Old Hampshire Mapped

Blome's Geography

The present Lord Lieutenants for each County, are as followeth.

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Southampton, Lord St. John.

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Bridges.

The Bridges of good account in England are said to be about 800, amongst which those of London, Rochester, and Bristoll are of greatest note.

England more happy than other Nations.

England is a Nation of perfect and happy composition, wherein the King hath his full Prerogative, the Nobility and Gentry civil and due respect, and the people in general happy, in that they are Masters of the Estates, which by their labours and endeavours they can get; a blessing that few Kingdoms can boast of; neither is it subject to the Imperial, or Roman Laws, as other Nations are, but keepeth her ancient Laws, which is a Municipal or Common Law, proper to this Nation.

Great Advantage by the Post-Office

The Inhabitants of this Nation have of late years, by a general Post-Office, an exceeding great conveniency in the conveyance of Letters to most parts of the Kingdom, and that at such easie rates, and with such quick dispatch, that in five dayes an answer may be received though 250 miles, and if but a single Letter of a sheet of Paper, for the expence of 3d. but if of a greater bulk, then after the rate of 8d. per Ounce, and if under 80 miles then 2d. for a single Letter of a sheet of Paper. And if to Scotland 5d. and to Ireland 6d. for single Letters.

The Profits of this great Office by Act of Parliament is granted unto his Royal Highness the Duke of York, and is Patented out to the Right Honourable Henry Earl of Arlington, who hath committed the care thereof unto his Brother Sir Jo. Bennet Knight of the Bath, under whom are abundance of Sub-Officers, who continually give their attendance, under a yearly (and some a weekly) Salary, and each being appointed, (and knoweth) his respective imployment. And upon the grand Post-Office, which is kept in London, there depends 182 Deputy Post-Masters in Eng / land