This noble exercise became afterwards
discontinued for a long time, but was
renewed in the year 1610, when several
gentlemen having obtained the permis-
sion of King James I. undertook at their
private expence a weekly exercise in
the same artillery ground, and in the
year 1662, erected an armoury, in which
they placed 500 sets of arms, of extraor-
dinary beauty and workmanship.  The
Artillery company now greatly increased,
and the people resorted to the artillery
ground to learn to defend themselves
and their country; and even many gen-
tlemen from every county went thither
to learn martial exercises, in order to
teach them to the militia, in the distant
parts of the kingdom.

At length this company being so much
increased that this artillery ground was
scarcely able to contain them, for they
amounted to about 6000: they removed
to the New Artillery Ground near the

King Charles II. when Prince of Wales
enlisted himself into this company,
as did his brother James Duke of York,
at the same time; who after the restora-
tion took upon himself the command,
and named it his own company.

The Artillery company consists of
about 300 men.  It is governed by a
President, Vice-president, Treasurer and
Court of Assistants.  The Lord Mayor,
Aldermen and Sheriffs for the time be-
ing, &c. with the Field Officers of the
militia or trained bands, are of the ho-
norary court, these with 24 gentlemen
annually elected, compose the court of
Assistants.  His Majesty is Captain-
General, and all the other officers are
elected annually, and serve by rotation.

The New Artillery Ground is a spa-
cious square walled round.  In the cen-
ter of the north side is the Armoury, a
neat building of brick and stone strength-
ened with rustic quoins at the corners;
before it is a flight of steps, and there
are a few others at the door, which is
in the center, and is large, lofty, and
adorned with a porch formed by two