Europe, British Isles, England, London, Westminster, St James', Pall Mall [Map]
Pall Mall is in St James'.
Pepy's Diary. 19 Aug 1662. By and by to sit at the office; and Mr. Coventry (age 34) did tell us of the duell between Mr. Jermyn (age 26), nephew to my Lord St. Albans (age 57), and Colonel Giles Rawlins, the latter of whom is killed, and the first mortally wounded, as it is thought. They fought against Captain Thomas Howard (age 31), my Lord Carlisle's (age 33) brother, and another unknown; who, they say, had armour on that they could not be hurt, so that one of their swords went up to the hilt against it. They had horses ready, and are fled. But what is most strange, Howard sent one challenge, but they could not meet, and then another, and did meet yesterday at the old Pall Mall [Map] at St. James's, and would not to the last tell Jermyn what the quarrel was; nor do any body know. The Court is much concerned in this fray, and I am glad of it; hoping that it will cause some good laws against it.
Pepy's Diary. 15 May 1663. Up betimes and walked to St. James's, where Mr. Coventry (age 35) being in bed I walked in the Park, discoursing with the keeper of the Pell Mell [Map], who was sweeping of it; who told me of what the earth is mixed that do floor the Mall, and that over all there is cockle-shells powdered, and spread to keep it fast; which, however, in dry weather, turns to dust and deads the ball.
Pepy's Diary. 13 Jul 1663. Thence by water to Whitehall, and so walked to St. James's, but missed Mr. Coventry (age 35). I met the Queen-Mother (age 53) walking in the Pell Mell [Map], led by my Lord St. Alban's (age 58). And finding many coaches at the Gate, I found upon enquiry that the Duchess (age 26) is brought to bed of a boy; and hearing that the King (age 33) and Queen (age 24) are rode abroad with the Ladies of Honour to the Park, and seeing a great crowd of gallants staying here to see their return, I also staid walking up and down, and among others spying a man like Mr. Pembleton (though I have little reason to think it should be he, speaking and discoursing long with my Lord D'Aubigne (age 43)), yet how my blood did rise in my face, and I fell into a sweat from my old jealousy and hate, which I pray God remove from me.
Pepy's Diary. 02 Sep 1663. He being gone, I to my office, where late, putting things in order, and so home to supper and to bed. Going through the City, my Lord Mayor (age 48) told me how the piller set up by Exeter House [Map] is only to show where the pipes of water run to the City; and observed that this City is as well watered as any city in the world, and that the bringing the water to the City hath cost it first and last above £300,000; but by the new building, and the building of St. James's by my Lord St. Albans (age 58)1, which is now about (and which the City stomach I perceive highly, but dare not oppose it), were it now to be done, it would not be done for a million of money.
Note 1. It was at this time that the Earl of St. Albans (age 58) planned St. James's Square, which was first styled "The Piazza". The "Warrant for a grant to Baptist May and Abraham Cowley (age 45) on nomination of the Earl of St. Albans of several parcels of ground in Pall Mall [Map] described, on rental of £80, for building thereon a square of 13 or 14 great and good houses", was dated September 24th, 1664.
Pepy's Diary. 22 Feb 1664. Thence to take a turn in St. James's Park, and meeting with Anth. Joyce walked with him a turn in the Pell Mell [Map] and so parted, he St. James's ward and I out to Whitehall ward, and so to a picture-sellers by the Half Moone [Map] in the street over against the Exchange [Map], and there looked over the maps of several cities and did buy two books of cities stitched together cost me 9s. 6d., and when I came home thought of my vowe, and paid 5s. into my poor box for it, hoping in God that I shall forfeit no more in that kind.
Pepy's Diary. 05 Jul 1665. From thence walked round to White Hall, the Parke being quite locked up; and I observed a house shut up this day in the Pell Mell [Map], where heretofore in Cromwell's time we young men used to keep our weekly clubs.
Pepy's Diary. 11 Feb 1666. Lord's Day. Up, and put on a new black cloth suit to an old coate that I make to be in mourning at Court, where they are all, for the King of Spayne1. To church I, and at noon dined well, and then by water to White Hall, carrying a captain of the Tower (who desired his freight thither); there I to the Parke, and walked two or three turns of the Pell Mell [Map] with the company about the King (age 35) and Duke (age 32); the Duke speaking to me a good deal. There met Lord Bruncker (age 46) and Mr. Coventry (age 38), and discoursed about the Navy business; and all of us much at a loss that we yet can hear nothing of Sir Jeremy Smith's fleete, that went away to the Streights the middle of December, through all the storms that we have had since, that have driven back three or four of them with their masts by the board. Yesterday come out the King's Declaration of War against the French, but with such mild invitations of both them and the Dutch to come over hither with promise of their protection, that every body wonders at it.
Note 1. Philip IV., who died September 17th, 1665.
Pepy's Diary. 28 Feb 1666. Ash Wednesday. Up, and after doing a little business at my office I walked, it being a most curious dry and cold morning, to White Hall, and there I went into the Parke, and meeting Sir Ph. Warwicke (age 56) took a turne with him in the Pell Mall [Map], talking of the melancholy posture of affairs, where every body is snarling one at another, and all things put together looke ominously. This new Act too putting us out of a power of raising money. So that he fears as I do, but is fearfull of enlarging in that discourse of an ill condition in every thing, and the State and all. We appointed another time to meet to talke of the business of the Navy alone seriously, and so parted, and I to White Hall, and there we did our business with the Duke of Yorke (age 32), and so parted, and walked to Westminster Hall [Map], where I staid talking with Mrs. Michell and Howlett long and her daughter, which is become a mighty pretty woman, and thence going out of the Hall was called to by Mrs. Martin, so I went to her and bought two bands, and so parted, and by and by met at her chamber, and there did what I would, and so away home and there find Mrs. Knipp, and we dined together, she the pleasantest company in the world.
Pepy's Diary. 10 Jun 1666. He tells me further, how the Duke of Yorke (age 32) is wholly given up to his new mistresse, my Lady Denham (age 26), going at noon-day with all his gentlemen with him to visit her in Scotland Yard; she declaring she will not be his mistresse, as Mrs. Price (age 29), to go up and down the Privy-stairs, but will be owned publicly; and so she is. Mr. Bruncker (age 39), it seems, was the pimp to bring it about, and my Baroness Castlemaine's (age 25), who designs thereby to fortify herself by the Duke; there being a falling-out the other day between the King (age 36) and her: on this occasion, the Queene (age 56), in ordinary talke before the ladies in her drawing-room, did say to my Baroness Castlemaine's (age 25) that she feared the King (age 36) did take cold, by staying so late abroad at her house. She answered before them all, that he did not stay so late abroad with her, for he went betimes thence (though he do not before one, two, or three in the morning), but must stay somewhere else. The King (age 36) then coming in and overhearing, did whisper in the eare aside, and told her she was a bold impertinent woman, and bid her to be gone out of the Court, and not come again till he sent for, her; which she did presently, and went to a lodging in the Pell Mell [Map], and kept there two or three days, and then sent to the King (age 36) to know whether she might send for her things away out of her house. The King (age 36) sent to her, she must first come and view them: and so she come, and the King (age 36) went to her, and all friends again. He tells me she did, in her anger, say she would be even with the King (age 36), and print his letters to her. So putting all together, we are and are like to be in a sad condition. We are endeavouring to raise money by borrowing it of the City; but I do not think the City will lend a farthing.
Pepy's Diary. 27 Jan 1667. Thence I through the garden into the Park, and there met with Roger Pepys (age 49), and he and I to walk in the Pell Mell [Map]. I find by him that the House of Parliament continues full of ill humours, and he seems to dislike those that are troublesome more than needs, and do say how, in their late Poll Bill, which cost so much time, the yeomanry, and indeed two-thirds of the nation, are left out to be taxed, that there is not effectual provision enough made for collecting of the money; and then, that after a man his goods are distrained and sold, and the overplus returned, I am to have ten days to make my complaints of being over-rated if there be cause, when my goods are sold, and that is too late. These things they are resolved to look into again, and mend them before they rise, which they expect at furthest on Thursday next.
Pepy's Diary. 03 Mar 1667. From them I walked into the Parke, it being a fine but very cold day; and there took two or three turns the length of the Pell Mell [Map]: and there I met Serjeant Bearcroft, who was sent for the Duke of Buckingham (age 39), to have brought him prisoner to the Tower [Map]. He come to towne this day, and brings word that, being overtaken and outrid by the Duchesse of Buckingham (age 28) within a few miles of the Duke's house of Westhorp [Map], he believes she got thither about a quarter of an hour before him, and so had time to consider; so that, when he come, the doors were kept shut against him. The next day, coming with officers of the neighbour market-town to force open the doors, they were open for him, but the Duke (age 39) gone; so he took horse presently, and heard upon the road that the Duke of Buckingham (age 39) was gone before him for London: so that he believes he is this day also come to towne before him; but no newes is yet heard of him. This is all he brings.
Pepy's Diary. 24 Apr 1667. We rose with little done but great heat, not to be reconciled I doubt, and I care not, for I will be on the right side, and that shall keep me: Thence by coach to Sir John Duncomb's (age 44) lodging in the Pell Mell [Map], [See November 8th, 1664] in order to the money spoken of in the morning; and there awhile sat and discoursed.: and I find him that he is a very proper man for business, being very resolute and proud, and industrious. He told me what reformation they had made in the office of the Ordnance, taking away Legg's fees:1 and have got an order that no Treasurer after him shall ever sit at the Board; and it is a good one: that no master of the Ordnance here shall ever sell a place. He tells me they have not paid any increase of price for any thing during this war, but in most have paid less; and at this day have greater stores than they know where to lay, if there should be peace, and than ever was any time this war. That they pay every man in course, and have notice of the disposal of every farthing. Every man that they owe money to has his share of every sum they receive; never borrowed all this war but £30,000 by the King's express command, but do usually stay till their assignments become payable in their own course, which is the whole mystery, that they have had assignments for a fifth part of whatever was assigned to the Navy. They have power of putting out and in of all officers; are going upon a building that will cost them £12,000; that they out of their stock of tallies have been forced to help the Treasurer of the Navy at this great pinch. Then to talk of newes: that he thinks the want of money hath undone the King (age 36), for the Parliament will never give the King (age 36) more money without calling all people to account, nor, as he believes, will ever make war again, but they will manage it themselves: unless, which I proposed, he would visibly become a severer inspector into his own business and accounts, and that would gain upon the Parliament yet: which he confesses and confirms as the only lift to set him upon his legs, but says that it is not in his nature ever to do. He says that he believes but four men (such as he could name) would do the business of both offices, his and ours, and if ever the war were to be again it should be so, he believes.
Note 1. William Legge, eldest son of Edward Legge, sometime Vice-President of Munster, born 1609(?). He served under Maurice of Nassau and Gustavus Adolphus, and held the rank of colonel in the Royalist army. He closely attached himself to Prince Rupert (age 47), and was an active agent in affecting the reconciliation between that Prince and his uncle Charles I Colonel Legge distinguished himself in several actions, and was wounded and taken prisoner at the battle of Worcester; it was said that he would have "been executed if his wife had not contrived his escape from Coventry gaol in her own clothes". He was Groom of the Bedchamber to Charles I, and also to Charles II; he held the offices of Master of the Armories and Lieutenant- General of the Ordnance. He refused honours (a knighthood from Charles I and an earldom from Charles II), but his eldest son George was created Baron Dartmouth in 1682. He died October 13th, 1672, at his house in the Minories, and was buried in.
Pepy's Diary. 10 Sep 1667. Thence I into St. James's Park, and there met Mr. Povy (age 53); and he and I to walk an hour or more in the Pell Mell [Map], talking of the times. He tells me, among other things, that this business of the Chancellor (age 58) do breed a kind of inward distance between the King (age 37) and the Duke of York (age 33), and that it cannot be avoided; for though the latter did at first move it through his folly, yet he is made to see that he is wounded by it, and is become much a less man than he was, and so will be: but he tells me that they are, and have always been, great dissemblers one towards another; and that their parting heretofore in France is never to be thoroughly reconciled between them. He tells me that he believes there is no such thing like to be, as a composition with my Baroness Castlemayne (age 26), and that she shall be got out of the way before the Parliament comes; for he says she is as high as ever she was, though he believes the King (age 37) is as weary of her as is possible, and would give any thing to remove her, but he is so weak in his passion that he dare not do it; that he do believe that my Chancellor (age 58) will be doing some acts in the Parliament which shall render him popular; and that there are many people now do speak kindly of him that did not before; but that, if he do do this, it must provoke the King (age 37), and that party that removed him. He seems to doubt what the King of France (age 29) will do, in case an accommodation shall be made between Spain and him for Flanders, for then he will have nothing more easy to do with his army than to subdue us. Parted with him at White Hall, and, there I took coach and took up my wife and Mercer, and so home and I to the office, where ended my letters, and then to my chamber with my boy to lay up some papers and things that lay out of order against to-morrow, to make it clear against the feast that I am to have. Here Mr. Pelling come to sit with us, and talked of musique and the musicians of the town, and so to bed, after supper.
Pepy's Diary. 18 Mar 1668. Thence Sir W. Coventry (age 40), W. Pen (age 46) and I, by Hackney-coach to take a little ayre in Hyde Parke, the first time I have been there this year; and we did meet many coaches going and coming, it being mighty pleasant weather; and so, coming back again, I 'light in the Pell Mell [Map]; and there went to see Sir H. Cholmly (age 35), who continues very ill of his cold. And there come in Sir H. Yelverton (age 34), whom Sir H. Cholmly (age 35) commended me to his acquaintance, which the other received, but without remembering to me, or I him, of our being school-fellows together; and I said nothing of it. But he took notice of my speech the other day at the bar of the House; and indeed I perceive he is a wise man by his manner of discourse, and here he do say that the town is full of it, that now the Parliament hath resolved upon £300,000, the King (age 37), instead of fifty, will set out but twenty-five ships, and the Dutch as many; and that Smith is to command them, who is allowed to have the better of Holmes in the late dispute, and is in good esteem in the Parliament, above the other.
Pepy's Diary. 30 Aug 1668. Lord's Day. Walked to St. James's and Pell Mell [Map], and read over, with Sir W. Coventry (age 40), my long letter to the Duke of York (age 34), and which the Duke of York (age 34) hath, from mine, wrote to the Board, wherein he is mightily pleased, and I perceive do put great value upon me, and did talk very openly on all matters of State, and how some people have got the bit into their mouths, meaning the Duke of Buckingham (age 40) and his party, and would likely run away with all. But what pleased me mightily was to hear the good character he did give of my Lord Falmouth for his generosity, good-nature, desire of public good, and low thoughts of his own wisdom; his employing his interest in the King (age 38) to do good offices to all people, without any other fault than the freedom he, do learn in France of thinking himself obliged to serve his King in his pleasures: and was W. Coventry's (age 40) particular friend: and W. Coventry (age 40) do tell me very odde circumstances about the fatality of his death, which are very strange.
Pepy's Diary. 16 Oct 1668. Up, and busy all the morning at the office, and before noon I took my wife by coach, and Deb., and shewed her Mr. Wren's hangings and bed, at St. James's, and Sir W. Coventry's (age 40) in the Pell Mell [Map], for our satisfaction in what we are going to buy; and so by Crow's (age 51), home, about his hangings, and do pitch upon buying his second suit of Apostles-the whole suit, which comes to £83; and this we think the best for us, having now the whole suit, to answer any other rooms or service.
Pepy's Diary. 01 May 1669. At noon home to dinner, and there find my wife extraordinary fine, with her flowered tabby gown that she made two years ago, now laced exceeding pretty; and, indeed, was fine all over; and mighty earnest to go, though the day was very lowering; and she would have me put on my fine suit, which I did. And so anon we went alone through the town with our new liveries of serge, and the horses' manes and tails tied with red ribbons, and the standards there gilt with varnish, and all clean, and green refines, that people did mightily look upon us; and, the truth is, I did not see any coach more pretty, though more gay, than ours, all the day. But we set out, out of humour-I because Betty, whom I expected, was not come to go with us; and my wife that I would sit on the same seat with her, which she likes not, being so fine: and she then expected to meet Sheres, which we did in the Pell Mell [Map], and, against my will, I was forced to take him into the coach, but was sullen all day almost, and little complaisant: the day also being unpleasing, though the Park full of coaches, but dusty and windy, and cold, and now and then a little dribbling rain; and, what made it worst, there were so many Hackney-coaches as spoiled the sight of the gentlemen's; and so we had little pleasure. But here was W. Batelier and his sister in a borrowed coach by themselves, and I took them and we to the lodge; and at the door did give them a syllabub, and other things, cost me 12s., and pretty merry. And so back to the coaches, and there till the evening, and then home, leaving Mr. Sheres at St. James's Gate, where he took leave of us for altogether, he; being this night to set out for Portsmouth, Hampshire [Map] post, in his way to Tangier, which troubled my wife mightily, who is mighty, though not, I think, too fond of him. But she was out of humour all the evening, and I vexed at her for it, and she did not rest almost all the night, so as in the night I was forced; to take her and hug her to put her to rest.
Pepy's Diary. 03 May 1669. Thence to St. James's, where the Duke of York (age 35) was playing in the Pell Mell [Map]; and so he called me to him most part of the time that he played, which was an hour, and talked alone to me; and, among other things, tells me how the King (age 38) will not yet be got to name anybody in the room of Pen, but puts it off for three or four days; from whence he do collect that they are brewing something for the Navy, but what he knows not; but I perceive is vexed that things should go so, and he hath reason; for he told me that it is likely they will do in this as in other things-resolve first, and consider it and the fitness of it afterward.
Evelyn's Diary. 10 May 1672. I was ordered, by letter from the Council, to repair forthwith to his Majesty (age 41), whom I found in the Pall-Mall [Map], in St. James's Park, where his Majesty (age 41) coming to me from the company, commanded me to go immediately to the seacoast, and to observe the motion of the Dutch fleet and ours, the Duke (age 38) and so many of the flower of our nation being now under sail, coming from Portsmouth, Hampshire [Map], through the Downs, where it was believed there might be an encounter.
On 05 Sep 1677 Henry Oldenburg (age 58) died at his home in Pall Mall [Map]. He was buried at the Church of St Mary the Virgin, Bexley on 07 Sep 1677.
On 12 Feb 1682 Thomas "Tom of Ten Thousand" Thynne (age 34) was shot and killed while riding in his coach along Pall Mall [Map], by three men, Christopher Vratz, John Stern and Charles George Borosky who were believed to be acting for her lover the Swedish Count Karl Johann von Königsmark (age 22). He was buried at Westminster Abbey [Map].
On 29 Dec 1689 Thomas Sydenham "Father of English Medicine" (age 65) died at his house in Pall Mall [Map]. He was buried in St James' Church, Piccadilly.
Before 08 Oct 1699 Mary Beale aka Cradock (age 66) died at her house in Pall Mall [Map].
In 1766 William Henry Hanover 1st Duke Gloucester and Edinburgh (age 22) and Maria Walpole Duchess Gloucester and Edinburgh (age 29) were married in secret at Pall Mall [Map]. She by marriage Duchess Gloucester and Edinburgh. He the son of Frederick Louis Hanover Prince of Wales and Augusta Saxe Coburg Altenburg (age 46). He a grandson of King George II of Great Britain and Ireland. 
On 04 Dec 1770 John Perceval 2nd Earl Egmont (age 59) died at Pall Mall [Map]. His son John Perceval 3rd Earl Egmont (age 32) succeeded 3rd Earl Egmont, 3rd Viscount Perceval of Kanturk in County Cork, 3rd Baron Perceval of Burton in County Cork, 7th Baronet Perceval of Kanturk in County Cork, 2nd Baron Lovel and Holland of Enmore in Somerset. Isabella Powlett Countess Egmont by marriage Countess Egmont.
Europe, British Isles, England, London, Westminster, St James', 78 Pall Mall [Map]
In Jan 1892 Mary Herbert Marchioness Ailesbury (age 79) died at 78 Pall Mall [Map].
Europe, British Isles, England, London, Westminster, St James', 79 Pall Mall [Map]
Europe, British Isles, England, London, Westminster, St James', 102 Pall Mall [Map]
In 1792 Silvester Harding of Pall Mall (age 46) opened a Bookshop at 102 Pall Mall [Map].
Europe, British Isles, England, London, Westminster, St James', 106 Pall Mall [Map]
Europe, British Isles, England, London, Westminster, St James', 106 Pall Mall, Travellers Club [Map]
Adeline Horsey Recollections. I made the acquaintance of the Count Montemolin (age 29) in 1848, when he was staying with the Due (age 33) and Duchesse de Nemours (age 25) at Orléans House, Twickenham. He was a very distinguished-looking man, but his good looks were marred by the hereditary defect of the Bourbon Eye, peculiar to the family.
The Count (age 29) was a beautiful dancer, and we danced together a great deal at the numerous balls where we met, and after Montemolin had made my father's acquaintance he used often to visit us at Upper Grosvenor Street.
We had many tastes in common; the Count (age 29) was passionately fond of music, so we sang together in French and Spanish, and thus gradually friendship became love, at least on his part. I, myself, was dazzled by the romance of the affair, and by the rank of my would-be suitor, for I do not think any girl in my position could have been quite unmoved if a Prince of the Blood selected her for his wife instead of one of the Royalties he could have chosen.
The Count (age 31) proposed to me in February '49, but I quite appreciated the difficulties that beset such a marriage, and, after the Count's declaration, I hesitated to definitely consent to become his wife. He apparently was greatly distressed, and sent me the following letter:
Mademoiselle, - I am taking the liberty of writing to you to open my heart, but under the greatest secrecy, as without that I shall be completely lost. I was the most unhappy man in the world after what you said to me at the last ball. How could you believe me capable of deceiving you ! I should never have any peace of mind were I to do so. I did not dare to speak to you again, and nevertheless I sought by every means to meet you, because I could not live without at least seeing you, and also because I hoped for the chance of speaking to you and proving to you that I am a man of honour, and not such a one as people would have you believe. But your kind and gracious manner on Thursday last has dispelled all my fears.
Now, I am going to tell you what you must have felt for a long time; it is that I love you. You alone can make my happiness; any other marriage is impossible for me.
I hope you will grant me the happiness of marrying you one day, because I dare think you too love me. But above all things I desire your happiness, and if I thought you would ever become unhappy with me, I would rather suffer alone, although the greatest and most terrible sacrifice I could make would be to renounce your love. I should, however, wish before you decide definitely that you would grant me a secret interview in the presence of your father, in order that I can say certain things to you. I trust that you will grant me this interview, as it will decide my future happiness.
I beg you again to maintain the greatest reserve in the matter. It must be a secret from everybody, even from my own family, Nobody except your father must know anything about it; for if they did, believe me, I should be completely lost.
I will call at your house at three o'clock in the afternoon, and if you cannot be alone then with your father, you can send me word by him to the following address when it will be convenient to you.
M. LE COMTE DE MONTEMOLIN,.
Travellers Club [Map], Pall Mall.
I shall be there until two o'clock exactly. I am, with the deepest respect and attachment,.
Your devoted,.
Le Comte de Montemolin.
My father and I therefore saw the Count, who successfully overcame our doubts about the wisdom of his marriage to an Englishwoman in view of the political situation in Spain. Montemolin was so much in love that he easily waived every obstacle my father placed in the way, and at last it was settled that we were to be formally engaged, subject to certain conditions which my father insisted on the Count complying with.
Europe, British Isles, England, London, Westminster, St James', 127 Pall Mall
Before 1798 Silvester Harding of Pall Mall (age 52) moved his Bookshop to 127 Pall Mall.
Europe, British Isles, England, London, Westminster, St James', Earl of Egmont's House Pall Mall
In 1752 Margaret Cecil died of smallpox at Earl of Egmont's House Pall Mall.
