"The prices of Coals still continue very high, notwithstanding above 100 ships have, this week, arrived at market, which are nearly all sold from 38s. to 44s. per Chaldron: so that the best sorts cannot be fairly delivered under 50s. per Chaldron. The number of ships taken out of the trade, into the transport, and other services, is the cause of the present high price, as the demand is greater than the supply."—(Times, Oct. 4, 1794.)
"Many complaints have been made of the high price of coals, and it is supposed to arise from a combination, but we are well assured no such cause exists. The long frost having stopped the navigation of the Thames, what coals remained in the lighters, and barges, were nearly exhausted at the wharfs, and naturally, every man possessed of a commodity, looks to extraordinary profits on unusual events, which has, we understand, occasioned six, and seven, guineas to be given for a chaldron of coals, within a few days past, but, had the frost continued, coals would have been considerably cheaper, than at present, as the ice admitted the coals being worked over it. There are, at present, near 50 sail of colliers in the river, not unladen, which contain about 10,000 chaldrons, for an immediate supply, (but not ten times that quantity, as erroneously stated in most of the papers) and, before they can be consumed, we may expect a fresh fleet at Market."—(Times, Jany. 30, 1795.)
"Yesterday, there was only one ship of coals, at Market, which sold at three guineas and a half per chaldron. About 30 sail more were at sea, and forced into the Humber."—(Times, Feby. 24, 1795.)
"Coals were on Friday (12th April) sold in the Pool at five guineas per Chaldron. There was only one ship-load at market."—(Times, April 15, 1799.)
THE ROAD AND STREETS.
The Highways and Streets were in very far from good condition, the roads being full of ruts, and the streets when paved, were made of large "Cobble" Stones, and were full of holes, ofttimes very dangerous, as we shall see. The foot pavement, except in some of the best streets, which were flagged, was very narrow, and made of "Kidney" stones on end, such as may still be met with in the bye-ways of some country towns. Consequently no one stirred out more than they could help; the men always on horseback, if single—by "Post," if accompanied by ladies. It will have been noticed in "Men's dress" that they all wear boots, if not in the house, and the reason is plain—they had to be protected against the mud of the streets, and ready for the saddle. Every man had to learn to ride, and no doubt this laid the foundation of the Continental opinion, that every Englishman is a good horseman.
| "Young Gentlemen during their Holidays, are supplied with gentle pleasant Horses of all sizes, and the most careful Attendance and Instructions for | £2 12 6 | |
| A Horse to ride for Exercise in the House | 0 3 6 | |
| Twelve lessons when convenient | 2 7 6 | |
| Sixteen lessons in four weeks | 2 7 0 | |
| Single lesson | 0 5 0 | |
| Book of Instructions for Ladies | 0 5 6 | |
| Breaking a horse | 2 7 6 | &c." |
—(Morning Post, Jany. 2, 1788.)
"Advt.—A CAUTION to all Gentlemen who drive Jobb Horses by their own Coachmen, the Gentleman paying yearly wages to them: From a Gentleman who has had experience of it.—That the Coachmaster and Coachmen do agree, the one to give, the other to receive, annually, a certain sum of money, which can be for no other purpose than to defraud their employers, demanding so much more for the price of their horses, to bribe the said Coachmen to conceal defects in them, and to engage the said Coachmaster to recommend the said Coachmen: and so vice-versa to employ each other, if out of place or business. This is a most dishonest, but general practice of the Coachmasters. The writer of this, to avoid and discourage the practice of this Knavery, has purchased his own horses, persuaded no other means will be effectual. This is written merely to put Gentlemen on their guard, at the expense of the Advertiser, and will not be inserted again."—(Times, July 2, 1795.)
Of course those that could afford it travelled Post—which was charged one shilling per horse per mile, besides a gratuity to the "boy," but this was raised to fourteen pence in 1796, when food became so dear.