ard Grey in 1241, the church was surrendered at the
Reformation, and the Hall was made into the first Whitefriars Theatre, and
the precinct newly named Alsatia, celebrated in modern literature by Scott
in the "Fortunes of Nigel." "The George Tavern," mentioned in Shadwell's
play, "The Squire of Alsatia," became later the printing shop of one
Bowyer, and still more recently the printing establishment of Messrs.
Bradbury and Evans, the publishers and proprietors of _Punch_, which
building was still more recently removed for the present commodious
structure occupied by this firm. In Dickens' time it was in part at least
the old "George Tavern." It is singular perhaps that Dickens' connection
with the famous "Round Table" of _Punch_ was not more intimate than it
was. It is not known that a single article of his was ever printed in its
pages, though it is to be presumed he contributed several, and one at
least is definitely acknowledged.

Ram Alley and Pye Corner were here in Alsatia, the former a passage
between the Temple and Sergeant's Inn, which existed until recently.

Mitre Court is perhaps the most famous and revered of all the purlieus of
Fleet Street. "The Mitre Tavern," or rather a reminiscence of it, much
frequented by the London journalist of to-day and of Dickens' time, still
occupies the site of a former structure which has long since disappeared,
where Johnson used to drink his port, and where he made his famous remark
to Ogilvie with regard to the noble prospects of Scotland: "I believe, sir,
you have a great many ... but, sir, let me tell you the noblest prospect
which a Scotchman ever sees is the highroad that leads him to England."

Of all the old array of taverns of Fleet Street, "The Cock" most recently
retained a semblance, at least, of its former characteristics, which
recalls one of Tennyson's early poems, "A Monologue of Will Waterproof,"
which has truly immortalized this house of refreshment:

_"Thou plump head-waiter at the Cock_
_To which I most resort,_
_How goes the time? Is't nine o'clock?_
_Then fetch a pint of port."_

Salisbury Court, or Salisbury Square as it has now become, is another of
those literary suburbs of Fleet Street--if one may so call it--where
modern literature was fostered and has prospered. It occupies the
courtyard of Salisbury or Dorset House. Betterton, Cave, and Sandford, the
actors, lived here; Shadwell, Lady Davenant, the widow of the laureate;
Dryden