Recruiting Sergeants at Westminster

Recruiting Sergeants at Westminster, c. 1877. Six army recruiting sergeants stand outside the 'Mitre and Dove' public house at the corner of King Street and Bridge Street, Westminster - a renowned spot for potential army recruits to go to.

According to Adolphe Smith's text, the prominent figure standing closest to the kerb is Sergeant Ison, the representative of the 6th Dragoon Guards. To his right stands Sergeant Titswell of the 5th Dragoon Guards and Sergeant Badcock of the 2nd Dragoons or Scots Greys. Sergeant Bilton of the Royal Engineers is next in line, while Sergeant Minett of the 14th Hussars turns his head towards Sergeant McGilney of the 6th Dragoons. A policeman, Mr Cox, stands behind them and a boot-black known to the neighbourhood stands on the street corner. Recruiting Seargeants would receive a guinea for every man they enlisted minus the expenses used to do so. From a series of 37 photographs published in the book, 'Street Life in London' (1877), with text written by Thomson and the journalist Adolphe Smith. [p.9]