previously Rector, was a brother of the Duke of Wellington, “the great
hero of many a hard-fought battle.” Making a deduction for some slight
difference in the corporeal appearance of them, there was a great
resemblance of features, and in quickness of conception, correctness of
judgment, and general determination of character, there was an
astonishing similarity. Dr. Wellesley was quick in forming his
conclusions, and appeared at times to be somewhat hasty, but generally it
would be found that his views were founded on truth and justice. This
remark applies more especially to the part he took as chairman of many of
the “open vestry” parish meetings, at which there was frequently much
contention. It was admitted, however, by those who were at times opposed
to his views that his conduct was impartial and conciliatory, and the
natural result was that he gained the respect of all classes of the
ratepayers, and thus allayed much of that asperity of feeling which is
too often manifested by contending parties.
* * * * *
Dr. Wellesley’s appointment of the Rev. Henry Blunt, M.A., then a young
clergyman who had gained the esteem of a large portion of the
parishioners, as Morning Preacher and Senior Curate, gave great
satisfaction, and, as presently will be seen, shewed the correct opinion
he had entertained of Mr. Blunt’s piety, zeal, and qualifications to
discharge the sacred duties he had so wisely entrusted to him. Dr.
Wellesley, after some years had elapsed, resigned, and died at
Bishopwearmouth, at an advanced age.
* * * * *
Some few particulars respecting the Rev. H. Blunt may here be very
appropriately mentioned. The following opinion of him, as a preacher,
given by an avowed infidel, will convey a tolerably good idea of his
impressive manner of delivery. I will give it as nearly as possible in
the individual’s own words. “I went,” said he, “to your place yesterday,
(meaning the church,) and if ever I go again anywhere it shall be to hear
Mr. Blunt. I went in and meant to come out shortly, but I had no sooner
looked at him than his keen eyes seemed fixed on mine, and as he appeared
so sincere in what he said, I remained till he had finished. He
certainly was most persuasive, and it spoilt my dinner.” This was
afterwards mentioned to Mr. Blunt, who smiled, and said, “I hope there
were many others who went home to their dinners equally impressed.”
* * * * *
When Trinity Church, Sloane Street, was completed, the Rev. Mr. Blunt
became the Incumbent (the parish at that time was not as at present
divided into ecclesiastical divisions). Here he was again greatly
beloved by his large congregation, including both rich and poor. Some
years afterwards he accepted the Rectory of Streatham, Surrey, where he
at length died, as much esteemed by the inhabitants there, as he had been
previously at Chelsea. Mr. Blunt was the chief founder of the first
Benevolent Society established in this parish, in 1829, entitled the
Chelsea Relief Association, and principally through his exertions no less
a sum than £163 was collected within a very short period. Hence arose
other similar societies, whose benevolent objects are well deserving of
support. The Infant School, in Markham Street, might be considered as
Mr. Blunt’s cherished offspring, and the National Schools at all times
were regarded by him with feelings of deep regard.
* * * * *
The Rev. Mr. Lockwood, M.A., succeeded the Hon. and Rev. Dr. Wellesley,
as rector, and manifested great interest in promoting the welfare of the
parish, but after a comparatively short period he resigned.
* * * * *
The Rev. Charles Kingsley, M.A., next became Rector, and continued as
such for many years. He was but seldom absent from the parish, and
exhibited on all occasions a kind and benevolent disposition. He died in
the year 1860, aged 78. Mrs. Kingsley was very active in establishing
the Rectory Girls’ School, and in promoting a variety of charities to aid
the poor.
* * * * *
The Rev. G. A. Blunt, M.A., (son of the late Rev. H. Blunt,) succeeded
Mr. Kingsley, and is the present Rector. He has evinced the greatest
desire to promote the religious, moral, and intellectual advancement of
the working classes, and takes a deep interest in promoting the Parochial
National and Infant Schools, &c. There is one charitable society, of
such a humane and practical character, that it deserves to be specially
noticed. It is called “The Sick Kitchen.” In a printed “Letter
addressed to the Congregation and Parishioners of St. Luke’s, Chelsea,”
1869, Mr. Blunt states that it is “carried on in a building erected for
the purpose in 1861, in the Rectory Garden. Its object is to provide
nutritious dinners for the poor who are recovering from sickness. It is
supported by voluntary contributions, the early Communion alms, and half
the contents of the church boxes at St. Luke’s. An average of thirty
poor people are thus supplied daily for nine months in the year. There
is no charge made, the orders being given by the Curates and District
Visitors, among the cases they visit. The dinners consist of roast meat
three times a week, soup, puddings, &c., on the alternate days; beef tea
daily.”
* * * * *
The advowson anciently belonged, as already stated, to the Abbot and
Convent of Westminster, till they exchanged it, 17th July, 28 Henry
VIII., together with their manors of Neyte and Hyde, with the king, for
the priory of Hurley. It continued in the possession of the Crown till
Queen Elizabeth, by letters patent, dated July 3rd, second year of her
reign, demised to Ann, Duchess of Somerset, the advowson of the parish
church and rectory for her life, the reversion to the Queen. After the
death of the duchess it was granted to the Earl of Nottingham and his
Countess for three lives. King Charles I. granted the advowson, with the
manor, to James Duke of Hamilton, and in the next reign Charles Cheyne,
Esq., purchased the manor, to which the rectory has ever since been
annexed.
In the year 1327, 1st of Edward III., the rectory was rated at thirteen
marks, and in the king’s books at £13 6s. 8d., and the yearly tenths £1
6s. 8d.
* * * * *
Among Dr. King’s original papers is the following account of the rectory:
“The ancient parsonage-house, with 14 acres and 22 perches of land, stood
west of the Duke of Beaufort’s, then the Marquis of Winchester’s. In
lieu of which, upon an exchange, the present house, and land about it,
was given to the rectory for ever, by the consent of the Queen, the then
patron, Dr. Edmund Grindall, Bishop of London, and Robt. Richardson,
Rector of Chelsea, who conveyed the old house and land to the Marquis by
writing, bearing date May 3, 1566.”
* * * * *
In 1650, it was reported to the Commissioners appointed by the
Parliament, that the parsonage-house of Chelsea, with twenty acres of
glebe, belonging to the same, were valued at £60 per annum, and the
tithes worth £60 more.
* * * * *
The Rectory House, situated in Church Street, is very plain as regards
its exterior appearance. The grounds are enclosed by a wall, and there
are carriage entrances to the house. The interior is commodious, but
scarcely adequate to the requirements of a large establishment in the
present day.
THE BURIAL GROUND, OR CEMETERY.
In the south and north portions of the ground there are a great number of
memorial stones, and a few brick vaults. That portion, situated at the
north-eastern division, near to Bond Street and Marlborough Square, the
ground of which is raised above the general surface, may be considered
almost as one huge grave, containing a mass of interments. It was
originally called “The Poor Ground,” on account of its being devoted
exclusively for those who were buried at the expense of the parish. It
would display much good feeling and sympathy, if some simple but
appropriate record was placed there. It might be done by subscription,
should there be no funds available for such a purpose.
* * * * *
With respect to the numerous inscriptions, it would be impossible, as
already stated, to notice more than a very few of them, and they contain
generally only the name and age of the person interred. And, after all,
we may say with the poet,
“The best concerted schemes men lay for fame,
Die fast away; only themselves die faster.
The far-famed sculptor and the laurelled bard,
Those bold insurancers of deathless fame,
Supply their little feeble aids in vain.”
BLAIR’S GRAVE.
William Jones, Esq., aged 83, resided in Manor Street, Cheyne Walk. He
was a good Hebrew and Greek scholar, but it is in the character of a
naturalist that he must be principally regarded, Mr. Jones having painted
from nature about 1,500 species of butterflies in a most masterly manner,
and not only painted but arranged and characterized them in Latin.
Matthew Yatman, Esq., of Lindsey Row, died in 1814; he was a most
accomplished gentleman.
Signor Carlo Rovedino, an Italian, died in this parish Oct. 6, 1822, aged
71; he was well known on the continent and in this country as a bass
singer.
Thomas Raven, a pupil in St. George’s Hospital, died in his sleep in
1826, aged 20.
Dr. John M‘Leod, the companion of Sir Murray Maxwell, and the author of a
voyage in H.M. ship “Alceste,” to the Yellow Sea, and of her shipwreck in
the Straits of Gaspar; he died in the King’s Road in 1820, aged 38.
Thomas Davey, Esq., of the King’s Road, died in 1833; he was a celebrated
florist, and resided opposite Royal Avenue Terrace. This gentleman
served most of the old parochial offices, and his general good-natured
disposition gained for him the respect of all parties in the parish.
William Tebbs, Esq. died in 1831, aged 59; he was beloved by a large
circle of friends, and esteemed by all who knew him.
* * * * *
Most of the old and respected parishioners of Chelsea, who once occupied
a prominent position in it, have passed away from the scenes of this
world, to enjoy, it is hoped, that pure and unalloyed happiness which can
only be realized in that kingdom where there is neither poverty, anxiety,
sorrow, or pain. Some of them no doubt are interred in this ground, but
it would have displayed partiality to have noticed some and emitted
others.
From an official statement, dated Dec. 22, 1823, shewing the receipts and
disbursements under each head, from the incorporation of the Burial
Ground Trustees, April 10, to September 1823, it appears that the whole
amount of expenditure, during the above period, was £17,243 8s. 6d. This
amount included £4,713 1s. 0¼d., for enclosing the ground, and £1,135 5s.
7½d., for building the temporary chapel, which was erected at the
northern entrance, for reading the Funeral Service, previously to the
erection of the Church.
* * * * *
In concluding the account of St. Luke’s Church, and Burial Ground, I
venture to insert, at the request of some subscribers to this work, the
following lines:—
REMINISCENCES OF ST. LUKE’S CHURCH.
Whene’er I view that beauteous tower,
Built with artistic taste and power
Upon yon sacred sod,
My heart awakes, with thankful strain,
For in old age I see again
That temple of my God.
Once in that Church I bent the knee,
And join’d the holy minstrelsy
That lifts the soul above:—
The powerful organ swell’d on high,
And many felt that God was nigh,
Inspir’d by faith and love.
I’ve seen there a bride, in rich attire,
Receive the ring from her loving sire,
And sign the marriage book:—
Then when they left the bells were rung,
And the porch fill’d with old and young,
To see their happy look.
I’ve stood beside the baptismal font,
Where children oft to Christ were brought,
And th’ cross mark’d o’er their brow:—
And it was a joyful after-sight
To see them, in emblematic white,
Confirm their sponsor’s vow.
The preacher, by his earnest way,
Fill’d the Church on the Sabbath day,
And touch’d their hearts within:—
He told them of the bleating sheep, {144}
Of Saul’s deceit, and crime so deep,
And warn’d them of his sin.
And there have aged pilgrims stood,
(Now safely pass’d o’er Jordan’s flood,
And gain’d blest Canaan’s shore,)
Each burthen there they seem’d to cast,
As if each danger they had pass’d,
And all their toil was o’er.
And last I’ve seen the funeral train,
Like mourners on a desert plain,
Come slowly with their load:—
I’ve stood beside the silent bier,
And watch’d the trickling kindred tear
Fall in death’s drear abode.
Oh! when I view that sacred tower,
At morning or at evening hour,
By pure devotion led,
I love to meditate awhile—
I think I see some angels smile
Above the peaceful dead!
_Chelsea_, 1867.
GEORGE BRYAN.
PARISH REGISTERS.
We now come to an exceedingly interesting subject, interesting alike,
both to old and young, when we consider the very small population of the
parish three centuries back compared with the present time now numbering
about 70,000. Many of the early records of Parish Registers, will be
found often written in so quaint a style as to be almost amusing, still
they carry with them solemn thoughts, if rightly regarded, which ought to
produce a salutary effect. When we read, too, the inscriptions on the
monuments in our cathedrals, old churches, and in our cemeteries, and
find ourselves actually walking over the remains of noblemen, statesmen,
and others—some celebrated for their noble and gallant conduct, or for
hospitality and munificence, and many for their devotion to the study of
theology, literature, the fine arts, &c.—we become, as it were, rivetted
to the sacred spot, and whatever pleasing historical associations may
occur to the mind, they are involuntarily mingled with reflections of a
far more solemn character.
* * * * *
The first institution of Parish Registers in England commenced in 1501,
16th of Henry VIII., although the keeping of them was not strictly
enjoined till the injunction of Lord Cromwell, 30th of Henry VIII., but
he being considered as a favourer of innovations in religion, the good
intent of them was much misrepresented, and his order rarely attended to
by the clergy. A second order of this kind was issued in the second year
of Edward VI., 1547, though perhaps little complied with. A third order
is found in the statutes of the National Synod, by Cardinal Pole, about
1555, and the last and most successful in the 1st, 7th, and 39th years of
Elizabeth.
* * * * *
The first Chelsea Parish Register Book is a small folio, vellum, a great
part of which is beautifully written. It commences with the year 1559,
and appears to be accurately kept, except that it is imperfect during the
Interregnum; and there are some omissions in the burials between 1564 and
1591, and between 1644 and 1652, the year in which it ends. In the first
leaf there is this memorandum: “A Booke begun in the House of God for
Regestringe of all Christenings, Marages, and Burialls within the Parishe
of Chelsey, provided for that purpose by J. Tomkins and Thomas Saunders,
Church Wardens, the 19 daye of Feburarie 1559, and new in the time and
yeare of Richard Warde, Parson of Chelsey, 11 March, 1599.”
* * * * *
The following are a few selected from the Baptisms, Marriages, and
Burials:—
BAPTISMS.
1559. William Hitchcock was baptized the 19th day of Februarie.
(This is the first registered.)
1576. Gabriel, the son of Thomas Browne, Parson, 3rd April.
1593. Elizabeth, filia Johis. Stanhope, armi. and Margaritæ
uxoris ejus, 14th August (afterwards married to Sir Lionel
Talmash.)
1594. Margaret Stanley, 17th April.
1595. Carolus filius Johs. Stanhope, armi. April 27. (afterwards
second Lord Stanhope.)
1597. Charles, a boy, by estimacon x or xii yeares old, brought
by Sir Walter Rawlie from Guiana, Feb. 13.
1599. William, the sonne of Sir Arthur Gorge, Kt., 31st May.
1600. Timoleon, sonne of Sir Arthur Gorge, and Lady Elizabeth,
his wife, baptized primo Octobris.
1612. Frances, the daughter of Sir Walter Alston, Knight, 26th
April.
1613. Fielde, a poor man child, found in the east field of
Chelsey, 13th October.
1639. Chelsey, a child born in the west fields, was baptized Feb.
1.
The remaining baptismal entries, and some of those omitted, include the
sons or daughters of the Earl of Nottingham, Lord Cranfield, Earl of
Lincolne, Sir John Danvers, Sir G. Wentworth, Lord Commissioner
Whitelocke, Charles Cheyne, Esq., Charles Stanley, Esq., Sir Henry
Herbert, Earl of Lindsey, &c.
MARRIAGES.
1559. W. Harris and Eliz. Buger. (This is the first marriage
registered.)
1560. In this year there were four marriages, and a very few
afterwards until 1600.
1582. T. Mansell, esquier, son and heir to Sir Edward Mansell,
and Mary Mordant, daughter of Lord Mordant, July 30.
1589 Johannes Stanhope, armiger, et Margaritta Mackwilliams,
alias Cheecke, 6 die Maii. (He was created a Baron in
1606.)
1607. Richard Warde, Parson, and Elizabeth Fisher, Jan. 29.
1648. Sir John Danvers and Mrs. Grace Hewet, Jan. 6.
No entry of marriages from 1648 to 1652, when there were
three.
1675. W. Cheyne, Esq., only son of Charles Cheyne, Lord of this
Manor, and Mrs. Elizabeth Thomas, both of this parish, Dec.
16.
1703. Lord Windsor and Lady Dowager Jeffreys, relict of Judge
Jeffreys.
1711. The Hon. Algernon Grevile and the Hon. Mary Somerset,
grand-daughter to the Duchess Dowager of Beaufort, Dec. 24.
1713. The Duke of Grafton and Lady Somerset, April 10.
BURIALS.
1565. None were buried—not a single person died in the parish,
during this year.
1593. Thomas Larrance de civitate, London, goldsmith.—John
Edwards and Thomas Evans, servants, buried both together,
died of the plague. Three more died of the plague about
the same time.
1594. Alice Griffin, a poore washwoman, buried 2nd Feb.—Ann, a
poore woman, buried from a stable.
1594. Gregorie Fynes, Lord Dacre of the South, 25th Sept., whose
funeralls and burial were kepte the 5th Novemb. at
Chelsey.—The Lady Anne, wife of Lord Dacre, was buried 15th
of May, whose funeralls were solemnized at Chelsey, the
19th June, 1595.
1603. Catharyne, the Countess of Nottingham, was buried at
Chelsey the 28th of Feb., and her funeralls were honourably
kepte at Chelsey, the 28th March.—George, a poore boye, was
buried 2nd March; he died in the Lordship’s Yarde.
1604. Thomas Younge, a Yeoman of the Guards, Sept. 29, who hath
given to the parishes of Chelsey, Willsden, and Kensington,
xx_s._ apiece yearly for ever to the use of the poore
there.
1605. Catherine, wife of Richard Warde, Parson of Chelsey.
1606. Richard Munden, the Clerk, buried of the plague; also his
son, Thomas, of the plague. {147}
1608. Thomas Forrest, a godly preacher, Feb. 7.—Richard Eryth,
our poore Schoolmaster, March 26.
1609. William Gulley was buried out of the Erle of Lincolne’s
stable, 14 Augusti—One William Morgan, a poore man died in
a straw house, and buried Oct. 1.
1610. There were six buried of the plague this year.
1613. Jana, a poore woman, out of the barn, Dec. 25.—A poore
woman found dead at the Earl of Lincoln’s, and another in
the Lordship’s barn, buried the same day.
1615. The Lord of Effingham buried.—Richard Ward, Parson, Sept.
2.
1620. Katharin, Countesse of Huntingdon, Aug. 14. She was
daughter of John, Duke of Northumberland.
1625. Sir Arthur Gorges, Oct. 10.—Twenty-two persons died of the
plague.
1627. Magdalen Danvers, wife of Sir John Danvers, June 8.
1632. Sir Robert Stanley, buried Jan. 23.
1636. Eight died of the plague this year.
1638. Sir John Lawrence, Knt., Nov. 14.
1643. Lady Elizabeth Gorges, buried July 29th.—Six died of the
plague in the parish this year.
1668. Arthur Gorges, Esq., April 8.
1669. Lady Jane Cheyne, Nov. 1.
1688. Sir Joseph Alston, Knight, May 31.
1692. Thomas Shadwell, Esq., Poet Laureat, Nov. 24.
1694. Dr. Adam Littleton, rector, July 3.
1698. Charles, Viscount Cheyne, Lord of the Manor, July 13.
1703. Dr. Edward Chamberlayne, May 27.
1714. Sir Thomas Lawrence, Bart., April 25.—Countess Dowager of
Radnor, sen., July 15.
1731. Mrs. Mary Astell, May 14; she published an Essay in Defence
of the Fair Sex, &c., and resided in Chelsea the greatest
part of her life.
1753. Sir Hans Sloane, Jan. 18.
1775. Henry Mossop, January 1st; he made his appearance at Drury
Lane Theatre in 1752, and was one of the first actors of
his time; he died in great distress in this parish, but,
after his death, his brethren paid him every respect; his
remains were followed by all the theatrical corps at that
time in London, at the head of whom was Garrick, to Chelsea
Church.
1799. Dr. William Kenwick, June 13, the author of several
dramatic and poetical works.
1780. Sir John Fielding, September 13; he was half-brother to the
celebrated Henry Fielding, author of “Tom Jones,” and
succeeded him to the presidency at Bow Street, which,
although nearly blind from his youth, he filled with great
sagacity for many years.
1785. John Baptist Cipriani, December 21.
1804. Catherine Ruini Galli, December 30. This lady died at her
lodgings in Chelsea, in the 81st year of her age. She was
the last surviving scholar of Handel, who composed some of
his airs for her. Galli had a mezzo soprano voice, and
first appeared at the Opera House.
1805. Dr. Bisset, May 21; he kept an academy in Sloane Street,
and published several works.
1805. Henry Sampson Woodfall, Esq., Dec. 11.
(It would occupy a volume to give even a selection of the Baptisms,
Marriages, and Burials that have since taken place.)
THE OLD PARISH BOOKS.
The original books, previous to the year 1696, are all lost; and the
parishioners are indebted to the industry of Lord Cheyne for the
preservation of many of these historical fragments. The following few
extracts from the early dates, taken from amongst many others, are
singular:—
1595. Of Richard Munden, wch he gained to the Church by the Wheel
of Fortune, xxix_s._ viii_d._
1697. Gave a poore man by the College, having just buried his
wife and left with 3 small children, and in great agony and
dispair, fearing he would with himself make away, 1s.
Payd for a truss of straw to put in the Cage, for a poore
woman to lye on, and gave her two pence, 8d.
Payd Mr. Tuley for cureing Charles Matthews’s toes of a
mortification, £2 5s.
Gave Stacey, for shaving a child’s head, 6d.
1707. Ordered, in Vestry, that the weekly pensioners shall wear
badges, according to the Act of Parliament, or else be
excluded from the said weekly pension.
1782. Resolved to employ a number of labourers to cut off all the
little twigs, in order to destroy certain insects which
appear everywhere in our trees and hedges; and from which
the most dreadful consequences are apprehended if they are
suffered to remain.
1795. Resolved, that a bounty of twenty guineas be offered and
paid to eight men, agreeably to Act of Parliament, for the
service of his Majesty’s navy; and, if not sufficient, the
churchwardens to have power to augment the same.
1796. Resolved to make a rate of 4d. in the pound to defray the
necessary expenses of raising eleven men for the service of
his Majesty’s navy.
As the population increased the records of the parish naturally became
more voluminous, and for many years past the proceedings of the
vestrymen, and also of the Board of Guardians, are kept in the most
admirable manner. This, it is true, is the effect of the improved state
of society, the passing of the Metropolis Local Management Act, 1855, and
the introduction of better Laws for the relief and maintenance of the
poor.
THE PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS.
These schools are situated at the east side of the Cemetery. The pointed
style was adopted on account of the contiguity of the building to the
Parish Church. It consists of a centre, with low wings. The wings are
occupied by the schools, and the centre as residences intended for the
master and mistress; a large pointed arch connects the two divisions.
The first stone was laid on the 18th of June, 1824, by the Hon. and Rev.
Dr. Wellesley, rector, with the customary formalities, at which there
were present the late Rev. Henry Blunt, and several other clergymen,
besides a vast number of the parishioners, including many ladies. In
1826 the entire building was finished, and the children were admitted.
CHELSEA WORKHOUSE.