“Teresa Cornelys, Carlisle House, St. Ann, Soho, dealer” appears in the bankrupt list of The London Gazette of November, 1772; and in December of the same year, this temple of festivity, and all its gorgeous contents, were thus advertised to be sold by public auction:—­

“Carlisle House, Soho.—­At twelve o’clock on Monday the 14th instant, by Order of the Assignees, Mr. Marshall will sell by Auction on the Premises, in one Lot, All that extensive, commodious, and magnificent House in Soho Square, lately occupied by Mrs. Cornelys, and used for the Public Assemblies of the Nobility and Gentry.  Together with all the rich and elegant Furniture, Decorations, China, &c., thereunto belonging, too well-known and universally admired for their aptness and taste to require here any public and extraordinary description thereof.  Catalogues to be had at the House, and at Mr. Marshall’s, in St. Martin’s Lane.  The curiosity of many to see the house, to prevent improper crowds, and the great damage that might happen therefrom (and the badness of this season) by admitting indifferent and disinterested people, must be an excuse to the public for the Assignees ordering the Catalogues to be sold at 5s. each, which will admit two to see the house, &c., from Monday the 7th instant to the time of sale, Sundays excepted, from ten in the morning to three in the afternoon, and they hope no person or persons will take amiss being refused admittance without Catalogues.”

In December 1774, the nobility and gentry were informed (by advertisement), “That the Assemblies at Carlisle House will commence soon, under the conduct and direction of a New Manager;” but notwithstanding the efforts of this person, we find that Mrs. Cornellys resumed her revels here with great spirit in 1776.  In 1778, Carlisle House was again publicly advertised to be sold by private contract, or “to be hired as usual;” and subsequently, after having been used as a common exhibition room of “Monstrosities,” a “School of Eloquence,” and “An Infant School of Genius,” it closed its public career through the interference of the magistracy in 1797.

A full and particular account of the rise and fall of “Mrs. Cornelys’ Entertainments at Carlisle House, Soho,” was privately printed two or three years ago, by Thomas Mackinlay, Esq., of the firm of Dalmaine and Co., Soho Square.

Carlisle Street, Soho Square.—­The large house at the end of this street, looking into the square, was formerly called Carlisle House.  In 1770 it was purchased of Lord Delaval by the elder Angelo; who resided in it many years, and built a large riding-school at the back.  Bach and Abel, of “Concert” notoriety, resided in the adjoining house.  Carlisle Street was then called King’s Square Court. {451}

Catherine Street, Strand.—­In 1714, a tract was published with the following title:—­The Maypole’s New Year’s Gift or Thanks returned to his Benefactors, humbly inscribed to the Two Corners of Catherine Street, Strand; written by a Parishioner of St. Mary, Savoy.