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tlieir railway tickets. The gates are open from ten a.m. till
dusk, and on Sundays to subscribers only. The Museum is
closed at six p.m. in summer and four in winter.
THE MANSION HOUSE,
The official residence of the Lord Mayor, is situate at
the end of Coney Street, facing St. Helen's Square. It
was erected in 1725, from designs by that noble architect,
the Earl of Burlington, and is a plain brick building,
with the city arms emblazoned on its pediment. At the
entrance, to the right is the robing-room, in which are kept
the official robes of the Lord Mayor and Aldermen, and
the original Cap of Maintenance^ given by King Eichard II.
That on the left is the dining or reception-room, where
may be seen the Sword of State, given by the Emperor
Sigismund, father-in-law of Eichard II. ; the Mace,
very large, silver gilt, and richly adorned; also a smaller
sword, given by Sir Martin Bowes, Lord Mayor of London,
which is used on ordinary occasions. A portrait of Drake,
the historian of the city, hangs over the mantel-piece.
In a safe in the butler's pantry is deposited the plate, a most
valuable collection, presented at various times by different
members of the Corporate Body.
Some of the more remarkable
pieces are '
The Lord Mayor's gold chain of office.
The official chain belonging to the Lady Mayoress ;
this
is unique, being the only one in the kingdom.
The loving cup of gold (1672).
Six large silver tankards (1673).
A massive silver gilt cup (1679).
Ascending the staircase is a fine portrait of George
Hudson, Esq., M.P., thrice Lord Mayor, and generally
known as the '^Eailway King," painted by Sir Francis
Grant, E.A., in 1848.
Opposite is Lodovick Stewart, K.G., Duke of Lennox, Lord
Chamberlain, to James L, presented in 1743 by John Mayer,
Esq., Lord Mayor.
The State-room is entered through folding doors, above
which is the orchestra, and is 50 by 28 feet. In this room
are several portraits.