Manley’s wharf, Mill bank, Westminster.†
Mannack’s alley, Shoreditch.†
Manor’s street, St. Giles’s.†
Mansel street, Goodman’s fields.†
Mansion House of the Lord Mayor, a very noble edifice erected in the place where Stocks market was formerly held. As the private houses of the citizens advanced to the dignity of Lord Mayor, were generally improper places, as well as too small, for transacting the great business belonging to this important office, it was customary for the chief magistrate of the city to hold his mayoralty at one or other of the halls belonging to the twelve principal companies. This however was long perceived very inconvenient; and therefore it was at last found expedient for the honour of the city, and the more regular discharge of that high office, to erect a house, as the mansion of the Lord Mayor for the time being.
This being determined by the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Common Council, several places were proposed, as the end of Pater noster row fronting Cheapside, Moorfields, and Stocks market, and the latter was chosen, from its being situated nearly in the center of the city; at a small distance from the Royal Exchange, and in the heart of business: Stocks market was therefore removed to Fleet ditch, and the earth dug up for laying the foundation, when the ground was found so full of springs, that it became necessary to erect this spacious edifice upon piles. Meanwhile many plans and designs were drawn and examined, and that from which this edifice was erected, had the preference.
In short, a vast number of strong piles being driven close together, the first stone of the foundation was laid upon them, by the Right Honourable Micajah Perry, Esq; Lord Mayor, on the 25th of October 1739, in the presence of several of the Aldermen and Common Council, and this great work was finished in 1753, Sir Crisp Gascoigne being the first Lord Mayor who resided in it.
This edifice is very substantially built of Portland stone, and has a portico of six lofty fluted columns of the Corinthian order in the front; the same order being continued in pilasters both under the pediment, and on each side. The basement story is very massy and built in rustic. In the center of this story is the door which leads to the kitchens, cellars, and other offices; and on each side rises a flight of steps of very considerable extent, leading up to the portico, in the middle of which is the door which leads to the apartments and offices where business is transacted. The stone balustrade of the stairs is continued along the front of the portico, and the columns, which are wrought in the proportions of Palladio, support a large angular pediment, adorned with a very noble piece in bas relief, representing the dignity and opulence of the city of London, by Mr. Taylor.
In the center stands a very graceful woman crowned with turrets, representing the city, her left foot placed upon the figure of Envy, who lies on her back, and seems endeavouring to rise. Her left arm rests upon a large shield, which has the city arms, and in her right hand she holds a wand. This being the principal figure, is done in alto relievo: she seems ready to step forwards, her head and right arm, which are completely finished, project forward from the back ground, and her wand extends beyond the cornice of the pediment. Near her, on her right side, stands a Cupid holding the cap of Liberty over his shoulder at the end of a short staff, in the manner of a mace; and a little farther, a river God, representing the Thames, lies reclined, pouring a stream of water from a large vase; and near him an anchor fastened to its cable, with shells lying on the shore. On the left hand of London is Plenty, kneeling and holding out her hand in a supplicating posture, as if beseeching her to accept of the fruits she is pouring from her cornucopia; and behind her are two naked boys with bales of goods, as emblems of commerce.
