Dec. 1825.
Sir,—There is a custom prevalent in this neighbourhood, and without doubt at other places, to which I beg to call your attention. The subject to which I allude is the annual solicitation for charity on St. Thomas’s day. It has taken place here from time immemorial; consequently my object in writing is to request you will favour us in your instructive miscellany, with the origin of the custom, if possible. I shall relate a few instances of its prevalency which come within my own knowledge.
At Loose, near Maidstone, Mr. T. Charlton gives the poor of the parish certain quantities of wheat, apportioned to their families, in addition to which, his daughters give the widows a new flannel petticoat each; who, at the same time, go to the other respectable inhabitants of the place to solicit the usual donation, and it is not an uncommon thing for a family to get in this way six or seven shillings.
This custom is also prevalent at Linton, an adjoining parish; and I am informed that lord Cornwallis, who resides there, intends giving to the resident poor something very considerable. At Barming, C. Whittaker, esq. is provided with 100 loaves to distribute to the resident poor on this day, which to my own knowledge is annual on his part; they likewise go to the other respectable inhabitants, who also give their alms in the way they think best.
It may not be amiss to say, that the custom here is known by the name of “Doleing,” and the day is called “Doleing-day.”
If any of your correspondents, or yourself, can throw any light on this very ancient custom, I have no doubt but it will be very acceptable to your readers, and to none more than to
Your obliged friend,
W. W.