J. Hammond Trumbull’s Blue Laws, True and False, p.13.
William Prynne, a learned barrister, was sentenced (long after
Edward VI.’s time) to lose both his ears in the pillory, to
degradation from the bar, a fine of 3,000 pounds, and imprisonment
for life. Three years afterwards he gave new offence to Laud by
publishing a pamphlet against the hierarchy. He was again
prosecuted, and was sentenced to lose WHAT REMAINED OF HIS EARS,
to pay a fine of 5,000 pounds, to be BRANDED ON BOTH HIS CHEEKS
with the letters S. L. (for Seditious Libeller), and to remain in
prison for life. The severity of this sentence was equalled by
the savage rigour of its execution.–Ibid. p. 12.
NOTES to Chapter XXXIII.
Christ’s Hospital, or Bluecoat School, ‘the noblest institution in
the world.’
The ground on which the Priory of the Grey Friars stood was
conferred by Henry VIII. on the Corporation of London (who caused
the institution there of a home for poor boys and girls).
Subsequently, Edward VI. caused the old Priory to be properly
repaired, and founded within it that noble establishment called
the Bluecoat School, or Christ’s Hospital, for the EDUCATION and
maintenance of orphans and the children of indigent persons . . .
Edward would not let him (Bishop Ridley) depart till the letter
was written (to the Lord Mayor), and then charged him to deliver
it himself, and signify his special request and commandment that
no time might be lost in proposing what was convenient, and
apprising him of the proceedings. The work was zealously
undertaken, Ridley himself engaging in it; and the result was the
founding of Christ’s Hospital for the education of poor children.
(The King endowed several other charities at the same time.)
“Lord God,” said he, “I yield Thee most hearty thanks that Thou
hast given me life thus long to finish this work to the glory of
Thy name!” That innocent and most exemplary life was drawing
rapidly to its close, and in a few days he rendered up his spirit
to his Creator, praying God to defend the realm from Papistry.–J.
Heneage Jesse’s London: its Celebrated Characters and Places.
In the Great Hall hangs a large picture of King Edward VI. seated
on his throne, in a scarlet and ermined robe, holding the sceptre
in his left hand, and presenting with the other the Charter to the
kneeling Lord Mayor. By his side stands the Chancellor, holding
the seals, and next to him are other officers of state. Bishop
Ridley kneels before him with uplifted hands, as if supplicating a
blessing on the event; whilst the Aldermen, etc., with the Lord
Mayor, kneel on both sides, occupying the middle ground of the
picture; and lastly, in front, are a double row of boys on one
side and girls on the other, from the master and matron down to
the boy and girl who have stepped forward from their respective
rows, and kneel with raised hands before the King.–Timbs’
Curiosities of London, p. 98.
Christ’s Hospital, by ancient custom, possesses the privilege of
addressing the Sovereign on the occasion of his or her coming into
the City to partake of the hospitality of the Corporation of
London.–Ibid.
The Dining Hall, with its lobby and organ-gallery, occupies the
entire storey, which is 187 feet long, 51 feet wide, and 47 feet
high; it is lit by nine large windows, filled with stained glass
on the south side; and is, next to Westminster Hall, the noblest
room in the metropolis. Here the boys, now about 800 in number,
dine; and here are held the ‘Suppings in Public,’ to which
visitors are admitted by tickets issued by the Treasurer and by
the Governors of Christ’s Hospital. The tables are laid with
cheese in wooden bowls, beer in wooden piggins, poured from
leathern jacks, and bread brought in large baskets. The official
company enter; the Lord Mayor, or President, takes his seat in a
state chair made of oak from St. Catherine’s Church, by the Tower;
a hymn is sung, accompanied by the organ; a ‘Grecian,’ or head
boy, reads the prayers from the pulpit, silence being enforced by
three drops of a wooden hammer. After prayer the supper