A most dreadful fire occurred at Limehouse in the month of December, 1716, by which near 200 houses were destroyed, and infinite distress occasioned; the Prince Regent, agitated with strong sentiments of compassion, ordered the sum of 1000l. to be distributed immediately to the most pitiable objects; which laudable example was promptly followed by others to a considerable amount. A more disinterested charity was prosecuting at the same period for the Episcopal Protestants of Poland; towards which, 60l. was obtained in the inconsiderable parish of St. Helen's, Bishopsgate[24:B].
The Prince of Wales, actuated by the same impulse which now operates in the Society for the relief of prisoners confined for Small Debts, sent 350l. at Christmas, for the discharge of those at Ludgate and the two Compters.
In the year following a person, unknown, sent a 50l. note to the treasurer and trustees of the Blue-coat school, near Tothill-fields, the receipt of which was acknowledged in an advertisement, stating the agreeable fact, that this sum enabled them to receive four additional scholars, whom they promised to cloath at the periods mentioned in the statutes of the institution.
Another, or perhaps the same person, released 30 persons from Whitechapel prison, in August, 1717, cloathed them, gave them a dinner, and 2s. 6d. each; six months afterwards, the same benevolent unknown, repeated his charities at Whitechapel, and released all confined for small debts, one of whom was imprisoned near six months for 5s. 6d. which had been swelled by charges and fees to 40s.
Jan. 1717-18, the King gave 1000l. for the discharge of insolvent debtors, in the gaols of London and the county of Middlesex.
The King gave 1000l. per annum, towards the relief of poor housekeepers in London and Westminster[25:A]; that sum was increased to 1900l. in 1718, by collections under his Majesty's letters patent for the same purpose.
The Prince appears to have given 250l. annually to the Charter-house.
A repetition of the liberality of the unknown occurred again in September 1719, at Whitechapel, when he released 35 prisoners, besides giving them money.
1720, the earl of Thanet gave 1000l. to the widows and children of clergymen.
The Society for the relief of the Widows and Children of Clergymen has been already noticed, in the first volume of "Londinium Redivivum;" it will therefore only be necessary to state their gifts in 1720, which amounted to 2645l. 10s. exclusive of a considerable sum expended in placing out apprentices.