Little Britain

Washington Irving

Description

In this essay from his renowned collection The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent., Washington Irving brings the Little Britain section of London to life for readers. Whether you've visited and remember the area fondly or you're looking for a glimpse into London life in the nineteenth century, this vibrant travelogue is well worth a read.

Sujets

• Travel writing

Informations

• Publié par: The Floating Press
• Date de parution: 01 février 2017
• Nombre de lectures: 0
• EAN13: 9781776675593
• Langue: English

Extrait

LITTLE BRITAIN
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WASHINGTON IRVING
 
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Little Britain First published in 1819 Epub ISBN 978-1-77667-559-3 Also available: PDF ISBN 978-1-77667-560-9 © 2015 The Floating Press and its licensors. All rights reserved. While every effort has been used to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information contained in The Floating Press edition of this book, The Floating Press does not assume liability or responsibility for any errors or omissions in this book. The Floating Press does not accept responsibility for loss suffered as a result of reliance upon the accuracy or currency of information contained in this book. Do not use while operating a motor vehicle or heavy equipment. Many suitcases look alike. Visit www.thefloatingpress.com
Little Britain
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What I write is most true... I have a whole booke of cases lying by me which if I should sette foorth, some grave auntients (within the hearing of Bow bell) would be out of charity with me.—NASHE.
In the centre of the great city of London lies a small neighborhood,consisting of a cluster of narrow streets and courts, of very venerableand debilitated houses, which goes by the name of LITTLE BRITAIN. ChristChurch School and St. Bartholomew's Hospital bound it on the west;Smithfield and Long Lane on the north; Aldersgate Street, like an armof the sea, divides it from the eastern part of the city; whilst theyawning gulf of Bull-and-Mouth Street separates it from Butcher Lane,and the regions of Newgate. Over this little territory, thus bounded anddesignated, the great dome of St. Paul's, swelling above the interveninghouses of Paternoster Row, Amen Corner, and Ave Maria Lane, looks downwith an air of motherly protection.
This quarter derives its appellation from having been, in ancient times,the residence of the Dukes of Brittany. As London increased, however,rank and fashion rolled off to the west, and trade, creeping on at theirheels, took possession of their deserted abodes. For some time LittleBritain became the great mart of learning, and was peopled by the busyand prolific race of booksellers; these also gradu