William Cussans
Encyclopedia
William Cussans, or Curzons, a native of Barbadoes, who lived upon an income allowed him by his family, was a most eccentric fellow, perfectly good-tempered, and particularly well known in Covent-garden and its vicinity. (Mr. Yerrel, his biographer's informant, knew him well.) Cussans once hired himself as potman, under Paddy Moore, at the north-west corner of Russell-street, in Covent Garden
; where he fined the beer, served it out, and collected in the pots, receiving the half-pence people thought proper to give him; these he put by, and upon his departure, at the expiration of his stipulated time, he distributed them amongst the servants of the house. During this and several other whims, be never was known to smile, nor would he attend to any thing but the business in which he was engaged. He once went as a coal-heaver for a month, and whatever he said he would do, he steadfastly performed. He made an excellent chimney-sweeper at the masquerades at the Pantheon and the Opera-house; and was author of the popular song of Robinson Crusoe, though, since his death, it has been claimed by several other persons. One of the verses runs thus:
"He got all the wood
That ever he could,
And he stuck it together with glue so;
He made him a hut.
And in it he put
The carcase of Robinson Crusoe."
One evening, when walking in the Temple-gardens, he accosted three ladies, by asking them if they ever saw a man swim; "No," said one, "nor do we wish to see such a sight." "But you shall," said he, and immediately jumped into the water with his clothes on; upon which they were alarmed; and he, after some time swimming about, upon coming to shore, made them a most elegant bow, and though in his dripping state, was recognized as the eccentric Mr. Cussans. He then joined his friends at Jemmy Yerrel's, at the "Salutation
," in Tavistock-street, and commenced his nightly quantum of wine: he would sometimes take eight pints at a sitting without being the least intoxicated. Cussans subsequently went to Barbadoes, where he stayed about three years, after which, on his return to England, he died.
Covent Garden
Covent Garden is a district in London on the eastern fringes of the West End, between St. Martin's Lane and Drury Lane. It is associated with the former fruit and vegetable market in the central square, now a popular shopping and tourist site, and the Royal Opera House, which is also known as...
; where he fined the beer, served it out, and collected in the pots, receiving the half-pence people thought proper to give him; these he put by, and upon his departure, at the expiration of his stipulated time, he distributed them amongst the servants of the house. During this and several other whims, be never was known to smile, nor would he attend to any thing but the business in which he was engaged. He once went as a coal-heaver for a month, and whatever he said he would do, he steadfastly performed. He made an excellent chimney-sweeper at the masquerades at the Pantheon and the Opera-house; and was author of the popular song of Robinson Crusoe, though, since his death, it has been claimed by several other persons. One of the verses runs thus:
That ever he could,
And he stuck it together with glue so;
He made him a hut.
And in it he put
The carcase of Robinson Crusoe."
One evening, when walking in the Temple-gardens, he accosted three ladies, by asking them if they ever saw a man swim; "No," said one, "nor do we wish to see such a sight." "But you shall," said he, and immediately jumped into the water with his clothes on; upon which they were alarmed; and he, after some time swimming about, upon coming to shore, made them a most elegant bow, and though in his dripping state, was recognized as the eccentric Mr. Cussans. He then joined his friends at Jemmy Yerrel's, at the "Salutation
Pub names
Pub names are used to identify and differentiate each public house. As many public houses are centuries old, many of their early customers were unable to read, and pictorial signs could be readily recognised when lettering and words could not be read.Modern names are sometimes a marketing ploy or...
," in Tavistock-street, and commenced his nightly quantum of wine: he would sometimes take eight pints at a sitting without being the least intoxicated. Cussans subsequently went to Barbadoes, where he stayed about three years, after which, on his return to England, he died.
Sources
- Source: John Thomas SmithJohn Thomas Smith (1766–1833)John Thomas Smith also known as Antiquity Smith was a painter, engraver and antiquarian. He wrote a life of the sculptor Joseph Nollekens that was noted for its "malicious candour" and was a keeper of prints for the British Museum....
, 1829, Cussans's biography in Nollekens and his times, volume 2. p. 285-286 - John Times, 1866, Club Life Of London; with Anecdotes of the Clubs, Coffee-Houses and Taverns of the Metropolis during the 17th, 18th, and 19th Centuries. Volume 2. p. 197 London: Richard Bentley.