OF THE MIDDLE AGES. 79 



wool, to be applied to the same purpose. This was considered to be a 

 most grievous burden, and as it appears to have been levied upon the 

 whole kingdom, and not upon the inhabitants of London only, it caused 

 great discontent among the people, the cost of whose clothing was ma- 

 terially enhanced by this impost. It was no unmeaning figure, therefore, 

 which led to the saying that Loudon Bridge was built on woolsacks. 

 The historical connection of Queen Eleanor of Provence, wife of Henry 

 III., with London Bridge, is as well authenticated as any other part of our 

 English history. Matthew of Westminster,'' in his FJoresHistorianon, 

 relates, that as this Queen was going by water, A.D. 1263, to "Windsor, 

 just as her barge was preparing to pass London Bridge, the rabble 

 stopped her boat and insulted her with the most abusive language and 

 threats, endeavouring to upset her barge, and nearly killing the Queen 

 herself, by throwing heavy stones and mud upon her ; with difficulty 

 she escaped to the King, who had fortified himself within the Tower 

 of London. "We find also that in 1269 a Patent' was issued by 

 Henry III., in which was granted to Eleanor, Queen of England, the 

 custody of London Bridge, with the liberties thereof. 



d Matthew of Westminster, Flores Hist. London, 1570. Fol. Pt. II. p. 31-5. 

 e Patent Rolls, 54 Henry III., 4tli Membrane, 3rd Article. 



