The Lord Mayor issued a notice in December 1732, observing, that vagrant children were suffered to skulk about the streets and lanes, and sleep upon bulks, stalls, and other places, "whereby many of them perish by the extremity of the weather." In order to prevent this, he commanded constables, &c. to apprehend them,
and to have them properly taken care of according to Law.
The Citizens of London have been particularly distinguished for their loyalty since the Revolution of 1688; this they have evinced by public rejoicings or respectful mourning on any great event occurring in the domestic concerns of their Sovereigns; thus it has become an established custom to celebrate the marriages of the respective branches of the Royal family. When that of the Prince of Orange and the Princess Royal took place in March 1734, the City was brilliantly illuminated; but, as that of Ludgate exhibited on each front, at the expence of Henry Vander Esche, surpassed every other, I shall present the reader with a minute description.
"First, A pyramid, whose base and perpendicular were 25 feet each, on each side of which was placed an obelisk, standing upon a pedestal, supported by the arms of the most noble and antient City of London.
"Secondly, A little higher on the face of the plan, were interwoven the cyphers of Prince William of Nassau, and her Royal highness the Princess Anne of Great-Britain.
"Lastly, At the extreme height of the building, were the Royal arms, over a large transparent semicircle, on which were delineated the several hieroglyphicks following. In the middle stood his Highness the Prince of Orange,
hand-in-hand with his illustrious bride, the Princess Royal.
"For these bless'd nuptials, loyal hearts contend
Which shall the most with ardent joy transcend.
"On the left-hand of his Highness was represented Prudence, by a woman with two faces, having a helmet on her head, a looking-glass in one hand, and in the other a remora, which retards the motion of a ship.