Samuel Horsey, Aged 55. Original Engraving Print. de Horsey, Samuel - [c1803-1805].

[London:], [c1803-1805].. 12.5 x 14.75 cm.. Fine impression, trimmed at corners. Minor creasing, at mounted corners. Suitable for framing. Possibly from KirbyÕs Wonderful and Scientific Museum, vol.1, 1803. ÒHe (Horsey) is there stated to have been known as King of Beggars, and a very prominent figure in London. His mutiliation is ascribed to the falling of a piece of timber in Bow Lane, Cheapside, some nineteen years before; but it may have been, as Lamb says, in the Gordon Riots of 1780.... J.T. Smith gives in his Vagabondia, 1817 a back view of Horsey and says: Of this man there are various opinions; and it is much doubted if the truth can be obtained even from his own mouth. He states that Mr. Abernethy cut off his legs in St. BartholomewÕs Hospital, but he does not declare from what cause; so that being deprived of the power of gaining a substinence by labour, he was forced to become a beggar.Ó [-The Works of Charles and Mary Lamb].