act granted them a toll for every carriage passing over it. But these tolls proving insufficient, they were abolished in 1758, by an act which was passed, for explaining, amending, and rendering the former act more effectual, and for granting the city of London money towards carrying on that work. In consequence of these acts of parliament a temporary wooden bridge was built, and the houses on the old bridge were taken down.

Instead of a narrow street, twenty-three feet wide, there is now a passage of thirty-one feet for carriages, with a raised pavement of stone on each side, seven feet broad, for the use of foot passengers. The sides are secured by stone balustrades, enlightened in the night with lamps. The passage through the bridge is enlarged, by throwing the two middle arches into one, and by other alterations and improvements. Notwithstanding which, it is still subject to some of its former inconveniences.

Under the first, second, and fourth arches, from the north side of the bridge, and now likewise towards the southern extremity, there are engines worked by the flux and reflux of the river; the water of which they raise to such a height as to supply many parts of the city. These engines were contrived in 1582 by a Dutchman, named Peter Morice, and are called London Bridge Water Works.

Blackfriars' Bridge.

THIS bridge is a most elegant structure, and was built after a design of Mr. Robert Mylne. The situation of the ground on the two shores obliged the architect to employ elliptical arches; which, however, have a very fine effect. There áre nine arches, of which the centre is a hundred feet wide. The whole length is 995 feet. The breadth of the carriage way is twenty-eight feet, and that of the two footways seven feet each. Here each pier is a recess, an apology for the beautiful Ionic pillars which support them, and which have a most beautiful effect from the river. The building of this bridge was begun in 1760, and was finished in 1768, at the expense of 152,840l., to be discharged by a toll on the passengers. It is situated almost at an equal distance between those of Westminster and London, commanding a view of the Thames from the latter to Whitehall, and discovering the majesty of St. Paul's in a very striking manner.

Westminster Bridge.

THIS bridge is esteemed one of the most complete and elegant structures of the kind in the world. It is built entirely of stone, and extends over the river at a place where it is 1223 feet broad, which is above 300 feet broader than at London Bridge. On each side is a fine balustrade of stone, with places of shelter from the

It

rain. The width of the bridge is 44 feet, having on each side a fine footway for passengers. consists of fourteen piers, and thirteen large and two small arches, all semicircular, that in the centre being 76 feet wide, and the rest decreasing four feet each from the other; so that the two last arches of the thirteen great ones are each 52 feet. It is computed that 40,000l. value in stone and other materials is always under water.

This magnificent structure was begun in 1739, and was finished in 1750, at the expense of 389,000l., defrayed by parliament. It was built after a design of Mons. Labelye, an ingenious French architect.

Waterloo Bridge.

WEDNESDAY, June 18, 1817, being the day fixed for the ceremony of opening Waterloo Bridge, the town was all in motion from one extremity to the other. Crowds were seen at an early hour advancing in all directions, chiefly to view the aquatic excursion, which embarked near Fife House. The day was most auspicious, and gave full effect to the splendour of the scene.

The

banks of the river, from Whitehall to Somerset House, were crowded to excess, and the houses seemed roofed with people: platforms and scaffolds were erected in every station, commanding a view of the river and the bridge: the latter was taken possession of by the horse guards at ten o'clock, which resembled a camp, and had a very picturesque effect. Three rows of benches

were erected along the eastern footpath of the bridge for the accommodation of the spectators, including the subscribers, each of whom had a ticket. Flags were seen flying in all directions. The river between Westminster and Waterloo Bridges was literally covered with boats filled with genteel and well-dressed company. Divisions of foot-guards, in their full dress, were stationed in the vicinity of Whitehall, and a captain's guard was stationed in the area of Fife House, to receive the Prince Regent. The mi litary part of the spectacle was uncommonly interesting, as many of the troops who contri→ buted to the victory of Waterloo were present, with their well-earned medals, and wore sprigs of laurel in their hats, in honour of the anniversary of the signal triumph of the British arms at Waterloo, and the memorable defeat of Bonaparte. On the wreaths of laurel, in gold, were the words, "Waterloo, 18th June, 1815."

Tuesday night a large cannon, taken at the great battle, was placed on some flag-stones on the bridge; and several pieces of artillery were ranged along the west side of the bridge, to fire a grand salute of 202 guns, being the number taken at the battle of Waterloo.

Anxiety was at its utmost stretch, when the cannon commenced firing precisely at three o'clock, announcing the embarkation of the Prince Regent, the duke of York, the duke of Wellington, and the great officers of state, in the royal barges, near Fife House. The barges belonging to the Admiralty, Ordnance, Navy,

the treasurer of the navy, &c. distinguished by their proper flags, previously started from the stairs of the house of the Board of Control, and passing Whitehall, they awaited the arrival of the Prince Regent. The whole then proceeded towards Waterloo Bridge; the six barges first, the two royal barges next, then the other barges bringing up the rear, having previously taken on board their respective companies. On each side a line was formed, consisting of boats belonging to the Eridanus and Euphrates frigates, manned by their respective crews, under the immediate command of captain William King, of the former ship. The boats belonging to the Thames police, under the superintendence of captain Richbell, chief magistrate of that office, also attended, and assisted in keeping off the boats of every description with which the Thames was covered.

Bands of music were placed in various stations in boats, on the bridge, &c. playing martial airs. The procession moved slowly along, the cannon still firing, and the royal barges passed through the centre arch of the bridge amidst the acclamations of the people on shore and in the boats, which were countless. The barges having arrived at the Surrey side of the bridge, the royal party landed, ascended the bridge stairs, where they were received by the committee, paid the toll, and walked over the bridge on the eastern side, the Prince Regent at the head of the procession, attended by the duke of York, the duke of Wellington, and all the great officers of state. After having passed the bridge, the procession