Collectanea Antiqua (Volume 4); Etchings and Notices of Ancient Remains, Illustrative of the Habits, Customs, and History of Past Ages (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1857. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... appendix. C. roach smith'S museum of london antiquities.----As considerable notoriety has been given by the public press to the offer I have made to the Nation and to the City of London, of my Collection of London Antiquities--and, as its ultimate destination is still a question--it may not be thought obtrusive on my part, to make a few brief statements in justification of my wish and efforts to maintain this Collection in its integrity iu some Public Institution, where it would be preserved intact, for purposes of scientific inquiry. It will not be considered, I trust, any reproach to me, that I cannot afford to make a present of it to the Nation, or to any Public Institution; but I wish to explain why I am averse to its dispersion, either by public auction or by private contract. The question is not one of money. The sum proposed I could obtain any day, provided I consent to the dispersion of the Collection--an eventuality I should never be reconciled to. Should the Nation accept my offer, I am not sure the British Museum would be the best place for the deposit of this large assemblage of London Antiquities. There are several large towns which have claims on the consideration of Parliament. The City would be, of course, the most proper receptacle of what may be termed a portion of its own "title-deeds." But it isnow upwards of four months since G. R. Corner, Esq., F.S.A., the Rev. T. Hugo, F.S.A.. and Mr. Deputy Lott, F.S.A., brought the subject before the Lord Mayor; and no answer has yet been received. The history of my Museum, in a few words, is as follows: --It has been made during the last twenty years aud upwards, from excavations made in the City of London and its environs; and during the deepening of the river opposite London by means of dredging barges...