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Highgate
has its name from a gate set up there about 400 years ago, to
receive tolls for the bishop of London, when the old miry road from
Gray's Inn Lane to Barnet was turned through the bishop's park. The
village being in a high or elevated situation explains the first
part of the name.
Sworn at Highgate.
A custom anciently prevailed at the public-houses in Highgate to
administer a ludicrous oath to all travellers who stopped there. The
party was sworn on a pair of horns fastened to a stick—
(1) Never to kiss the maid when he can kiss the mistress.
(2) Never to eat brown bread when he can get white.
(3) Never to drink small beer when he can get strong—unless he
prefers it.
Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894 More on Highgate from Infoplease:
- Highgate - Highgate Highgate, residential area within Camden, Islington, and Haringey boroughs, London, ...
- Highgate - Highgate has its name from a gate set up there about 400 years ago, to receive tolls for the bishop ...
- Sworn at Highgate - Sworn at Highgate (See Highgate.) Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894 ...
- Camden, borough, Greater London, England - Camden Camden, inner borough (1991 pop. 170,500) of Greater London, SE England. Within the borough, ...
- Heman (of Colchester) ALLEN - ALLEN, Heman (of Colchester) (1779—1852) ALLEN, Heman (of Colchester), a Representative from ...
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