What do you think?
Rate this book
The Fleet: Its River, Prison, and Marriages
Excerpt from The Fleet: Its River, Prison and Marriages
This book requires none, except a mere statement of its scheme. Time has wrought such changes in this land of ours, and especially in its vast Metropolis, "The Modern Babylon," that the old land-marks are gradually being effaced - and in a few generations would almost be forgotten, were it not that some one noted them, and left their traces for future perusal. All have some little tale to tell; even this little River Fleet, which with its Prison, and its Marriages - are things utterly of the past, entirely swept away, and impossible to resuscitate, except by such a record as this book.
I have endeavoured, by searching all available sources of information, to write a trustworthy history of my subject - and, at the same time, make it a pleasant book for the general reader. If I have succeeded in my aim, thanks are due, and must be given, to W. H. Overall, Esq., F.S.A., and Charles Welch, Esq., Librarians to the Corporation of the City of London, whose friendship, and kindness, have enabled me to complete my pleasant task.
This book requires none, except a mere statement of its scheme. Time has wrought such changes in this land of ours, and especially in its vast Metropolis, "The Modern Babylon," that the old land-marks are gradually being effaced - and in a few generations would almost be forgotten, were it not that some one noted them, and left their traces for future perusal. All have some little tale to tell; even this little River Fleet, which with its Prison, and its Marriages - are things utterly of the past, entirely swept away, and impossible to resuscitate, except by such a record as this book.
I have endeavoured, by searching all available sources of information, to write a trustworthy history of my subject - and, at the same time, make it a pleasant book for the general reader. If I have succeeded in my aim, thanks are due, and must be given, to W. H. Overall, Esq., F.S.A., and Charles Welch, Esq., Librarians to the Corporation of the City of London, whose friendship, and kindness, have enabled me to complete my pleasant task.
385 pages, Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 1888
2 people are currently reading
1 person want to read
About the author
John Ashton
355 books2 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
John Ashton (1834-1911) was an English author and historian, who compiled numerous books about the social and cultural lives of earlier generations.
John Ashton (1834-1911) was an English author and historian, who compiled numerous books about the social and cultural lives of earlier generations.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 of 1 review
May 17, 2013
This unusual book follows the colorful history of the Fleet River, which is mostly submerged in modern-day London. The author spends nearly a third of the book charting the course of the river from the springs in Hampstead Heath all the way to Blackfriar's Bridge and the site of the old Fleet Prison. Along the way, Ashton discusses memorable places and histories such as Nell Gwynn, bear-baiting at Hockney-in-the-Hole, road bandits from Pindar in Wakefield and Bagnigge House.
Along the way are such colorful characters as James Wilkinson, a purveyor of cat meat, who died in his sleep in a crowded boarding house. During the inquest, the coroner asked the proprietor how he remained dead in bed for several days without complaint. She replied that the rooms were crowded with 2-3 men per bed and 8 men per room. It seemed natural. Asked about a regular not eating, she said it was typical for her guests to go days without food.
The end of the book focuses on the peculiar institution of fleet marriages. According to the book, normal marriages of the Victorian era required considerable money and expenses for celebrating. Fleet marriages were a means by which a couple could marry quickly and quietly - paying for the ceremony and the celebrations in one of the nearby taverns, some of which hosted the officiant. Of the officiants, Ashton collected as much data as possible. Most appeared to be lay preachers with slight connections to the official churches. However, they proudly married thousands of people despite fines and spells in the Fleet Prison. Overall, a little strange and largely unknown activity of the age.
The book is slow and changes topics abruptly. Originally written in 1888, the format and writing are very different from the modern era. For one thing, the author assumes the reader is familiar with other languages and passages are dotted with French, Latin, and the vernacular. The writing is dry like academic prose; but with a strange, informal familiarity with the reader. Overall, a unique look at the era.
Along the way are such colorful characters as James Wilkinson, a purveyor of cat meat, who died in his sleep in a crowded boarding house. During the inquest, the coroner asked the proprietor how he remained dead in bed for several days without complaint. She replied that the rooms were crowded with 2-3 men per bed and 8 men per room. It seemed natural. Asked about a regular not eating, she said it was typical for her guests to go days without food.
The end of the book focuses on the peculiar institution of fleet marriages. According to the book, normal marriages of the Victorian era required considerable money and expenses for celebrating. Fleet marriages were a means by which a couple could marry quickly and quietly - paying for the ceremony and the celebrations in one of the nearby taverns, some of which hosted the officiant. Of the officiants, Ashton collected as much data as possible. Most appeared to be lay preachers with slight connections to the official churches. However, they proudly married thousands of people despite fines and spells in the Fleet Prison. Overall, a little strange and largely unknown activity of the age.
The book is slow and changes topics abruptly. Originally written in 1888, the format and writing are very different from the modern era. For one thing, the author assumes the reader is familiar with other languages and passages are dotted with French, Latin, and the vernacular. The writing is dry like academic prose; but with a strange, informal familiarity with the reader. Overall, a unique look at the era.
Displaying 1 of 1 review