Southwark, is one of the most ancient and interesting buildings of London; it was founded before the Conquest, and rebuilt in the fourteenth century, the poet Gower being a great benefactor: but it has been grievously disfigured by repairs and supposed improvements.

The church is a noble fabric, of the pointed order, with three aisles running east and west, and a transept like a cathedral. The breadth of the transept is one hundred and nine feet. Twenty-six pillars, in two rows, support the roof; and the chancel and the galleries in the walls of the choir are adorned with pillars and arches similar to those of Westminster Abbey.

The Ladye Chapel, at the east end, is a very interesting work; happily saved from destruction on making the approaches to New London Bridge, and since restored in admirable taste.

Here are numerous monuments of great interest; such as those of William of Wykeham, the poet Gower, and Bishop Andrews. The dramatists Fletcher and Massinger were buried here in one grave. The tower, which is erected on four very strong pillars, is one hundred and fifty feet high, and contains twelve of the finest bells in England. It is memorable as being the place where Hollar drew his Views of London, both before and after the great fire.

Walbrook. This small but beautiful church was erected by Sir Christopher Wren, between the years 1672 and 1679, and has been universally admired for its elegance and proportion, being by many considered the masterpiece of the architect. 66 The general effect of the interior," says Carter," although deprived of its principal lightthe east window-is undoubtedly grand and imposing: and notwithstanding pious feelings are not so immediately the result as when yielding to the solemn impres sions inspired by our Gothic fanes, still much deserved praise must be allowed to the merits of the laborious knight in the present instance." It is seventy-five feet long, fifty-six feet wide, and thirty-four feet high. The plan is original, yet chaste and beautiful: the roof is supported and the area divided by sixteen Corinthian columns, eight of which sustain an hemispherical cupola,

adorned with caissons, and having a lantern light in the centre. Over the altar is a picture, by West,"The Martyrdom of St. Stephen,"-presented by the Rev. Dr. Wilson, in the year 1776.

Cheapside, erected in 1673, by Sir Christopher Wren, on the site of the old church, destroyed by the great fire in 1666.

The principal ornament of this church is its spire, which rises to the height of two hundred and twenty-five feet from the ground, and is much admired for its beauty

and proportions; which, for scientific skill of construction, and elegance of elevation, surpasses all other steeples in London. It was repaired, and partly rebuilt, in 1820, in accordance with the original design, by Mr. George Gwilt. "It is beyond question," says an old writer, as perfect as human imagination can contrive or execute, and till we see it outdone we shall hardly think it to be equalled."

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In this church the bishops of London are always consecrated; and here the "Boyle Lectures" are delivered annually, on the first Monday of the month from January to May, and from September to November, in accordance with the bequest of the Hon. Robert Boyle.

Underneath is an ancient crypt, belonging to the original edifice, built in 1087.

CHRIST CHURCH,

Newgate-street, erected in 1687, by Sir Christopher Wren, on the site of a church of Franciscans; where, it is said, no less than six hundred or seven hundred persons of distinction were interred. The present church is a handsome structure, with a lofty square tower: the pulpit is carved with representations of the Last Supper and of the four evangelists. The font is of white marble, adorned with alto-relievos. The Spital sermons are preached in this church in Easter week; and here, on St. Matthew's Day, a sermon is annually preached before the lord mayor, aldermen, and governors of Christ's Hospital; after which the senior scholars make Latin and English Orations, in the Great Hall, previously to being sent to the university. Richard Baxter, the nonconformist, is buried within the walls of this building.