mercenaries: soldiers who do not fight for the safety and glory of their own country, but for hire.
[6. AFTER THE ROMANS. PART II.]
Blackfriars, at the eastern end of the Thames Embankment, derives its name from a monastery or house of Black Friars which stood there.
Watling Street, Ermyn Street, Vicinal Way: made by the Romans, who were famous makers of high roads, many of which are still in use. (See map on p. [15].)
Newgate was a gate on the west of the walls which enclosed the City; Bishopsgate, on the north-east.
victualling: providing food for.
emergencies: times of difficulty and danger.
Isle of Thanet: it must be remembered that the Stour, at the back of Thanet, was once much wider and deeper than it is now. In fact, it was the general route for vessels coming up the Thames.
appointments: furniture, fittings.