Moor court, 1. Fore street, Cripplegate, so called from its vicinity to Moorfields. 2. Miles lane, near Crooked lane.
Moorfields, a large piece of ground to the north of London wall, lying between the east end of Fore street, and the west end of New Broad street, and extending as far as Hoxton. These fields originally took their name from their being one continued marsh or moor; so that Roger Achiley, Lord Mayor, in 1521, caused the ground to be levelled, and bridges and causeways to be erected over these fields, in order to render them passable: but since that time the ground has been raised and drained, and the whole encompassed with houses.
Moorfields being a very extensive piece of ground, is now divided into Lower Moorfields, Middle Moorfields, and Upper Moorfields. The first of these divisions has the hospital of Bethlem, a noble building, extending along the whole south side: and here the fields are divided into four different squares, by very strong, but clumsey, wooden rails, each containing a large grass plat, surrounded on each side by a row of trees. Between these squares, which are generally denominated the quarters, are gravel walks; and one extending from east to west, with a row of trees on each side, forming a tolerable vista, is usually denominated the City Mall; a great concourse of well-dressed citizens of both sexes walking there, particularly every Sunday noon in fine weather, and on evenings.
The east side of this part of Moorfields is taken up by shops, where old books are sold at the south east corner, and second-hand goods of all sorts along that side.
The rest of Moorfields, containing the two other divisions, still lie waste, though they might be converted into gardens or public walks, and thus be rendered one of the principal ornaments of this metropolis.
Moorgate, situated near the north end of Coleman street, and 1664 feet to the west of Bishopsgate, was first erected in the year 1415, and received its name from its opening into Moorfields.
The present edifice, which is one of the most magnificent gates of the city, was erected in the year 1674, and consists of a lofty arch, and two posterns for foot passengers. The arch is built higher than the common rules of proportion, for the sake of the city trained bands marching through it with their pikes erected; a weapon now laid aside. Others, however, are of opinion, that its height was intended for the better convenience of bringing carts or waggons loaded with hay into the city, it having been intended to make a market for hay in Little Moorfields; a design which did not take effect. The upper part is ornamented with Corinthian pilasters, supporting their proper entablature, and with a round pediment, in which is the city arms. The apartments over the gate are appropriated to the use of one of the Lord Mayor’s carvers.
Moor’s alley, 1. King’s street, Westminster.† 2. Norton Falgate, near Shoreditch.†
Moor Park, near Rickmansworth in Hertfordshire, is at present the seat of Lord Anson. The park is not large, but is very beautiful, whether we consider it within itself or with regard to the fine and extensive prospects from it. The house was originally built by Cardinal Wolsey, and, passing through many hands, was afterwards in possession of the Duke of Monmouth. Then it came into the hands of Mr. Stiles, who enlarged, repaired, and beautified it, under the direction of Sir James Thornhill. It stands on a hill, not quite on the summit. It is of stone of the Corinthian order; and, if not in the highest stile of architecture, is yet very noble. The south, or principal front, has a portico and pediment of four columns. The offices are joined to the house by a beautiful circular colonade of the Ionic order, which terminates very elegantly with domes on each side their entrance. One cannot help wishing the house on the top of the hill, or that part of the hill were removed, for you can’t now see the principal front till you are upon it. Even in the view given in the print, part of one of the wings is hid by the rising ground.
Moor street, Hog lane, Soho.†