Notes and Queries, Number 46, September 14, 1850 by Various
page 12 of 66 (18%)
page 12 of 66 (18%)
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Were these twin worthies, Obadiah Bull the lawyer, and Joe Dun the bailiff, men of straw for the nonce, or veritable flesh and blood? They both flourished, it appears, in the reign of Henry VII.; and to me it is doubtful whether one reign could have produced two worthies capable of cutting so deep a notch in the English tongue. "To dine with Duke Humphrey," we are told, arose from the practice of those who had shared his dainties when alive being in the habit of perambulating St. Paul's, where he was buried, at the dining time of day; what dinner they then had, they had with Duke Humphrey the defunct. Your contributor MR. CUNNINGHAM will be able to decide as to the value of the origin of Tyburn here given to us: "As to the antiquity of Tyburn, it is no older than the year 1529; before that time, the place of execution was in _Rotten Row_ in _Old Street_. As for the etymology of the word _Tyburn_, some will have it proceed from the words _tye_ and _burn_, alluding to the manner of executing traitors at that place; others believe it took its name from a small river or brook once running near it, and called by the Romans Tyburnia. Whether the first or second is the truest, the querist may judge as he thinks fit." And so say I. A readable volume might be compiled from these "NOTES AND QUERIES," which amused our grandfathers; and the works I have indicated will afford much curious matter in etymology, folk-lore, topography, &c., to |
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