of Charles I., Charles II., Queen Anne, and with emblematic figures of Justice, Peace, Labour, &c.; whilst over the doorway is the city coat of arms, with the motto, “Floreat semper fidelis civitas.”  The lower hall contains a collection of interesting specimens of ancient armour, gleaned from the battlefields of Worcester, and one of those quaint old instruments of punishment formerly used for scolds, called a “brank.”  In the municipal hall, on the second floor, is a portrait of George III., who presented it to the inhabitants, and others of citizens who have done good service to the town, or in some way distinguished themselves, the last added being that of Alderman Padmore, one of the members for the city.

The churches are fifteen in number, some being ancient edifices, others recent erections built on the sites of older structures, whilst a few are copies of the originals.  There are nearly as many dissenting and other chapels, several of which are handsome specimens of modern architectural skill.  Among instances of domestic architecture of past centuries may be mentioned, “The Old House” in “New Street,” from which Charles II. escaped after the battle of Worcester.  It was the house also in which Judge Berkeley was born, and has over the door the inscription, “Love God (W.  B. 1557, R. D), Honor the King.”

Worcester is rich in schools, almshouses, and institutions, whose united incomes, representing a total of 4,000 pounds, speak much for the public spirit and large-hearted benevolence of the inhabitants.

The Museum and Natural History Society, in Foregate Street, to which visitors are admitted on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, {6} with its collection of antiquities, fossils, and objects of natural history, should be visited.  Also, the Arboretum and Public Pleasure Grounds, near Sansome Walk, where fetes are given and bands frequently play.  The grounds are tastefully laid out, portions being set apart for games of archery, cricket, bowls, and quoits.  The usual admission fee is sixpence, but on Mondays they are free to the inhabitants.

In describing Worcester it would be unpardonable not to allude to its hops, from 2,000 to 3,000 pockets of which, it is said, not unfrequently change hands, in the market in the Foregate, during the season.

Glove making also is still one of the staple trades, nearly half a million being annually manufactured by Messrs. Dent and others.

Worcester is celebrated for Porcelain of a very superior kind; and facilities are afforded to strangers visiting the manufactory, both in Diglis, and in Lowesmoor.  The productions of the former are highly esteemed by connoisseurs.  The works have the good fortune to receive distinguished and even royal patronage; and the show-rooms form one of the attractions of the city.