Volume 1

Microcosm of London / [Anon].

Date:
[1808-1811]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Microcosm of London / [Anon]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    206/248 page 194
    The windows and panels are ornamented with the arms of the several law dignitaries and others who have been eminent members of the society of Lincoln’s Inn. In term-time, the business of this court is transacted in the Court of Chan- cery at Westminster Hall. The lord high chancellor is the sole judge. It has its name Chancery, “ Cancellaria,” from the judge, or cancellarius, who presides. It is curious to observe the different etymologies which have been assigned to acolyte, holding a taper. Adjoining this, and on the same level, are two angels, their heads reclining on the shoulders, and holding each, extended before, a piece of drapery or mantle, charged with various devices or armorial bearings; their wings composed of peacock’s feathers, very highly finished, and the green and gold, in general, as lively as if newly laid on. The gilding of the cor- nices, which are very richly decorated, is equally fresh. On each side of the altar are pictures of the Nativity, Preservation in the Temple, Marriage at Cana, and a fourth, in which the devil is introduced coming through the air, perhaps representing the Temptation. Adjoining, on the south wall, are three beautiful stone stalls, with rich flowered arches; and west of them, a narrower one, reaching below them. Over the figures, on each side, on an inverted frieze, are arms of the royal family and nobility, in eighteen shields, between which are grotesque figures of men and animals. On the opposite side of the chapel, are figures of men in complete armour, with inscriptions under them, two of which are legible, li Eustace” and u Mercure,” in black-letter characters. The inte- rior roof is enriched with the most laboured minutias of ornament; but not having been covered like the lower parts, offers a very faint idea of the superb finishing and expensive decoration of this beau- tiful building.”—Gentleman’s Magazine. Having brought the history of our constitution down to the Revolution, it is proposed to conclude the subject, when, in the progress of our plan, we have to notice the House of Lords.
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