[167] This bridge has lately been a subject of remark, it having been laid bare in making some excavations for houses in Oxford-street. But this bridge is not the one alluded to previously which was constructed of wood, and was merely a foot-bridge, whence two paths diverged to Edge-lane and Smithdown lane.[197] By the way, checkers on ale-house doors originated, I have been told, in a curious circumstance. They are the arms of the De Warrennes, who, at one time, had a right to grant a license to all tipsters for a certain fee. The De Warrennes arms on all house-doors indicated that the house was duly licensed. This grant was given to the De Warrennes by King John who is said to have bestowed it in recompense for breaking the head of one of the family during a game of “check” in which the King was conquered. He, in vexation, struck De Warrenne with the board. Touching these said “checkers,” I once heard a good story told of a Scotch lady resident in this town. Checkers in Scotland are called “dam-boards.” The lady wanting to purchase some table-cloth with a “check pattern,” went into a draper’s shop and asked to be shown a few. The assistant brought out several sorts, but none of them were large enough in the pattern; the lady, at length, told the young man that she wanted some of a “dam-board pattern.” Not understanding the lady, but supposing she meant a d---n broad pattern, he meekly replied that they had none so broad as that!