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St. Anthony's Hospital and School,
an ancient foundation in Threadneedle
street. See the French episcopal
church in Threadneedle street.
Antilope alley, King's street Westmin-
ster.*
Antiquarian Society. A society of
Antiquaries was formed in this city about
the year 1580, by some of the most
learned men in the kingdom: but ha-
ving been frequently interrupted and
discontinued, very little can be said con-
cerning the same till the year 1717,
when it was again revived by a number
of gentlemen studious of antiquity in ge-
neral, but more particulary desirous to ob-
tain all possible knowledge of the antiqui-
ties of their own country. With this view
they agreed to meet one evening in every
week under certain regulations; they
encouraged correspondencies with all parts
of the kingdom; they subscribed an
annual sum to defray the expence of en-
graving on copper-plates, what should
be thought deserving to be so preserved,
and limited their number to 100. And
in this manner they continued their week-
ly meeting with great reputation, till his
Majesty King George II. was graciously
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| A N T | 181 |
pleased to grant them a royal charter of
incorporation, dated Nov. 2, 1751;
and to declare himself their founder and
patron.
Under this charter they became a body
corporate, by the name of the Society of
Antiquaries of London, with a power
to have and use a common seal, to sue
and be sued, and to take, hold, and en-
joy by purchase, gift, or otherwise, any
lands, tenements or hereditaments, not
exceeding in the whole 1000l. per annum.
And it is therein directed, that the Coun-
cil of the said Society shall at all times
consist of 21 persons, the President for
the time being always to be one; and the
said charter appoints Martin Folkes, Esq;
to be the first President, and also 20 other
persons therein named to be the first Coun-
cil, empowering them within two months
from the date thereof, to nominate,
chuse and admit, as Fellows of the said
Society, such persons as shall excel in the
knowledge of the antiquities and history
of this and other nations, and be eminent
for piety, virtue, integrity and loyalty.
This first President and Council are to
continue till the 23d day of April next
ensuing, on which day, in every year
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