Celebrated his birthday (16th December) on the 17th - more suited to gaiety than the Sabbath. Cannot stand novels. Has just read the life of the actor John Bannister, who used to join the boys for fencing tuition under Angelo, and afterwards for beefsteak and porter at Mother Dawson's (see 31). The Play (was to have been The Andria) will not happen this year because of the death of the Queen Dowager (Adelaide, widow of William IV).
Handbook of London (see 62) quotes Cowper (William OW) reminiscing about his days in the Westminster 6th Form, when he was 'in high favour with the master.' The book refers to a hospital in Chiswick connected with the school, founded in the reign of Elizabeth (a house rather than a hospital - see Lawrence Tanner Westminster School p67). Would be good nowadays - no doctors can agree on the nature and treatment of cholera. On the forthcoming trial for murder of Marie Manning and her husband. On the current cheapness of game and fish. Changes in London. Their old playground Tothill Fields now covered with gardens and villas. A road runs from the school to Vauxhall Bridge (the first one built 1809-16), on the spot where they used to bathe. Vincent, observing all the development, had enclosed Vincent Square (1810). Recalls the Town Boys beating the King's Scholars at cricket (presumably the year HMC left, 1782) - he scored 35. Repeats the story of Dowdeswell (see 62) never sleeping in college.
Inscription: 'Mile Challenge Cup presented to St Peter College Westminster by W.D. Dowdeswell'. Not loaded. No cover. Donor: W. Dowdeswell 1862. Awarded: 1861-1974.\r\nNow awarded as the Senior Athletic Sports Trophy. Makers Mark reads W.S.
Inscription: 'Westminster Athletic Sports Challenge Cup 150 Yards Flat Race now 100 Yards'. Not loaded. No cover. Donor: 'Presented by a few Old Westminsters, 1861'. Awarded: 1861-1974. Reassigned as the Intermediate Towpath Cup in 2014.