MILK BELOW!
Of dealers in milk there are two classes,—the one keeping cows, the other purchasing from large dairymen in the outskirts, and retailing it on their own account. Their customers mostly live in neighbouring streets, which are called “milk-walks,” and are often disposed of as other trades. It is stated that fifteen thousand cows are necessary to supply London with milk, and it has been calculated that it is usually adulterated one-third. The milk-carriers of London are mostly Welsh girls, and did, until of late, wear the national hat. Our sketch exhibits one of them carrying home the produce of her master’s cows from St. James’s Park, while a man drives a cow and calf from the pasture there; but this is a picture of the past. The park no longer affords pasture for cattle; population has driven them farther away. The background remains the same.
WESTMINSTER ABBEY.
The present church was erected by Henry III. and his successors; the western towers are by Sir Christopher Wren. Behind the altar is the chapel of Edward the Confessor, in which is kept the coronation chair: adjoining is the chapel of Henry V. Around these chapels are nine others, dedicated to various saints. Next to the eastern end of the church stands the chapel of Henry VII. The first stone was laid in Feb., 1503, by Abbot Islop; the building cost £14,000, an enormous sum for the period. It was designed by Sir Reginald Bray. The Abbey contains the monuments of many great men; one spot is occupied by poets, and called “Poets’ Corner.” In the foreground may be seen the tower of the parish church of St. Margaret’s, Westminster.
YOUNG WATER-CRESSES!
The morn has been proclaimed with “Sweep! Soot oh!” The inmate of the downy bed has turned again to slumber—then follows “Milk!” and now comes “Water-cresses!” ’Tis half-past eight; all are up, the door is mopped, and Betty runs to get the usual penny for the poor old dame in Milbank, Westminster. From here we obtain a good view of
LAMBETH PALACE,
which is the principal residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury. It is a very extensive and irregular pile, the principal part of which was built since the thirteenth century, the oldest part being the chapel. The great hall was erected by Archbishop Juxon, about 1600. The gate seen in the picture was built by Cardinal Morton in 1490, in front of which, to this day, is distributed the bishop’s dole, or alms, to thirty poor parishioners of Lambeth, ten of whom are served each day; among them are distributed three stone of beef, ten pitchers of broth, five quartern loaves, and twopence in copper. At the back of this gate is the Lollards’ Prison, a small room of great strength, in which prisoners have been confined for their religious opinions. Adjoining is the parish church of Lambeth.
