WY991/26

Letter to William Stuart from Frederick Hervey, Earl of Bristol, written from Naples. Has been told that the government would buy the Palace at Derry for barracks, but that William objects to the idea.

29 Dec 1797

From: 1797 To: 1797

The writer discusses the advantages of having a palace in the country, with graphic descriptions of the filth in the town. Description of a certain Mr. Baron Scott and his business as 'scavenger of Derry'. He brings in turf from the countryside and then takes away the muck from the city which is then put on the bog and so makes it good pastureland. The muck is only collected every 3-4 weeks, allowing an accumulation of filth. Description of the dungpitts outside each public house, emptied once a year; 'the winds carry with them effluvia from theses hoards of putrefaction.' Description of all the routes to the Bishop’s Palace at Derry. Talks of the diseases of Derry; Consumption and “Putrid fever”. Extols the virtues of the demense lands.

item

Stuart, William,
Hervey, Frederick [4th Earl of Bristol],
Scott, Baron

CORRESPONDENCE, turf cutting, disease