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TRADES.

A FEW gifts are specially directed to be applied in the promotion of some particular Trade, of which the Donors may be supposed to have had a strong predilection, from being members of it.

In 1720, WILLIAM SMITH, Citizen and Barber Surgeon, committed to the special trust and confidence of the Minister of Over Stonar the yearly sum of 57. to apprentice a poor boy, to a Barber from time to time, "if he shall be thereto thought qualified." Mr. SMITH may be excused the high pretensions of his art, from the well known loquacity of that busy fraternity. It, however, appears that the directions of the will, as to apprenticing to Barbers, have not been strictly pursued. It would not be practicable to apply the fund solely to that trade, nor, if it were practicable, would it now perhaps be expedient. The objects of the Charity have

been placed in various other trades, as opportunities have occurred.1

Occasional deviations from the prescribed directions of the Donors appear to be indispensable, where the sums so given cannot now be employed with utility or safety.

In 1672, Mr. WILLIAM BOWER, Merchant, granted certain lands, for the better education and instruction of poor children of Bridlington and Bridlington Quay, in the manufactory, art and craft of carding and spinning of wool, and knitting of all manner of woollen ware. It is a considerable time since children were taught carding wool and spinning under this Charity, and it does not appear that instruction in those particulars could be conveniently resumed, regard being had to the income of the Charity, or that such instruction is required or considered an object of importance among the poor inhabitants of the place.3

1 Rep. vi. p. 363.

2

* Rep. xiv. p. 43.

3

9 Rep. ix. p. 726.

GLOVES.

THIS article of dress does not appear to have been introduced into England until nearly the close of the Tenth century, when, by a law of ETHELRED the Second, "five pair of gloves" formed an important part of a Duty, which was imposed upon some German Merchants,— and it was not until many subsequent centuries that they were used, by any but the most opulent in the kingdom,—they were consequently, originally, a present of considerable value.1

In the Picture of the Marriage of King HENRY the Sixth, KEMP, Archbishop of Canterbury, wears thin yellow gloves which are well represented, and which HORACE WALPOLE Considers as "remarkable." Gloves were sometimes, particularly those

1 Brady's Clavis Calendaria, vol. i. p. 149.
2 Walpole's Anecdotes, vol. i. p. 37.

of great Dignitaries of the Church, adorned with precious stones.

Sweet or perfumed Gloves are frequently mentioned by SHAKESPEARE, and were very fashionable in the reign of Queen ELIZABETH, and long afterwards. Thus AUTOLYCUs, in his song, offers for sale,

66

Gloves, as sweet as damask roses."

Winter's Tale.

In accordance with this sentiment, we find gloves directed to be given only to persons, who hold offices of trust,—and to whom such a mark of respect could be offered without offence, for the trouble which was imposed upon them in the administration of the several Charities.

The earliest mention of Gloves occurs in the Will of RICHARD CAMBDEN, in 1642, by which 5s. are directed to be given to the Churchwardens of the Parish of Allhallows, in Lombard Street, to buy them Gloves, or to be spent upon a festival, as they should think proper.3

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JOHN READ was, however, far more bountiful, in 1651, as he gave 57. yearly, to The Master, Wardens and Assistants of The Carpenter's Company, for this refined article of dress.4

* Rep. iv. p. 157.

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