On The Stones

Q Can anyone tell me what the phrase “On the Stones” refers to in this Hearses and Mourning Carriages price list? Size: 127 x 178mm (5 x 7in).

John Hall

A The phrases “on the stones” and “off the stones” mean “within London” and “outside London” and were in use around 1830-80. The phrases refer to the hardness of London streets.
(Penguin Dictionary of Historical Slang / Eric Partridge, abridged by Jacqueline Simpson : 1972)

Malcolm Shifrin

Queries 2003/4

Fairy of the Flowers
19th Century Crests
United We Stand
Hotel Discs
Reach for the Stars
Father Christmas
To Captivate a Heart
On The Stones
Animal Card
Punch’s Pocket Book
Piano Notes
Chromo Portrait Gallery
Engraved Labels
The Owl of Wisdom

Query Archive

2005/6
2007

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