DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.6913#0295
CROSBY HALL, LONDON. 155
tecture, and magnificence of adornments, they generally excel these edifices in
peculiarity of structure, and are more interesting from the varied associations they
are calculated to excite. In the arrangements of their parts, and in their forms,
sizes, and ornaments, we are enabled to discover any thing, tending to illustrate the
taste, customs, and domestic economy of the feudal ages; and he who is versed in
the history of his country, knows that some of these buildings have been the scenes
of events productive of consequences most important to the happiness and prosperity
of England.
Of the edifices of this description, which formerly graced the metropolis, almost
the whole have been swept from existence in the lapse of ages; and even the few
that have accidentally escaped demolition, are so much injured by waste and altera-
tions, that the traces of their former splendour are apparent only to the prying eye
of the curious and inquisitive. The edifice which is the subject of the present paper,
though one of the most elegant specimens of ancient domestic architecture in
England; the residence of princes, and the theatre of great and interesting transac-
tions, is now converted into a common warehouse. Not even the notice of
Shakespeare, who in conformity with historical truth, has made it a scene in one of
his immortal dramas, has proved sufficient to protect it from neglect and degradation.
Crosby Hall is situated on the eastern side of Bishopsgate-street, London, at a
short distance from the parish church of St. Helens; and is so environed by houses
as to be exteriorly invisible, except on one spot, where it is entered by a flight of
modern steps, projecting towards the passage leading to Crosby Square. With two
adjoining chambers it constitutes the only existing portion of Crosby Place, so called
from Sir John Crosby, by whom it was built. * This gentleman, who was a citizen
of great power and wealth, in the reigns of Henry VI. and of Edward IV. obtained
from the prioress of the neighbouring convent of St. Helen, a lease of certain tene-
ments, for the term of ninety-nine years, from the year 1466. These tenements, or
at least a portion of them, he appears to have pulled down, and erected in their stead
the mansion of Crosby Place for his own residence.
* Sir John Crosby was a native of the metropolis; but his particular genealogy is not decidedly ascertained.
He was one of the sheriffs of London and an alderman in 1470, and was knighted by King Edward the Fourth in
1471. four years previous to his death, which occurred in 1475. Both he and his lady were buried in St. Helen's
Church, where a monument still exists to their memory. By his will Sir John left 500 marks for the repairs of
that church; 801. to poor householders in Bishopsgate ward; iOl. to the parish church of Hanworth ; 10Z. to
Rochester bridge; 100Z. towards building a new stone tower on London bridge ; 100Z. towards repairing London
wall; two silver cups to the wardens and commonalty of the grocers' company : besides a variety of legacies to
different nunneries, priories, and other institutions. The mass of his fortune he bequeathed to his wife and family.
tecture, and magnificence of adornments, they generally excel these edifices in
peculiarity of structure, and are more interesting from the varied associations they
are calculated to excite. In the arrangements of their parts, and in their forms,
sizes, and ornaments, we are enabled to discover any thing, tending to illustrate the
taste, customs, and domestic economy of the feudal ages; and he who is versed in
the history of his country, knows that some of these buildings have been the scenes
of events productive of consequences most important to the happiness and prosperity
of England.
Of the edifices of this description, which formerly graced the metropolis, almost
the whole have been swept from existence in the lapse of ages; and even the few
that have accidentally escaped demolition, are so much injured by waste and altera-
tions, that the traces of their former splendour are apparent only to the prying eye
of the curious and inquisitive. The edifice which is the subject of the present paper,
though one of the most elegant specimens of ancient domestic architecture in
England; the residence of princes, and the theatre of great and interesting transac-
tions, is now converted into a common warehouse. Not even the notice of
Shakespeare, who in conformity with historical truth, has made it a scene in one of
his immortal dramas, has proved sufficient to protect it from neglect and degradation.
Crosby Hall is situated on the eastern side of Bishopsgate-street, London, at a
short distance from the parish church of St. Helens; and is so environed by houses
as to be exteriorly invisible, except on one spot, where it is entered by a flight of
modern steps, projecting towards the passage leading to Crosby Square. With two
adjoining chambers it constitutes the only existing portion of Crosby Place, so called
from Sir John Crosby, by whom it was built. * This gentleman, who was a citizen
of great power and wealth, in the reigns of Henry VI. and of Edward IV. obtained
from the prioress of the neighbouring convent of St. Helen, a lease of certain tene-
ments, for the term of ninety-nine years, from the year 1466. These tenements, or
at least a portion of them, he appears to have pulled down, and erected in their stead
the mansion of Crosby Place for his own residence.
* Sir John Crosby was a native of the metropolis; but his particular genealogy is not decidedly ascertained.
He was one of the sheriffs of London and an alderman in 1470, and was knighted by King Edward the Fourth in
1471. four years previous to his death, which occurred in 1475. Both he and his lady were buried in St. Helen's
Church, where a monument still exists to their memory. By his will Sir John left 500 marks for the repairs of
that church; 801. to poor householders in Bishopsgate ward; iOl. to the parish church of Hanworth ; 10Z. to
Rochester bridge; 100Z. towards building a new stone tower on London bridge ; 100Z. towards repairing London
wall; two silver cups to the wardens and commonalty of the grocers' company : besides a variety of legacies to
different nunneries, priories, and other institutions. The mass of his fortune he bequeathed to his wife and family.