Temple of Unworthies

HEH STO 435 (Box 18). Letter from George Grenville Nugent at Lilies to Charles O’Conor. Dated at the Huntington Library as c. August 1808. Extract. 

[…] I have been thinking of your proposed extension of the Temple of British Worthies into a complete circle or amphitheatre—like the Coliƒseum [sic] of Rome. It appearing however to us that the British Worthies begin to run mighty scarce, and that you will scarcely be able to fill your building with bustoes of animals of that scarce breed, we have conceived the idea of filling the remaining half circle with British Unworthies. Each unworthy facing a corresponding Worthy. I send you a sketch of two or three inscriptions to face King Alfred, Queen Elizabeth, Hampden, &c. which I hope meet your approbation and that of your noble Lord, my brother.