[399] I believe I am right in stating (I do it from memory) that on the town measures it is spelt “Wexbrige.” J. R. J.
[400] Whitelock, p. 121. Dugdale, p. 755.
[401] At the time of my visit I was informed there were nearly two hundred weight. J. R. J.
LONDON WATCHMEN.
Had a council of thieves been consulted, the regulations of the Watch could not have been better contrived for their accommodation. The coats of the Watchmen are made as large and of as white cloth as possible, to enable the thieves to discern their approach at the greatest distance; and that there may be no mistake, the lantern is added. They are fixed at stations, that thieves, by knowing where they are, may infer where they are not, and do their best; the intervals of half an hour in going the rounds are just such as to give expert thieves a fair opportunity of getting a moderate booty from a house. That they may not be taken by surprise, they have the same accommodation in the cry of the time that was prayed for by the rats, when they asked that bells might be hung about the necks of the cats; and lastly, that the burglars may have all possible chance, even, if surprised, the watchmen mostly chosen are old, infirm, and impotent.[402]
[402] The Times, October, 1827.