During the reign of Anne, London changes considerably. The new Cathedral of St. Paul is now complete, and, with its wondrous dome and western towers high above all other buildings, dominates the city.
Around it are numerous towers and spires of the parish churches, all, like St. Paul's, from the hand of Sir Christopher Wren. A wonderful sight the City must have presented then, before ugly warehouses and railway sheds intercepted this view.
Along the Strand only three or four remain of all those stately houses on the bank of the river-the Temple, Somerset House, portions of the Savoy and Northumberland House. Streets bearing the names of the former owners now mark the sites. They are well inhabited by people of condition.
The bridge is still encumbered with houses; adjoining it is Fishmongers' Hall which has been rebuilt after the Great Fire, a handsome structure of red brick, with a small garden between it and the river.
The rebuilding of London Bridge and its removal to a position further west caused the demolition of this old Hall, and the new one stands on the west side of the approach to the present bridge. To the east is the newly built Custom House, and within the enclosure of the Tower one sees a huge storehouse almost as prominent at the White Tower itself.
The old fringe of houses along the shore has become much denser; past St. Catherine's and all along Wapping to Shadwell, Ratcliff, and Limehouse, the population has become very thick, for here, moored along the banks and in the stream, are numerous ships trading to all parts of the world, from the stately East Indiamen to the small coasting schooners and frigates, and colliers bringing sea-coal.
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