202 FREEMASONS' HALL 



the latter forming the grand entrance, on each side of 

 which are two large windows ; that on the right 

 lights a spacious room measuring 28 feet 8 inches by 

 20 feet 2 inches, which is in constant use as a Commer- 

 cial Auction Room, for which it is peculiarly adapted ; 

 that on the left and all the lower windows of the eastern 

 front convey light to an excellent room, measuring 40 

 feet 8 inches, by 20 feet 2 inches ; it was originally three 

 apartments but has been converted into its present shape 

 for the use of the subscribers of the " Plymouth, Devon- 

 port and Stonehouse Commercial Rooms." This institu- 

 tion was projected last year, by J. Johnson, Esq., 

 Laira House, aided by several highly respectable and 

 spirited individuals who were desirous that a better com- 

 mercial spirit should be diffused through this town 

 and its neighbours Devonport and Stonehouse. Their 

 exertions have been crowned with the most surprising 

 success, as in a period less than 12 months more than 

 600 Members have enrolled their names. Suitable 

 arrangements have been made, papers from all parts 

 are laid on the tables and local information of every kind 

 is posted in the room ; the tout ensemble of which 

 is admirable, particularly by night when lighted up with 

 Gas issuing from three splendid chandeliers, one of 

 which is suspended in each compartment. 



There are five windows of large dimensions in 

 the second story of the northern front, situated between 

 pilasters, which support an entablature and ornamented 

 with wreaths ; they afford light to the Hall which is in 

 the form of a parallelogram, 47 feet 4 inches in length, 

 and 28 feet 8 inches in breadth. The walls and ceiling 

 have been recently painted in fresco by Mr! Bulley 

 (a native of this Town,) who deserves much credit for 

 the taste, ability and correctness of design and colour- 

 ing manifested in the execution. The ceiling is arched 

 and presents a coloured allegorical representation of the 

 four divisions of the day; in the east as morning, 

 Aurora is portrayed setting out with her fiery steeds 

 accompanied by Nymphs, and in the distance the Sun 

 i seen just peeping over the hills; the south exhibit* 



