It is worthy of remark, that this Bancroft, who left so large a sum for erecting and endowing this fine hospital, and even ordered two sermons to be annually preached in commemoration of his charity, was, according to the last edition of Stow’s Survey, one of the Lord Mayor’s officers, and by informations and summoning the citizens before the Lord Mayor, upon the most trifling occasions, and other things not belonging to his office, not only pillaged the poor but also many of the rich, who rather than lose time in appearing before that Magistrate, gave money to get rid of this common pest of the citizens, which, together with his numerous quarterages from the brokers, &c. enabled him to amass annually a considerable sum of money. But by these and other mercenary practices, he so incurred the hatred and ill-will of the citizens of all ranks and denominations, that the persons who attended his funeral obsequies, with great difficulty saved his corpse from being jostled off the bearers shoulders in the church, by the enraged populace, who seizing the bells, rang them for joy at his unlamented death.
Bandyleg alley, Fleet ditch.║
Bandyleg walk. 1. Maiden lane, near Deadman’s place.║ 2. Queen street, in the Park, Southwark.║
Bane court, Cold Bath square.
Bangor court. 1. Shoe lane. 2. White street.
S. Wale J. Green sc. Oxon.
The Bank.
Bank of England. This is a noble edifice, situated at the east of St. Christopher’s church, near the west end of Threadneedle street. The front next the street is about 80 feet in length, and is of the Ionic order raised on a rustic basement, as is represented in the print, and is in a good style. Through this you pass into the court yard, in which is the hall. This is of the Corinthian order, and in the middle is a pediment. The top of the building is adorned with a balustrade and handsome vases, and in the face of the above pediment is engraved, in relievo, the Company’s seal, Britannia sitting with her shield and spear, and at her feet a Cornucopia, pouring out fruit. The hall, which is in this last building, is 79 feet in length, and 40 in breadth; it is wainscoted about eight feet high; has a fine fretwork ceiling, and is adorned with the statue of King William III. which stands in a nich at the upper end; on the pedestal of which is the following inscription:
Ob
Legibus vim,