2-982-477 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Old Houses, Moorfields, [London], 1858. 'The picturesque ornamentation in the front of the house shown in the Engraving is probably of the date of the latter part of the reign of Henry VIII., and was much used in London during that and the three succeeding reigns...In the reigns of Charles I. and II. plaster patterns of greater beauty and more refinement were much used in the better class of houses, and harmonised well with the elaborately carved woodwork which was then in fashion. Most of these ceilings have now been removed ; the exterior scroll-work even on the house in Moor-fields has altogether disappeared, and a hostelry, made splendid with plate-glass, brass-work, and Grecian capitals, has supplied the place of the unassuming entrance which was formerly here; and so great is the change that, although the old frame remains behind, it would puzzle a good antiquary to recognise an ancient house with such a new face...From an examination of this neighbourhood it seems evident that this row of houses formerly looked into the fields'. From "Illustrated London News", 1858.