A database of several hundred historical descriptions and references to London's sounds. They're drawn mainly from primary sources such as autobiographies, diaries and statutes, as well as novels written around the times they depict.
Sound category: Religious > Street preachers and meetings
Title of work: John Wesley's Journal
Type of publication: Diary
Author: John Wesley
Year of publication: 1742
Page/volume number: Not known
John Wesley is attacked while preaching near Whitechapel
I was desired to preach in an open place, commonly called the Great Gardens, lying between Whitechapel and Coverlet Fields, where I found a vast multitude gathered together. Taking knowledge that a great part of them were little acquainted with the things of God, I called upon them in the words of our Lord, 'Repent ye, and believe the gospel.'
Many of the beasts of the people laboured much to disturb those who were of a better mind. They endeavoured to drive in a herd of cows among them; but the brutes were wiser than their masters. Then they threw whole showers of stones, of which struck me between the eyes: but I felt no pain at all; and, when I had wiped away the blood, went on testifying with a loud voice that God hath given to them that believe 'not the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.'