in the course of which he alluded to the kind gift of the freehold site
by Earl Cadogan, the money for the erection of the building having been
voted by the Vestry. The new hall, he said, when built, would not only
be useful as regarded parochial purposes, but it would be an ornament to
that locality. He was not disposed to introduce politics into a matter
so purely parochial, but he could not help saying that, in the event of
Chelsea obtaining a right to send representatives to Parliament—to which
it is fully entitled on account of the number, respectability, and
intelligence of its inhabitants—they could meet in their new hall, and
there canvass and consider the claims of the candidates who presented
themselves for their suffrages.
* * * * *
Mr. Hanbury and Mr. Byng then severally addressed the numerous assemblage
in suitable speeches.
* * * * *
Mr. Charles Lahee, the respected Vestry Clerk, then read the following
document, which was afterwards deposited in the bottle previously
referred to:—“This building, the foundation stone of which was laid by
the Right Hon. Lord Viscount Chelsea, on the 12th day of our Lord one
thousand eight hundred and fifty nine, is intended for the transaction of
the parochial and municipal business of Chelsea, which contains at the
present time a population, by estimation, of seventy thousand persons.
It is built by the Vestry constituted by an Act for the better Local
Management of the Metropolis (18th & 19th Victoria, cap. 120) upon
freehold land presented them by the Lord of the Manor, and his heirs,
from the designs of Mr. Willmer Pocock, architect, by Thomas Piper and
Sons, builders. Contract sum £5630. Lord of the Manor, George, 3rd Earl
of Cadogan.” To which was attached the names of the Rector,
Churchwardens, Vestrymen, &c., &c.
* * * * *
The Rev. Richard Burgess, of Trinity Church, Sloane Street, then offered
an appropriate prayer, after which,
Mr. W. Rabbits, one of the vestrymen, presented a silver trowel to
Viscount Chelsea, to be used in laying the first stone, and to be kept by
his lordship as a token of the respect of the parishioners for him.
* * * * *
Viscount Chelsea having expressed his acknowledgments for the compliment
paid him,
Mr. Pocock, the architect, then placed the bottle containing the
documents, &c., in the cavity of the under stone, which was covered with
mortar. The other portion of the stone was then let down, and Viscount
Chelsea having gone through the usual “masonic” operations in a
workmanlike manner, his lordship declared the Vestry Hall to be in due
course of erection amidst the loud cheers of all present.
* * * * *
The erection of the entire building was completed in 1860, and, occupying
such a central position, it adds materially to the respectability of the
King’s Road. It is an attractive structure, and its architectural design
reflects great credit on Mr. Pocock. The estimate laid before the Vestry
Finance Committee on the 21st of February, 1861, by Mr. Charles Lahee,
the Vestry Clerk, of the total probable cost of the Vestry Hall
buildings, including the fittings and furniture, was altogether £12,059
16s. 2d.
* * * * *
A portion of the building is occupied by the Chelsea Literary and
Scientific Institution, for the use of which a rental is paid. T. L.
Bull, Esq., was the original founder, and to his indefatigable efforts,
for a considerable time, may be attributed the advantages that have been
derived from it. It appears, however, that the receipts of this useful
and admirable institution are unfortunately just now insufficient to meet
the necessary expenditure, but it is gratifying to record that at a late
influential meeting, held at the Vestry Hall, to consider the “present
position and future prospects of the Institution,” and at which Lord
George Hamilton, M.P., presided, it was unanimously resolved to extricate
it from temporary difficulties.
* * * * *
Mr. Charles Lahee, who has been Vestry Clerk for many years, has a
private dwelling-house at the Vestry Hall. The offices are on the ground
floor, and the large hall is at the rear of the building. The spacious
room above the offices, and which fronts the road, is where the vestrymen
weekly assemble, adjoining it are committee rooms, &c. The whole
interior is well-arranged and admirably adapted for the requirements of
the parish, which has now become one of the most populous and important
in the metropolis.
* * * * *
In Flood Street, near to the King’s Road, is a small Chapel belonging to
the Primitive Methodists.
* * * * *
METHODIST NEW CONNEXION CHAPEL.—This Chapel, which is situated in Radnor
Street, King’s Road, was originally attached to the Commercial Tavern.
After some time had elapsed it was converted into a place for Divine
Worship, having undergone material alterations and made a distinct
building. The Rev. Clifford Hooper was the Pastor, and the Congregation
rapidly increasing they ultimately erected the Congregational Church in
Markham Square. When that structure was completed, Radnor Street Chapel
was purchased by the Methodist New Connexion Society, and to that body of
the Christian church it still belongs. There is a very excellent Sabbath
School, and the members and friends have expended, at different times,
considerable sums in making it both commodious and comfortable.
* * * * *
The Savings’ Bank is situated on the north side of the King’s Road. It
was established in the year 1819. The benefits derived by the labouring
classes, and others of limited means, by the establishment of such banks,
are now so well known and appreciated that it would be needless to
enumerate them. The Chelsea Savings’ Bank is one of the most secure and
best conducted in London.
CHELSEA CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH,
MARKHAM SQUARE.
The foundation stone of this Chapel was laid on Tuesday, October 5th,
1858, and the building was opened for public worship on April 3rd, 1860,
the Honourable and Rev. Baptist Noel, M.A., preaching at noon, and the
Rev. Newman Hall, LL.B., in the evening. The Rev. Clifford Hooper was
the first Pastor. He resigned the pastorate on account of failing health
on the 3rd of June, 1863, and died on March 6th, 1864. The Rev. R.
Brindley, of Bath, then accepted the pastorate, commencing his ministry
on November 22nd, 1863, and on October 19th, 1865, was suddenly and
unexpectedly called to his rest, in the very prime of life and in the
midst of his labours. The Rev. Andrew Mearns, of Great Marlow, was then
invited to become Pastor, and commenced his ministry, at Chelsea, on
September 16th, 1866, where his pulpit ministrations and pastoral labours
have been greatly blessed.
* * * * *
The Chapel stands in a very prominent position, covering a large piece of
ground at the north end of Markham Square, forming a very conspicuous and
beautiful object from the King’s Road.
* * * * *
The form of the building is slightly cruciform, having transepts
projecting about five feet from the body of the Chapel. The prominent
feature of the exterior is a tower and spire, rising from the west side
of the southern transept to the height of 138 feet.
* * * * *
The proportions are well-conceived, and the effect good. The dimensions
in the clear, are, length 85 ft. 2 in.; length, including apse, 93 ft. 6
in.; width 41 ft. 3 in.; width across transept 51 ft. 3 in.; height from
floor of chapel to ridge of open roof, 49 ft.; height from floor to roof,
on the wall line, 22 ft.; and the height of school rooms 13 ft.
* * * * *
The style of the building is in the second period of the Gothic. The
exterior is entirely of stone; the interior, will accommodate on the
ground and gallery floors, 1,150 adults, besides an additional gallery in
the apse for the organ and choir.
* * * * *
The ground floor is raised about four feet above the footway, and beneath
are lofty and spacious schoolrooms for about 850 children, with requisite
offices. The building was erected from a design by John Tarring, Esq.,
of Bucklersbury, and Messrs. Myers, of Lambeth, were the contractors who
undertook the erection.
* * * * *
The Sabbath School is well attended, and the labours of the teachers and
superintendent very successful. Above 380 children are registered as
scholars, and, on Feb. 28, the actual attendance was 256 in the morning
and 356 in the afternoon, taught by 33 teachers.
* * * * *
The various institutions and agencies connected with this Church are
likewise flourishing under the oversight of the Pastor, who, we trust,
may be long spared to a beloved and loving people.
WHITELANDS TRAINING INSTITUTION.
The old house now attached to these extensive premises was for many years
a boarding school, conducted by the Misses Babington. Previous to that
period it had no doubt been a scholastic establishment for young ladies,
as I find that a discourse was delivered here, about 1772, by the Rev.
John Jenkins, A.M., on Female Education and Christian Fortitude under
Affliction.
* * * * *
In the year 1842 the house and grounds were taken on a long lease by the
National Society, and in 1850 a public meeting was held in London to
raise funds for the erection of the present buildings.
* * * * *
The Institution provides for the education, maintenance, and training of
more than 100 young women, between the ages of 18 and 25, who purpose to
become teachers of National Schools; and, secondly, for the daily
instruction of children of the neighbourhood, in four schools.
* * * * *
In one of these schools the charge of 10s. per quarter is made. It is
attended by children whose parents would not wish to send them to the
National Schools.
* * * * *
The vast improvements which are everywhere conspicuous throughout the
length of the King’s Road, as regards that portion of it which is within
the boundaries of Chelsea, are far more numerous than in any other road
in the metropolis. At the eastern and western extremities of the parish,
there are Railway Stations, then there are the steamboats, besides these
there are the omnibuses traversing the road every quarter of an hour.
What a contrast does the King’s Road now present when compared with what
it was at the commencement of this century!
* * * * *
I now return to the bank of the Thames, passing through Flood Street,
proceeding eastward along Queen’s Road West, (formerly called Paradise
Row,) the residence of many of the Nobility and Gentry in the “Olden
Times.”
Queen’s Road West.
In the year 1664, Mr. James Hamilton, probably by order of the Lord of
the Manor, made a survey of this parish. It was further continued, till
the year 1715, by the Rev. Dr. King, the rector, to whose labours this
work is much indebted.
* * * * *
From Hamilton’s survey, it appears that the Earl of Radnor resided in
Paradise Row, {177} adjoining Robinson’s Lane. He entertained his
Majesty King Charles II. most sumptuously on the 4th of September, 1660,
at this house. When the above survey was taken, his relict, Lady Radnor,
was in possession of the premises. There are in the Parish Register
several entries of baptisms and deaths of this family. Lord Radnor died
at this house July 17, 1685, and Lady Radnor, his second wife, who
survived him, resided at Chelsea till her death in 1714. His son,
Francis, by his second wife, who was a gentleman of general learning and
good abilities, was buried at Chelsea.
* * * * *
At the north end of George Place, Queen’s Road West, formerly stood an
old white house, called “Queen Elizabeth’s Larder,” which was pulled down
to erect the present houses.
THE BOTANIC GARDEN.
On the south side of Queen’s Road West, near to the river, is situated
the garden belonging to the Company of Apothecaries. The earliest record
that we possess of a Botanical Garden in England, was that of the
celebrated John Gerarde, the father of English botany. The next in order
of time was that of the elder Tradescant, who, about 1630, established a
garden for the cultivation of exotic plants at South Lambeth; this
collection was presented, in 1667, to the University of Oxford. The next
garden in succession is this at Chelsea.
* * * * *
Of these premises, containing three acres, one rood, the first lease was
taken by the Company in the year 1673, for the term of 61 years, at a
ground rent of £5 per annum. Mr. Evelyn thus mentions a visit he paid
it:—“1685, August 7th, I went to see Mr. Watts, keeper of the
Apothecaries’ garden of simples at Chelsea, where there is a collection
of innumerable rarities of that sort particularly; besides many rare
annuals, the true-bearing Jesuits’ Bark, which had done such wonders in
quartan agues. What was very ingenious was the subterranean heat,
conveyed by a stove under the conservatory, all vaulted with bricks, so
as he has the doors and windows open in the hardest frosts, secluding all
the snow.” Mr. Watts was succeeded by Mr. Doody, who enjoyed
considerable eminence as a botanist, and he continued to superintend it
till 1717, when the celebrated Petiver was appointed, who had officiated
as demonstrator of plants since 1709. He accumulated so large a
collection of natural history, that, some time before his death, Sir Hans
Sloane is said to have offered him £4000 for it. After his death, Sir
Hans Sloane purchased it, and it went eventually to the British Museum.
* * * * *
Sir Hans Sloane granted the freehold of these premises, in 1722, upon
conditions that the Company should pay a quit rent of £5 per annum for
ever, and employ the same as a Physic Garden; that the Company should
deliver to the Royal Society fifty specimens, the growth of the garden,
till the number should amount to three thousand.
* * * * *
It was here that Sir Hans Sloane first studied his favourite science; and
he continued a friend to this establishment, continually enriching it
with scarce and curious plants, besides contributing largely towards the
building, &c. As a tribute of gratitude the Company of Apothecaries
employed the celebrated Rysbrach on a marble statue of their benefactor,
which stands in the middle of the garden. He is represented in a
Doctor’s gown, with a full-bottomed peruke, and a roll in his right hand.
It displays much dignity, and conveys a most pleasing impression of the
learned person whom it represents. On the north side of the pedestal is
the following inscription:—“In honour and perpetuation of the memory of
Sir Hans Sloane, Bart., an eminent physician, and great encourager of the
science of botany, this statue was erected by the Company of Apothecaries
of London, 1733.” On the west side, “They being sensible how necessary
that branch of science is to the faithful discharging the duty of their
profession, with grateful hearts and general consent, ordered this statue
to be erected in the year of our Lord 1733, that their successors and
posterity may never forget their common benefactor. Placed here in the
year 1737.” There is another inscription, similar in purport, on the
south side of the pedestal.
* * * * *
The garden is laid out in divisions, in which the plants, shrubs, and
trees, are arranged systematically. On the south side of the garden,
facing the Thames, formerly stood two large cedars of Lebanon. Lysons
says, that Sir Joseph Banks made an accurate admeasurement of these
trees, in 1793, and found the girth of the larger to be twelve feet
eleven inches and a half, that of the smaller twelve feet and half an
inch. Upon being measured again, in 1809, they had increased twelve
inches in girth since 1793. There is now only one of these trees.
* * * * *
Mr. Philip Miller resided many years in the house at the garden, and
rendered himself particularly distinguished by his botanical works. He
succeeded to the office of curator of this establishment in 1722, and
resigned a little before his decease, which took place in 1771. He was
buried in Chelsea churchyard, where a monument has been since erected to
his memory by the Fellows of the Linnean and Horticultural Societies of
London. He was succeeded in the management of the garden by his pupil,
Mr. Forsyth, who, in 1784, was appointed chief superintendent of the
Royal Gardens at Kensington, which he held till his death in 1804. Mr.
Anderson was subsequently curator, and Mr. Wheeler demonstrator.
* * * * *
Having thus endeavoured to give a brief sketch of the rise and progress
of this establishment, it only remains to mention a few particulars in
reference to its present condition.
* * * * *
Within the last twenty-five years the garden has been in a great measure
remodelled, and in consequence has become better adapted to the purpose
for which it is maintained, namely, the instruction of medical students.
Several of the old hot-houses and greenhouses have been removed, and new
ones erected in their place; new arrangements of medicinal plants have
been formed; and groups representing the natural orders of plants have
been brought together to facilitate their study. Formerly two cedars of
Lebanon, some of the first planted in England, were conspicuous objects
from the river, but in 1853 one of these, which had become much decayed,
was blown down, the other still remains, but is gradually decaying, being
not only injuriously affected by the smoke of London, but like all the
other large trees in the garden, more or less damaged by the deprivation
of water caused by the construction of the deep sewer in the Queen’s
Road. A fine specimen of a rare tree, the Salisburia adiantifolia, the
Ginkgo of Japan, with leaves resembling those of the Maidenhair Fern in
form, may be seen towering above the wall in the Queen’s Road. The
alterations in this garden were commenced in 1846 by Mr. Robt. Fortune,
the Chinese traveller, who was succeeded, in 1848, by Mr. Thomas Moore,
the present Curator.
* * * * *
Near to the Botanic Garden, in front of the river, stood a capital
mansion, erected in the reign of Queen Anne, which was for many years
inhabited by Mrs. Banks, the mother of Sir Joseph Banks.
CHRIST CHURCH.
This Church was consecrated on the 26th of June, 1839. It stands on a
piece of ground for many years previously a market garden, and is
situated in Paradise Street, Queen’s Road West. The exterior is
particularly plain, and would admit of great improvements were there
funds available for such a purpose. The interior will probably seat
about 1000 persons. On the opposite side of the street there are
neatly-designed schoolrooms, in which the children belonging to the
National, Infant, and Sunday Schools assemble for instruction. Each of
these schools is very well attended. The residents in a great portion of
the immediate locality are poor, and consequently the most strenuous
efforts are necessary to raise sufficient funds to meet the expenditure.
* * * * *
The Rev. W. H. Howard, M.A., was the first Incumbent of the Church, and
was much esteemed. He was a kind-hearted clergyman, and made every
effort in his power to promote the spiritual and temporal welfare of the
numerous poor in his district. He resigned in 1845.
* * * * *
The Rev. W. W. Robinson, M.A., was, as is well known, most zealous in his
exertions to accomplish the same great object. He was likewise a most
strenuous supporter and advocate of Total Abstinence Societies from all
intoxicating liquors.
* * * * *
The Rev. G. S. Whitlock, M.A., succeeded Mr. Robinson. He displays an
untiring zeal in the discharge of his sacred duties, and there are
gratifying testimonies to prove that his ministerial labours have been
blessed. Under his energetic administration of affairs a large amount of
voluntary subscriptions have been collected, and many important
improvements in the interior of the Church have been effected, and should
he be spared to the District, no doubt the exterior will soon likewise
have a more imposing appearance.
* * * * *
GOUGH HOUSE was erected at the commencement of the last century by John,
third Earl of Carberry. He died in his coach, as he was returning from
London to this house in 1713, and was interred in Westminster Abbey.
After his death the house and premises were in possession of the Gough
family, several of whom resided here. Sir Richard Gough was a merchant
in London; he died in 1727. Sir Henry Gough took the name of Calthorpe,
in compliance with the will of his uncle, Sir Henry Calthorpe, K.B., and
was created a peer, in 1796, by the title of Baron Calthorpe.
* * * * *
The house was at length occupied by Mrs. Pemberton, who conducted an
establishment for the education of young ladies for many years. The Rev.
Richard Wilson, D.D., subsequently resided in it for a considerable
period. At the present time the approach to this old mansion presents a
melancholy contrast to what it was in former days.
* * * * *
Gough House is now the Victoria Hospital for Sick Children, established
in 1866. The frontage is otherwise occupied, and consequently the
originally attractive appearance is entirely destroyed. The youthful
patients come from all parts of the metropolis, and several from the
country. The objects of the institution are as follow:—
1. The treatment, as in-patients, of children between the ages of two
and twelve years.
2. The treatment, as out-patients, of children under sixteen years of
age.
3. The training of nurses for children.
The Rev. A. G. W. Blunt, M.A., Rector of Chelsea, takes a deep interest
in promoting this much-needed and admirable institution. The committee
are now earnestly making an appeal for contributions to create a Building
Fund, and when it is known that there is not in all the metropolis a
single hospital BUILT for the special reception of children, it is to be
hoped that such a noble charity will receive the liberal assistance of
all benevolent persons.
* * * * *
Edward Montague, first Earl of Sandwich, resided in this neighbourhood in
1663. Mr. Pepys, in his Diary, has recorded a visit he paid to that
nobleman. “March 28, 1663. To Chelsea, where we found my lord all
alone, with one joint of meat at dinner, and mightily extolling the
manner of his retirement, and the goodness of his diet; the mistress of
the house hath all things most excellently dressed; amongst other things
her cakes admirable, and so good, that my lord’s words were, they were
fit to present to Lady Castlemaine . . . ”
* * * * *
Archbishop Sharpe resided here about 1691; he preached the sermon at the
coronation of Queen Anne. Mackay says, “He is one of the greatest
ornaments of the Church of England, of great piety and learning, a black
man, and 55 years old.”
* * * * *
Charles, Duke of St. Albans, natural son of Charles II. by Eleanor Gwynn,
had a house here about 1692.
* * * * *
Fitton Gerrard, the last Earl of Macclesfield of that family, died at his
house in Chelsea, in 1702. A law-suit was commenced about the right of
succession to his property, between Lord Mohun and the Duke of Hamilton,
who had married his niece. A duel was fought between the competitors in
Hyde Park, which proved fatal to both parties. The Duchess lived in
Chelsea till 1714.
* * * * *
Henry, Duke of Kent, had a house in Queen’s Road West, about 1715. On
his Grace’s death, in 1740, the Dukedom of Kent became extinct.
* * * * *
The beautiful Duchess of Mazarin resided in Queen’s Road West, and died
there in 1699, aged 52. Her dramatic routs and musical entertainments
were celebrated for their magnificence. The singers were from the
theatres, and the instrumental performers the most eminent masters of the
time. It is said that the design of introducing the Italian Opera into
England was first concerted in this assembly. Lysons was told that it
was usual for the nobility and others who dined at her house to leave
money under their plates to pay for their entertainment. She appears to
have been in arrears for the parish rates during the whole time of her
residence at Chelsea.
* * * * *
Mrs. Mary Astell resided here the greater part of her life, which was
spent in writing for the advancement of learning, religion, and virtue.
“The good Christian,” she would say, “only hath reason to be cheerful in
this world.” She died at her house in 1731, in her 63rd year, beloved by
all who knew her, and greatly esteemed by the inhabitants.
* * * * *