Illustrated by Pictures from Original Drawings and Engravings
[Illustration: VIEW OF MOUTH OF THE FLEET _circa_ 1765. (_Guildhall Art Collection._)]
This book requires none, except a mere statement of its scheme. Time has wrought such changes in this land of ours, and especially in its vast Metropolis, "The Modern Babylon," that the old land-marks are gradually being effaced--and in a few generations would almost be forgotten, were it not that some one noted them, and left their traces for future perusal. All have some little tale to tell; even this little River Fleet, which with its Prison, and its Marriages--are things utterly of the past, entirely swept away, and impossible to resuscitate, except by such a record as this book.
I have endeavoured, by searching all available sources of information, to write a trustworthy history of my subject--and, at the same time, make it a pleasant book for the general reader. If I have succeeded in my aim, thanks are due, and must be given, to W. H. Overall, Esq., F.S.A., and Charles Welch, Esq., Librarians to the Corporation of the City of London, whose friendship, and kindness, have enabled me to complete my pleasant task. It was at their suggestion that I came upon a veritable _trouvaille_, in the shape of a box containing Mr. Anthony Crosby's Collection for a History of the Fleet, which was of most material service to me, especially in the illustrations, most of which were by his own hand.
I must also express my gratitude to J. E. Gardner, Esq., F.S.A., for his kindness in putting his magnificent and unrivalled Collection of Topographical Prints at my disposal, and also to J. G. Waller, Esq., F.S.A., for his permission to use his map of the Fleet River (the best of any I have seen), for the benefit of my readers.
Course of the Fleet--Derivation of its Name--The River of Wells--The Fleet choked up--Cleansing the Fleet--The Fleet Navigable--Wells--Ponds and Pools 1
Water Supply of London--The Fleet to be Cleansed--Smell of the River--Prehistoric London--Antiquarian Discoveries--Cleansing the Fleet--Fouling the River--Rivers rising at Hampstead--The Tye-bourne--The West-bourne--Course of the West-bourne 13
Course of the Fleet--The Hampstead Ponds--Rural Fleet--Gospel Oak--Parliament Hill--Kentish Town--Brown's Dairy--Castle Inn--St. Pancras Wells--Burials at St. Pancras--the Brill 25