Note 231:B — CHAP. III. MANNERS AND CUSTOMS OF THE INHABITANTS OF LONDON FROM 1700 TO 1800.

"This should be the Folly; a very large vessel, said to have been the hulk of a ship of war or frigate, which was moored on the Surrey-side of the Thames, nearly opposite Hungerford stairs, and, consequently, abreast of Cuper's gardens. It was used as a floating tavern and bagnio. The proprietors had an idea, that a licence was not necessary for a place of this description on the river, and it was continued many years unrestrained, till at length its enormities became so notorious, that its suppression was deemed a most necessary object of Police." Ibid.