| Citation |
NECO.725.013
13-20 Nov 1725:11,12,21,22 (225)
[London] There were a parcel of rich citizens, who took a
singular pleasure in ringing bells, one day in the week they
met and din'd together, and pas'd the rest of the day in
ringing; in summer time they travel'd from place to place
wherever they heard of a good ring of bells -- one of our
gentry found means of getting into their company; and one
night when they were prety warm with wine, and boasting of
their great excellency in ringing; our spark offer'd, that
he and five more he would bring should ring with them for
two hundred guineas, provided he was to name the bells; they
took him up immediately, and enter'd into articles under the
forfeiture of an hundred pounds to those that shou'd fail,
who named Lincoln Cathedral, where they agreed to meet by a
certain day.
Our citizens set out, some in their own coaches, and some
on horseback with two hundred guineas for their wager, and
each of them money besides for expences; and our spark with
his confederates met them very punctually--The citizens
immediately strip'd themselves, in order to put on their
ringing dresses, consisting of drawers, wastcoats and caps;
and while they were beginning to try the bells, one of our
people convey'd away their cloaths; when the rest saw him
safe out, they stole off, and mounted their hourses, which
were ready, and left the citizens to enjoy all their musick
themselves--This expedition was worth near three hundred
pounds in money; for all they carried was in their breeches
pockets, I say three hundred pounds, besides watches, snuff
boxes, tobacco boxes, cloathes, and perriwigs. . .
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