These, then, are some of the principal and most curious historic signs. From the perusal of this catalogue, we can draw one conclusion—namely, that only a few of what we have termed “historical signs,” outlive the century which gave them birth. If the term of their duration extends over this period, there is some chance that they will remain in popular favour for a long time. Thus, in the case of most heroes of the last century, few publicans certainly will know anything about the Marquis of Granby, Admiral Rodney, or the Duke of Cumberland, yet their names are almost as familiar as the Red Lion, or the Green Dragon, and have indeed become public-household words. Once that stage past, they have a last chance of continuing another century or two—namely, when those heroes are so completely forgotten, that the very mystery of their names becomes their recommendation; such as the Grave Morris, the Will Sommers, the Jack of Newbury, &c.
[54] Lloyd’s Evening Post, February 11-13, 1761.
[55] Horace Walpole’s Letters. Thirteenth Letter to Mr Conway, April 16, 1747.
[56] In the Print-room of the British Museum.
[57] Pennant’s History of London, vol. i. p. 99.
[58] “The Quack Vintners, 1710,” a tract written against Brooke and Hilliers, the famous wine-merchants of that time, frequently mentioned by the Spectator.
[59] Newcastle Journal, June 28, 1746.
[60] Nugæ Antiquæ, vol. i. p. 348.
[61] Barrow’s Life of Peter the Great.