Transcribed from the 1869 edition by David Price, email ccx074@pglaf.org
CHELSEA,
IN THE OLDEN & PRESENT TIMES.
* * * * *
BY GEORGE BRYAN.
* * * * *
“It is not given to all to have genius—it is given to all to have
honesty of purpose; an ordinary writer may have this in common with
the greatest—that he may compose his works with a sincere view of
administering to knowledge.”—BULWER LYTTON.
* * * * *
Entered at Stationers’ Hall.
* * * * *
CHELSEA:
PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR,
4, ALFRED COTTAGES, CAMERA SQUARE, KING’S ROAD.
MAY BE HAD OF ALL BOOKSELLERS.
* * * * *
1869.
PREFACE.
THERE are circumstances in connection with the publication of this volume
which I deem it necessary to mention. Some persons probably have thought
that such an undertaking should have devolved on an individual possessing
greater literary attainments, and occupying a higher position in the
parish than I do in it. To this impression I willingly give my assent.
But this has not been the case; and the length of time (upwards of forty
years) since the late Mr. Faulkner published his “History of Chelsea,”
and the consequent difficulty of procuring a copy—independently of the
fact that much contained in that work is now altogether devoid of
interest, and also that, from the great improvements and alterations in
the parish, there required many additions to be made to it—induced me, in
the decline of life, to undertake the present task.
As an additional justification for the course I have pursued, it must not
be forgotten that Chelsea is my native parish, and that I have possessed
peculiar facilities for acquiring the necessary information; and,
moreover, that in early life I composed in type a great portion of Mr.
Faulkner’s first edition, and at a subsequent period was employed as the
printing-office reader of his edition in two volumes. This gave me
frequent opportunities of seeing him, and witnessing his laborious
exertions to produce a work as complete “as the utmost diligence, care,
and patience enabled him to collect.” I cannot but think that these
considerations—combined with the fact of my having been, for many years
since that period, connected with the press in London—will remove all
impressions of assumption, on my part, for submitting the present volume
to the impartial judgment of the parishioners and the public.
I have purposely avoided all dry details of parochial management, &c., as
being foreign to the nature of the work and rendered now unnecessary in
consequence of the voluminous Annual Vestry Reports, which may easily be
obtained. My object has rather been to make the volume interesting, as
far as possible, without being guilty of “book-making.”
The work embodies all the essential and interesting information that
could be obtained, with a great amount of original matter, and should the
volume not appear so bulky as some might have expected, it is simply
owing to the rejection of extraneous subjects.
That the intelligent working-man, and persons of limited means, might
possess the work, I published a certain number of copies at a very great
sacrifice, trusting that the motive would be rather an inducement than
otherwise for others to purchase the volume. Local histories, unlike
other works, can only have a small circulation, and the price charged for
them must be necessarily regulated by the probable number that will be
sold.
In conclusion, I beg to offer my grateful acknowledgments for the
kindness and assistance which I have received from several gentlemen, and
now submit the result of my labours to the favourable criticism, and I
trust remunerative patronage of the inhabitants and others interested in
a parish which, in many points of view is unusually interesting and
instructive.
AUGUST, 1869.
INDEX.
(The figures at the end of each line denote the page. Notices of
Distinguished Residents are interspersed throughout the volume.)
Alston House, 92
Aston, the Misses, 152
Ashburnham House, 55
Atterbury, Dr., 78
Arbuthnot, Dr. John, 80
Astell, Mrs. Mary, 183
Atkyns, Sir Robert, 219
* * * * *
Boundaries of Chelsea, 8
Bray, Lord, 5
Bell, The Ashburnham, 10
Bowes, Thomas, 15
Buckingham House, 35
Buckingham, First Duke of, 35
Buckingham, Second Duke of, 36
Bristol, Earl of, 36
Beaufort House, 37
Beaufort, Second Duke of, 37
Beaufort Street, 39
Battersea Bridge, 39
Belle Vue House, 44
Bælar, Pætrus, 47
Brunel, Sir Mark Isombard, 51
Boscawen, Mr. 61
Balloon Ascent in 1784, 62
Chelsea Steam Captive, 169
Centenarian Trip in ditto, 224
Boyle, Robert, Esq. 64
Balchen, Admiral Sir John, 65
Bowack, Mr. 82
Burney, Dr. 104
Baths, Dr. Dominiceti’s, 117
Butler, Rev. Weeden, sen., 117, 152
Blunt, the late Rev. Henry, 139
Blunt, Rev. G. A. 140
Bentley, Mr. 168
Bedford, Mr. Paul, 168
Blackwell, Dr. Alexander, 183
Bunhouse, the Original Chelsea, 200
Burial Ground, St. Luke’s, 141
King’s Road, 151
Moravian’s, 46
Jew’s, 74
Royal Hospital, 195
Burial of a Female Dragoon, 196
Burgess, Rev. R. 210
Botanic Gardens, Queen’s Road, 177
Borough of Chelsea, 1st Election, 222
* * * * *
Church, The Old Parish, 3
St. Luke’s, 125
Christchurch, 180
St. Jude’s, 207
Trinity, Sloane Street, 209
St. Saviour’s, 214
Cugnac, The Marquis de, 5
Cheyne, Lady Jane, 9
Cheyne, Charles, Esq. 9
Chamberlayne, Dr. 14, 81
Cadogan, the Hon. and Rev., 20
Clock House, 49
Cremorne House, 54
Cope, Sir John, 64
Carlyle, Thomas, Esq. 91
Clarendon, 3rd Earl of, 66
China Manufactory, 86
Cheyne Walk, 93
Clare, Rev. Thomas, 106
Chalmer, Francis, Esq. 113
Cook’s Ground, 92, 165, 170
Cadogan, Lieut.-Col. 135
Clark, Rev. George, 137
Cipriani, John Baptist, 151
Coffee House, Don Saltero’s, 108
Church Street, 75
Chelsea Common, 215
Cadogan Place, 214
Chelsea Chapel, 208
Cancer Hospital, 219
Consumption Hospital, 221
* * * * *
Dacre, Lord and Lady, 11
Davies, Rev. R. H. 22
Sir John Danvers, 42
Duke Street, 44
Duel, Fatal, 66
Denyer, John, Esq. 91
Dodd, Dr. 118
Doggett’s Coat and Badge, 121
Dispensary, Chelsea, 160
Durham House, 186
Dudmaston House, 55
Dilke, Sir C. Wentworth, Bart. 211
* * * * *
Etymology of Chelsea, 2
Ellesmere, Rev. Dr. Sloane, 152
Eggleton, The Misses, 113
* * * * *
Flood, Luke Thomas, Esq. 44, 137
Fraine, Mr. J. 114, 115
Flowers and Fashion, 161
Flood Street, 164
Faulkner, Mr. Thomas, 185
Farrier, Mr. Robert, 186
* * * * *
Gervoise, Richard, Esq. 6
Guildford, Richard, Esq. 9
Gorges, Sir Arthur, 12, 34
Gregory, Lord Dacre, 33
Gough House, 181
Gibson, Patrick, the Centenarian, 52
* * * * *
Hamey, Dr. Baldwin, 7, 66
Heber, Rev. Reginald, 20
Hatchett, Charles, Esq. 44
Harding, Bishop, 69
Hargrave, Francis, Esq. 75
Haworth, A. H. 77
Hoadly, Bishop, 100
Hunt, Leigh, Esq. 113
Hutchins, Mrs. (Daring Robbery and Murder at her house) 156
Hoblyn, Thomas, Esq. 211
Hans Place, 213
* * * * *
Indian Esquimaux, 48
* * * * *
Jennings, Henry C. Esq. 49
Justice Walk, 86
Jubilee Place, 164
* * * * *
Kingsley, Rev. Charles, 137, 140
King’s Road, 153, 155, 169
King, Rev. Dr. 19
Kent, Duke of, 182
* * * * *
Littleton, Rev. Dr. Adam, 6, 19
Lawrence, Sir John, 8
Lindsey House, 45
Lindsey Row, 49
Lordship’s Place, 91
Lawrence Street, 88
Lowry, Wilson, 167
* * * * *
Monuments in Old Church, 4
More, Sir Thomas, 5, 30
Milman, Sir W. 13
Manor House, Description of the, 105
Martin, John, R.A., 51
Moravians, the, 45
Mazarin, Duchess of, 182
Markham Sq. Con. Church, 174
Marlborough Chapel, 216
Mead, Dr. Richard, 183
Mellon, Mr. Alfred, 167
Monsey, Dr. 195
* * * * *
Northumberland, Duchess of, 12
North, the Hon. Brownlow, 102
Neild, James, Esq. 120
* * * * *
Ormond, Duchess of, 185
Orrery, 4th Earl of, 65
Owen, Rev. J. B. 207
* * * * *
Park Chapel, 67
Parish Registers, 144
Petyt, William, Esq. 85
Pavilion, the, 212
Presentation of Colours to the Old Volunteers, 198
* * * * *
Queen’s Elm, 73
Queen’s Road West, 177
Queen’s Road East, 202
* * * * *
Royal Hospital, 187
Royal Military Asylum, 203
Ranelagh, Old, the Rotunda, 197
Roman Catholic Chapel, 215
* * * * *
Stanley House, 56
St. Mark’s College, 58
Stanley, Sir Robert, 13
Sloane, Sir Hans, 14, 37, 173
Swift, Dean, 79
Shadwell, Thomas, Esq. 80
Smollett, Dr. 89
Sailing Matches, 41
Sloane Terrace Chapel, 210
School of Discipline, 185
* * * * *
Turner, J. M. Wm., R.A., 53
Trelawney, Bishop, 99
Trimnell, Bishop, 100
* * * * *
Winchester Palace, 97
Walpole, Sir Robert, 185
Wellesley, Hon. and Rev. Dr., 138
Woodfall, Henry, Esq. 15
Whitelocke, Gen., Trial of, 193
Whitelands Training Institution, 176
Whitlock, Rev. G. S., 181
West Brompton Con. Church, 60
Warren, Henry, Esq. 217
* * * * *
Vestry Hall, The, 171
Varley, Mr. John, 167
Victoria Hospital, 181
BOOK I.
The Etymology and Boundaries of the Parish—The Old Church: its Monumental
Inscriptions; Remarkable Spring Tides, taken to Church in a Boat,
Penance, &c.—Ancient Manor Houses, and Distinguished Residents—Moravian
Chapel and Burial Ground—Park Chapel—St. Mark’s College—The New West
Brompton Congregational Church—Loss of Sir John Balchen and 1100 Seamen
in the “Victory”—Ascent in a Balloon in 1784—Fatal Duel—The Knight and
the Poor Carpenter—Jews’ Burial Ground, to which is added an Amusing
Anecdote—The Queen’s Elm—Singular Tavern Signs, &c.—The old Embankment of
the Thames. Interspersed with Notices of many of the most Eminent
Residents in the Parish in the “Olden Times,” and other Interesting
Particulars.
LORD BROUGHAM, in the course of some remarks on modern English
literature, incidentally observed that “local histories were not only
interesting to the residents in the districts to which they referred, but
such minor works would be found of immense value to future national
historians.” This was also the avowed opinion of Mr. Faulkner, when he
published his invaluable “HISTORY OF CHELSEA,” upwards of 40 years since,
and my motive in undertaking the present work is to carry forward the
great object which that laborious local historian contemplated. The
defects, and no doubt there will be many discovered in it, are submitted
to the kind and impartial consideration of the reader. My humble
position in life will not in the slightest degree, I feel confident, tend
to depreciate my long-cherished desire—especially as the shades of
evening are fast closing the day-light of my earthly life—to add to the
information which has already been given respecting a parish to which I
am much attached, both by birth and early associations.
* * * * *
The earliest mention of Chelsea is to be found in the Saxon Chronicle, in
the year 785; from which record it appears that a Synod was then held in
it, and at which period it was the residence of Offa, king of the
Mercians. As regards the etymology of its name both ancient and modern
writers have expressed different opinions. Mr. Lysons says, he has seen
it written Cealc-hylle, in an old charter of Edward the Confessor, and
hence objected to the obvious etymology, as there is neither chalk nor
hill in the parish. Mr. Faulkner considers, however, that “hylle” is an
evident mistake for “hythe;” and Cealc-hythe signifies not a place
abounding in chalk, but a wharf or landing-place for chalk brought from
other quarters. This amended definition seems at once to remove the
previous objection, particularly as large quantities of chalk and lime
were formerly, and even now at times, landed at a wharf by the river-side
at Chelsea. In the ancient record of Domesday, it is written Cherchede
and Chelched. The parish was called Chelchethe in the taxation of Pope
Nicholas, in 1291; and this was the common way of spelling it for several
centuries. Among the manorial records of the time of Edward II. it is
spelled Chelcheya and Chelchuthe. Mr. Norden says, “It is so called from
the nature of the place, whose strand is like the Chesel, (ceosel, or
cesel,) which the sea casteth up of sand and pebble stones, thereof
called Cheselsey, briefly Chelsey.” How altered is the state of the
strand or shore at the present time! Would that there were now only the
sand and pebble stones! But there is a probability that this complaint
will be remedied. The long expected embankment from Battersea Bridge to
Chelsea College, it is said, really _is_ to be commenced and completed,
and those old and dilapidated houses in that narrow and dangerous
thoroughfare, known as Duke Street and Lombard Street, are to be pulled
down. If this should be the case, the parishioners will then possess one
of the finest promenades, with Battersea Park opposite to it, which may
be found along the entire banks of the river Thames.
Having made this slight digression, to infuse a little of what is
popularly called “new life” into our subject, we will here mention that
the county of Middlesex received its name from having been inhabited by a
party of Saxons, who, being located in the midst of the three kingdoms of
the East, West, and South Saxons, were called by their neighbours
Middlesaxons, which, in common conversation, was soon abbreviated to
Middlesex.
The parish of Chelsea is bounded on the north by the Fulham Road, which
separates it from Kensington. On the east at the entrance into Sloane
Square, at which place there was an open rivulet, which divided it from
St. George’s, Hanover Square, and was said to rise at or near to
Hampstead; and, after crossing Hyde Park, where it formed the Serpentine
River, and Knightsbridge, flowed behind Cadogan Place (along a portion of
Lowndes’ Square) into the Thames, at Ranelagh, which adjoined Chelsea
College. In January, 1809, this rivulet overflowed its banks, and caused
great devastation for several days. The waters formed a complete lake,
and were of considerable depth. Boats were employed in carrying
passengers from Chelsea Hospital to the old Bunhouse, on their way to
London. On the west, the parish is divided from Fulham a little beyond
St. Mark’s College; and on the south it is bounded by the Thames.
That portion of the parish at Kensal New Town, which is near to Wilsden,
will be briefly noticed again in reference to the “Ancient Manor Houses.”
This land, as held by the parish, is about 173¾ acres.
The Old Parish Church.
IT will soon be seventy years since I was first taken to this venerable
Church. The most trifling incidents in childhood often bring to
remembrance, when arrived at mature age, events of an important and
interesting character. Such was the case with regard to my earliest
conscious attendance at Chelsea Old Church. At the period to which I
allude, residing at the other part of the parish, we had to go across
what was then called the “Common,” situated to the east of the present
new St. Luke’s Church, a portion of which was at that particular time
covered with new-mown grass to dry previously to being carried away.
Most young persons love to toss and tumble about the hay when such an
opportunity is afforded them, and certainly I felt as delighted with the
sport as others of my own age. Often afterwards, when there was a
disposition not to take me, I earnestly pleaded to go with the rest to
the Church, but my youthful thoughts were more fixed on some anticipated
enjoyment on the road to it. As I advanced in years, however, my native
Old Parish Church became gradually endeared to me, and nothing connected
with it scarcely ever escaped my notice.
The exact period when the Church was erected is a question of great
uncertainty. In the Domesday Survey of the Parish no mention is made of
any endowment for a priest, which is considered by some writers a proof
that there was no Church existing. This conclusion is doubtful. There
is no record relative to the Rectory previous to the reign of Edward II.,
therefore it is conjectured that the Church was first founded about that
period.
Mr. Bowack says, “In the year 1667, the old Church, which was much
decayed, being too small to contain the congregation, grown large by the
vast increase of buildings about that time in the town,” (what would he
now think, in 1869, of the immense number of houses, and 70,000
inhabitants!) “it was agreed by the parishioners that part of it should
be demolished, and that such alterations and additions should be made as
were necessary for decent accommodation. Accordingly the shattered tower
and west end of the Church were pulled down, and the north and south
aisles carried several yards towards the west, by two brick walls, being
in all about 80 ft. from the ground. The walls of the Church were
raised, the windows enlarged, the old parts beautified, the inside new
paved, the churchyard considerably raised, and enclosed with a high wall
of brick; and most of this done at the voluntary charge of the
inhabitants, and the whole roof, lead, timber, &c., at the sole cost of
the Lady Jane Cheyne. The Church was furnished with all the necessary
ornaments, and the steeple with a good ring of six bells, by the bounty
of the inhabitants.”
From this statement it would appear that the Church was originally of
small dimensions.
MONUMENTS, &c.
It will not be asserting too much if we say that the Old Parish Church
contains more magnificent monuments, to the memories of distinguished
individuals, than are to be found in any other church in the metropolis.
LORD BRAY.—In the chancel, the most ancient monument is that of Lord
Bray, and of his son Lord John Bray. It is an altar-tomb, now much
defaced, but was originally ornamented with the effigies in brass of
these two noble lords, and with escutcheons of their arms. According to
Weever, there was the following inscription in his time:—“Of your
charitie pray for the soul of Edmund Bray, knight, Lord Bray, cosin and
heire to Sir Reginald Bray, Knight of the Garter.” There is a very long
and curious account of the funeral of Lord John Bray in the Herald’s
College, 1557.
* * * * *
SIR THOMAS MORE.—Against the south wall of the chancel is the monument of
Sir Thomas More, erected according to his own desire, in the year 1532.
The tablet on which the inscription is engraved is under a Tudor arch,
the cornice of which is ornamented with foliage, and in the centre of it
is his crest, viz., a Moor’s head. The spandrils of the arch are
ornamented with branches of the vine, and in the midst are his arms and
those of his first wife, and on each side are the arms of himself and his
two wives. The eventful history of More, and the termination of his
earthly career, must be familiar to the reader. After he was beheaded,
his body is said by some to have been interred in the church, but others
have contended that it was buried in St. Peter’s, in the Tower. There
are many legends respecting the head, but Mr. Brayley asserts positively
that it was finally deposited in St. Dunstan’s, near Canterbury, and that
he saw the head there many years ago. The inscription on the tablet is
of considerable length.
* * * * *
THE MARQUISE DE CUGNAC.—Near the Communion Table, against the south wall,
on a square ornamental slab, is an inscription to the memory of
Elizabeth, the wife of the Marquis de Cugnac. As a proof of his unshaken
love he erected this monument. She died in 1653, aged 20 years. The
marquis was of a Protestant family, famous in the reigns of Henry IV.,
Lewis XIII. and XIV.
* * * * *
THE SEDILE.—In the south wall of the chancel, near the altar, was usually
placed the “_Sedile_” a seat for the use of the priest at certain
intervals during the celebration of the Mass, but when the church was
almost rebuilt, in 1667, this ancient architectural ornament, and many
others were removed, and not a vestige of them now remains.
* * * * *
THOMAS HUNGERFORD, Esq.—In the upper chancel is the monument of the
above-named gentleman, having the effigies of himself and his two sons in
armour kneeling on one side of an altar, and his wife and daughter on the
other. The entablature is supported by three Corinthian pillars, resting
on pedestals.
* * * * *
REV. JOHN RUSH.—On the right of the one above are tablets to the memory
of the Rev. John Rush and family. He was Curate of the Parish for a
great many years, and when the new Parish Church was completed, Mr. Rush
became Minister of the Old Church, and resigned the curacy. He was one
of the Directors of the Waterloo Bridge Company, and took a great
interest in everything connected with the construction of that bridge.
He died in 1855, aged 85, and was buried in the Brompton Cemetery.
* * * * *
TWO DAUGHTERS OF WILTON, THE SCULPTOR.—Against the east wall is a
monument, composed of two urns of white marble, to the memory of Lucy
Smith and Anne Wilton, two sisters, 1781. Wilton, their father, was the
sculptor.
* * * * *
The Original Altar Piece was very plain, formed by an obtuse arch
ornamented slightly with foliage, &c. In the centre was painted the
Decalogue; while the north side displayed the Camp of Israel, and the
south side Moses on the Mount, receiving the two tables of the Law.
* * * * *
Rev. ADAM LITTLETON, D.D.—On a square marble tablet, against the north
wall of the lower chancel, is an inscription to the memory of this
eminent divine, who was rector of this parish for 24 years. He died in
1694, aged 66.
On the east wall, on plain marble slabs, are inscriptions to the memory
of Martha Denyer, who died in 1795, John Denyer, in 1806, and Elizabeth
Denyer, in 1824. This family was very benevolent. Amongst a few other
inscriptions is one to the memory of Edward Holl, Esq., who was a regular
attendant at the church, and much respected. He died in 1823.
* * * * *
RICHARD GERVOISE, Esq.—Between the north aisle and lower chancel is a
large monument raised in the form of an arch open at both sides, about 10
ft. in height, ornamented with roses, branches, and fluted carving,
erected to the memory of Richard Gervoise, Sheriff of London, who died in
1557, and also in memory of his son.
* * * * *
BALDWIN HAMEY, M.D.—On a pillar, near the preceding, are inscriptions to
the memory of Dr. Baldwin Hamey, Ralph Palmer, Esq., and Alice, his wife.
Mr. Palmer was a kind benefactor to the church. He died in 1715.
On the west side of the same pillar is an inscription to the memory of
Henry Powell, Esq., who was a great friend to the widow and fatherless.
* * * * *
COLOURS OF THE OLD VOLUNTEERS.—Over the nave are suspended the colours of
the two battalions of Queen Charlotte’s Royal Volunteers, which were
placed there on the disbandment of the regiment. These banners were
presented by her Majesty in 1804, at a time when the country was
threatened with invasion. {7} One or two of them are almost in ribbons,
but it is to be hoped they will remain untouched in their present
position as long as possible. There are still living some few old people
in the parish who remember, when boys, marching by the side of these
colours with all the heroic consequence of supposed military triumph.
The PULPIT is composed of oak, divided into panels, and ornamented with
carved foliage and fruit. There was formerly a massive sounding board to
correspond with it, but which was necessarily taken away when the pulpit
was judiciously placed in its present central position in the middle
aisle.
* * * * *
Having noticed the chancel and nave, we will proceed to that part which
is called the LAWRENCE CHAPEL, at the north side. This chapel is
considered by many to be coeval with the first endowment of the church.
It was built by the then Lord of the Manor, whose mansion stood near it,
the site of which is now occupied by Lawrence Street, so called after the
Lawrence family. The old manor house was pulled down by Henry VIII., who
built another in Cheyne Walk, to which allusion will have to be
frequently made. The Lawrence chapel was many years ago in the
possession of Mr. Offley, who bequeathed it to Colonel Needham, of whom
it was bought in the year 1789, with part of the east side of Lawrence
Street, to which it is an appendage, by Mr. Lewer. It is still private
property.
* * * * *
THOMAS LAWRENCE, Esq.—Against the north wall of this chapel is the
monument of the father of Sir John Lawrence, on which are represented
himself, his three sons, Elizabeth his wife, and six daughters, all
kneeling. On the cushion on which Mrs. Lawrence kneels are two babes,
wrapped up close to the chin, with their faces only visible. The cornice
is supported by three fluted Corinthian columns. Underneath are the
following lines:—
“The yeares wherein I lived were fifty-fower,
October twenty-eight did end my life;
Children five of eleven God left in store,
Sole comfort of they’re mother and my wife.
The world can say what I have been before,
What I am now examples still are rife;
Thus Thomas Lawrence spekes to tymes ensving
That Death is sure, and Tyme is past reneving.”
SIR JOHN LAWRENCE, Bart.—On a large ornamented tablet of black marble,
against the east wall, is an inscription to the memory of Sir John
Lawrence, Bart., who died in 1638, aged 50. Attached to it are these
quaint lines:—
“When bad men dye and turn to their last sleep,
What stir the poets and engravers keep,
By a feigned skill to pile them up a name,
With terms of Good, and Just, out-lasting fame:
Alas! poor men, such most have need of stone
And epitaphs; the good, indeed, lack none,
Their own true works enough do give of glory
Unto their names, which will survive all story:
Such was the man lies here, who doth partake
Of verse and stone—but ’tis for fashions sake.”
On the same wall is the monument of Sarah Colvile, daughter of Thomas
Lawrence, Esq., and wife of Richard Colvile, of Newton, in the Isle of
Ely. From small trusses, ornamented with human heads, rise two Doric
pillars, with a curved entablature which supports a pediment. The soffit
of the cornice is decorated with clouds, stars, and a dove; and on the
edge of the cornice is a passage of Scripture (1 Cor. xv. 52). Between
the pillars is a half-length figure of a female, wrapped in a winding
sheet, with her hands in a supplicating posture, and as rising from the
tomb. The inscription states she was the happy mother of eight sons and
two daughters. She died in 1631, in the 40th year of her age.
* * * * *
There is also an inscription on the floor of this chapel to the memory of
Henry, youngest son of Sir John Lawrence, who died in 1661, aged 30.
* * * * *
LADY JANE CHEYNE.—This stately monument is placed against the wall of the
north aisle, but before we proceed to give a description of it, we will
notice the inscription that was placed at the entrance to the vault of
the Cheyne family, at the bottom of the chancel:—
“Charles Cheyne, Esq., Lord of this Manor of Chelsea, which was
purchased by the rich dowry of his wife, erected this burial-place
for his most excellent wife, the Lady Jane Cheyne, eldest daughter of
William Duke of Newcastle, not long deceased, and for his own use,
when he shall die. It was consecrated the 3rd day of November, 1669.
I beseech thee, Almighty God, that she may quiety rest here till the
resurrection of the flesh. Amen.”
The monument consists of a semi-circular temple, the façade supported by
two Corinthian columns of Scagliola marble, rising from a plinth and
pedestals, with a proper entablature, surmounted by an elliptical
pediment, the tympanum of which is ornamented with scroll work and
foliage, and the soffit of the upper cornice consists of panels, with
rosettes and foliage, and dentals, with pendant guttæ placed alternately.
To give the latter a resemblance of their original intention, the base of
the pediment was justly decreased in width in the centre. From acrotini
at the shoulders rise flaming urns, and in the centre is a richly
ornamented cross. In the interior of this temple is a large black
sarcophagus, resting on pedestals of Scagliola marble. On this
sarcophagus is represented Lady Cheyne, in white marble, lying upon her
left side, and reclining upon a tesselated cushion, holding a book; at
her feet lies a coronet. This monument was executed by the celebrated
Bernini, and cost £500. It is generally considered to be a _chef
d’œuvre_ of art. Lady Cheyne died in 1669, aged 48.
* * * * *
On the sarcophagus, under the figure of Lady Jane Cheyne, is an
inscription to the memory of Charles Cheyne, Viscount Newhaven, and Lord
of the Manor of Chelsea, who was buried in the same vault. He departed
this life in 1698, aged 74, being 29 years after Lady Jane Cheyne, his
first wife’s death.
* * * * *
RICHARD GUILDFORD, Esq.—On a marble tablet, near the preceding, is this
inscription:—“Richard Guildford, who died 16th Nov. 1680, and also his
two wives, Abigail and Elizabeth. He gave to this parish for ever a
yearly sum of £10, to be distributed on the 5th of December, the day of
his wedding with his wife Elizabeth.”
* * * * *
HENRY RAPER, Esq.—Near this spot are deposited the remains of this
gentleman, who died in 1789, and of his wife Katherine Raper, who died in
1823. This family was greatly respected.
* * * * *
At the west end of the north aisle formerly stood the old font, and in a
book case close to it a large folio Bible, Fox’s Book of Martyrs, a folio
Common Prayer Book, and the Homilies of the Church of England, each
secured with a chain. The books are now placed at the south side of the
church, and the present marble font stands at the entrance to the middle
aisle.
* * * * *
On the left of the great western entrance is an inscription on a marble
tablet to the memory of Mrs. Bayley, who died in 1828, aged 45. This
tablet was placed by her uncle, Wilton, the sculptor.
* * * * *
THE ASHBURNHAM BELL.—This bell originally in the steeple that was taken
down for security in 1815, is now placed in the porch, as a relic of
former days. On a board near the bell are recorded the following
particulars:—
“This bell was given to the Old Parish Church of Chelsea by the Hon.
Wm. Ashburnham in the year 1679. It was a grateful offering on his
part to commemorate his escape from drowning in the Thames, into
which he had wandered during a dark night of the above year, and from
which he was saved by hearing the clock of this church strike the
hour of nine. Many changes in the church having taken place since
then, and this bell having long remained unused and nearly forgotten,
it is here preserved as an interesting Chelsea antiquity, having been
removed from the Clock Tower and placed in its present position by
order of the Church Trustees, and under the direction of
A. GERALD W. BLUNT, M.A., Rector.
R. HENRY DAVIES, B.A., Incumbent of the Church.
T. B. DIPLOCK, M.D., G. W. RICHARDS, } Churchwardens.
_March_ 1862.”
There was another account given of this bell many years ago. It was that
the Hon. W Ashburnham was returning home from Lambeth in a boat at night,
when almost suddenly there came a dense fog over the river, which
prevented him seeing any object whatever. He became alarmed, and allowed
the boat to drift for some distance, expecting every moment it would run
foul of some barge or craft, and that he would be plunged into the river,
when to his great joy he heard Chelsea Church clock strike nine, and,
judging from the sound that he was nearly opposite the church, he seized
the oars and pulled away as direct as he could towards it, and at length
landed safely on shore. It afterwards appeared that had the boat drifted
much further it would have been upset, and in all probability Mr.
Ashburnham would have met with a watery grave. The family, considering
the striking of the clock to have been a most providential means of
saving his life, gave the bell, and made certain conditions that it
should be rung every evening during the winter months, in case of any
future similar event. The sexton paid 5s. to the bell-ringer for
attending at nine o’clock, as stated, for the season.
* * * * *
On the right of the western entrance, in the south aisle, is an
inscription to the memory of Teak S. Edwards, Esq., F.L.S., who died in
1819, aged 50. “As a faithful delineator of nature few equalled, and
none excelled.”
* * * * *
Near to where now the Homilies are placed was originally fixed the
monument of Lt.-Col. the Hon. H. Cadogan, executed by Chantrey, a fine
specimen of that celebrated sculptor’s chisel. It was removed to the New
Parish Church, some years since, and consequently it must be noticed in
the account of that beautiful architectural edifice.
* * * * *
LORD AND LADY DACRE.—This is one of the most magnificent monuments that
can be found in any parish church in London, and my only surprise is that
so few of the inhabitants of the parish, comparatively, have inspected
it. It stands against the wall of the south aisle, and was erected to
the memory of Gregory, Lord Dacre, and Anne, his wife. They are
represented in white marble, lying on a sarcophagus, under an arch
supported by marble pillars of the Corinthian order. Lord Dacre is in
armour, with a long beard and short hair; her ladyship is habited in a
gown and long cloak with a ruff. A dog is at the feet of each. On
either side is a lofty obelisk. Over the arch are the arms of the
family; the whole is richly ornamented with flowers and several pieces of
elaborate Mosaic work.
The parish of Chelsea, by Lady Dacre’s will, have some presentations to
her Almshouses in Westminster, on condition of keeping the monument in
repair. It has been lately painted and beautified. Lord Dacre died in
1594, and Lady Dacre in 1595. This monument was originally placed in Sir
T. More’s chapel, it is so described in Lady Dacre’s will. When the
church was almost rebuilt in 1667, it was placed in its present
situation.
* * * * *
On a marble tablet, against the same wall, is an inscription to the
memory of Catherine, wife of the Rev. T. Mahon, Rector of Newport, Co. of
Mayo, Ireland, who died in 1822, aged 20.
* * * * *
SIR ARTHUR GORGES.—Bowack, in his “Antiquities of Middlesex,” mentions a
monument raised about 4 ft. from the ground, with the effigies of Sir
Arthur Gorges, his lady, three sons, and five daughters, in brass plates
fixed thereon, no trace of it can now be discovered. There is, however,
on a black slab, fixed against the north wall of Sir Thomas More’s
chapel, an inscription to the memory of Arthur Gorges, Esq. (eldest son
of Sir Arthur Gorges), who died in 1668. He married Mary, daughter of
Lord Bayning. This was her third marriage. She is here buried with her
husband.
* * * * *
SIR THOMAS MORE’S CHAPEL, which was built by him, belonged to the
proprietor of his house until it was sold by Arthur Gorges, Esq., to
Lionel, Earl of Middlesex, when he reserved the chapel to himself, as he
continued to reside at Chelsea in another house. In 1664, when he sold
the last-mentioned house, he only renewed a right of burial for his
family. The chapel passed therefore with the house, through various
owners, to Sir William Milman, and ultimately it became the freehold
property, for many years, of the late Mr. Mann, of Paradise Row, now
called Queen’s Road West. It is still private property. A large Gothic
arch opens into the chancel, and is supported by pillars, the capitals of
which are ornamented with human heads, rudely but curiously carved,
together with bundles of rods resembling the fasces or badges of the
ancient Roman magistrates; on the entablature of the easternmost is the
date 1527.
* * * * *
DUCHESS OF NORTHUMBERLAND.—The venerable monument of Lady Jane Guildford,
Duchess of Northumberland, is placed against the north wall of this
chapel. This interesting memorial consists of an altar-tomb under an
arched recess, crowned by four canopies and supported by five reticulated
pillars, the bases of which rest on the altar-tomb as on a plinth. The
faces of the tomb are divided into panels, containing quatrefoils
enclosing shields, and one coat of arms remains. The back of the recess
is divided into three compartments by small graduated buttresses; that on
the west contained the arms, and sons, while that on the east displays
the effigies of the Duchess and her daughters. The soffit of this recess
is richly groined, the canopies are divided by graduated buttresses with
pinnacles at their apices; they consist of a trefoiled arch with angular
pediments crocketed, and terminating in rich finials, and the spandrils
are panelled. The frieze, formed by two cavittoes, is ornamented, the
lower with rosettes, and the upper with portcullis and rosettes arranged
alternately. The whole is surmounted by a cornice of foliage. The
Duchess appears in the front, kneeling, habited in a surcoat, with her
arms richly emblazoned, originally in enamel. Behind her are her
daughters, with their Christian names engraved over their heads in Gothic
letters. On the left side were represented, on a brass plate, (now long
torn off) the effigies of her sons. The inscription states that the
Duchess had issue thirteen children, eight sons and five daughters. She
died “at her maner of Chelsey, ye 22 daye of January, in ye second yere
of ye reigne of our Sovereyne Lady Queene Mary the first, and in A.D
MDLV., on whose soul Jesus have mercy.”
* * * * *
SIR W. MILMAN.—On the same wall as the preceding is the monument of this
gentleman, who died in 1713. There is also another to the memory of
several of the same family.
* * * * *
SIR ROBERT STANLEY.—The monument of this distinguished resident is at the
east end of the chapel. Two figures, representing Justice and Fortitude,
support the arms of Stanley, and three large urns; on the centre one, on
a medallion, is the bust of Sir Robert in alto relievo, who is
represented with whiskers but no beard. On the urns, on each side, are
medallions of two of his children, whose deaths are noticed on the
monument. He died in 1632, and was the second son of the “Earle of
Darbie.”
* * * * *
Near the principal window here is a small brass plate fixed into a marble
tablet to the memory of Humphrey Peshall, Esq., who died in 1650.
* * * * *
There are a few other inscriptions in different parts of the church, but
the principal and most ancient ones have been all noticed. We will now
proceed, therefore, to describe some of the monuments in the old
churchyard.
DR. CHAMBERLAYNE.—On the south side, fronting the river, there are
several monuments to the memory of this family, for the erection of which
and for making a vault Dr. Chamberlayne obtained a grant from the parish,
in consideration of a benefaction which will probably be mentioned
hereafter. He was buried here in 1703. On the left side of the western
window, on a large mural slab, is an inscription to his memory. The
latter part of it is remarkable:—“He was so studious of doing good to all
men, and especially to posterity, that he ordered some of his books,
covered with wax, to be buried with him, which may be of use in times to
come. God preserve thee, O traveller! go, and imitate him. This
monument, not to be rashly violated, his friend, Walter Harris, Doctor of
Physic, caused to be erected as a testimony both of his respect and
grief.”
“Dr. Harris evinced some singularity of opinion,” says Mr. Faulkner, “in
supposing that posterity would gain any information from works thus
entombed with the body of their author; but whatever might have been the
intention, his views in depositing the books in the tomb of his friend
have been frustrated, as, some years since, Dr. Chamberlayne’s tomb
yielded to the injuries of time, and, on examination, it was discovered
that the damp and moisture admitted by the general decay, had totally
obliterated almost every appearance of them; his seal, with his arms, was
however still perfect.”
* * * * *
A FEMALE HEROINE.—One of the inscriptions to the memory of the
Chamberlayne family is as follows:—In a vault hard by lieth Anne, sole
daughter of Edward Chamberlayne, LL.D., who long declining wedlock, and
aspiring above her sex and age, fought under her brother, with arms and
manly attire, in a fire-ship, against the French, for six hours, on the
30th June, 1690. After returning home she married Sir John Spragg, with
whom she lived very affectionately for eighteen months, but, giving birth
to a child, she died a few days after in 1691!
* * * * *
On the north side of the churchyard, on a mural monument, is an
inscription to the memory of John Pennant, Esq., who died in 1709.
* * * * *
SIR HANS SLOANE, Bart.—In the south-east corner is a large and handsome
monument to the memory of this distinguished resident in the parish, and
of his lady. As frequent notices are taken of Sir Robert Stanley in this
work, it is only necessary here to give a brief description of the tomb.
It is composed of Portland stone, on the top of which, under a portico,
supported by four pillars, is placed a vase of white marble, with four
serpents entwined around it, executed out of one piece; on each side is
an entablature, the arms on one, and the crest on the other. It was
executed by Wilton, the statuary, and was caused to be erected there by
his two daughters, Elizabeth Cadogan and Sarah Stanley. Sir Hans Sloane
died in 1753, in his 92nd year. Lady Sloane died in 1724.
* * * * *
HENRY S. WOODFALL, Esq.—Near the north-east corner of the churchyard, on
a flat stone, was some years since an inscription to the memory of Henry
S. Woodfall, the celebrated printer of the Letters of Junius, who spent
the latter part of his life in calm retirement amongst his Chelsea
friends. He was an associate of many distinguished literary characters,
and died in 1805.
* * * * *
PHILIP MILLER, Esq.—Close to the preceding spot is an obelisk to the
memory of Philip Miller, Curator of the Botanic Gardens, Chelsea, and
Author of the Gardeners’ Dictionary, &c. He died in 1771, aged 80. This
monument was erected by the Fellows of the Linnæan and Horticultural
Societies in 1815.
* * * * *
Against the wall of the old Vestry Room (now School Room) are tablets to
the memory of Thomas Bowes, M.D., F.R.S., William Moncrieff, Professor of
Humanity at St. Andrew’s, and Mrs. Methuen. The dates of these are 1723
and 1732.
* * * * *
These are the principal raised cenataphs and mural tablets in this
ancient churchyard.
ERECTION OF AN ORGAN.
On the 22nd of January, 1818, the following resolution was unanimously
carried at a meeting in Vestry assembled:—“Resolved that this meeting
sensibly feels the propriety as well as the necessity of an organ being
placed in the parochial Church, and that the best means to effect this
desirable object will be by voluntary subscription, and that it be
immediately entered into.” A committee was appointed to carry this
resolution into effect, and Luke Thomas Flood, Esq., was requested to
become the treasurer, but, although a great many contributions were
received, the aggregate sum was insufficient for the purpose, and the
money was tendered back to the subscribers. This failure, and the offer
made, occasioned considerable amusement amongst some of the parishioners,
and many laughable squibs were printed and circulated. The most
ludicrous of these was a poetic effusion, written by a gentleman of
education and who was not altogether a stranger in literary circles. It
was entitled “_The Organ in the Suds_,” and embodied much of that wit and
humour which is so frequently displayed in “PUNCH.” Sometime afterwards,
however, the effort was successfully renewed, and an organ was purchased.
The two principal candidates for organist were Mr. Goss, then
comparatively unknown in the musical world, but who has since risen to
eminence as a composer, and is now organist at St. Paul’s Cathedral, and
Mr. Ling, who had become a great favourite with many of the subscribers.
The feeling amongst the friends of these gentlemen was very strongly
manifested, and the proceedings on the day of election were characterized
by much excitement. Mr. Ling obtained the greatest number of votes from
the subscribers, and consequently was elected. Mr. Goss, however, was
appointed organist of the New Church, when it was completed, by the
Church Trustees, agreeably to the decision of Dr. Crotch, Mr. Attwood,
and some others, who were requested to decide on the relative
qualifications of the candidates. There were a great many parishioners
present on this occasion.
From the Report of the Old Church Organ Committee, dated Feb. 16, 1819, a
copy of which is now before me, it appears that the entire amount
received was £325 4_s._ 6_d._; that the organ cost £200, and that the
expenses altogether were no less than 125 4_s._ 6_d._, including £24
4_s._ for a Faculty, and £25 to Mr. H. Bevington, for removing the organ
and keeping it in repair for twelve months, as per agreement. The
remaining expenditure was for necessary alterations in the gallery, and
for fittings, &c. The organ had been previously erected in a private
mansion, which will explain the charge for removal, and the sum paid for
the organ was considered at that time to be a great bargain.
The singing, prior to the erection of the organ, was indeed very bad,
being almost entirely confined to the school children, who were placed in
galleries specially erected for them, at the extreme western part of the
church, and so close to the ceiling that a grown person could scarcely
stand upright in them.
SPRING TIDES.—TAKEN TO CHURCH IN A BOAT.
A circumstance occurred at the church, about the year 1809, of a singular
character. There had been some very high tides during the week, and on
the following Sunday morning the waters rose several feet against the
southern boundary wall, which rendered the employment of a boat necessary
to convey those of the congregation who resided in the neighbourhood near
to Battersea Bridge to the western entrance of the church. Although
there have been some very high spring tides since that time, I am happy
to say, the congregation have always been enabled to walk to the Old
Church without the least fear of being drowned on their way to it! The
raising of the road, and other alterations, have no doubt checked such
overflowings at this particular spot.
DOING PENANCE.
The next event is one of unusual interest. The statement may be relied
upon as authentic, and the circumstance of its not having gained
publicity has been owing to the few persons who witnessed it and the
secrecy enjoined, but after nearly sixty years have elapsed, and the
individuals concerned being long since deceased, the particulars may now
be fairly disclosed without any breach of confidence.
A short time after the conclusion of Divine Service, on a Sunday morning,
a gentleman alighted from a carriage and proceeded to the Vestry Room,
where two others were waiting his arrival. As soon as the congregation
had dispersed, the parties, with two or three parochial officers, &c.,
went to the entrance of the middle aisle, and the inner door being
closed, the person especially referred to hurriedly knelt down. A paper
was then placed in his hand, which was a recantation of certain
opprobrious epithets that he had applied to a lady in one of the streets
in the parish, stigmatizing her publicly by a term which the reader can
easily supply. When he recited the offensive words he laid particular
emphasis on them, evidently in a spirit of bravado and not of contrition.
Penance and penitence were not in any way, apparently, considered by him
as synonymous terms. There is scarcely an individual who would suppose
that such an event occurred, at so comparatively recent a period as sixty
years ago, in the old Parish Church of St. Luke, Chelsea.
SACRILEGE.
On Wednesday night, the 27th of December, 1827, this church was
sacrilegiously broken into, and the following articles stolen, viz., two
plated flagons, two plated chalices, two plated salvers, a blue cloth
covering the Communion Table, and a table cloth and napkin for the same;
a crimson cushion and hanging for the pulpit, the brass branches from the
pulpit and those from the chandeliers in the middle aisle. On Thursday
night, the 1st of February following, the church was again entered and
robbed of the chandeliers, the brass curtain rods, and the cushions from
the churchwardens’ and overseers’ pews.
A reward of £100 was offered by the Secretary of State, and £70 by the
parish, for the discovery of the robbers, who were soon after taken,
tried at Newgate, and condemned to be transported for life.
RECTORS AT THE OLD CHURCH.
The following is a list of the names of most of the rectors, commencing
with the earliest one recorded, and terminating with the Hon. and Rev. G.
V. Wellesley, D.D., who continued of course rector when the new St.
Luke’s Church was completed. The list of subsequent rectors will be
found placed in the notice of that church:—