THE MIRROR OF LITERATURE, AMUSEMENT, AND INSTRUCTION.

VOL. 14, No. 388.] SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1829. [PRICE 2d.



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ST. DUNSTAN'S, FLEET STREET.

[Illustration]


No church in London is perhaps better known than the above, which is
distinctively called Saint Dunstan's in the West. External elegance has
little to do with this celebrity, which has been acquired by the two wooden
figures placed on a pediment in front, representing savages, who indicate
the hours and quarters by striking a bell with their clubs: this has caused
a wag to describe them as the most striking wonders of the metropolis.
Another, who is equally disposed to sport with their notoriety, says, "as
they are visible in the street, they are more admired by many of the
populace on Sundays, than the most elegant preacher from the pulpit
within." We are, however, induced to hope better; especially as Dr. Donne,
the celebrated Richard Baxter, and the pious Romaine were preachers at St.
Dunstan's.

There is no evidence when this church was erected; but Stow records burials
in it so early as the year 1421. The date of the above view is 1739, and