The gentlemen were in waiting on fixed days; sometimes the whole number, at others only a part, and at these times were entitled to a dinner, and on any extra occasion when the sword was carried: there was a bill of fare for each day. At table, the marshals were the lowest above the salt. This was formerly made of pewter, but in the year , a carver presented the table with one of silver, nearly similar in form. The pewter one was used in the servants’ hall until it was rendered useless by the introduction of board wages. Except the squires, attornies, and marshals, the household now all wear black gowns, in form like those of the livery, made of prince’s stuff faced with velvet, though formerly they were curious enough. Divided as if by a herald into two parts, dexter and sinister, one side was formed of the colours distinguishing the lord mayor’s livery, and the other those of the two sheriffs.
On Plough Sunday his lordship goes to church to qualify, when two of the yeomen of the water-side attend, that they may depose to this fact at the next sessions. On the Monday his lordship keeps wassail with his household, and with his lady presides at the head of their table. This used indeed to be a gala day; but elegance now takes place of profusion and hilarity. Formerly they could scarcely see their opposite neighbour for the piles of sweetmeats; but these have disappeared to make way for the city plate and artificial flowers. The lady mayoress is generally accompanied by two or three ladies, to obviate the unpleasantness of finding herself the only female among so many strangers: the chaplain on that day takes the lower end of the table. The yeoman of the cellar is stationed behind his lordship, and at the conclusion of the dinner produces two silver cups filled with negus, and giving them to his lord and lady, proclaims with a loud voice, “Mr. Sword-bearer, squires, and gentlemen all! my lord mayor and lady mayoress drink to you in a loving cup, and bid you all heartily welcome!” After drinking, they pass the cups down each side of the table, for all to partake and drink their healths. When the ladies retire the chaplain leads her ladyship, and after a few songs his lordship follows. Then a mighty silver bowl of punch was introduced, and a collection amounting to nearly 25l. used to be made for the servants. They were all introduced, from the stately housekeeper to the kitchen girl, in merry procession to accept the largess, taste the punch, and perhaps the cook or a pretty housemaid did not escape without a kiss. This was not the only day on which the servants partook of the bounty of the gentlemen. Every Saturday there was a collection of three shillings and sixpence from the sword-bearer and the other squire, and one shilling and sixpence from the other individuals. This was termed cellarage, and was divided between the yeoman of the cellar and the butler. But these golden days are over. Since the days of the Fitzaleyns and Whittingtons, it has been found expedient to make the lord mayors an allowance to enable them, or rather assist them, to maintain the hospitality and splendour of their station; but such is the perverseness of human nature, that as this has from time to time been increased, the gorgeousness of the display seems to have decreased. The following are the receipts and expenses of Mr. Wilkes during his mayoralty:
| Receipts. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £. | s. | d. | ||
| Payments from the chamberlain’s office | 2372 | 8 | 4 | |
| Cocket office | 702 | 5 | 6 | 1⁄2 |
| Gauger | 250 | 0 | 0 | |
| Annual present of plate from the Jews | 50 | 0 | 0 | |
| Lessees of Smithfield-market | 10 | 0 | 0 | |
| Licenses | 4 | 10 | 0 | |
| From the bridge-house towards the feast | 50 | 0 | 0 | |
| Alienation of a young man’s place | 40 | 0 | 0 | |
| Sale of a young man’s place | 1000 | 0 | 0 | |
| Presentation of the sheriffs | 13 | 6 | 8 | |
| For keeping the mansion-house in order | 100 | 0 | 0 | |
| Six freedoms to the lord mayor | 150 | 0 | 0 | |
| In lieu of buckets | 6 | 0 | 0 | |
| Licensing the sessions paper | 130 | 0 | 0 | |
| From Mr. Roberts, comptroller, for the importation fee | 10 | 10 | 0 | |
| £4889 | 0 | 6 | 1⁄2 | |
| Expenses. | ||||
| £. | s. | d. | ||
| Lord mayor’s table, including public dinners | 2050 | 0 | 0 | |
| Sword-bearer’s table | 1500 | 0 | 0 | |
| Lord mayor’s-day | 520 | 0 | 0 | |
| Easter Monday | 1200 | 0 | 0 | |
| Rout | 190 | 0 | 0 | |
| Old Bailey | 730 | 0 | 0 | |
| Horses, coaches, &c. | 420 | 0 | 0 | |
| Servants’ wages, liveries, &c. | 570 | 0 | 0 | |
| Lamps, wax, and other candles | 295 | 0 | 0 | |
| Linen | 160 | 0 | 0 | |
| Coals and firing | 280 | 0 | 0 | |
| China and glass | 110 | 0 | 0 | |
| Stationery wares, newspapers, &c. | 60 | 0 | 0 | |
| Winter and summer for the sword-bearer and household | 36 | 13 | 0 | |
| Glazier, upholsterer, &c. | 46 | 0 | 0 | |
| Music, &c. | 35 | 0 | 0 | |
| Ribands, &c. | 24 | 0 | 0 | |
| £8226 | 13 | 0 | ||
| N. B. Benefactions on public occasions, charities, &c. cloths, fees tothe water-bailiff, are not included. | ||||
| Expenses | 8226 | 13 | 0 | |
| Receipts | 4889 | 0 | 6 | 1⁄2 |
| Balance | £3337 | 12 | 5 | 1⁄2 |
The rout was first discontinued by sir Brooke Watson, because it was always customary to have it in passion week. The allowance has since had an increase of 3000l. This liberality on the part of the corporation, instead of exciting a corresponding feeling on the part of their magistrates, seems rather to have raised in them a spirit of cupidity, and of late years, on many occasions, the office seems to have been undertaken on a kind of speculation for saving money. Though allowed 1500l. a year for the sword-bearer’s table, every chicken and bottle of wine began to be grudged; and after repeated appeals by the household to the court of common council, on account of the shabby reductions successively made, and which were considered as unjust, as they had purchased their places with the usual privileges, the corporation concluded a treaty with them a short time ago, by which a specified sum of money was secured to each individual, either on giving up his place, or at his death to be paid to his family. They have of course given up the right of alienating their places, and thus perpetuating the system. The corporation have thus gained an extensive increase of patronage; though the number of officers is to be reduced as the places fall in. But some of the aldermen below the chair were rather disagreeably surprised at the result; for the common council very justly deducted the 1500l. at which the expense of the table was generally calculated, from his lordship’s allowance.
I am, &c.
C. R. H.
The lord mayor’s household, scarcely known in its constitution by the citizens whom the lord mayor selects for his visitors, is well set forth by the preceding letter of a valuable correspondent. It concerns all who are interested in the maintenance of civic splendour, and especially those who are authorized to regulate it. Such papers, and indeed any thing regarding the customs of London, will always be acceptable to the readers of this work, who have not until now been indulged with information by those who have the power to give it. The Every-Day Book is a collection of ancient and present usages and manners, wherein such contributions are properly respected, and by the Editor they are always thankfully received.