XXviii INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. 



is mentioned first in the said deed), had let a part 

 of his house to the said John Mason, his own busi- 

 ness not requiring the public exposure of his goods. 



Be this as it might, we have the pleasure of pre- 

 senting the reader, with a genuine view of the house 

 rendered so truly interesting as the dwelling of our 

 author ; the curious in London topography will re- 

 cognise the corner house, in the print annexed to this 

 Essay, as the south-west end of Chancery-lane, Fleet- 

 street, as it appeared till within about the last 16 years. 

 The third west from the corner is considered as the 

 identical house of Walton, whilst the view, at the same 

 time, contains a glance of the curious old houses up 

 Chancery-lane, in one of which he also resided 

 about ten years after the above date. It is probably 

 the only correct delineation extant, having been 

 drawn on the spot by the late Mr. Smith of the 

 British Museum, whose superiority in topographical 

 delineation is particularly well known. 



Again, we find some of our author's biographers 

 full of wonder, at the extent and high respectability 

 of his connexions, particularly among the superior 

 clergy of his time ; — it is true that this distinction 

 is ascribed to the most honourable sources, integrity 

 of character, and amiableness of disposition ; we are 

 also apprised of the undoubted fact, that he was 

 brother-in-law to the amiable Bishop Ken; whilst 

 his direct consanguinity with Archbishop Cranmer him- 

 self is (although erroneously) insisted on : — by extra- 

 ordinary ingenuity, therefore, mystery has been 



