The Cornhill Magazine, Vol. 8: January to June 1900 (Classic Reprint)

Excerpt from The Cornhill Magazine, Vol. 8: January to June 1900

In a street of some width the effect was doubtless picturesque. But most of the streets were narrow lanes, and the projecting buildings from each side almost met at their top stories, making the street itself gloomy and airless. Add to this that in a time when reading was an accomplishment a shop could not indicate its nature or its owner's name by printing it in the unobtrusive manner which now prevails. It hung out a huge signboard, bearing a suitable emblem, a structure which had to be supported by stout iron fastenings. I do not think that a walk in the average street can have afforded a very exhilarating view.

The streets were badly paved, and the middle of them was little better than an open sewer. The dirt and refuse from the houses were thrown out into the street, and this was one reason for the projection of the upper stories. The pavement was raised at the two sides so as to make it possible to walk clear of too much mud. We have the trace of this state of things in a courteous habit, which I fear is now becoming old-fashioned, of always allow ing a lady to walk next the wall. It was a matter of much consequence, in days when apparel was more splendid than it is now, to have the advantage of being exempted from stepping into the mire. Hence came a strict observance of precedence in giving the wall. The nature of a man's dress indicated his quality, and his quality had to be respected to preserve his clothes.

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