The edifice is not only neat but ex-
tremely elegant, consisting of two wings
and a center detached from both of them.
In the middle of the front is the chapel,
before which is a noble portico, with
Ionic columns, and coupled pilasters
at the corners, supporting a pediment,
in the plane of which is the dial.
There is an ascent to the portico by a
flight of steps, and over the chapel is a
handsome turret.  On each side of the
portico, are two houses like those in the
wings.  The construction of the wings
is uniform, lofty and convenient: twelve
doors in each open in a regular series,
and the windows are of a moderate size,
numerous, and proportioned to the a-
partments they are to enlighten.  The
square is surrounded with gravel walks.
with a large grass plat in the mddle,

It is worthy of remark, that this Ban-
croft, who left so large a sum for erect-
ing and endowing this fine hospital, and
even ordered two sermons to be annually
preached in commemoration of his cha-
rity, was, according to the last edition
of Stow's Survey, one of the Lord
Mayor's officers, and by informations
and summoning the citizens before the
Lord Mayor, upon the most trifling oc-
casions, and other things not belonging
to his office, not only pillaged the poor
but also many of the rich, who rather
than lose time in appearing before that
Magistrate, gave money to get rid of this
common pest of the citizens, which, to-
gether with his numerous quarterages
from the brokers, &c. enabled him to
amass annually a considerable sum of
money.  But by these and other mercen-
ary practices, he so incurred the hatred
and ill-will of the citizens of all ranks