Gripey alley, Artichoke lane.
Grocers, the second of the twelve principal companies, was anciently denominated Pepperers; but having changed their name to that of Grocers, were under that denomination incorporated by letters patent granted by King Edward III. in the year 1345, which were confirmed by Henry VI. in 1429. These grants were afterwards confirmed by a new charter of Charles I. in the year 1640, with an additional power of searching and inspecting the goods and weights of all Grocers within the city and suburbs of London, and three miles round. They had anciently the management of the King’s beam in this city, with the right of appointing a master-weigher, and four porters to attend it.
This corporation consists of a Prime and three other Wardens, fifty-two Assistants, and one hundred and twenty-seven Liverymen, whose fine upon admission is 20l. They have a great estate, out of which they annually pay to the poor about 700l. Maitland.
Grocers alley, 1. In the Poultry.☐ 2. Shoreditch.
Grocers Hall, on the north side of the Poultry, and at the farther end of Grocers alley, is situated on a spot of ground purchased by the Grocers company in the year 1411, of Robert Lord Fitzwalter, for three hundred and twenty marks. The building is well designed for the purpose of a common hall; and is not only a stately edifice, but is so capacious, that for many years it served for the uses of the Bank of England, which was kept in this hall, till the edifice in Thread-needle street was erected for that purpose. The ancient stone and brick building at the north west corner of the garden, inhabited by the beadle of the company, is probably part of the ancient city mansion of the noble family of Fitzwalter, and consequently the oldest building within the city walls. Maitland.
Grocers Hall yard, Grocers alley.
Grocers rents, East Smithfield.
Groom Porter, an officer of the King’s palace under the Lord Chamberlain. It is his duty to see that his Majesty’s lodgings are furnished with tables, chairs, stools and firing; to provide cards, dice, &c. Chamberlain’s Present State.
Groom of the Stole, the first Lord of the Bedchamber, who is groom of the long robe or vestment worn by the King on solemn occasions, and called the stole. It is his office to present or put on his Majesty’s shirt every morning, and to order the things of the bedchamber. His salary is 2000l. a year.
Grosvenor’s gate, Grosvenor street.†