Greenwich is pleasantly situated on the banks of the Thames, about a mile to the right of our road. This place was called Grenewic by the Saxons, and subsequently East Greenwich, to distinguish it from West Greenwich, or Deptford. It was here that the whole Danish fleet, in the time of King Etheldred, lay, whilst the main body of their army was encamped on Blackheath, as mentioned in a preceding page.

Soon after the year 1417, the manor of Greenwich became vested in Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, who obtained from Henry VI. a licence to fortify and embattle his manor-house, and to make a park of 200 acres. He accordingly rebuilt the palace, and enclosed the park. From the pleasantness of the situation, he called this estate Placentia, or the manor of Pleasaunce. After his death, in 1447, it reverted to the Crown, and became the favourite residence of Edward IV. The palace was enlarged by Henry VII. and completed by Henry VIII. who was born here, June 28th, 1491. During this monarch's reign, Greenwich became one of the principal scenes of that festivity for which his court was celebrated.

Queen Elizabeth was remarkably fond of this palace, and made it, in several years, her principal summer residence. Hentzner, a German traveller, gives a curious and interesting description of Elizabeth's court at Greenwich. The presence chamber, he observes, "was hung with rich tapestry, and, according to the English fashion, strewed with hay. When the queen came out to go to prayers she was attended in the following manner: first went gentlemen, barons, earls, knights of the garter, ail richly dressed and bareheaded; next came the chancellor bearing the seals in a red silk purse, between two, one of which carried the royal sceptre, the other the sword of state in a red scabbard, studded with golden fleur de lis, the point upwards; next came the queen in the sixty-fifth year of her age, very majestic, her face oblong, fair, but wrinkled; her eyes small, yet black, and pleasant; her nose a little hooked; her lips narrow, and her teeth black, (a defect the English seem subject to from their too great use of sugar) : she had in her ears two pearls, with very rich drops; she wore false hair, and that red; upon her head she had a small crown, reported to be made of some of the gold of the celebrated Lunebourgh table. Her bosom was uncovered, as all the English ladies have it till they marry, and she had on a necklace of exceeding fine jewels; her hands were small, but her fingers long, and her stature neither tall nor low; her air was stately, her manner of speaking mild and obliging. That day she was dressed in white silk, bordered with pearls of the size of beans, and over it a mantle of black silk, shot with silver threads; her train was very long, the end of it borne by a marchioness; instead of a chain she h;id an oblong collar of gold and jewels. As she went along in all this slate and magnificence, she spoke very graciously, first to one, then to another, whether foreign ministers, or those who attended for different reasons, in English, French, and Italian; for besides being well skilled in Greek, Latin, and the languages I have mentioned, she is mistress of Spanish, Scotch, and Dutch: whoever speaks to her, it is kneeling; now and then she raises some with her hand; wherever she turned her face as she was going along, every body fell down on their knees. The ladies of the court followed next to her, very handsome, and well shaped, and for the most part dressed in white. She was guarded on each side by the gentlemen-pensioners, fifty in number, with gilt battle-axes. In the ante-chapel next the hall, where we were, petitions were presented to her, and she received them most graciously, which occasioned the acclamation of "Long live Queen Elizabeth!" she answered it with, "I thank you, my good people." James I. was often resident at Greenwich, and the Princess Mary, and others of his children, were born here. Considerable additions were made to the buildings by his Queen, Anne of Denmark, who laid the foundations of the "House of Delight," in the park, now the ranger's lodge. This was completed by Henrietta Maria, Queen of Charles I. who employed Inigo Jones as the architect, and it is characterized by the late Lord Orford as one of the most beautiful of his works. The ceilings were painted by Horatio Gentileschi, and the whole building was finished so magnificently, that Philipott says it surpassed all others of the kind in England. After the Restoration, Charles II. finding the whole in a decayed and ruinous state, ordered it to be pulled down, and commenced a new palace of freestone, on a most magnificent plan, on the same spot. Of this building the king lived to see but one wing completed, at the expense of o£36,000, wherein his Majesty occasionally resided.

In the year 1694, "King William III. and his royal consort, Mary, by their letters patent, granted the palace, with other buildings, and certain parcels of land adjoining, to the Lord keeper Somers, the Duke of Leeds, the Earls of Pembroke and Montgomery, the Duke of Shrewsbury, Sydney Lord Godolphin, and others, in trust, "to erect and found an hospital for the reliefe and support of seamen serving on board the shipps or vessells belonging to the navy royall of us, our heirs, or successors, or imploy'd in our or their service at sea, who by reason of age, wouuds, or disabilities, shall be incapable of further service at sea, and be unable to maintain themselves: and for the sustentation of the widows, and the maintenance and education of the children of seamen, happening to be slaine or disabled in such sea service, arid also for the further reliefe and encouragement of seamen, and improvement of navigation." In the following year, 1695, Queen Mary being then dead, the King appointed commissioners for the purpose of considering, with the assistance of the surveyor-general and other artists, what part of King Charles's Palace, and the other buildings granted for that purpose, would be fit for the intended Hospital, and how they might best be prepared for that use; of procuring models for such new buildings as might be required; of preparing, with the assistance of the attorney and solicitor-general, a charter of foundation, with statutes and ordinances for the use of the Hospital, and for other purposes.

After their first and second meetings, in May, 1695, the commissioners formed a committee of sixty persons, to whom the immediate management of the foundation was intrusted, and Mr. John Scarborough was then appointed clerk of the works, and Sir Christopher Wren, architect: the latter, to his great honour, undertook to superintend the work, and to contribute his time and skill, without any emolument whatever. The foundations of the first new building, called the Bass building, were laid on the 3rd of June, 1696, and the superstructure was finished in two years afterwards. From this period the Hospital has been gradually enlarged and improved, till it has arrived at its present height of splendour and magnificence.

In the year 1775, the commissioners became a body corporate, by virtue of a charter of his present Majesty. This charter grants powers for the completion of the building, for the provision of seamen, either within or without the Hospital, for the making of bye-laws, &c. It is also provided by this charter that all the officers of the Hospital should be seafaring men; the office of the directors is defined, and they are required to inspect the carrying on of the buildings, to state the accounts, to make contracts; and to place boys out as apprentices. The internal regulation of the Hospital to be in the governor and council, as appointed under a commission of Queen Anne, in 1703. This charter was followed by an act of parliament, which vested in the commissioners, thus incorporated, all the estates held in trust fortbe benefit of the Hospital.

The Commissioners and Governor of Greenwich Hospital appointed under the charter are, the Archbishops,the Lord Chancellor, the Lords of the Privy Council, all the great Officers of State, the twelve Judges, the flag Officers and Commissioners of the Navy, the Master and five senior Elder Brethren of the Trinity House, the Mayor and three senior Aldermen of London, the Governor, the Deputy Governor, the Directors, and other Officers of the Hospital for the time being. The principal officers are, a governor, a lieutenant-governor, four captains, eight lieutenants, a treasurer, secretary, auditor, surveyor, clerk of the works, clerk of the cheque, two chaplains, a physician, surgeon, steward, and various assistants and inferior servants. The salary of the governor is 1000l.; that of the lieutenant-governor, is 400l.; the captains have each 2301. per annum; the lieutenants 115l. each; the treasurer and surveyor 2001. each; the secretary, clerk of the cheque, and steward, 1601.; the auditor 100l.; the physician 1821. 10s.; the chaplains, 1301. each; and the clerk of the works, 91l. 5s. The officers are also allowed a certain quantity of coals and candles, and 14d. a day, in lieu of diet.

Greenwich Hospital is a magnificent and extensive structure, principally built with Portland stone, consisting of four distinct quadrangular piles of building, distinguished by the names of the respective monarchs in whose reigns they were founded or built.

The front towards the Thames consists of two ranges of stone buildings, with the ranger's house at the back part in the centre, behind which the park rises with a noble ascent. These wings, between which is a large area, bear the names of King Charles and Queen Anne, and have a very general correspondence, both in style and arrangement. The north and south fronts of each present the appearance of a double pavilion, conjoined above by the continuation of an attic order, with a balustrade, which surmounts the whole, but separated below by an open portal. The centre of each pavilion displays an elegant pediment, supported by four Corinthian columns; and the sides a double pilaster, of the same order. In the tympanum of the eastern pediment of King Charles's building is a sculpture of Mars and Fame. The east front of this building, which corresponds to the west front of Queen Anne's, is rusticated, and has a tetra-style portico in the centre, of the Corinthian order.

The two southern ranges of buildings, which bear the names of King William and Queen Mary, have, like the above, a general conformity to each other, though differing in parts and ornaments. To the inner side of each range is attached a handsome colonnade of Portland stone, supported by numerous duplicated Doric columns and pilasters, and extending to the length of 347 feet, with a return pavilion at the end, 70 feet long. Above the southern extremity of each colonnade is a turreted dome, rising to the height of 120 feet.

Queen Mary's building contains the chapel, which is one of the most elegant specimens of Grecian architecture in this country. This chapel is on the site of a former structure, which was destroyed on the 2nd of January, 1779, by a dreadful fire, that likewise consumed the great dining-hall, and as many of the wards as contained the lodgings of 500 people. The whole, however, has been since rebuilt; and the chapel was opened for divine service on the 20th of September, 1789. The portal consists of an architrave, frieze, and cornice of statuary marble, the jams of which are twelve feet high, in one piece, and enriched with excellent sculpture. The frieze is the work of Bacon, and consists of the figures of two angels, with festoons, supporting the sacred writings, in the leaves of which is the following inscription: The law was given by Moses : But grace and truth came by Jesus Christ; Within this entrance is a portico of six fluted columns, fifteen feet high. The capitals and bases are Ionic, after Greek models. The columns support the organ gallery, and are crowned with an entablature and balustrade, enriched with suitable ornaments. On the tablet, in the front of the gallery, is a basso relievo, representing the figures of angels sounding the harp; on the pedestals, on each side, are ornaments, consisting of trumpets and other instruments of music; and on the tablet between is the following inscription, in letters of gold : Praise him with the sound of the trumpet, Praise him with stringed instruments and organs.

Psalm, 150. In this gallery is a very fine organ made by Mr. Samuel Green. On each side of the organ-gallery are four grand columns, their shafts of Scagliola, in imitation of Sienna Marble, by Richter, and their capitals and vases of statuary marble. At the opposite end of the chapel are four others of the same sort, which support the arched ceiling and roof. The columns are of the Corinthian order, and, with their pedestals, are 28 feet high. On the sides of the chapel, between the upper and lower range of windows, are the galleries, in which are pews for the officers and their families: those of the governor and lieutenant governor, which are opposite to each other, are distinguished by ornaments consisting of the naval crown, and other suitable insignia. Underneath these galleries, and the cantilevers which support them, are ranges of fluted pilasters. The cantilivers are decorated with antique foliage; the entablature over the pilasters with marine ornaments; the intervals between with festoons, &c. and the pedestals of the balustrade, in the front of the galleries, with tridents and wreaths. The tablet in the middle of each balustrade contains the hospital's arms, and the frieze below is carved with a foliage, in the Greek rootle. Over the lower range of windows are paintings in chiaro oscuro, representing some of the principal events in the life of our Saviour, which are accompanied with ornaments of candelabra and festoons. Above the gallery is a richly carved stone fascia, on which stands a range of pilasters of the composite mode, their shafts being of Scagliola, corresponding with those of the eight great columns, and jointly with them appearing to support the epistylium, which surrounds the whole chapel. This epistylium is enriched with angels, bearing festoons of oak leaves, dolphins, shells, and other applicable ornaments. From this rises the carved ceiling, which is divided into compartments, and enriched with foliage, golochi, &c. in the antique style. Between the upper pilasters are recesses, in which are painted in chiaro oscuro, the Apostles and Evangelists. At each end of the galleries are concave recesses, ornamented with Sowers carved in stone and other embellishments. In these recesses are the doors of entrance into the galleries, decorated with enriched pilasters and entablatures, and a group of ornaments, consisting of the naval crown, wreaths of laurel, and tridents. Above the doors are circular recesses, containing paintings in chiaro oscuro, of the prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, Moses, and David. The communion table is a semi-oval slab of statuary marble, near 8 feet long. This table is supported by six cherubim standing on a white marble step, of the same dimensions. Above is a painting by West, in a superb carved and gilt frame, representing the Preservation of St. Paul from Shipwreck, on the island of Melita. This picture is 25 feet high, and 14 feet wide, and consists of three principal groups. The first, which is at the lower part, represents the mariners and prisoners bringing on shore the various articles which have been preserved from the wreck: near these is an elegant figure, intended for a Roman lady of distinction, clasping with affection an urn, containing the ashes of her deceased husband, who had fallen in the wars of Judea. Before her is an aged infirm man, who, being unable to assist himself, is carried in the arms of two robust young men. In the middle part of the piece is the principal group, consisting of St. Paul, shaking into the fire the viper that had fastened on his hand, the brethren who accompanied him, the friendly centurion, and a band of Roman soldiers, with their proper insignia. The figures above these, on the summit of the rocks, form the third group, and consist of the hospitable islanders, lowering down fuel and other necessaries for the relief of the sufferers. The sea, and the wrecked ship, appear in the back ground, and combine to exhibit a scene that cannot fail of having a proper effect on the minds of seafaring men, and of impressing them with a due sense of their past preservation, and their present comfortable situation and support in this glorious asylum for naval worth. On either side the arch which terminates the top of this picture, are angels of statuary marble, by Bacon; one bearing the cross; the others the emblems of the Eucharist. This excellent combination of the works of art is terminated above, in the segment between the great cornice and ceiling, by a painting of the Ascension, executed by Rebecca, in chiaro oscuro, forming the last in the series of paintings of the life of our Saviour, which surround the chapel. The middle of the aisle, and the space round the organ gallery, are paved with black and white marble, in goloehi, frets, and other ornaments; having in the centre an anchor and seaman's compass. The pulpit is on a circular plan, supported by six fluted columns of lime-tree, with an entablature above, richly carved, and of the same materials. The inter-columns display the following alto-relievos, taken from the acts of the Apostles, executed after designs by West. The Conversion of St. Paul, Acts, chap. 9th. Cornelius's Vision, chap. 10. Peter released from prison by the Angel, chap. 12. Elymas struck blind, chap. 13. St. Paul preaching at Athens, and converting Dionysius, the Areopagite, chap. 17. Paul pleading before Felix, chap. 24. The reader's desk is formed on a square plan, with columns at the four corners, and an entablature over them, similar to those of the pulpit; in the four inter-columns are alto-relievos of the prophets Daniel, Micah, Zechariah, and Malachi.

The following paintings in chiaro oscuro, relative to our Saviour, are placed over the lower windows: the first four of the series are at the east end of the south side of the chapel, and represent the Nativity.—The Angel appearing to the Shepherds.—The Magi worshipping.—The Flight into Egypt. The four which follow on the same side are by Catton, and represent St. John baptising.— Calling of St. Peter and St. Andrew.—Our Saviour preaching from a ship to the people on shore.— The stilling of the Tempest. The four at the west end of the north side are by Milburne, and represent our Saviour walking on the sea, and saving Peter from sinking.—The blind man cured by a touch.—Lazarus raised from the dead.—The Transfiguration. The next four on the same side are by Rebecca, and represent the Lord's Supper.— Our Saviour carried before Pilate.—The Crucifixion.—The Resurrection. The Apostles and Evangelists, in the recesses between the upper windows, and the four Prophets in the circles above the gallery doors, are by the last mentioned artist, after designs by West On the sides of the gate which opens to these buildings from the park, are placed a large terrestrial and celestial globe; and in the centre of the area is a statue of George II.

The hall of this hospital is painted by Sir James Thornhill. The ceiling displays a very large and deep oval frame, in the centre of which King William and Queen Mary are represented, seated on a throne, and surrounded by personifications of the cardinal virtues, the seasons, the four elements, the signs of the zodiac, and various other symbolical devices. A teach end of the oval, the ceiling is raised in perspective, and exhibits a gallery, with an elliptic arch, supported by groups of stone coloured figures. These galleries display various appropriate naval embellishments, with the English rivers, and the arts and sciences relating to navigation. The sides of the hall are adorned with fluted pilasters and trophies; and in recesses, on the north side, are allegorical figures, in chiaro oscuro, of the more liberal virtues, as Hospitality, Generosity, &c.

From the money given to the persons who shew the chapel and hall, a moderate allowance is granted to themselves: the rest makes an excellent fund towards the maintenance of not less than 200 poor boys, the sons of slain or disabled mariners; and out of this fund the boys are entirely provided for, and taught such a share of mathematical learning as fits them for the sea service.

The number of pensioners in this noble hospital has gradually increased with the finances of the establishment, and is, at present, 2,410 : each has a weekly allowance of seven loaves, weighing 16 ounces each; three pounds of beef; two of mutton; a pint of pease; a pound and a quarter of cheese; two ounces of butter; 14 quarts of beer; and one shilling for pocket money. The pocket money of the boatswain is increased to 2s. 6d. a week; and that of the mates, to 1s. 6d. Besides which each common pensioner receives, once in two years, a suit of blue, a hat, three pair of stockings, three pair of shoes, four shirts, &c.

There are also 3000 out-pensioners, each of whom is assisted with seven pounds per annum.

Greenwich Park contains about 188 acres, and was walled round with brick by James I. It still continues to be vested in the Crown. In the upper part, adjoining Blackheath, are One Tree Hill and the Observatory, from whence the prospects are remarkably fine. The Park was laid out by Le Notre, in the time of Charles II., and is planted chiefly with elms and Spanish chesnut. In the year 1784 several ancient barrows were opened in Greenwich Park, and among the articles found in them were spearheads, knives, human bones and hair, fragments of woollen cloth, lumps of iron and broad-headed nails, with decayed wood adhering lo them.

The Royal Observatory was founded by Charles II. in 1675, on the site of a Tower which had been erected by Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester: the materials of the old town were employed to construct the new building. It was completed in August, 1676, and the celebrated Flamsteed appointed first astronomer-royal. Since the date of his appointment, considerable additions have been made to the astronomical apparatus; among which is an excellent achromatic telescope, of forty-six inches focal length, with a treble object glass. Within the building is a deep dry well, for the purpose of making observations on the stars in the daytime.

There were, formerly, two religious houses in Greenwich, of which at present there are no remains whatever.

The church is a handsome modern structure of stone, completed in the year 1718. There are no monumental inscriptions within the church. In the old church of St. Alphage, on the site of which the new one is built, was a portrait on glass of Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, and many monuments and memorials for respectable persons.

Among the minor charitable foundations at Greenwich are two Hospitals, or Almshouses, for poor people. The more ancient of these was founded by William Lambard, Esq. author of the "Perambulation of Kent," and endowed by him for the maintenance of twenty poor persons, either male or female. He called it "The College of Queen Elizabeth." Nearly l,300l. in South-Sea Annuities, and some smaller benefactions, to the amount of 10l. annually, have been given to this hospital since its foundation.

The second hospital, called Norfolk College, is situated at the east end of the town, and was founded in 1618, by Henry, Earl of Northampton, for the maintenance of 20 decayed old housekeepers; twelve out of Greenwich, and eight to be alternately chosen out of Shotishara and Castle Rising in Norfolk. To this college belongs a chapel, in which the Earl's body is laid; which, as well as his monument, was removed hither, a few years ago, from the chapel of Dover Castle. Here is also, a neat row of Alm's-houses, erected in 1809, to commemorate the Jubilee, or 50th year of the reign of George III. Two houses have been added to these, by the volunteer infantry of Greenwich.

There are several Schools established at Greenwich for the education of the children of the poor : the principal of which are the Grey Coat School, in which sixty boys are clothed and educated, and the Green Coat School, in which twenty boys are clothed and instructed in writing, accounts, and navigation.

In the year 1557, two burgesses were returned to parliament by the inhabitants of this town; but this was the only time of their assuming that right.

According to the returns under the population act in 1811, Greenwich, with Deptford, then contained 5903 houses and 36,780 inhabitants.