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the sides were elegantly divided into arches, richly festooned and entwined with flags; and, on the lefthand of the entrance, at the edge of the pavement, was erected a board, which stated, that All Carriages, not in the Procession, are, on setting down the company, to pass on into Southwark, and return from Southwark to take up. Round the whole of the Dam itself was a broad stage; which formed a most delightful promenade, secured from the heat of the sun by the tent above, whilst the air, light, and prospect, might be enjoyed through the Arches. THE WESTERN END OF THE COFFER-DAM

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terminated in a circular form, and presented a peculiarly beautiful object from the water; whence a series of substantial ladders led to the platform: over which floated the Union Jack, and a St. George's Ensign.

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formed, however, its most magnificent prospect; es

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pecially when seen from a point of sufficient elevation to comprise the whole extent of its splendid and capacious amphitheatre. The nearest objects were the thick and irregular walls of discoloured piles standing in the water, from which all boats were kept off by persons stationed for the purpose; and on the interior rows was the outer gallery of the tent, with its deco rated arches. The dawning above- was raised on a little forest of scaffold-poles, which would have ap peared of unusual strength any where but by the side of the huge blocks of timber immediately beneath them and, over the whole, the breeze -unfolded to the sun the several banners. In the centre waved the Royal Standard of England; at the Western top of the tent was the flag of the Navy Board; at the opposite point that of the Admiralty ;-and above these a rope extended the whole length of the building, decorated with about five-and-twenty signalcolours, furnished, like all the others, from the Royal Dock-Yard at Woolwich.; hilo, ba digande <£#

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This erection was divided into four principal parts, consisting of a floor and three galleries, the whole being capable of containing 2000, persons; nearly which number was probably present The floor was laid 45 feet below high-water mark, and measured 95 feet by 36, being formed of four-inch beechen planks, resting upon Piles headed with iron; upon which was a layer of timber two feet thick, and a course of brick-work- and stone, each of 23 feet deep. It was surrounded by three rows of seats, ex<

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cepting at the entrance at the Eastern end; and on the North side was a chair of state, covered with crimson cloth, having behind it the seats appropriated to the Lord Mayor's family and private friends. The whole floor was capable of receiving 500 persons, and was entirely covered with red baize, excepting at a rec tangular space in the centre, within which appeared a cavity, cut in stone, of 21 inches by 15, and 7 in depth, for the coins, &c.jo overwhich the First Stone was suspended by a strong fall and tackle, se cured to the upright timbers of the Dam. Above the floor was a gallery, containing three rows of covered seats, sufficient to hold 400 spectators; and over it were two others; the lower one, of two rows for 400; and the upper tier for 300 more Three other galleries also stretched along the cross beams above; whilst a still more lofty one, at the Western end, was appropriated to the Ward Schools of Bridge, Dowgate, and Candlewick. The general character of the Dam was strength and solidity; the tiers of seats being supported by massive cross-beams, wreathed and decorated with flags and rosettes; along the centre passed another very thick timber, bearing the uprights and their respective supporters; and from the roof several large flags hung heavily downwards! The taste and ingenuity which were exerted in the arrangements, had indeed left nothing to be wished for whilst the general security was every where so palpably apparent, as to dispel the apprehensions even of the most timid. Such was the appearance of the › INTERIOR OF THE

COFFER-DAM, AND THE POSITION OF THE FIRST STONE,

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