The Sun.
London, England, 1828-12-25 00:00:00

IMPROVEMENTS AT PIMLICO.

A well-executed map, recently published, showing
the improvements now in progress at the west-end
of London, particularly in the parish of St. Georg.,
Hanover-square, has directed our attention to that
quarter of the metropolis, and probably a short state-
ment of the result of our observations may not prove
uninteresting to the public. Those persons who re-
member the district called the " Five Fields " about
three or four years ago, will be pleasingly surprised
to learn that a spot, which was so lately perhaps the
most wretched in appearance and the most disreputa-
ble in character in the metropolis or its vicinity, has
been, within so short a period, converted into a splen-
did neighbourhood, and is, or at least is likely
soon to become, the chosen resort of fashion and
opulence. It has always been a subject of regret
that the buildings which for several years past
have annually swelled the already stupendous bulk
of London, are, with few exceptions, of so poor and
beggarly a description as to impart an air of poverty
and meanness to the metropolis when entered through
the suburbs. Let any one view the long lines of
streets to the north of the New-road—whether at
Islington or further west, towards Camden-town and
Paddington —and it will be seen that they are com-
posed of only third and fourth-rate houses. On the
Sun•ey side the case is as bad, if not worse. This
circumstance, so unfortunate for the architectural
character of the metropolis, has, we conceive, ori-
ginated in a miscalculation of the builders. They
supposed that the only way to obtain a quick return
of their capital was to build houses which would
readily find tenants, on account of the cheapness of
the rent ; but it never entered into their.calculation
that the money of persons who could afford to pay
only a low rent was less sure than that of those who
were competent to pay a high one, and that the
increase of the poors' rate, which is inevitable in a
neighbourhood of low character, must, to a certain
extent, operate as a bar to the settlement of tenants
who mean, to pay bone fide, because the latter will
naturally argue that it will be more to their advan-
tage to pay the sum required for poors' rate in the
shape of additional rent in a more respectable vici•
nity. The speculators seem also to hare over-
looked this important circumstance—that the per-
sons who resort to the ontskirts of the metropolis,
where little or no business is carried on, are chiefly
of that class which, is able to pay high rents for
good houses. Another illustration, though of an
opposite nature, of our argument is to be found
in the success which has attended the buildings
in the Regeat's Park, and that which seems
certain to crown the improvements on Lord
Grosrenor's estate at Pimlico. The surface of the
Five Fields was covered with a clayey soil about
two feet in depth, which completely prevented the
absorption of rain, so that even in the middle o

summer it appeared damp, and a few huts were the
only habitations that relieved the monotony of the
scene. When the resolution was formed of building
on the ground, it was found necessary to remove this
retentive surface, which being done (a matter of no
little difficulty; compensated, however, in some de-
gree by the material being converted into brinks), a
fine sandy soil, presented itself. This was well cal-

ciliated fora 'building foundation;l;;; it vbeing
thought rather low, the persons engaged therefore
at once decided on the arduous undertaking of rais-
ing the level of the ground ten feet, and this has
been done over a space of about 100 acres. On this
site have been constructed several houses, forming
noble squares, streets, and crescents, which beyond
question surpass in magnificence any buildings of
the same character and extent in any one district in
the metropolis. All the great improvements of the
age seemed to have been placed in requisition to
give an air of grandeur to this undertaking. The '
ground is drained in the most perfect manner; large
sewers have been built in every avenue ; the roads
are broad and level, and the areas in the squares
thickly and tastefully planted. Some idea may be
formed of the grandeur of this neighbourhood when
we state that there is scarcely a house in it which
is not equal to any in the Regent's Park, whilst
mazy are greatly snperior, and all possess the advan-
tage in the solidity of construction, and the extent of
space occupied. Whilst standing amidst these fine
buildings, one cannot fail to be struck with the

fatigable spirit of individual enterprise in this country,
and with the extraordinary effects it produces. It
is only about three years s►nce the first stone of the
house lately occupied by Lord Forrester (the first
built) was laid, and already an extensive neighbour-
hood is created, which, in other places of less mag-
nitude than London, would be called a quarter of a
town. A sum of nearly one million sterling has, we
understand, already been expended on the work,
and as mach more must be disbursed before it is
completed. The ambitious character of the under-
taking is apparent. It is evidently intended to chal-
lenge the support of the wealthiest classes, and
henceforth the struggle will be between Portman
and Grosvenor-squares and this neighbourhood.
Which will be triumphant remains to be seen : at
all events, the new houses here, as we are informed,
are being taken up by the nobility as fast as they are
completed. One circumstance will tend to render

this neighbourhood fashionable, independent of its
own peculiar aptness for the abode of the wealthy
part of the community—namely, its contiguity to
the King's new Palace; thus receiving and im-

parting in appropriate splendour by the vicinity o
the Royal residence.—Morning Paper.

SECOND HAND COFFINS.---The following
curious handbill has been stuck up at Whitehaven
" Hardy and Company, Second Hand Coffin Warehouse,
No. 18, Fox-lane, having been several years agent for sup-
plying Dublin and Edinburgh Colleges with bodice they
have had the opportunity of collecting a large assortment
of coffins of every size and description, which they purpose
selling at reduced prices fur ready money. Also all kinds
of human and other bones, coffins, &c. bought, sold, or
exchanged.— Orders Ivill be received at the warehouse, or
the furniture shop, Market-place. N.B. Best prices given
for perfect bodies.