Historical references to London's sounds

Printed bellman’s verse, as sung or spoken to householders

Time, Master, calls your bellman to his task,
To see your doors and windows are all fast,
And that no villany or foul crime be done
To you or yours in absence of the sun.
If any base lurker I do meet,
In private alley or in open street,
You shall have warning by my timely call,
And so God bless you and give rest to all.

[A bellman's verse was typically sung or spoken by the bellman or nightwatchman in his ward, perhaps at Christmas, in the hope of receiving tips from householders. Some verses were printed as broadsides. The expression 'Bellman's verse' became synonymous with doggerel.]