Notes and Queries, Number 30, May 25, 1850 by Various
page 15 of 65 (23%)
page 15 of 65 (23%)
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still preserved in 'Pickax Yard' adjoining Middle Row."
Why then, among the curious illustrations which he has brought to bear upon the subject, has Mr. Cunningham omitted that of the origin of the name from the "picks upon the hatch?" which is clearly established both by Malone and Steevens, in their notes upon "'twere not amiss to keep our door hatch'd," in Pericles. The following is an excellent suggestion as to the origin of the-- "_Goat and Compasses._--At Cologne, in the church of Santa Maria in Capitolio, is a flat stone on the floor professing to be the Grabstein der BrĂ¼der und Schwester eines ehrbaren Wein-und Fass-Ampts, Anno 1693; that is, as I suppose, a vault belonging to the Wine Coopers' Company. The arms exhibit a shield with a pair of compasses, an axe, and a dray, or truck, with goats for supporters. In a country like England, dealing so much at one time in Rhenish wine, a more likely origin for such a sign could hardly be imagined. For this information I am indebted to the courtesy of Sir Edmund Head." Can Mr. Cunningham, Sir E. Head, or any of our correspondents point out any German "Randle Holme" whose work may be consulted for the purpose of ascertaining the arms, &c. of the various professions, trades, &c. of that country? Why has not Mr. Cunningham, in his description of _St. James' Street_, mentioned what certainly existed long after the commencement of the present century, the occasional "steps" which there were in the foot-path--making the street a succession of terraces. This fact renders |
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