Richard NEWDIGATE
Private papers
In: Anne Emily Newdigate-Newdegate, 1901. Cavalier and Puritan in the days of the Stuarts, compiled from the private papers and diary of Sir Richard Newdigate, second baronet with extracts from MS. newsletters addressed to him between 1675 and 1689. London, Smith, Elder & Co., pp. i-xv, 1-367. [2120]
[1901: 245]
Events of 1684.
During this summer an event of interest to the populace took place in the arrival of a rhinoceros, apparently the first that had reached the shores of England alive.
“On board one of the East India ships is come a Rhinoceros valued at £ 2000 at the Custom House, and will be sold next week by inch of candle.”
Accordingly, on the day fixed, the rhinoceros was put up for auction in the customary manner by the burning of a candle measured off inch by inch, and was purchased for £ 2320 by Mr. Langley, “one of those that bought Mr. Sadler's Well at Islington, and in a day or two will be seen in Bartholomew Fair.”
The enterprising Mr. Langley (possibly the same man who created a riot at Lady Tirrell’s with the object of carrying off her daughter) proved unable to raise so large a sum. He consequently lost the rhinoceros and forfeited the £ 500 he had to pay beforehand.
“This evening the owners procured a warrant from Sir James Smith and carried away Mr. Langley and afterwards put up the beast for sale again by Inch of Candle for £ 2000, but no person bid a farthing; so lies upon their hands.”
After a time, the interest in the depreciated animal revived, and it became a source of profit to its owner.
The Rhinoceros is much visited at twelve pounds apiece, and two shillings those that ride him. They get fifteen pounds a day.
