Rotherhithe (or Redriff), on the south bank of the Thames, lies east of Bermondsey and faces Wapping. The south end of the Thames Tunnel is in Rotherhithe.
stringent: strict.
impotent: powerless, unable to work.
stocks: a wooden frame in which the legs of criminals were confined.
The Barbican: a street near the site of the old Aldersgate. Barbican means defensive works for a gate. Turnmill Street is near Farringdon railway station.
[55. UNDER GEORGE II. PART I. THE WEALTH OF LONDON.]
Essayists: people who write essays; that is, short compositions on any subject.
picturesqueness: beauty and grace; qualities which might be supposed to make anything a good subject for a picture.
ruffles: pieces of some white material plaited and attached as a frill to the collar and sleeves of garments.