240 Crockford's Club. This noted gaming Club-house, No. 50, on the west side of St. James's-street, over against White's, was built for Mr. Crockford, in 1827; B. and P. Wyatt, architects. Crockford started in life as a fishmonger, at the old bulkshop next-door to Temple Bar Without, which he quitted for play in St. James's. "For several years deep play went on at all the Clubs-fluctuating both as to locality and amount-till by degrees it began to flag. It was at a low ebb when Mr. Crockford laid the foundation of the most colossal fortune that was ever made by play. He began by taking Watier's old Club-house, in partnership with a man named Taylor. They set up a hazard-bank, and won a great deal of money, but quarrelled and separated at the end of the first year. Taylor continued where he was, had a bad year, and failed. Crockford removed to St. James'sstreet, had a good year, and immediately set about building the magnificent Club-house which bears his name. It rose like a creation of Aladdin's lamp; and the genii themselves could hardly have surpassed the beauty of the internal decorations, or furnished a more accomplished maître d'hôtel than Ude. To make the company as select as possible, the establishment was regularly organized as a Club, and the election of members vested in a committee. Crockford's' became the rage, and the votaries of fashion, whether they liked play or not, hastened to enrol themselves. The Duke of Wellington was an original member, though (unlike Blücher, who repeatedly lost everything he had at play) the great Captain was never known to play deep at any game but war or politics. Card-tables were regularly placed, and whist was played occasionally; but the aim, end, and final cause of the whole was the hazard-bank, at which the proprietor took his nightly stand, prepared for all comers. Le Wellington des Joueurs lost 23,000/ 240 Crockford's Club. This noted gaming Club-house, No. 50, on the west. St. James's-street, over against White's, was built fo Crockford, in 1827; B. and P. Wyatt, architects. I' Crockford started in life as a fishmonger, at the old shop next-door to Temple Bar Without, which he q for play in St. James's. "For several years deep play on at all the Clubs-fluctuating both as to locality amount-till by degrees it began to flag. It was at ebb when Mr. Crockford laid the foundation of the colossal fortune that was ever made by play. He by taking Watier's old Club-house, in partnership w man named Taylor. They set up a hazard-bank, and a great deal of money, but quarrelled and separated end of the first year. Taylor continued where he wa a bad year, and failed. Crockford removed to St. Ja street, had a good year, and immediately set about bu the magnificent Club-house which bears his name. like a creation of Aladdin's lamp; and the genii themcould hardly have surpassed the beauty of the internal rations, or furnished a more accomplished maître d'hôte Ude. To make the company as select as possible establishment was regularly organized as a Club, an election of members vested in a committee. 'Crocki became the rage, and the votaries of fashion, whether liked play or not, hastened to enrol themselves. The of Wellington was an original member, though ( Blücher, who repeatedly lost everything he had at the great Captain was never known to play deep game but war or politics. Card-tables were re; placed, and whist was played occasionally; but th end, and final cause of the whole was the hazar at which the proprietor took his nightly stand, pr for all comers. Le Wellington des Joueurs lost elve at night, and ending at He and three other nobleooner or later, than 100,000l. tion (or out of proportion) to › less occupied moralists, and nany ruined families went to nnaire-for a millionnaire he term, after making the largest ots. A vast sum, perhaps half to him; but as he won, all his easy credit was the most fatal 840, much as an Indian chief here there is not game enough is now tottering to its fall."* two wings and a centre, with entablature, and a balustrade has Venetian windows, and windows. The entrance-hall scagliola columns with gilt ing and stained glass. The antæ of the Ionic order, from the staircase is panelled with Corinthian columns. The yle of Louis Quatorze : azure ceiling enrichments bronze tteau; and panelling, masks, e opening of the Club-house, ted style, as "the New Pan or real Hell, consisting of te-room, opening to a saloon baffles description; thence inet, or boudoir, which opens e rooms are panelled in the being left to be filled up with |