Meggs’ Almshouse, on the south side of Whitechapel, was founded about sixty-five years ago, by William Meggs, Esq; for the reception of twelve widows, each of whom has a room, and annually receives 5l. 4s. and a chaldron of coals.
Melancholy walk, St. George’s fields.
Mercers, the first of the twelve principal companies, was incorporated by letters patent granted by King Richard II. in the year 1393. The members are not only exempt from quarterage, but upon their admission to the livery, pay only a fine of 2l. 13s. 4d.
This fraternity is governed by a Prime and three other Wardens, with forty Assistants, and 232 Liverymen.
Mercers Hall, and Chapel, are situated in Cheapside, between the Old Jewry and Ironmonger lane, on the spot where anciently stood an hospital dedicated to St. Thomas of Acars or Acons. They were both destroyed by the fire of London; after which they were rebuilt by the company. The front, which is towards Cheapside, is adorned with a very handsome entrance; the door case is enriched with the figures of two Cupids mantling the company’s arms, and with festoons, &c. and over it the balcony is adorned with two pilasters of the Ionic order, and a pediment; with the figures of Faith, Hope and Charity, and other enrichments.
The inner court is adorned with piazzas, formed of columns of the Doric order; the hall room and great parlour are wainscoted with oak, and ornamented with Ionic pilasters; and the ceiling with fret-work.
The chapel is neatly wainscoted, and paved with black and white marble.
Mercers court, 1. St. Mary hill. 2. Tower hill. 3. Tower street.
Mercers School, in the Old Jewry, was, as well as their hall and chapel, a part of the hospital of St. Thomas of Acons; but that hospital being surrendered to Henry VIII. in 1531, it was purchased by the company of Mercers, and the ancient school continued; the Master having a salary of 40l. per annum, with a commodious dwelling house, for which he is obliged to teach twenty-five boys grammatical learning. Maitland.
Mercers street, Long Acre; so called from its belonging to that company.