1806.

Mr. URBAN,

ΤΗ

Dec. 26. HE inclofed Drawing (Plate 1.) is a back view of the old buildings of the EXCHEQUER, which were removed in the Spring of 1793; and was taken from a window in the Ordnance Office, in St. Margaret's-ftreet, fince alfo removed, by an ingenious young gentleman, then in that office under his Grace the Duke of Richmond, at the request of Yours, &c. P.

PRESENT STATE OF YORK [1806].

(Continued from p. 1029.)

PERMIT me to notice that fince my laft paper I have fedulously perufed Drake's “ Hiftory of York;" and, though fervid my ardour for the Antiquities there abounding previous to fuch reading, I now feel it in a much more refined and keener fenfe. What before was Admiration is height ened to Enthusiasm; and 1 burn to engage in the defence of fo renowned and magnificent a City. I may well enquire, after all the neglect and havock that I have beheld wrought on walls, towers, gates, and holy faues, if fuch a Bank of learning, fuch a Firm of hiftoric lore, as Drake's intrinfic and laborious folios are known to the prelent Citizens? Have thefe defcendants from men who have rendered York famous in the annals of the Country, ever turned over, page by page, the recording memorials that ftill keep from perifhing fo much greatnefs and fo much glory? Have they pondered, with reverential and pious awe, on the manes of Emperors, Kings, Martyrs, Saints, Bifhops, and other holy men; dwelt with rapture on the lift of virtuons, heroic, and patriotic deeds; bleffed the memories of thofe who have died to fave their City, and the crowns of the Kings their mafters? Has this latter race, I fay, each fucceffive day pointed out to their rifing offspring the wondrous theme? What breaft, full fraught with the marvels fpringing out of the very ftones of York, but would. GENT. MAG. Supplement, 1806.

A

become real votaries to, and flaunch protectors of thofe remains of Antiquity, thofe marks of honour, which have been tranfmitted from father to fon for fo many ages, in great meature unimpaired and unpolluted?

Before I proceed to furvey the Cathedral, I fhall fubmit fome notices of certain Antiquities about the City, not directly gone into by the "Architect," as being my own proper concern on this occafion.

Allhallows Church. Exquifite paintings in the windows; many of them

perfect. In the Eaft window a chalie and elegant figure of St. Anne. By a frange and unaccountable predilection for novelty, mofi, if not all, the reading-defks and pulpits in the City have been turned against the Communiontable. The occafional practice of this fort in London, has more than once been under ftrictures in this Mifcel

lany, as extremely irreverent and inde corous. What thall I fay, by way of proteft, to fuch warping from clerical decency as is evinced in this Church, where the Pulpit is found raifed on an arch, fupported by two pofts, in a fituation inimediately before the Altar rails. Hence the appearance of the Preacher is, fometimes, by this whimfical contrivance rendered ludicrons and farcical.

Guildhall, erected temp. Hen. VI. The interior is grand; it is divided into three ailes, by fix divifions of octangu lar columns and arches. The windows have good tracery. The covering over head is made out with arches and open timber work. Adjoining the South end of the hall, and overlooking the river, is a chamber in the fame ftyle; lightfome, pleating, and cheerful, not “ gloomy," ""uncomfortable," and "mournful;" metaphors familiar to the general herd of illuftrators who defcribe the effects of old manfions.

Taking the parish churches in the grofs, they feem not to be in the best

repair;