From 1600, it doubled every forty years;[*] and consequently, in 1680, it contained four times as many inhabitants as at the beginning of the century.

It has ever been the centre of all the trade in the kingdom; and almost the only town that affords society and amusement.

The affection which the English bear to a country life, makes the provincial towns be little frequented by the gentry.

Nothing but the allurements of the capital, which is favored by the residence of the king, and by being the seat of government and of all the courts of justice, can prevail over their passion for their rural villas.
London at this time was almost entirely built of wood, and in every respect was certainly a very ugly city.

The earl of Arundel first introduced the general practice of brick buildings.[**] The navy of England was esteemed formidable in Elizabeth's time, yet it consisted only of thirty-three ships, besides pinnaces;[***] and the largest of these would not equal our fourth-rates at present.