On the east side of Fetter Lane, at No. 32, is the chief establishment of the Moravians in London; behind is their chapel, and a little further north is a narrow passage leading to Nevill's Court. Here, on the south side, stands an interesting old house, which belongs to the Moravian Society. As long ago as 1744 it passed into their hands, when it was described as "the great house of Nevill's Alley." It was the home of the Rev. C. J. la Trobe and of Count Reuss; and Charles Joseph la Trobe, first Governor of Victoria, was born here. The earliest account of the Moravian missions was issued from this house—then as now No. 10—more than a hundred years ago. There is a quiet dignity about the old place, which bears the stamp of having seen better days. This site was for some years to let on building lease, but at the time of writing the house was no longer threatened. Further east, on the opposite side of the way, were one or two buildings of still earlier date. These houses just escaped the Great Fire; they were destroyed in the winter of 1911-12.
(1318 × 1038) D. 73-1896.
71. New Exchange Court, Strand, 1891 (Black and white).
On the north side of the Strand, between Nos. 418 and 419, is New Exchange Court, now occupied by that excellent body, the Corps of Commissioners, who have their headquarters here. Of late years all the old buildings represented in this drawing have been swept away. In 1891 they formed an admirable background for the figures of the veterans who made it their home. The picturesque house behind the projecting lamp on the left of this drawing was known until about 1886 as the Thatched House Tavern. Earlier in the century it was called Nell Gwynn's Dairy, and her name had also been connected with a panelled room (now also destroyed) in a house near Maiden Lane, with which the court communicates. It is, however, almost certain that Nell Gwynn never resided here; like Cromwell, if we believe the popular legends she must have been ubiquitous.
(938 × 612) D. 59-1896.
72. The Nag's Head Inn, Whitcombe Street, 1889 (Black and white).
This drawing represents an old galleried inn on the east side of Whitcomb Street, once Hedge Lane, which, as its former name implies, was not always hemmed in by bricks and mortar. It appears from a manuscript note-book, formerly in the possession of the late Mr. F. Locker-Lampson, that Hogarth in his later years, when he set up a coach and horses, kept them at the Nag's Head. He was then living on the east side of Leicester Square. On an old drawing of the Nag's Head, which belongs to the writer, it is stated that "this inn did the posting exclusively for the Royal family from George I. to William IV." It was latterly used as a livery stable, and, the lease having come to an end, was closed in 1890. The space remained vacant for many years, and is now covered by the fine publishing offices of Messrs. Macmillan & Co.
(91316 × 634) D. 60-1896.
