In my endeavours to give the work this improved character, I have been greatly assisted by my Father, Mr. WILLIAM J. THOMS, and by Mr. YEOWELL; and among the most pleasant parts of my task is making this public acknowledgment of their kind and valuable assistance.

25, HOLYWELL STREET, MILLBANK,

1853.

MERTON A. THOMS.

TABLE OF CONTENTS TO THE CHAPTERS.

PAGE

Origin and Progress of Language, Literature, Architecture, Painting, Sculp-

ture, Music, Engraving, Government, &c.

Commerce, use of Money, Coins, Banking System, Internal Navigation, &c.

Discoveries and Inventions

Rise and Progress of the Stage, Origin of various Popular Plays, Songs, &c.

Universities, Colleges, Schools, Public Libraries, Religious Sects, Nicene

Creed, Inquisition, &c.

Parliaments, Magna Charta, Trial by Jury, Feudal Laws, Public Courts of

the Kingdom, Origin of Tithes, &c.

..........

1

45

55

84

......

97

110

Titles, Dignities, Orders and Insignia, Heralds, and Origin of various Royal

and Noble Families

..........

132

Literal Signification of the Principal Male and Female Christian Names... 161

Ancient and Modern Games, Field Sports, and other Amusements

Remarkable Customs, Popular Observances

Time and its Divisions-Era, Months, Weeks, Days, &c.

165

177

217

Agriculture, Horticulture, Vegetables, Fruits, Plants, Flowers, Beverages, &c. 234

Luxuries, Articles of Dress, Trades, Professions and Companies, Public-

house Signs, &c.

253

Public Buildings, Inns of Court, Wards, Churches, Streets, and Localities

of London and Westminster......

278

Etymons of various Countries, Islands, Seas, Towns, Provinces, Remarkable

Places, &c.

328