It is observable, that on the laying of
the first stone, his Majesty King George I.
gave an hundred guineas to be distributed
among the workmen, and some time af-
ter 1500l. to purchase an organ.  The
whole expence of building and decorating
this church, amounted to 36,891l. 10s.
4d. of which 33,450l. was granted by
Parliament, and the rest raised by the
above royal benefaction, a subscription,
and the sale of seats in the church.

St. Martin's in the Fields is an elegant
edifice built with stone.  In the west front
is an ascent by a very long flight of steps
to a very noble portico of Corinthian co-
lumns, which support a pediment in
which is the royal arms in bas relief.
The same order is continued round in pi-
lasters, and in the intercolumniations are
two series of windows surrounded with
rustic.  On each side the doors, on the
sides which are near the corners, are
lofty Corinthian columns; the roof is
concealed by a handsome balustrade, and
the spire is stately and elegant.

The decorations on the inside are ex-
tremely fine; the roof is richly adorned
with fret-work; slender Corinthian co-
lumns raised on high pedestals, rising in
the front of the galleries, serve to support
both them and the roof, which on the

This church was repaired and beautified
in 1758.

With respect to this noble edifice,
says the author of the Review, " I
" could wish that a view was opened from
" the Mews to St. Martin's church; I
" don't know any of the modern build-
" ings about town which better deserves
" such an advantage.  The portico is at
" once elegant and august, and if the steps
" arising from the street to the front
" could have been made regular, and on
" a line from end to end, it would have
" given it a very considerable grace; but
" as the situation of the ground would
" not allow it, this is to be esteemed a
" misfortune rather than a fault.  The
" round columns at each angle of the
" church are very well contrived, and
" have a very fine effect in the profile of
" the building; the east end is remarka-
" bly elegant, and very justly challenges
" a particular applause.  In short, if there
" is any thing wanting in this fabric, 'tis
" a little more elevation, which, I pre-
" sume, is apparently wanted within, and
" would create an additional beauty with-