"N.B.—The above is strictly a matter of FACT."—(Times, March 21, 1794.)
"The access to Kensington Gardens is so inconvenient to the visitors, that it is to be hoped the politeness of those who have the direction of it will induce them to give orders for another door to be made for the convenience of the public—one door for admission, and another for departure, would prove a great convenience to the visitors. For want of this regulation the Ladies frequently have their cloaths torn to pieces; and are much hurt by the crowd passing different ways."—(Times, March 28, 1794.)
"Two Ladies were lucky enough to escape thro' the gate of Kensington Gardens, on Sunday last, with only a broken arm each. When a few lives have been lost, perchance then a door or two more may be made for the convenience of the families of the survivors."—(Times, May 8, 1794.)
"We noticed last year the nuisance at the door of Kensington Gardens, leading from Hyde Park, and was in hopes, those who have the care would attend to it. As the season is approaching when company frequent it, we again recommend that an additional door should be made, and an inscription put over it 'The company to go in at this gate, and return at the other,' by which means the press will be avoided, and directions given, that all servants do keep away from the doors, who behave with great impertinence to their superiors as the company go in. If the gardens are to be a public accommodation, surely so trifling an expence can be no object. A greater number of seats in the gardens is very desirable."—(Times, April 24, 1795.)
"The public in general, and the ladies in particular, are much obliged to the Ranger of Hyde Park, for having taken the hint given in this paper towards their accommodation, by ordering a new gate to be made, as an entrance into Kensington Gardens. This convenience was yesterday much noticed, as there is now one gate for the entrance, and another for leaving the gardens, which were extremely crowded. But so little regularity was observed in the procession of carriages, on the Park Road, that there was a general stoppage about four o'clock, for nearly an hour; in the throng, several carriages were overset, and many much injured. We never witnessed so much confusion on any similar occasion."—(Times, May 4, 1795.)
"After a very elegant dinner given by the Lord Mayor to the visitors at the Mansion House on Monday, there was a ball as usual, which was very numerously attended: and was honored by the presence of the Turkish Ambassador, several of the Corps Diplomatique and many of our own Nobility. The harmony and gaiety of the Entertainment was, however, interrupted about two o'clock yesterday morning, by the intrusion of a number of Gentlemen in the Dancing Room, who had sacrificed too freely to the Jolly God, and seemed determined to kick up a riot. They had continued drinking till one o'clock in the Dining parlour, and on entering the Ballroom behaved in such an improper manner, as to make it necessary to call in the Peace Officers to turn them out. A terrible uproar ensued; and we understand that two or three of the Rioters were sent to the Poultry Compter: and we hope they remained there till they recovered their senses."—(Times, April 23, 1794.)
"City Extravagance.—During the Rout, we had almost said Riot, at the Mansion House on Tuesday Morning, several very prudent Citizens were observed to be out-running the Constable!"—(Times, April 24, 1794.)
"We are informed from Abbey Laddercroft, in Cumberland, that a woman called Jane Forrester, who lives in that parish, is now in the 138th year of her age. When Cromwell besieged the City of Carlisle, 1645, she can remember, that a horse's head sold for 2s 6d, before the garrison surrendered. At the martyrdom of King Charles I., she was nineteen years of age. At Brampton, about six years ago, she made oath before the Commissioners, in a Chancery suit, to have known an estate, the right of which was then disputed, to have been enjoyed by the ancestors of the present heir 101 years. She hath an only daughter living, aged 103. And we are further informed, that there are six women now living in the same parish where she resides, the youngest of whom is 99 years of age."—(Times, May 16, 1794.)
Pidcock's Menagerie was the nearest substitute for our present Zoological Gardens, that London could boast of, and Exeter Change, where the Exhibition took place, stood on the site now occupied by the Gaiety Theatre.
Advt. "Elephants.—Lately arrived in the Rose East Indiaman, a most wonderful living Male Elephant, and to be seen in a commodious room, over Exeter Change, in the Strand. Admittance 1s each. Likewise is lately added to the Grand Menageries, as above, two very singular and most astonishing Kanguroos, male and female, from Botany Bay. Admittance 1s. Also, just arrived, and to be seen in a commodious apartment, under the Great Room, as above, three stupendous living Pelicans of the Wilderness, two males and a female. Admittance 1s. The three Exhibitions may be viewed for 2s 6d. each person. Foreign Birds and Beasts bought, sold, &c., by G. Pidcock."—(Times, May 22, 1794.)