416
NOTES AND QUERIES. [ii s. xn. NOV. 27, 1915.
The vast rock cisterns and excavations
^vhich are known to exist beneath the
Haram are doubtless ancient, but they
can contain little to interest the student, or
they would have been associated with some
marvellous legend at the time when the great
mosque was occupied by a college of Augus-
tinian canons, and when John of Wurzburg
so enthusiastically described its holy places
in detail, both above and below ground. As
a matter of fact he mentions only one or two
of the underground chambers or cisterns
-which had been turned into the beloved
subterranean chapels of the Christians.
The history of Jerusalem is elusive, the city seems to appear and disappear in the course of ages. Herodotus, " the father of history," professes to know nothing about such a place in the fifth century B.C. ; and at
- a later period the Christian hero claiming
to be a citizen of Jerusalem is questioned by the Roman judge as to the existence of such a city, and is obliged to explain his meaning in a spiritual sense. In a spiritual sense, also, much of the topography of primi- tive Jerusalem must be understood, as, findeed, it always has been to some extent.
G. J., F.S.A.
STATUES AND MEMORIALS IN THE
BRITISH ISLES.
s(See 10 S. xi. 441 ; xii. 51, 114, 181, 401 ; 11 S. i. 282 ; ii. 42, 381 ; iii. 22, 222, 421 ; iv. 181, 361 ; v. 62, 143, 481 ; vi. 4, 284, 343; vii. 64, 144, 175,263, 343,442; viii. 4, 82, 183, 285, 382, 444 ; ix. 65, 164, 384, 464 ; x. 103, 226, 303, 405 ; xi. 24, 145, .275, 428 ; xii. 65, 178, 298, 336.)
PlONBES AND PHILANTHROPISTS
(continued). JOHN HOWARD.
Bedford. In March, 1892, a bronze statue -of John Howard, erected by public subscrip- tion, was unveiled here. It stands in the Market-Place, and is the work of Mr. Alfred Gilbert, R.A. The erect figure is represented in travelling costume of the period, wearing a flat turned-up hat and overcoat thrown open. The left arm is crossed over the breast, and the right hand supports the chin. The eyes are cast down, and the face displays a thoughtful expression. The ornate "pedestal is constructed of English marble,
- and bears the simple inscription
John Howard 1726-1790.
1890.
Below this is some boldly executed sym-
bolical bronze work, consisting of grim sea-
monsters from whose mouths jets of water
are thrown into shell-like basins. A flight
of four steps leads up to the fountain.
London. During Howard's lifetime sub- scriptions were invited for the erection of a statue of him in England, but at his request the project was abandoned. After his death it was decided to place his statue in St. Paul's Cathedral, and John Bacon the sculptor was entrusted with the commission. It cost 1,365^., and was inaugurated on 23 Feb. , 1796. The following is the sculptor' s own description of his work :
" My principal object in composing the statue of Mr. Howard was to present as much of the character of active benevolence as a single figure would afford.
" The right foot being placed considerably forward and the body advanced upon it is in- tended to give motion to the figure ; while the expression of benevolence is attempted in the several features of the face, and the inclined air of the head.
" He holds a scroll of papers in his left hand ; on one is written ' Plan for the improvement of Prisons,' and on a corner of another the word ' Hospitals ' is introduced, pointing out the principal objects of his exertions. Another paper at the foot of the statue has the word ' Regulations ' written. In his right hand he holds a key, by which is expressed the circum- stance of his exploring the dungeons, and the rings and chains among which he stands are designed to interest the feelings of the spectator in the misery of the inhabitants of those wretched abodes ; while his trampling on some fetters which lie on the ground suggests the hostility of his sentiments to their sufferings."
On the front of the pedestal is a bas-relief panel showing Howard in a prison, giving food and clothing to the wretched inmates. Above this is inscribed :
JOHN HOWARD.
On the opposite side is his epitaph written, by his friend and relative Samuel Whitbread of Bedford :
This extraordinary man had the fortune to be honoured whilst living in the manner which his virtues deserved. He received the thanks of both Houses of the British and Irish Parlia- ments for his eminent services rendered to his country and to mankind. Our national Prisons and Hospitals, improved upon the suggestions of his wisdom, bear testimony to the solidity of his judgment and to the estimation in which he was held. In every part of the civilized world, which he traversed to reduce the sum of human misery, from the Throne to the Dungeon his name was mentioned with respect, gratitude, and admira- tion. His modesty alone defeated various efforts which were made during his life to erect this Statue, which the publick has now consecrated to his memory. He was born at Hackney in the county of Middlesex, Sept. 11, afpccxxvi. The
