ICS

56

HISTOBY OF ENGLAND.

rnAP. whole realm, a single infirmary supported by voluntary con-■ ^ tribution. Even in the capital the only edifices open to thewounded were the two ancient hospitals of Saint Thomas andSaint Bartholomew. The Queen gave orders that in both thesehospitals arrangements should be made at the public charge forthe reception of patients from the fleet.* At the same time itwas announced that a noble and lasting memorial of thegratitude w'hich England felt for the courage and patriotism ofher sailors would soon rise on a site eminently appropriate.Among the suburban residences of our kings, that which stoodat Greenwich had long held a distinguished place. Charlesthe Second liked the situation, and determined to rebuild thehouse and to improve the gardens. Soon after his Restoration, ■he began to erect, on a spot almost washed by the Thames athigh tide, a mansion of vast extent and cost. Behind the palacewere planted long avenues of trees which, when William reigned,were scarcely more than saplings, but w'hich have now coveredwith their massy shade the summer rambles of several genera-tions. On the slope which has long been the scene of theholiday sports of the Londoners, W'ere constructed flights ofterraces, of which the vestiges may still be discerned. TheQueen now publicly declared, in her husband’s name, that thebuilding commenced by Charles should be completed, andshould be a retreat for seamen disabled in the service of thencountry.**

One of the happiest effects produced by the good news wasthe calming of the public mind. During about a month thenation had been hourly expecting an invasion and a rising, andhad consequently been in an irritable and suspicious mood. ]hmany parts of England a nonjuror could not show himself

* An Account of the l'atc Great Victory, 1692; Narcissus Luttrcl’sDiary.

** Baden to the States General, June T 7 7 . 1692.