London

Excerpts from “Harper’s Handbook for Travellers,” 1866

“ …the most wealthy city in the world.”

“Population 3,000,000.”

“The city, with its suburbs, covers about 120 square miles. London is particularly distingushed by the air of business which pervades it in every direction. Its streets are mostly wide, clean, and well paved; the houses plain and substantial; the public buildings built more for use than ornament….the London docks cover more than 100 acres of ground…”

“The principal hotels are Clergy and Laity Club, Westminster Palace Hotel, and the Grosvenor. The prices vary from $3.50 to $6.50 per day… Servants have hardly yet become accustomed to landlords putting “service” in the bill, and still “hang round” expecting a small fee…”

“The scenery of Hyde Park is greatly enriched by the lake called the Serpentine, where the bathing is good in summer and the skating in winter: there are regulations for morning and evening bathing “posted” at various places.”

“The British Museum is a magnificent edifice….it is an extensive suite of buildings, not yet finished, and upon which many gifts have been bestowed, and the collection is yearly increasing.”

“The Royal Zoological Gardens, situated in Regent’s Park, should be visited by all strangers. It is one of the “institutions” of London…The refreshing little lakes are bordered by exotics, ornamental trees, and shrubs; neat little thatched cottages, almost enveloped in the running woodbine, wafting sweet odors, intersperse the most romantic parts… Following the serpentine walks, we meet the abode of the bears, monkeys, and other animals, which, as a collection, is the best in England.”

“Carriage-hire in London is full as expensive as in New York…A handsome brougham and pair, with coachman in livery, will cost from $50 to $75 per week, including the pour boire of the coachman…This style of carriage, however, is superseded by the cabs, which are of two different kinds – the ‘four-wheelers’ and the ‘Hansoms”– which accommodate two persons. “

“One of the best tailoring establishments in London (and clothing is remarkably cheap in England) is that of H.L. Marshall and Co., No . 516 New Oxford Street. We can cordially recommend their travelling suits, which they get up at twenty-four hours’ notice.”

"In the evening, after putting Carrie to bed, Azuba stood at the window watching the tangle of carriages passing below, their lanterns like burred stars. She had never imagined such crowds, such chaotic energy."

Chapter 5, "Chalk Line"