\v<\ ^1" O ^ N X> T H ^ ^ ••). v|i ^^^ © -5- ■ c tf . ''iX-^ SM^ h tj m Ai. (•^ 4^ OF ft ■ ^ v^^ ^s Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2011 with funding from Research Library, The Getty Research Institute http://www.archive.org/details/prospectusviewofOOhorn ^ %D? |)rospectus. VIEW OF LONDON, AND THE SURROUNDING COUNTRY, TAKEN WITH MATHEMATICAL ACCURACY FROM AN OBSERVATORY PURPOSELY ERECTED OVER THE Cross of g>t. Raul's Catfjelrral : TO BE PUBLISHED IN FOUR ENGRAVINGS. By THOMAS HORNOR. LONDON: PUBLISHED BY T. HORNOR, 2, ROBERT STREET, ADELPHI ; AND TO BE HAD OF LONGMAN, HURST, REES, ORME, AND BROWN, PATERNOSTER-ROW ; J. AND A. ARCH, CORNHILL; HURST AND ROBINSON, CHEAPSIDEJ AND HARDING, ST. JAMEs's-STREET. 1822. J. M'Creery, TooksCourt, Ctiaucery Lane, London. ^;^£iimmjL.. -^:^SiMM LONDON AND THE SURROUNDING COUNTRY FROM THE SUMMIT OF ST. PAUL'S. The object of the Artist is to give a full and ac- curate representation of the Metropolis, and all the suri'ounding country, from which the ball and cross of St. Paul's are visible. The preparatory^ sketches of this work have for several years engaged a con- siderable portion of his attention, and they were completed during the summer of 1821, from an observatory purposely constructed on the top of the scaffolding, then erected for the repair of the ball and cross. ContJittons, The Work will be comprised in FOUR ENGRAVINGS ; THE EAST AND WEST VIEWS WILL BE Forty Inches by Ticenty-Jive , THE NORTH AND SOUTH VIEWS Thirty Inches by Twenty-Jive. For the more satisfactory elucidation of a series of Engravings comprehending such a multiplicity of objects. Four descriptive Key Sheets will accom- pany them, containing references to the various public Buildings, the principal streets and squares, and many thousands of private residences. Two sets of plates will be executed, one in a bold and finished line manner; the other by a mode introduced by the Artist, the impressions from which will be coloured to the effect of a highly finished drawing. To Subscribers, the price of the Line Engraved set, will be Eight Guineas, and that of the coloured impressions Ten Guineas. Each Subscribers copy will be delivered pre- pared on strainers for frames, or mounted in hand- some portfolios, as may be preferred. The payment to be on delivery, which is ex- pected to be in 1823. To Non-subscribers the price of the Line En- gravings will be Ten Guineas; and that of the coloured impressions, Twelve Guineas in sheets. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE VIEWS. THE FIRST, OR EASTERN VIEW, commences with the east end of St. Paul's Church Yard ; embraces portions of the north and south sides ; and extends down Cheapside, to the centre of the city, the Mansion House, Bank of England, Royal Exchange, the various churches, and other public buildings in that neighbourhood ; from thence to the India House, the Tower, the Step- ney and Mile End roads, the populous suburbs beyond, the Docks, the wide expanse of the Plai- stow Levels, with the high grounds of Essex to near Gravesend. From thence the windings of the Thames appear in occasional glimpses progres- sively to Greenwich, which with its national edifice forms an interesting point. 7 Tracing the course of the Thames upwards from Greenwich, the View represents its beautiful wind- ings, its various masses of shipping, and the im- mense establishments which line its banks : — on the southern side especially, almost every build- ing is distinctly seen. Toward the south the View comprises a part of the Borough, nearly the whole of Bermondsey, the high grounds and numerous villas of that portion of Kent, terminating with the beautiful distance of Shooter's Hill. To the north east are seen the ranges of streets towards Finsbury Square, the London Institution, St Luke's Hospital and church, with Hackney, Clap- ton, and the surrounding neighbourhood, and the fine wooded uplands of Epping Forest, to Haver- ing Bower. The nearer and more conspicuous portions of this View relate to the great city itself, and give a faithful representation of the architec- ture of many of its public buildings, with portions of thousands of its houses, the lines of its principal streets, and the towers and spires of its numerous churches. THE SECOND, OR NORTH VIEW, includes the north side of St. Paul's Church Yard, the public school of Christchurch, St. Bartholo- mew's Hospital, and the area of Smithfield, with the avenues thence diverging ; in the middle dis- ' tance are comprised the Charterhouse and its gar- dens, the Artillery Ground, part of Finsbury Square, Old Street, the City Gardens, Finsbury Fields, part of the City Road, the new establish- ments on the banks of the Regent's Canal, the greater portion of Clerkenwell, Cold Bath Fields, a considerable part of Pentonville, Islington, Bri- tannia Fields, London Fields, Hoxton, the mills of Rosemary Branch, Kingsland, and adjoining fields ; Highbury, Stoke Newington, Stamford Hill, and Muswell Hill. The extreme distance embraces a portion of Epping Forest, with the high grounds eastward towards Enfield, and the neighbouring parts of Hertfordshire. THE THIRD, OR SOUTH VIEW, opens with the south side of St. Paul's Church Yard, including part of Thames Street, St. An- drew's Hill, Blackfriars, St. Benet's Hill, with the Herald's College; all the adjacent churches, and many of the public Buildings ; the Southwark Bridge, and Bank Side, from St. Saviour's Church, along the line of warehouses and manufactories to the end of Blackfriars Bridge. The middle dis- tance of this View embraces a considerable por- tion of the Borough, with the line of Blackfriars Road, the Greenwich Road, and particularly shews the situations of its public buildings, from Beth- lem Hospital to the Kent Road. The more distant parts comprise Kennington, South Lambeth, New- ington, Camberwell, Peckham, Denmark Hill, Hearn Hill, the fine woods of Dulwich, Norwoods and a great extent of the surrounding country with its numerous villas. 10 THE FOURTH, OR WEST VIEW, The leading characteristics of this View are the beautiful windings of the Thames, the four great Bridges, the Abbey, the Houses of Parlia- ment, the Palaces and Parks, and the situations of many of the squares and streets that form the west end of the town. The foreground is com- posed of the two campanile turrets of the Cathe- dral, with part of the building and pediment over the grand entrance, the west end of the Church Yard, Ludgate Hill, traversed by Bridge Street, Blackfriars Bridge, and part of the Surrey Road. The northern division of the foreground consists of Newgate Street, the three great prisons of the metropolis, the College of Physicians, St. Sepul- chre's Church, St. Andrew's, and part of Holborn with the adjacent streets. The middle ground of this View is occupied by a multitudinous mass of buildings, in which are distinguished the Temple, Lincoln's Inn, Gray's Inn, the Foundling Hospital, and adjacent squares; 11 the British Museum, with a great portion of the new streets of Somers Town, St. Pancras, and Camden Town. The southern part of the middle ground comprises a considerable portion of Lam- beth, to Vauxhall Gardens. The course of the River, which here forms so fine a feature, becomes additionally interesting from the distinct view of the bridges of Blackfriars, Waterloo, Westminster, and Vauxhall, and of the many interesting objects on its banks ; among which may be particularly noticed, Somerset House, and the Adelphi, with their beautiful terraces, and the succession of noble residences between the latter place and Westmin- ster Bridge. In this portion of the View, the Abbey and Hall of Westminster, together with Whitehall, the Horse Guards, the Admiralty, and various public and private residences in this quar- ter, form fine and conspicuous features. Further westward are seen the Millbank Penitentiary, a considerable portion of Chelsea, with its celebrated college, the ranges of new buildings between that point and the palace of Buckingham House, the Park, and from thence the great expanse of the 12 west end of the town, to the Regent's Park, and Primrose Hill. Ranging northward are the beau- tiful hills crowned with the favourite villages of Hampstead and Highgate, in which almost every house commanding a glimpse of the summit of St. Paul's, will be found correctly delineated. In the distant parts of this View will be seen many of the prominent features of Hertfordshire, Middlesex, and Surrey, with the situations of some of the nume- rous villas which embellish that range of country. Thus will be given, in a series of four Views, a per- fect representation of a scene unparalleled in extent and variety, whether considered in regard to those interesting objects which characterize the great me- tropolis, with its distinguished port, to the accumu. lated memorials of ancient times concentred in its precincts, or to the diversified beauty of the envi- rons, and rural residences by which they are adorned. %* The Work being now in great forwardness, specimens of it may be seen at the residence of T. HoRNOR, No. 2, Robert Street, Adelphi. 13 From the many inquiries which have been made on the subject of the Panoramic Views, it is pre- sumed that some detail concerning the commence- ment, progress, and completion of a work so novel in its design, and so extensive in its nature, might be deemed, in some degree, interesting. T. HoRNOR having for several years been en- gaged in executing pictural delineations of landed estates, in perspective panoramic views, where the situation would permit, or in surveys, in which were blended adjoining scenery; and having prac- tised this style extensively in the neighbourhood of London, he gradually formed a collection of surveys and sketches peculiarly available as ma- terials for a general view of this very interest- ing district. In the course of his professional studies, he constructed an apparatus by which the most distant and intricate scenery may be de- lineated with mathematical accuracy ; and this machinery he was desirous of applying to the 14 execution of a work for which he considered him- self so amply prepared. The possession of the materials already alluded to^ naturally induced the artist to select the metropolis and its beautiful environs as the subject for delineation ; and he was the more confirmed in this choice from the consideration, that although tolerably correct views existed of almost every city and principal town in the empire, yet only very partial views of London had hitherto been attempted. Adopting these ma- terials, therefore, as the basis of his undertaking, he passed the whole summer of 1820 in the lan- tern of St. Paul's, immediately under the ball, in executing a general view, which from so elevated a position he was able to accomplish with great correctness. About the period when the view was nearly completed from this point, preparations were commenced for removing the ball and cross ; and the scaffolding, which excited such general admira- tion as a stupendous and most ingenious structure, was erected. Impelled by a wish to avail himself of this unexpected and singularly favourable op- 15 portunity, especially as he had in the mean time considerably improved his apparatus, he obtained permission to erect for it an observatory, supported by a platform several feet above the top of the highest part of the present cross ; and having suc- ceeded in fixing the apparatus in the interior of the observatory, he commenced a new series of sketches on a greatly extended scale, so as to admit the in- troduction of minute objects at a distance of some miles* To effect this, it was found necessary, from time to time, to adopt various contrivances to meet the numerous obstacles which opposed the pro- gress of the work. In weather partially cloudy, portions of the scene would be in bright sunshine,^ and others in total obscurity, producing an inces- * The upper part of the vignette, facing the title page, shews the scaffolding and situation of the observatory ; the lower part represents the observatory on an enlarged scale, with the mode of securing it ; the sketch in the centre part (taken from the south end of Blackfriars' Bridge) is introduced for the purpose of shew- ing the precise elevation of St. Paul's in relation to the neigh- bouring buildings. It is in no other respect intended as a speci- men of the large work, than as conveying a tolerable idea of its accuracy. 16 sant alternation of light and shade : it therefore became requisite to alter and modify the previous arrangements, that advantage might instantly be taken of the clear light, in any particular part of the entire circle of the View, and that an imme- diate transition might be made from one sketch to another. Trifling as this difficulty may at first ap- pear, it gave rise to more trouble and anxiety than any other part of the undertaking, since the time necessarily occupied in selecting the particular sketch, independently of the requisite adjustment of the apparatus, frequently exceeded the transient period during which the object continued \'isit)le. The difficulty, also, of connecting the detached parts thus seized at the most favourable moment was so great at times, as almost to preclude the hope of completing the performance. After a va- riety of attempts, the obstacle was at length re- moved by the construction of a comprehensive key-sketch, which served to indicate the precise relation of any particular portion to the general View. The remaining difficulties were in a great 17 measure obviated by placing the sketches (about 300 in number) in a rotatory frame, in such order that any particular one might be referred to at the moment it was required. The work being thus in a great measure ex- ecuted in minute portions, the connecting parts were from time to time filled up when the un- clouded state of the atmosphere permitted. Fortius reason it was requisite that the visits to the obser- vatory should throughout the summer be daily, and at the early hour of three in the morning, that the more general operations might proceed before the smoke began to ascend. It may here be observed, that at no one time is it possible, however clear the atmosphere, to command, from the situation alluded to, a distinct view of the entire circle of the metropolis ; a circumstance affording no small stimulus to perseverance in this work, from the re- flection that all the component parts taken respec- tively, at the most favourable moment, would form collectively a whole, freed from ail those disadvan- tages of smoke or shade by which the real scene m 18 ever greatly obscured, and that, without in any de- gree infringing the fidelity of delineation, London might thus be presented to view under an atmos- phere as pure and cloudless as that of Paris or Rome. At the same time, by its superior clear- ness in all the minute details, as well as in the har- mony of its general effect, this work would claim a decided preference over the best general views of those cities or any others, which seem to be princi- pally designed for the display of a few prominent features, to the exclusion of all faithful and accu- rate resemblances. The arduousness of an undertaking requiring daily visits to so elevated a place, amidst the many inconveniencies necessarily to be encoun- tered, may better be imagined, on referring to the annexed lithogi'aphic sketch of the staircase, dome, and scaffolding, including the whole eleva- tion from the ground to the observatory, which accurately shews every step of the ascent. As a scale for the elevation, a few of the houses in the churchyard, also done in lithography, are in- troduced. S^^^swb 4^/ ^'-' 't^',' it J..1 _^ i:K&#ll.| 'M ^^ iv// ■ A»^ /->V>a,^ ^^^^y .^;,.y ,„^^ 2^^ BH The Getty foCdout/map not digitized ', rr ,.i ;r j.' - 10 A few incidental circumstances attending the operations may here be briefly noticed. On en- tering the cathedral at three in the morning, the stillness which then prevailed in the streets of this populous city, contrasted with their mid-day bustle, was only surpassed by the more solemn and se- pulchral stillness of the cathedral itself. But not less impressive was the development, at that early hour of the immense scene from its lofty summit, whence was frequently beheld " The Forest of London^ without any indication of animated ex- istence. It was interesting to mark the gradual symptoms of returning life, until the rising sun vi- vified the whole into activity, bustle, and business. On one occasion the night was passed in the observatory, for the purpose of meeting the first glimpse of day ; but the cold was so intense, as to preclude any wish to repeat the experiment. In proceeding with the work, every assistance was readily afforded by the gentlemen connected with the cathedral ; and through their kind atten- 20 tion, all possible precautions were taken for the prevention of accidents to be apprehended in such an exposed situation. But the weather was fre- quently so boisterous during the stormy summer of 1821, as to frustrate the most judicious contri- vances for security. Indeed scarcely a day passed without derangement of some part of the scaf- folding, or machinery connected with it ; and so strong became the sense of danger arising from these repeated casualties, that notwithstanding the powerful inducement of increased remunera- tion, it was difficult on these emergencies to obtain the services of efficient workmen. This will not appear surprising, when it is known that during high winds, it was impossible for a person to stand on the scaffolding without clinging for support to the frame-work ; the creaking and whistling of the timbers, at such times, resembled those of a ship labouring in a storm, and the situation of the artist was not unlike that of a mariner at the mast-head. During a squall more than usually severe, a great part of the circular frame-work of heavy planks. 2J erected above the gallery for the prevention of ac- cidents, was carried over the house-tops to a consi- derable distance. At this moment a similar fate had nearly befallen the observatory, which was torn from its fastenings, turned partly over the edge of the platform, and its various contents thrown into utter confusion. The fury of the wind rendered the door impassable ; and after a short interval of suspense, an outlet was obtained by forcing a pas- sage on the opposite side.* By this misfortune, independently of personal inconvenience, consider- able delay and expense were occasioned ere the work could be resumed ; and it became necessary to provide against similar misfortunes, by securing * An accident somewhat more perilous befel Mr. Gwynn, when occupied in measuring the top of the dome, for a section of the Cathedral. While intent on his work, his foot slipped, and he slided down the convex surface of the dome, until his descent was fortunately obstructed by a small projecting piece of the lead. He thus remained until released from the danger which threatened him, by one of his assistants, who providen- tially discovered his awful situation. 22 the observatory to a cross-beam, and constructing a rope-fence, as seen in the lower part of the vignette. Thus fortified, the work was proceeded in without any other accidents of a nature worthy to be no- ticed, until all the sketches which could be taken from the observatory were completed. These sketches comprising 280 sheets of drawing paper, extend over a surface of 1680 square feet ; a space which will not appear surprising, when considered as including a portion of almost every public build- ing and dwelling-house in the metropolis, with all the villages, fields, roads, villas, rivers, canals, &c. visible from the summit of the Cathedral.* * To give a familiar illustration of the multitude of objects correctly introduced into this View, it may be sufficient to re- mind those who have explored the environs of London, that every building, garden, park, or other inclosure, indeed almost every tree and bush, commanding a view of the Cross of St. Paul's, will, according to their relative proportions, find their place in the delineation. Anxious that all the principal points here alluded to should be particularized in the general references, the artist has taken great pains to ascertain the whole; but, from their multiplicity, he is apprehensive lest any omissions 23 To insure the most perfect accuracy in the detail as well as in the general features, the concluding step was to collate these sketches with many of the individual objects ; for though the linear situation of each was correctly represented from the point of view, yet to preserve with fidelity the aerial per- spective, it was necessary to be thoroughly ac- quainted with all the retiring distances ; the num- ber and bulk of the sketches were such as to re- quire a carriage to be expressly constructed for their conveyance, and several weeks were occupied in these perambulations. Preparatory to the engraving, a reduced drawing of four parts was made, bearing the proportion of may have taken place ; and he would therefore willingly avail himself of any information from gentlemen possessing property so situated, which might enable him, on comparing it with his sketches, to remove all uncertainty on the subject. A note addressed to the artist, briefly describing the situation and name of the property, will fully answer his purpose. 24 one tenth to the original outline, every care being taken to preserve that accuracy which has been the pervading principle of the design. It is unnecessary to point out, except in a very brief way, the claims which an undertaking of this extensive nature has on the attention of particular individuals, and of the public in general. Almost every part has its peculiar and local use, or some specific interest attached to it. By the aid of this work, every possessor of property in London or its vicinity will be enabled to point out its si- tuation, either directly or in relation to some well known contiguous object. The inhabitants of the metropolis will find an infinite source of amusement, by tracing the various districts, and the avenues, rides, walks, &c. which communicate between them. The lovers of architecture may be interested in comparing, at one view, the va- rious specimens which the public buildings whe- ther of ancient or modern date, exhibit ; and the 25 churches in particular, with other religious edifices, will present to the clergy and the inhabitants of the different parishes a pleasing source of contem- plation. To the stranger the work will afford a more perfect idea than could otherwise be given of the metropolis, and its environs, in the most ex- tensive sense of the term; while to Englishmen residing in distant regions it will form a peculiarly gratifying memorial of the far-famed capital of their country. To foreigners it cannot fail to con- vey a strong and durable impression of the mag- nitude of its wealth and power, in the infinite number of its buildings and the immensity of its population ; to pourtray the national character in the great extent and diversity of its establishments, as devoted to religious, scientific, and other pa- triotic objects ; to unfold the vast resources of the empire, in the countless traces of its commerce, its manufactures, and trade; to exhibit the produc- tiveness of its public revenues, in the gi'and na- tional spirit of industry and enterprize ; and forci- 26 bly to prove the general prosperity of its multitu- dinous inhabitants, in its various public works and institutions sacred to piety and charity, to literature and the arts. T. HORNOR. No. 2, Robert-street, Adelphi, London, September, 1822. SELECT VIEWS IN LONDON AND ITS NEIGHBOURHOOD, TO BE COMPRISED IN ONE HUNDRED ENGRAVINGS, WITH TOPOGRAPHICAL AND HISTORICAL DESCRIPTIONS. IN issuing this Prospectus, T. Hornor takes the opportunity to annomice, that he is also preparing for publication a Volume o/" Select Views in London AND ITS Vicinity, accompanied with topographical and historical notices, for the convenience of those Subscribers who may desire to possess a still more extended illustration of the general Views. The sub- jects will consist of such parts of the Metropolis as are generally interesting from their antiquity, their architectural beauty, or their popularity as places of fashionable resort. Those scenes especially will be selected which have hitherto been regarded as presenting almost insuperable difficulties to Art, by the multitude of objects they include, and by their 28 cotisequeut intricacy of detail. To the execution of these sketches, the apparatus already mentioned, as so peculiarly adapted for delineating the most complicated objects ivith perfect accuracy, has been extensively applied; and the materials hitherto ac- cumulated will occupy upwards of One Hundred Engravings. Among them will be found many remarkable combinations of civic architecture in va- rious masses of buildings, extensive vistas of streets and other avenues, especially those lines which can only be partially seen from the gi^and central point. The facility which this mode of delinea- tion affords, will be particularly exemplified in depicting long continued ranges m many of the principal thoroughfares as well as alotig the banks of the Thames, and in the more ample and diversi- fied circle of the environs. Sy an expedient at once novel atid effectual, the succession of objects in these panoramic sketches will be continued from page to page, so that they and the accompanying description may mutually explain each other, and thus enable the reader in a varied afid pleasing man- 29 ner to explore the metropolis and the most interest- ing parts of its vicinity. So mathematically correct will he the detail in every portion of the performance ^ that not only the architectural character of the pub- lic buildings ivill be faithfidly preserved, but the houses in the lines of streets will be so minutely pourtrayed, that the distinctive peculiarities of each will be immediately recognized. On reference to this work, for instance, a stranger may become as familiar with the entire line of buildings from Cum- berland Gate to the London Docks as those who are daily accustomed to the actual perambulation ; and may trace the line of objects on the river ivith as much exactitude as if he were ?iavigating its course. The Villages in the distant environs, as well as the several Churches and Villas, will be shewn with equal distinctness; and thus will be furnished a correct and picturesque guide to the various parts of the metropolis, its populous and spreading suburbs, and the numerous walks and rides in its vicinity. The topographical notices will be interspersed with such historical matter 30 as may render them more effectually subservient to the general vieivs and occasio7ial sketches to which they relate ; and at the same time form a compendium of miscellaneous information for the amuseme?it of a leisure hour. To obviate any tedi- ousness of detail, it is intended to present in a very condensed form, the labours of our antiquaries on this greatly diversified subject ; and to record the result of their researches, rather than their discus- sions and controversies. One of the principal ob- jects of this part of the undertaking is to particu- larize, in a vivid and impressive manner, those places, which, as the scenes of mem,orable events ifi past times, have become, as it were, classic ground; and by shelving what London has been informer ages, to enhance the interest which attaches to London as it now exists. It would be luinecessary to adduce a stronger in- centive to this undertaking, than the conviction uni- versally felt, that no complete illustration of the Metropolis and its Environs has hitherto been attempted. 31 The Work will he published in ten Parts, and will he comprised in Two Quarto Volumes. — The Price of each Part, containing ten Engravings, or an equivalent portion of extensive panoramic views, ivill he One Guinea. J. M'Crcery, Printer, Tooks Court, Chancery Lane. LONDON J^JJI> THE SURROUNDING COUNTRY rRO.M THE Summit of s^pauls BY.T HORNOR .